Quote of the Day

"Our life is determined for us; and it makes the mind very free when we give up wishing, and only think of bearing what is laid upon us, and doing what is given us to do." 
-- George Elliot Daily Strength for Daily Needs, 86

Several weeks ago I posted about the upcoming election on May 20th.  
(See Political Issues)

I wanted to update you with some details of the election.

Some of the major things we will be voting on are: 

The Idaho House Seat

 Clerk of the Court

Governor

The Idaho House Seat

The Idaho House Seat refers to the House of Representatives.  The United States House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the U.S. congress.  It's often simply called "the House".  The second house would be the Senate.

The House of Representatives is established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution.  The House passes federal legislation that the Senate and President agrees to.  Each U.S. state is represented in the House with Idaho holding two seats.  It's important to vote in a representative that you believe can delineate your beliefs.  The House affects the entire United States.  I encourage you to take a look at Heather Scott and Sage Dixon's website.  The People running for these seats are:  

Idaho House Seat A: (vacated by Eric Anderson)
- Heather Scott (R) Website
- Stephen Snedden (R)
- Laura Bry (D)
-Steve Tanner (D)

Idaho House Seat B:
- George Eskridge (R), incumbent 
- Sage Dixon (R) Website
- Andrew Sorg (D)
- Bob   Vickaryous (D) 

Clerk of the Court

Clerk of the Court is a county clerk position in the District court.  A county clerk responsibilities are maintaining records of the court and administering oaths to witnesses, jurors and grand jurors.  the people running for this are:

- Ann Dutson-Sater (D) incumbent 
- Michael Rosedale (R)

Governor

The Governor of the State heads the executive branch in each state and has considerable control in budgeting, appointing officials, judges and and legislation. In Idaho, the Governor is also commander-in-chief of the state's National Gaurd.  The people running for this seat are:

"Butch" Otter (R), incumbent Website
- Russ Fulcher (R) Website
- A.J. Baluoff (D) Website
- Pro-Life Richardson (Independent) Website

We  should know.  We should make an informed decision.  We should care.  We can do more than complain and groan at the condition of our country by voting.  Use your voice.

Elections to be held in Primary on May 20, 2014:

County:  

Commissioner of District 1

Commissioner of District 2

Clerk of the Court

Treasurer

Assessor

Coroner 

 State: 

Governor 

Lieutenant Governor

Secretary of State

State Treasurer

State Controller

Attorney General 

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Supreme Court Justice

Court of Appeals Judge

District Judge

Legislative:  United States:

State Senate

State Representative  

To see who is already seated currently- please got to:

http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/candidat/2014cand.htm

Please see this site to view candidates: 

http://www.sandpointonline.com/news/elections.shtml http://co.bonner.id.us/clerk/elections.html

Quote of the Day

“Christ is not a matter of emotions, but of character. It is not something we are to feel, but something we are to be. We may feel it very blessedly, and probably shall; but the vital thing is not the feeling, but the reality.” 

-- Hannah Whitall Smith Christian's Secret to a Happy life, 227

Nature- Spiritual Lessons

I recently re-visited “my spot”. My spot is a stump, up on a hill, a couple miles from my home. So many summer evenings I have gone to this place to sit and be still, and now that the snow has been melting I was able to jump from patch to patch of dry ground in order to climb to my little stump. I sat there and looked over those same familiar unchanging mountain ranges that have been my source of solitude over the years and I was struck with a thought.

We human beings get so caught up in life that we forget to live. We become so full of cares, media and responsibilities that places in nature becomes a destination, an A or B point, and it's quiet declaration is inevitably ignored. The “magic” nature held when we were children is no longer something to be discovered or experienced. We allow our minds to be crowded. I know it takes me a lot longer to sit still and pray than it ever did as a child.

How ironic that children are known for their short attention spans. And yet, if we were honest, I am sure we would realize that as adults we can be much worse off than children. At least when they are captivated by something their entire utmost is given to it. We multi-task. We politely listen and never hear a word. We condition ourselves to skim-read (as long as there are pictures), click one tab to another. The concept of time is entirely missed and the every day simplicity goes unnoticed. We function instead of live. We do instead of experience. We are filled but the flavor and aesthetic beauty is unperceived and therefore unappreciated. Nature goes unheard.

