BUILD MY CHURCH

The current buzz around Diagonal is “What’s going to happen to the church building? Should we renovate the old or build new?”

While I haven’t lived in these parts for long, little time is required to realize that God is mightily working in small town Diagonal. If the followers of Jesus in our community would listen carefully, I believe we would learn that He has brought us to this cross-road through which He desires to manifest the presence of Jesus.

I’m referring not only to those who assemble at Diagonal Community Church, but to every Christian residing in our community. I believe that God has set this challenge before us: “Build My Church!” However, let’s not assume that we know what this means. Determining whether or not to renovate the old or build new may not be the real challenge.

“Lord…. help us to not make decisions based upon the ways of this world, emotions, assumptions, available resources, nor traditions of man; rather fill us with a desire to seek Your Word and make decisions which will manifest Christ to this world.”

While there is certainly ample scriptural evidence that Jesus’ followers are exhorted to meet together; if we look carefully, we will find no exhortations to build special structures in which to do so. In fact, just as Jesus did away with sacrifices and priests, He countered the Jewish and pagan practice of erecting sacred places for worship.

According to what Jesus spoke to the woman at the well,
the time is now
when true worshipers are
not to seek a place at which to worship God,
but rather will worship in spirit and truth [John 4:17-24].

Other than appointed times of prayer and community business meetings in the Jewish temple, the early Christians met in their homes. This was one of many practices which set them apart from other religions.

As His followers, we have no need for a place of worship.
Corporately, we are His temple
[1 Cor 3:16-17; 1 Co 6:16].

The Greek word for “church” is ekklesia which refers to all local believers who are recognizable as a close-knit community:

• continuing faithfully in the apostles teachings.
• living in community:
o encouraging one another toward love and good deeds.
o partnering in daily activities.
o eating and praying together.
o sharing possession.
o selling possessions and giving to each other as needed.
o praising God and enjoying favor with everyone.
• increasing in numbers.
• being one in heart and mind. [Hebrews 10:24-26; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35]

“That the Christians in the apostolic age erected special houses of worship is out of the question… As the Savior of the world was born in a stable, and ascended to heaven from a mountain, so his apostles and their successors down to the third century, preached in the streets, the markets, on mountains, … and in the homes of their converts. But how many thousands of costly churches … are constantly being built in all parts of the world to the honor of the crucified Redeemer, who in the days of his humiliation had no place of his own to rest his head!”
– Philip Schaff, nineteenth-century American church historian and theologian

How exciting to imagine that we could be a community of believers who choose to reject the traditions of man and follow the way of Jesus, living as His Holy Temple rather than seeking to continue in the way of Judaism and paganism, building places of worship.

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

HEALTH - YOU WANT TO DO WHAT TO MY TEETH?

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have what is called receding gums or peridontal disease.

SYMPTOMS:
1. Teeth tops exposed at the gum line – appears elongated
2. Red, swollen or tender gums
3. Bleeding upon brushing
4. Pain (due to nerve exposure)
5. Chronic bad breath
6. Loss of teeth

CAUSES:
1. Genetics
2. Vigorous and/or horizontal brushing wears away the protective enamel, exposing the inner nerve. Pain is experienced when cold temperatures and sweets touch this nerve.
3. Inadequate brushing and flossing leaves bacteria between the teeth causing infection and eventually bone loss around the teeth.
About a year ago, I noticed that my gums were beginning to pull away from my teeth. I knew what the traditional treatments are and I wasn’t too excited about those options.

Examination: Painful probe screening to check for gum pockets and bone loss.

Traditional attempts to prevent further recession:
1. Holes are drilled in the teeth and then filled with a special material.
2. The smooth surface of the tooth is roughened with a dental drill followed by an adhesive - not yet approved by the American Dental Association.
3. The last resort is to graft mouth tissue to cover the exposed root and to reinforce the gums.

They don’t sound very pleasant, inexpensive or promising; do they?

Consequently, I set out on a quest to find an alternative treatment and discovered a product called, DENTIZYME. After several months of using it, I noticed that I was no longer experiencing pain from the exposed nerves and that the development of gum recession ceased!

