Since receiving an e-reader for Christmas a year ago, I have found many sources for free e-books. And one of the great things about free e-books is that they can be deleted if they do not live up to a person's expectations. My eyes have been opened, however, in that every book that has been tagged as either being a Christian book or written by a Christian author may not ring true to my beliefs. Take for example one book I read last night, downloaded from Smashwords.com. While the author was true in writing about one needing to be careful about cult religions like Mormons who believe that Satan and Christ are brothers and that Christ worked his way to goddom, the rest of his book left me scratching my head at his true beliefs, especially towards salvation, and wondering whether or not his beliefs or the teaching of the so-called church he attends teaches their attendees right from wrong. There was no real in-depth discussion about putting one's trust in Christ as our Savior and following Him, although the book had four or five individuals who up and decided to be baptized one Sunday, with one former Catholic wanting to renew his faith. Maybe the author just did not go as in-depth into the discussion and truly believes as I that one has to put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only way to salvation. But then the author discussed sexual dreams and other disturbing sequences to me. Why was that in a so-called Christian fiction story? And to have a man and woman decide to get married after knowing one another for less than 24 hours? Was it a marriage of passion, not of true commitment? The book, barely over 100 pages, truly, truly left me scratching my head; and this was not the first e-book I had downloaded that was tagged as Christian that I just did not see the implication of such. And while I did not finish reading the book, what I did read left me disturbed; I should not feel disturbed if I read or partially read a book that is labeled as Christian material!
Another person who is tagged as a Christian author and whose books I have read have also left me scrathing my head, wondering why her books are characterized as such. Some of her novels are characterized with shape-shifting, werewolves, and such. I downloaded one such book, but quickly deleted it as it was not something I wanted to read. Some of her other books barely mention Christ at all, although they do mention going to church, even though not regularly. True, this author's books - and I believe the author is a woman - does not have her characters using foul language, but again, the sexual references are alluded to, although not in quite the detail as the male author whom I just spoke of used.
Where am I going with this? Folks, if we truly call ourselves Christians,our beliefs should be clear and plain in what we speak or write. As such, Christians need to be so in tune with their beliefs that they can spot impostors. And true Christians need to be careful not to confuse their speech with incorrect terms. For example, I have noticed some of my friends who call themselves Christians speaking of karma. Karma is not a Christian term, and like Astrology, should not be confused or thought of as being Christian in nature; it is not. Karma is a Buddhist term, and Buddhism is not a Christian religion, i.e., it is NOT based on the beliefs of the Bible and the following of Christ as our Savior.
I am thankful for Christian authors who uphold their true, Christian beliefs, and for the books they publish. Again, however, discernment for those who are truly following Christ, and in this day and time, the terminology of Christian Writers are often being skewed. I pray that today's blog will encourage at least one true Christian to be careful with both their speech, selection of books, and of their knowledge of the Bible and its teachings.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Water Damaged Building
I wonder how many individuals will do a search for Water Damaged Building and will come across this blog? Anyway, just curious. Nevertheless, a WDB ruined my health. I'm surprised still yet at the number of individuals that I know who still are unfamiliar why I've kind of dropped off the face of the earth. Kind of makes a person wonder if anyone cares...
If you suspect that you are ill from the effects of mold generated from a water damaged building, go to www.globalindoorhealthnetwork.com - it's a great resource and has a wealth of info on it.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Loss of a True Friend
On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, I put my nearly-constant companion of the past seven and a half years to sleep. Jasper, a mixed breed dog, had had a number of surgeries over his short lifespan, with most of them geared to fixing his myriad of orthopaedic problems. Last fall it was discovered that he had already worn out both back hips, so we were keeping him happy and able to go by medicating him with a combination of Deramaxx and Tramadol. But on Tuesday morning, it was apparent that my boy was in extreme pain, so I rushed him to his veterinarian, which, unfortunately, is a 50 mile one-way trip. I do not regret my decision, nor have I sufficiently grieved over my loss, partly because I know it was the right thing to do. But Jasper was my buddy, my pal, my dog.