Music becomes noise, rain is just the weather, and books are unappetizing dry words with a hardcover crust. The heavens declare the glory of God but no-one hears because we never stop to look or listen. The firmament shows His handiwork but we are blind to the stars. Day unto day utters speech and night unto night speaks a knowledge that surpasses the bonds of human language – but we subject ourselves to the roar of our own thoughts. Strategy, vocabulary, studying, composing, teaching, creating – all these things become tedious and our cravings change with our habits. We find blogging, tweeting, facebooking, T.V., more appealing and reality becomes monotonous.

But, when I sat there on the stump I realized why Nature can become appealing to us. When we force ourselves to step out of the fast lane and breathe, suddenly nature is noticed...we can hear it and it gnaws at our created soul. Words become beautiful, music stirs emotions, rain is a detail, a harmonious expression. Nature's line is gone out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world and we can be conscious of it. Sunrises are more than the start of a day, but a work of art, created to be appreciated and rejoiced in. Nature is fresh, simple, raw, child-like, satisfying. You can breathe it, touch it, freely without conditions. It offers instead of takes. Even those who choose not to believe in God can climb a mountain, close their eyes and breathe communion...His creation is so close to who He is. It declares Him and our subliminal can't help but desire to hear.

There is more to life than functioning. God created beauty for our benefit, He actually asks us to be still and know. This thought has been a helpful reminder to me every time I am tempted to allow my mind to become overwhelmed with my “to do” list. I hope it has been a help to you too.

“...Enjoyment of music, of exquisite art, the reverent study of the great questions of life, of the wonders of nature whose powers it was given man to study and cultivate and develop – it is surely no irreverence to think of [Christ] both enjoying and gracing such a life, for such was the original plan of human life as thought out by a gracious Creator.” – S.D. Gordon Quiet Talks, 29

"A Time To Every Purpose" - Spiritual Lessons

"A Time To Every Purpose"

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose, under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

"In winter there are no roses blooming in the deserted, wind-swept, snow-covered garden. Nor in summer do crystal snowflakes fly. Each season has its own work, its own beauty, and by hands of another season this work cannot be done, this beauty cannot be breathed. And so of man's life. Each season has its own duties and its own joys, and if they are not laid hold of, no other season can make up the loss; they are gone down the dim, untraveled river of Forever. Each day, indeed, has its own duty, its own smile, its own tear, its own heart throb. If only it be lived in for itself, life would be fuller and richer in everything; and the clusters of blessedness hanging from the boughs of each day would proclaim life's every season to have wrought well, and to deserve well, for what lies before. Alas! that we let the burdening tomorrows crush the energy and strength out of today, so that its work is undone or marringly done. Give your today a chance. Give it only its own work to do, and evening will find you laughing over the beauty and faithfulness that smiles up to you from the well-done duties; and the eternal tomorrow will meet you with the kisses of tenderness, not with wounding blows."

-Mrs. Charles E. Cowman- (Taken from the book Traveling Toward Sunrise)

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose..." Winter will not last all of the year, just as the darkness of night does not cover the entire day. Trials will not last forever. Spring is coming. The dawn will break forth with singing. And yes, even trials have their own season. It is encouraging to know that the Lord never places us in trials, in the darkest of nights, without a purpose and only for a time.

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (I Peter 5:10)

"weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

Just as one season will eventually fade into the next...so are our trials. They may feel as if they'll last forever, but be sure that they will not. The Lord knows just what we can handle and He never gives more than that. He will not keep you in a place of difficulty, in suffering, in sorrow, or darkness longer than He knows is absolutely necessary.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13)

I may not be able to see what He is doing through the trial or understand the reasoning behind it, but He is still good and I can trust Him. He knows better than I do. He is just. And His ways, though often unsearchable, are right.  

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

"We ought not to worry. God will take care of us. It is important only that we are His and obey and do our best. His ways may be 'mysterious,' but be sure that with infinite wisdom and infinite goodness He plans for His own." -Mrs. Charles E. Cowman-

It is said, no to take on the cares of tomorrow, because we do not have the grace of tomorrow. How true this is. It is easy to find ourselves quickly taking on those burdens, which do not belong to us. It is also very easy to subtly take on these burdens of tomorrow, simply by thinking only of the hopelessness of a situation. As if, a struggle of life, some sorrow, or heartache will never come to an end.

