Kids, kids, kids

We have had a rough few days around here with the kids.  They are great kids and I love them so very much, but the past few days they have been pushing every button they possible can, and then they still find more!  This morning when I saw that Mackenzie had taken my Sacred Parenting book I read where she had it sitting open.  It said, "Parenting may not be an easy journey, but in this it is truly a sacred one."  Perfect words for such a time as this!

Dreams

I had a dream last night (and the night before).  Actually, I dream every night, but most of those dreams are just silly or nonsense, and I forget them as soon as I wake up.  But then there are THOSE dreams.  The ones that have meaning.  The ones that are very real and every detail is remembered when I wake up.  I try to document those dreams, but sometimes I forget.  I believe dreams can come from a number of areas stretching from what we ate at dinner, the movie we watched before bed, an event coming up in life, the enemy of our soul, and God.  The question is, Do we have the ability to decipher what dream came from where?  I believe we do have that ability with the help of the Holy Spirit, and not only to know if it was a 'spiritual' dream or last night's dinner, but also the ability to interpret that dream. 

Joel 2:28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."

My dream?  Yes, my dream.  Last night I had a simple, yet strong dream that went like this (abbreviated version).  I was over at a friends house enjoying the company of several 'girl friends'.  We were all standing around chatting and eating snacks.  I had just come to the early realization that I was pregnant.  It was still to early to take a test, yet I KNEW that I was, and I was the only person that knew.  One of my friends from the long past was there with us.  I have not seen her in person for at least 12 years, but here she was in my dream last night.  She began to speak to me from across the room.  She made perfect eye contact, she was smiling, she was full of love; yet she was stern and almost rebuking and convicting at the same time.  She said, "What are you doing with your life?  I know you are a mother and a wife and you are busy raising your family, and all of that is very good.  But, what is your PASSION?  Are you doing your passion?  What are you passionate about?"  I answered her in a very calm and thoughtful way by saying, " I am passionate about the things of God, and the things God has provided us.  Things like birth and essential oils and nutrition and healing and prophecy."  While I was still speaking this friend said over me, "You should be doing that!"  Then I woke up from the dream. 

I woke up feeling like God had just told me something important, yet I was not sure exactly what?  Oh, and did I mention that the long time friend's last name is Christ (pronounced differently from Jesus Christ, but still spelled the same)?

Then there was the dream from the night before.  Here is the abbreviated version of that one.  Another long time friend that I have not seen in at least 12 years had taken us (my husband and I) to one of the houses they owned and informed us that they no longer wanted to 'deal' with it and desired to deed it over to us as a gift.  The house was in better than perfect condition, it met all of our current and future needs, it was in a beautiful location with an amazing view, and some amazing furniture of our choosing came with the house along with the funds to keep it up for the next several years.  This family was simply tired of paying the taxes and was never here in town to enjoy the house (they live out of state) so if we wanted it, it was ours!  And again...I woke up, and again I had the strong sense that the Lord was speaking to me, but what was/is He trying to say!?

I have some interpretations that make sense, but nothing exact because, well, that is how God works.  He let's us in on the secret but doesn't reveal the details; we have to obey, step out and live by faith while allowing Him to work.  Scary and exciting, huh?  He involves us without spilling the beans, so to speak. 

Do you think God speaks in dreams?  Has He ever spoken to you?  What do you think the above might mean...other than "She's crazy"?

He Said What?!?!?

I have been making my own cleaning supplies lately, and am just embarking on my own personal hygiene supplies also.  Without going into too much detail I can say that I am doing this because it is healthier, 'greener' and cheaper! 

Just over a week ago I made my husband and I our first batch of homemade deodorant.  I was quite skeptical as to if it would work but decided to try it out anyway.  Guess what?  It works!  We both still smell great after working out at the gym!  This is where the blog title comes from...just yesterday my hubby said the funniest thing I have ever heard him say; and quite possibly the strangest thing I have ever heard come out of his mouth. 

Hubby: This deodorant smells so good it makes me want to eat it!
Me: Have you tasted it yet?
Hubby: No
Me: Good!  It probably wouldn't taste very good, and I think if you said that in the deodorant isle of a store you would get a lot of strange and worried looks.

Anyway, I am now making the following products for my home: All purpose surface cleaner, tile floor cleaner, kitchen/bath soft scrub, toilet bowl cleaner, dry laundry detergent, dry dishwasher detergent and deodorant.  I will soon be making: soap, lotion, whipped body butter, solid body butter, lip balm.

