All Natural Skin Care Regimen

All Natural Face Cleaning...

I LOVE to find all natural skin care products, but all too often lately even those that claim to be "All Natural" are packed full of preservatives and other nasty items I can't pronounce.

The search addict I am, I began to look around online for some tried and true, honest to goodness ALL NATURAL skin care recipes. 

I came across LOTS of interesting articles and guides... I took from them what I found beneficial and discarded the rest. I have to admit this is not the first time I have decided to be more aware of what I put on my skin... but for one reason or another I always seem to be lured in by the marketing strategies of companies promising younger, firmer, less wrinkly, glowing, dewy, rejuvenated skin. 

Thankfully I always come back to my senses before too long! Usually after my skin begins to feel dry and flaky with a dull flat appearance. 

So... what simple two step skin care regimen have I began in the last month that completely changed my skin for the better (again)? 

1. Message in oil and go to bed.  

It's so simple it's crazy... I mixed together equal parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Apricot Oil in a travel dispenser you would normally put shampoo or conditioner in... I add in about half of a teaspoon of Castor Oil and shake well. Before bed I put two or three drops of oil on my finger tips and message onto my face. Why did I chose this combination of oils with all the possibilities out there? You can read further below for more details on each oil to find out why.

2. Wake Up and Wipe Off with Witch Hazel

When I wake up in the morning I simply put some Witch Hazel onto a cotton swab ( I usually use 2 cotton swabs) and wipe it all over my face, even under eyes! It works excellent to reduce eye puffiness! Witch Hazel does have an odd smell that takes some getting used to... but trust me, it's sooo worth it! 

I can't believe the changes in my skin. Firmer, Smaller Pores and Softer! My skin tone and color is more balanced  as well!

Olive oil- is famous for its Anti-inflammatory Properties from the variety of antioxidants found in it... including Vitamin A and E, but the most potent compound is hydroxytyrosol (a very rare but potent antioxidant that prevents free radical damage on skin cells). This makes it awesome for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and moisturizing use.

Olive oils antioxidants allow it to form a protective barrier trapping moisture on your skin. Lots of skin products use synthetic chemicals that do moisturize, but they clog your pores and are carcinogenic in some cases. Olive oil however, will not clog your pores like some people believe and it's deep penetrating properties not only moisturize your skin but also help brighten your skin. 

Apricot Oil- sought out for its high vitamin E content and skin softening properties, apricot oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. It's rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid and is high in Vitamin A. The excellent softening and moisturizing properties is great for face, hands and hair. Vitamins A & C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin. The apricot oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness.

Castor Oil- Castor oil is a natural rich emollient and its molecular weight makes it easier to penetrate into the stratum corneum (a fancy word for the outermost layer of the epiderm). Dermatologists will tell you that a healthy stratum corneum makes healthy youthful looking skin. Regular use will reduce appearance of age spots (brought about by sun damage and the aging process) and produce suppler skin.

Witch Hazel- has high levels of tannin acid. The tannin content in witch hazel has strong astringent as well as antioxidant properties. These astringent properties are cleansing to the skin, while minimizing the size of skin pores. If you suffer from acne then witch hazel comes highly recommended. Witch hazel removes the sebum from the skin and reduces the inflammation of pimples without leaving the skin dry. It is gentle and non-drying when used to tone and cleanse acne infected or acne prone skin.

Do YOU have an all natural skin care recipe or regimen you would be willing to share? 

Study The Word Wednesday: What Effect Does My Attitude Have On My Actions?

What Effect Does My Attitude Have On My Actions?

Job 4:8 - "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it."

James 3:18 - "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

Proverbs 22:8 - "He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of  his fury will be destroyed."

When we allow wrong emotions to take root in our lives,

trouble is soon to follow. Even if we try to disguise our feelings, sooner or later they will surface in one form or another. Facial expressions reveal what’s inside. True feelings are hard to hide from others, no matter how hard we try.

When hurt and bitterness are allowed to grow, they will eventually erupt. I'm sure all of us have been upset with someone, but just couldn't tell that person... We usually handle such situations in one of two ways: 

(1) We may choose not to say anything to the person we’re upset with but become cold. This may begin by being short with that person during conversations, followed by making hurtful remarks while hiding behind humor. Eventually the friendship ends with the other person hurt and confused as to what happened. 

