Making Deodorant

That's right...I'm making my own deodorant!  For a few years I've been using natural deodorants, but they don't work for long on me.  This last kind I bought has worked out a bit better but I always keep my eyes peeled for a new non-toxic deodorant I can try.  When I saw this homemade deodorant recipe on a blog I got really excited because she seems to have the same problem as me, and says this one works!

So I am embarking on making this SUPER EASY deodorant that I got from Katie Riddle's blog at Riddlelove.com-- 3-Minute Homemade Deodorant Recipe.

It only takes 4 ingredients and I am really keen to see if it works for my difficult underarms :)  I'll keep you posted!

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Okay, so I have made it.  Just waiting for it to solidify.  I'll start using it once it does and check back in.

it melted funny, so I was nervous if I did it right...I just kept going with the recipe.

Here it is!  Warm and melted and mixed up real good.

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It's been 4 days and I am SUPER impressed this stuff is working great!  It even stood like a rock against the "leading-worship-test." aka--nervous sweat!  I'll let you know how it works after a few more weeks but so far so good!  Totally recommend!

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Click here for an Update on "Making Deodorant" post

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August 2013 (that's right, I didn't need to make more for 5 MONTHS!)
For my second round of deodorant-making, I used what Katie Riddle suggested, an old, cleaned out deodorant container.  The kind that I think works best is from a hard deodorant stick because it has the twisty wheel at the bottom to push up the deodorant stick. Here is what is looks like-

Home made deodorant in an old deodorant container

It was quite messy when I was putting the deodorant mixture into this container.  Once it was in, or at least most of it, I put the container in the fridge because we don't run our air conditioning constantly at our house.  The fridge helps it apply a little easier.  Whenever you need to raise the level on the top, just leave it out of the fridge over night and push it up in the morning, then apply, and put back in the fridge.

Cookies!

In the beginning of February, I got back into my cookie baking.  I hadn't made chocolate chip cookies in a really long time, and from the first batch...I knew they were going to become a regular in the Day household!  In 1 week, I made 4 batches!!!  No, they weren't for us.  There were events that called for "bring something to share".  I never remembered them being so yummy, but soon realized why.

On my 3rd batch, I realized I misread the recipe.  Thank you dyslexia!  You serve me well :)  Instead of 3/4 cup of butter, I added 1 cup.  You may not think that would be a great difference, but when you're using the world's best butter, you can taste every piece of deliciousness!  What is this butter you ask?  Kerry Gold Butter.  It's the only butter we use because we're butter snobs and think Irish butter is clearly superior to all other butters :)  And...it keeps a little part of home in our kitchen!  We buy ours at Trader Joe's because it's all we can find...usually $2.99 each.

The next thing I realized that made these cookies so delectable is my homemade vanilla extract!  It takes 6 months to make.  A friend of mine made it and gave them as her Christmas gifts.  Genius!  So with the best butter and homemade vanilla, these cookies are melt-in-you-mouth-goodness.

This recipe was passed down to me by my Mom so I call these Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies!  Try this simple recipe and see what you think.  I've also included pictures :)

Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup shortening (or 3/4 cup butter/marg)  (Note---this is where my awesome mistake occurred)

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 1/4 cups unsifted all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet choc chips

1 cup chopped nuts (optional (I do not use this option))

Preheat oven at 375 degree (American setting) 

Cream shortening or butter, brown sugar, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and beat well.  Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture.

Stir in choc chips and nuts.  (Place dough in fridge for about 13-30 mins, which helps make chewy cookies).

Drop by tsp onto un-greased cookie sheet (I use the butter wrapping to grease the sheet for more buttery goodness).  

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light brown.  Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet.  Place on foil to keep cookie chewy.  Let completely cool on sheets of foil.

For fat and chewy cookies, take butter out of fridge to get room temp (about 2-3 hrs) and chill dough before baking.

YUM!

Enjoy and if you try this recipe, come back and let us know how it turned out :)

the supplies

stir in chocolate chips

Enjoy!

March 13- Jesus Calling

Today's reading in the book, Jesus Calling, really spoke to me, and I wanted to share it on here with you.


March 13th

LEARN TO LIVE about your circumstances.  This requires focused time with Me, the One who overcame the world. Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world.  Only My Life in you can empower you to face this endless flow of problems with good cheer.

As you sit quietly in My Presence, I shine Peace into your troubled mind and heart.  Little by little, you are freed from earthly shackles and lifted up above your circumstances.  You gain My perspective on your life, enabling you to distinguish between what is important and what is not.  Rest in My Presence, receiving Joy that no one can take away from you.
 
        “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
                                                                                    John 15:33 (NKJV)         So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
                                                                                    John 16:22

1 Kings 17-19

This portion of scripture was one of the first I read in my children's bible story book all those years ago. I just remember the picture in the book of the fire raining down from heaven as Elijah prays over the alter. I was always amazed at the many miracles God performed through Elijah in these three chapters from raising the widow's son from the dead to creating rain after years of drought. Instead of focusing on the works God did I want to focus on Elijah and the confidence he displayed in this passage.

Elijah was the last of the Lord's prophets left (18:22) and he came up against a nation who were following false Gods and had 950 prophets. Elijah was alone, that last voice who was standing for the truth. What struck me about Elijah throughout this passage was his complete confidence in what he was doing. He spoke and acted with authority without complaint and without fear. Looking at the situation it seemed desperate but Elijah know something bigger was going on behind the scenes. Elijah had a promise. The Lord had spoken to Elijah about exactly what was going to happen. Elijah was not alone by any means because God was leading and directing him every step of the way. (18:36)

At times in our lives we are the last ones standing. We are that last voice willing to stand for the truth. Should we fear? Should we feel alone? I don't think we should but instead we should have hope and confidence in the Lord. The Lord has given each one of us a promise. The promise of salvation and everlasting life. God has also given each one of us promises specific to our own lives. Hold on to those promises and have confidence in what the Lord has spoken to you.


