Herbs!

Sorry to be so long in posting anything lately.  I have been researching, studying, and experimenting with some herbal remedies.  I had never studied them out so very much and never realized how abundant and helpful some herbs are. 

Like plantain (pictured at right), for example.  Did you know that plantain, which is a weed that grows most everywhere, is a remedy for bee stings and bug bites?  If you blend some plantain with "Jewel Weed" (pictured below), you can even come up with a cure for poison ivy! 

Another great discovery that I have made is the medicinal wonders of garlic!  With all the flu going around, along with sinus and lung infections, this little wonder has really come in handy!  At the onset of any of these maladies, make a compress of one large clove of garlic, put it in a piece of cheesecloth, folding it up with the garlic side down.  Drizzle a little hot water over it, just enough to moisten it, and place it on the inside of your wrist or on the inside of your ankle.  There are lots of blood veins in these places and the garlic will get into your bloodstream better.  Keep it on for about 20 minutes.  Keep an eye on your skin!  Garlic can burn if held on too long.  For a child or someone with more tender skin, rub a little olive oil on before applying the garlic and make the time a bit shorter.  Two or three applications a day will knock out congestion and head colds fast, usually in one day!  We have proven it!:-) 

I will be posting some other discoveries in the next few months and will also post some links where you can purchase good quality dried herbs, as well as a few ideas on how to grow and dry your own.  I already have plants growing under lights that will hopefully give me a good start on my supply this summer. 

I am very excited about discovering all the wonderful things that God has provided for us to use for health and sickness.  I hope you will enjoy reading some of this and that it can be a help to you as well.  God's Blessings!!

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Call Back

This has long been one of my favorite readings in "Streams in the Desert".  Let's not get so wrapped up in the joy of Christmas that we forget those around us that are hurting from the blows they have received this year, especially from loss of loved ones.  Christmas is one of those "hard" holidays when you have lost someone dear to you that would make the season more special.  We need to look around us and see if there is a visit or two that we might be able to make or an invitation we could send to someone going through some hard times.  God bless your efforts!  And Merry Christmas to any who read my blog and thanks for your support!:-)  ~Teresa



"It shall turn to you for a testimony'' (Luke 21:13).

Life is a steep climb, and it does the heart good to have somebody "call back" and cheerily beckon us on up the high hill. We are all climbers together, and we must help one another. This mountain climbing is serious business, but glorious. It takes strength and steady step to find the summits. The outlook widens with the altitude. If anyone among us has found anything worth while, we ought to "call back."

If you have gone a little way ahead of
me, call back--
'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;
And if, perchance, Faith's light is dim, because the oil is low,
Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm;
Call back, and say He kept you when the forest's roots were torn;
That, when the heavens thunder and the earthquake shook the hill,
He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

Oh, friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot see your your face,
They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race;
But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,
And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

 But if you'll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,
And if you'll say He saw you through the night's sin-darkened sky
If you have gone a little way ahead, oh, friend, call back--
'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.
--Selected

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"Being A Wife God’s Way" -from the "Jewels" paper

Being A Wife God’s Way

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

(Proverbs 31:10)

Blueprints and diagrams are given for everything that you choose to do. Recipes are written for certain foods so that another may follow that recipe to make the same dish. Patterns are printed on tissue paper in certain sizes so that another seamstress can cut out a garment that will fit the one for which it is being made. Instructions come with any gadget that "needs assembly" so that when you buy the item you can make it work.

If everything in life was so easy we could have a perfect world, but unfortunately it is not. There are no hard, fast rules that will insure you a perfect, happily-ever-after future with no problems or heartaches. That kind of life left us at the Garden of Eden. Sin came into this world and ruined everything, even those things at which we work so hard. But the Lord gives us guidelines to go by for the best possible results in any endeavor in our lives. If you are serious about having a happy marriage and giving it the best possible chance of survival then you are on the right track.

I asked a few ladies the question, "What is something that you wished you had known before you got married that would have helped you in your marriage?" The very first response I received was, "I wish that I had learned what submission really means. The post-women's-liberation-movement girls are taught not to be submissive to anyone, especially a man, since it is demeaning and not womanly. The truth is, it is a very womanly thing in your marriage."