(2) We may try to hide our emotions by pretending the bad feelings don’t exist, which may work for awhile, but in the end it usually blows up in our faces. Have you ever been upset with someone, and one day you couldn’t hold it in any longer—you blew up at that person, telling her everything she ever did that made you mad?

God does not condemn us for having such feelings, but He expects us to learn how to control our emotions. Feelings alone aren’t good or bad—it’s what we do with those feelings that can turn into problems. For example, if we feel anger toward someone, we must forgive, or that anger will soon grow and show in our actions.

During the next week, take a look at how you handle emotions. Try to control your emotions and not react in a way that would be displeasing to the Lord. As we close in prayer, ask God to help you.

I would like to know what you think... Should we forgive, even if a person doesn't apologize?

Five Minute Friday - Wide

GO

I've always had such a big heart. I’ve always had a heart for others,. Unfortunately… my lack of self esteem and being so critical of myself growing up, it has always hindered me from being there for others. I always felt as if I didn’t have anything to bring to the table. I always felt as if my words would do more harm than good. I always felt so…. little, so insignificant.

I’m so thankful today that I know my strength comes from a mighty God, a big and mighty God. I am so glad that I have finally been able to open my arms, open my arms WIDE and start to give myself to others… my flawed, little, insignificant self, so full of God overflowing through me.

I realized that it isn’t how much I have to offer, but what God can do for them through me when I allow Him to.

I know that even when I feel down, I can always be there for those that need… because it’s not what I have left in me, but what He fills up overflowing through me. And we all know how much Jesus loved the world… He stretched out His arms WIDE and died for us.

STOP

Neighborhood Ice Cream Social, or Neighborhood Fish Fry? That is the question

Hi ladies,

A few posts ago I wrote about God speaking to my heart about starting up something for our neighborhood... I thought I would start simple and go from there. I would like to do a Bible study or a womans worship group... but my target area would be those who do not yet know the Lord, and titles as such would probably make that target area cringe and not show up at all. 

After much consideration, I thought I would have a "Neighborhood Get Together" once every couple of months so that our neighbors can get to know each other better. I know that just sitting and talking , if there is a need, God will open a door of opportunity. 

So far my ideas were to 1. have an ice cream social party! I thought that I could purchase the ice cream, some coke and root beer for coke or root beer floats... and everyone invited could bring their favorite ice cream toppings. I made up some invitations... I actually just edited some that I found floating around online. ;) (personal information has been smudged out).

Idea number 2 was my husbands idea... it was to have a neighborhood fish fry. Sooo, I created this invitation from something I found floating around online... crafty woman I am. (again, personal information has been smudged out.)

So, which one to choose? I guess it depends on the weather that day... if it should be cooler weather, we will have fish, if warmer weather, we will have ice cream! lol. 

I am completely outside of my comfort zone here, I pray Gods will be done. 

Which would you prefer to attend if it was your neighborhood?

Child Training Bible Giveaway Winner!!!

Hi everyone!

Today is the day I get to announce the winner of the Child Training Bible!

and the winner is......

Jessica Loveland! 

I feel so honored to be able to host this giveaway. Such a blessing it has been to my family, and I know this beautiful family will benefit from it as well.

To those of you who entered, you can still receive the Child Training Bible! Simply go to their website and purchase one for yourself... at the low price of only 9.00 plus shipping and handling... it's the price of a meal you gals! For just this price you can have a treasure in your family for years! 

May God bless you all!

Study The Word Wednesday: How Can I use God's Word To Change My Attitude

How Can I Use God's Word to Change My Attitude?

We can possess a godly attitude if we look to God, for He has supplied us with the Guidebook on how to live. The Bible instructs us to become imitators of Christ, who was humble in spirit and cared for the unlovely. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love”. 

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a person is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." EPHESIANS 5:1,5

It may sometimes seem difficult to imitate Christ... many times we find ourselves surrounded by people who do not in any way imitate God or the things of God. The work place, and some women groups are full of people just trying to fit in. All of us want to be noticed, and sometimes we will act or do whatever it takes to get attention.

We need to remember, that no matter what, God hates a bad attitude. He wants us to have a gentle spirit. 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." PHILIPPIANS 4:4,5

Besides hiding God’s Word in our hearts, we can keep our attitude in line by keeping good company. If we hang out with negative people, it will affect us. 

"Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."" 1 Corinthians 15:33 

Although we are to be witnesses to the unsaved, God never intended for us to build strong relationships with people who do not respect God’s laws.

To obtain the kind of attitude which God desires, we must put aside the persons we were before Christ.

 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

As Christians we need to get into the Word of God. God has outlined His purposes for our lives through the Scriptures. Not only does the Word give us instruction but it also gives us examples to follow by looking at other people’s lives. We can learn much by looking at people of the Bible. God realized that we struggle sometimes, but He wants us to know that we can overcome and live godly lives.

What we put into our hearts will pour out.

 “As he thinks in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 23:7. 

If we absorb God’s Word and cover our lives with prayer, God will work in our hearts and help us to change. Although we will never be perfect this side of heaven, God can do mighty things in our lives if we allow Him. We all can use an attitude adjustment from time to time. When will we learn that only God can do the adjusting!

Ask God to help you study His Word more so you will know the guidelines He has given for a Christlike attitude. 

Five Minute Friday - Focus

GO!

Wow, I don't believe any topic could have been more appropriate for me this week than FOCUS.

I hear Gods voice telling me to begin Bi-Monthly Neighborhood Ladies Fellowship gatherings. (Say that three times fast?!) Or a "Sisterhood" if you will, where the ladies and their families can gather together every other month for a craft, games, food, and fun. I am not an extrovert by nature... I'm the girl who's said to have a "Quiet and humble spirit" so for me to initiate a neighborhood anything is out of my comfort zone. This tugging at my heart began a few months ago, but this week it has been really strong. I believe someone in my neighborhood may greatly benefit from this... perhaps I might greatly benefit from this! I just have no clue where to start... I need to stay Focused on God and let him do the planning.

These words popped into my head a couple of days ago "Worship is the Heartbeat of God". I loved that... I wanted to write a blog post on it... it really set well with my soul. My only problem is lack of time, and lack of focus.

STOP!

Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker

Study The Word Wednesday: What Kind of Attitude Should I Have

I'm sure everyone has heard the terms half empty versus half full, describing a glass of water by now... correct? You know, if you see the glass half full you're most likely positive, if you view the glass as half empty you may tend to look at the negative side of things rather than the positive. Well, our personality and surroundings contribute to how we view the world. No matter how you might view things as of now, one can easily change her point of view to see the brighter side. 

Circumstances can change our attitude to be more positive or negative. Of course, in pleasant situations we tend to be happy. When bad times come around we tend to be sad. Although we can't help our initial feelings, we can learn to adapt to the various situations. God does not want us to base our attitude on the happenings around us. He wants us to keep the inner joy that is offered through salvation, it's what He desires for us. 

It is difficult to have a positive attitude if we do not possess inner joy. The word joy means to have great delight or happiness. As Christians we should find our joy in being God’s children. Without Him in our lives we would be empty and hopeless. However, because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can live with fullness of joy. If we are truly joyous in Christ, then our attitude will reflect that joy.

• Proverbs 15:30 - Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
• Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...
• 1 Thessalonian 5:16 - Rejoice always,

To acquire a positive attitude, we must relearn how to react to difficult situations. We can learn how to be positive if we learn to focus on the good in life rather than the bad. In every bad situation, something good can usually be found if we look hard enough. However, some people choose only to see the bad.

When we learn to look on the brighter side of things, rather than the downside, we can change our outlooks, which will change our attitudes. I'm sure almost all of us have been around a person a time or two in our lives who is set on always seeing the bad in everything right? Can you remember how you felt when you were around that person? 

Being a positive person doesn’t mean we should ignore or disguise negative emotions. There will be times for sadness and hurt. At those times we need to look to God for healing and comfort. However, God wants us to live victorious lives, and we can if we depend on Him. If we work to change our view from negative to positive, we can see the world in a different light when the bad times come. We can also learn how to avoid looking for the bad in good situations.

So many things in the world can bring sadness and despair. If we look to God for His comforting love, we can rest in His care. Once we find the real joy that only God can give, we can change our attitudes. Our attitudes come from the feelings deep inside us. We may be able to hide secret fears and pain, but our attitudes will always give our secrets away.

Today, ask God to help you look at the good or positive sides of situations you will face... He will answer. 

