40 Days of Strategic Prayer

12
Mar
2019
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praying for your husband

Is your marriage where you want it to be?

Perhaps your marriage is good, but what would it look like if it was better?  What if it was FABULOUS?!!

I just returned from a weekend with some sweet friends, where we chatted about our marriages.  We shared some very personal information, were extremely vulnerable, shed some tears and decided it was time to be powerful in our prayer life for our marriage and for our husbands.

Hope

If you’re anything like me, I have went through stages of being a wife who prayers consistently for her husband, to one who rarely prays.  It embarrasses me, but honestly, that is where the devil would like me to stay, embarrassed, helpless and powerless.  He wins then and can wreak havoc in our homes.

During the time I was together with my girlfriends, another friend of ours posted that she was feel very convicted to start a prayer series and a group to allow a sacred space for women to pray for their husbands.  When we first saw this announcement, we sat with mouths wide open – in shock!  We had said we wanted to start a 30 Days of Praying for our Husband’s, using a book we all had read years ago, The Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie Omartian.

Be Intentional

My friend Erin Rodgers shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, the one that we read Sunday afternoon that had us in shock!  And, I knew I needed to share this resource and community with all of you. I asked her if that was okay and she replied back with a big YES!!!  There is a need for this space, this community and for a place for women to gather and pray.  So, this is an invitation for you to join The Excellent Wife Facebook group, a place you will find to share encouragement and prayer needs with one another.

“A Wife’s 40-day Fasting & Prayer Journal” by Kaylene Yoder, the resource we will use, is NOT 40 straight days of fasting, but rather a thought provoking daily journal & prayer with one fasting “item” each day.

Are you with me?  Are you ready to fight for your marriage and lift your husband up to be the man the Lord desires him to be?  This is your time friend… this is your time!  You will find a community of women who will encourage you and accept you.

Here’s what you need to do

I am so excited to see how this group unfolds, the miracles that will happen and the marriages that will be restored and be used for His glory.  It will be amazing, and you need to be part of it!

I’ll see you there – don’t miss out!!

Filed Under: Faith and Family

How to Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser

6
Mar
2019
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If you’re like me, I love my essential oil diffusers.  It is such a blessing to help my home smell amazing, but also help everyone in the family breath in healthy and emotionally balancing essential oils.  Diffusing essential oils has been a huge part of my journey to relieve years of hopelessness, irritability and ongoing sadness.  If you are experiencing any of those, I encourage you to check out how essential oils can truly provide some hope, along with Jesus!

My diffusers also get a lot of use and honestly, sometimes I just get lazy and don’t do a very good job of cleaning them after every use.  I have a whole bunch of different diffuser models in my house, most are Young Living diffusers, but I also have this large mist diffuser and I love it.

Well, here’s why and how to keep your cool misting friend in tip top shape or perhaps recover from some minor neglect. 😉

Most Essential Oil Diffusers sold by Young Living are ultrasonic diffusers, or cold mist diffusers.

If you take a look at your diffuser, there is a small disk inside the bottom of the water reservoir. Electrical current passes through this disk and creates a vibration, creating a cool water mist and also spreading out the essential oil in microparticles for easier distribution in the mist.

So why do I need to clean my diffuser?

In short, they can get to smell funky with multiple uses and I don’t want to fill my room with funk. Also, high viscosity essential oils (e.g. Sandalwood, Vetiver..) can gum up the ultrasonic disk and decrease the diffuser’s efficiency. You’re also diffusing a specific essential oil for a specific reason. Do you really want the previous essential oil in there? Finally, your diffuser will probably run a lot smoother, quieter, longer and more efficient with these cleaning tips.

Easy Daily Cleaning

Just wipe it out after each use. Unplug the diffuser, dump any remaining water and oil, and use a damp cloth to wipe the diffuser out. Sometimes a little Thieves Cleaner will help break up some of the accumulated gunk if there is any. Every once in a while, I use a Q-Tip and rubbing alcohol to clean off the ultrasonic diffusing disk.

