Be Still

Yesterday I posted this on Facebook:

I've really been itching to get back to posting here, and this morning I woke up raring to go.

You may recall from this post that this is the spot I sit every day for my quiet time. Today was no different.

When I was finished reading my Bible and praying, I was more than ready to hop up and finish writing that post I didn't finish yesterday.
But it was as if God sat me back down in the chair and said,
“Just Be Still. You go, go, go all day. You always have some great idea that you're trying to accomplish. You always have a million and one thoughts swirling around in your head. You're creative, and that's a good thing – I made you that way. But sometimes there's too much going on in that head of yours, and you can't hear what I'm trying to say to you. You're too busy rushing on to planning your next great idea. I understand that you have to be busy – you have small children to take care of and a household to run. But your head is too full of your own thoughts to hear me in the midst of your busyness. I can speak to you all throughout the day, you know. I can help you be a Godly mom when you're frustrated at the 999th mess the kids have made. I can still speak to you even when you're running from the washing machine to the stove to the homeschool lesson you're helping the kids with. But you need to turn down the noise of everything that is not from me and practice listening to my still small voice. When you have these quiet morning moments, don't be so quick to finish spending time with me to jump up and start rushing through your day. Just Be Still.”

So I did.

More than anything, I want God to be glorified through this blog, but I can never be used of Him if I do not first obey Him myself.
I have so much that I need to learn before I can be the example I need to be for others. I have a feeling I will need many more of those “Be Still” times before my mind is well enough in practice to tune out all the other noise of the world around me and focus only on the Spirit's voice. If that means accomplishing fewer of my creative plans and spending more of my spare moments with Him, that's what I'm going to do.

If you need to be reminded of the need to “Be Still” for yourself, perhaps you'll want to print out this printable Scripture Verse Art. It's available here in both color and black and white.

What about you? Is your mind crowded with the noise of all your plans and responsibilities?

Perhaps it is time to just practice being still.

Can You Keep a Secret?

Remember that book I'm writing? I plan to officially launch it at the beginning of 2014. However, in November there will be an incredible ebook sale that is like no other, and my book will be available exclusively as a part of that sale.

I am not allowed to tell you the complete details of the sale at this time, but I will say that it is going to be a NO-BRAINER as to whether or not you should purchase it. If you need to start saving up a little extra money for it, this is your heads up!

The value of just the bonuses you will receive (including $26 of eco-friendly laundry detergent, $15 of natural soap and skincare, and $15 of herbal remedies) far exceeds the cost of the bundle itself.

Here's what the bundle will include:

• Over 80 healthy living ebooks on a wide variety of topics – I know who some of the authors are, and I am so eager to glean from their knowledge!
• Healthy Living Mentorship Program –  you will receive access to a 1-hour podcast each week for 12 weeks where a panel of mentors will be giving instruction on various health topics. Additionally, you will receive access to a private Facebook group where you will be able to personally ask questions of your mentors.
• $150 worth of free bonuses simply as a thank you for purchasing the bundle.

This sale begins November 4th, so be sure to think it over and save your money before then!

I am so excited about this, and I know it will be an incredible help to so many of you who are trying to learn more about healthy living!

Coming Soon…

I know I have been quiet around here, and I really appreciate your patience with me. I thought it would be only fair to show you what I've been so busy working on…

Update!  My book is finished! Although it won't be officially released until December 31, it is available exclusively as part of The Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle sale. Get it here!

I have come SO FAR in my journey with chronic fatigue, and I can't NOT share with you what I have learned! I have found that SO MANY women are dealing with the same kinds of issues that I fought for so long, and it has been my desire to tell you all the things that have helped me so much. That was honestly an overwhelming task, and I didn't quite know where to start. That's why it is all going into an ebook.

I give all the credit to my Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, because it is ultimately He who has healed me.

In this book I am sharing the specific answers to which he so clearly directed me.

I plan to be finished within the next couple weeks, so if you will bear with my quietness a little longer, you will get a resource from it that I hope will be huge help to so many of you.

