Your Joy Will Overflow

Growing up in the Bible Belt, it was cool to be Christian.  In fact, it wasn’t cool to NOT be Christian.  I’ve been back in my hometown for several weeks, and things haven’t changed much.  But I AM a Christian, so this should be awesome, right?  Except I believe there’s a great danger in religion that requires no sacrifice, danger in adhering to Christian culture because that’s what everyone does, and missing out entirely on the relationship and power of God in your life.  So, if going to church every Sunday, voting Republican, and eating Chick-Fil-A on a regular basis doesn’t make us Christian, what does? How do we know we’re saved? I’m certainly no authority on this stuff, and only God knows our hearts.  And I don’t believe this is something we can identify for another person.  We each have to work out our salvation “with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).  But one question to ask ourselves is, “Am I currently and fully depending on Jesus alone for my redemption?” It doesn’t matter if we can remember praying a prayer in 3rd grade (I did, it didn’t stick).  It doesn’t matter if we had an emotional conversion experience.  What matters is the posture of our heart.  Do we BELIEVE He is enough? If so, then we know we can stop striving to earn heaven on our own, and rest in what He’s already done for us.

And when we’ve entered into this saving relationship, we begin to change, to be sanctified.  This process is excruciating, imperfect, downright ugly, and yet beautiful all at once.  Our desires change, because our heart has changed.  Things that used to be ok aren’t ok anymore.  And things that used to bother us are no longer a big deal.  I’ve experienced all that, and am secure in my eternity.  But what does this relationship with God mean for my life right now?  How do I guard against complacency and the tendency to just “go through the motions” in a culture where church attendance is just what everyone does? How do I know that my relationship with Him is growing and thriving, and that I’m not just learning how to be a “good Christian?”  Cause honestly, a “good Christian” is the last thing I want to be.  I want to be a disciple.  I want to be a warrior.  I want to live in the freedom that Jesus died for me to have.

So from my understanding, one of the evidences of the power of God working in us is the development of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives.  This is totally the work of the Spirit, and not something we can do on our own, no matter how hard we try.  But we can ask for it.  And we can partner with God, submitting to whatever it is He’s doing in our lives to develop this “fruit.”  To this end, I’ve been studying these fruits of the Spirit recently, and was deeply moved by a sermon in Pastor Michael Todd’s series “Fruitfull.”  What follows are my notes on his sermon, Your Joy Will Overflow.  And I’ll link the YouTube video of the sermon itself at the end.

The Holy Spirit is supposed to DO something in our lives. God gives us the Holy Spirit so that we actually develop these fruits in our lives.  He helps us to love those who hate us.  To have peace when everything around us is crumbling.  People freak out over politics or issues in the world today, and yes- things look dismal from some angles. But God is in control.  He is sovereign and He loves us.  We can rest in that and have peace.  We don’t have to get frazzled and messed up over the circumstances of our lives because the Holy Spirit is inside of us, working to bring us peace.

Do you act like you believe what you SAY you believe?

The JOY of the Lord is our strength.  Joy is the fuel to propel us through life when it’s hard.

But if we look at a lot of Christians’ lives, they’re not full of joy.  They’re full of worry and doubt and frustration. Happiness is dependent on circumstances.  We can never control that.  Joy is unmovable.  It’s so much deeper than happiness.  Your whole world can fall apart, and you can still have joy. So what is this joy? Let’s look at Webster’s definition…

A feeling of pleasure or happiness?  Nope, that’s not enough.  Paul and Silas sang worship songs while they were in chains in jail.  Something on the inside enabled them to have joy and glorify God despite their circumstance.  Job lost everything.  He didn’t feel good.  He wasn’t happy. But he said “Blessed be the name of the Lord.  The Lord gives and He takes away.”

The cross wasn’t a place of pleasure or happiness.  But Jesus was focused on the joy He knew was coming.  God is the One who can give us joy in the middle of the hardest situations.  Our feelings are fleeting.  How often have we changed our minds in our lives?  And what’s pleasurable for us is not always profitable for us. So what was the joy that Jesus was focused on, if it doesn’t line up with Webster’s definition?

Joy is not a feeling.  It’s a heart posture.  It’s not natural to us.  It’s SUPERnatural.  It’s a byproduct of the Holy Spirit.  That’s why when we spend time with God, when we pray, when we come into His house… He begins to work this out in us.

