Each month, we have one book that is featured. This means it only costs you $5! Take advantage of this great deal to add to your collection and try some delicious new recipes!
This month’s book is Against the Grain.If you need gluten or grain-free meals or are on GAPS — or just want something different — this is perfect! Salisbury steak, beef tips with portobello mushrooms, chicken in sun-dried tomato-cream sauce, white bean vanilla cake and more! Eat and enjoy!
I am not a New Year’s Resolution kind of girl, but this year I made an exception. Due to some serious changes within our lifestyle and family last year, we needed to take a second look at our budget and do some major clean up before beginning a new year.
Over the last year and a half, my husband got a new job and we moved. My daughter had some health problems, now resolved. We had a baby and are now pregnant once more. Our expenses last year shot way up, even though our income leveled out. We ended up using a little credit to help us get by.
We made a lot of mistakes financially last year, but a new year has begun. New years are for fresh starts, right?
A Course In Budgeting and Finances
My husband and I went through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University before we were married. We always try to return to what we learned there when we are reassessing our budget. We obviously do not follow his advice to the letter, but he has many good principles that are common sense and easily applicable.
If you are looking to brush up on your knowledge in finances and/ or to get out of debt, I highly recommend Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. There is even a Financial Peace for Youth version! Teach your children early how to responsibly save and spend money. When my children are older I plan to add his course to our home school program.
Dave Ramsey provides many budgeting tools directly on his website. Many are FREE! I use his free budgeting forms whenever I need to assess where all of our money is going each month.
1.) The Monthly Cash Flow Budget Form is perfect for monthly budgeting to assure that you know exactly what is coming in and what is going out of your bank account.
2.) The Quick Start Budget Form allows you a concise glance at hoe much money you will need each month to cover your necessities. If you want to get into the details of credit card bills and such check out The Monthly Cash Flow Form.
3.) The Irregular Income Budget Form is for anyone who has irregular income, like those who are self-employed, such as BLOGGERS! This form might be just what you need to budget that income you receive from your e-book sales and affiliate profits each month.
If you are not a paper person, and prefer to go green – and organized – by keeping everything directly online, then you must check out Dave Ramsey’s Gazelle Budget. This online tool will guide you as you get out of debt and will aid you as you budget your savings and spending each month. Sign up and the first seven days are FREE!
A Little Advice
Finances are one of the most stressful parts of life and marriage. Some of us are savers and some of us our spenders. When opposites wed it is easy for one spouse to become bitter at the other for not holding to a particular set of financial “rules.” This may be easy, but easy does not make it right.
It is a wonderful thing for spouses to go through a financial program of sorts to get on the same page. It is a good thing for a couple to sit down together regularly and look at their bank accounts and budgets so that they are of one mind when they are saving and spending.
When you do this remember that you are on the same team. Remember that your money does not belong to you, but to God. Pray over your finances and ask that God show you how to best glorify Him with it.
Our bank accounts are not about setting us up for a cushy retirement, nor are they about making sure our children have a fully paid college tuition. Albeit, these things are not bad, but, as in all things, we are God’s children, and all that we have we should use to glorify Him. We must be good stewards of what God has given us and use it wisely as we serve Him.
Do You Budget In Your Home? What Are Your Tips For Sticking To A Budget?
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One of my favorite movies, plays, is Fiddler On The Roof. The song “Tradition” is a well known and loved song from that script. As I write this post I am singing that tune in my head.
Most families have some sort of family tradition whether its a movie night once a month or a trip to the beach every year. Many of the most memorable family traditions surround the holidays like expressing what you are thankful for while everyone sits around the table at Thanksgiving, or decorating the Christmas tree together while singing your favorite carols.
Some traditions are common for many families and some traditions are very unique to individual families. The fun thing about family traditions is that they are special and create long lasting memories for the family as a whole. Often times children will pass down their favorite family traditions to their own families in order to maintain those nostalgic memories.
I have a very young family still. My husband and I are coming upon our sixth year wedding anniversary, and we have three children, about to be four all under the age of five. We have found that family traditions have been difficult to establish for us with having such small children. Much of what we do tends to be my husband and I doing it, with the kids showing a little interest, but mostly just getting distracted. It has been difficult, but we try to do it anyway.
The Purpose of Traditions
I read a book a couple of years ago called Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper. Noel approaches the idea of family traditions in this book in a very different and purposeful way that I had not experienced before.She emphasizes that traditions should be about teaching our children the Person and things of God. For instance, in her chapter on “How Do Traditions Teach?,” she says,
“We are always teaching our children, whether we mean to or not. Our children come to believe, probably unconsciously, that whatever is repeated regularly has significance. It was God’s design that learning happen by frequent and regular repetition. That kind of learning was part of what He had in mind when He told his people to teach the children his words, ‘talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise’ (Deuteronomy 11:19) – note how frequently and regularly.