Written by Philip Day

1 Kings 14-16

The Thought for this week is pretty short and sweet.  It is actually something that I've had to remember a lot in the past 6 months.  This week's reading reiterated the point that you can be any age to choose to serve the Lord or to turn away from Him. Faith isn't contingent on your physical age. You can start waking in His ways at 40, or decide to turn away. The same holds true if you're 10.

Guard your heart. None of us are beyond temptation...no matter what our age.  Reading about all these kings that could have followed God and kept His laws, it reminds me over and over again that we must always keep humbling ourselves before God and surrendering to His will daily. I'm sure many of us have seen what can happen if we don't do these things...regardless of our age. 

Coming up to Easter helps us remember surrendering and humbling!  Matthew 26:36-46 is the story about Jesus surrendering himself to the Father...3 times.  Even in the midst of his darkest moment and most lonely one, Jesus asked to for a way out, but if there wasn't one..."Not my will but your will," was his prayer.  Let us remember to surrender our will to the Father, daily, and humble ourselves before Him constantly.

Update on the Cold---Remedies that work!

I just wanted to update you quickly on how my cold and ears have been since starting my remedies on Monday.  I am really encouraged because today, only 3 days after starting on a consistent regimen of what I suggested in my Previous Post,  I officially have NO runny nose!  YAY!  Thank you Jesus.  The only cold symptom I have left is plugged ears and low energy.  My ears will take a bit of time so I'll just keep adjusting them and drinking lots of water and they will keep draining.

I was excited to see such quick results and so I wanted to share.  For other Healthy Living resources, check out that new page :)

Cold Remedies

This year I have managed to ward off all sickness!  Who needs a flu shot when you eat nutritious food, get a good amount of exercise, and keep your cabinet loaded with some D3, C and Silver Water??  Obviously, I don't eat good things all the time, but I have been doing really good for the most part.  I've also made it to the gym 4-5 days a week in the last month.  It's actually become my new hobby!  I also keep a well supplied stock of these great vitamins/minerals.

The last few days however, my body has been fighting some cold symptoms and I wanted to be sure to share some helpful remedies!  You don't need to rush to the Dr for every little sniffle...especially when you can take care of it yourself.  Leave your Dr more time for emergency patients and you stay home and manage the smaller stuff :)  You and your Dr will appreciate it in the long run!

If you are like me and suffer from ear troubles sometimes, this part is for you.  My right ear is shaped funny inside and so I have to take a little extra care of it in general.  If you feel an ear infection coming on, manually adjusting your ears is a great way to help them drain.  You can ask your Chiropractor how to do this (or ask me next time you see me).  It's easy and doesn't hurt...it's just uncomfortable sometimes.  Next, you'll want to get some garlic and mullein ear drops.  This is the kind I use but there are other brands out there.  (heads up, this kind smells of garlic!)  The main ingredients are garlic and mullein, but if you don't want to buy anything extra, you can smash up some garlic from your kitchen and mix with pure olive oil and drop it into your ear.  Sounds crazy, but it works just as well.  Garlic is a natural antibiotic.  These drops along with manually adjusting your ears help fend off infection that might try and take hold.

Other supplements that are good for colds and congestion are good 'ol Silver Water, Vitamin C, and D3!  In my fantastic book, Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing (highly recommend) it has some extra tips for success like only taking one form of medication at a time (page 344).  You can get garlic pills if you don't like eating garlic.  That's what I usually do.  I have a friend that smears some raw garlic on a piece of toast at first signs of a cold and this helps kick out any virus.  I don't do this because the thought of it is gross to me, but hey, if you don't mind that much garlic, it will sure work! :)

For stuffy noses, you can use some nice Eucalyptus Essential oil to help your sinuses.

The thing about homeopathic solutions is they help you build up your immune system, not just relieve you from icky symptoms.  These ideas won't be a quick fix...it'll help support your body's genius function to protect itself which sometimes takes a bit longer than medications.  Sometimes homeopathic solutions may feel like they are just fluffy ideas that don't work, but in the long run, natural remedies will equip your body to fend off a cold or ear ache.  This cold has been really hard on my nose so along with all the vitamins, I have also taken a nasal decongestant; but with the advise from my book, I've only taken a "single-ingredient product" because sometimes multi-ingredient products end up working against each other (page 344).    

If you're suffering from a cold or ear ache, try these remedies and see what you think.  It's not a quick fix, but for me, I've found these to be beneficial and a great alternative for my body in the long run.  And as always, when buying vitamins, the brand is VERY important.  Be sure it's been inspected for purity and is potency and quality guaranteed :)

1 Kings 12-13

The decisions we make effect the direction our life takes. God always has our backs but God also blesses wisdom and maturity. A wise person seeks the counsel of others and I want to just emphasize the importance of taking advice from those older than us.

1 Kings 12 really spoke to me this week about the importance of older people in my life and the wisdom they have to offer. We read in the chapter that Rehoboam the new King of Israel rejects the advice of his older counselors:

3So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: 4“Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”
5Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So the people went away.
6Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.
7They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”
8But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.

Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older counselors which led to the division of the nation of Israel. Our decisions don't make an impact on such a big scale but I can't emphasize enough the importance of advice from older generations. Our parents have been around a lot longer than we have and know a lot more than us (even though we oftentimes think we know more.) I've faced many decisions in my life when I've sought the advice of my parents and other older friends. Oftentimes they confirmed and encouraged the decisions I was making but sometimes they gave me a word of caution or showed me a perspective I hadn't already thought about.

I cannot emphasize the importance that input from other people has in my life. Sometimes we are blind to certain things but another person can see what we haven't seen. Those older than us have probably been through whatever it is you're going through right now and they've come out the other side. Seek out wise counsel and let it impact your life.

