Hair Update - April 2010

Last post I did on my hair was July 2009!  I finally got out the measuring tape today.  As you may recall, I have been growing out my old (2) perms.  Here are the current stats:  My hair is now 32.5 inches long at the longest point in the back.  I have 18 inches of new hair and 14 inches of perm left in some areas and less in others.  Its really tricky because I grew brand new hair around my face that wasn't there before the perm - it is all new and totals 22 inches!  Then I have different lengths all around my head - so go figure.

These stats mean I've lost 5.5 inches of old, processed, permed hair since July.  I knew it would break off, after all - perms are damaging to anyone's hair!  It was sad to watch my hair get shorter and shorter and even some asked me if I cut it - not sure why they thought evil of me and not good - but I haven't cut my hair since 1999 when I was 19.

I took some quick pics today in the bathroom mirror - yes those white spots are spots on my mirror lol.  As you can see I have different lengths all over because the perm doesn't really break off evenly.  You can see my new growth is sleek, shiny and healthy because I hardly ever use heat on it!  I still have to straighten out my permed part and I may do pics on what it looks like before straightening and how I do it to minimize damage. *Update: Here is a video of how I fix the permed portion of my hair.

Quote on Sin

O, the work that sin has done in the world! This is the enemy that has brought in death; that has robbed and enslaved man, that has turned the world upside down, and sown the dissensions between man and the creatures, between man and man, yea, between man and himself, setting the physical part against the rational, the will against the judgment, lust against conscience; yea, worst of all, between God and man, making the sinner both hateful to God and the hater of God. This is the traitor that thirsted for the blood of the Son of God, that sold Him, that mocked Him, that scourged Him, that spat in His face, that mangled His body . . . condemned Him, nailed Him, crucified Him. . . . This is the bloody executioner that has killed the prophets, burned the martyrs, murdered all the apostles, all the patriarchs, all the kings and potentates; that has destroyed cities, swallowed empires, and devoured whole nations. Whatever weapon it was done by, it was sin that caused the execution. Do you still think it is only a small thing? If Adam and all his children could be dug out of their graves, and their bodies piled up to heaven, and an inquest was made as to what matchless murderer was guilty of all this, it would be all found in sin.

Joseph Alleine 1634 – 1668

Human Pesticide Turns 50

I had seen the CNN news report the other day and watched the video of the "celebration" of the birth control pill's 50th anniversary.  The career women at CNN were rejoicing in how it started the sexual revolution and how women didn't have to worry anymore about a child interfering in their lives and careers and sexual pursuits.  They could sleep around with whomever, wherever and not risk the chance of conceiving a child (gasp!) that would prevent them from fulfilling their desires.  Ah, yes.....that lovely little pill paved the way for freedom for the modern woman.  It was the feminists prayer answered.

What did women do BEFORE the pill 50 years ago?  Could it be they had even more of a reason to NOT commit fornication and adultery and thus stayed faithful?  Could it be that they stayed home and fulfilled their Godly role?  Was the birth control pill really the great tool it is played up to be or was it rather the great tool of immorality?

Now the modern woman can have it all - unlimited sex with multiple partners, careers and nothing but herself to be responsible for.  In the words of our current President - rejoice women because you shouldn't have "to be punished with a baby!"

There is an awesome article to further your reading here.

A Mother's Proper Balance

Person A's life consists of displaying perfection.  She doesn't have time for her children because she is too busy being perfect.  She prides herself on her self-perceived perfection and thinks that others feel the same. However, others see neglected children dressed in rags all the while her home is pristine and she is groomed to the max.  She constantly scoffs at others imperfections, lack of grooming and untidy homes to boost her own self esteem.  They see Mrs. Perfect decked out in her finest array and then they see standing next to her - disheveled, disobedient, crying for attention children.

Person B's life consists of herself.  She doesn't have time for her children much less her house.  She neglects both and could care less about her appearance.  If someone is ever in need she doesn't have the time because she is too busy worrying about herself and her problems and her life.  She is self-consumed and therefore has no room for anyone else.  Her children AND her home display her laziness. 

Person C's life consists of serving others but her own.  She is so busy doing "good works" for others and helping those in need that she neglects the very best - her children.  She showers others children with gifts and candy and gives her own cardboard to play with and oatmeal for a treat.  (insert hysterical laughter)  She prides herself on what she thinks is her selfless spirit and generosity yet others see her pitiful neglected children.  She therefore makes the good the enemy of the very best.