Yes, I liked the results; yet I assumed it would be less expensive if I could make something similar. Here is a summary of the ingredients and their scientifically proven affects which I found at http://www.naturarx.com/products/dentizyme-ingredients.html:

EXTRACTS:

SPILANTHES – anti-inflammatory and analgesic

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA - antiviral

OLIVE LEAF – antimicrobial


ESSENTIAL OILS:

HOLY BASIL LEAF - anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer

THYME & SPEARMINT - inhibit fungi

CLOVE BUD - germicidal

OREGANO LEAF – antibacterial and antioxidant

GINGER ROOT - antimicrobial

ROSEMARY LEAF – antimicrobial

THYME LEAF – antibacterial

GALANGAL RHIZOME – antibacterial

MYRRH TREE – antibacterial and anti-inflammatory especially on soft tissue around the teeth.


ACACIA GUM - used in both the pharmaceutical and food industries as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
ALOE VERA LEAF - heals oral wounds

In an effort to avoid the costly and painful traditional options, I’ve been making my own adaptation of Dentizyme:

Base:
¼ cup Vegetable Glycerin
1 Tbsp. Purified Water
1/8 tsp Acacia Gum

Active Ingredients:
¼ cup Aloe
½ tsp. Olive extract
5 drops each: Clove, Myrrh, Oregano & Rosemary oils
2 drops Spearmint oil
10 drops each of Thyme and Galangal oils

I didn’t have Echinacea and spilanthes extracts or Holy Basil and ginger oils on hand and am still tweaking the ratio of ingredients for the “perfect” combination; yet I’ve been using my recipe for about a year with great results!

Do you have gum problems? You can find most all the ingredients you need for creating a treatment that just may beat the alternative at www.Mountainroseherbs.com.


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie


DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God weigh everything according to His Word.

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.

SPIRITUALITY - UNFORGIVENESS

During periods of emptiness, uncertainty, restlessness and hunger for closeness with Jesus, it isn’t unusual for Him to reveal buried sin as the culprit. A number of years ago, it seemed like the Lord was ignoring my prayers when finally, He clearly instructed, “Go to your father and ask for forgiveness.”

Dumb-founded, I questioned God’s direction …. “Why do I need to ask him for forgiveness? He’s the one who abandoned me!”

The Lord gently inquired,
“Bonnie, haven’t you held anger, bitterness,
and hatred toward him all these years?”
“I guess you could say that,” I mumbled.
“Is this not sin,” He continued.
Shock by the revelation,
I humbly acknowledged, “Yes, Lord, it is.”
“Then it needs to be dealt with,” He urged.

“What he did to us was not right and I’ll never say that it was,” I insisted. “I’ll never say that it was either. But, it’s My job to deal with his sin, not yours,” He countered.

“I’ve heard your prayers. I desire deeper intimacy in our relationship even more than you. Yet, your unconfessed sin is in the way,” He explained. Knowing that I was losing momentum in my defense, I continued, “But, I was just a little girl. He was supposed to be my daddy. Shouldn’t he be coming to me?”

His counter-response took me off-guard and penetrated deeply, “Aren’t you the one who professes to be Jesus’ follower?” I had been betrayed by my earthly father and it felt like my heavenly Father was now expecting an unbearable response.

With little energy left, I whispered, “Lord, do you have any idea what he did to us? This man may be my biological father but, why would you want me to be exposed to his lifestyle? How can I be buddies with that?”

With indescribable love, He responded, “My beloved daughter, I’m not asking you to be his friend.

This isn’t about your relationship with him.
We are talking about you and Me.
You have sinned against him.
Consequently, that has created a chasm between you and Me.
It boils down to this…
do you want deeper intimacy with Me or not?
If so, you must deal with your sin.”

My mind was spinning and my heart was trembling with fear. Not knowing what to expect if I yielded, I bartered, “OK! I’ll go. If he asks for forgiveness, so will I.” Through the Holy Spirit’s precious persistence, the desire for obedience to my heavenly Father finally triumphed.

With a clear mind and settled heart and without regard for my earthly father’s response, I went to the man who had abandoned momma with their six children forty years before. I was three then and hadn’t seen him since I was ten. I had no recollection of any positive memories connected to him, not even calling him, “Daddy.” Yet, looking him in the eye, I confessed with conviction, “I’ve held anger, bitterness and hatred toward you for all these years. That is sin. Would you please forgive me?”