Written by Philip Day

1 Kings 9-11

For me, this weeks reading tags along from last week's reading. We serve such a merciful God...who gives warnings and a heads up to His kids! That's what was crazy to me about this week's reading. I never had noticed that before, but the beginning of Chapter 9, God affirms Solomon and reminds him that if he follows all of God's law, like his father David did, his family would rule Israel forever. It almost seems repetitive of God to do this...but low and behold...just a few verses on we read how Solomon's heart turned away from God. Granted, we don't have an actual timeline, but this wasn't the first time God cautioned Solomon about what not to do.

We read on and see how much wealth Solomon had and how talk of his wisdom reached all over the world! It is in these chapters that that I see God's extreme mercy and grace. And He shows us all this mercy and grace, not just Solomon.

Yahweh did not take away Solomon's wisdom...his gifting...even though Solomon turned away from Him.

This reminds me of the scripture that talks about God's gifts and calls are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). God has given us all giftings. We may or may not use them for His Kingdom, but they are still from Him. I'm sure you have all met extremely talented people that don't serve God. This is why. Irrevocable means that nothing can take away the gifts and call that God has given to you. This is yet another thing that reminds me that God's ways are way way higher than our ways.

Lastly, in His great mercy, Yahweh refrained from taking the kingdom away from Solomon until after he died. All because of His commitment to David. I want to have that kind of relationship with Yahweh!!! His relationship and commitment to David was something we can all learn from. David was a man after God's heart...and because of this, God spared a change of history occurring until after his son, Solomon's death.

God has given you gifts and a call. Be like David and use them for His Kingdom. Surround yourself with Godly counsel and friends that you allow to speak truthfully into your life to help you in times that you may be straying. Listen to God's caution. It will save your life!


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 If you're interested in learning more about your gifting and call, a book that Philip and I have been reading that goes closely with this week's Thought is The Anointing; Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by R.T. Kendall.  It has really encouraged us to be diligent to what God has called us to and to keep using our giftings even if people don't "get it" or think us weird and strange.  I hope this book will impact your life and encourage you like it has us.

1 Kings 6-8

1 Kings 6-8

Solomon spend 7 years building Yahweh's temple and 13 years to build his palace.  Everything written in these chapters is so detailed my mind can hardly picture what everything looked like!  (I even Googled "Solomon's Palace and Temple" to find some pictures of what people think it looked like.)  From what I read, everything seemed to be intricate and spectacular...only the very best.

The whole time I read these chapters about the great task Solomon took on in building Yahweh's temple, it makes me sad because of the path Solomon's life went shortly thereafter.  In chapter 8, Solomon takes almost the whole chapter to dedicate the temple and speak praises of God.  His words are very powerful in this section.  His words were powerful and true, but his actions didn't line up with them.

What I took away from this week's reading is this:  We can say great and wonderful things about God...all of which could be very true...but God wants our actions to be pleasing to him as much as our words are.  I'm sure we've all met people who seem to sound like great Christians but their actions don't speak of their faith at all.  I believe that Solomon meant everything he said a the dedication, but it was because of his poor actions that God later took the kingdom away from him.  I left this reading challenged to have my words AND actions line up with God's Word, not just one or the other.

If this is something you struggle with, find a trusted friend who loves Jesus, that can help hold you accountable.  A rebuke from a friend can be trusted, but your enemy just flatters you (Proverbs 27:6; my paraphrase)

1 Kings 4-5

What struck me about this week's reading was I was reminded of how different Solomon was from his father David.  Their strengths were very different but each of them flourished during a different season in the history of Israel.  David was great in a time of conflict and Solomon during a time of peace.

David was a passionate warrior while Solomon was a refined thinker with vast knowledge.  David was revered and a king loved by his people but Solomon was also loved and revered.  What this shows me is that our giftings are all different and for a purpose. 

I'm reminded of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 where Paul talks about he body of Christ and the different parts.  We all aren't called to be preachers or pastors and we all have different personalities and strengths and weaknesses.  We were created unique for unique purposes.

If Solomon was exactly like his Father I don't think he would have been as successful as King.  God gave him his own unique set of skills and talents.  What the Lord gave Solomon was really what Israel needed at that time.

If you ever feel like you're different or that you're not as good at something as those around you, don't see it as a negative thing, but see it as an opportunity because God is going to use you in his own unique way because you are his unique creation.

Written by Philip Day

My Dad--My Hero

Today is my Dad's birthday.  He would be 58 years old!  I always called him Oh Ancient One :-)

My Dad died Friday, October 21st, 2011 at 9:45pm.  We were all at home and my brother, mom and I were all holding his hands and laying on his chest.  I don't ever want to forget it.  The peace of God was so tangible in that room....I wish I felt it that strong every day since.

This week I heard a verse from the Bible that has really been in my heart since October 21, 2011.  "Eternity is hidden in the hearts of men."  Since my Dad has died, I haven't stopped thinking about eternity.  Heaven was made way more personal to me since his death.  I've never wanted to be in heaven so much as I have since my Dad moved there.

His death has been the hardest thing I've ever walked through in my life.  I think it's safe to say most people don't understand how I'm feeling most of the time, so it's been quite lonely.  But I don't want to write about his death in this post, I'd like to write about his life!

Dad was born in Washington State, USA, this day 58 years ago!  He was raised in a home with 3 brothers...one of which killed himself when Dad was 18.  He was the one that found his brother.  When Dad was 21, he was on his way to kill himself when he drove past the church of the youth pastor that preformed his brother's funeral.  He remembers thinking, "Why not go in?"  His life was forever changed.  He found the Youth Pastor and was led to the Cross.  Drug and alcohol addiction was broken instantly as the Creator of the Universe found my Dad.

I think of this alot because my Dad grew to be a man he should never have been if his past and family dictated his destiny.  He should have ended up dead somewhere never knowing Salvation.  But God found him.  He should have been lonely for the rest of his life.  But God found him.  He should have turned into an angry drunk.  But God found him.  He should have become an abusive father. But God found him.  He should have been the most insecure man that found his security in drugs, alcohol and sex.  But...God found him.