Dish Detg., Toilet, Laundry detg., deodorant, soft scrub

Who thinks that, for a fee (I have to purchase supplies, jars and bottles) , once a month I should host a series of classes in my home and teach you how to make these items?  You would go home with your own full batch of each item along with the recipes and can customize to completely odorless to your favorite scents using all natural essential oils.  You could also purchase pre-made or custom ordered 'extras' or gift baskets from me.  These are great for people with sensitive skin, allergies, asthma, people who want to go all natural...

Class 1: Floor Cleaner, All Purpose Cleaner, Soft Scrub

Class 2: Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Laundry Detg., Dishwasher Detg.

Class 3: Deodorant, Body Butter, Lip Balm

Class 4: Soaps and Lotions

Would you attend one or all of these?  Which one(s) interest you?  What is the best day/time for you?

Masterpiece?

Last night the word masterpiece kept filling my dream.  Not only masterpiece, but worth, cost and value.  Sandi Patti's song You Are A Masterpiece was in my ears as I awakened.  So when I woke up I started thinking...What is a masterpiece? How much is a masterpiece worth?  Is your idea of a masterpiece the same as my idea?  What about God's idea of masterpiece, worth, cost and value?

Many in our society think of the works of Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gough when they hear the word masterpiece.  So much so that they will pay a hefty price just to own a piece!

This piece by Claude Monet Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas sold for $84.5 million.



Monet

This piece by Vincent van Gough Irises sold for $107.2 million

van Gough



This piece Dora Maar au Chat by Pablo Picasso sold for $107.9 million.



Picasso

 

And although these are spectacular, I would like to argue that YOU are more spectacular and an even greater masterpiece; plus your worth is at a much higher value.  Such a high value, in fact; that no monetary amount can pay the ransom for you.  Did I say ransom?  Yes!  But more on that later.

 

Why do I think you are a masterpiece? 

1. Because you were made in the image of God, Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
2. As for you wives out there, Proverbs 31:10, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."
3. And for you men of integrity, there are 136 Bible verses on integrity!  Proverbs 28:6, "Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. "  Proverbs 20:7, "The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!"
4. Because God created you an individual.  Psalm 139:13, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."
5. Because the God of all creation pays special attention to you.  Luke 12:7, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Actually, this list could go on and on.  I have at least a dozen other ideas and references flowing through my mind at this very moment as to why YOU HAVE WORTH.  YOU ARE A MASTERPIECE.  YOU ARE LOVED.  And YOU ARE COSTLY.  Costly in a good way; God wants you!  He wants you so much that He paid that ransom for you.  Yes, that ransom that I mentioned earlier.  He paid it for you.  Not with money or barter, but with the very own life of His Son, God in carnate, Jesus Christ.  Yes, the blood of Jesus was shed so that you could live!  Wow, now that is WORTH! 

You are a masterpiece! 

Nothing defines who you are except the Lord God, Himself.  Not your relationships, finances, career, family, friends or strangers.  Not your successes or failures.  Nope!  God defines who you are, and you are WORTH everything. 

Now that you know your worth follow Matthew 7:6, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

So, if you have not, take time out and accept that ransom paid for your and invite Jesus Christ into your life; it is well worth the decision!  Oh, and KNOW that you are worth it!  You are a MASTERPIECE!

 



Homeschooling & Cleaning

One of the great things about homeschooling (especially the little kids) is that you can change your lesson plan at the last minute.  My daughter informed me today that she was tired and didn't really want to do school, so I simply introduced her to writing the letter C and left it at that for the 'school' day.

Instead, we went about learning in a different manner.  We made toilet bowl cleaner!  Yup, I am making my own all natural cleaners for the home including toilet and bowl cleaner, bath and kitchen soft scrub, heavy duty shower cleaner, floor cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent and deodorant (to name some...I hope to try more in the near future).  I feel like teaching my children is important in all areas of life: mental, physical and spiritual.  If I can teach them things while they are young, like living nutritious, healthy and clean lives, then they will take those lessons with them through their entire life. 

So this year other than reading, writing and arithmetic I will also be teaching healthy eating, exercise, natural cleaning, essential oils, relationship with God and how to have good 'ole play time.

What are you teaching your kids this year (or this day).  You don't have to homeschool to be a great teacher.  What other things should I be teaching my kids?  Leave your comments below!

Chicken Stock

A few months ago I found out how easy it is to roast my own whole chicken (organic, free range...) in order to feed my family several dinner meals.  The chicken turned out great, and now I hope to do this twice a month.  After roasting and eating I had the carcass left and decided to make my own chicken stock and soup; which was fabulous.  It was so good that Mackenzie (my 4-year old) asks for it every few days...thank God for freezers!

How to roast a whole chicken (abbreviated version):

1. Remove giblets and rinse with cool water
2. Pat dry
3. Season entire chicken including inside the cavity (I used kosher salt, black pepper and fresh garlic.
4. Sear chicken in pan (be sure to sear top, bottom and sides). This gives it a nice golden brown.
5. Roast in oven heated to approx. 420 degrees for an hour-ish depending on size of chicken.
6. Pull out of oven and allow to rest before cutting.

