Psalms 148

	Psa 148:1	¶	Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
	Psa 148:2		Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
	Psa 148:3		Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
	Psa 148:4		Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens.
	Psa 148:5		Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
	Psa 148:6		He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
	Psa 148:7		Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
	Psa 148:8		Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
	Psa 148:9		Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
	Psa 148:10		Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
	Psa 148:11		Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
	Psa 148:12		Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
	Psa 148:13		Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.
	Psa 148:14		He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; [even] of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD. Psalms 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!!!!

Saturday Night Fun!

Look at there awe and amazement that I actually hit the log! Ha ha ha!

So this is what we did tonight. We went outside and shot the bb gun and threw knives at a log! I guess I just let the cat out of the bag! We are hicks!

Caleb:Faithful, bold, brave

Andrew:Manly

Anna: Gracious

Joy: Joyful

Anna

Aaron : Mountain of Strength

Benjamin: Son of the right hand

Oldies but Goodies!

Who do you suppose is having more fun? Ben or the kids?

Can you tell we like ice cream?!

These pictures are at least a year old, some older, but I really like them so I thought I'd post them.

Friends

Just like any other brothers and sisters they fight, argue, and can just be outright mean to each other. But yet, they still love each other and play with each other! And I am sure that if they had a choice they would still choose each other to be siblings and friends!

Once upon a time............

Once upon a time in a land far away (almost 7 years to be exact) this was us.

Ben and I met on a mission trip to Mexico. He lived in Kansas and I lived in Tennessee. We kept in minimal contact for about a year and a half. And then all of a sudden we were emailing each other and talking on the phone all the time. So we decided we wanted to get married. I moved back in with my parents in Missouri, to be closer to Ben and to pay off bills/save money (but really I just wanted to be closer to Ben! ) We were married almost 2 years exactly after we met. We've been married almost 7 years now. I still can't believe I married that unbelievably handsome guy I met in Mexico!

Flowers!!!

These are some flowers I took pictures of from our yard.

Mr. S.Q.

We saved this poor little guy from the cat yesterday. He's pretty beat up and can't seem to walk right. He just kind of flops and jerks to get to where he wants to go. He survived the night so maybe he's gonna make it!

Anna

Anna is probably our orneriest child! But she is also very sweet. We sure love her!

Tent

Last night we all crawled into a "tent" that the kids made, and Ben read to them! Then they slept in it. At one point I went in to check on them and the mattress that they were using for part of there ten had fallen on to Aaron and he was still asleep!

Making Butter!

I made butter yesterday and I thought I'd put up a couple pictures of the process!

Pie and bread making in the Moore home

I think these pictures speak for themselves.! :) Don't you think? Flour, dough, children, you have the makings of a wonderful time!

Finally!!!! Purple Dead Nettle

I have seen this plant since I was a kid. It grows like crazy around here. I posted a picture of it on welltellme.com and was told it is Purple Dead Nettle. I looked it up and sure enough, that's what it is! It is edible and medicinal! How cool is that. Isn't God awesome! He gives us all kinds of stuff to eat and use for healing right in our very own backyard.

So, for you fellow Missourian who have wondered what this thing is here you go!

The following was taken from this site: http://www.naturesherbal.com/Purple_Dead_Nettle.htm

Purple Dead Nettle
Lamium purpureum

Other Names: Red Nettle, Red Dead-nettle, Red Henbit, Red Archangel

Habitat: (Lamium purpureum) An annual herb believed to be a native of Europe, now found world-wide and growing in most any situation or soil, mainly in the temperate regions. Considered a weed to be disposed of by some and the edible food plant of the future by others. Cultivation: this inconspicuous plant, given the right conditions will thrive and become quite large. Purple Dead Nettle is a member of the mint family it has a square stem, no basal leaves and the lower leaves are dark green and have short petioles, all leaves are hairy, and are circular in outline with 'scalloped' margins, becoming more purple-red and smaller in the upper leaves. The flowers grow in whorls of 3-6 in the upper leaves. Purple-red in color the flowers are tubular blooming year round. Purple Dead Nettle is a favorite for bees and butterflies, who find abundance of honey in its blossoms. Roots are fine and fibrous. Gather the fresh edible leaves and flowers when in bloom. Dry for later herb use.