Thank you God.

My Dad become pretty unrecognizable after God found him.  Full of hope and healing.  Full of purpose and destiny.  Eternity was hidden in his heart, and for the next 35+ years, he chased after Jesus with all his heart.

That's the man that I knew.  He always talked about Jesus as this person...this man that was apart of our family.  God was never this "thing" in the sky that was too far away for us to ever know.  God was always apart of our daily living.  Dad always tried his best to be the best example of Christ in our home.  I know he was always nervous that he wasn't the best Dad or husband, but I think what made him those things is his willingness to learn and grow when he wasn't his best.

I remember times when my Dad would tell stories about being a new Dad.  He was always afraid that he would be abusive like his father was.  He would say, "Sometimes I would have to walk out of the room and just leave you and your brother there to be sure I didn't hurt you."  That might be shocking to some, but to me I thought, "Are you kidding me?  You know how much BRAVERY that took?!  I am SO stinking proud of my Dad!!!!"  Dad never once hurt us...and I know it was because he chased after Jesus everyday to the best of his ability.  Not just for the sake or "doing" Christianity, but because he wanted to BE like Jesus.  That's the man I knew.

I say all this because I know this was a struggle for him even until the day he died.  A few days before he died, I remember him asking me, "Hannah, was I good father to you and John-Michael?"  I just wept with him and kept saying, "You were the best Dad I could have ever asked for."  He was so humble...and the only thing he ever wanted was to be like Jesus.  Yes, he made mistakes and wasn't perfect.  But you know, now that he's gone, all I can think of are the incredible things he's done!  And what an incredible man he was.

So that's what I wanted to share with you.  Not many people ask me these days what kind of man my Father was.  But without any hesitancy, I will always be able to say, "He was like Jesus."

I want to share something with you, and with any Dad or Mom reading this.  Here is a picture of the front page of a Bible my Dad gave to me when I was 11.  It was his preaching Bible and I treated it like treasure!  It has since been through a moldy basement and with tears I had to throw it away, but I saved the front page.

It reads:

To Hannah,
       My beautiful young woman that I love very much.  Learn at the feet of Jesus.  You'll never go wrong if you follow what I have told you.
                                            Love,
                                                Dad
                                                         Aug. 25, 1999


Dad always treated me as more than I ever was in the moment...and I know that is partly why I have grown into a beautiful young woman.  I always listened to my Dad...even when I didn't want to! :-)  And I still listen to my Dad now that he is no longer here on earth.  His words are still true.  How many can say, "Follow me as I follow Christ!" like what Paul told the 1st Century Church?  Because of my Dad's example, I want to be able to say this to my kids some day.

Lastly, I want to share a few pictures of me and my Dad with you.  These are some of my favourites.  I don't have alot from when I was a kid, but just imagine me shorter and Dad with more hair, lol!

Thank you for reading this.  I hope my Dad's life can keep rubbing off on people...even those that never knew him.

Thank you Dad for being human.  For making mistakes.  For getting things wrong sometimes.  And thank you most of all for showing me Jesus.  For apologizing when you were wrong, even though you didn't want to!  For showing me unconditional love and walking out of a room for fear you would hurt someone.  Thank you for always thinking of Heaven as your home.  Thank you for showing me what an incredible husband looks like and for treating Mom with so much love and respect.  Thank you for walking me down the isle and with every step whispering to me "You are the Bride of Christ.  You are pure and spotless," over and over again.  Thank you for teaching me how to be goofy.  Thank you for showing me I can be proud of who God created me to be, even though it will most of the time not make sense to others.  Thank you for being my Dad.  I love you Papa!

Love, Turkey-lips/Noodge-Baby/Puddin-head/Gorta

This is the picture of him whispering who I am, as we walked down the isle....he got to be quite the softy in his "old" age :-)

1 Kings 1-3--We can't stay the same!

When I was reading our iDiscipleship assignment this week, chapter 3 stood out to me. I noticed that before God (which I'll start referring to by His name, Yahweh) met with Solomon, he was going to the high places to make his sacrifice. After Yahweh met him, Solomon went to the temple to sacrifice.

I find two things interesting here:

1. Yahweh met with Solomon while he was literally doing something not pleasing to Him----sacrificing in the high places! This is really worth thinking about because back then, sacrificing to Yahweh was to be done at the temple, no where else. High places were where pagans and Israel's enemies sacrificed.

2. After Yahweh met with Solomon (in his dream), Solomon went straight to the place he was supposed to be sacrificing---in the temple! To see the drastic turn around in Solomon after God met with him is really cool to me. Here's why...God never said, "Stop sinning!" No, I would be willing to say that because of Solomon's encounter with Yahweh, he naturally wanted to follow all His ways. That confirms to me again that once we encounter Yahweh, the Creator of the universe, we cannot help but be transformed and changed. We can't stay the same.

Another cool thing about this whole thing is, it doesn't seem that Solomon was looking for a meeting with Yahweh. I think that God met with Solomon because of His commitment to David, Solomon's father.

This hits home for me because this week God has actually been reminding me of His commitment to my father, Larry Dwayne Dimond.  I have no doubt that there are blessings in my life because of my Dad's faithfulness to Yahweh.  That's the kind of parent I want to be! 

Banana Bread

I don't know what has come over me, but in the last 3 weeks, I've started baking again!  First, I made banana bread.  I hadn't made banana bread in years!  Many years!  Then last week I made seriously the world's best chocolate chip cookies!  They were delicious.  This week, I made some more banana bread and wanted to share the recipe because it's seriously so so easy!

I got this recipe from my friend Haley, who got it from a lady at work.  So who knows where it actually came from.  Boy is it good!