One indication of God’s wisdom in this command is that when our activities are filled with God, we have to be thinking about God; so our normal activities are helping us fulfill God’s command to ‘lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul’ (Deuteronomy 11:18). Another sign of God’s wisdom is that, with enough repetition, the very activities, no matter how mundane they are, will trigger thoughts of God in our minds.” (Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper, pp.34-35)
When we are purposeful in our tradition making by our planning and consistency then our children will take notice and the lessons therein will sink into their hearts and minds hopefully for the rest of their lives. As parents, we are to follow God’s commands, as the Spirit fulfills God’s purposes through us.
Traditions During The Holidays
I am not advocating that every tradition we make must have a serious theme. There are silly traditions and there are serious traditions. The holidays seem to be an easier time to build traditions around, especially ones that teach lessons concerning God’s Word.
For Christmas this year, my husband and I are beginning the tradition of practicing Advent. I just purchased a copy of Truth In The Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands to begin with my children. This book includes 24 lessons and companion crafts centered around teaching the TRUE meaning of Christmas. I am looking forward to making this a family tradition throughout the years.
This previous year I was introduced to Resurrection Eggs as a way of teaching the TRUE meaning of Easter to young hearts. There are many companion books to choose from also for Resurrection Eggs. It is so important that we teach our children the Gospel message at Easter, that Jesus died and rose again to offer us salvation from our sins.
The Thanksgiving holiday just ended, but I found it to be such a delight to speak with my children about the discipline of being thankful. It also reminded me how being thankful and counting the many blessing that God has bestowed upon our family should not just be something done one time a year but all year round.
Traditions Year Round
Holidays seem to be an easy time to come up with spiritual lessons to guide our children in. However, as Christian parents, we are commanded to teach our children daily about the Person and things of Christ.
As a family we practice family devotions, or as we call it Family Worship. Family Worship is a time during the day, at least once a day, where the entire family sits down to sing songs of praise to God and to read His Word and pray together. This does not have to be fancy or majorly structured. It may be awkward at first if you are not used to singing in front of one another or praying together, but it does become easier. Practicing Family Worship regularly provides many wonderful opportunities:
1.) Family Worship will teach your children that God is a priority in your home. That He will be worshiped and His Word will be read and honored in your home. This is a very important lesson for every child no matter the age.
2.) Family Worship is a perfect opportunity to begin teaching and showing your children how to pray. When they are young allow them to repeat a prayer after you or prompt them as to how they ought to pray. When they are older allow each child to pray for their own concerns and for the whole family separately.
3.) Family Worship is a great opportunity to check in with each member of your family. Have discussions about spiritual thoughts and needs. Keep each other accountable.
4.) Family Worship is a teaching time. Provide a discussion time that children can come to you with spiritual questions and you can seek God’s Word together to answer that question.
Traditions: Encouraging Our Children Unto the Lord
When we establish family traditions that point to Christ whether it be movie nights, craft days, family devotions, or special holiday traditions we are encouraging our children unto salvation in the Lord.
Every parent desires that their children be happy and intelligent, but as Christian parents, our main desire should be that our children grow to glorify their Creator and to live lives in discipleship to Him. Our most blessed responsibility as a parent is the spiritual education of our children. When we establish family traditions and look for ways to instill God’s Word in their hearts we are blessing their souls more than we could ever imagine.
What Are Some Of Your Favorite Family Traditions?
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Sometimes, however, I think it is a struggle as a stay at home mom to feel as though you are worth something to anyone other than your family. Being integral to the growth of your family is very important and should boost your confidence, but there is something to a day long conversation with a baby while wearing spit up that zaps the brain waves right out of you, or so you feel.
As a homemaker over the last five years I have encountered conversations with some working moms that have left me feeling less than worthy as a woman, wife, and mother. Now, it is not always the other woman’s fault. My confidence falters and so a simple, “What do you do?” can cause feelings of vulnerability and lack of success or achievement to well within me.
Why do we struggle so, when we have made this choice to stay at home? Why does our confidence lag, and our resolve suffer over this choice that we have made to care for our family and our home as a full time job?
There are many ways that I have discovered that allow me to push and challenge myself beyond my formal schooling, while still being able to fulfill my God given responsibility and role as a woman, wife, and mother. For any other homemakers out there that are feeling a little overwhelmed, a little lazy, or a little under-pampered take a note or two from my experience.
1.) Make God’s Word a Priority
Beginning with a small devotional and prayer is definitely a good start, but challenge yourself to truly make God’s Word the priority in your personal life as well as your family life. God’s Word cannot be exhausted. The Holy Spirit will reveal God’s Word to us in new and exciting ways the more we get to know our Lord.