Jasper and his four sisters were discovered on Christmas Day, 2002, and they could not have been over five weeks old. Someone had abandoned them by a local horse trail, and for reasons still unknown to me, I took a drive out to that area after our Christmas dinner. We did not need another pet, much less more dogs, as we already had three dogs and three cats. But I brought three of them home, having found an individual willing to take the two black female puppies off my hands.
Jasper was an extremely shy puppy from the get-go, and his sister that we ended up keeping as well, Missy, bullied him mercilessly. I would have to stand guard over him while he ate his food; otherwise, Missy would gobble it all down; in fact, Missy's name evolved from the nickname, Miss Piggy.
Missy first became my dog, but when Jasper had his first knee surgery between the age of one and two years old, he then became mine and poor Missy bounced back and forth between being my husband and son's dog until about three years ago when she finally became my son's constant companion. It's a thousand wonders that Jasper ever trusted me as much as he did as I was always the one who took him to the vet, and over the years he had the following operations: 1) combined neutering and hernia operation; 2) removal of a cyst located between his eyes; 3) removal of a cyst behind his left front leg; 4) treatment for severe hot spots; and 5) three operations to correct subluxating kneecaps (he voided the first operation when he was placed in a crate for the first time, unattended, and the operation had to be performed a second time). But he was a tough fellow, and rarely complained, although he must have been in pain. And when I asked his veterinarians when would the time right to put him to sleep, they said when he was no longer happy and willing to do things; so that took up right up until yesterday.
All my other pets, with the exception of one, have lived to ripe old ages, so maybe I grieve Jasper's loss a little more than the others. I already miss his big head, nudging my left arm up and over his neck to pet and hug him; miss his big body following me to the restroom, outside, in the kitchen, or to lay beside me in the living room while watching tv. I'll also think of him and miss him when I'm eating popcorn, as he dearly loved it, and I continue to think of him when I see his favorite toys (a tennis ball or large, soft, squeaky toys) or his empty food bowl.
We still have other dogs that will help fill the void, but they will never replace my Jabber Joy. Rest in peace, my dear friend; you've earned it. Lovingly, Mommy
Jasper and his four sisters were discovered on Christmas Day, 2002, and they could not have been over five weeks old. Someone had abandoned them by a local horse trail, and for reasons still unknown to me, I took a drive out to that area after our Christmas dinner. We did not need another pet, much less more dogs, as we already had three dogs and three cats. But I brought three of them home, having found an individual willing to take the two black female puppies off my hands.
Jasper was an extremely shy puppy from the get-go, and his sister that we ended up keeping as well, Missy, bullied him mercilessly. I would have to stand guard over him while he ate his food; otherwise, Missy would gobble it all down; in fact, Missy's name evolved from the nickname, Miss Piggy.
Missy first became my dog, but when Jasper had his first knee surgery between the age of one and two years old, he then became mine and poor Missy bounced back and forth between being my husband and son's dog until about three years ago when she finally became my son's constant companion. It's a thousand wonders that Jasper ever trusted me as much as he did as I was always the one who took him to the vet, and over the years he had the following operations: 1) combined neutering and hernia operation; 2) removal of a cyst located between his eyes; 3) removal of a cyst behind his left front leg; 4) treatment for severe hot spots; and 5) three operations to correct subluxating kneecaps (he voided the first operation when he was placed in a crate for the first time, unattended, and the operation had to be performed a second time). But he was a tough fellow, and rarely complained, although he must have been in pain. And when I asked his veterinarians when would the time right to put him to sleep, they said when he was no longer happy and willing to do things; so that took up right up until yesterday.
All my other pets, with the exception of one, have lived to ripe old ages, so maybe I grieve Jasper's loss a little more than the others. I already miss his big head, nudging my left arm up and over his neck to pet and hug him; miss his big body following me to the restroom, outside, in the kitchen, or to lay beside me in the living room while watching tv. I'll also think of him and miss him when I'm eating popcorn, as he dearly loved it, and I continue to think of him when I see his favorite toys (a tennis ball or large, soft, squeaky toys) or his empty food bowl.