1/2 cup soft butter  (I always suggest Kerry Gold Butter. Irish yummy butter! We get ours at Trader Joes)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
3-4 ripe mashed bananas (I used 5 bananas once and had enough mixture for 6 banana muffins too)
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tps baking powder
1/2 tsp salt  (sea salt is the best)

Bake at 350f

9 x 5 loaf = 50-60 minutes
9 x 9 = 35-40 minutes

Pour it all in the same bowl and blend it all together until it's all wet and resembles a cake-type mixture.

I think the reason my cookies and banana bread have tasted so especially delicious is because my friend, Lori, gave me some of her HOMEMADE pure vanilla extra!  She made it in July (ordered the beans online, scrapped each and everyone out and soaked the insides in vodka for 6 months).  Crazy!  Crazy good! hehehe.

If you make this, share with us how it turns out.

Once mine cools for 20ish minutes, I always take it out of the loaf pan and just have it cool on the counter.  Last night however I was going to bed and didn't want it just sitting on my counter, so I wrapped it in wax paper.  I think that helped keep the moisture in because this morning is was super moist!  Now I just have it in cling-wrap (plastic wrap).

The g.y.m.

So...before Phil and I got married, we did something we called the Sexy Challenge.  Many of you may have heard of the Pepsi Challenge?  Well, it's nothing like that! :-)  We made up the Sexy Challenge to help us get into a new and healthy lifestyle before we got married.  We wanted to build healthy habits before marriage because we knew that it would be even more challenging to form them after marriage.  So what we did was we created goals and prizes that made up the Sexy Challenge.  If we met all our goals by our wedding day, we got our awesome prizes!  It was really a genius idea.  And it was awesome to do for more than just looking great, but for feeling great too!  Neither one of us had ever had sex before our wedding day so we wanted to feel really confident naked and love our own bodies.  Which, let me tell you, we so did!  :-)

Wedding Day:

Lookin good, right?!?!

Anyway...we did great.  We both reached our goals and just were feeling really good about ourselves.  Then came the 3 month honeymoon.  That's right.  3 months.  Now before you go and get all jealous, this 3 months we went back and forth with both our families (2 hours apart).  We never really had our own space and we "had" to indulge in all the food we loved in Ireland before we moved back to Minnesota.  Needless to say, we did not keep to our healthy lifestyle!  And I've been regretting it ever since!  Ugh.  It didn't help that after just being married for a little over a year, my Daddy passed away.  Any kind of grief does not help motivate one to want to hit the gym.  Philip did do alot better at it than me though.  He got moving.  I didn't care to move one bit.

That's been my last 2 1/2 years with fitness.  Sure I've tried Insanity and Pilates, but nothing has stuck.  And I always end up feeling guilty about it because I remember how awesome I felt when we got married.  I remember fitting into that super cute swimsuit and feeling free as a bird!  Now the thought of a swimsuit is not freeing to say the least, lol.   Something that Phil and I have done well at however is our eating!  We have become very healthy eaters, which is half the battle anyway!  So it's been a crazy 2 years...emotionally and physically.

Now all that gets to change.  The reason??  Now I actually want it to change.   Like all of you know, it's pretty dang hard to do something that you mentally don't actually want to do or even have motivation for, even if it is good for you.  Since I was already drained emotionally, there was no motivation to go to a gym, or keep doing Pilates at home after 2 weeks.  In the last month however, I have been walking EVERY day!!!!!  Can you believe it?!?!  I am so excited.  And I am finding myself actually wanting to active things.  So today, I joined a gym.  Not because it's a good idea, or because there's an ideal weight I want to weigh (even though it is a good idea and there is an ideal weight I want to weigh, haha).  Nope.  I joined a gym because I want to join a gym.  And you know why it'll work this time?  Because I want to workout.  I don't care what anyone says, it's near impossible to do something you don't want to do...even if it's good for you!

I know this desire is coming from my heart AND brain now.  I know it's been in there for years, but life happens and sometimes there are more important things to take care of.  For me, it's been my emotional and mental health.  Now, however, I am ready to focus on my physical health because my emotional health is leveling out :-)

Thank you Jesus for motivation.  And thank you Jesus for walking with me on this journey.  Life is a journey.  We will never arrive until we walk through those pearly gates.

The end :-)

Healthy Living

Right before my Dad died, I really started getting interested in vitamins and holistic medicines; herbs, food for medicinal use, etc.  Since Dad died, I've really dived into learning as much as I can about natural forms of healthy living. 

Some friends have told me I need to share the stuff that I've learned, so I wanted to take some time and write out some of the cool things I've learned about different vitamins, minerals, herbs and foods.  These are a HUGE help in staying healthy and living healthy.  I love things that support the immune system in its own effort to heal and fight disease instead of having medicines that do it in place of your immune system.  That doesn't help long-term.  It's incredible what our bodies are actually capable of doing if we only give it a chance.  God was a definitely a genius in His creativity and formation of our bodies!

If this kind of stuff interests you, be sure to buy the book Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing.  It will become your best friend for referencing pretty much every health ailment!  It's become my go-to since I don't have health insurance...and I can honestly say, I've only been to the Doc twice in the last 3 years because this book, along with some other resources has helped me build my immune system and take care of any ailments (obviously none were emergency related).  I'll keep it in our book collection for years to come because it will be super handy when we have kids!

Something you should note is, if you decide to buy any of the supplements I recommend, you want to be sure to get a good quality brand.  A generic, convenient-store brand unfortunately is loaded with fillers and has very little of the actual vitamins or minerals in it.  All the brands below are great quality brands that you can find in most health food stores. Of course, you can research and find more brands too.  I tried to find everything on Amazon.com so you can see prices.

These are all just from my cupboard so obviously there are so many more supplements, but these have been some of the main things that have helped Philip and I.