We live in a day and time where Bible commentaries and theology textbooks are easy to find, reference, and even read. Make it a part of your study to jump out further than just a small ten minute devotional to stretching your understanding of who God is and what His Word says.
Work on Scripture memorization as a way to exercise your brain and spiritual disciplines.
This might be trivializing the decision to homeschool a little bit, but as a teacher you learn a lot.Homeschooling will keep your mind sharp as a parent, while you desire to bring your children the best education possible.
3.) Take Some “ME” Time
When you are with the kids all day, sometimes it is nice to have a moment to yourself to recuperate. Take a bath or step on the treadmill as your husband takes over with the children just to have a moment to clear your mind.
4.) Read a Book
I take turns between the style of book I will read. At one point during the year I will get into a fiction series and enjoy just relaxing and letting go for a bit while I attempt to read at least one chapter a day. Other seasons I will read a book on parenting or a book on a spiritual matter. Rotate the style of book you are reading to exercise your brain in creativity and learning.
5.) Pick Up a Hobby or Two
I have been told in the past that I have too many hobbies. I admit that I have a tendency to try different things on a regular basis. One year I was into scrapbooking, the next couple of years I had a cloth diapering business, etc.
The reason I have tried so many hobbies is not because I am flaky, but because it feeds my creative side. Feed your creative side whether it is scrapbooking, sewing, quilting, etc. It is good for our brains, our hands, our imaginations to do something with our hands.
We are made in the image of God. Our God creates, so it is completely natural for us to have a desire to use our imagination and the creative juices that God gave us as a simple glimpse of His glory.
6.) Write!
At least for me one of the greatest new ventures in my life has been starting a blog. It has forced me to think more than any other single hobby in my life because it ties all of these other things above together. I am able to push myself spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually by writing for my blog.
I am also able to be myself on my blog. I am able to voice my opinions and share my beliefs in a forum where they might not otherwise be accepted because of differing viewpoints or personalities amongst family or friends.
I have researched some posts as if they were term papers spending upwards of 15-20 hours researching a subject. I have spent many hours in my Bible, reading commentaries, and listening to sermons trying to understand what God has to say about a specific matter. I then write on these to focus my thoughts and my new knowledge. I learn more during this process and it sticks with me better because I wrote it down.
Whether you choose to do this on the web or in a personal journal, I suggest you write. Write your thoughts, write your feelings, write what you know and what you are learning.
Purposing To Self-Educate
As homemakers we can feel a little stifled sometimes. I believe it is very important that we purpose to continue to stretch our minds, imaginations, and skills beyond any formal schooling.
Homemakers are NOT unintelligent. Homemakers have made a choice to fulfill what they believe is God’s will for their life, some sacrificing a promising career, some just following in the footsteps of their mothers. Whatever your background, whatever your education, whatever your skills you can always grow and mature spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
There will be seasons in your life where this proves easier than others and that is okay. Don’t give up! Know that your worth comes from God, and He will help you!
Do You Ever Struggle As Homemaker With Feeling A Lack Of Confidence?
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Do you ever wonder why your dentist asks you to come in every six months for a check up and then insists you sit through an X-RAY?
Do you ever wonder why fluoride is in your drinking water and toothpaste, yet it is considered toxic by the FDA and if you consume too much you are advised to call Poison Control?
For all those who think that dental procedures are just a normal part of life and everyone gets cavities, THINK AGAIN.
This is what the ADA doesn’t want you to know …
Your teeth do not need to be poked, prodded, and drilled …
You can clean and restore your own teeth without any special dentists, chemicals, or procedures!
We have been told a lot of flat out myths over the years when it comes to our teeth. The strides the government has taken to shield this from our view is appalling. Many dentists have realized the error in their ways, and now, follow a much more natural path. However, the majority of dentists are still promoting these fallacies.
Myth #1: Fluoride is Essential to Healthy Teeth
“Fluoridation is the greatest case of scientific fraud of this century” (Robert Carlton, Ph.D., former U.S. EPA scientist on “Marketplace” Canadian Broadcast Company Nov 24, 1992)
In the late 1940’s, the Department of Public Health recognized a study which showed that people drinking from local water sources possessing more natural fluoride had healthier teeth and less cavities than those people which drank from local water sources containing less natural fluoride. With the results of that study in hand, the Department of Public Health raced to find a man-made chemical fluoride to aid cities around the United States as they added fluoride to their public water systems.
It is very important that we realize that the fluoride added to our water supplies is not the natural mineral fluoride. The man-made chemical fluoride compound added to our drinking water is actually a toxic waste product from phosphate fertilizer plants. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola:
“Fluoride is a cumulative poison. Approximately 98 percent of the fluoride you ingest in water is absorbed into your blood through your gastrointestinal tract. From there, it enters your body’s cellular tissues. On average, about 50 percent of the fluoride you ingest each day gets excreted through your kidneys.
