Journavax: The new kid on the new block!

Image via deeznutz1 of Pixabay

Ending 2026 on a positive note...
For years, those suffering with both temporary and chronically acute pain have been swept aside due to laws preventing the use of potentially addictive pain meds. For those who’ve been a victim of this, I hope you’ll be interested in the following information.

Introducing Journavx (Suzetrigine)

It’s not just a new drug, it’s the first of its kind within a new class of drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that works to treat pain without the risk of addiction.

Journavx is a channel blocker. In short, it interrupts the communication channels outside the brain and spinal cord. If you’re hurting, this inhibits pain signals, running to your brain (traveling via your nerve channels) to let it know you’re in pain. 

For now...

It’s being used to treat moderate to severe, acute pain, like what folks experience after surgery, or severe injury. 

It’s not approved for long-term pain management, but for short term situations it can be used for up to about 14 days.

It can be taken on an empty stomach and the dosing starts at about 100 mgs, then lowers to 50 mgs about every 12 hours and is opioid free!

Challenges

There’s a risk of a few side-effects—the most common ones include...

• Mild to moderate itching
• Muscle spasms
• Rash
• Increase in CPK (a blood enzyme)

Negative interactions
Not many, but a few to be aware of, including...

• Grapefruit (can inhibit the drug from working)
• Shouldn’t be used with strong liver enzyme meds, but dosage can possibly be adjusted to safely accommodate
• Folks with moderate liver impairment may need a lower dose
• Folks with severe liver disease should avoid it

Nursing or Pregnant?

Again, knowledge is half the battle...

• As of this post, the risks are unknown. However, it is known that it may decrease fertility in women, while taking it. 
• Women using hormonal birth control (other than those containing levonorgestrel or norethindrone) should use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method

If you’d like further information, click here.

The wrap!

I hope your holiday season has been enjoyable and prayers for a healthy, happy and prosperous new year!

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV

‘Til next time,

Shalom, shalom!

Angelia

Butterfly Kisses: Why to get cozy with the Live Monarch Foundation

 

Image via the Live Monarch Foundation

Who are they?

Having only recently learned of the Live Monarch Foundation and love the services they’re providing, I’m spotlighting them here so you can get acquainted with them and get excited about their work, too!

This group’s working hard to fulfill a perpetual mission and their efforts are blessing millions of us!

Their mission

Offering education, involvement, assistance and acknowledgment of persons directly acting to benefit the Monarch Butterfly and various native creatures who have suffered a decline in their natural habitats.

The foundation can provide free-to-low cost milkweed seeds, indigenous to your area, and about to show you why that’s awesome!

Milkweed growth has been in rapid decline in many areas due to habitat loss, especially where large amounts of pesticides are in use.

As of this writing, a few types are listed on the federal endangered species list.

A monarch butterfly...

Image via MatchyMatchy of Pixabay

Why are the monarchs sooooo important?

Important is an understatement.

They’re ranked as a flagship species due to their crucial role in pollination of both wildflowers (more on the wildflowers later) and food crop. These efforts help to maintain a much healthier ecosystem.

And what’s milkweed got to do with the monarchs?

From pollinator food to organic medicine, milkweed maintains as a crucial aspect of a healthy ecology. Below is your breakdown of this amazing plant and why to grow it...

• It’s the ONLY FOOD SOURCE AND HABITAT for monarch caterpillars. Without milkweed, the monarch butterflies cannot survive.

• Over 450 types of insects feed on milkweed. It’s nectar-rich, attracting major pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

• Is an organic, eco-friendly ingredient used in cleaning up oil spills. In fact, its natural absorbency factors outperform synthetic alternatives, making it an essential for toxic spill cleanup.

• Provides a defense for the monarch babies and adults via its toxin compounds that make them taste awful to predators. The monarchs also consume the milkweed nectar, providing them with fuel, an essential for both their long migration journeys.

For more than monarchs

Milkweed and us...