We still have other dogs that will help fill the void, but they will never replace my Jabber Joy. Rest in peace, my dear friend; you've earned it. Lovingly, Mommy
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Mold-Related Illness: The Hidden and/or Overlooked Disease
Through my time researching mold-related illness, I find that this is not only an unknown disease, but it is one with many faces. Thankfully, I found info from links to others who became ill from living in a toxic house; and not only did one family member become ill, but all of them did! Corresponding with some of these individuals has been a blessing, but through my correspondence with these individuals, as well as with another lady in the southeast area who is also suffering from mold or mycotoxin illness, I find how very few physicians are knowledgeable about the deathly consequences some of us face when we encounter toxic mold.
Mold-related or mycotoxin illnesses go undiagnosed because so many physicians are unfamiliar at the many problems they create; and, it seems that those of us who suffer from mold-related illnesses carry a certain genotype that predisposes us to mold in such a fashion that we cannot expel the mycotixins from our bodies. I have not had the bloodwork to determine if this is the case with me; I have not found a physician in this area that is that knowledgeable about the toxic effects of mold on some individuals. But the Fabrys, who now live in Arizona, have, as has the lady in the southeast area. Another reason that so many individuals go undiagnosed is that most physicians are environmental specialists, and very few insurance companies will cover their services. My current insurance would cover expenses for the physician in Arizona; does one move there? It is a thought, and Robert and I both love the Tucson area. But it is a thought only, at least at this time. Then again, it would be wonderful to go to a physician who truly understands the ins and outs of mold-related illness, some of the symptoms of which are:
Body Aches (muscular, joint, and sinus), headaches, allergies, allergic reactions to food, anxiety, appetite swings, bleeding ears, sinuses, and/or gums, body temperature regulation problems, shortness of breath, bronchitis, charley horses, chills, high cholesterol, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, abnormal circulation, cognitive problems, constipation, coughing, abdominal cramping, delayed recovery from normal activity, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, Endometriosis, burning, red or watery eyes, fatigue, fever, Fibromyalgia, Leaky Gut, Hypoperfusion, inflammation, insomnia, insulin resistance, Interstitial Cystitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Laryngitis, Light sensitivity, Lyme Disease, Metallic taste in mouth, Migraines, Mood swings, Morning stiffness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Muscle cramps, jerks, or twitches, Nausea, Numbness in the arms, legs, feet, or hands, Pain - abdominal, arm, back, chest, chronic, cycles, feet, growing, hip, joints, leg, lungs, mistaking cold and hot, Profuse drooling during sleep, sinus, stabbing, vulvar, Rashes, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Respiratory problems, Rosacea, Seizures, Sensitivity to bright light, Static shocks, Sinus congestion, Sinus infection, Skin sensitivity, Sleep apnea, Sleep disturbance, Stiffness, Sweating (especially during the night), Swelling, Sore throat, Tingling, Burning tongue, Tremors, Frequent urination, Vertigo, Blurred vision, weakness, Weight gain, Weight loss, and Wheezing.
And not everyone will have the same symptoms! Bizarre? No, this makes it understandable why so few physicians are familiar with or overlook mold exposure as a possibllity in diagnosing individuals as having mold-related illness.
I have also read that researchers believe that only a certain population carries the genotype that makes them susceptible to mold-related illness; one site stated about 16% of the population while another said 25%. This reasoning would also verify why so many individuals do not understand my illness, much like the idiot Pulmonologist I went to (he was a major jerk, LOL). And when one succombs to mold-related illness and has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, then people REALLY do not understand! Many individuals do not understand what it's like to try to go out in the public and deal with the profusion of perfumes, scented lotions, laundry detergents and fabric softeners, scents of nicotine on clothing - not to mention cigarette smoke - fumes from petrols, materials, paints, and a myriad of other chemicals. I could go on and on and on, but there is a loneliness associated with this unknown illness that is profound and sometimes devastating. It is difficult to explain to individuals that chemical sensitivities can be caused by mold exposure; it is difficult to explain to individuals that food allergies can be caused by mold exposure as well; and it is difficult to explain to individuals that this appears to be a lifelong journey to the path of wellness that one cannot deviate from. But there are others out there like me that are undiagnosed...I just know there are. And from what I have read, if researchers are correct, then mold exposure CAN cause Multiple Sclerosis and other diseases!
