Like a hidden treasure cove waiting to be discovered, Thy Lantern Light Treasury is meant to be explored.
Take your time, wander through the shelves, and perhaps you'll discover a precious
nugget of wisdom or a little gem of encouragement prepared especially for you.
WITH THAT THOUGHT, WELCOME TO THE FIRST SHELF
Time spent with God every day is the foundation for a strong and faithful life. These treasured books
have encouraged me in my own study and walk with the Lord, as well as keeping
my thoughts on Him.
I pray they will be a blessing to you as well.
From the Reading Desk come thoughtful articles, insightful observations, and little gems and
nuggets of wisdom, carefully gathered through study, experience,
and a desire to glorify God.
It is my hope that these writings will encourage your faith,
strengthen your daily walk with the Lord, and provide
priceless encouragement for everyday life.
God & Nature
THE MYSTERIOUS CLOUD
One of the most puzzling events in the skies of Arizona was a mysterious oval-shaped cloud that formed over Flagstaff in February 1963.
AMAZING CACTUS
Arizona is famous for its abundant and diverse cacti, and one of these desert flora is the jumping Cholla cactus.
Your Health
PROVEN METHOD TO LASTING PAIN RELIEF
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Consider a relaxing experience with a proven method through a profound approach to lasting pain relief.
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Activated Charcoal is a lifesaver in more ways than one, and something you should always have in your kitchen and medicine cabinet.
Homestead Joys
TOP BENEFITS OF HOMESCHOOLING
There are so many wonderful benefits of homeschooling your children, and here are the top few.
Article Gems of God & Nature
THE SUPERNATURAL CLOUD
One of the most puzzling events in the skies over Arizona was a mysterious oval-shaped cloud that appeared near Flagstaff in February 1963. Witnesses observed a large, bright ring in the sky shortly before sunset as it drifted gently overhead. The unusual cloud remained visible for a time into the evening and was reportedly seen by people hundreds of miles away, with reports extending as far as Mexico.
Photographic studies indicated that the cloud was extraordinarily large and appeared at an unusually high altitude. Its remarkable size and altitude attracted the attention of scientists and the public alike.
For many people, the cloud remains one of Arizona's greatest mysteries. Reverend William Branham taught that it was a sign from God and that it held special significance in his ministry. Throughout his life, he spoke of other spiritual experiences that he believed God had given him. While the cloud attracted considerable scientific interest and various explanations have been discussed over the years, many continue to find the event both fascinating and thought-provoking.
Find Out More About Arizona's Mysterious Cloud
If you would like to learn more about this remarkable event, several published sources discuss it in greater detail. Among them are Weird Arizona by Wesley Treat (link below), TIME magazine, Science magazine, and the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Amazing Cactus
The Cholla Jumper
Arizona is famous for its abundant and diverse cacti, and one of these desert flora is the jumping Cholla cactus. The teddy bear cactus is another name for it, though it sure is not as cuddly.
Believe it or not, the jumping cholla has a history of traditional uses beyond its rather prickly reputation. Its joints break off easily when brushed against, which gives the impression that they are “jumping” onto a passerby.
Despite its reputation, the jumping cholla has an interesting history of traditional food and medicinal uses. Various parts of the plant, including its fruits, roots, stems, and the gum that forms where the plant has been injured, have been used traditionally in different ways. Those interested in these historical uses can learn more from knowledgeable botanical sources, including Charles W. Kane's Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest.
So, as you can see, this is quite an amazing plant, and I am sure you will look at it with more interest now. However, it is a different story trying to make use of the jumping cholla cactus yourself! Thank goodness we have modern conveniences and resources today and don't have to go digging in the desert. You can find out more about this and other medicinal plants in the book Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest by Charles W. Kane.
Exploring Beautiful Arizona
It is always fun to learn new and surprising facts about Arizona, especially if you live there. It gives you a better understanding of your surroundings. And you gain a new appreciation and respect for nature. Along the way, it is important for you to be properly informed and stay cautious and safe in your discoveries.
Article Gems for Your Health
Bowen Therapy ~ A Gentle Approach to Health and Well-Being
Consider a relaxing experience with Bowen Therapy, a gentle, hands-on technique performed by trained practitioners to support comfort and well-being. Whether you're interested in Bowen Therapy because of discomfort, tension, stress, or simply want to learn more about this unique technique, this article will introduce you to the Bowen approach.