What is submission? Mr. Webster says that it is the act of yielding to power or authority; humble or suppliant behavior; obedience; resignation; a yielding of one’s will to the will of a superior without murmuring. In every aspect of life, there must be someone who is in control. Every job has a boss, every state has a governor, and every country has a ruler of some kind. This is so that operations run smoothly and in order. There is no confusion when everyone knows their place and does not try to usurp authority over the one that is in charge and responsible. God gave us an order of authority in the home as well. "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3) This does not mean that one is more important than the other, only that there are definite positions that we are called to fill to keep everything in order. So, what are some of those words he used to describe submission? Yielding. Suppliant (asking humbly, not demanding). Obedient. Humble. If you are a follower of Christ, do you not follow him in this way? We are to regard and love our husbands with the same regard and love that we have for Christ. No, this will not anger God, for we are to be the perfect picture of a Christian in a relationship with God and that is what marriage is all about. Treating your husband with respect and trust is being in submission to him. To get a better picture, imagine what you would do if you were talking to Jesus. Would you tell Jesus that you do not have to obey him or listen to what he says? Do you dare to call God , "My old man", or put him down in front of others the way some women do their husbands? Do you argue with God about things that you do not want to do, or about things that you do want to do, when his will is plain? If you have no respect for your husband, you have no respect for God and his Word. Lack of respect and submission will tear at your marriage until it falls apart.

Another response that I received was, "learning how to not take every disagreement between you and your husband as a personal attack on yourself." Just because he does not agree with you does not mean that he thinks you are stupid or cannot do anything right. This is a very childish attitude and if you think this way, this kind of spirit will bring contention and strife between you and your husband. Learn from what he says to you and in the decisions that he makes. If his decision is wrong, never say, "I told you so!" If you are married, you are supposed to grow up and be adults, not stay in the nursery throwing toys at each other. What peace you will bring into your marriage if you realize that you are his "help", not his antagonist!

"Some things can only be learned through trial and error, but being selfish is one of the biggest problems when you are first married. If you learn beforehand to do things for others out of love instead of on demand, I believe it will save a lot of problems later on." Marriage must be founded on real love. This kind of love is not something that you fall into. It is choosing to give your devotion, respect and life to one person forever. There is not room for selfishness in a decision like that. You may think that it would be so easy to be unselfish to the one that you love, but you must remember that he is a human, too. He is going to be thoughtless at times and hurt your feelings. Are you mature enough to take that without becoming angry? Can you remember that you love him because he does love you and be able to "go on"?

"Men should never have to demand that their wife do something, and the same the other way around. It should always come from the heart." We once knew a wife who never cleaned her house. The home was always a terrible mess, the bathroom was worse than an outhouse and even the floors began to rot away. The husband did not like to live that way and it became a matter of contention. He would even take it upon himself at times to go from room to room cleaning, only to have his home back in the disgusting mess again within a few days. Her selfish and lazy attitude toward his desires made him eventually give up and leave her. "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." (Proverbs 14:1) Everyone likes a clean place to live and your husband will love and appreciate you more if he sees your effort to keep things neat and in order. Some men will even help you with some things when they know you are doing your best. It does not have to be spotless, but a clean home has a more peaceful and loving atmosphere. Your home will reflect the honor and respect that you have for your husband. You cannot love without respect and honor along with it.

It is not a sign of weakness to give in to someone else’s needs and desires but actually more of an indication of strength. Like every other sin, the easiest thing to do is just whatever you feel like doing. But life is not a continual party. It is working day to day, making things good for those around you. In return, you find that things are good for you, too.

"Learn the importance of making your husband your best friend and confidant, and that what is spoken or done in private should remain in that sacred circle." Some girls have had best friends to which they would always tell everything. When you marry, your best friend is your husband, not anyone else. This does not mean that you have to shun your friends when you get married, but it does mean that now there are no more sharing of secrets with others or telling private things (whether good or bad) to your best bud. The "garden enclosed" in Song of Solomon 4:12 belongs to your husband and is not to be shared with others.

Many young people these days are coming from broken homes. Mom is with someone other than their father and Dad has a new wife and other children, and this is not only common in worldly families but is profuse in our churches. Example is our greatest tool for learning and though we have depended on our parents to show us the right way and they have done their best, everyone makes mistakes. Children are being raised in homes that have selfish parents, therefore they are producing children who become selfish parents themselves. But you can be different! If you have decided that you want to be a godly wife and mother, there is no reason why you cannot. God has given us the Bible in which we can study and find answers to every need we have. Glean from godly mothers around you, always keeping in mind that they are human, too, and apt to do some things wrong. Learn from their successes and mistakes, pray for wisdom and guidance from the Lord and live your life the way that you would have your children live theirs. Remember, one day you will be the one that they will either want to look up to or will have no confidence in. Which kind of mother do you want to be?

Your best guarantee for a good marriage is to love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Be willing to have Jesus be your judge and guide in everything that you face in life. There is no friend that will be more honest with you about yourself and your situation that he will be. One lady put it this way, "If someone always agrees with you and tells you you're right, you may wind up making some very unfortunate, costly decisions. For wise counsel, instead talk with someone who will offer a different perspective and help you work through a situation to a positive resolution." No one will give you the truth like the Lord, and we should follow his steps.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4:13

(This devotion is going in the next issue of "Jewels For His Crown".  I just thought I would share it.)

