My wife and I are currently on our way to New York and as we make the long drive, I am astonished at the amount of fast food along the way. So in spirit of this, as well as not having time to write much due to the crazy driving hours , I thought this would be fitting!! Enjoy this article from Natural News!

Many US hospitals, including children’s hospitals, continue to serve McDonald’s fast food in their cafeterias
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 by: Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Many people still think of hospitals as places where the sick become healthy, and where disease is nursed into wellness — but these notions could not be further from the truth. Besides being cesspools of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” and filth in many cases, dozens of U.S. hospitals, including children’s hospitals, continue to serve McDonald’s fast food to guests in their cafeterias and lobbies, a telling indictment of Western medicine’s prevailing lack of discernment and knowledge in the area of proper nutrition.
The group Corporate Accountability International (CAI), a consumer advocacy group, recently sent a formal letter to 21 U.S. hospitals that still serve McDonald’s to guests and visitors, urging them to “stop fostering a food environment that promotes harm, not health.” The group cites numerous statistics that point to junk foods, like those served at McDonald’s, contributing to the very diseases now being treated at U.S. hospitals.

“The rates of children suffering from diet-related disease are staggering,” says the letter. “Today, private practices, pediatric clinics, and emergency rooms are increasingly bearing witness to children suffering from preventable chronic conditions related to the food they eat [...] in the decades to come, one in three children will develop type 2 diabetes as a result of diets high in McDonald’s-style junk food.”

You can read the entire petition letter here:

http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/node/1654

Hospitals that still serve McDonald’s include Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago; the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis; Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego; and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. CAI is urging these hospitals and others to end their contracts with McDonald’s, and begin working towards the implementation of food options that support the role of improving health, rather than counteract it.

“We hear from physicians saying kids come in for their diabetic check-ups and they hear the parents saying, ‘If you are well-behaved, we’ll take you for a treat at the McDonald’s down the hall,” said Sara Deon, director of CAI’s McDonald’s campaign, to USA Today about the hypocrisy of the situation. It is akin to NaturalNews selling pharmaceutical drugs while simultaneously promoting health and wellness through nutrition.

If hospitals were truly about health, they would focus on serving more organic, grass-fed, and ‘superfood’ items

Getting rid of McDonald’s is a start, but most hospital food, including the food served to sick and dying patients, is completely devoid of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics, and other important nutrients that promote health. In fact, most hospital food is highly processed and loaded with toxic chemicals, which puts patients at risk of developing further illnesses and infections.

Some hospitals are starting to do things right, including over 40 hospitals in the Northeast that have begun purchasing clean, local foods, including grass-fed meats, to serve to patients (http://www.americanfarm.com). But many others are still greatly lacking in the nutritional department, and patients nationwide are suffering as a result.

Sources for this article include:

http://yourlife.usatoday.com

http://www.activistpost.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035675_hospitals_McDonalds_fast_food.html#ixzz2En6ruw2

This week I came across a very interesting piece written in the Natural News website by Carolanne Wright. Very interesting how the CDC is pushing this Pertussis vaccine, when in actuality it is causing more harm than good. Also, why is there such an outbreak when you have all of these so called vaccinated people? You can’t say that it is because of those people who are not vaccinated. The pertussis organism has mutated multiple times. This therefore is a direct reaction to the vaccine that is suppose to help. It is actually causing more problems! I hope you enjoy Ms. Wrights work, make sure you read it before you stand in line to get stabbed with some needle for no reason!

(NaturalNews) Whooping cough (pertussis) has reached epidemic levels in the U.S. — the highest in five decades. Considering a majority of those who contract the disease are vaccinated, the absurdity of the call for increased pertussis vaccinations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is yet another example of our broken medical system. Even more disturbing, scientists now suspect that vaccines are actually causing this upsurge in whooping cough — contributing to mutations of the original bacterium into more virulent forms.

The nature of pertussis

Whooping cough is an extremely contagious disease of the lung that can be contracted at any age, but is especially dangerous for children. It begins with congestion similar to a cold, lasting up to 10 days. A severe cough then sets in with a ‘whooping’ sound accompanying the intake of breath. Recovery can take several months, depending on the constitution of the individual. Babies and small children have the highest death rate due to complications that arise from the disease.

Bacterium mutation linked with whooping cough vaccine

The CDC would like to keep the American population ignorant about this startling fact: Our current pertussis epidemic is caused by a deadly new strain of Bordetella pertussis bacterium (ptxP3) and its emergence is directly connected to the whooping cough vaccine.