Must-haves
1. First things first, if you don't have some Silver Water in your house, you should be sure to get some.  You can get it online, or at a Health Food Store.  What is it good for?  The simple answer is: Silver water kills the bad stuff inside your body and boosts your immune system.  You can use it to brush your teeth, just swish around in your mouth and swallow, and it can be used for kids, pets and plants!  Some great info can be found here.  (I drank this stuff like crazy to fight strep!)


2. Next, keep some Vitamin C on hand.  You cannot over dose on vitamin c (because it is water-soluble and you just pee it out), so if you feel a tickle in your throat, or just a funky-inside-feeling, get some good vitamin c.  Vitamin c boosts your immune system and keeps your body working.  More info can be found here.

If you don't want to buy anything else, I'd totally recommend at least getting these 2 things to have as household regulars.


Some good-to-haves
1.  Vitamin B Complex is great as a daily vitamin, but particularly great during times of stress.  When my Dad died, my friend (who's been studying holistic medicine and lifestyle for 20+ years) suggested I start taking a vitamin b complex and fish oil.  Vitamin B Complex helps your adrenal glands function efficiently when under stress.  Vitamin B Complex is also water soluble so you can't over do it because you'll just pee it out.  More information can be found here.


2.  Fish Oil is great for not just your heart, but for your brain too!  It is a natural anti-inflammatory as well.  You can take a therapeutic amount of up to 3,000 mg/daily for 2 weeks and then drop down to 1 capsule daily.  Again, this is great for stressful times because it helps brain function.  I recommend Carlson Labs for anything fish oil related because most theirs do not have metals such as mercury, in their products.  Most fish oils have high levels of mercury which is bad for our bodies.  Carlson Labs has a bunch of different types to chose from.  I do the tablets because, lets be honest, the liquid scares me, haha.  I have a friend who prefers the lemon liquid though, so it's really personal preference.


3.  Vitamin D3 should be your best friend during winter months and in flu season!  It is 800% more effective than the flu shot and it's not toxic to your body!  D3 is what our bodies get from the sun, so when there is less sunlight your body craves it.  Take this stuff all winter to help your brain keep from getting too sluggish because it also helps with seasonal depression.


4. Garlic is a great natural antibacterial, so if you are feeling like a cold is coming on, either eat lots and lots of garlic or you can get capsules.  If you want to eat it, cook it in stir fry is always a great idea.  Or you can do what a friend of mine does and mince it raw and spread on some toast...ick!  But definitely does the trick, haha!  Onions are also a great food to eat if you're feeling sick with a cold.  It will help your immune system get a boost!  If you want tablets, I recommend Kyolic brand because all they do is garlic.  Any kind of garlic is great for cold/flu symptoms so don't get overwhelmed by all the choices...because I did.  Alot of their products have some extra goodness in them so that's why they're marketed as "cardiovascular" or "circulation".  In the end, any kind of garlic you get will be helpful.


5.  Zinc is great in lozenger form when you have a sore throat, but also works well in capsule form.  I can't take zinc unless I've eaten alot because it makes me feel nasuase.  However, Phil takes it daily and is completely fine.  It's also good for dandruff and your immune system.  Most brands have a zinc but the one I linked is kind of an "elite" brand to set a standard.  They specialize in raw food supplements.  Price is always something I'm mindful of, so take some tips from Garden of Life but do look around for prices that suit your budget.


6.  Vitamin A for 8 weeks helps fight warts!  I had warts on my feet that would not go away.  I tried everything!  Freezing, bandaid-ing, duct-taping, cutting and nothing was doing the trick.  A friend of mine told me about vitamin a for 8 weeks and so I tried it and my warts died and never came back!!! It's good for skin in general, but works wonders on a wart problem.


Other helpful things

Sleep aids

Melatonin is good for helping you sleep.  My family discovered this great alternative because we traveled alot.  It helps with jet-lag because it helps your body naturally get into a sleep cycle.  Some nights if I'm having a hard time getting to sleep, I'll take one capsule because it helps me sleep through the night.  I do have a friend however that cannot take melatonin because it has the OPPOSITE effect on her.  So maybe do a test with it before you're in dire need because the last thing you'll want is to be wide awake when you're trying to be sound asleep.


Pain relievers

1. Aspirin has received a bad name in the last forever years!  I am learning, however, that it is better to use than ibuprofen and definitely better than Tylenol.  Do your utmost to stay away from Tylenol because it is awful on your liver!!!  My friend, the holistic friend, works alot with babies and new mom's in her profession and she'll only recommend an aspirin pain killer because it's safer than any of the other pain relievers...even for babies!  It's also usually the cheapest at any store.  Just because the health system has said it could be connect to Reyes Disease, there is no evidence to support that!


2.  Arnica is a pain reliever.  This comes in a few different forms.  There are tables you can take orally if you have a headache.  My sister-in-law actually used this natural pain reliever during labor!  You can get Arnica Oil for soothing muscle pain.  There's even a gel and cream too!  It can be used for any sort or inflammation, busing, and pain.  Since it's an oil, I actually use it for a bunch of things....dandruff, spider veins, extra hand moisturizer.  The list continues.  You can use it on kids too.


3.  Mullein/Garlic ear drops are great alternative for ear infections, ear aches, anything ear related.  You don't need to rush off and get an antibiotic from the Doc.  Help your body do the work!  These drops are great ear releief!  And they're great for kiddos too.  If you don't want to get any ear drops, you can always use olive oil to bring sweet relief to the inside of your ears.  Garlic and Mullein are the main helpers in ear relief from infection or itchy ears.



Essential Oils
1.  Mandarin oil is great for stress relief!  Can you tell I've been under alot of stress in my life?! Ha.  You can sniff it from the jar, or put it in an essential oil diffuser to help it get into the air of your living room, or bedroom, or even bathroom.  You can mix this with some bergamot oil to create a lovely stress relieving aroma :-)

2.  Bergamot oil is another stress reliever.  It can be used the same as the mandarin oil or any other essential oil but can be mixed with the mandarin oil.  Aura Cacia specialize in aromatherapy and natural personal care.


