Bee Stings and Other Things

I was in the dining room innocently listening to a CD when I felt something bite my foot. I brushed it off and realized a yellow jacket had stung me. And in the dining room out of all places? Anyway, I pulled out the stinger, which still resided in my foot, and all I knew then and there was: I was in pain!!

It's neat, because I have been reading through a book on home remedies and I had just finished a section about what do incase you get stung. I read several tips but all I could remember in the time of pain was the suggestion to use baking soda. So I ran into the kitchen and hastily pulled down the baking soda and created it into a paste and guess what? It worked! The pain and throbbing quickly went down greatly. It would have been pretty painful otherwise. It didn't stop it from swelling though (it swelled pretty bad--twice its size), but I was thankful to have had this tip in time of need!

Just incase you're ever stung and would like some quick pain relievers, here's some interesting tips:

-Aspirin. "One of the simplest, most effective things you can do is to apply aspirin. Moisten the sting, then rub an aspirin tablet unto it. The aspirin neutralizes certain inflammatory agents in the venom. This treatment should not be attempted by those who are allergic or sensitive to aspirin, however."

-Baking Soda. "Apply by making a paste with baking soda and water."

-Meat Tenderizer. "An enzyme-based meat tenderizer breaks down the proteins that make up insect venom. You have to use it right away to make it effective." (We use this along with vinegar for jelly fish stings during beach vacation, and it really works!)

-Mud. "If you don't have anything else handy, you can mix a little clay soil and water into a mud paste and apply it to the sting. Cover with a bandage or handkerchief, and leave it on until the mud dries." (I wish I knew this when I got stung hiking a few weeks ago!)

I spent about two hours in the library last week and had a real enjoyable time looking through many books and finding several interesting ones to read and study. I been reading though several of them, including a couple on the subject of Stem Cell Research.

Mom, Holly and I started the Bible study at our church yesterday entitled, "Created In His Imagine." I am so excited about it!!! We already have daily homework to do and weekly Scripture to memorize. I am thankful for all God has allowed to help grow us in our walk with Him.

Thank you for all your comments. I am a little behind in replying, but please know I will be replying soon!

God bless,

~~Brooke