Heavier Cleaning

Try using white vinegar to break us some of the accumulated oils and minerals on the inside of your diffusers and ultrasonic disk. Definitely do this outside to avoid stinking up your house. Personally, I use one teaspoon of white vinegar with two – three teaspoons of water. Plug the diffuser in and let it run. After about 30 minutes, unplug, dump, wipe, refill and run for another 30 minutes. Dump, wipe and bring your baby back inside for some more hard work. Just remember not to leave the water / vinegar solution in your diffuser for an extended period.

And finally, a disclaimer. You’re working with an electrical appliance. Always unplug it before cleaning or taking it apart. Definitely never submerge the motor in water. And follow your diffuser’s instruction manual. Also, take care not to scratch your diffusers exterior or interior finish.

These cleaning methods are for diffusers that operate with water, not atomizing diffusers like this one (affiliate link)

young living desert mist diffuser

Not an Essential Oiler User Yet?

Young Living is my essential oil company of choice, and I’ve used them for over six years now.  The company  is committed to establishing and maintaining the ultimate, industry-leading standard in its Seed to Seal guarantee, which exceeds Organic.   It’s also a company with a HUGE global heart, impacting thousands globally with it’s many programs of hope through the D. Gary Young Foundation.  I have seen first hand many of these projects, like the Young Living Academy in Ecuador.

I believe Young Living is full of integrity, the best oils you can find in the world and has the history of twenty-five years to show for it.  I’ve been sharing Young Living with people since I began using them just over six years ago and have a community of over 7,000 who are Confident Oil users.  I would be honored to help you get these oils in your home too – and start making wellness, purpose and abundance part of your story too – click here to see how you can connect with me.Essentiel Oils Made Easy

If you are looking for a bit more information you can sign up for this simple email series by clicking the graphic, or I am happy to invite you to a fun and fast paced Facebook event on Monday, March 11th.  No pressure at all, just great information for you to really get a grasp on how you could incorporate these oils into your life.  Just click this link to join.  I am also offering a very educational class on toxins and how you can replace items in your home that are really wreaking havoc on your body with all plant based items that work just as well, and sometimes better.  You can join that class here, and it takes place Tuesday, March 12th.  Both classes will be available to view for 3 weeks.

Ready to go now… just click here to grab your kit and join our online community – plus you’ll get a welcome packet from me with valuable resources and I’ll gift you $20 back as well.

Filed Under: Essential Oils

21 Day Challenge of Reading God’s Word

1
Feb
2019
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Reading God's Word 21 day challenge

Early this morning I opened up my Favorite Bible App, YouVersion to start my devotion time. I was welcomed with a message to participate in a 21 Day Reading God’s Word Challenge.

Now, I already do this, read the bible nearly every day, but it was laid on my heart to participate in a way that would include others.  My heart is to share in community, and so many feel pressed on all sides to fit in reading the bible.  We can all make time for the things that are important, am I right?

21 Days to Change

You likely have heard that it takes about 21 days to develop new habits and patterns of behavior.  So, it’s no mistake that this is a 21 day challenge.

I scrolled through the suggested 21 Day devotions and I chose, “Grace for the Pace.”

It felt fitting in this season, when we all struggle with finding space for our soul.

Will you Join Me?

I’d love to link arms with you and others who might need some encouragement, a friend to walk along with, or just an invitation to show up.  You can download the YouVersion APP and read ANYWHERE – literally… and you can even put it in audio to listen to.  Guys, there really is no excuse.

The YouVersion APP makes it easy to read anywhere – plus they have a huge selection of incredible devotions, you may find another devotion you want to read as well.

I’d love to challenge you to join me.

If you want to join, feel free to click this link. You’ll be in a small group where we can share our takeaways as we journey together.  Don’t worry, it’s really private and no one can see you in your messy hair or pajamas!

Join Me!

Would you read the Bible Plan, 21 Days Of Grace For The Pace, with me?

CLICK HERE to join

It’s not too late to join us.  We just started this morning.  Do not let that be an excuse.

Come on… click the link and hop on over.  We are waiting to say hello… and do not worry, if you choose to just read along with us, and not comment, we totally are cool with that.

Feel free to share this with a friend, they may need the encouragement too!

Filed Under: Faith and Family, Self Care

Renewal for 2019

16
Jan
2019
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Hello Sweet Friends….

I hope this note finds you enjoying your week and finding space to breathe.  That is my goal in this new season, to provide space to let my soul breathe.