Milkweed has and continues to be used as an organic medicine

• Topically for warts, ringworm, bee stings and poison ivy

•  Its cardiac glycosides are used in modern medicine to treat heart disorders

• As a tincture it can treat coughs due to asthma, bronchitis and even pleurisy due to lung inflammation

• Can help with gut issues such as diarrhea, dysentery and as a laxative.

• As a diuretic it can reduce edema and as a diaphoretic, it can help produce sweating 

 

As food 

• Its buds, flowers, immature pods and young shoots can be eaten as vegetables in stews or fried, after they’re boiled to neutralize its toxins.

Materials

• Its fluff is used for bedding and organic oil absorbency.

• Its sap is used to make glue

• Stem and root fibres are used in making cordage

• Dried pods are processed into insect repellents

The Live Monarch Foundation is helping us to keep milkweed abundant and thriving by providing education and low-to-no cost milkweed seed varieties that are indigenous to our own areas. 

Help with restoration

Below are some linked images to get you to their site to learn more about their crucial work in helping to maintain quality ecosystems in our areas via their Plant a Seed Program.

(Images below are via the Live Monarch Foundation)

 

Just for fun!

Monarch swarming

I’ve only seen one in my whole life, and as I write this, I’m 61 years old. I was blessed to observe one for several minutes (wasn’t over but couldn’t stay longer) around a tree in front of the Post Office in Poseyville, Indiana. It was one of the most spectacular natural events I’ve ever witnessed. 

Another was a swarm of killer bees in Glendale, California, in a residential area, while I was out for a jog. Thankfully it was down the street, with two police squad cars parked in front of it to warn passersby, until they could get the area cleared and safe.

I dunno how.. Maybe a few bee charmers? 

If I never see a swarm of those types of bees again, I’ll be happy about it. The monarchs tho... BEAUTIFUL!!!

Monarch migration

The monarchs must migrate to survive. It allows them to escape freezing weather, deadly parasite infections and starvation. 

The long migration weeds out those infected with parasitic infections and increases the lifespans of the healthy ones up to nine months longer than the infected ones. 

Enjoy!

Below are two vids I hope you’ll take some time to watch, especially if you’ve never seen a butterfly swarm or their landing zone after fleeing winter weather. So cool!

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV

The wrap!

Growing up in a large aspect of America’s grain belt, and working within a generational, agricultural farming family, over the years I’ve learned the importance of good stewardship. It’s an absolute necessity. We really can especially conduct quality land management and be protective of the native plant and animal species within our areas, even as we produce food and other vegetation, without destroying the habitats of the native species that depend on them.

We can start with our own properties, be they little or big. 

Thanks for visiting and supporting independent journalism. Please feel free to leave a comment, especially if you have further information or personal experience you’d like to share.

‘Til next time,

Shalom from Southern Indiana!

Angelia 

FarmaCOPEia: The ancient science of forgiveness

 

Image via TotalShape of Pixabay

In case you didn’t know...

A few years ago, I was blessed with more stabilized health and was able to attend college again (remotely), this time with a focus on Biblical Studies. In the doing, I’ve also had to spend a good deal of time refreshing myself on some subjects I’ve not spent much time reviewing since the late 1980s—two being general and grief psychology.

This month, December, in psyche review, I’ve landed in the topic of  forgiveness. 

As always, God’s timing is perfect. 

Next, I’m not referring to anyone specifically, but many, manyyyyyy folks won’t even attempt to taste a bit of forgiveness pie. Others accept it but struggle with the chewing and swallowing. As my southern family says, “Sometimes, it be like that.” 

It’s kinda like kids and castor oil...

Image via ASPhillips

Some give up but others just do it, and begin to immediately reap the benefits of it.

Once more... 

In the research that prompted this post, I was yet again awed at modern science proving Biblical teaching to be accurate, especially in regards to mental health. 

Since this is the season millions celebrate the birth of Yeshua the Messiah, it provides an opportunity to maybe help some folks struggling with emotional challenges. Of those, many are sometimes a side-effect of unforgiveness.