Whether this happens or not is highly dependent on the presence of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C, and selenium in your bloodstream, to which the fluoride will bind so that it no longer is seeking calcium-rich tissues that make up so much of your body. The remainder accumulates in your teeth and bones, pineal gland, and other tissues, including your blood vessels.” (www.Mercola.com)
In January 2011, the EPA relented under growing concern about the dangers of fluoride from the public and lowered the maximum amount of fluoride allowed in public drinking water. In 2006 the National Academy of Sciences recognized the detrimental effects of fluorosis, poisoning from an overabundance of fluoride in the body. (FoxNews.com) In its mildest form it appears as white spotting on teeth. In its worst state it causes pitting and discoloration of teeth leading to other major dental problems. As of 2010, thirty-two percent of children suffered from dental fluorosis. (HuffingtonPost.com) FluorideAlert.org explains that excessive fluoride exposure has also been linked to a range of other chronic ailments including arthritis, bone fragility, glucose intolerance, gastrointestinal distress, thyroid disease, and possibly cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
A 2012 Harvard study showed disturbing evidence that fluoridation greatly affects the brain, lowering I.Q. levels of children living in those regions with highly fluoridated water. Studies are also beginning to link fluoride’s effects on the brain to Alzheimer’s. (FoxNews.com)
So why, you might ask, was this toxic chemical ever allowed to be put into our drinking water? Well there are more than a few people asking that question.
Fluoride can be filtered by distillation, reverse osmosis, or by my personal favorite a Berkey Water Filter.
You can pay big bucks for Fluoride Free Toothpaste or just make some yourself at home for pennies. I use this Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste Recipe from Keeper of the Home. If you prefer not to buy all of the individual ingredients but still want to make it at home, you can purchase a toothpaste kit from The Bulk Herb Store:
Myth #2: A Root Canal Is A Safe Procedure
All of my life I had heard about the pain involved in having a root canal procedure done, but I did not actually know what a root canal was. Our teeth are not just “pearly whites” sitting there ready to chomp our food, although they do this with great ability. Our teeth are made of the hardest substances in our bodies. The outer layer of our teeth is the enamel which encases the dentin. In the middle of each tooth is what is called the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber contains blood vessels and nerves in its soft structure. The root of each tooth connects to the jawbone and these are held in place by your periodontal ligament. (WebMD.com)
Dr. Joseph Mercola explains that dentists are taught in dental school that “each tooth has one to four major canals. However, there are accessory canals that are never mentioned. … Just as your body has large blood vessels that branch down into very small capillaries, each of your teeth has a maze of very tiny tubules that, if stretched out, would extend for three miles. Weston Price identified as many as 75 separate accessory canals in a single central incisor (front tooth).”
When a root canal is performed the pulp within the tooth is removed and in its place a foreign substance is inserted to fill the chamber. Oral bacteria remains in this area and becomes toxic. When your immune system is strong these toxins may not harm you, but when your immune system fails to keep them in check these toxins can easily enter your bloodstream or into surrounding tissues. This is when a simple root canal can cause major complications.
The idea behind a root canal is to keep infection from occurring and abscesses from forming, but what a patient is not told is that many times the risk of the root canal procedure is much higher (as well as to save a damaged tooth instead of removing it in favor of a false tooth). Root canals have been linked in studies performed by Dr. Weston A. Price to heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, joint, and rheumatic diseases, neurological diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
According to a five-year study performed by Dr. Robert Jones on three hundred breast cancer cases, there is an extremely high correlation between root canals and breast cancer. His findings showed that ninety-three percent of women who had breast cancer had also had root canals performed on them. Dr. Josef Issels claims that in forty years of practice, ninety-seven percent of his terminal cancer patients had also had root canals. (Mercola.com)
Dr. Joseph Mercola, explains in a recent article, that when the mercury from amalgam fillings is paired with the toxic bacteria hiding in the root canal the results can be disastrous. He describes how this pairing of toxins with mercury can actually alter a person’s DNA and cause a whole host of new diseases and birth defects not only affecting the patient, but also his family tree.
The safety of the root canal has been hotly debated among dentists for over one hundred years. Those that claim the safety of the root canal procedure have no legitimate studies or research to back their claims. To protect yourself from possible disease down the road, it is as simple as having a tooth pulled. Not only might this save your life, its a heck of a lot cheaper too!