You will learn about this gentle technique, its history, how it is practiced, and some of the reasons people have chosen to explore Bowen Therapy for themselves and even for their pets.
But first, what is Bowen Therapy?
During the 1950s, Tom Ambrose Bowen of Australia began developing what became known as the Bowen Technique. He had a deep interest in helping ease human suffering and developed his distinctive hands-on approach over time. Bowen described his work as a “gift from God.”
Bowen Therapy is a uniquely gentle, non-invasive, relaxing hands-on approach. Practitioners use gentle movements with the thumbs and fingers at specific points on the body, with pauses between sequences of movements.
The practitioner makes a series of precise, gentle movements at specific points over muscles, tendons, and the soft connective tissue known as fascia. One of the distinctive features of Bowen Therapy is the use of pauses between sets of movements, allowing the body time to respond before the practitioner continues.
Who May Choose Bowen Therapy and Why?
Bowen Therapy is known for its gentle approach and is practiced with people of many different ages. Some Bowen practitioners work with infants and children as well as adults and the elderly. Parents may become interested in Bowen Therapy when looking for a gentle, hands-on approach for their child's comfort and well-being.
Adults also seek Bowen Therapy for many different reasons. Some are interested in it following physical activity or injury, while others explore it because of everyday tension, discomfort, or stress. The gentle nature of the technique and the periods of rest between movements are distinctive features of the Bowen approach.
Older adults may also appreciate the gentle nature of Bowen Therapy, particularly when they prefer a hands-on technique that does not involve forceful manipulation. People often explore Bowen Therapy as a complementary approach for relaxation, comfort, and general well-being.
Bowen techniques have also been adapted for use with animals. Practitioners who work with animals use gentle movements with the goal of supporting comfort and relaxation. This is another interesting aspect of the Bowen approach and one that may especially appeal to animal lovers.
Why Do People Seek Bowen Therapy?
Headaches and migraines can be extremely painful, making it difficult to carry on with even simple daily tasks. Stress and tension from day-to-day life, whether at work, at home, or while traveling, can also affect our overall sense of well-being.
Discomfort in the back, knees, shoulders, and other areas can interfere with everyday activities and quality of life. Some people become interested in Bowen Therapy when looking for a gentle, hands-on approach to complement the care they may already be receiving.
People seek Bowen Therapy for a variety of reasons, including physical discomfort, muscular tension, stress, relaxation, and general well-being. Because individual health concerns can have many different causes, medical conditions and persistent or concerning symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Expectant mothers have unique needs and deserve thoughtful care throughout pregnancy. Some women choose to explore Bowen Therapy as a gentle, complementary approach for comfort and relaxation during pregnancy. Any complementary therapy during pregnancy should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional, particularly when there are medical concerns or complications.
Bowen Therapy is also used by some people as part of their personal approach to relaxation and general well-being, and Bowen techniques have also been adapted for use with animals.
My Own Recent Experience with Bowen Therapy
Recently, I was experiencing persistent neck pain, particularly when I would get up in the morning. Throughout the day, turning my head from right to left was uncomfortable, and I frequently found myself massaging the back of my neck trying to find some relief. Despite doing this, the discomfort continued.
I decided to visit a Bowen practitioner and receive a Bowen treatment. During the session, she performed the gentle Bowen movements at specific points throughout my body as part of the treatment, while also addressing the area where I had been experiencing discomfort. When I left the appointment, the pain had not immediately disappeared, and I continued to notice it for a while afterward.
Then something interesting happened. As the days passed, I simply went about my normal activities—and at some point I realized I had stopped thinking about my neck. The pain that had been continually bothering me was gone. I hadn't even noticed exactly when the change occurred; I simply realized one day that my neck was no longer hurting and I was no longer having the same difficulty turning my head.
I was so thankful. This personal experience renewed my appreciation for Bowen Therapy and its gentle approach. I share it simply as my own experience, recognizing that every person's circumstances and response to a therapy may be different.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Bowen Therapy
If you are interested in experiencing Bowen Therapy for yourself, take some time to find a trained Bowen practitioner with whom you feel comfortable. You may wish to learn about the practitioner's training and experience and read reviews from others before making your choice.
The official Bowtech website is also a helpful place to learn more about the Bowen Technique, its history, practitioner training, and how to locate a practitioner in your area.
Using the Bowen Technique to Address Complex and Common Conditions by John Wilks is another helpful resource for those who would like to learn more about the Bowen approach and its application in a variety of circumstances. (Link below)
Another informative book, The Bowen Technique by Julian Baker, contains photographs and detailed information about the technique. Baker has also provided educational and instructional resources for those interested in learning more.