Image via qimono of Pixabay

Unforgiveness: A mental health toxin 

I wanted to do my best to help anyone suffering from symptoms related to unforgiveness—that joy-robbing, spirit-dampening, soul-stealing toxin that some folks just don’t realize may be the very thing that’s causing life to feel foul.

Yup... It really is all that bad of a thing to be harboring, let alone nourishing.

Y’all know I’m not a fan of producing long posts, so, I’m gonna try and fit the info into a teaspoon-sized dose that will hopefully be an easy read that may be just the medicine you or someone you know is in need of. 

Here we go...

The Process Model of Psychological Forgiveness by Dr. Robert Enright, PhD

Core Principles

☙ Conscious Choice: Deliberately releasing negative feelings.

☙ Internal Processing: Deliberately changing your own internal (emotional) response to

a hurtful action by another, and not allowing that response to depend on them.

☙ Not Condoning: Forgiving because you choose to without condoning the actions of the offender.

☙ Emotional Release: Deliberate transitioning from feelings of hate and hurt to forgiveness and healing.

Stages and Components (Enright Model and more)

☙ Uncovering: Acknowledging the depths of the hurt and the anger and pain it caused.

☙ Deciding to Forgive: Committing to the process of making the deliberate choice to let go. 

☙ Working Through: Making a conscious choice to release and let go of unforgiveness.

☙ Deepening: (I’m not always in agreement with all aspects of this one, but including it to be reflective of the model) Allowing and cultivating empathy for the offender. Transitioning the focus from the event’s effects to renewed hope and personal growth.

Psychological & Neurological Benefits

☙ Stress reduction: Decreases anxiety, depression, anger, and rumination.

☙ Improved physical health: Forgiveness is linked to more stable, healthy blood

pressure and immune function.

☙ Relationship enhancement: Promotes, empathy, compassion and connection with others.

Important Distinctions

☙ Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation: Forgiveness is a person’s choice. Reconciliation is dependent on mutual efforts and restored trust.

☙ Forgiveness vs. Forgetting: One might not forget the event but one can alter how they relate to it.

The last one I’m abstaining from including here because I believe it to be erroneous and in direct conflict with the teachings of Yeshua, the most horribly injured (physically and emotionally) innocent man ever to have been assassinated. Yet, in His last moments of agony, and His few last breaths said, from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do.” Young’s Literal Translation.

Yeshua said...

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Whatever belief system anyone has ever adopted, or what good standards they work to live by, it was Him who set the ultimate standard of rightness (righteousness). It’s Him who helps me forgive, as I should. And that’s a wonderful privilege because if there’s anyone who should be willing to forgive, it’s definitely me. I’ve been one of the most undeserving recipients of forgiveness more times than I’ll ever be able to remember.

If you can identify, feel free to leave an “Amen!” in the comments. Hopefully, that's not many of you. 

The Wrap!

This hasn’t been a post about religion. As my little brother says, “It’s all about relationship. Religion never saved anybody.” Pastor Paul K. Cooper II, Missionary to Brazil.

No matter what religion you are or aren’t, forgiveness maintains as being a recognized organic and exceptional, ancient medicine. It may make you squint and pucker, but it’ll bless us if we just do it.

Hoping you're enjoying this season of reflection, love and definitely forgiveness.

Shalom, shalom

Angelia

Should Christians celebrate Christmas?

 

Image via ASPhillips

Sunday chatter

On any regular Sunday, at Maumee General Baptist Church (Johnson, Indiana), several members of the congregation meet for lunch at whatever local restaurant was chosen for that week. It’s a routine that’s been in place for a few years. 

The purpose is tri-fold, to be supportive of local businesses, enjoy some fellowship with our own congregation and other guests and to not have to cook and clean up after a busy morning of worship.

Recently, at such a gathering, while we waited on our food, Deacon Bruce Page (who’s also the adult Sunday School teacher), posed a question that evoked some interesting discussion. 