Myth #3: It Is Better To Remove The Wisdom Teeth When A Patient Is Young
There are so many youth and young adults having their wisdom teeth removed now at the suggestion of their dentist, even though they show no sign of discomfort or problems. Why is this allowed? Ten to twelve percent of people will develop appendicitis or cholecystitis. You will not hear any doctor prescribe that a patient prophylactically remove his appendix or gallbladders on the off chance that he might need to one day based on these statistics. However, studies show that the exact same percentage, only ten to twelve percent, of people will develop impacted wisdom teeth that need to one day be removed, yet dentitsts are claiming that eighty-five percent of wisdom teeth need to be extracted? (Jay W. Friedman, DDS, MPH, The National Center For Biotechnology).
Uninformed dentists have been telling these myths to their patients for years:
Third Molars Have A High Incidence of Pathology
Early Removal Of Third Molars Is Less Traumatic
Pressure of Erupting Third Molars Causes Crowding of Anterior Teeth
The Risk of Pathology in Impacted Third Molars Increases With Age
There is Little Risk of Harm in the Removal of Third Molars
These statements are not true and actually studies show the opposite. Dentists also do not make it a habit to tell their patients the extent of risk present in having this surgery performed, especially when there is no health related reason to having it performed in the first place.
According to Jay W. Friedman, DDS, MPH, complications of wisdom teeth extraction include:
Pain
Swelling
Trismus
Hemorrhage
Alveolar osteitis (dry socket)
Periodontal damage
Soft-tissue infection
Injury to temporomandibular joint
Malaise
Temporary paresthesia (numbness of the lips, tongue, and cheek)
Permanent paresthesia
Fracture of adjacent teeth
Fracture of the mandible
Fracture of the maxilla
Sinus exposure or infection
Anesthetic complications
Many of these complications are not as RARE as your dentist would like you to believe. Is it more important to have your wisdom teeth removed early on the small chance that you might need to later in life even if the percentages are much higher that you will fall prey to one or more of these complications? For me, that is not a very difficult question.
Myth #4: Having Metal In Your Mouth Is Not Dangerous (Fillings)
The safety of silver fillings have been debated for years. Amalgam fillings, silver fillings, are are the easiest and cheapest for dentists to use. These fillings are primarily in question for their mercury content, about 1,000 mg. Amalgam fillings contain more mercury than any other product in America.
Dr. Joseph Mercola explains in his article, “Dangers of Mercury Contamination,” that mercury is the most toxic of all the heavy metals. Mercury poisoning can affect the body’s neurological, immunological, and endocrinological processes. Mercury hinders the body’s ability to detoxify itself which leads to further illness. Research links neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to mercury exposure.
Dentists are taught that because the mercury is bound with other metals, mercury does not leak into the patient’s body. However, studies show that mercury vapor can be measured from the tip of an amalgam filled tooth. The fact that this vapor can be measured, means that mercury is leaking into the body. Dr. Joseph Mercola continues to explain the dangers of mercury contamination:
“Once released from an amalgam-filled tooth, mercury in the form of nonreactive mercury vapor goes from your mouth to your lungs, then to your brain via your bloodstream. A common enzyme in your body called catalase converts (oxidizes) mercury vapor into the “Hg2plus” form, which is VERY toxic, and traps it inside your cells. Once here, it is very difficult for your body to remove it.
Experts say the mercury from amalgam is highly absorbed and gets into all parts of your body, including your brain and bone marrow. Every time you chew, mercury vapor is being liberated from those fillings and absorbed, potentially causing your health to decline over time.” (Mercola.com)
Many composite fillings, the second most used by dentists, are not much better than their amalgam counterparts. According to Douglas L. Cook, DDS, SC, most composite fillings contain the additives aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and fluoride. Metal oxides are very dangerous to a person’s health. If you are in need of a filling, ask about composite fillings that do not contain these dangerous metal oxides.
There is much valid research to prove the danger of amalgam fillings. Silver fillings should never be given to anyone, much less children and women of child-bearing age. The FDA has been unwilling to seriously consider the evidence presented to them when their own scientific panel says:
“Chronic exposure to mercury, even in minute amounts, is known to be toxic and poses significant risks to human health. Current scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that dental amalgam unnecessarily exposes dental patients to substantial amounts of mercury vapor, particulates and other forms and is therefore not a suitable material for dental restoration.”
Furthermore, “It is incompatible with current valid scientific evidence to continue to endorse or otherwise condone the use of a permanently implanted material in teeth that continuously emits a very potent enzyme inhibitor and metabolic toxin. Moreover, mercury’s damaging influence on the developing brain makes dental amalgam an entirely inappropriate material for use in children and women of childbearing age.” (The Center For Natural Dentistry)
If you are concerned about your dental health and desire to read more on the dangers of metal in your mouth, and/or how to go about having it removed and replaced in a healthy way read Dr. Joseph Mercola’s Article here.
To read more on the glaring evidence that the FDA is ignoring concerning amalgam fillings and their mercury content read this article by The Center For Natural Dentistry: “Dangers of Dental Mercury”
Myth #5: Dental X-RAYS Must Be Taken Yearly To Maintain Proper Dental Health.
