Nurture and Nourish | May 2015

Lilies in the City - May 2015 - Issue 5

Nature's Foundation THE GIFT OF

Sexuality

THE

POWER

OF THE CROSS

Morning Replenish

THE EFFECTS OF PRE-

Nurture &

Nourish

NATAL INFLUENCES

6

9

16 12 2

14

lilies city Glowing Lily

6 Nature's Foundation

Social Lily

9 The Gift of Sexuality

Practical Lity

12 The Effects of Prenatal Influences

Lily Eats

14

Lily Lifestyle

Morning Replenish

16 The Power of the Cross

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Version)

Associate Editor: Delnita McDavid 3

Words of

Life

M

“

ummy said no. Don't touch." My two-yearold niece said firmly to herself. She stood in front of the large glass China cabinet with arms raised up, "Don't hit glass. Mommy said no," she repeated, arms hovering closer. I sat, silently watching the great controversy unfold.

As she stood alone in front of her great temptation, she repeated the only thing she knew that could keep her from falling into the trap of banging on the glass - the words of her mother. Her eyes glistened and I knew that soon I would have to help her to obey. I called her name gently, and she looked over surprised and then smiled. She ran towards me, telling me about the piece of Lego in her outstretched hand.

The crisis was averted and thoughts of the glass China cabinet had left her mind: she had gained another victory.

Our Heavenly Father has also given us Words to keep us from falling. His Word, the Holy Bible is able to make us "wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus"(2 Tim 3:14). His Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim 3:16,17).

The laws of life detailed in His Holy Word should govern us just as the laws of nature govern the natural world. We can't escape the consequences of the law of gravity, how much more of the Ten Commandments? In this issue we’re looking at the Words of Life that will help to nourish and nurture us as we perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.

4

EDITOR'S NOTE

Contributing

MINISTRIES

Almarie Hill and Sarah Victor (Wholly Whole) Natural health is Almarie and Sarah's passion. Together they run Wholly Whole a wholistic health ministry geared to women. It explores how to partake of Christ’s complete restoration – physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. It is preparing a people to be completely whole and ready to soon meet our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Almarie and Sarah are a part of the Lilies in the City (LIC) administrative team.

Akilah Ballard (every thing Beautiful) Akilah specializes in skin and natural beauty, amongst other things. She’s found that He who transforms the butterfly and the sin-polluted heart from degradation to purity also provides nature as a restorative agent for physical beauty. The goal at every Thing Beautiful is to employ natural resources to provide skin-loving, chemical free beauty care products to help renew and maintain natural beauty. At Lilies in the City, Akilah is head of “lily glows” the section dedicated to health and beauty.

Rochelle Willis Rochelle provides strategic guidance to ministries in their marketing and development efforts. She has always had a passion for ministry and the furtherance of the gospel. When not working on various projects, she can be found in nature, doing a bible study or writing. Here at Lilies in the City, Rochelle organizes the “lily lifestyle” section.

Have Any Questions For The Lilies Staff? Contact us: admin@liliesinthecity.org 5

Nature's FOUNDATION

– Akilah Ballard

C

lear, even toned, radiant skin is a feature of beauty desired by most women. The systematic and increasingly large outlay of our means to secure it lays bare our inmost desire for this element of beauty. In 2013 alone, the U.S. cosmetic market raked in a staggering $56.63 billion in revenues.

This amount is forecasted to grow to $62.46 billion by 2016.1 While millions vainly seek, without regard to cost, to measure up to society’s standard of beauty, the reality is that the price of beauty which society demands affords no real worth, gratification or profit to the consumer.

It does not even offer the very thing it claims to give: beauty.

In our quest to obtain flawless skin, are we actually hindering the skin’s ability to naturally facilitate this goal? Are there healthier and more economical alternatives? Are there resources provided in nature that will do for our skin what concealers can only imitate?

Just as the dying leaves of autumn appear beautiful with its abundance of bright diverse colors, even so the face covered with foundation asserts beauty 6

yet masks the reality of clogged, toxic pores; the reality of deterioration is concealed by a façade of manmade beauty.

While our skin offers a protective barrier to harmful substances, it is not impenetrable and completely discriminant but it readily absorbs many things with which it comes into contact. Therefore, along with regular cleansing, it is important to keep off our skins those things that are harmful.