Properties: Edible and medicinal, the leaves and upper plants are cooked as pot herbs or added to salads. The plant is very nutritious, high in iron, vitamins and fiber. The whole plant is medicinal, used as an astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, purgative, styptic and tonic. Lab tests show that Lamium purpureum seed oil possess high antioxidant activities, and might be used as a future food-additive. A decoction of the plant is particularly useful for checking any kind of hemorrhage, the fresh bruised leaves can be applied to external cuts and wounds. The dried herb, made into a tea and sweetened with honey, promotes perspiration and acts on the kidneys. A tea made from the fresh plant is an excellent laxative and tonic.

Folklore: Believed by some old wives to be a plague of the fields sent to punish the unrighteous.

TRY THESE RECIPES

Medicinal tea: Add 2 tbsp. fresh or dried herb to to 1 cup water steep for 10 min. strain and drink in ½ cup doses, for laxative, and general tonic.

Pot Herb: Boil flowers and leaves in water for 20 to 30 min. drain, season to taste.

Mothers Day!

Nancy and Mark Moore

Nancy Shaver

Mothers day is this weekend. I wanted to put up pictures of my 2 mothers and say "I love you!" and "thank you for being such great moms!"

Proverbs 31 Woman

This is my wonderful Grannie. Her name is Wanda. In my opinion she is the closest I've ever found to the proverbs 31 woman. She is a wonderful example of a godly help meet and virtuous woman!

	Pro 31:10				Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.
	Pro 31:11 Pro 31:12				The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
	Pro 31:13				She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
	Pro 31:14				She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
	Pro 31:15				She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
	Pro 31:16				She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
	Pro 31:17				She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
	Pro 31:18				She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night.
	Pro 31:19				She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
	Pro 31:20				She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
	Pro 31:21				She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet.
	Pro 31:22				She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple.
	Pro 31:23				Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
	Pro 31:24				She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
	Pro 31:25				Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
	Pro 31:26				She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.
	Pro 31:27				She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
	Pro 31:28				Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.
	Pro 31:29				Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
	Pro 31:30				Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
	Pro 31:31				Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Sewing Together

Back in February, my sewing machine went kaput on me. Ben bought me a new one and we gave my old one to Anna. She absolutely loves to sit next to me when I sew and pretend to sew on her own machine. She say "That ones mommies, and THIS is myyyyyy sewing machine" She's very proud of it!

Poke Weed

This is a picture of a young Poke Weed in our yard.

Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2001

Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright 2000

The 2 pictures and the following information are from this site:

http://www.altnature.com/gallery/pokeweed.htm

Other Names: Poke Salet, American Pokeweed, Cancer-root, Cancer jalap, Inkberry, Pigeon Berry, Pocan, Poke, Poke Root, Pokeberry, Reujin D Ours, Sekerciboyaci, Skoke, Virginian Poke, Yoshu-Yama-Gobo, Yyamilin

Caution : Toxic when misused. For experienced herbalists only. Can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea.

Habitat
Pokeweed is a common perennial native plant, found in Northern and Central N. America from the New England States to Minnesota and south to Florida and Texas, naturalized in Britain and other countries. Growing in damp rich soils in clearings, woodland margins and roadsides. Cultivation: Pokeweed is an easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and full sun or partial shade. The stout erect stalk is tall, growing to 10 feet or more, smooth and branching, turning deep red or purple as the berries ripen and the plant matures. The root is conical, large and fleshy, covered with a thin brown bark. Leaves are about 5 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide, simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate, and smooth. The flowers which appear from July to September are long-stalked clusters and each has 5 whitish petals with green centers. The fruit is a rich deep purple round berry, containing a rich crimson juice. Gather young edible shoots in spring, the roots in fall, slice and dry for later use, and berries as they ripen.