My own experiences have given me a deep appreciation for this uniquely gentle approach. If Bowen Therapy has sparked your interest, I encourage you to learn more, ask questions, and decide whether it may be something you would like to explore for yourself.
Discover the Wonders of Activated Charcoal
What in the World is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal has a fascinating history and has been used in a variety of ways through the years. Its use dates back to ancient times, and today it continues to have recognized applications, including certain uses in medical settings.
Charcoal is produced when wood or other carbon-rich material is heated under conditions that limit the amount of oxygen available. The resulting carbon-rich material has been used for many purposes throughout history.
Activated charcoal is specially processed to create a highly porous material with a large surface area. This gives it its remarkable adsorptive properties, allowing certain substances to bind to its surface. In medical settings, activated charcoal is sometimes used for certain types of poisoning or overdose under appropriate professional guidance.
Where Do You Find This Powerful Adsorbent?
Activated charcoal is available for purchase from a variety of sources. The Thrashes also discuss traditional methods of making charcoal from hardwood, which they describe in their book.
Drs. Agatha Thrash, M.D. & Calvin Thrash, M.D. have a very informative book out titled, RX Charcoal. Sunfield, MI. Family Health Publications LLC, 1988.
In their book, on pages 8–9, the Thrashes describe a traditional method of making charcoal using pure hardwood, including wood from a fireplace or outdoor campfire. They provide additional details and comparisons between homemade charcoal and commercially activated charcoal.
An Age-Old Substance with Many Traditional Uses
The Thrashes discuss a wide variety of traditional uses for charcoal and share numerous accounts and testimonies concerning its use in different circumstances.
The Thrashes recount a case involving a group of girls and their leader who became ill with diarrhea during a camping trip (pages 39–40). According to their account, the leader prepared charcoal from the campfire, and some of the girls took it. The authors report that some of those who took the charcoal felt better within an hour, while others who did not take it remained ill.
Another case described by the Thrashes concerns a 60-year-old man who had experienced a serious brown recluse spider bite (pages 70–71). According to the authors' account, surgery involving his thumb had been recommended. The man contacted Drs. Agatha and Calvin Thrash, and the book recounts the course of care that followed, including their use of charcoal. Readers interested in the details of this case can find the complete account in their book.
Another Treasured Book
John Dinsley also has excellent information on charcoal uses and amazing testimonies. His book is titled Charcoal Remedies.com, Remnant Publications, Coldwater MI, 2005.
On page 129, Dinsley tells about Dr. Wynn using charcoal, mostly in instances of pain. In his account, flaxseed was added to the charcoal poultice for its reported anti-inflammatory properties.
On pages 129–130, Dinsley discusses the use of charcoal poultices and shares information about their application to areas of discomfort. He also recounts experiences in which relief was reported within a short period of time.
The author also discusses charcoal bath-soaks and circumstances in which they have been used. Those interested in learning more can consult his book for his fuller discussion of these applications.
My Personal Experiences with Activated Charcoal
My daughters and I have had several memorable personal experiences with medicinal charcoal. In one instance, my eldest daughter was mowing the lawn in flip-flops when a small piece of copper wire became lodged near her ankle. I made a poultice using activated charcoal, covered the area, and changed the poultice throughout the day. On the third day, we found that the piece of copper had come out. This was our personal experience, and I was very thankful for the outcome.
On another occasion, my youngest daughter stepped on a long thorn that became lodged deeply in her heel. I applied a charcoal poultice and changed it several times a day. On the third day, the thorn came out along with some drainage from the area. Again, this is simply our family's experience and not a suggestion that others treat a puncture wound in the same way.
There have also been occasions when members of our family had upset stomachs and used activated charcoal. In our own experience, we sometimes felt better afterward. I have also used charcoal poultices with our dogs on different occasions. These experiences contributed to my personal interest in learning more about activated charcoal and its traditional uses.
More recently, I developed a troublesome skin problem following scratches from our dogs. The area became red, swollen, and irritated. During that time, I used charcoal soaks and poultices as part of what I personally chose to do, and the condition eventually resolved. I remain thankful to God for His care and for the many simple things found in His creation that have led me to study natural living more deeply.
These accounts are shared only as my personal experiences. They are not medical advice, and individual circumstances can be very different. Injuries, suspected infections, poisoning, embedded foreign objects, animal bites or scratches, and other concerning symptoms may require prompt professional medical attention.