According to the article, Whooping Cough Epidemic Caused by Virulent New Pertussis Strain — And it’s the Result of Vaccine, research by Frits R. Mooi offers a theory about the recent increase of pertussis:

“The Mooi report focuses on the virulence of the new whooping cough strain and makes a direct association with the vaccine. It points out that the strain was first isolated in the United States in 1984, and that the virulent ptxP3 strains have been replacing the vaccines’ ptxP1 strains. They also note that the greater prevalence of whooping cough in older age groups (that is, adolescents and adults) is directly related to the new ptxP3 strains.”

This may explain why whooping cough rates are sky high in those who have been vaccinated — bacteria are adapting to the vaccine and mutating, much like antibiotic resistant superbugs, becoming more pronounced and lethal. The dangers of this new mutation include a 10-fold increase of illness and death.

The research paper Bordetella pertussis Strains with Increased Toxin Production Associated with Pertussis Resurgence, found on the CDC website, states the following:

“In this period [1989 -2004], ptxP1 [original pertussis bacterium] was gradually replaced by ptxP3, which increased in frequency from 0% in 1989 to 100% in 2004.”

“The persistence of pertussis in the face of intense vaccination is unexpected because B. pertussis is extremely homogeneous, implying a limited ability to adapt. However, the Ptx promoter showed a relatively high degree of polymorphism…”

“…ptxP3 strains were not found in the pre-vaccination era.”

“Vaccination against two avian viruses, the Marek disease virus, and the infectious bursal disease virus, were associated with the emergence of more virulent strains.”

“Based on mathematical modeling, vaccines designed to reduce pathogen growth rate and/or toxicity may result in the evolution of pathogens with higher levels of virulence.”

CDC solution – Increase vaccinations

Even though the CDC is aware of the link between vaccination and a new super-strain pertussis bacterium, their ‘solution’ for the epidemic is to increase vaccine use. True to form, the mainstream medical establishment actually perpetuates whooping cough through their harmful, propaganda-riddled recommendations. In the end, the pertussis vaccine could land unsuspecting individuals with the very disease they are attempting to avoid.

Sources for this article include:

“Whooping Cough Epidemic Caused by Virulent New Pertussis Strain – And It’s the Result of Vaccine” Gaia Health. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: http://gaia-health.com

“Bordetella pertussis Strains with Increased Toxin Production Associated with Pertussis Resurgence” Frits R. Mooi , Inge H.M. van Loo, Marjolein van Gent, Qiushui He, Marieke J. Bart, Kees J. Heuvelman, Sabine C. de Greeff, Dimitri Diavatopoulos, Peter Teunis, Nico Nagelkerke, and Jussi Mertsola, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/8/08-1511_article.htm

“Has the DTaP vaccine caused the increase in whooping cough?” Smartvax. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: http://www.smartvax.com

“Whooping Cough: Worst Year For Pertussis in 5 Decades, CDC Says” Mike Stobbe, July 19, 2012. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Pertussis: Summary of Vaccine Recommendations. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/recs-summary.htm

“Whooping Cough Outbreaks in Vaccinated Children Become More and More Frequent” Heidi Stevenson, Gaia Health, June 27, 2011. Retrieved on November 19, 2012 from: http://www.gaia-health.com

If you haven’t heard our brother Francis Chan yet….

now’s your chance.

Just about every time I hear him speak, my faith is challenged.

So, if you’re in a hurry…..here’s a good little short snippet for you.

And if you’re not, check this one out. He tells why he decided to give his “Crazy Love” book money away.

A million dollars.  (Since then I’ve heard him say it is over two million.)  And the craziest part..….the reaction he’s had from much of the “American Church.” (I’ve only watched it a half a dozen times, myself.)

Love you,

(The following statement is true....)

My husband is so wonderful.  He really is.  He loves the Lord and is an incredible man of character.  I love him so much.

(The following statement may or may not be true…)

My husband and I have always had a “smooth sailing” marriage.  We never argue about silly things.  We aren’t ever selfish.  Neither one of us. Because we are so wise and spiritually mature, we always nurture and serve each other every day.  We’ve never gone to bed angry (Ephesians 4:26, you know!)……and we’ve never gone through a “rough patch”  in our marriage.   Hey, if you both love the Lord enough, everything will be just fine!!

And if you believe that…..

shoot me an email and I’ll send you my new e-book….”How Christians Can Have the Perfect Marriage…in TEN Easy Steps!”  (It’s only $39.95… you can Paypal it to me!)

(Okay, now back to reality….)

Marriage is….loving more than you ever thought possible.

Marriage is….freedom.

Marriage is….fun beyond imagination.

Marriage is….contentment.

Marriage is….settling into a new normal.

Marriage is….a wonderful new life.

Marriage is…..misunderstandings.

Marriage is…..learning to forgive.

Marriage is…..wanting more.

Marriage is….waiting.

Marriage is…..infertility.