Many dentists require their patients to have an X-RAY performed every six months to one year. They claim it is to maintain optimal dental health. Usually insurance covers this, and the dentist gets paid.
However, if you question the necessity of having an X-RAY at a particular appointment or if you dare say the “R” word and question the level of radiation you are receiving, the dental hygienist or dentist will be quick to respond with the same pat answer, “you receive less radiation from a dental X-RAY than if you were outside enjoying the sun.” Funny how they all give the same response, isn’t it?
Well, next time your dentist tells you this, give him a little lesson in science, the electromagnetic spectrum to be exact. John W. Gofman, M.D., Ph.D. reports:
“The mistaken assumption is that the ultraviolet light from the sun is comparable to the penetrating photons of x-rays and gamma rays. … Ultraviolet radiation does not penetrate past the skin, it does not cause cancer of internal organs such as the tongue, lungs, breast, pancreas, colon, etc. Ultraviolet light can cause cancers of the skin (and probably some cancers of the eye). X-rays can cause cancer not only of the skin, but also of any internal organ exposed by the x-ray beam.” (By John W. Gofman, M.D., Ph.D., and Egan O’Connor. The X-Rays and Health Project)
We are exposed to more radiation today than ever before in human history. Airplanes, cell phones, x-rays, even our food contributes to our radiation levels. Radiation is cumulative over the body’s lifetime. Children are very vulnerable to damage by radiation exposure, says the Chicago Tribune, considering a child is still growing. Radiation can hinder the proper development of cells.
The thyroid is one of the biggest concerns during a dental X-RAY for both an adult and a child. During a dental X-RAY a lead cover is placed over the major organs of the body, but the thyroid is left open for exposure. Unless you specifically ask for a thyroid guard, more than likely this lead shield will not be offered to protect you from the harmful radiation.
My advice, skip the x-ray if it is just a regular dental check-up. When you do need one, make sure you are covered with a lead vest, and do not forget to ask for that thyroid guard.
Myth #6: Routine Dental Examinations Are Necessary.
I believe that there are many good reasons to have dentists around. In much the same way that I am glad that there are doctors when I truly need them, I am glad that there are dentists when I truly need them. However, this modern day notion that every person young and old ought to visit the doctor or dentist at least once a year (and in many cases much more often) to be issued a clean bill of health is ludicrous.
I do not need to take my child into the pediatrician yearly just to answer a few questions on my car seat strapping procedure; nor does the doctor need to hear my child speak, or see my child walk to tell me if he or she is healthy. Unless my child is showing signs of illness or signs of problems with her teeth, I do not see a need to take him or her to the office on a strict schedule.
I understand the argument, that it is for maintenance. A check-up is for catching things before they become an issue. Whereas I am not against having my child’s teeth looked at, at some point, to make sure that everything is in good and proper order, I am concerned that the drill-happy dentist might get a little carried away.
I have seen it happen on more than one occasion. A dentist saw my husband for the first time in three years. She cleaned his teeth and took his X-RAYS and told him to come back in a week because they needed to drill and seal what looked like it might turn into a cavity one day. It wasn’t until months later that he could finally chew on that side of his mouth; and all for the “mystical cavity” that never was, but might have been.
Dr. Fredrick Douglas Burton, M.D., explains that much disease comes from dental work performed in the mouth. Dentists are not properly trained, and not given new information concerning issues with outdated practices or dangerous methods. In Dr. Burton’s twenty years of practice, he has found that the source of many illnesses comes from diseased teeth, metal filled teeth, implanted teeth, root canals, metal braces and cavitations (cavities in the bone and gum).
What dentists meant to fix, actually caused life long health complications.
Myth #7: Without Modern Dental Care We Would All Be Toothless.
I cannot count how many times I have had conversations where someone would argue that without fluoride in our drinking water we would all have cavities and our teeth would be falling out.
I have had friends with young elementary age children tell me that they are already planning on having their children’s wisdom teeth removed early because they do not want it to be worse for them later.
I have read stories of those who have battled courageously with cancer for years, all to find out that it began with a mercury laden filling placed in their mouth once upon a time.
What is the truth? By no means, are dentists an evil group looking to poison us all. I might claim that about the FDA, but that is another post entirely (just kidding – sort of). You might ask, if dentists are not bad, but dental work might be, where do I go from here?
I will give you the exact same answer, I would give to someone asking about general healthcare. BE INFORMED! Take the responsibility on yourself to research medications, procedures, etc. Just because a man or woman has “alphabet soup” behind their name does not mean they know everything. You are your best advocate, because it is your body and your future health.