Had I any expectations, I would have been disappointed. There was no sweet reuniting after years of separation between father and daughter. However, I rested in satisfying peace knowing I had been obedient to my heavenly Father. Despite my earthly father’s response, my intimacy with Jesus has grown just as He had promised.

“when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone,
forgive him,
so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” [Mark 11:25].

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

P.S. I am not suggesting that God requires a face-to-face dealing in every instance. I’m simply sharing how He directed me.

NATIONALISM - LABOR DAY

The word “holiday” is derived from the Holy Days appointed by God. These chosen times were set apart for the purpose of teaching His people about Himself and His relationship to them. They were to be a blessing not only to His people, but also to God.

However, the focus of a typical American “holiday” is not God, but man and is everything but holy. Labor Day is a good illustration.

Conceived by the labor movement and celebrated since the 1880s, the form for Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the “holiday”; “a street parade to exhibit to the public ‘the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,’ followed by a festival for the workers and their families.”

“The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.” – United States Department of Labor

According to the foundational and ongoing celebrations of Labor Day,
it seems that America is looking to its citizens
rather than to God
for prosperity, strength and freedom.

When did America, a nation considered to have been established upon Christian principles, begin on this path? Or… was it so from the beginning?

• Beginning in Genesis, God is portrayed as constantly working. As the Master of the world, He delegates His work to His people for the purpose of glorifying Himself.

• Work was a creation ordinance which man found rewarding and enjoyable because it was done for the purpose of glorifying His Lord. [Gen 2:15].

• Because man fell into pride, God pronounced a curse on the ground causing man to labor against the hostile environment [Gen. 3:17-19] after that which offers no satisfaction [Eccles 2:18-23; 6:7].

• Jesus portrays Himself as a worker who was sent to finish the work of His Father along with His coworkers [John 4:34; 9:4; 5:17] for the purpose of glorifying His Father.

• The Holy Spirit empowers God’s coworkers to glorify their Master through their work [Acts 1:8, Eph 3:20-21].

Although it seems that America, in its pride,
hasn’t moved beyond the curse,
it is possible, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
for work to be redeemed in this fallen world.


According to Isaiah, God’s prophet, man would once again enjoy the work of their hands and not labor in vain [Is 65:21]. Not only can we anticipate this after Jesus returns, work is redeemed when:

1. we understand that God is the one who has called us to our role in life.
2. we realize that our Master has entrusted us with His possessions and we are honored regardless of how “common” our position is because we recognizes that we are serving Him rather than man [Eph 6:5-7; Col. 3:23].
3. we are aware that God not only assigns the tasks, He makes things happen. [1 Cor 3:7, 9].
4. its rewards are not only enjoyed, but accepted as gifts from God [Eccles 2:24; 5:18-19].

May God restore among us a genuine holy day in which, as His coworkers, we rejoice in the fruit of our redeemed labor while paying tribute to Him as the one who provides our securities, freedom and blessings rather than to our own achievements.

Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie

HEALTH - DEPRESSION

Antidepressants are typically considered the “solution” for depression. Unfortunately, these prescriptions are often repeatedly written without addressing the underlying problem. Unless people are willing to discover and contend with the source and make the necessary adjustments in their diet and lifestyle, another prescription should not be written!

Those suffering with depression frequently have
low levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain
which are vital for maintaining proper memory and mental condition.
Yes, antidepressants can alter these levels;
however, due to the many adverse affects, the physical cost is very high! Instead, proper nutrition, rest and relaxation
can restore normal brain chemistry thus diminishing depression
with favorable physical affects as an added bonus.