The way to even-toned skin is not to cover up the largest organ of our body, which expels and serves as a barrier against toxins, because our skin and overall health will suffer as a result.

One woman related to me the break-out issues she was experiencing with her skin. Immediately after expressing seeming ignorance of what could be the source of her pimples, she then stated that she only gets one if she goes to sleep with her make-up on. Although she attempted to attribute the cause to an inconsistent hygienic routine, what I heard rather, was her conscience bearing her witness of the self-defeating feat of makeup application.

I remember when I once shared

the same problem with beak-outs.

If I went to sleep without washing my face I was guaranteed (and knew it) to be greeted in the morning by a red, pus-filled hill pushing through the surface of my skin! In spite of this experience, I still go to bed at times without washing my face. However, I don’t meet with the same results as in the past.

What changed? My practice to allow my skin to breath and stop clogging my pores with harmful synthetic products for hours: even the so-claimed “healthy” mineral make-up.

While beautiful skin can be derived by a combination of varied health practices, there is one that stands unsurpassed by its imparted benefits. Its existence is essential for life on earth, it expands when it cools and oils don’t mix well with it. Yes friends, it’s water. We know it as H2O, but I like to think of it as Nature’s Foundation.

Like the rest of our human bodies, our skin is primarily composed of water – about 65% of it. The sweat glands in our skin are a part of the excretory system which is composed of the organs and glands that flush out toxins and excess minerals from the body. Along with these toxins, water is also lost. Since the majority of water

"The way to even-toned skin is not to cover up the largest organ of our body."

our bodies absorb is done internally, it is important to regularly hydrate our cells with water by drinking it… not just showering with it. Feeding your cells with water will keep them “juicy” and work to improve your skin’s complexion.

against free radicals, vitamins A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself.2 This is very beneficial as the skin is constantly shedding and regenerating cells.

lems-and-treatments/teen-acne-13/

Alternatively, feeding your cells with sodas, coffee and alcohol will affect your skin negatively.

Sugar from soda and other sweets can cause acne3 while drinking alcohol and caffeine steal moisture from your body and thus skin.4 Furthermore, all three give the appearance of premature aging.5

5. Jaliman, Debra, MD. (2014, May 9)

acne-foods 4. Scarfe, Juliette. (2012, May 21) Pure Water for Natural Beauty". Retrieved from http://blog.positiveluxury.com/2012/05/ pure-water-for-natural-beauty/

Slideshow: Surprising Ways Smoking Affects Your Looks and Life Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/ smoking-cessation/ss/slideshow-wayssmoking-affects-looks

When we cease harmful practices (such as clogging our pores with make-up or eating poorly) and replace them with healthy ones, our skins will yield wonderful results. Plus your body – not just your skin – will love you for it!

1 (n.d.) Revenue of the Cosmetic Industry in the U.S. 2002-2016 (in billion U.S. dollars) Retrieved from http://www.statista.com/ statistics/243742/revenue-of-the-cosmetic-industry-in-the-us/

In addition, you can eat your way to healthier skin with a whole food, plant-based vegetarian diet.

A plant-based diet is rich in antioxidants and enzymes that help to prevent and repair your body’s tissues.

Vitamins A, C and E, and the mineral selenium are notoriously known to be especially helpful in skin care. In addition to helping strengthen cells

2. Rutland, Sarah. (2006, Aug) How Do Antioxidants Affect the Skin?

Retrieved

from

http://health.howstuff-

works.com/skin-care/information/nutrition/antioxidants-affect-skin.htm 3. Moninger, Jeannette. (2014, Feb 18) Teen Acne: Is Food to Blame? Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/skin-prob-

7

THE

Sexuality GIFTOF

– Elizabeth Z.

The Gift of Sexuality We have walked away from God’s way.

We have rejected His magnificent ideal for us, To embrace a cheap counterfeit, Normalizing the abnormal, living crippled.

Oh Lord, may we return to Thee And taste the richness of what You have planned for us!

Oh that we may learn to discern and embrace Your way!

You have given us all a treasure to guard and cherish: Our heart, our mind, our body, made in your beautiful image.

In every man, every woman, every child is a gem.

The enemy of all has sought to mar this beautiful treasure, Trample it under foot by any means.