Properties
Pokeweed is edible (cooked) and medicinal. It has a long history of use by Native Americans and in alternative medicine. The young shoots are boiled in two changes of water and taste similar to asparagus, berries are cooked and the resulting liquid used to color canned fruits and vegetables. The root is alterative, anodyne, antiinflammatory, cathartic, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative. It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh, bronchitis and diseases related to a compromised immune system it has potential as an anti-AIDS drug. Some of the chemical constituents in the plant are triterpenoid saponins, lectins, antiviral proteins and many phytolaccagenic acids, which are not completely understood.

New research has revealed that a possible CURE for Childhood Leukemia called (B43-PAP) is found in the common Pokeweed. Anti-B43-pokeweed antiviral protein, B43-PAP, PAP is a pokeweed toxin. The B43 carries the weapon--the PAP--to the leukemia cells. It has been touted as a smart weapon. In one study 15 out of 18 children who had participated had attained remission. The following is part of a repot from Parker Hughes Institute: The two parts of this drug are the B43 antibody (or anti-CD19) and the pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) immunotoxin, a natural product in the pokeweed plant. B43 is designed to recognize specific B-cell leukemia cells just as natural antibodies attack and recognize germs. When the antibody finds a leukemia cell, it attaches and B43 delivers the other part of the drug, PAP. Inside the cell, PAP is released by the antibody and inactivates the ribosomes that make the proteins the cell needs to survive. With the cell unable to produce proteins, the specific leukemia cell is killed. More than 100 patients have been treated with B43-PAP and shown only minimal side effects.

Caution is advised as the whole plant, but especially the berries, is poisonous raw, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

A beautiful red ink and a dye are obtained from the fruit. The rootstock is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute

Here are more places that you can find information on Poke weed.

http://www.naturalopinion.com/nmp/nmp5/Phytol.htm
http://www.newlifejournal.com/10-02/whitewolf_10_02.htm
http://www.susunweed.com/Weed_letter_June02.htm#question

Warning! Do not eat young greens raw! They are poisonous unless cooked!!!!!

Shepherds Purse

This is what the bottom part of the plant looks like. It forms like a dandelion plant, but the leaves are pointier.


Shepherd's Purse is so called from the resemblance of the flat seed-pouches of the plant to an old-fashioned common leather purse. It is similarly called in France Bourse de pasteur, and in Germany Hirtentasche.

---Part Used---In modern herbal medicine the whole plant is employed, dried and administered in infusion, and in fluid extract.

A homoeopathic tincture is prepared from the fresh plant.

---Constituents---During the summer, the plant has a sharp, acrid taste, due to the stimulating principle.

Several partial analyses have been made of it, but no characteristic principle has been definitely separated. The active constituent is said to be an organic acid, which Bombelon, a French chemist, termed bursinic acid. He also found a tannate and an alkaloid, Bursine, which resembles sulphocyansinapine.

A peculiar sulphuretted volatile oil, closely similar to, if not identical with oil of mustard, as well as a fixed oil, have been determined and 6 per cent of a soft resin.

Medicinal Action and Uses---Shepherd's Purse is one of the most important drugplants of the family Cruciferae.

When dried and infused, it yields a tea which is still considered by herbalists one of the best specifics for stopping haemorrhages of all kinds - of the stomach, the lungs, or the uterus, and more especially bleeding from the kidneys.

Its haemostyptic properties have long been known and are said to equal those of ergot and hydrastis. During the Great War, when these were no longer obtainable in German commerce, a liquid extract of Capsella bursapastoris was used as a substitute, the liquidextract being made by exhausting the drug with boiling water. Bomelon found the herb of prompt use to arrest bleedings and flooding, when given in the form of a fluid extract, in doses of 1 to 2 spoonfuls.

Culpepper says it helps bleeding from wounds - inward or outward - and:

'if bound to the wrists, or the soles of the feet, it helps the jaundice. The herb made into poultices, helps inflammation and St. Anthony's fire. The juice dropped into ears, heals the pains, noise and matterings thereof. A good ointment may be made of it for all wounds, especially wounds in the head.'