"Often, when you have almost fainted in spirit, the thought comes, 'If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, what shalt thou do with the horsemen?' Put it from you, it is a faithless thought; if you need more strength, you will have it, be sure of that; or the call to greater exertion may never come to you. Your business is with the present; leave the future in His hands who will be sure to do the best, the very best for you." -Priscilla Maurice-

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34)

Trials should be faced on a daily basis. Each day, the Lord gives the grace to bear. To take on the whole future of a trial, is overwhelming.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." (Psalm 42:5)

He has lessons that can only be learned in the exact season you find yourself in now, that no other season can make up the loss of. He knows what He is doing and is a safe place to put our trust. Sorrows do not have to be wasted. Trials are not in vain, but instead, can be some of the most precious times. They are times of great need. Times of such sweet comfort from God, Himself, that cannot be experienced otherwise. They can be amazing opportunities to see Him work as never before. He will prove faithful. And He will use them in our lives, if we would only let Him.

"...Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day:"    (Exodus 14:13)

Quote of the Day

"We know not precisely what is best for us. We know not what will make us truly happy. We know not what will help us best in our struggle against temptations. And if we were to try to make a distinction between our mere passing wishes and that which our souls really needed, we should utterly fail. But we need not try. Let us take all our wishes, all our longings, all the prompting of our consciences, to the feet of our Father. He will hear and He will do. He will hear all we say. He will know what parts of our prayer are best for us to have, and what are not. And He will give us what His fatherly love will choose. And therefore to all our prayers we will add, 'Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven'." -Frederick Temple-
(Found in the book Joy and Strength)

Shrimp Scampi

Practical Homemaking 

I love fish.  And fish is healthy.  Perfect.  Well....actually it isn't perfect.  Mom hates fish -- the taste, the smell, everything about it.  And so my culinary skills are greatly lacking when it comes to preparing sea food.  After Mom's one and final try at a fish dish (which resulted in running into town to get a pizza for dinner) I decided I had better learn how to prepare fish from my Grandmother.  Grandma is a full-blooded Sicilian who knows how to cook!  My mom and Grandma are my favorite cooks (simply because they are the best cooks).  But, Grandma knows how to prepare fish!  And so when I mentioned I would love to learn how, Grandma had me over to her house to show me the Italian preparation for Shrimp Scampi All' Agilo.  

Fish, Italians, cooking and eating are part of my heritage, and so I not only got to spend quality time with Grandma, but a tradition and skill was passed on to me by my Grandma...not to mention I got to eat it!  Needless to say, it was a beautiful afternoon.  :) 

                                              (This is a picture of my Grandma's mom's lemon juicer.  

We used it for this dish.)

I thought I would share the recipe (not the shrimp...I ate it all):

Shrimp Scampi 

6 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon olive oil

4-5 cloves garlic pressed

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

About 3/4 lb. shrimp (tails removed!)

2 Tablespoons parsley

1/4 teaspoon lemon zest 

Dash of hot pepper (optional)

Lemon wedges

In a wide frying pan over medium heat, melt butter.  Stir in onion, oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt; cook until bubbly. Be sure not to burn the garlic.  (Burnt garlic can add a bitter taste).  Add shrimp to a pan and cook, stirring occasionally until shrimp turns pink (about 5 minutes).  Overcooked shrimp turns hard...not that I would know....ours turned out perfect!  But so Grandma tells me.  :)  Stir in parsley, lemon zest and hot pepper.  Spoon into serving dish and garnish with lemons.  Serve over spaghetti.  Makes 2 servings.  YUM.

In the Midst of Darkness

In the Midst of Darkness

"...and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was." (Exodus 20:21)

"Often we foolishly wish that all our days would be bright and clear. Then when the clouds come we become discouraged and fearful. We fail to realize that the dark clouds of afflictions and trials are but God's vehicles of blessings sent to soften and mellow our hearts and make them fruitful and useful for Him. Remember, God sees right through the thick clouds and watches and cares for His own. Trust Him and be of good cheer." 

(By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman in "Traveling Toward Sunrise")

In the midst of darkness... not exactly a very easy place to be. In fact, it is a very hard place to be; but truly it is one of great blessing. I have found myself in this very place recently. Not knowing what lies before or what is even around me. All is dark. I cannot see my way. The night seems to cloud all visible understanding. The path ahead is unknown. And yet, I can still see and understand one very important truth. God is in the midst of our darkness. And His sweet presence makes all the difference. 