It is possible I may be able to make this available in a print format as well. Please let me know if you would be interested in that so I can check into the logistics of it.

I know many of you have prayed for me when I was struggling, and without YOU this project would never have come about!  Thank you for your prayers, your concern, and your support! I appreciate every single one of you!

Healthy Home Giveaway {Over $1000 Value!}

I am thrilled to be partnering with Lindsey from Road to 31 as well as a number of other Christian and healthy living bloggers in offering you this incredible giveaway!  Someone is going to have a great time receiving all these goodies!

Creating a Healthy Home for Fall

As we enter into the Fall season there are many things that we think of and prepare for.  We love to watch the colors change, break out those comfy sweaters, and enjoy all of the good food that comes with Autumn.  There are so many great and enjoyable things that sometimes we forget about those things that creep up on us as the weather changes and the holiday season arrives.

With the falling of the autumn leaves also comes the ushering in of Flu season.  Head colds and sinus issues rear their ugly heads.  Holidays such as Thanksgiving and soon after, Christmas, help us to gain a little more weight than we had planned.  By the time January rolls around we are more prepared than ever to make a New Year's resolution and shed a few pounds.

Why wait until January to get healthy and in shape?  Why not prepare your whole family to ward off those nasty cold bugs?

To kick off the site launch of The Road to 31 and to help prepare both Your Home and Your Body for the change of seasons,  The Road to 31 is bringing you The Healthy Home GIVEAWAY!  There is over $1000 worth of healthy living products and services that will be going to one VERY blessed winner!

The Road to 31 has lined up a number of companies who have graciously entered their products for The Healthy Home GIVEAWAY.  These products include a Big Berkey Water Filter, a full month of health coaching, a His and Hers Bath Gift Basket, and SO MUCH MORE!  For a complete list of all the prizes one person will receive look below.  This giveaway will be open September 24-30 and is open to all residents of the United States and Canada.

The Prizes

This post contains affiliate links.  You are not required to make a purchase through these links but if you do you help to support my family.  Thank you!

Big Berkey Water Filter with 2 Black Elements $258 value

The mission of United Environmental Solutions is to provide quality products worldwide that can be used on a regular basis; but by virtue of their unique characteristics, they can also be used to provide relief in the event of an unexpected emergency. We operate under a simply philosophy: give the customer more than they expect.  You can read a full review of the Berkey and United Environmental Solutions HERE.

 REAL Health Course: A Home Study 6 Modules (Digital Download) $199 value

Angela Montgomery of Real Whole Health is a certified holistic health coach who works with busy moms to create a plan to help them reach their health and weight loss goals, naturally!

REAL Health home study courses give you the tools you need to: – Achieve your optimal weight and have the body you love – without yet another restrictive diet that does not deliver lasting results? – Finally end your battle with sugar and coffee – using strategies that get to the root cause of your cravings so it ceases to be a constant struggle that you can’t win? – Have all the energy you want, so that you can juggle all your responsibilities without sacrificing your passion? – Have the mental clarity that will bring you focus, efficiency and productivity? – Attain emotional balance so that you (and your relationships) are no longer held back by mood swings and bouts of depression and/or anxiety? Have less stress and more rest?

One FREE Month of Health Coaching.  One hour twice during one month.  $149 value

Angela Montgomery of Real Whole Health is a certified holistic health coach who works with busy moms to create a plan to help them reach their health and weight loss goals, naturally!

Health Coaching giveaway description: Work with Angela to discover the best way for you to reach your health and fitness goals with a plan that is tailored just for you! One month of health coaching includes two – one hour phone calls with unlimited email support.

Gift Certificate $50 Value

For over 20 years now, we at TriLight Health (formerly TriLight Herbs) have faithfully supplied our customers nationwide with our high quality line of liquid herbal products. We were the first company to specialize in great tasting, alcohol and sugar free, liquid herbal formulas for pregnancy, children, and the family.

Green Pasture Blue Ice Infused Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Choose Your Flavor) $55 value

Green Pasture Products™ is a family owned business started by Dave and Barb Wetzel in 2000. Our business focus is to provide high-quality sacred-food oils just as they were made prior to the industrialized food and farming revolution.