It has been used in English domestic practice from early times as an astringent in diarrhoea; it was much used in decoction with milk to check active purgings in calves.

It has been employed in fresh decoction in haematuria, haemorrhoids, chronic diarrhcea and dysentery, and locally as a vulnerary in nose-bleeding, which is checked by inserting the juice on cotton-wool. It is also used as an application in rheumatic affections, and has been found curative in various uterine haemorrhages, especially those with which uterine cramp and colic are associated, and also in various passive haemorrhages from mucous surfaces.

It is a remedy of the first importance in catarrhal conditions of the bladder and ureters, also in ulcerated conditions and abscess of the bladder. It increases the flow of urine. Its use is specially indicated when there is white mucous matter voided with the urine; relief in these cases following at once.

Its antiscorbutic, stimulant and diuretic action causes it to be much used in kidney complaints and dropsy; other similar stimulating diuretics such as Couch Grass may be combined with it.

Dr. Ellingwood, in his valuable work on Therapeutics, says of Shepherd's Purse:

'This agent has been noted for its influence in haematuria . . . soothing irritation of the renal or vesical organs. In cases of uncomplicated chronic menorrhagia (excessive menstruation) it has accomplished permanent cures, especially if the discharge be persistent. The agent is also useful where uric acid or insoluble phosphates or carbonates produce irritation of the urinary tract. Externally, the bruised herb has been applied to bruised and strained parts, to rheumatic joints, and where there was ecchymosis, or extravasations within or beneath the skin.

'The herb is rather unpleasant to take, but it is valuable mixed with Pellitory of the Wall, and a little Spirits of Juniper much disguises the flavour. A small quantity of Nitrate of Potash will further disguise it, and not detract from its medicinal value. The infusion may be taken in wineglassful doses, four times a day.'

The medicinal infusion should be made with an ounce of the plant to 12 OZ. of water, reduced by boiling to 1/2 pint, strained and taken cold.

The fluid extract is given in doses of 1/2 to 1 drachm. In the United States, the fluid extract is given for dropsy in doses of 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful in water.

Shepherd's Purse was said to be the principal herb in the blue 'Electric Fluid' used by Count Matthei to control haemorrhage.

Small birds are fond of the seeds of Shepherd's Purse: chaffinches and other wild birds may often be observed feeding on them, and they form valuable food for all caged birds.

When poultry have fed freely on the green plant in the early spring, it has been noticed that the egg yolks become dark in colour, a greenish brown or olive colour, and stronger in flavour.

The pictures are from our property but the information is from this site:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/shephe47.html

Plantain

Broad leaf Plantain

Rib wart Plantain

Plantain is edible - harvest the young, tender leaves for use in a salad, or steamed and used as a spinach substitute. The leaves do get tough quickly, so make sure to harvest only the youngest leaves. The immature flower stalks may be eaten raw or cooked. If you're really adventuresome, you can harvest the seeds. They are said to have a nutty flavor and may be parched and added to a variety of foods or ground into flour. The leaves, seeds and roots can all be made into an herbal tea.

Plantain is usually plentiful and can be easily harvested anytime from early spring until frost. Please do be careful where you harvest it - roadsides are notoriously dirty and dusty, and ditches are often sprayed with herbicides. Leave a spot in your backyard where you allow it to grow, and you can harvest your own all growing season! If your neighbors think you are crazy, let them know that plantain is a food source for some friendly wildlife such as butterfly caterpillars, and that the seeds are a food source for many varieties of birds.

Plantain is very high in beta carotene (A) and calcium. It also provides ascorbic acid (C), and vitamin K. Among the more notable chemicals found in plantain are allantion, apigenin, aucubin, baicalein, linoleic acid, oleanolic acid, sorbitol, and tannin. Together these constituents are thought to give plantain mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihemorrhagic, and expectorant actions. Acubin has been reported in the Journal Of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. Allantoin has been proved to promote wound healing, speed up cell regeneration, and have skin-softening effects.