Person D's life consists of the proper balance.  She understands she must keep her home but at the same time she doesn't let it come first over her chidren (and husband).  Her children know they are loved because she doesn't choose dishes over them.  She would rather have a few piles of laundry undone and happy, loved children than a pristine home and neglected little ones. She understands that she will always have to clean her home but her children are only young for a short time.  She would rather her children have the best and herself lacking. 

Which one are you? In case you were wondering, Person D is the correct balance! 

Take Heed What You Hear (and Read!)

“Take heed what you hear” (Mark 4:24): the word “hear” obviously includes what is read, for that which is written or printed is addressed to the ears of our intellect. Few people today realize the urgent need for “taking heed” unto what they read. Just as the natural food which is eaten either helps or hinders the body—so the mental food we receive either benefits or injures the mind, and that, in turn, affects the heart. Just as it is harmful to listen to the rubbish and poison which is being served from the great majority of present-day pulpits—so it is exceedingly injurious to the soul to read most of what is now being published. “Take heed what you hear” and read! - A.W. Pink


"Christian apologetics and discernment are very serious things. It is very easy to incorporate the ways of the world into method and focus in this. When this happens then attacks on professing Christians come from an impure motive. This then causes the ones making the accusations to use slander, speaking evil against their target falsely. They revile the Christian, persecuting him and his ministry using innuendo. They have no real evidence that their accusations are true. Guilt by association is their bludgeon and their usage is meant to deceive many into believing their false report."

Envies, — are the envies or pains felt and malignity conceived at the sight of excellence or happiness. It is a synonym of “malice.” I have often wondered why some people always attack excellent Bible teachers and scholars as they attempt to discredit them or whatever. However, as these men of God become more and more firm in their adherence to God’s truth as the solid foundation for their ministries rather than the philosophies of men or man-made religion then they will be attacked, but there will be no grounds for attack in how they handle God’s Word nor in how they preach and teach it. No, the attacks will be focused on their humanity instead with the hope of discrediting them on that basis. This is why it is critical for us to have Christ as our firm foundation instead of any man.

Evil speaking, — describes the backbiting, slanderous attacks on a Christian meant as defamation. This is attack from the motive of discredit, not the fruit of real Christian discernment. What is the difference? The difference is that real Christian discernment is based on the comparison of what one teaches or says with what God’s Word says. On the other hand, this is based on innuendo, guilt by association, and the illogical definition of terms and will always have as its motive the discredit of the target Christian." - Mike Ratliff

The Noble and Benign Office of Wife and Mother

This is absolutely amazing!  This is the answer from a Court Justice back in 1873 denying this Bradwell woman the office of a lawyer.  Although, some mock some of these words - how true they are and in line with God's word.  We need more men and women that will keep the "harmony of the family institution" as Justice Bradley describes below.

BRADWELL V. ILLINOIS (1873)

Justice Bradley concurring in the opinion of the Court.

The civil law, as well as nature herself, has always recognized a wide difference in the respective spheres and destinies of man and woman. Man is, or should be, woman's protector and defender. The natural and proper timidity and delicacy which belongs to the female sex evidently unfits it for many of the oc-cupations of civil life. The constitution of the family organization, which is founded in the divine ordinance, as well as in the nature of things, indicates the domestic sphere as that which properly belongs to the domain and functions of womanhood. The harmony, not to say the identity, of interests and views which belong, or should belong, to the family institution is repugnant to the idea of a woman adopting a distinct and independent career from that of her husband. So firmly fixed was this sentiment in the founders of the common law that it became a maxim of that system of jurisprudence that a woman had no legal existence separate from her husband, who was regarded as her head and representative in the social state; and, notwithstanding some recent modifications of this civil status, many of the special rules of law flowing from and dependent upon this cardinal principle still exist in full force in most States. One of these is, that a married woman is incapable, without her husband's consent, of making contracts which shall be binding on her or him. This very incapacity was one circumstance which the Supreme Court of Illinois deemed important in rendering a married woman incompetent fully to perform the duties and trusts that belong to the office of an attorney and counsellor.