3.  Eucalyptus oil is used for stuffy noses!  It smells like vicks vapor rub! :-)  You can put some drops on a washcloth and place the washcloth on a pillow for while you're sleep, or you can use it how I recommended for the mandarin oil.


Tonics
Rescue Remedy is again, another stress reliever, however this one is taken orally with a little dropper.  The instructions say you can put 4 drops on your tongue when you're getting overwhelmed, or you can mix some drops in a glass of water.  Something I do is put drops into my water bottle and drink it throughout the day if I'm going to a meeting or doing something that would give me anxiety.  Bach Flower remedies.




If this kind of stuff interests you, I would also suggest you read Food Remedies; Facts About Food And Their Medicinal Uses.  It's FREE for Kindle download.  It was written at the beginning of the 1900s and it is so so good!

Thanks for reading! :-)

Lotion/Coconut Oil

I just read about a great alternative to lotion!

Coconut oil!

These are the ways I have heard you can use it.  (note: below are not my original ideas; a friend's of a friend that were too cool not to spread around)

You can use it straight and whip it up and lather it right on (great for a prego belly), or melt it a bit and combine some other great things...like  Shea Butter  and Cocoa Butter.  Add a little extra virgin olive oil and stick it in the fridge until it becomes solid, and then have at it!  Your new lotion with lots of natural goodness :-)

Other resources

--Cool website for Shea Butter if you're feeling really adventurous!

New things

I've realized that my blog is pretty boring.  I mean I think it's awesome, but it doesn't really have alot of umf!  So...I've decided that I'm going to change it up a bit.  I'll still be posting the Thought of the Day(s) on here for our iD Bible reading, but I will also be putting other cool stuff that I learn or think is cool.

One of those cool things I've discovered is a blog by a lady named Katie Riddle.  It's pretty much the coolest blog ever.  If you want to find awesome recipes, home ideas, gardening tips, or just learn about some great life lessons, check out Riddle Love.

As I've been thinking about what I want this blog to be like, I think I want to talk about the things I love ...because other than my favourite interest, Jesus, and music, I don't usually share much else on here.

Everyone has a voice.  Even me!  And even though this won't be the only place I share my voice, I think it's a good place to start.  That means I'll be sharing random stuff, but also some life changing stuff.  Since my Dad died, almost a year and half ago, I haven't really felt I've had a voice.  That can be a really lonely place. 

I am looking forward to sharing some of my life on here, so thanks for joining me!  I'm looking forward to seeing where this all goes :-)

...It's a new day to live in hope.

2 Timothy

Again, like in 1 Timothy, there are so many awesome things in this book I won't be able to hit all of them.  I'll write out some verses and then have a brief thought next to each one.

1:5-7--- "I am reminded of your sincere faith...For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."  I want to be remembered as one with sincere faith!

1:12--- "Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day."  If God brought Paul through his imprisonments and shipwrecked times, he will bring us through ours!

2:7--- "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."  If there's something we don't understand in scripture, keep seeking!  He promises that we will find what we are seeking and that He'll give us insight!

3:12-15--- "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it..." 
         In college I was volunteering at a youth group and as clear as anything, God asked me to pray for persecution for the students!  What?!?!  I did not know if that was even "allowed" so I got scared and didn't obey.  It wasn't until years later that I saw the error of my ways.  God brings such incredible fruit during persecution and I could have been an instrument to help our students grow but instead I was fearful because I didn't "get it."  Fruit comes in times of persecution because persecution either confirms the things that you are convinced of (Jesus) and you keep walking in it, or you poop out and live however you want.  Paul writes "continue in what you have learned and become convinced of".  It did not benefit the youth group and now years later I'm sad to say that many are no longer serving the Lord.  I thought I was "protecting" them instead of praying the hard things I knew God asked me to pray. 
         Have courage if you are being persecuted because God doesn't just promise it will happen, He promises to bring you through it and make your faith stronger if you continue in what you have learned and become convinced of!  I can attest to this because when I was 12, I lost my best friend because of my faith.  That year was a HUGE defining point in my life because that was when I decided and knew what I was convinced of!  I've never turned back.  As the old hymn sings, "You can have all this world, Just give me Jesus."  I grieve knowing that I played a part in preventing my students from experiencing something that could have changed their lives.  Yes, I know God can still move regardless of our disobedience because of His grace, but I also know that sometimes if we don't obey, He chooses not to move.

3:16-17--- "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  Whatever God has called you to do, He will affirm and encourage you through the Scripture!

1 Timothy

What a great and confusing-in-parts book! Haha. There are so many things to take away from this book and I think what I want to do with this weeks Thought is write down some verses that speak loudly to us about our walk with Christ, and also to encourage us in this good fight.


Chapter 1.
I think the first thing I grabbed from this book is that we are all sinners. We have all fallen short. Even though you have grown-up and currently are growing-up in a Christian family, and maybe have never done anything "wrong"...you are still a sinner. Sometimes it's easy to listen to some of those crazy testimonies of salvation...like Paul's here in the Bible...and think, "Well, I don't feel like I was really saved from anything." That's how I've felt at times in my life. I realized though, because we have human nature in us from the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, we are automatically sinners even if we don't have "proof" like Paul had. 1 Timothy 1:12- "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to hi service."

God's grace covers us all. 1 Tim 1:13- "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief."


Chapter 4.
Always remember this...your whole life! vs 12- "Don't let anyone, (including yourself!) look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." Remember that. Do not look down on yourself because you are young!

Phil and I are reading the book Anointing by R.T. Kendall right now. He talks about everyone having an anointing, or gift as it's sometimes called. God keeps reminding me to not neglect my gift, like Paul says here to Timothy- vs- 14-15- "Do not neglect your gift..." "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them..."