When a child is abused, his innocence taken away, It is the enemy working to destroy the treasure.

When men and women give away their bodies and their hearts to illicit hands, It is the enemy working to cheapen the treasure.

Oh how your heart must be breaking, To see the crown of your creation give themselves or be given so little value!

This was never your plan.

Intimacy, the complete gift of oneself to another, between a man and his wife Was your original ideal.

“And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”1 The first intimate encounter and all the others to follow were designed by your own hands To be pure and beautiful: a reflection of You, A reflection of your perfect love.

The concept of losing one’s virginity seems to me a faulty concept, A reflection of how we have distorted the meaning and the beauty of sexual intimacy.

One loses something when they are not a careful steward.

They allow a costly gem to disappear from their keeping, And at risk, it is placed in unlawful hands.

One loses something when it’s taken away from them against their will: As a child who loses his parents.

As a result of a loss, one is left destitute…broken.

This could not possibly be the experience our Father designed for us concerning anything in life, And even more so in sexual intimacy.

How could He want our hearts or our bodies (our virginity) to be abducted, 8

Or carelessly given away? Aren’t we HIS treasure?

One’s heart, body, and soul are His treasure— A treasure that all heaven was not enough to purchase it.

The Maker of all, the Majesty on High, gave himself for it.

A treasure of such infinite cost, ought it not to be guarded preciously?

It should only be gifted in God’s timing, to a God-chosen recipient who is worthy of it; One who understands, appreciates its value and who will in turn pledge to guard it lovingly.

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens.”2 When the time He has appointed is come, A time for which I shall wait patiently…

When before men and angels He blesses our union, Then and only then I will give myself to thee fully.

It won’t be a forbidden fruit with bitter consequences But a gift kept precious, exclusively for you, “A garden inclosed … a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.”3 It is a treasure I will give you my chosen one with my Father’s consent.

You may then enjoy the opening of every seal without a rush.

It is your gift.

When the time comes, I will not be losing something to be left destitute afterward.

No, no! It won’t be a loss.

For God ordained it to be a blessing.

When I receive you as my king and give myself to thee, I will be enriched to be established as your one and only queen.

I will be enriched to have and treasure you.

I don’t know what our first embrace and the others to follow will be like.

But I know that a God-given fruit, consumed in due time, at its peak of perfection, Is bound to be pleasant.

I don’t know what it’s going to be like and I am not worried about it.

For I know that the meaning of this act, Which will bind us for life,

The meaning alone is enough to rapture the soul.

The agonizing prayer of Gethsemane fulfilled The tears and anguish of Calvary ceased The golf that separates mankind and heaven forever swallowed up.

The long wait which was worth it all!

Christ the King receives His spotless bride, And they are finally one—fully.

When our love is consummated, We will be granted to enter the joy of our Lord who takes His bride unto Himself And the joy of the Redeemed who have surrendered all to the Lover of their soul.

You will be my lord and I will be your bride.

Heart bound to heart, Soul knit with soul, Two flesh made one.

Holy matrimony, a tender glimpse of the oneness, the glory, and the joy to come.

Holy matrimony, rightfully called heaven on earth.

I look forward to becoming your God-given wedded queen I look forward to us being one together and one with Him, Experiencing heaven on earth with you, day by day, by His grace, While we await our full redemption…

Until He brings you two together to reflect His perfect image, GUARD the treasure— your heart, body, and soul.

If peradventure you have given them away untimely, you can today repent and commit to the keeping of His treasure. You ARE His treasure. “Rend your heart and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and merciful” (NKJV, Joel 2.13).

“I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” “As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God, rejoiceth over thee” (Isa. 49.16, 62.5)

1. Gen. 2.25 2. Eccl. 3.1 3. Song of Sol. 4.12

9

The Effects of "It was as though she could see the two different representations of herself in her two children."

Some time ago, I was conversing with a friend; she and her husband are the parents of two lovely children. This particular day, the children’s mannerisms were the topic of our conversation. As my friend and I are both interested in science, she began to talk to me about the longstanding effects of a mother’s habits and mindset during pregnancy.

She told me about the differences in temperament of her two children and the correlation of these differences to her mental state during pregnancy. During her first pregnancy, she had a positive outlook, was excited for what the future held, and smiled almost continuously. However, the reverse was true during her second pregnancy, due to other responsibilities and concerns such as finances, she found herself less happy with a weakened positive outlook.