"...The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness." (II Chronicles 6:1)

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)

Praise Him. He has not left us alone to our own devices or counsel. He is there with us. He is a comfort. He cheers our hearts. We can know that "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28)... because He is near. For He has promised: 

"Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am." (Isaiah 58:9)

He hears. He answers. He understands. He cares. He is there...in the darkest of our days. You are not forgotten. Never forsaken!

"Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee...." (Isaiah 49:8) 

In our own human understanding and reasoning...the idea of not knowing what lies ahead of us...not knowing the paths which we are to take that life so provides...is a very uncomfortable and insecure place to be. And in many ways, a very challenging place. We just want to know what is ahead...what the Lord is doing. What the future holds. To us, it may not even make any sense. But then, we do not see as Christ sees. We do not understand as He does. We are but men; He is God.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8 and 9) 

“And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. “ (Isaiah 45:3)

What we would call uncomfortable, even, unreasonable... He calls “the treasures of darkness”. And why? Because we see Him; and ONLY Him. Because, in all reality, we really do not need to see anything else. He is enough. 

“ We ought not to worry. God will take care of us. It is important only that we are His and obey and do our best. His ways may be 'mysterious', but be sure that with infinite wisdom and infinite goodness He plans for His own.” -Mrs. Charles. E. Cowman- 

The darkness is not darkness to Him. He sees our need. He knows the paths we should take. And He chooses those paths that are the absolute best for us. He cannot lie. He cannot lead us in a wrong way. He has made no mistakes of which to ever regret or led in a way to which He has ever wished He had done something different. We can trust Him. 

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:30-32)

All may yet be dark to our understanding, we may not know which way we are to turn or what it is we are to be doing, but be sure that God does. And He will lead His dear children accordingly, if only we would but quietly wait to hear His still small voice. 

“ And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21) 

He will show us everything that we could ever possibly need to know...even down to the little details. We do not have to rush ahead of Him or make our own last minute decisions. He knows our needs, even more than we know them. And He will show us the ways in which we are to take just in time. He will make our path known and we will see it. His timing is perfect. There can be no doubt or fear, when God is speaking.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. (Psalm 119:105)

“For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” (Psalm 18:28)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5 and 6)

“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.” (Psalm 128:1 and 2)

The Lord promises that... “happy shalt thou be”....”and it shall be well with thee”. I wonder that we really believe this? Far too often, we somehow fool ourselves into thinking that God's will for our lives will be only demanding and utterly miserable. That when we finally surrender ourselves to Christ, we have instantly thrown away all hopes of happiness and precious potential dreams. We may obey, simply to avoid “the consequences” of disobedience... but certainly not with a willing and grateful heart. How sad this is. How wrong a view of our God! Can we not see that the same loving Saviour who was so willing to lay down His very life for sinful men, is still the same gracious Saviour…who yet continues to give Himself for us all our days? How He desires to meet our deepest needs? Can we imagine that the same God who loved us with such an unselfish, sacrificial love...would suddenly stop? Can we see that He desires our best? That He wants only our highest possible good? He did not come to make robot slaves simply to bend to His unreasonable, demanding will. No, indeed He came to love the unlovable. To bless, so much more than we could ever deserve to be blessed! He delights “to give thee the desires of thine heart”. (Psalm 37:4) How do you see Him? 

“ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7: 7-11)

“If I truly believe in Him, I'll trust Him to desire for me that which is for my highest good, and to have planned for it's fulfillment.” -Helen Roseveare-

There can be no sweeter, better place than the center of God's perfect will for your life. It is a place of blessing. Of perfect peace and rest. A place of unspeakable joy and happiness. If only we would allow HIM to lead us! How much better life would be! And to trust Him. That even though we do not understand His ways, though they be mysterious...that they are good, because HE is good. 

One of the greatest blessings through times of darkness is that we have only Christ to depend upon. Our own counsel and understanding is removed. We are forced (in a matter of speaking) to rely only on the wisdom of God. And this is where He desires us. That He can be all. That He can show Himself strong on our behalf. That we can learn to trust Him. And that He might be glorified as our sufficient all knowing Saviour. Another great blessing that comes in our night season, is how Christ will grow and mold us that He might use us. To come away with a song in our hearts and lessons that will not be easily forgotten; but valued and treasured for the days yet to come. We do not know what an encouragement and help they might prove to be to others along life's road. 