Over the course of the past two years, I have allowed my schedule to be filled with things that do not inspire me, do not fill my soul and certainly have allowed me to become bitter and frustrated.  None of that is good for the soul.

After having a lovely getaway with my husband for FIVE days to share our vision for 2019, I clearly found my word for this year….. RENEWAL.

renewal - word for the year

Time for Change

It’ time…. to make some changes…. because what I’ve been doing is just not working.  And isn’t that the mistake we often make, we keep doing the same thing thinking things will change?

Are you in a season of needing some change, some refreshment, some soothing of your soul?  Walk with me friend… we can do this…. together!

Today I want to share with you a few things I’ve put into practice already that have already altered my frame of mind and given my soul a breath of fresh air.  Not the stifled, claustrophobic air I was struggling to take in… but fresh and clean air that is life giving.

Quiet

My quiet time is first thing in the morning.  I’ve shared about quiet time and what it can look like and how you can fit it in.  But the most important thing is to DO IT.  Determine when it fits your schedule and block it out.

I get up, making my coffee (which is a sweet process with my French Press, names Amelia and my hand grinder), sit down and open up my YOUVersion bible APP so I can read through four to six different devotionals I am actively reading.  I write notes in a simple journal, sometimes just a short scripture or a quote from one of the devotional authors.  I then take a few moments to just be….quiet.  And listen.  I was in a habit of rushing through my time and not allowing the space for God to speak to me, which handicaps our walk when we don’t.  It has been so fulfilling to change things up.

Feed Your Soul

I have found the loveliest podcast EVER and perhaps I am just slow to the program, but I need to share it with you!  The Next Right Thing Podcast by Emily P. Freeman.  If you need a friend to give you advice, Emily is the one.  She gently encourages and provides just the right balance of her story, relevant scripture and it certainly doesn’t hurt that her voice is just sweet and soothing.  I truly love that the podcast episodes are only usually around ten minutes, which for any busy mom, well…. you can find time for that for sure!

I am guilty of binge listening to catch up – but I’d say its an investment in my soul!

Move

I hate the word exercise right now, so I am really just changing the semantics a bit to just say MOVE!

When I hear the word exercise, I think of fitting into my schedule six days of running or T-25 workouts.  To be honest, my life just can’t handle that right now.  So, when I set goals like that, I tend to fail and then guilt and shame creep in…. which we all know just helps nothing.

Instead of lofty New Years goals, I am dedicated to get outside at least three days a week and walk the beach. I had my first true long walk yesterday, and I shared on Facebook, it was lovely.  As I slowly master this goal, I can add in a new element. I am finding relief in this new way to creating my schedule and it’s a sweet surprise.  Being successful in the little things, can leave room to add a few more things later.

Meditate

Yep, I  said that.  As a “doer” and one who loves to push themselves and accomplish a lot.  I could never see myself taking the time to meditate.  I mean, man…. I could do so much during that ten minutes…. instead of just sit there.  However, with anything…. it is often a good idea to truly give something a try before you make big judgements…. am I right?

So, a good friend shared with my about how she’d been doing meditation and her personality is very similar to mine.  After hearing her express her LOVE for this new activity, I decided to give it a try.  I downloaded the CALM APP, which I will see is simply amazing!!  I have started my own practice of meditating, and it has changed my day.  You can try it for seven days for free, so you truly have nothing to lose.  Do it!  Side-note – I have been using the sleep stories for kids with my nine year old – not for bedtime, but for riding in the car or takin this bath.  He is also a huge fan.

Sabbath

It means different things to different people.  Our family observed a “day of rest” for a period of about 9 months a few years back.  I shared some simple steps on implementing a day of rest.

Then life …..

I can’t really remember the exact reason to why it stopped appearing in our calendar – but it did.

With a husband who travels and has different work days, it takes some extra planning to determine “the” day of the week we will observe and pull back and rest.  However, one of the visions I shared with my husband when we had our getaway was to implement Sabbath back into our schedule.

So, we went through and blocked out the next two months – one day every week to observe Sabbath.

I’m not a theologian – but I know God wants us to rest our bodies, to seek Him and be obedient in working 6 days and resting on the 7th.  We observed our first Sabbath on Sunday and it was lovely.

