Monthly Archives: November 2013

Read more about the article Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

Thursday was Thanksgiving here in America, and there is much for which I am thankful. Many of my friends participate in the 30 days of thanksgiving posts via Facebook or Twitter. I thought I would just summarize my top few.   I am first, and foremost, grateful for my salvation and my Jesus who has paid the penalty for my sin. Second, I am so thankful for my family. For my ever sacrificing, hard-working, Jesus-loving hubby who is always working on ways to love Jesus and his family better. For my two precious kiddos who help me understand God's love for me in new and radical ways, who are such a source of joy and blessing for me, and who have helped me become even more tender and servant-hearted.   Third, I am so thankful for my Dallas friends and family…

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Read more about the article Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is so very versatile.  This quickly has become our go to oil for almost all of our needs. Young Living's Lavender is extremely popular.  It is steam distilled from Lavandula angustifolia, a perennial, bushy shrub with a flowery top. Historically, Greeks used lavender as a perfume. The Romans used it in their baths for washing, for its cleansing qualities, and to deter insects. The Egyptians used lavender as an ingredient in incense and perfume. Queen Elizabeth I used it in her tea to soothe tension. These are just a few of the many ways we are now using Lavender: Pillow Spray - My kiddos use this every night to support a great night's sleep.  You can put a few drops in a spray bottle with some water and spray on a pillow or in the room.  You can…

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Read more about the article Chasing the Sun

Chasing the Sun

I love sunsets and chasing the sun. As a youth on hot, summer nights in August I remember trying to get those last few minutes out of the daylight as the sun was setting. I was desperately trying to cling to my last few moments of summer while chasing the sun. Watching the colors mix in the sky and seeing the ball of light seemingly fall down over the horizon. To me, this is a picture of the journey with my health. As far as we know, I am not dying. I remain grateful for that. And since I have no formal diagnosis, I know that people are suffering from real debilitating diseases. Yet, the correlation remains. My body is deteriorating. (Actually, everyone is deteriorating. I have yet to meet the person who lives forever!) And my symptoms are real and…

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Read more about the article Confronting my Chronic Pain

Confronting my Chronic Pain

The very first symptom I had on this crazy journey was chronic pain.  Many of my friends have struggled with chronic pain for years, and I have a new appreciation not just for the physical complications that accompany a life of pain, but the toll it can take on you spiritually and emotionally, as well.     For me, the emotional aspect has been a game changer. While it is hard for people you love to watch you in pain; it is just as humbling to have to ask for help. It changes who you are to know you just physically cannot do things you are used to do (managing your household, keeping up with kids, working your job), but it is also very discouraging to have to put your passions and hobbies on the back burner because your body just…

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