Joy comes from having a fixed perspective on Jesus.  You can’t have joy if your focus keeps changing.  We focus on whatever gives us feelings of pleasure and happiness at any given moment… a certain person, a group’s approval, an amount of money, a fun experience, drugs, food, relationships… and then when our feelings inevitably change, we’re unhappy again, and switch our focus to the next thing.

As the Spirit develops the fruits in us, this love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… it shines like a light in the darkness. Others are drawn to it. On some level, they know that they, too, need this light to illuminate their lives.

This joy, this light, His joy, cannot be taken away from us.  The world didn’t give it, and they can’t take it away.  The reason they can’t give it is because they don’t have it.  Believers are no better than someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, but He is working in us.  He came so that we would live life to the full.  That we would be fruit-FULL.

God’s got it.  And I trust Him.  This is our anchor.

When I lose my job, when I’m left at the altar, when my kids are acting crazy, when the economy implodes, when my kids are faced with sickness… God’s got it. And I trust Him.

When I’m faced with a lifetime of chronic illness, when my family falls apart, when my parents get sick, when life doesn’t feel fair… God’s got it.  And I trust Him.

A situation can come, and I’m chillin’. Cause God’s got it.  And I trust Him.

Are my feelings hurt? Yeah.

Am I uncomfortable? Yeah.

Is my happiness up and down? Yeah.

But I still have joy.  Cause God’s got it.  And I trust Him.

I don’t care what comes. Nothing is bigger than Him.  He’s got you.  He’s got your kids.  He’s got your job.  When you KNOW that, it doesn’t matter what comes. KNOW that He’s going to take care of you.

Joy is ONLY Jesus-generated.  It’s not external. It can only come from the work of the Holy Spirit inside you.

Some of us have got it twisted.  We thing WE’RE the source.  We don’t have any ability to make anything happen. We are just a RE-source. But when we remove ourselves from God, we cut ourselves off from THE Source. Whatever we do without God will not last.  Because then WE have to sustain it.

God’s like, “Are you ready for Me to step in?  Cause I can take care of this, you know? Easy. With my pinky.” But God is a gentleman. He only steps in when He’s asked.

Once a seed is planted, it has to stay in the ground and go through a process before it will bear fruit.  We don’t pluck it up every day and plant a new one. How do we expect to bear fruit if we won’t stay planted? Pull up an orange tree every day, every month, every YEAR… and see how much fruit it gives.  We can’t be in and out of our walk with Jesus.  We have to stay planted in Him to be able to bear fruit.

Jesus paid for a 5 star meal, and all we’re getting is bread. There’s steak waiting for us.  We have to take full advantage of the life God wants to give us.  Joy is ours.

It’s hard to be joyful naturally when we’re hungry.  Same goes for spiritual hunger. God’s word is spiritual food. We need to eat, so we don’t get HANGRY.  We’re so malnourished that we think this is normal. The word of God satisfies.

Joy is not an option.  It’s an outcome.  An outcome of the richness of our relationship with God.

You want joy? Get to know Jesus.

It’s an outcome of KNOWING Jesus. If you want that thing that nobody can steal from you? If you want that thing that’s better than happiness? Know Jesus. And in the face of hard circumstances and broken situations, you’ll be able to stand. People will see the power of God in your life and He will be glorified.

No matter how dark our lives get, He sends joy constantly.  No matter how long the night feels, joy is coming in the morning.  And many times, joy comes in our MOURNING. When we experience loss and tragedy. But God brings joy in the midst of it.  Unexplainable joy.

Because He’s got it.  And we trust Him.

The Body Systems and How to Support Them

If you know my story, then you know I’ve worked very hard to learn how to support my body’s natural healing processes. It’s been a long road, and there are lots of pieces to the puzzle, but in this post I will share many of those pieces with you, along with some education about the various body systems, which is important for you to have some general knowledge about if you intend to translate this information into something you can use for yourself or someone you love.

I’m so grateful to have found options to address my everyday issues that are simultaneously supporting proper functioning of my body systems. I’m not a scientist or a doctor, and most of this information was pulled from Wikipedia and a fantastic little book called “Now What?” that correlates the body systems with products that help them work properly, but many of these suggestions have played a huge part in helping me heal, and I’m praying they’ll help you, too.

First up, the Circulatory System…

THE CARDIOVASCULAR/CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

The circulatory system, also called the cardiovascular system or the vascular system, is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from the cells in the body to provide nourishment and help in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain homeostasis.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the cardiovascular system include: Copaiba, Frankincense, Lavender, Cinnamon Bark, Marjoram, JuvaCleanse, and Longevity.