His and Her Bath Basket $74 value

4 bars of soap (2 for her/2 for him) @ $4.00 each – $16.00
2 all natural deodorants (1 for her/1 for him) @ $6.00 each – 12.00
2 all natural lipbalms @ $3.00 each – $6.00
1 handmade washcloth for her – $4.00
1 handmade soap bag for him – $6.00
1 jar body cream – $6.00
1 all natural soy candle jar – $10.00
1 Live, Laugh, Love magnetic box – $12.00
1 Soap Saver – $2.00
Total Retail Value $74.00

Joyful Sounds Farm sells all natural soaps, lip balms, lotions, and feathers.  You can find them on Etsy or on their website selling their beautiful homemade wares.

Traditional Recipes Bundle over $150 value

17 different digital eBooks from prominent and up-and-coming real food bloggers. There are books to teach you how to include more healthy ingredients, how to save time, how to save money, how to create food that goes with you, how to make desserts and holiday dishes, and so much more.

Kitchen Help

Cooking With Coconut Oil by Jennifer Saleem of Hybrid Rasta Mama, Design a Dish by Millie Copper of Real Food for Less Money, Restocking the Pantry by Kresha Faber of Nourishing Joy, Real Food, Real Easy by Angela Montgomery of Real Whole Health, Real Food for the Real Homemaker by Jami Balmet of Young Wife’s Guide, Jaimie Ramsey of Living In the Light and Elsie Callender of Richly Rooted

Main Dishes

7 Day Real Food Meal Plan by Roxanne King of The Holistic Mama, Much Ado About Chicken by Debra Worth of Sweet Kisses and Dirty Dishes, Stretchy Beans by KerryAnn Foster of Intentionally Domestic, Divine Dinners by Lydia Joy Shatney of Divine Health From the Inside Out (92 gourmet dinners, sides, soups, and more, GF)

Snacks and Sides

The Veggie Book by Danielle Tate of More Than Four Walls, Sara Shay of Your Thriving Family and Debra Worth of Sweet Kisses and Dirty Dishes, Healthy Snacks to Go by Katie Kimball of Kitchen Stewardship, Steeped by Katie Stanley of Nourishing Simplicity, Toadally Primal Smoothies by Primal Toad of Primal Toad

Desserts, Baking and Special Occasions

Festive Traditions by Jill Marks of Modern Alternative Kitchen, Treat Yourself: Real Food Desserts by Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative Mama, Sourdough Goodness by Anna Drozdova of Thought For Real Food, Travel Foods by KerryAnn Foster of Intentionally Domestic

FREE Bonuses: 15% off Real Salt Orders, 5% off Wise Choice Market orders over $50.  Simple Natural Health by Nina Nelson of Shalom Mama, One month FREE premium membership to Tradishen.

Gift Certificate to Special Etch $15 value

SpecialEtch is the place to visit to personalize any item. Etch your name into glass baking dishes and be sure never to lose your pan at a potluck again. Get a personalized vinyl decal with your name or monogrammed initials to stick to almost anything with a smooth surface. The possibilities are endless with the creative minds at SpecialEtch.

1 Bake and Take Custom Etched Glass 13×9 Baking Pan $50.00

SpecialEtch is the place to visit to personalize any item. Etch your name into glass baking dishes and be sure never to lose your pan at a potluck again. Get a personalized vinyl decal with your name or monogrammed initials to stick to almost anything with a smooth surface. The possibilities are endless with the creative minds at SpecialEtch.

2 oz. Shea Crème is valued at $15

Just So is designed to encourage those seeking a more natural lifestyle. We offer tutorials, recipes and products to help you on your journey. Just So reflects our family’s encounter with toxic mold and resulting determination to recover our health with a radical lifestyle change. You can read our full story at Our Health Journey (www.moldrecovery.blogspot.com)

2 oz. Pain Relief Salve $9.00

Creative Christian Mama's Store is where I offer you the same natural, homemade products that I use for my family. From magnesium lotion to salves, herbal bath mix to soon-to-be-released items, these products are all-natural options for your family.