Since physicians and counselors rarely address drug alternatives, let’s talk about some of these:

1. PROPER NUTRITION: The brain is made up of and requires fat to properly function. The problem is that we feed it the wrong fats.
A) Trans-fatty acids – Unless the label reads “no trans-fatty acids”, margarine and polyunsaturates contain synthetic fat which makes cell membranes rigid causing interference with the brain’s performance.
B) Saturated Fats - A diet high in animal fats can raise the amino acid, homocysteine, to toxic levels which often leads to depression.
C) Monosaturated Fats – Nut and olive oils are brain-friendly.
D) Omega 3 fatty acids – Low levels have been linked to learning disabilities, depression, irritability, visual problems and Alzheimer’s. The best fat for our brain, DHA levels can be increased by:
• consuming salmon, tuna and sardines
• 300 mg of DHA supplement twice daily.

2. SUPPLEMENTATION:
A) B Vitamins – Homosysteine levels elevated by diet or common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be controlled by daily B-complex supplements:
 B1 (thiamine) - 50mg
 B3 (niacin) - 50 mg
 B6 (pyridoxine) - 50 mg
 Folic acid - 800 mcg
 B12 (cobalamin) - 1000 mcg
B) DHEA – a natural occurring hormone necessary to form testosterone and estrogen which declines with age, often leading to depression and sexual dysfunction.
For those desiring to not alter hormone levels, Keto-7 may have an equal or stronger memory enhancing and stress reducing action.
• With either, begin with 5-25 mg per day and increase slowly according to residual depression. Up to 450 mg per day has been used with no significant side-affects.
C) Relora – a combination of plant extracts has the ability to reduce depression with similar effects on sleep and anxiety as tranquilizers such as Valium & Xanax.
• 600 mg per day in divided doses is recommended.
D) Geranium Essential Oil – relieves anxiety and depression.
• Uses: diffusion, inhalation, topical, baths and cosmetics

3. HYDRATION - Many common ailments, including depression, can be related to dehydration.
• 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily is essential.

4. EXERCISE - 30 minutes - five days weekly can be as effective as prescription antidepressants.

5. SLEEP – sleeplessness is linked to depression, irritability, and anxiety.
• Seven-eight hours of sleep is necessary for healthy mental performance, concentration and memory.

6. RELAXATION – If we choose not to remove ourselves from our stress-filled environment for physical and mental recovery, depression serves to accomplish that for us.
• Regular involvement in uplifting activities is essential to normal mental health.

Because unforgiveness is a leading cause of the estimated 30 millions Americans suffering from depression, we’ll come back to that. Until then, look for some of the best and most reasonably priced products I have found, NOW FOODS supplements at LuckyVitamins.com.

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

HEALTH - PROBIOTICS

The world, including our bodies is full of live microorganisms. An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms inhabit every normal bowel and imbalances lead to many health problems. This balancing act is often thrown “off kilter” by:

1. antibiotics which kill “friendly” bacteria along with “unfriendly” bacteria.
2. the presence of "unfriendly" bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites.
3. using spermicides and birth control pills which alter vaginal microflora.

“Probiotics” are live bacteria similar to those naturally found in our bodies. It has been discovered that regular consumption of “probiotics” is helpful in maintaining the natural ecosystem within our bodies. Consequently, ‘Americans' spending on probiotic supplements has nearly tripled from 1994 to 2003.’
There are “probiotics” which date back to ancient times, such as fermented food - beans and vegetables, cultured dairy products - cheese, yogurt and kefir, and formented tea – Kombucha.

Rather than causing disease, if properly prepared, the “friendly bacteria” in these supplements and foods are vital to helping the following health problems:
o Circulatory
o Cholesterol
o Blood Pressure
o Dermal
o Skin infections
o Gastrointestinal
o Diarrhea and Constipation
o Colon Cancer
o Lactose intolerance
o Imbalance of organisms after antibiotic therapy.
o Digestion & nutrient absorption
o Harmful bacterial growth
o Irritable bowel syndrome (Colitis and Chron’s Diease)
o Tooth decay and periodontal disease
o Respiratory
o Infections
o Allergies
o Urogenital
o Bacterial Vaginosis
o Yeast Infection

While I’d enjoy visiting about the other options sometime, since we’ve been duped by many commercial producers, we must know what to look for when purchasing yogurt. Referring to the living organisms which convert milk to yogurt during fermentation, if the label doesn’t read, “Live and Active Cultures” return it to the shelf! BEWARE! Although many containers read, “Cultured Yogurt”, the organisms are killed during post-fermentation heating and have little to no health benefits. Not only can home-making yogurt be an effective alternative; it is simple, fun and much less expensive!