It is true that many women are unmarried and not affected by any of the duties, complications, and incapacities arising out of the married state, but these are exceptions to the general rule. The paramount destiny and mission of woman are to fulfil the noble and benign offices of wife and mother. This is the law of the Creator. And the rules of civil society must be adapted to the general constitution of things, and cannot be based upon exceptional cases.

The humane movements of modern society, which have for their object the multiplication of avenues for women's advancement, and of occupations adapted to her condition and sex, have my heartiest concurrence. But I am not prepared to say that it is one of her fundamental rights and privileges to be admitted into every office and position, including those which require highly special qualifications and demanding special responsibilities. In the nature of things it is not every citizen of every age, sex, and condition that is qualified for every calling and position. It is the prerogative of the legislator to prescribe regulations founded on nature, reason, and experience for the due admission of qualified persons to professions and callings demanding special skill and confidence. This fairly belongs to the police power of the State; and, in my opinion, in view of the peculiar characteristics, destiny, and mission of woman, it is within the province of the legislature to ordain what offices, positions, and callings shall be filled and discharged by men, and shall receive the benefit of those energies and responsibilities, and that decision and firmness which are presumed to predominate in the sterner sex.

For these reasons I think that the laws of Illinois now complained of are not obnoxious to the charge of abridging any of the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States.

Source: 16 Wallace 130 (1873).

Stress Relievers that Work!

Below are things, that I've found through my own experiences, that relieve stress and stop life from taking its toll on you:

  • Prayer - cast ALL your care upon Him!  
  • Meditation - meditate on God's word, even just one verse
  • Pilates - I do a combination of Pilates/yoga with Denise Austin's Mat Workout
  • Hot baths - light the candles, close the doors and play soft music if you want or just sit in quietness and relax!
  • Deep Breathing - close your eyes and do several deep breaths and then normal breathing and keep your entire concentration on each breath
  • Reading - read a novel or something non-stimulating
  • Nature Walks - take a walk and enjoy all that God created!  Notice the birds singing their songs, take note on the design of creation
  • Fellowship - hang out with friends or family for a night of fun; just relax and laugh and enjoy each other's company.
  • Vacations - I've found that I NEED these!  Even just a weekend getaway has rejuvenated me and helped me return home refreshed and feeling positive.  My favorite is a cabin in the mountains by the river - would be almost perfect if not for the mosquitoes!
  • Sleep - don't skimp on it!  Also try and keep your routine regular with same time going to bed and waking up
  • Keep Life Simple - simplifying has helped me have less to do and less stress!  I'm still working on this and constantly getting rid of things and the more I purge, the better I feel!  Organization falls into this category too - eliminate the stress of trying to find something by having "a place for everything and everything in its place"

Cold/Sinus Infection Remedies

I can't take anything - no antihistamines, no decongestants, no pain relievers so I've learned things that are really working and helping me do daily things despite this sinus pain/pressure/stuffiness.  Here is what I use:

  • Echinacea - 3 times a day in liquid tincture form; usually shortens the duration of the cold - I take it with astragalus and there is some sort of instant boost and overall feeling better that lasts for an hour or so
  • Astragalus - I was taking this daily and then stopped and now back to taking it since I'm sick - I notice immediate boost after drinking this, it does something lol.  Taken 3 times a day.
  • Raw Garlic Cloves - currently swallowing 2 a day; its anti-biotic, anti-bacterial and all those other anti's lol.  
  • Neti-pot - definitely works!  Doing this nasal washing about 4 times a day 
  • Hot washcloth - as hot as my faucet gets, I soak the washcloth and then immediately place it over my forehead, eyes and nose area and hold it there till it starts cooling and then repeat; gives instant pain relief
  • Steam bath - I fill my large pot with 8 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil and then remove from heat and put a towel over it and I get under there and let it do its magic!  I do about 10 minutes twice a day - it really works for pain relief!!
  • Vitamin C - taking 1/4 tsp powdered pure ascorbic acid in 8oz water 2-4 times a day - 10,000mg or more a day when sick
  • Apple Cider Vinegar - just tried this for my sinuses last night; 1T in 10oz water 2-3 times a day; it actually did give immediate relief but only lasted a while - seems like I could breath better for a while
  • Hot drinks or just Hot water!   Also drink lots and lots of water to thin mucous.