Marriage is….miscarriage.

Marriage is…..grief.

Marriage is……leaning on each other.

Marriage is…..two people grieving differently.

Marriage is….not understanding.

Marriage is…..turning back to the Lord.

Marriage is….accepting.

Marriage is….daily mundane.

Marriage is…..eating leftovers.

Marriage is…..dishes and laundry.

Marriage is….a much needed night out together.

Marriage is….coming together again.

Marriage is…..loving more than you ever thought possible.

Marriage is….welcoming new life.

Marriage is….learning something new.

Marriage is….being a real “team”.

Marriage is…..seeing each other in a whole new “light”.

Marriage is…..doing hard things for someone.

Marriage is…..getting up at 2am when you don’t have the energy to.

Marriage is…..forgetting to nourish each other.

Marriage is……drifting.

Marriage is…..not agreeing with how to handle a situation.

Marriage is….anger.

Marriage is….more anger.

Marriage is….sleeping with your backs to each other.

Marriage is….thinking really ugly thoughts.

Marriage is…..getting help from other believers.

Marriage is……surrender of your own “will”.

Marriage is…..learning to let a lot of things….go.

Marriage is……grace.

Marriage is……not expecting perfection.

Marriage is…..learning a “new” way to love.

Marriage is…..contentment.

Marriage is…..appreciating each other.

Marriage is…..being unendingly thankful to the Lord for each other.

Marriage is…..loving more than you ever thought possible.

Marriage is…..forever.

Marriage is a lot of things. (This list could have just as well looked completely different!)  It’s a beautiful field with rolling hills.  There will be ups, there will be downs.  For believers, it can be used more than anything else to make us more like Christ (sanctification).

The problem is, we’re sinners.  Your husband is going to sin. It will be ugly. You will sin. It will be really ugly.

Press on. Realizing our sin allows us to see the grace of God so much more clearly.  The blood of Jesus Christ has covered your husband’s sin.  It has covered your sin.

So unbelievably thankful.

To anyone who is rolling through a “low” right now…...press on.

It’s so worth it.

Let your sister tell you…..you’re gonna make it. And when you do, it will be even better than ever before.

Love you.

(I came across this video recently, and I don’t think I could love it any more.)

Photo Credit

Smack dab in the middle of our sermon last Sunday, Love and Forgiveness in the Body of Christ, (which I highly recommend, by the way)…..

our pastor made this point:

“There should be a ban in your home on reality television where people are fighting and backbiting.”  (I’m paraphrasing here):)

It’s just evil.

When our children are exposed to this type of behavior, whether we know it or not, we are training them in this way.

This stuff should be banned from your home, the same way you ban pornography from your home.

 

Ouch.  Nuff said.  Point taken.  Mama has taken note.

How we train our children to handle conflict now will affect them for the rest of their lives. Especially in their future marriages.

This mama job just keeps getting more and more important, doesn’t it?

Encouraging each other as we train our children for the Glory of God,

Photo Credit

A while back, Brother Bob Jennings came and spoke at our annual “Camp Meeting.” (By the way, if you’ve never experienced a Camp Meeting…..just picture several days of non-stop preaching, kids playing, good eatin’, loud singing, and crowded halls filled with lots of love and good fellowship!)

(Okay, how long till this year’s camp meeting again?  I’m ready now…)

Anyway.

When our brother Bob Jennings got up to speak for the first time, I was unprepared for what I was about to hear.

You see, Bob looked so plain.

He spoke in such an even tone….

He wore a plaid shirt, with suspenders.

He looked so…… well, ordinary.

But by the time he was done I was speechless. Here was a brother who was concerned with pleasing the LORD, not MAN.

Shame on me.

Since that camp meeting, Brother Bob Jennings has been diagnosed with cancer.

Life is so short, brothers and sisters.

To Die in Christ is Gain….

This one is really good, as well…

“If you could live again, what would you change?”

**Photo Credit for Feature Image

Photo Credit

Okay, so I know I’m a little late to the “Keith Green” party, but better late than never, ay?

Growing up, all I knew about Keith Green was that he was a Christian singer who sang cheesy Christian songs.

Until one day I stumbled across this video.

Now his cheesy songs aren’t so cheesy anymore.  In fact, I can’t get enough of them.

Did you know that you can go to YouTube, type in “Keith Green Playlist” and you can listen to a continuous flow of Keith Green songs complete with video all day every day?

(Okay, maybe not that much, but still.)

I’ve watched this video numerous times, (it’s just so dad burn inspiring) and while it’s long, it’s good to have on while working in the kitchen, folding laundry, or just to listen to in another tab while doing other computer “stuff”.

So without further adieu…..Keith Green.