The chicken is full of flavor and juicy while still being cooked.  How did we eat our chicken?

Dinner:

• Night 1: Roasted Chicken, Mashed potatoes, Steamed broccoli
• Night 2: Fajitas from roasted chicken
• Night 3: Chicken and veggie soup
• Night 4: Chicken stock frozen for later date

How to make the soup and stock:

1. Get out the largest stock pan or skillet you own
2. Heat with a bit of organic butter
3. Add fresh garlic and other herbs/spices you desire
4. Add diced onion, celery and carrots and saute
5. Add entire leftover chicken carcass with remaining meat
6. Cover with water and boil/simmer all day.
7. Remove bones
8. Add veggies of choice (I did corn, peas, potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans)
9. Cook until combined.
10. Eat and enjoy!

Once you have eaten all the soup you want just strain the leftovers to keep the stock and freeze for a future date. 

Now go out and buy that chicken to feed your family 3-4 times on one low budget!  Oh, and this fall I WILL be making chicken and dumplings out of this.

Super Mom?

Super Mom!  I have seen this phrase a lot lately, mostly showing up on blogs and facebook posts.  Mothers questioning, "Do I have what it takes?" 

What is a 'Super Mom'?  Who coined this phrase?  Why does there seem to be so much pressure on the mom's of today to do everything, do it perfectly, and not get a single hair out of place while accomplishing these tasks? 

After much thought I realized that the only place we can have our 'Super Mom' questions answered is from the Bible.  Think about it; no two moms are alike, so each of our definitions of 'super' will be different.  The only thing that can stand the test of time and reveal complete truth is God and His Word.  So, what does God have to say on the subject?  I'm glad you asked!

One of the best chapters to read for a good look at a virtuous woman is Proverbs 31.  If a woman is virtuous she is well on her way to being 'super'; actually, she may already be there. 

According to Proverbs she:

• Has a husband that has full confidence in her
• Brings good to her husband and not harm
• Carefully chooses clothing and items for the home
• Provides food for her family when everyone else is still sleeping or busy
• Watches her money, considers how to spend it and chooses wisely
• Out of her choices she provides for her family what they need
• Works vigorously
• Creates things
• Helps poor and needy
• Cleans and makes her home a place of rest
• Clothed with strength and dignity
• Speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction
• Watches over her household
• Is not idle
• Her children call her blessed
• Her husband praises her

What else?  Keeping our minds on the things of the Lord.  Let's look to Philippians 4:8

Think on these things:

• Whatever is true
• Whatever is noble
• Whatever is right
• Whatever is pure
• Whatever is lovely
• Whatever is admirable
• Anything excellent, praiseworthy

Also, the Bible doesn't say that your kids will be perfect, but rather...Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  What?  It does not say that when we train our children they will always obey us and never throw tantrums.  It does not say that they will never rebel or have to learn the lessons the hard way.  Nope!  It says when they grow OLD they will not depart from it.  So, teach our children and know that as they go through life and learn it's lessons they will keep returning to God...the very God you taught them about.

Anything else?  Yup :)  Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

I have yet to find that scripture that talks about floors so clean you can eat off of them, or clean laundry always being put away.  I am also still looking for the verse that says perfection is our goal.  But what I have found tells me to work hard, think well, teach always, love long, work out patience, keep my home and make it peaceful.  Oh, and to pray without ceasing!  Praying always!

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

So, there you have it!  The real 'Super Mom' is the one that leans on Christ.  Keep up the good work all of you Super Mom's out there...this Super Mom has to go clean the toilets!

Not Again!? Yes, Again :)

OK, so I know many of you are tired of reading about one of my new passions - Artificial Food Colors - but after reading this article I just couldn't pass up giving the information to you.  As you know, my family has completely removed artificial food color (and other petroleum based food additives) from our diet and home, and we have even gone so far as to only allow our kids to eat certain candy from the UK (Smarties, similar to our M&M's but colored naturally, are their favorite). 

If you would like to read about 7 great reasons to avoid artificial food color then click here!

Fall is Coming

Do you love the fall season as much as I do?  Living in the Houston area the fall, winter and spring are usually heavenly as far as weather goes; and as much as I love the sunshine and warm weather, the summer months here can become a bit trying after the 100+ degree weather begins to melt my brain (and that box of crayons left in the car...not really.).  Don't get me wrong, I love summer, but by the time fall rolls around I am ready.  I am ready for the 1 week of leaves changing color (we are in Houston, what do you expect), cool breeze, ability to play outside and take long walks, hot cocoa, pumpkins, Christmas trees, twinkle lights, cinnamon and spice scents...it is all wonderful! 