Her firstborn child is very helpful, outgoing, and friendly and, while her second child is also 10

Prenatal Influences

– Janelle Louis

helpful, he is much less willing to talk to people who are not established friends. Even at his young age, he seems to prefer to spend time with only a select group of friends and with her.

My friend expressed her belief that the differences between her two children are a direct result of her different temperaments while pregnant. It was as though she could see the two different representations of herself in her two children.

In Judges, chapter 13, we find the story of Manoah and his wife, the future parents of Samson. The Angel of the Lord appeared unto the wife and gave her the good news that, although she had previously been barren, she would conceive and bear a son. He also gave specific instruction about raising the child and her diet before conception and during the prenatal period.

If you remember the story, she delivered the message to her husband Manoah, who then prayed and asked God to send the Messenger again. When the Angel returned, Manoah asked a question that is of eternal import: “How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?” (vs.12). The Messenger then repeated His instruction.

In order to raise Samson in a way that God would be glorified by his life Manoah, like his

wife, wanted to know exactly how God would have them conduct themselves. Manoah’s question should be asked by all couples, and should also be considered individually even before marriage, in order to ensure that both parties are truly compatible where parenting and other important factors are concerned.

While there are very few people who are willing to deny the significant impact that early influences, whether negative or positive, can have on the development of intellect, personalities, and the character of young children, the average person does not know much about prenatal influences. This may be because, in some areas, scientific research is conflicting. More likely, however, is the possibility that mothers feel unable to give up certain aspects of their lifestyles or simply have never been taught how to make these changes.

Whether we understand every detail or not, scientific research shows and, most importantly, the Bible tells us that children are affected by the lifestyles of their parents, most notably their mothers, while they are in the womb.

By understanding that our choices impact the prenatal development and future life of our offspring, one simple step

that can be taken by all women is to limit the effects of stress on our lives. One scientific study tested the cortisol (stress hormone) levels of pregnant women who were nearing their due dates and then followed them for five months after giving birth.

This study found that the children of those mothers who had the highest cortisol levels were delivered earlier, fussed and cried more, displayed more negative facial expressions, and were reported by their mothers to have more difficult behavior during bath time. Contrarily, mothers who had lower cortisol levels were more likely to carry their babies to full term and had much more pleasant bath experiences.1 All women of child-bearing age should study and adopt the habits and lifestyles that will give their children the best that a life in Christ has to offer—health, happiness, holiness, and a life that is as uncomplicated by unnecessary baggage as possible. One way that we can secure such a bill of fares for our children is by managing stress through techniques such as deep breathing, simply taking a break, and learning to trust in and depend more on God. 1. De Weerth, Carolina et al.(2003) Prenatal maternal cortisol levels and infant behavior during the first 5 months Early Human Development (Vol 74.2) pp 139 – 151.

11 11

Morning

Replenish

G

et ready for this soothing, energizing delight that will carry you for hours without the disappointing "sugar crash" of popular morning beverages…

This tasty drink will substantially boost your mineral and vitamin levels, which are the building blocks of our minds, our moods (whether positive, rational, happy or frazzled, emotional and irritated), our energy levels and our hormones. They either directly support the body or are used in bodily processes that regulate the areas of mental and physical health.

12 12

Ingredients

– Queenette Jenkinson

5.OPTIONAL: Top with whipped dressing and garnish with chia 1 c coconut milk seeds or kasha for added protein 1 c nut/plant milk (Ie: almond, and crunch! rice, hemp, organic soy)** 1 TB Blackstrap Molasses Replenishing our bodies is the 1 TB carob powder best way to feel good and ener1 ½ - 2 TB Pure Maple syrup gized!

Toppings: whipped soy cream, chia, kasha etc **All these milks can be purchased fortified to the same levDirections els however, they tend to vary in 1. Heat two cups of milk of your their fat content, coconut and soy choice over medium heat. with the highest fat levels.