Chapter 5.
Have you ever met a really obnoxious old man? Old woman? Peer? They are everywhere! Am I right? Well...as much as sometimes I'd like to just give them a piece of my mind on how their actions are dumb, Paul is great at reminding me that I can't unless that's how I would talk to my own Dad (not a chance!) or my Mom (uh-no way!) or my brother (have said more than I should have) or a sister. Even in those times when we're justified to give someone a reality check, remember that we are to treat them with exhortations and purity. vs-1-2 "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older woman as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."


Chapter 6:12
"Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession..." vs 20 - "Timothy (insert your own name), guard what has been entrusted to your care." Nuf said.

Numbers

As we have just finished the Book of Numbers I wanted to quickly post and share some thoughts about what I got out of the book of Numbers. For some of us this book might have been a real struggle to get through. On the surface Numbers is not a flashy book or one some of us might automatically go to but none the less Numbers is a powerful book and is full of lessons that we can learn.

The biggest thing I got out of the book is that God is intentional. Everything he does is for a purpose and oftentimes he wants it done his way. Throughout the book we see God giving specific instructions in relation to sacrifices and protocol but also about what he wants the Israelites to do.

Secondly, God disciplines the ones he loves. We are given prime examples of this in Numbers. God disciplined the entire Nation in chapter 13 & 14 when the scouts bring a negative report about the promised land. He also disciplines Moses when he strikes the rock in chapter 20. Moses loses his opportunity to enter the promised land.

Related to this point about discipline is the fact that God is always preparing us. God uses discipline to prepare us for his plans and purposes. The people of Israel weren't ready to enter the promised land when the scouts returned with a negative report but after 40 years in the desert the people were ready. Sometimes God brings us through difficult times to refine and teach us. I want to be fully ready and prepared when I'm doing what the Lord has called me to do

Finally what I learned is that God can use anything for his good. We see an example of this in Chapter 22 with Balaam's donkey. Also if I'm honest I wasn't excited about reading Numbers but the Lord spoke to me through this book far more than I thought he would. The difference for me was that I asked God to speak to me and allowed him the room to speak to me. Although I didn't think I would get much out of reading Numbers he Lord used the Book of Numbers to teach me new things and remind me of things I've already learned.

As we continue through this journey on idiscipleship we are going to come across books in the bible that are easy to read and also books that are really challenging. I encourage each one of you to be intentional about your reading and as we begin each book to ask the Lord to speak to you through what is written. As always your leaders, Hannah & I, Chad and Joey are all here to help you through that journey.

Happy Reading!

Written by: Philip Day

Numbers 31-33

Numbers 32

While reading our assignment of Numbers 31-33 I was really struck by the fact that 3 tribes asked for a different land from the promised land to be their inheritance.

What struck me about this request was the fact that the Israelites had already been wandering around the desert for 40 years because of their disobedience and now the 3 tribes ask for a different land than what God had promised to give them. Why did they chose to settle in a land that wasn't the one God had promised them and their families?

The thought that came to me regarding this was that God's promises to us are the best. Period. In Proverbs it says that God withholds NO good thing from the righteous. It reminds me of a situation I faced in college. I had a good opportunity right in front of me that I had the option of pursuing...but I also had a great opportunity that God had promised me that wasn't in front of me; I had to wait for it. My friend said some of the wisest words to me while I was deciding what to do. He said, "Hannah, don't settle for a good thing that's right in front of you if it's not the great thing that God has promised you."

That's my challenge this week. Don't be like the Israelites and settle for a "land" that is right in front of you if it's not the "land" that God has promised you--because what He has promised you is the BEST. Did anyone notice that the land the 3 tribes settled for was right across the river from the Promise land? There's a principle in that too...hold out for what God has promised because it could be right across the "river" from where you're at now.

Even Now Here's My Heart God.

If you haven't heard of the band United Pursuit...you should check them out.  This song has been on my mind all day and I just can't get enough of it.  I've copied the lyrics down at the bottom.  It's a medley of two songs and it's called "Even Now."  The second half of the song is a new rendition of one of their other songs, Lock Step, which I'll paste below too.

Enjoy.

Even Now

Lock Step

Even Now
It doesn't always work like I've planned it
I've seen a lot of good things, a lot of things been out of my hands
Even when I don't understand it
We have all got choices to make
And this one is mine

Even now, here's my heart God

Seems like all You do is so hidden
Sometimes I'm led to wonder are You working at all?
But even in the darkness I'm listening
For Your still small voice in the distance I hear You call

Even now here's my heart God
I'm in love

Runnin' out of reasons to doubt You
Can't live another day here without You

Even now here's my heart God
I'm in love

Your love is sweeter than honey
Your love is stronger than death
Your love lifts me off my burdens
And teaches me to dance

Copyright © 2008 United Pursuit Records

Words and music written by Will Reagan

Numbers 21-24

Chapter 22--Balaam's Donkey

This is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favourite stories in the Bible! Ever since I was a kid, this has been the bees-knees for me! (Listen to Dan & Louie's version...good 'ol Tommy the Turtle!) :-)

This story has really impacted my life through the years and I just want to share a little about that this week. I had grown up listening to Dan & Louie telling the story about Balaam's donkey but beside the AWESOME fact that a donkey spoke, I never really thought about it much. I don't remember much of the event, but when I was 13 I think, God really spoke to me through this story. And what He said was so simple and has echoed in my heart ever since.

"If I can use a donkey to speak my words, I can absolutely use you."

Wow. I'm 25 now and still need to be reminded of that simple truth! That is what I want to have you think about this week. If God can use a donkey, He can for sure use you! He can use you anywhere and to do anything! Let that be an encouragement when you start thinking about all the other people you think are more qualified and way cooler than you. If God can use a donkey, He can use. And the best part is...He WANTS to use you. And He DELIGHTS in using you.

You're worth it. Be encouraged.