P.S.  Click on that little box on the right bottom corner (with four little arrows) to view in full screen…

(I’m totally cracking up at the cheesiness of this screenshot)

I’m sure I have, but never the story behind it.

Julie and Alex Armas found out through an ultrasound that their baby had spina bifida. (His brain was misshapen and his spine not fully closed.)

Julie (a labor and delivery nurse herself) began researching the condition on the internet, and found a doctor who had been performing a ground breaking surgery.

He would remove the uterus, open it, carefully close the opening in the spine, and then return the uterus.

When Julie was 21 weeks pregnant, she had this very surgery.  It was the surgical team’s 54th surgery done on a baby in utero.    A photographer was called in……

And then, this happened.

As a doctor asked me what speed of film I was using, out of the corner of my eye I saw the uterus shake, but no one’s hands were near it. It was shaking from within. Suddenly, an entire arm thrust out of the opening, then pulled back until just a little hand was showing. The doctor reached over and lifted the hand, which reacted and squeezed the doctor’s finger. As if testing for strength, the doctor shook the tiny fist. Samuel held firm. I took the picture!  Wow!  It happened so fast that the nurse standing next to me asked, “What happened?”

“The child reached out,” I said.

“Oh. They do that all the time,” she responded.

-Michael Clancy(photographer)

The photo was then published in USA Today, and entitled…..”Hand of Hope”.

Controversy was not far behind.

The doctor who performed the surgery later gave this statement:

The baby did not reach out,” Dr Bruner said. “The baby was anesthetized. The baby was not aware of what was going on.”.He also stated, “Depending on your political point of view, this is either Samuel Armas reaching out of the uterus and touching the finger of a fellow human, or it’s me pulling his hand out of the uterus … which is what I did.”

And there the controversy rages even today.  Was this a baby reaching out or a doctor reaching in….

Apparently, it matters.

???

frugalchristianliving

(that was me being sarcastic, by the way)

P.S.  I’d like to mention that there are different degrees of spina bifida.    Sadly, many times it is extremely severe and CANNOT be fixed.

P.S.S…..Here is Samuel today:

There is a great article about him by Fox News HERE….

Malaria.

Again.

Here is the view from where they live…..

Yeah, I know.

Here is a picture of one of his neighbors…..

And some more….

His neighbors all live in treehouses.

Why?  Due to the fear of witches, of course.

Good thing Trevor isn’t afraid of heights….

(so much for “maximum occupancy”….)

And transportation…..

His neighbors don’t have to worry about the rising cost of fuel at all…

But Trevor does.

This is Trevor’s house….

Every morning, Teresa stands on the porch, and bangs on a metal pan with a spoon.

That’s the signal……the “porch” clinic is open.

You see, Teresa is a nurse.

So is Trevor.

There are no shortage of health needs….not to mention the killings performed in the name of  ”eradicating witchcraft”.

“Lots of sickness.  Probably dissentery.”  - Trevor (This little one died along with his mother shortly after this photo was taken.)

(Prolapsed rectum and malnutrition.)

This little cutie is Yamis Ta-il.  He’s five.

His tribe thought he was a witch.  They were discussing how best to get rid of him (drown him or go downriver and leave him in another village).

He was tied up and barely fed for two weeks when Ainus, (a tribe evangelist), brought him back to Trevor and his village.

He is now being cared for by nearby Christians, (Jimi & Perin).

PICTURED: Jimi giving Yamis a haircut. Doses of malaria and worm medicine are to follow, plus some new clothes and a hearty meal.

While Trevor does teach, he is not a pastor.  Instead, he pours his efforts into training the local tribal leaders…..which will produce more fruit in the end.

“Hard to pray when the cassowary wants to peck your head”

Village church has its challenges. To include pigs running through church and the pet cassowary trying to enter services. -Trevor

A little fellowship before the meeting….. (us women love us some fellowship)

Teresa is also a “homeschool mom”.    (:: fist bump ::)

(Alethea wants to join in the fun…)

(Excuse the roof….it blew off last week….)

He says, “Daddy, you are old and will probably die sooner than me. But I am young and I might live a long time. This means that God can use me a lot longer. I want God to use me”

I love the “hold the nose” approach.   Warms my heart.

I’m not sure, but I think Daddy is happy.

So are his friends.

So, I’m totally feeling like a spoiled, selfish, little “brat” now for what I posted yesterday…

Have I ever mentioned that I live in a bubble?

I’m considering this my weekly “kick in the pants” to attempt to burst that bubble.

Remind me, sisters and brothers…….remind me.

Love you,

frugalchristianliving

Read more about Trevor and Teresa on their family blog….HERE

Be “friends” with him on his facebook page…..HERE

Give to Trevor’s efforts….HERE

Hear Trevor’s message for yourself…..