Practical Dental Care
Brushing and flossing daily is the most simple and logical step that you can take to proactively care for your teeth. Remember use fluoride-free toothpaste! Secondly, eating a healthy, whole foods, nutrient rich diet can impact your dental health more than you know. Sure we hear that sugar will give you cavities, but did you know that you can actually reverse tooth decay without ever going to see a dentist?
Dr. Weston A. Price did much research in this area. He documented for many years as he traveled, the plight of indigenous people groups as they came into contact with modern industry and commerce. Time after time, these once healthy people with healthy teeth would see declining health and tooth decay as over-processed and sugary foods made their way into each person’s diet.
“Through blood tests, Dentist Melvin Page pinpointed the cause of tooth decay in modern people. When our blood chemistry is out of balance, primarily from the consumption of processed foods (especially sugars), the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in our blood deviates from normal. When this happens, minerals are pulled from the bones causing tooth and other bone loss. So, sugar causes tooth decay because it depletes nutrients from the body, not because bacteria eat it and produce acid. In order to restore the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in our blood, and to enable minerals to bond unto our teeth, it is usually not sufficient just to avoid eating too much sweet or processed foods. One must also eat health building foods, containing potent amounts of minerals and vitamins to create a chain reaction that will build glassy hard tooth structure in place of decayed tooth structure.” (Natural News)
A study performed by Doctors Edward and May Mellanby, showed that diets where oatmeal was ingested regularly hindered healing and actually encouraged new cavities to form, presumably due to its ability to prevent mineral absorption. The same study showed that simply adding Vitamin D rich foods to the diet improved tooth health. The most impressive findings were of those diets which were completely grain-free, eating Vitamin D rich foods. This group had no new cavities forming and the cavities which previously existed had healed.
Diet has a huge impact on dental health. By cutting the sugars and increasing vitamin dense whole foods to our diet we can not only limit the cavities, but we can heal them too! Who needs drills and mercury? Go eat a spinach salad, and sprinkle a little Kelp on top to help with all that radiation poisoning!
Filter the fluoride out of your water and use fluoride-free toothpaste.
Do not have a root canal procedure. Have the tooth pulled if absolutely necessary.
Do not get amalgam fillings. Ask for a composite filling without metal oxides added.
Have x-rays taken sparingly and always use a lead cover-up and thyroid guard.
Choose a Biological Dentist if at all possible for check-ups and necessary procedures.
There are many things in the modern world of healthcare that we would greatly benefit from being more informed. When it comes to our dental health we need to understand how our small decisions might affect the big picture of our long term health. Asking questions and pursuing answers should be priority. Taking control of your dental health might be new a concept for some, but when it might be as easy as a change of the diet or flip of the faucet, trust me, its worth it!
If you need a book that can help you eat a healthier, whole foods diet, try Real Food Basics! For only $6.95 you’ll get 30 recipes that your entire family will eat, including pizza, fries, cheese sauce, sausage gravy, coffee cake, and more. Healthy-style! This book also contains the “what and why” of the real food lifestyle.
Parents have differing views concerning the appropriate age that formal education should begin. Especially amongst home schooling families, these debates can get rather heated. As parents, we mount our soap boxes and ready our well-versed arsenal of educational opinions sometimes unleashing a tirade of unschooling, Charlotte Mason, Classical, (name your bent) rhetoric on our unsuspecting friends. Some of us conform to a specific style of education and others make it up as they go. Sometimes we make a moral issue where there is not one. Each family needs to do what is appropriate for them and their children.
I am here to say that I am one of those that is making it up as I go, kind of. I have an idea of what the different styles are of home schooling, but I have not taken the time to actually research them or adhere to one or another. Before you go trying to convert to your way of schooling, let me explain. I have a preschooler and a kindergartner. I am more worried about what my child’s style of learning is at this point than what style of schooling I will choose to adhere to. Who knows, maybe one of my daughters will be unschooled and another will be taught classically. My daughter’s personalities are about as starkly different as those two styles of schooling. It would not surprise me if they learned best in completely different ways.
I began Pre-K with my daughter when she was three. Some might balk at this idea considering she was so young, but she asked to begin because her cousin who was two years older than she had started home schooling. I was truly stunned at how amazingly smart my daughter was, and how quickly she picked up on what she was taught. I can brag on her a little, can’t I? My daughter was reading short stories before she turned four years old. I was impressed.
I have learned quite a few things over the last year and a half of educating such a young child. There are many factors to consider before you impose a home school schedule on such a little one but it can be done in such a way that is beneficial to the child and prepares him or her with a solid base before formal education begins.
What Is Your Goal?
My goal for beginning my daughter’s education early was
That she learn something (obviously)
That she have fun
That I set aside time to individually spend with my daughter
I am a little embarrassed to say but that last one was much needed. I was very poor at setting aside time with her. It helped me greatly to have a special time set aside a few days a week to spend just with my daughter. It made me spend time with her.