Modern medical research is proving to uphold many of the historical uses of plantain - especially as a wound healer, and as a treament for lung conditions such as bronchitis or asthma. Medicinally, plantain is astringent, demulcent, emollient, cooling, vulnerary, expectorant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitoxin, and diuretic. Plantain is approved by the German Commission E (a sort of German "FDA" that studies and regulates herbs and herbal uses) for internal use to ease coughs and mucous membrane irritation associated with upper respiratory tract infections as well as topical use for skin inflammations. Two Bulgarian clinical trials have suggested that plantain may be effective in the treatment of chronic bronchitis.

How much is usually taken? The German Commission E officially recommends using 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (1-3 grams) of the leaf daily in the form of tea made by steeping the herb in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water for 10-15 minutes (making three cups (750 ml ) per day). The fresh leaves can be applied directly three or four times per day to minor injuries, dermatitis, and insect stings. Syrups or tinctures, approximately 1/2 teaspoon (2-3 ml) three times per day, can also be used, particularly to treat a cough. Finally, 1/2-1 1/4 teaspoons (2-6 grams) of the fresh plant can be juiced and taken in three evenly divided oral administrations throughout the day. Of course as with all herbal medicines, you are your own best doctor - listen to your body and pay attention to it's interaction with the herb, and you will undoubtedly figure out your own best uses and dosages.

Plantain is not associated with any common side effects and is thought to be safe for children Plantain is classed as "able to be safely consumed when used appropriately" by the American Herbal Retailers Association. Some preliminary research does show, however, that some allergy sufferers may have a reaction to plantain pollen, so if you feel this may be a problem for you, you may want to only use the plantain leaves for your herbal preparations.

One of plantain's most common uses is as a poultice for stings, bites, scrapes and rashes. The simplest way to harness plantain's healing powers is to crush a few fresh leaves, and apply to the affected area. Replace fresh leaves as necessary. The fresh plantain "juice" takes the pain away and seems to work wonders at staunching blood flow and closing wound edges. It's also wonderfully refreshing and soothing to sunburn.

Plantain infusion (tea) can also be used as a soothing wash for sunburn, windburn, rashes, or wounds. To make a plantain infusion, simply add a small handful of fresh plantain leaves to a cup or two of water, and bring to a gentle boil. Turn off heat, and let steep, then strain out the leaves. The infusion is best when fresh, although it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Our favorite way to use plantain is in a herbally infused oil. Gently fill a container with fresh plantain leaves that have been lightly bruised or crushed. (Dried plantain can be used - if you are using dried plant material, you only need to fill the jar one-half full). Cover the leaves with oil - any vegetable oil will do, cover the container, and let sit in the sun for a couple of weeks. The will turn a beautiful dark green color. Strain out the leaves and you have a lovely herbal oil to use. It's wonderful to soften, soothe and heal any manner of skin conditions. We love to make a herbal salve from this oil - simply add 1-2 oz. melted beeswax to warmed infused oil. Stir over low heat until the beeswax and oil are uniformly combined, and then pour into clean jars or tubs.

Susun Weed recommends using plantain oil on babies and small children instead of lotions or vaseline. Natural vegetable oil that has been infused with the gentle, healing essence of plantain is far healthier to put on a baby's delicate skin than chemical-laden lotions or petroleum by-products. She also recommends using whole, clean, gently crushed fresh plantain leaves directly on a baby's diaper rash as an overnight polutice. This will help heal common diaper rash, as well as a yeast-infection diaper rash. Of course a plantain oil or salve can also be an excellent cure for diaper rash or cradle cap.

We use plantain-infused oil in just about all of our oil-based products, such as salves, lip balms, body oils, etc. We wildcraft chemical-free plantain from our property and the land next to ours. It dries well; the dried herb makes and excellent infusion and can be used to make an herbally infused oil that is almost as potent as the oil made from fresh leaves.

These pictures were taken on our property, but the information is from this site:

http://www.prairielandherbs.com/plantain.htm