Supplements that support the cardiovascular system include: Longevity, Detoxzyme, Ningxia Red, Master Formula, MindWise, MegaCal, AgilEase, Super B, and OmegaGize3.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system coordinates our actions by transmitting signals to and from different parts of its body. The nervous system detects environmental changes that impact the body, then works in tandem with the endocrine system to respond to such events. It consists of two main parts, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS consists mainly of nerves, which are enclosed bundles of the long fibers or axons, that connect the CNS to every other part of the body. Nerves that transmit signals from the brain are called motor or efferent nerves, while those nerves that transmit information from the body to the CNS are called sensory or afferent. Spinal nerves serve both functions and are called mixed nerves. The PNS is divided into three separate subsystems, the somatic, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. Somatic nerves mediate voluntary movement. The autonomic nervous system is further subdivided into the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is activated in cases of emergencies to mobilize energy, while the parasympathetic nervous system is activated when we are in a relaxed state. The enteric nervous system functions to control the gastrointestinal system. Both autonomic and enteric nervous systems function involuntarily. Nerves that exit from the cranium are called cranial nerves while those exiting from the spinal cord are called spinal nerves. The nervous system is greatly affected by the digestive system.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the Nervous System: Frankincense, Lavender, Rosemary, Lemon.

Supplements that support the Nervous system: Ningxia Red, Ningxia Nitro, MindWise, OmegaGize3, MegaCal, Mineral Essence, Super C Tablets/Chewables, MutliGreens, Master Formula.

Complementary Products: Reconnect Kit, Melissa, Helichrysum, Clarity, Brain Power, Super B, Cedarwood, Sleep Essence.

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system is part of the vascular system and an important part of the immune system, comprising a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph (from Latin, lympha meaning “water”) directionally towards the heart. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is not a closed system. The human circulatory system processes an average of 20 liters of blood per day through capillary filtration, which removes plasma while leaving the blood cells. Roughly 17 litres of the filtered plasma are reabsorbed directly into the blood vessels, while the remaining three litres remain in the interstitial fluid. One of the main functions of the lymph system is to provide an accessory return route to the blood for the surplus three litres.

The lymphatic system is one of the major detox pathways that must be supported when you are working to clear your body of toxins.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the Lymphatic/Immune system: Thieves, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Digize, Oregano.

Supplements that support the Lymphatic/Immune System: Ningxia Red, ImmuPro Chewable, Inner Defense, Life 9, Super C Tablets/Chewables, Longevity, Digest & Cleanse, MultiGreens, Super B.

Complimentary Products: ImmuPower, AromaLife, Raven, En-R-Gee, Exodus II, Sacred Frankincense, Purification

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

The immune system is a host defense system comprising many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease. To function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents, known as pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms, and distinguish them from the organism’s own healthy tissue. In many species, the immune system can be classified into subsystems, such as the innate immune system versus the adaptive immune system, or humoral immunity versus cell-mediated immunity. In humans, the blood–brain barrier, blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and similar fluid–brain barriers separate the peripheral immune system from the neuroimmune system, which protects the brain.

Pathogens can rapidly evolve and adapt, and thereby avoid detection and neutralization by the immune system; however, multiple defense mechanisms have also evolved to recognize and neutralize pathogens. Even simple unicellular organisms such as bacteria possess a rudimentary immune system in the form of enzymes that protect against bacteriophage infections. Other basic immune mechanisms evolved in ancient eukaryotes and remain in their modern descendants, such as plants and invertebrates. These mechanisms include phagocytosis, antimicrobial peptides called defensins, and the complement system. Jawed vertebrates, including humans, have even more sophisticated defense mechanisms, including the ability to adapt over time to recognize specific pathogens more efficiently. Adaptive (or acquired) immunity creates immunological memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen, leading to an enhanced response to subsequent encounters with that same pathogen. This process of acquired immunity is the basis of vaccination.

Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer. Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is less active than normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections. In humans, immunodeficiency can either be the result of a genetic disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency, acquired conditions such as HIV/AIDS, or the use of immunosuppressive medication. In contrast, autoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign organisms. Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunology covers the study of all aspects of the immune system.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the immune system include: Thieves, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, DiGize, Oregano.

Supplements that support the immune system include: Ningxia Red, ImmuPro Chewable, Inner Defense, Life 9, Super C Tablets/Chewables, Longevity, Digest & Cleanse, MultiGreens, Super B.