5-pack of Cool Cocoa Lip Balm – value $14.02

doTERRA Introductory Kit to Essential Oils with CD $26.67 value

Learn about the amazing health benefits of Essential Oils through the doTERRA Introductory Kit. There are over 101 uses for these three oils and Lindsay @ Crunchy Savings to happy to help you learn about the health properties of Essential Oils.

3 month membership value: $29.96

Fit2B Studio is radically different from any other fitness provider – not only because we don’t do crunches or sit ups – but mostly because our founder, Bethany Learn, is no run-of-the-mill instructor. She is a real-life mom who believes you can see proper form demonstrated without seeing a bunch of skin. Bethany holds a bachelor of science degree in Exercise and has been working in the workout world for 18 years. Yet she speaks in layman terms with no unexplainable terminology or screaming, and she teaches from her home straight to yours. She works hard to monitor current research to ensure that our moves are natural, TummySafe™ and easy to apply to your everyday real life. We avoid moves that are unsafe for those with abdominal traumas like diastasis recti, hernia, C-section, as well as pelvic floor issues. Our TummySafe™ focus teaches the proper alignment and daily awareness needed to increase overall body strength and tone. For more information, visit fit2b.com today!

This post contains affiliate links.  You are not required to make a purchase through these links but if you do you help to support my family.  Thank you!

The Giveaway

Enter for your chance to WIN this amazing compilation of Healthy Living Prizes hosted by The Road to 31.
To enter you must be 18 years or older and live in the United States or Canada.  Giveaway will be open September 24-30.  Please tell all your friends!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It’s Gonna Be a Quiet Week

You all are the BEST blog readers!

You seem to get the fact that I don't consider myself a blogger; I'm just a mom and a homemaker who happens to have a blog.

I don't hang out in this space unless my home responsibilities are complete.

I would be a really big hypocrite to have a blog encouraging you to be a more intentional homemaker if I were here blogging all the time rather than taking care of my home and family.

I usually find time during my kids naps to write some blog posts, answer emails, and visit with you on Facebook, but this week will be different.

I have a REALLY big behind-the-scenes project that I need to finish up this week.  Something I hope will be a huge help to many of you.

But since my blogging time is very limited, I have to let something else go.  That means all the fun stuff, like posting new things and interacting with you all.

I'm here.  I really am.  I just need to finish this project.

Will you wait for me?

Disconnecting to Connect

The following is a sponsored post.  As always, all content and opinions are 100% my own.

Computers.  Smart phones.  Tablets. .

They're so helpful, but so much of the time they end up sucking away our time and attention from the ones who should matter the most.

The Tech Timeout^TM challenge started by Foresters encourages families to take a daily break from technology. Participating families are encouraged to disconnect from all things electronic with the goal of helping spouses, parents and children build stronger bonds, communicate more personally and get more involved in each other’s lives.

And I think it's a great challenge!

I was recently asked if I would like to participate and share our family's experience with the challenge.

I don't have a smartphone, so checking Facebook or email throughout the day is not a temptation for me.  We also don't have T.V. or video games.  Pretty much the only electronics we have are the computer and Kindle, but I did want to disconnect a little more than I normally do and see if I thought it made a difference.

When I would normally be on the computer writing here on the blog, or just relaxing on Pinterest while the kids nap, I decided to stay off and spend time outside with the kids.  We enjoyed the extra time spent together outside, but since that was during their naptime I can't do it on a regular basis.

I think if I had a smartphone I would be really bad about messing with it and not giving my undivided attention to the kids.  Having a designated time each day to specifically have it OFF no matter what would be really helpful in making sure I'm not getting distracted from paying attention to my kids.

Do you think you would benefit from a designated Tech Timeout?

Here are some GREAT ideas of things you could be doing rather than being connected to technology:

Which of these fun family activities would you enjoy most?

Visit techtimeout.com to make the pledge with your family!