But there is that one pesky thing that I can't stand................cold and flu season!  Ugg.  Why does it have to come every single year?  And why at the height of holiday season?  My family is generally VERY HEALTHY, practically never getting sick.  We eat healthy, exercise, pray, and use essential oils.  If you have read my blog at all you know that we do not use medications in my family, but rather turn to God (Jehovah Ropha) and what He has provided us (Essential Oils) for our health.  Don't get me wrong, we will use a doctor if needed, and actually last year is a great example of that need.  For the first year in a very long time, just before Christmas my entire family came down with pneumonia!  How and where we got that I have no idea, but we did, and it was AWFUL.  We were pretty much out of our essential oils, and it takes several days to get them after an order is placed, and we also did not have a diffuser.  So, we called our wonderful home visit doctor and she saved our lives!  But this year we will be ready and will be using preventative measures.  Yup, we are getting that home diffuser and all of the oils that we consider 'necessary' in our medicine/first aid cabinet.  We are getting them NOW, BEFORE the first cold front and we will be using them faithfully.

Actually, our local YMCA posted a sign about a recent outbreak of hand-foot-and-mouth disease and warned parents to take preventative measures.  That we have.  My kids have both been using Thieves Blend Oil before going to the YMCA and before going to Church, and they have not been sick at all, while I have heard horror stories lately of some of the bugs going around.  Praise God.  Plus, we wash our hands - a lot.

What am I trying to say?  Get your oils and diffuser now.  Be prepared for this upcoming season so you can spend less time and money being sick and more time enjoying this season of rejoicing. 

I recommend the following, but you can choose your favorites:
This list is of Young Living Oils, but in the future I hope to have recommendations from Heritage Oils as well.  Also, these recommendations are not meant for diagnosis of an issues, just what I love and enjoy in my own home.
Frankincense - overall healing and well being, yet gentle
Peace & Calm - sleep issues, coughs, ADD, ADHD, Asthma (great to diffuse)
Thieves - anti-viral, cold, flu, general health
Lemon - Cold and flu (great to diffuse)
Purification - Anti-bacterial, general health, purify the home/air (great to diffuse)
RC - breathing issues, lung, sinuses
Lavender - EVERYTHING, bumps, bruises, scrapes, calming, healing
Peppermint - headaches, aches and pains, fever reduction, healing

Actually, there are a lot more that I love, the oils are awesome, and always apply with prayer!  The above oils are great to diffuse in the home or office, and also wonderful applied topically.  Remember to dilute the oils with a carrier oil (like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil...) until you know how you like them, and always dilute on children. 

Go visit www.youngliving.com and order today.  My member number is 1069772 if you need to sign up.   Once I have tired more heritage oils I will recommend those also! 

Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite oils and how you use them.  Also, let me know if you sign up and if you need any help!  Now go enjoy this season in good health!

Mackenzie Moments

You may be asking, "Where have you been?"  Or you may not have even noticed my absence.  Well, I have been living life!  We are busy around here trying to enjoy life, raise kids and keep a clean (maybe sort of clean when I find the time; at least our clothes are clean even if they are not put away and are wrinkled.) home.  And honestly, my blog comes dead last on my to-do list.  So if I am busy with other things the readers just have to wait.  But for now, I am here, so read on.

This is just a simple update on some recent Mackenzie moments.  For those of you that don't know, Mackenzie is my 4-year old.

The other evening I burned my finger when pulling the roasted chicken out of the oven, and this was Mackenzie's prayer for me.

"Dear God, heal Mommy's finger. Please. Come On! I know you can do it! Come On! Please...heal her finger. She burned it. Come On! You can do it. In Jesus Name, Amen."

It took every fiber of my being to not drop to the floor laughing.  Her eyes were closed and she was so very seriously talking to God.  The prayer was actually a bit longer than this with a few more Come On's and You Can Do It's in there, but you get the idea.

Mackenzie moment number two.  Mackenzie was preaching to the invisible crowd in our living room the other day and this is what I overheard when washing dishes.

Mackenzie: "'All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. Romans 3:23' Is Jesus in your heart? Come on, do it now! You will get an A; or you might get an F."

Again, very sincere and in my mind very profound.  Her memory verse for the first week of homeschool was Romans 3:23.  She also learned that she would only ever get one of two grades from me this year.  She will get an A when she does her work and gives it a good try or she will get an F if she refuses to learn or fails to complete an assignment.  Remember, this is K4...baby steps here.  Anyway, she applied that to God!  Accept Him and get an A or refuse Him and get an F; no in between, and she is right!  Amazing what little minds can teach us.