Child Training Bible - GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited!!

Why?

Because today I get to (finally) post the Child Training Bible Giveaway!!!

It was delayed so many times due to sicknesses and then this hurricane Isaac. The main reason for this taking so long was the fact that my camera broke, and I wanted to take some awesome pictures for you guys... but this will have to do for now. I can't wait any longer.

For those of you who have been eying this little golden nugget... you now have a chance to win it at absolutely no cost to yourself! Mindy, the creator of The Child Training Bible, has offered to send one of my blessed readers The Child Training Bible... because that's how awesome she is! 

For those of you who have not had the privilege of hearing about this wonderful tool as of yet, let me fill you in...

The Child Training Bible is used to teach your children scripture verses that correspond to issues they might be facing. I love that you can put your Child Training Bible together using the bible translation of your choice. I created mine with the NIV translation because it's easier for my children to understand. 

This God sent mom and dad of four adorable children sat down and through prayers, determination, and with dedication they put together this Child Training Bible. I think they could probably explain their product better than I can... so I will again put up their video explanation for your viewing pleasure!

Watched it? Good! 

The first time I came across this magnificent tool I wanted to say AAGGGHHHH!!!! FINALLY, I have been searching for something like this for so long! Can you imagine the numerous ways this tool can be used? Even the basic principle in itself is amazing!

You can find more information on this product, and the beautiful family, at the ChildTrainingBible website.

I have used the Child Training Bible with my own children countless times since I was blessed with it. 

My son is the only boy of our four children... so to entertain himself, he often times enjoys the game "Let's see how fast I can annoy one of my sisters by picking on them".  Whenever he gets in the mood for this game I sit down and have him write the scriptures that correspond with Quarreling or Disobedience if I've instructed him to quite and he did not. 

My oldest daughter benefited greatly from reading the scriptures listed in the Wrong Friendships tab. It helped her make a confident decision about a friendship she had been struggling with letting go.

My husband once commented that our children would know these scriptures by heart by the time they left our home... in which I responded "That's the point". 

 Two sisters who attend the Teen Girls Ministry class I teach told me they didn't have a bible in their home. I was teaching them the importance of reading their bible daily when they told me this. I went to the nearest store and picked up a pretty pink (niv) bible and tabbed their bible with the following topics. 

• Purity
• Modesty
• Obedience
• Wrong Friendships
• Discouragement
• The Gospel  

I never would have thought of this if it had not been for the Child Training Bible. This will give them a head start in knowing where to look in the bible for scriptures to deal with issues they are facing daily.

What are you waiting for?! Enter to win one for yourself! 
Winner will be announced on Sept. 20th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Study the Word Wednesday: What is Attitude?

What is Attitude?

Attitude, according to a dictionary, is "manner, disposition, or feeling with regard to person or thing. Position or posture of the body." Which leads us to see that attitude is more than just a feeling. A person is able to say what she feels without using actual words. (example, if my children are fighting and I make one of them apologize to the other... even though they might say it with words, their body language usually shows a different attitude.) 

The bible is full of examples where attitude is more than mere words. 

• "And Jacob noticed that Laban's attitude toward him was not what it had been" Genesis 31:2
• "Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed" Daniel 3:19
• "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5
• "For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the King of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God is Israel" Ezra 6:22
• So the Lord said to Solomon, 'Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates" 1Kings 11:11

Charles Swindoll has written an insightful outlook on attitude and its importance, I'm sure most of us have read or heard some of it in our lives:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

“It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

“It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.

“The remarkable thing is—we have a choice every day of our lives regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.

“We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

“The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. . . .

“I’m convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you.

“We are in charge of our attitudes.”

He shows us that we are in charge of our attitudes. Different kinds of circumstances happen around us, but it is up to us how we react to those circumstances. Our words say much about our attitude, but our actions say even more. Our body language is extremely important. Attitudes are more than feelings. We all have feelings, both good and bad. Attitudes, however, are born from feelings that are primarily present in our lives. If happy, positive feelings are primarily present in your life, you will be a happy, positive person. If you harbor bitterness and unforgiveness deep inside, you will appear bitter and hard to others.

Ask the Lord to search your heart and show you the wrong attitudes you need to correct. No matter how highly we might like to think of ourselves, we have to admit... there's always room for improvement. ;)