The question: Should Christians include Christmas trees in their Christmas holiday? 

We all contributed our take on it, not so much in debate just sharing our own take on it. It made for an interesting and amiable exchange of ideas.

Next day...

I don’t spend much time on Facebook, so I often don’t see posts the same day they publish. So, I was surprised and curious that the day after our lunch discussion, I was surprised to see a post from my friend, Pastor Brent Wedding of Hope Center Apostolic Chapel. It wasn’t exactly the same topic, but very closely related.

His info was well researched and interesting enough that I asked if I could incorporate it in this week’s edition. He was agreeable and below I’ve placed the entire post for your perusal. Interesting stuff!

The great debate: Should Christians celebrate Christmas?

At the end of the day, you do what God leads you to do. But let's not separate ourselves from each other over trivial things. The love of God is stronger than our differences. 

But here is some great info for your research. 

I've run this through several fact checks and it passes the accuracy testing.

Why Celebrating Christmas Is Not Pagan

A historically accurate, Biblically sound, culturally relevant breakdown

1. The Core Claim: “Christmas is pagan” is historically false.

The idea that Christmas is pagan is a modern myth popularized in the 1800–1900s by:

    ☙ Alex Hislop (The Two Babylons, 1853)

    ☙ Jehovah’s Witnesses literature (20th century)

    ☙ Wiccan/Pagan revivalists (20th century)

Historians across all fields—secular, Christian, and Jewish—universally reject Hislop’s claims for lack of evidence. Hislop’s comparisons between Christianity and ancient paganism are considered:

☙ Unhistorical

` ☙ Unsupported by primary sources

☙ Pseudo-scholarship

☙ Modern historians consider his work academically worthless.

2. The Early Church Did NOT Adopt Pagan Festivals

Many people claim Christmas was created to “Christianize Saturnalia” or the “winter solstice.” But historically:

    A. Saturnalia was NOT on December 25

         ☙ Saturnalia: December 17–23

 ☙ Sol Invictus festival: December 25 (but far later)

Even then, Sol Invictus, becoming prominent, post-dates Christian celebration of Christ’s birth.

    B. Christians avoided pagan holidays. The early church was...

          ☙ Persecuted by Rome

  ☙ Opposed to Roman idolatry

  ☙ Strictly against syncretism

They refused participation in pagan rituals. The idea that they borrowed from paganism contradicts everything we know about early Christian practice.

3. Christmas on Dec 25 Originated from Christian Theology—Not Paganism

The strongest historical evidence shows the date came from a Jewish-Christian belief about prophetic symmetry, not pagan festivals.

     A. The Early Church taught “prophetic completeness”

           Many early Christians believed:

     ☙ Great prophets died on the same date they were conceived.

        This tradition appears in...

          ☙ Jewish thought

          ☙ Early Christian writings

          ☙ Rabbinical discussions of Moses, David, and patriarchs

    B. Jesus’ death was believed to be on Nisan 14

          ☙ Western Christians dated His death as March 25

          ☙ Eastern Christians dated it as April 6

    C. Add 9 months → Birthdate

          ☙ March 25 + 9 months = December 25

          ☙ April 6 + 9 months = January 6

       This gives us...

         ☙December 25 → Western Christmas

         ☙ January 6 → Eastern Christmas/Epiphany

         ☙Both are derived from theology, not paganism.

       This is documented in...

☙ Tertullian (AD 160–225)

☙ Hippolytus (AD 170–235)

☙ Julius Africanus (AD 160–240)

☙ John Chrysostom (AD 347–407)

      This predates any connection to Sol Invictus.

4. Christmas Predates the Pagan “Sol Invictus” Festival

    This is the single most important historical fact most people don’t know:

    A. Christians mention December 25 as Jesus’ birth in AD 200

 ☙ Hippolytus (AD 200) explicitly writes Christ was born on December 25.