Choosing Activated Charcoal for the Home
Activated charcoal is available in several forms and from a variety of sources. Over the years, I have chosen to keep it in my home because of my own experiences with it and my interest in natural living. Those interested in activated charcoal can learn about its different forms and uses and decide what may be appropriate for their own household.
One activated charcoal product I have personally used is Schizandu Coconut Activated Charcoal Powder. I prefer activated charcoal in powder form, and I am including a link below for those who would like to learn more about this particular product.
Article Gems on the Top Benefits of Homeschooling
Wonderful Benefits of Homeschooling
There are so many wonderful benefits of homeschooling your children.
But we will go over some top benefits that can make a vast difference in the quality
of their education and overall well-being.
Quality Time with Mom and Dad
Quality time with Mom and Dad is a number one reason to teach your children at home. First, it is important that your heart is prayerfully ready to take on this high calling. And that you make definite preparations for success in your child's learning.
This time spent together is an exceptional learning time for both student and teacher. Together you can attend a homeschool convention or research online for the best curriculum for your child or children. There are so many wonderful choices available.
You have the option to create a classroom environment or a more relaxing setup. It depends on personalities, interactions, and interests.
Keeping Their Faith
Once upon a time, America was all about freedom of religion. However, we still live in the best country to do so. Teaching our children the way we believe through their schooling at home gives them purpose in keeping their faith. Through this process, they learn to uphold a high standard.
Including the teachings of your faith with your children creates an additional bond that is priceless. It gives them direction and understanding in their choices to become healthy, responsible adults for both God and man.
“The future of this nation depends on the Christian
training of our youth.”
“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children...”
Deuteronomy 6:7 KJV"
The Classroom of Nature
Then there is the added joy of taking your classroom out in nature. Your child may even like to take his book up into a tree and just read into the sunset like my daughter would!
Science is one of the wonderful subjects to incorporate in your nature classroom. Charlotte Mason was a successful British pioneer teacher in the 1800s. Charlotte Mason strongly encouraged children to spend considerable time outdoors, observing and learning from nature
Charlotte also encouraged the use of rich literature and “living books” rather than stale textbooks and meaningless reading. Her teaching style asks the student to retell or “narrate” everything he can remember from the reading. Charlotte taught that each child is a person and should be educated as a whole person, and not just his mind.
Check out simplycharlottemason.com to find out more about the wonderful educational ideas available for your children and for you!
There are also several wonderful books written by Charlotte Mason or about her, that is highly recommended such as The Outdoor Life of Children: The Importance of Nature Study and Outside Activities (Charlotte Mason Topics) available through the link below.
More Benefits of Homeschooling in a Relaxed Atmosphere
Another wonderful benefit is the satisfaction of studying without unnecessary peer pressure. This includes the pressure of the crowded or distracting public classroom environment.
Your child-student can work his or her assignments in a relaxing atmosphere. This peaceful setting creates an opportunity to complete schoolwork more successfully.
To understand this approach more, another recommended resource to read is; A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning as well as other wonderful recommended Charlotte Mason reads from her
Home Education Series and topics
The Choice of Relaxed Structure
Or you can have the option of relaxed structure, whatever works best for your child and you. It can be fun for both you and your children to set up an extra room in your house just for school. The kids can each have their own desk or one large table, depending on the space you have. Decorating your home-classroom together makes it even more exciting.
Having a schedule for class adds to the desired structure. But the occasional flexibility of skipping class that day for a spontaneous event is another nice advantage, not to mention when it is necessary.
Another Charlotte Mason resource below:
Quality Time Between Siblings
What is even more beneficial for each child is the quality time brothers and sisters can have with each other. Not to mention using each of their own personal strengths to help their struggling siblings along in certain subjects. Children can have unique ways of explaining a difficult problem better than we adults.
This rare interaction between brothers and sisters can develop trust amongst each other, creating memories they will cherish as they grow up. This can turn learning into more than just school time, but valuable family time.
The Overall Benefits of Homeschooling
The top overall benefits of homeschooling are definitely something to consider in your decision to teach your own children. You only have each child once, and every year with them will be rewarding. You can never overestimate the time spent with your children!
The special experiences you will gain in taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are beyond adequate words. They say that the teacher learns more than the student, and that is so true. For not only does your child learn from what you diligently teach them, but you, as the teacher, will learn and remember more than you realize.