So tell me, what are you changing to help you find refreshment and renewal?  I would love to hear and add a few more ideas to my list, because as I integrate these in, I will be looking for the next step.

Another note, you will find me back to blogging more here too.  I went through a season where I lost a bit of my creativity to be honest, and I feel the Lord is refreshing my soul, so I can write again in a new way.  I am excited to start this new season with you all.

 

Filed Under: Optimum Mom, Self Care

Supporting Your Wellness Journey

11
Jan
2019
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As we become more educated on what’s good for our bodies and what isn’t, more and more people are incorporating essential oils as part of their wellness journey.

The research is there, we only need to take time to embrace its messages. We’re surrounded by toxic chemicals every where we go, it’s in the products we use, it’s in our homes, and we’re even ingesting it. Nothing good will come from overloading our bodies with these toxins.

My Wellness Journey

Six years ago I began my own wellness journey, and I was shocked at what I had been doing to my body for, basically, my entire life. It’s no wonder I didn’t feel well.

But I’ve educated myself, and in doing so, I’m in the best health of my life. And it feels good to know I’m taking care of my family in the absolute best way I can for their health today and in the future.

Essential oils are a natural way to support your body without harmful toxins. I use them every day! The best way to get started using them is a Young Living Premium Starter Kit. It gives you a variety of our most popular oils.

Top Ways to Use Your Oils

Here are some of the ways I like to use the oils in the Premium Starter Kit that you might enjoy also:

  • Lavender. I love using Lavender on my little guy to help him unwind before bedtime. A couple of drops on the back of his neck, wrists, chest, or soles of his feet does the trick. It can also be added to a warm bath or diffused.
  • Peppermint Vitality. This is one of the oldest European herbs used for medicinal purposes. This is great for tummy troubles! I like to diffuse it for my little guy when he has a tummy ache, or for myself I might ingest a drop or two. (When it is labeled as “Vitality” that means it is safe to ingest!)
  • Lemon Vitality. I love this for immune system support! I add a drop or two to my water each day! It also freshens breath!
  • Citrus Fresh Vitality. What’s better than Lemon, Grapefruit, and Orange essential oils? Combining all of them PLUS Tangerine, Mandarin and Spearmint! Citrus Fresh smells divine and really kicks up the flavor in your water! Water with amazing flavor AND antioxidants and mild cleansing properties?  YES please!!!
  • Frankincense. I like to use Frankincense topically to calm and ease my mind.  It also has great benefits for my skin… and I am getting a little older!
  • Thieves Vitality. This is wonderful for supporting your immune system during the winter months! This can be taken in a capsule, but you can also diffuse Thieves!
  • Valor.  Have to speak to a group of people? Valor! Nervous about confronting something
    uncomfortable? Valor! Having a day that is threatening to get the best of you? Valor!
    You could start the day off by using Valor as your perfume/cologne and reap the
    benefits for hours. Courage in a bottle!
  • Raven. Do you adore fresh, invigorating scents? You’re going to love Raven.  I love making a chest soother with this oil!
  • DiGize Vitality. I love this one for supporting my digestive system when I’ve eaten something I shouldn’t have. I enjoy this one by adding a couple of drops to a little bit of honey. It also helps with my sugar cravings this way.
  • PanAway. I combine PanAway with a carrier oil to make a massage oil for use after a long run for tired, sore muscles.
  • Peace and Calming.  If there’s ever been an oil whose name says it all, THIS is it!
    This blend can help you unwind after a busy day. It’s a huge help for kids who are having a hard
    time settling down at bedtime. A little Peace & Calming topically or in the diffuser (or
    BOTH!) is a mom’s secret weapon!
  • StressAway. Ahhhhh Stress Away! The name says it all! This Lime-Vanilla blend has a citrusy scent that is relaxing and comforting. Long day at work? Soak it away with Epsom salts and Stress Away in a warm bath.

I love this video – short and sweet with all the details!!

If you are already using these oils, drop me a note and let me know your favorite way to use them!

READY, SET, GO!

If you are ready to add them into your wellness routine, I am offering $20 cash back on every Young Living Premium Starter Kit purchase!

Order your kit here »

Filed Under: Essential Oils, Healthy Living
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