Mold-Related Illness really is a hidden disease, and I just wonder how many people carry this dreaded genotype that others have found they carry.
Mold-related or mycotoxin illnesses go undiagnosed because so many physicians are unfamiliar at the many problems they create; and, it seems that those of us who suffer from mold-related illnesses carry a certain genotype that predisposes us to mold in such a fashion that we cannot expel the mycotixins from our bodies. I have not had the bloodwork to determine if this is the case with me; I have not found a physician in this area that is that knowledgeable about the toxic effects of mold on some individuals. But the Fabrys, who now live in Arizona, have, as has the lady in the southeast area. Another reason that so many individuals go undiagnosed is that most physicians are environmental specialists, and very few insurance companies will cover their services. My current insurance would cover expenses for the physician in Arizona; does one move there? It is a thought, and Robert and I both love the Tucson area. But it is a thought only, at least at this time. Then again, it would be wonderful to go to a physician who truly understands the ins and outs of mold-related illness, some of the symptoms of which are:
Body Aches (muscular, joint, and sinus), headaches, allergies, allergic reactions to food, anxiety, appetite swings, bleeding ears, sinuses, and/or gums, body temperature regulation problems, shortness of breath, bronchitis, charley horses, chills, high cholesterol, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, abnormal circulation, cognitive problems, constipation, coughing, abdominal cramping, delayed recovery from normal activity, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, Endometriosis, burning, red or watery eyes, fatigue, fever, Fibromyalgia, Leaky Gut, Hypoperfusion, inflammation, insomnia, insulin resistance, Interstitial Cystitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Laryngitis, Light sensitivity, Lyme Disease, Metallic taste in mouth, Migraines, Mood swings, Morning stiffness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Muscle cramps, jerks, or twitches, Nausea, Numbness in the arms, legs, feet, or hands, Pain - abdominal, arm, back, chest, chronic, cycles, feet, growing, hip, joints, leg, lungs, mistaking cold and hot, Profuse drooling during sleep, sinus, stabbing, vulvar, Rashes, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Respiratory problems, Rosacea, Seizures, Sensitivity to bright light, Static shocks, Sinus congestion, Sinus infection, Skin sensitivity, Sleep apnea, Sleep disturbance, Stiffness, Sweating (especially during the night), Swelling, Sore throat, Tingling, Burning tongue, Tremors, Frequent urination, Vertigo, Blurred vision, weakness, Weight gain, Weight loss, and Wheezing.
And not everyone will have the same symptoms! Bizarre? No, this makes it understandable why so few physicians are familiar with or overlook mold exposure as a possibllity in diagnosing individuals as having mold-related illness.
I have also read that researchers believe that only a certain population carries the genotype that makes them susceptible to mold-related illness; one site stated about 16% of the population while another said 25%. This reasoning would also verify why so many individuals do not understand my illness, much like the idiot Pulmonologist I went to (he was a major jerk, LOL). And when one succombs to mold-related illness and has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, then people REALLY do not understand! Many individuals do not understand what it's like to try to go out in the public and deal with the profusion of perfumes, scented lotions, laundry detergents and fabric softeners, scents of nicotine on clothing - not to mention cigarette smoke - fumes from petrols, materials, paints, and a myriad of other chemicals. I could go on and on and on, but there is a loneliness associated with this unknown illness that is profound and sometimes devastating. It is difficult to explain to individuals that chemical sensitivities can be caused by mold exposure; it is difficult to explain to individuals that food allergies can be caused by mold exposure as well; and it is difficult to explain to individuals that this appears to be a lifelong journey to the path of wellness that one cannot deviate from. But there are others out there like me that are undiagnosed...I just know there are. And from what I have read, if researchers are correct, then mold exposure CAN cause Multiple Sclerosis and other diseases!
Mold-Related Illness really is a hidden disease, and I just wonder how many people carry this dreaded genotype that others have found they carry.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)