    B. The pagan Sol Invictus celebration on Dec 25 was created around AD 274—at least 70 years later.

         In other words...

          ☙ Christians weren’t copying the pagans.

          ☙ Pagans copied the Christians.

Several historians argue that Emperor Aurelian intentionally placed a new solar festival on Dec 25 to compete with growing Christian influence, not the other way around.

5. Biblical Foundations for Celebrating Christ’s Birth

    Scripture never commands us to celebrate His birth, but Scripture clearly...

      ☙ Records the event

      ☙ Honors the event

      ☙ Presents it with heavenly celebration

  

      A. Heaven itself celebrated the birth

             ☙ Luke 2:13–14 shows an angelic multitude praising God.

             ☙ If heaven celebrated the birth of Christ, the church is not wrong to do the same.

    B. The incarnation is a foundational doctrine

           ☙ John 1:14 — “The Word was made flesh…”

           ☙ 1 Tim 3:16 — “God was manifest in the flesh…”

           ☙ Micah 5:2 — Messiah’s birth prophesied

           ☙ Isaiah 9:6 — His identity as Mighty God in human form

         Celebrating the incarnation aligns with core Apostolic (following the teaching of the Apostles) doctrine.

6. Cultural Traditions ≠ Pagan Worship

      Three important facts...

        A. Using a day doesn’t make something pagan

              ☙ Paul teaches: “One person regards one day above another… Let each be fully convinced.” Romans 14:5-6

    B. Redeemed practices are biblical

           Israel took...

            ☙ Pagan instruments → used them in worship

    ☙ Pagan words (like τόρα, logos, even "Elohim") → used them for the true God

    ☙ Pagan calendars → reordered them around Yahweh

Sanctifying something is a biblical pattern.

    C. Christmas trees are not pagan

           Jeremiah 10 is not about a tree decorated with ornaments. It is about...

            ☙ Carving a wooden idol

   ☙ Covering it with silver and gold

   ☙ Praising it as a god

           No Christian is bowing to a tree or calling it Ba'al.

7. Modern Pagans Claim Christmas for Themselves—But That Doesn’t Make It True

      Wiccan and Neo-Pagan groups love to say Christmas is “stolen from pagans.”

        But academically...

  ☙ Neo-paganism is a 20th-century invention

  ☙ They project modern ideas onto ancient cultures

  ☙ Virtually all their claims fall apart when checked against actual archaeology or primary texts

        Historically...

  ☙ There is no evidence ancient pagans celebrated December 25 as the birth of any major deity

  ☙ The closest festivals were on completely different dates

  ☙ Their gods were not born in winter solstice stories (that’s modern mythology)

8. Conclusion: Christmas Is Christian in Origin and Practice

      It is not...

       ☙  A pagan festival

       ☙ A Christianized Saturnalia

       ☙ Adopted from sun worship

       ☙ A Roman compromise

    It is...

     ☙ A celebration of the Word made flesh

     ☙ Rooted in early Christian theology

     ☙ Affirmed by the early church centuries before pagan parallels

     ☙ Biblically consistent with honoring God’s redemptive acts

     ☙ Theologically tied to the incarnation—the foundation of the Gospel

     ☙ There is zero historical evidence Christians adopted a pagan holiday

     ☙ There is strong evidence pagans attempted to imitate Christian celebrations

The wrap!

My thanks to Pastor Brent Wedding for allowing me to publish his content here! He and his wife, Becca, are wonderful people that you could only be blessed by getting familiar with. If you’re in, or even just passing through, Peru, Indiana on a weekend, please consider including a visit to their church and don’t be surprised to be amazed!

Pastor Brent and First Lady Becca Wedding

of

Hope Center Apostolic Chapel, Peru, Indiana

(Image via Pastor Brent Wedding)

Thanks for your visit today and if you’d like to chime in, hit me up in the comments! Civil engagement is encouraged and always a blessing.

Until next week,

Shalom, shalom!

Angelia