Complementary Products: ImmuPower, AromaLife, Raven, En-R-Gee, Exodus II, Sacred Frankincense, Purification, Clove.

Raindrop Oils: Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Marjoram, Wintergreen, Peppermint.

THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM

The muscular system is an organ system consisting of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles. It permits movement of the body, maintains posture, and circulates blood throughout the body. The muscular system in vertebrates is controlled through the nervous system, although some muscles (such as the cardiac muscle) can be completely autonomous. Together with the skeletal system it forms the musculoskeletal system, which is responsible for movement of the human body.

THE SKELETAL SYSTEM

The skeletal system serves six major functions: support, movement, protection, production of blood cells, storage of minerals and endocrine regulation.

Support

The skeleton provides the framework which supports the body and maintains its shape. The pelvis, associated ligaments and muscles provide a floor for the pelvic structures. Without the rib cages, costal cartilages, and intercostal muscles, the lungs would collapse.

Movement

The joints between bones allow movement, some allowing a wider range of movement than others, e.g. the ball and socket joint allows a greater range of movement than the pivot joint at the neck. Movement is powered by skeletal muscles, which are attached to the skeleton at various sites on bones. Muscles, bones, and joints provide the principal mechanics for movement, all coordinated by the nervous system.

It is believed that the reduction of human bone density in prehistoric times reduced the agility and dexterity of human movement. Shifting from hunting to agriculture has caused human bone density to reduce significantly.

Protection

The skeleton helps to protect our many vital internal organs from being damaged.

The skull protects the brain

The vertebrae protect the spinal cord.

The rib cage, spine, and sternum protect the lungs, heart and major blood vessels.

Blood cell production

The skeleton is the site of haematopoiesis, the development of blood cells that takes place in the bone marrow. In children, haematopoiesis occurs primarily in the marrow of the long bones such as the femur and tibia. In adults, it occurs mainly in the pelvis, cranium, vertebrae, and sternum.

Storage

The bone matrix can store calcium and is involved in calcium metabolism, and bone marrow can store iron in ferritin and is involved in iron metabolism. However, bones are not entirely made of calcium, but a mixture of chondroitin sulfate and hydroxyapatite, the latter making up 70% of a bone. Hydroxyapatite is in turn composed of 39.8% of calcium, 41.4% of oxygen, 18.5% of phosphorus, and 0.2% of hydrogen by mass. Chondroitin sulfate is a sugar made up primarily of oxygen and carbon.

Endocrine regulation

Bone cells release a hormone called osteocalcin, which contributes to the regulation of blood sugar (glucose) and fat deposition. Osteocalcin increases both the insulin secretion and sensitivity, in addition to boosting the number of insulin-producing cells and reducing stores of fat.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the Musculoskeletal system include: Copaiba, Frankincense, Peppermint, and Lemongrass.

Supplements that support the Musculoskeletal system include: Ningxia Red, AgilEase, PowerGize, OmegaGize3, SuperCal, SuperCal Plus, Super B, MultiGreens, Master Formula, and AminoWise.

Complimentary Products: Copaiba, PanAway, MindWise, Deep Relief, Wintergreen, Cool Azul, Aroma Siez, Dorado Azul, Ortho Sport, Pure Protein Complete.

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder). In this system, the process of digestion has many stages, the first of which starts in the mouth. Digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller and smaller components, until they can be absorbed and assimilated into the body.

The digestive system is often the root of many seemingly unrelated health issues. Immune function, emotional health, etc. can often be traced back to dysfunction of this system.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the digestive system include: Peppermint, DiGize, Nutmeg, Lemon, JuvaCleanse, Tarragon, JuvaFlex, GLF, Ginger, and Tangerine.

Supplements that support the digestive system include: Ningxia Red, JuvaTone, Sulfurzyme, Digest & Cleanse, Cleansing Trio, 5 Day Nutritive Cleanse, ComforTone, Essentialzyme, Life 9, Detoxzyme, and Balance Complete.

THE RENAL/URINARY SYSTEM

The urinary system, also known as the renal system or urinary tract, consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. The purpose of the urinary system is to eliminate waste from the body, regulate blood volume and blood pressure, control levels of electrolytes and metabolites, and regulate blood pH. The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for the eventual removal of urine. The kidneys have an extensive blood supply via the renal arteries which leave the kidneys via the renal vein. Each kidney consists of functional units called nephrons. Following filtration of blood and further processing, wastes (in the form of urine) exit the kidney via the ureters, tubes made of smooth muscle fibres that propel urine towards the urinary bladder, where it is stored and subsequently expelled from the body by urination (voiding). The female and male urinary system are very similar, differing only in the length of the urethra.

