Lemon Balm

Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

What does Lemon Balm do

Many people grow Lemon Balm in their garden for it's looks. It's flowers help to attract bees to the garden. It is also grown for it's wonderful medicinal properties. Being a mild, nutritive herb it’s great to use every day. Medical authorities of ancient Greece and Rome mentioned topical lemon balm as a treatment for wounds. The herb was later used orally as a treatment for influenza, insomnia, anxiety, depression, also acts to restore depleted energy and revitalize us, and for a nervous stomach.  Lemon Balm can also act as a decongestant and antihistamine, helping with even chronic problems like asthma or allergies.  Lemon Balm is also an anti-viral herb. There is also some evidence that it may be helpful in colic and irritable bowel syndrome.  You can also make it into a tea, a tooth polish that whitens teeth, an insect repellent, a syrup and for first aid treatments.
If you had to buy the oil, creams, ointments or salves they run from $11.00 to $115.00.  Products including the real lemon balm run on the high end of that price range.
In a later blog I will explain how to make each.

How to Harvest Lemon Balm  

Cut the whole branch as close as you can to the ground. The area will grow back at least one more time this season. You want to make sure to do this before it flowers.

Gather the branches together that you are going to dry. Tie end with rubber band to allow shrinkage. Rinse well allow to dry somewhat. Place in a bag leaving room for ventilation and hang in a dry, dark place. When dry take leaves and place in glass jars with lids.

Rinse well and remove leaves from stems.place leaves in a mesh bag

Put bag in a picture and add hot water, allow to sit for 3 to 4 hours. Then add ice and drink.

You can make a hot cup to enjoy by putting leaves in an infuser spoon and seeping in boiling water.

Until next time.

Taking care of family

Proverbs 31:27 King James Version (KJV)

²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Today's Post has to do with saving money for your family. I admit I love to get things free, who wouldn't. There are many ways to do that. I have several websites I go to a couple times a week. I posted some links for you to try.
Some other ways to save are to use coupons, cash back sites, and e bate sites. I have included some of them as well. Just copy and paste into your search bar. 

1) http://www.hersavings.com/

2 ) http://www.shop4freebies.com/

3) http://www.freakyfreddies.com/

4) http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples.aspx

5) http://www.shopathome.com/

6) http://www.ebates.com/

7) http://dealseekingmom.com/

8) http://www.coupons.com/

Also I would like to mention to do lists are very helpful as long as you don't over do it. I already have alittle over half of my list done.
1) Get fasting blood test done. check
2) Get mammogram done. check
3) Visit dad in nursing home and pick up has laundry. check
4) Stop at Target use $25. gift card. check
5) Fill up gas tank and get gas for lawn mower. check
6) Wash and dry laundry. check
7) Make vegetable soup for lunch at work and freeze. check
8) Get ready for family cookout.
9) Watch Autumn while Brodie gets hair cut
10) Take dads laundry back and get him ready to go to cookout.
11) Drive to Martinsville/Mooresville area for cookout.
12) Take dad back to nursing home
13) Go home & relax
14) Write this post. check

Until next time. Have a great week end

Endurance and Energy needed in today's life.

Today I had the joy of watching my three youngest grandchildren, Brodie 2 yrs,  Caleb 1  1/2 yrs & Autumn 2 months. I only had all three for about 3 to 4 hours. I really enjoyed myself and I am pretty sure they did to. Thankful though the grace of God I still have the opportunity to have energy and time to spend with my grandchildren.

The baby was sleeping while I got the boys fed. Yummy pancakes, tater rounds, bannanas & Brodie had 2 scrambled eggs as well. And of course milk.  

Then it was on to play time. This reminded me of my boys.. I think I still have pretty good stamina and endurance.  By the way doesn't the floor my sons put in look good!

By then the baby was up, finished her bottle and I played with her and my great niece 

Me and Caleb went outside after his nap and played. He loves the swing almost as much as Brodie.

Trimmed more branches off the mulberry in backyard. Pulled and cut weeds, moved some boards and moved flowerpots around. Then I went and took my dad outside in the gazebo area of the nursing home and had a good talk and time.  They have some pretty flowers out there and plenty of birds. We even seen ducks and geese fly over. Thank god no droppings.  

This was how my day was spent.

Now back home and feeling strangely energized. Well that's all for now, until next time.

Landscapes of Life

Sometimes the storms in life take control of you. But when they are over you are stronger for them. If you look close at this picture taken today you can see a little line of blue sky. Remember your problems will soon pass.

Can you imagine how Christ felt up on the cross he hung on? I imagine the sky that day looking somewhat like this. He did it so we could have hope of eternal life.

He probably felt so alone. Like this Robin on the power line. He loved us so much to sacrifice himself that way. it was a horrifying but beautiful thing for him to do.

I will try to look for the beauty in everything, not just in the flowers of life. And to believe in him. Be thankful for what I have, and know it could be worse. 

Using Gods provisions in life

Today I am grateful for the many blessings in my life. Like having a backyard where I can grill out. And having a grill to do that on. It may be little and old school but a lot better than some. I get to enjoy being out doors. There is a nice breeze here in the backyard. Listening to birdsong.

 I got the green beans all ready and the corn on cob is almost done. Yummy. 

Enjoying being alive and counting my blessings. See you later, until next time.

Beauty of God's Creation

This week seemed to fly by. I had to stop and take a few deep breaths and exhale. I mostly did this at the start and end of the day. Before work I tried to get up 15 minutes earlier. I used this time to sit in the backyard.  I listened to our daily bread devotional on my iPad while drinking coffee and enjoying the bird song and looking at the sky and my garden.  I recommend this to everyone.

Also I sat outside (when it wasn't raining) in the evening. I planned more of my garden and trimmed a few branches from the mulberry tree. Took my two grandkids I watch every Friday out that morning and they really enjoyed it. I got some good pIctures of them and had quality time with them.

I went to church today. Then met my son and daughter in law at Ci-Ci Pizza with three more of my grand kids. We had some quality time talking and stuffing our faces. Got some more good pics with them. Then I picked up my dad at the nursing home and then drove us to Martinsville to pick up my sister. He got to see her finance and where they stay. Nice drive back to my house where we set in the backyard.  Quality time again and you guessed it

more pictures lol. Enjoying Gods creation. Which we all are a part of.
This evening a robin landed a foot from me. Guess things like that happen which you slow down and just enjoy the things and people around you.

Growing in my life!

I am happy a being myself. It wasn't always that way. I used to be so different and my life was chaos. Thank The Lord Jesus that is so over. I put my trust in him and things changed for the better. Hopefully you can relate.
I think that our values changes as we grow up and gain more experiences.  I got married at 15 years old and two wonderful sons by 17. Much to young to be married so we were divorced when I was 25.
The older I get I've found that many things I thought where important when I was younger don't seem to matter much anymore.  Such as drinking and partying aren't my number one concern.
Family has become more important. Being the best person I can be for the lord and my family. I now take time to enjoy my family and when I need a time out there is always some kind of nature around me.