Breathe

It seems like such a simple thing. Breathing comes naturally, well to most of us it is automatic and without thought. But it is something that we need to pay attention to. Have you ever sat and focused on your breathing? I learned years ago in a Psychology class at Sinclair about deep and focused breathing. The deep breathing, from the abdomen. Wow, what a difference it makes to focus on your breathing, to inhale completely and then exhale that same air fully. It feels so peaceful, so relaxing, so good! Try it...right now. Sit for a few moments and take five deep breaths. Let your body relax. Isn't it wonderful! We need to do this more. To fill our lungs completely...I think our body appreciates it.:)

Enjoy!

Fasting

Our church did a 40 day fast a few months ago. I decided to fast sugar and the radio, while driving in the car. At that time, those were the two things that I thought would give me the most pain if I had to do without them. Sugar, obviously for anyone who knows me, has always been an issue for me. The radio...well, I love talk radio and I almost always have it on in the car. My husband is appalled by the fact that our sons are bombarded constantly with the ideas and opinions of Neal Boortz, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

So, anyway, today I was thinking about what I need to fast right now. What is consuming me and would cause me great pain to do without and well...it's the computer. As I posted before, it has become somewhat, okay a major, addiction. I love trading with mamas on diaperswappers and I love finding great deals on things. I need nothing! So, why am I doing this? I have a very addictive personality I have found in the recent years. Like my mom said the other day...wasn't it a coupon site I was addicted to about a year ago. I'm not sure why I am like this...but I don't like it! I don't want to be so obsessed with things that take up so much of my time.

My answer to this is to cut my computer time down to 30 minutes, three times a day. In the morning, at noon and in the evening I will spend 30 minutes checking email, etc. Other than that, I will work on others things, that are much more important in life! When I fasted before, I found that I spent more time writing, reading the Bible and just having quiet time to think. That is what I need...to be refreshed, renewed and inspired. I don't think the computer can do any of those things.

Live well...

It's the little things in life...

You know the little things make life so wonderful.

*When my one year old opens his mouth wide when I say "Give me a kiss"
*The thick waves in my oldest boy's hair
*The twinkle in my husband's eyes when he is being rotten
*My house being filled with the smell of a roast cooking in the crockpot
*Being able to open the windows and feel warm air in mid November
*Having the freedom to go where I want, when I want
*The love and support of my family & being able to be myself around them
*Wise parents to direct me
*Relaxing as I sew at the sewing machine
*A warm house at night
*Fresh fruit to eat
*Money to buy that fresh fruit...I mean cash, actual money, not credit
* A husband that supports me

These are just a few of the wonderful things in my life...today!

Smells of the holidays

My mom, sister and I went to Waynesville last Friday night for a "girls night out". We walked downtown Waynesville, visited the shops, and squeezed in at the last minute to have dinner at Der Dutchman. Well, it was partially for mom's birthday (which was yesterday) too. Anyway, it was nice to smell the holiday smells. The cool air outside, the warm air inside, the spiced candles that the shops had burning. I love the smells this time of year. Smells seem to warm my insides and remind me of years gone by. Times when I was a little girl and my most important job was to get my dolls to bed...or my G.I. Joes lined up right. I love this time of year...Thanksgiving and Christmas. The smells, the lights, the joy of Christ and all that He does for us. I am blessed!

Please don't get a flu shot!

Okay, so you may think that I am weird, but I have never gotten a flu shot...but I have only once (that I can remember) had the flu. I know it is all the buzz this time of year to get the flu shot to "protect" yourslef from the flu. I just want to say that there are so many other ways to boost your immune system to really protect you from viruses that go around this time of year.

My Dr. says the best things to do are load up on atioxidant rich foods (foods with bright colors) and take Echinacea for ten days every thirty days. So load up on blueberries, raspberries, spinach, tomatoes, etc. and keep track on your calendar of when you need to take your Echinacea next. At the beginning of the year I had strep throat two times in 45 days. My Dr. gave me these tips and I haven't been sick since.

We are so quick to do what everyone else seems to be doing that we forget to listen to our own bodies. Please look in to all of the risks that come along with the flu shot and other vaccines. As a society we need to get back to a more natural way of living...which does not include vaccinating ourselves needlessly. I know, this may be a new way of thinking, but check it out. Spend some time looking in to supplements and more natural ways of caring for your body.

My passions...

At this time in my life I have some very clear passions...maybe addictions. I have been feeling lately like my passion at the moment may be turning in to an idol. Which I know is so wrong! I used to think that idolatry was something so foreign to me and that I would never have "that' kind of problem. It creeps in on you though. I truly believe that whatever you hunger for more than the Lord is an idol.

Sugar used to be my number one idol. I craved it. I thought about how I would get my next "fix, ie; candy bar, chocolate, sweet" just like a crack addict does. It was bad. It consumed my thoughts, time and money. I would plan my driving route around where I could stop for a sweet. How sad! But I have this under control now (just recently). I try to stay away from sugar as much as I can. I will allow myself some for special occasions, but I don't have it in the house and I am not spending my money on it.

So, what is my current passion (trying not to let it turn in to idolatry :))? It is cloth diapering and natural living products. I have been talking to S lately about wanting to open up a store that is geared toward natural parenting. I think there is such a need for this. I feel such a great desire to convert disposable diaper users in to cloth users. If people only new how easy it is and how much money they could save. It seems so obvious to me. Not to mention how much trash we would save from going in to landfills!

I know a brick and mortar store isn't realistic right now, but maybe an online store would be a possibility. I would like to carry the following...

cloth diapers, covers, liners, inserts, and doublers.
cloth wipes
mama pads and diva cups
wool longies, shorties and wool care supplies
soft sole shoes for kids
Klean Kanteens/stainless steel cups
slings and baby carriers
mama made soap and candles
cloth shopping bags and net produce bags
wood toys
essential oils
cloth toys, books and blocks
felt food for kid's play
organic bedding and wool puddle pads
oh, I could go on and on...I love this stuff!:)

As much as I love real estate and selling it...my passion is helping people save money and helping them figure out ways to live on as little as possible. I love simple living. Right now I don't live as simply as I would like, but I am trying to get there.