1. Human urinary system

2. Kidney

3. Renal pelvis

4. Ureter

5. Urinary bladder

6. Urethra. (Left side with frontal section)

7. Adrenal gland

Vessels:

8. Renal artery and vein

9. Inferior vena cava

10. Abdominal aorta

11. Common iliac artery and vein

Transparent:

12. Liver

13. Large intestine

14. Pelvis

Vitality Essential Oils that support the Urinary/Renal system include: lemon, frankincense, Digize, GLF, grapefruit, and oregano.

Supplements that support the urinary system include: Ningxia Red, K&B, Digest & Cleanse, Inner Defense, AlkaLime, Balance Complete, Mineral Essence, ImmuPro, AgilEase, and Essentialzyme.

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The respiratory system is a biological system consisting of specific organs and structures used for gas exchange. Gas exchange in the lungs occurs in millions of small air sacs called alveoli. These microscopic air sacs have a very rich blood supply, thus bringing the air into close contact with the blood. These air sacs communicate with the external environment via a system of airways, or hollow tubes, of which the largest is the trachea, which branches in the middle of the chest into the two main bronchi. These enter the lungs where they branch into progressively narrower secondary and tertiary bronchi that branch into numerous smaller tubes, the bronchioles. It is the bronchioles that open into the microscopic alveoli. Air has to be pumped from the environment into the alveoli by the process of breathing which involves the muscles of respiration.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the respiratory system include: Frankincense, peppermint, thieves, and lemon.

Supplements that support the respiratory system include Ningxia Red, ICP, MultiGreens, ImmuPro, Inner Defense, Life 9, Detoxzyme, Essentialzyme, Super C Tablets/Chewables, and Sulfurzyme.

Complimentary Products include: Myrrh, RC, Raven, Ravintsara, Breathe Again, Eucalyptus Blue, Eucalyptus Radiata, Sacred Mountain, Palo Santo, Dorado Azul, Thieves Kit/Line/Oral Care, Purification, Myrtle, Rosemary, German Chamomile, Melissa, and JuvaPower.

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The endocrine system is a chemical messenger system consisting of hormones, the group of glands of an organism that carry those hormones directly into the circulatory system to be carried towards distant target organs, and the feedback loops of homeostasis that the hormones drive. In humans, the major endocrine glands are the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the neural control center for all endocrine systems. The field of study dealing with the endocrine system and its disorders is endocrinology, a branch of internal medicine.

The major endocrine glands are the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries (in women), and testes (in men).

FOR THE GUYS

Vitality Essential Oils that support the endocrine system in men include: lemon, frankincense, longevity, GLF, and nutmeg.

Supplements that support the endocrine system in men include: EndoGize, PowerGize, Thyromin, Super B, Ningxia Red, Master Formula, and Prostate Health.

Complimentary products: Shutran, Valor, and Mister.

FOR THE LADIES

Vitality Essential Oils that support the endocrine system in women include: lemon, frankincense, SclarEssence, and sage.

Supplements that support the endocrine system in women include: Ningxia Red, EndoGize, PowerGize, Thyromin, CortiStop, PD 80/20, Super B, Master Formula, and FemiGen.

Complimentary Products: Progessence Plus Serum, clary sage, Dragon Time, Sensation, Lady Sclareol.

THE INTEGUMENTARY/EXOCRINE SYSTEM

The integumentary system comprises the skin, hair, and nails, acting to protect the body from various kinds of damage, such as loss of water or abrasion from outside. It has a variety of additional functions; it may serve to waterproof, cushion, and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate temperature, and is the attachment site for sensory receptors to detect pain, sensation, pressure, and temperature. In most land vertebrates (that’s us! Lol) with significant exposure to sunlight, the integumentary system also provides for vitamin D synthesis.

Vitality Essential Oils that support the Integumentary/Exocrine system include: Lemon, Frankincense, Lavender, Rosemary, Carrot Seed, JuvaCleanse, Basil, and JuvaFlex.

Supplements that support the Integumentary system include: Sulfurzyme, Master Formula, AgilEase, Super B, Ningxia Red, Essentialzyme, Detoxzyme, ComforTone, and Life 9.

And that’s the basics on the body systems. I pray this empowers you to do your own research, be your own advocate, and take charge of your health and wellness! You have options! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!