What is Your Schedule?
It is important to have an idea of a schedule when you are dealing with young ones. Children respond to schedules. They like to know what to expect in a day, but young children also need flexibility. If my daughter was having an off day we would take a day or even a week just to let her relax and play and when she was ready to get back to school we would do it.
Curriculum Overload: What to Teach?
There are a lot of great curriculums out there to choose from, but it can be overwhelming when it comes down to choosing one for your child. Some single “open and go” curriculums cover a multitude of basic subjects with pre-made lesson plans that weave one theme throughout each lesson. These are great for repetition but do tend to be a bit more involved on the parental end and expensive. It is important to remember if you do choose this type of curriculum to be open to cutting some material so that you do not begin to feel overwhelmed as if you “HAVE” to complete each item on the list. Only complete in a day what will both challenge and interest your child, but not bore or irritate her.
For especially young ages it is a good idea to gauge where your child’s skill and intellectual level is at. I personally am not a mom who likes to check off lists that put my child into a particular category; that method of assessing my child’s development has always irked me a bit, but to each his own. I prefer to just make mental notes as to where I feel my child is excelling, where she may need a little encouragement, and I especially try to pay attention to what excites her.
I bought a complete curriculum when I first began doing Pre-K with my eldest. It has stayed on the bookshelf since the first month. It was totally beneath my daughter’s level of learning and it did not engage her in the slightest. This initial set back put me on me on the course to where I find myself now doing what I like to refer to as hodge podge home schooling.
I mix and match my curriculums. I always try to ensure that my daughter is loving learning so I choose very tactile and colorful curriculums. I choose curriculums that are age appropriate. I strive to buy curriculums that fulfill her interests at the time. My daughter just discovered a love for everything art. That month we went out and bought an art curriculum (okay, actually three) and loaded up on sketch books, graphite pencils, pastels, paint, modeling clay, and such. Some might think I went a little overboard. I admit I did, but I bought everything on sale and with coupons and pretty much anything is worth seeing that smile as she draws everything in her line of sight. She and I have had a lot of fun improving our artistic skills together.
My online searching for curriculum brought with it the discovery of a wealth of Free printables, resources, and tools online to aid me in my homeschooling. Some of my favorites:
I have also found that with all of the curriculum choices out there, I was not able to find everything that I wanted or needed. It was very difficult for me to find a Bible curriculum for our children that I felt met my standards. I wanted a Bible curriculum that included character training along with Bible doctrine and theology but on a small child’s level of understanding. I searched for about a year but could not find something that included all that I wanted. I found many character training studies that were great; expensive, but quality. However, finding a Bible curriculum that taught more than just simple Bible stories proved impossible.
When I could not find a curriculum that suited my needs, I set out to create my own. My husband and I met at Bible College, where my degree was in Christian Education. My desire and dream was to write Christian curriculum one day for children. At that time I never thought it would be for my own children. God presented me with the opportunity so I ran with it. The ABC’s For Godly Girls was where my efforts led me.
The ABC’s For Godly Girls is meant to aid in the Christian and Biblical education of young girls (ages four to ten). There are a variety of Biblical topics covered:
Character Training
Biblical Womanhood
Doctrine
Theology
There is one concept presented for each letter of the alphabet (i.e. “A” is for Attitude”). Each concept presented has a Bible memory verse to help the child understand what the Bible has to say concerning it. The accompanying handbook is thorough and gives further instructions, lesson plans, activities, and craft ideas as how to help your child grasp each concept.
The ABC’s for Godly Girls can be used as a stand-alone Bible Curriculum or as a supplement to your current Bible material. This curriculum is meant to promote interaction with your young daughter as you teach her what the Word of God has to say about who she is as a growing lady and who she is in Christ.
As parents, we are commanded to teach “diligently” God’s Word to our children as we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, and when we both lie down and rise up (Deuteronomy 6:7). We are pretty much commanded to talk about God all the time in our family and have Him be a part of everyday conversation and living. This only reinforces the first and greatest commandment, “love the Lord your God with all your heart mind and strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). The ABC’s For Godly Girls will aid you in your journey to fulfill these words in Scripture. It is a tool to help guide you as you traverse the hard subjects in Scripture concerning the nature of the Gospel such as Justification by Faith and God’s Sovereignty but it will also help you as you instill a right understanding within your little girl of what God expects a woman to be. The ABC’s For Godly Girls will teach your daughters about the God that they serve and how to have a heart like His.
If you would like to learn more about The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum please visit Road to 31 where you can download FREE educational printables and view sample lessons. If you would like your own copy for FREE enter the Give Away below!
Modern Alternative Mama has been so kind to host a GIVE AWAY! TWO ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum Sets will be given away one week from today! This set includes:
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