• Heat milk to 100 degrees – (Because there are concerns about the affects of processed milk on live and active cultures, I always use raw milk)
• Add 1/3 cup dry organic powdered milk
• Add 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt with active cultures (If organic yogurt is unavailable, use ACTIVA by Dannon.)
• Stir until well mixed.
• Pour into a wide-mouthed thermos (making it easier to remove yogurt after it forms)
• Wrap sealed thermos in a heavy towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot overnight.

*Note – Flavored yogurt will not produce active yogurt!
** “Warm place” options:
1. Fire-place hearth
2. Hot air register
3. Sunshine
4. Heating pad
5. Oven pilot light (using covered dish instead of thermos)
6. Uncovered Crock-pot filled with 100 degree water set on low will usually maintain 100 degrees (use pint jars instead of thermos).
Temperatures too low or high will kill the bacteria!
*** Starter:
• Freeze store-bought yogurt in an ice cube tray. A standard ice cube is 2 Tbsp.
• When the store-bought cubes are gone, start freezing your home-made yogurt.
• While freezing yogurt kills a certain percentage of bacteria, enough survive to get a culture if used within one month.
• Over time, saved yogurt will lose its bacterial potency. Occasionally purchase new yogurt for a fresh starter.

Enjoying your fresh yogurt by:
• Adding Fruit
• Covering cereal
• Replacing Mayonnaise, Whipped Topping and Sour Cream
• Making Smoothies


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

DISCLAIMER:

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.

SPIRITUALITY - LIFESTYLE- CONTRACEPTION

While Christians are frequently involved in “pro-life” organizations, perhaps we should appraise all forms of contraception.

While many of us point our fingers
at those who choose abortion,
have we considered
God’s view regarding other
“acceptable” forms of contraception?

These choices are frequently justified by concluding that “at least they don’t destroy life”. However, if we did our homework, we might discover otherwise.

Every chemical contraceptive preparation, as well as intrauterine device, has a “backup” mechanism should breakthrough pregnancy occur. This “Plan B” prevents the precious living embryo from attaching to the uterine wall, leading to death. Supposedly one of the most “fool-proof” contraceptives, it is estimated that the frequency of chemical abortions for a woman reliably using the pill is one in 88 menstrual cycles! Based on the millions of women using various drugs and devices to prevent pregnancy, how can we justify judgment of others, when we ourselves may be actively involved in a “Pharmaceutical Holocaust”?

Maybe some biblical responses will help reconcile the many questions I’m likely stirring-up:

Q: “Isn’t contraception acceptable when the mother’s life is endangered by pregnancy?”
A: Our decisions will not change the number of days already appointed to us. [Job 14:5, Ps. 139:16]
Q: “Isn’t abortion acceptable when the fetus faces ‘abnormalities’?”
A: Are we to conclude that any child is not worthy to be used for God’s glorious purposes? [John 9]
Q: “Does God want more children brought into this messed-up world?”
A: God’s people would have vanished from earth long ago if this were justifiable! We are commanded to multiply [Genesis 1:28]. God preserves those whom He chooses regardless of the condition of this world. [Mark 13:20]
Q: “What about those who can not financially afford or find time for more children?
A: We are not to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear. If we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, all of our needs will be met. Eliminating everything from our schedule which has no eternal significance leaves plenty of time and energy for that which God desires. [Matthew 6:31-34, Psalm 34:8-10]
Q: “Doesn’t God realize that we are too old to have more children?”
A: If God considered you too old, He would have made it impossible for you to get pregnant. [Genesis 17-18]
Q: “Our daughter has a full scholarship to Harvard. Does God want her to sacrifice that?”
A: “Lean not on your own understanding.” “Your ways are not His ways.” [Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 55:9] He is most concerned about her spiritual life.
Q: “Where do I get this kind of faith?”
A: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:1, 6]

We have a choice. Will we diligently seek God for His wisdom or will we continue to allow our actions to tell Him, “You are not trustworthy to be Lord over conception! I will use contraception to control this area of my life”?

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie