MIA- Footsteps of Grace

Good morning Pilgrims. I suppose I am like Julie and haven't had much of anything profound to say, neglecting my own blog for lack of words. I have, however, been posting a Monday Blessings if you want to read those...

I have been reading Psalm 42 as well as othr scriptures hopeful God will wash the sorrow from my soul, rescue me from this emotional and often times spiritual wilderness. I do understand there are beautiful bright mountain tops and deep dark valleys. There have been times during mild depression when I saw my depression as God telling me to slow down, separate, and rest. As I read Psalm 42, the opening line made me aware of needing God in my time of extreme stress. Last week verse three was very alive in me as I was weeping day and night, inner pain drowning everyting out. Verse four, brought to life my sense that I am cut off from God...depression can place one in a wilderness state where yes you feel shut out and cut off from everyone and everything, including God.

I am trying to take full responsiblity for the health of my body, soul and spirit. but have chosen to reverse the normal stated order by taking care of spirit first.....pressing into God....pushing into God and His word.

From a medical standpoint, I have never sought medical treatment or been diagnosed with depression, ( and no one will ever convince me a psychologist knows me better than me or my God), so I can safely conclude it is not necessary. This part of the post is for everyone, but in particular, Heb 11:1 (LPP)...(since she asked about supplements and natural herbs although I am sure I will give more than she ever wanted to know)...

I thoroughly search through information that is readily available due to the advancement of technology ( this valuable tool called the internet) and I also lean on the knowledge, wisdom and instructions passed down to me by my dear mother...I do believe our lifestyles and eating habits affect us and in my case may be directly contributing to my mild depression ( although I do know mine is partially situational).....I also tend to suffer at times arthritically and it was discovered last year that I have uterine fibroid tumors. (If you are thinking at this point that I am old and decrepit, stop that thought right now !! :) :)I am only 53 and yes I dye my hair. :) :)

Research and development has linked depression to low levels of serotonin and there is evidence that a diet deficient in omega 3 fatty acids, lowers the levels of serotonin. The tumors pose no problem to me unless they grow larger causing some sort of blockage; this also I thoroughly researched and am supplementing my diet in the hopes of "reducing" their size....generally, they disappear anyways, but I am taking measures to deter their growth. I did, at one time, suffer from candida albicans (yeast infection of the intestinal tract) By a complete change in my diet and by adding some necessary supplements, I believe I have it under control. So LPP, I do take many natural herbs and supplements, namely, omega 3-6-9, evening primrose, B complex for the depression; I am careful with my multi-vitamin and if I do take one I chose a food based supplement, namely because of the copper and zinc in a multi; the ratio should be 1-10 as overages of either will affect their absorbtion plus excessive copper leads to toxicity, which of course can be associated with depression or joint and muscle pain.....so I prefer to take many supplements separately, cod liver oil, vitamin C and E., ecinacea, flaxseed oil, calcium

I believe strongly that our world is suffering nutritionally because we have strayed from God's provisions; our soil has been depleted of its nutrients and replaced by chemicals and pesticides and horomones simply to produce products more rapidly, and for a large population in order to have the convenience of a quick, factory prepared meal or microwave dinner.

Back to the spiritual, I am moving on to Psalm 43, where the mood changes and I am drawing strength from verse 5

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disqueted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.

Love to all
Donna

P.S. I responded to the nudge Passing-thru...Bless you