“Some months ago, in the late autumn, the writer was in the hothouse of one of our florists. We were in the cellar, and in the dimly lighted place, one could see arranged in regular file, long rows of flower pots. The florist explained that in these pots had been planted the bulbs for their winter flowers. It was best for them that they be rooted in the dark. Not in the glaring sunlight, but in the subdued shadows, their life-giving roots were putting forth. They would be ready for the open day a little later. Then their gay colors would cheer many hearts. Then their sweet perfumes would laden the winter air. Rooted in the shadows to bloom in the light! Roots then roses.” 

(By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman in “Traveling Toward Sunrise”)

We want the sunshine! The bright days of ease and comfort! But, we cannot be used, unless we are willing to be broken. To be rooted in the dark that God could someday use us in the light. Have you ever noticed that stars can only be seen at night? Or that the beautiful sunrise can be enjoyed only because it was first dark? These are “the treasures of darkness”. 

“I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight:” (Isaiah 45:2) 

Although we may feel like a ship upon the night's sea in the midst of a thick heavy fog... He is still leading and does only that which is best. We will not be dashed upon the rocks. He can make the crooked places straight again...and be sure that night will always fade into a glorious day!  

“Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along; Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night, God leads His dear children along. 

Some thro' the waters, some thro' the flood, some thro' the fire, but all thro' the blood; 

Some thro' great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long.” 

(“God Leads Us Along”- Written by G. A. Young)

"We can never stumble in the darkness if He leads us." -J.R. Miller-

Quote of the Day

"If we believe that God is always at hand, always ready to hear, surely we should take delight in telling Him all our little cares, and woes, and hopes, as they flit by." 
By H. L. Sidney Lear (Found in the book Joy and Strength)

Liver Cleanse

Health and Beauty

Okay, so maybe you don't think you need to cleanse your liver.  But when's the last time you did?  Uh-huh.  What would your house look like if you hadn't cleaned it for 20+ years? Eating a healthy diet is definitely a necessity to health but cleansing your liver is the next step to wellness that even a healthy diet can't do alone. I found this cleanse a while ago and was so excited because it wasn't abrasive, expensive...AND it didn't require multiple days of fasting. :)   If you get sick every round of the local flu bug, or you are feeling tired the majority of your day, or, if you are like me and have digestive health issues, this is the perfect cleanse for you!

Basically you will need:

Organic Apple Juice (2 gallons approximately)
A daily enema
3 Grapefruit
Epsom salts  (optional)
Olive oil
6 days of eating lightly

Here is the basic outline of the cleanse:

Day 1-5

Drink 32 ounces of organic apple juice throughout each day, between meals.  Start in the morning and finish before bed.  Don't drink with food.

Eat lightly throughout the day.  Although don't become a vegan.  Meat is important.  Stay away from dairy and sugar. Soup, stir fry, salads are all great options.  Don't forget your daily enema.

Day 6

This is the only "complicated" day.  And it really isn't that bad.
In the morning you drink 32 oz (4 cups) of apple juice before breakfast.

1:30 you start your fast.  Make sure to drink a generous amount of water

6:00 p.m.  Now comes the Epsom salt drink.  4 Tablespoons in 24 oz. of water.  (Yuck!  I actually skipped the Epsom salts.  It is a laxative.  But I found that I really didn't need it.  Plus I was concerned about the amount.  It seemed like a lot.)  Do not drink water 20 minutes before or after this Epsom salt drink.

8:00
Repeat

9:30
Do an enema

9:45
Juice three grapefruits with 1/2 cup olive oil and shake until watery.  Believe it or not...it was actually pretty tasty!  Maybe that came from fasting..

10:00
Drink grapefruit drink all at once (in a 5 minute period).  Lie down with head propped up for 20 minutes before going to sleep.

NEXT MORNING

6:00 -6:30 (not before)
Drink another epsom salt mixture.

8:00 - 8:30
Drink your final epsom salt mixture.

10:00 am
You may drink juice

10:30 am
You may eat fruit.

11:00 am
Eat lightly throughout the day.

For more information please visit www.radicallynatural.com