2. Add blackstrap molasses, carob powder and maple syrup 3. Stir and bring to a simmer 4. Remove from heat.

Some nutritional benefits 1. Health Diaries. (2013, January 31) 15 Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molas-

Here’s a breakdown of the goodness found in every cup of this delicious replenish…

Blackstrap Molasses: This sweet liquid derived from the refining process of cane sugar, is high in iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium. When used in place of other sweeteners, this combination of minerals may help reverse grey hair, reduce PMS symptoms (cramps/irritability), reduce iron deficiency symptoms, remove irritability, and help fight against cancer. When used in a cup of warm water many call it ‘molasses tea’!

Regardless of how you use it, blackstrap molasses will help you feel energized and focused, at the very least. Beware, however, of “Fancy Molasses” which although similar in name does not contain the same benefits.1

ses. Retrieved from http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/15-health-benefitsof-blackstrap-molasses.html 2. Patil, M., Patil, K., & Nagdeve, M. (n.d.) Health Benefits of Maple Syrup.

Retrieved from https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/maple-syrup.html 3. Real Raw Food (n.d.) Health Benefits of Carob. http://realrawfood.com/ health-benefits-carob

Maple Syrup: This sugary sap is excreted by maple trees native primarily to northern or cooler climates. It has the potential to boost your immune system, boost your ability to fight cardiovascular and assist your body in fighting against cancer as result of its high levels of zinc and manganese. Maple syrup also contains significant amounts of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper.2 Carob powder: This powder is ground from the legume otherwise known as “locust bean”, and is used as a chocolate substitute since it does not contain the caffeine of chocolate and other drinks.

This ancient bean, when powdered is rich in minerals and vitamins that lend to a healthy brain and body. Some benefits include: lowering of blood cholesterol levels, improve digestive health, help in treating cold, flu, diarrhea and anemia in children as well as polio! You’ll enjoy it most because it will give you energy without the lingering pounds that other high caloric drinks promote.3

13 13

THE

POWER OF THE

C ROSS – Rochelle Willis

A

“ wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, a wonderful Savior to me.”

Oh, has there ever been a friend like Jesus? I can think of no one.

Though I am a wretched sinner, yet He interposed His precious blood for my pardon. He who is the Sovereign of this universe, the Holy One of Israel (Ps 89:18), became a curse so that I might have life and life abundantly.

Have you ever allowed your mind to meditate on this sublime truth, that the Creator would shed His blood for the creation? Does it not fill your soul with wonder? Do you not ask yourself, what manner of love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for your soul?

14

Oh how the devil tries so hard to keep our minds from treading the Via Dolorosa. How he works overtime to keep us from contemplating the selfless life of our Lord, especially the closing scenes. He knows the power that lies in the mere contemplation of such infinite love.

He knows that if we would but behold the cross of Christ that the love manifested there for sinful men would break our sinhardened hearts and cast all our pride to the ground. If we would grow day by day in the Lord, we must make this part of our experience; this is the secret to a successful Christian life.

Have you ever wondered why Paul writes, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross

of our Lord Jesus Christ”? He tells us that it is through the cross “the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). Paul tells the Corinthians “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

One might wonder why Paul was so emphatic about the cross. Friends, it’s because he knew. He knew that there is power in beholding the Lamb of God. For it is only in beholding the Lamb on that cross that our sins will be taken away. It is only by beholding Him that we will be changed (See John 1:29 and 2 Cor 3:18).

"This is the secret to a successful Christian life."

In that marvelous allegory Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan writes that the cross was so situated, that the pilgrim could view it anywhere along the journey. For the pilgrim that will reach the Celestial City must keep ever in view the cross.

Christ tells us, “and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). That cross has drawing power.

As we view the cross a mysterious love is awakened in our hearts for He who hangs there. The power that we need to free us from all those habits that for years have held us captive is released. We begin to understand the terrible cost of sin. Then we can finally experience Zechariah 12:10 “and they shall look upon me whom they

have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for his first born.”

I long for this experience. I long for repentance so deep that I will never return to the vomit of sin. And that experience comes at the cross. Friends, I’m asking God to help me to spend more time there, and I pray that you will as well.

Finally, I leave you with this quotation: “The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish, every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influences goes forth. It is the great center of attraction, for on it Christ

gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection; yea, more. It was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror. Those who in the strength of Christ overcome the great enemy of God and man, will occupy a position in the heavenly courts above the angels who have never fallen.”1

1. White, E.G (1955). Sons and Daughters of God (p. 242). Washington, DC: Review and Herald.

15