This little beauty has been elevated to best friend level. Why? Because raw almonds have recently been helping me in ways I never imagined. I bought them to help restore my health and the profits are astounding!

In early January I was suffering from much pain. After 4 nights of very little sleep because of the roller coaster of either taking pain pills so I can sleep, but then waking up gagging on stomach acid or not taking pain pills to keep my tummy happy, but then not sleeping because I could not get comfortable.

I had tried every antacid on the market, but nothing was helping. My stomach and esophagus were raw constantly. Then I read that by popping 5 raw almonds into my mouth every few hours throughout the day would alkalize my acidic system. Lo and behold, it worked. I mean wonderfully. Now I eat a few raw almonds a couple times of day to keep the acid reflux at bay and it is HIGHLY successful.

If I eat something that upsets my tummy, I pop 5 raw almonds into my mouth and find peace restored to my system quickly.

My blood pressure has been climbing for the last 2 years since all my health issues reared their ugly heads. I was amazed when visiting the doctor's office to find my blood pressure was down quite a bit. Research disclosed that raw almonds can normalize blood pressure too.

Here comes my shocker! Did you know the almond is NOT a nut? This came as a revelation to me. It is actually a seed inside of the almond fruit. The almond tree is related to the cherry, peach, and apricot trees. Looking at these almond blossoms help me to see the truth indeed!

They remind me of Asian artwork. Something I am privy to since I have a daughter in love with ALL things anime, manga, and Japanese. However, my fascination is not for the same reasons. It is because once again, I am forced to contemplate if I truly believe a blossom this beautiful happened by random chance or was by intelligent design by a God who created all things for a purpose?!?!

And in that moment, fear's deathly grip on me is loosened. I stand in awe of the God who was, who is, and who is to come. In that second, I don't fear the valley of the shadow of death. The Lord's rod and staff comfort me. He anoints my unworthy head with oil. My cup runs over with His love, His mercy, and His grace. I am nothing and He is everything. I am satisfied.

The Lord's blessings to you!

As the World Health Organization Phase of Pandemic Alert continues to escalate, many of us are contemplating what we might do to protect our families. I would like to share with you some options and any pros or cons of which I am aware. None of this is medical advice, simply information. First and foremost, make certain you are covering your family and friends in PRAYER during this concerning time!

1. Surgical Masks: The CDC website says they do work, even though for some reason they are being played down right now. The only downside I can figure is that if they give you a false security in which you expose yourself to more dangerous situations. Also do not neglect handwashing because you are wearing a mask.

To learn more about choosing proper maks or respirators, please visit http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ppe/masksrespirators.html .

2. Hand Washing: This still continues to be the most effective way to avoid the flu if you come into contact with germs. Washing for 30 seconds in soap and water is very effective. Using an anti-bacterial soap containing Triclosan cannot be recommended as it is very controversial, many believe it is what makes you more susceptible to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. However, alcohol based hand sanitizers work very effectively. If you are going to use alcohol wipes/swabs or hand sanitizers, you should also consider keeping lotion on hand to moisturize after killing bacteria/viruses/fungi, as you do not want your hands to start drying out and cracking open, leaving a new portal for infections.
   

3. Elderberry/Sambucus Syrup, Lozenges, Pills: Elderberry long used in jam and marshmallows has been scientifically proven to fight against the flu, only if it is Sambucus or Sambucol type of Elderberry. It is 96% effective as either a proactive measure of keeping the flu at bay or reducing the flu symptoms to an average of three days with very mild flu symptoms. It works much like Tamiflu as it inhibits neuraminidase, the enzyme used by the virus to spread infection to host cells, but without all the side effects. Nor does it become less effective overtime. It can be bought over the counter. In Israel, Sambucus is highly touted by the scientific community for its flu fighting abilities.

4. Vitamin D: Supposedly many Americans are now deficient in Vitamin D. I think this is entirely possible since we tend to have become more of an indoor generation, preferring computers and TV to a walk in the park or going on a picnic. Vitamin D helps build the immunity system. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle aches, muscle weakness, and bone pain at any age. Recommended direct sunlight exposure (without sunscreen) is 5 to 15 min (suberythemal dose) to arms and legs, or face, arms and hands, at least 3 times a week.
   

Please feel free to ask any questions and I will try to find the answer if I don't know. Blessings to you!