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In Memory of Paul Wesley Green

Paul is our grandson.  He was born with an encephalocele.  There are some who think that children like this should be aborted while still in the womb.  We know that God gave life, every life, for a divine purpose.  Our daughter, Sarah, went through a radical cesarean section to give him the best chance of life she could.  It was the most difficult time that she and her husband, Ryan, have ever experienced.  The Lord let us know him for almost two years.  Today marks two years that he has been in Heaven.  His blind little eyes have enjoyed the greatest wonders of all time and eternity.  Although we miss him very much, there are many things that the Lord gave us while he was here and even after his death.  I thought the reading this morning in "Streams In The Desert" very appropriate for the day.  I wanted to share it with you.

"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble ..., that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9


"Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely it seems, beyond strength;
Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul,
Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and a pressure from friends.
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.

"Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things.
Pressed into living a life in the Lord,
Pressed into living a Christ-life outpoured."

The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time our life is given back to us from such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better how much it is worth, and make more of it for God and man. The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others, and fits us to help and sympathize with them.

There is a shallow, superficial nature, that gets hold of a theory or a promise lightly, and talks very glibly about the distrust of those who shrink from every trial; but the man or woman who has suffered much never does this, but is very tender and gentle, and knows what suffering really means. This is what Paul meant when he said, "Death worketh in you."

Trials and hard places are needed to press us forward, even as the furnace fires in the hold of that mighty ship give force that moves the piston, drives the engine, and propels that great vessel across the sea in the face of the winds and waves. --A. B. Simpson

"Out of the presses of pain,
Cometh the soul's best wine;
And the eyes that have shed no rain,
Can shed but little shine."

This song, though written about a little girl, reminds me of Paul. 
"In God's Hands" by the Rochesters

A Good Wife's Guide

(The following article was taken from the issue of Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955. Although it is lengthy, I thought you may enjoy reading it in its entirety.)

• Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.


• Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.


• Be a little gay (that means happy, remember?) and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.


• Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.


• Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc and then run a dust-cloth over the tables.


• Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.


• Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like seeing them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.


• Be happy to see him.


• Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.


• Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first–remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.


• Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.


• Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.


• Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.


• Don’t complain if he is late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor to what he might have gone through that day.


• Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.


• Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.


• Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have not right to question him.


• A good wife always knows her place.



(Now I know that most everyone that reads this list will be shocked at some of the things it says.  Truthfully, I was sceptical at some things until I began to consider the "why" of their reasoning.  How many divorced couples would we have in our country today if women would follow this guideline?  How many little children of eight years and younger would have to experience the stress of seeing their parents conduct themselves the way they do today?  And do you think that men murder their wives and children because of work-stress?  Really?  There are guide-lines in the Word of God for a wife, one of which mentions calling him, "lord".  A little extreme?  I don't think so.  Not when a wife has the right kind of love and devotion for her husband AND for her LORD.  Read it again with these thoughts in mind and see if you feel the same way you did when you read it the first time.  Don't sit there and wonder, "Yes, but what's in all this for me?"  If you do, you have some real problems!  If you don't think men respond to this kind of treatment possitively, I dare you to try it.:-) )


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Resurrection Sunday Photos

I have been meaning to put some of the pictures that Esther took for us Resurrection Sunday and have been so busy!  (Check last post!):-)  But, so all who would like to can see them, here they are! 

This is our family! (At least what is living with us now.)  From left to right, Kenny Miller (Bro. Mike's Dad), Bro. Mike Miller, me, Daniel Paul, Elisabeth Abigail, and (our photographer) Esther Ruth.

And this is our congregation.  We had twenty in attendance for our morning service.  This may not seem too many to some people, but when you are a little country church back in the Ozark hills, it was very special!  We thank the Lord for each and every one of them.

And because I am a grandmother, here are a few of Seth's children (at least the girls):

  Madelyn Grace

Anna Nicole

Alyssa Danielle

Faux Barn Wood

For some reason, about once a year we all get in the mood to do some redecorating and painting.  My major redecorating usually comes one room at a time, but we are putting in new flooring this year.  Painting was just necessary but I had no desire to paint walls over new floors!  So we are doing some long, overdue projects in our dining room.  I don't have any pictures as yet to show you our progress, but I will try to add some in the next few days.  But I just had to show you a tutorial that I found that will give you an idea of what I am doing in the dining room.  I do not like dark wood finishes since they tend to makes things...well...dark!:-)  So all of the trim in this room will be painted to look like barn wood.  I also painted the walls two tones of gray, the top a light color called "Waterford" and a darker shade below the chair rail called, "Slate Roof".  I found out (the hard way) one very important aspect of paint.  MIX IT EVERY TIME YOU USE IT!  It was one of those things that I know but not to the extent that I should have.:-\  I had to paint the lighter color twice.  Anyway, check out the tutorial listed below and maybe you can find a good way to use the same technique.  Blessings to all!!

Faux Barn Wood Tutorial
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