Faithfully Essential

Over the last few weeks I've been focusing on devotion in my life.  I have been fasting (only water for beverages, nothing else) and praying (attempting to be diligent in that) for what 2014 holds for me.


Faithfully Essential
Trusting that God is true and constant in providing the very basic, important and necessary needs for my family.

faith·ful - adjective \ˈfāth-fəl\

: having or showing true and constant support or loyalty
: deserving trust : keeping your promises or doing what you are supposed to do

es·sen·tial - adjective \i-ˈsen(t)-shəl\

: extremely important and necessary

: very basic

This is what I have finally put together.  My life in the last few years has been about finding ways to care for my family in natural, healthy ways.  We try to eat real food and truly limit the amount of processed food we consume.  My cleaning, laundry, personal care products are specifically chosen because I know they're toxin free.  When my husband's gingivitis can be managed simply because of the mouthwash I buy, I will continue buying it.  Healing psoriasis that was leaving scabby patches on my daughter's scalp, making her lose hair simply by making sure I buy safe shampoo.
I began the journey looking for options.  'Lord, what do I do?' is exactly what I said.  WHAM!  Melaleuca, in my lap.  Needing help with perimenopause at 30 and seriously all I had to do was remember to take my vitamins.  My doc wanted me on hormone replacement therapy.  Anyone that has dealt with medical issues KNOWS that the list of side effects for medicine far outweighs (I believe) the benefits of the medication.
I came across an article a few weeks ago.  I don't remember where it is now but here's the basic gist.  When you are faced with a health obstacle never rely on your doctor to understand everything about the situation.  Your doctor sees dozens of patients a day, hears about hundreds of health issues in a week and spends 20 minutes a month (every six months, a year) with you to determine a course of action.  Do you honestly think your doc knows enough about your environment, the health issue and how the two react for your case to treat it perfectly?  Please, leave the delusions at the door.  Whatever the health issue, you, the patient should know more about it and how it is affecting you than the doctor.  Go in to him with research, questions, options, options, options and be your best advocate.
Two cases.
Me - hormone imbalance.  I (seriously, truthfully here) researched it for about four years before a doctor would finally believe me and submit for the testing and evaluations I requested.  The doctors response when my results came in?  "In looking over these results I noticed that many of the things you talk about fall under symptoms.  It appears you have been dealing with this for a while then, haven't you."  Then the next step was "here's a prescription" for unnatural, further harmful medication.
My neighbor - prostate health issues.  Approximately six years ago my neighbor started taking prostate medication for the 'typical male, aging health' issues that arise.  Thanksgiving-Christmas 2012 was spent in Russia working on farm equipment.  He came home and just had some general health struggles.  Always tired, chest crud that would not go away and spent three months trying to recover from being in a country where nutritionally and physically he was just worn out.  After watching him struggle and hearing about him being in and out of the hospital I gave him a bottle of vitamins to "try" to see if they would help him rebuild his health.  Slowly he began to regain some of what he lost.  Come to this fall and he begins to question me about the shortness of breath, fluid retention (edema), general tiredness and other things he's dealing with.  Doc sent him to cardiologist, tests, talk of more meds but there's no definitive reason behind any of these issues as he really seems healthy as a horse.  So I start researching this prescription he's on for his prostate.  List of side effects??? Take a guess!  All the things he is dealing with - seriously - dead on the nose.  After six years the meds were catching up with him.  How the prostate meds work is to relax muscles - not only will it relax the appropriate muscles but it cannot discriminate and will diminish the lung muscle capacity.  So, we started researching herbal and natural options.  To my glee I easily found a supplement for him to try.  Within two weeks he was seeing improvements in his health!

So, long story, short point.
Whatever you're facing ask God to guide you.  Maybe He has guided you here so that you can ask me questions.  Maybe you're here so that you can begin researching on your own what you're dealing with and what the options are.  Maybe you're here so that you can have peace in knowing that what you're doing is the right thing.
I asked God for a healthy way to care for my family.  He sent me Melaleuca.
I asked God to further show me essential oils and how they can bless my family.  He sent me Young Living.

Faithfully Essential
Trusting that God is true and constant in providing the very basic, important and necessary needs for my family.

 

Deo Volente my friends.

Nicki

Devotion - January

In the three weeks since I've stepped into the "one word" world I'm finding myself becoming more aware of life in general.  It's truly the oddest thing, I think. I chose "devotion" because I knew I need to work on that in many areas of life.  Apparently it was a good choice. In my quest to show more devotion in the things I do, the relationships I have and to my Father I am exploring a world of awareness.
I am off on my own for the next four days, no kids, no husband, no animals, no chores. Me, myself and I. This is a very weird place to be. Sure during the day I will be at post office training for the rural carrier position I now hold but from 4pm to 7am the Tuesday through Thursday nights I am ON MY OWN.
I have spent the last couple hours pondering things. Again, I chose the word devotion but it truly is leading me into awareness. I also stepped into a journey with my LemonDrop Lounge family to do some prayer and fasting. Let me be bluntly honest here, I SUCK at the prayer side of things. Miserably, sadly I will admit it. I have been hit or miss to get my devotion done every morning. Mostly miss on having devoted prayer time throughout my day. Though I have hit this "fast" on the head. I struggled with what to go with and ended up fasting from all beverages beyond water. This is a stretch for me as I LOVE my milk with meals, tea is a great thing to have a cup of some day. When I eat out is generally my only opportunity to treat myself to a soda or some other sweet beverage. I'm eating out for the next three days...and I'm quite okay with not missing out on anything.
While I may be horrible at having devoted prayer times I am pretty great about having a running conversation with God through the day.  It's what works for me.  I am working on adding the prayer time/meditation time to my day and what I am getting done I am really enjoying.
God is set to do great things for any of us if we simply set forth trusting in Him.  Scary honest here, I was so filled with trepidation about getting this post office job.  In my gut it did not feel right.  I was nervous, anxious, seriously questioned if I was doing the right thing.  Early in the process I did turn it over to my Father and told Him that "if it is meant to be then carry me on through the tests, training and work days."  To His credit He has done exactly that.  My husband is home alone with five kids, managing before school, after school, homework, lunch packing and bedtime for the first time ever.  I am here focusing on me.
Exactly what I needed.  I also heard the absolute best news this week that truly shines His amazing love in my life as well.  He is providing for me and my family in amazing ways.  He is stretching me in ways that I never dreamt possible.
Through the scary moments, the beautiful moments, the lonely moments, the joyful moments, through ALL THE MOMENTS this life is sending me, I will show Him my devotion because in all His amazing and grace giving ways, He deserves nothing less.
I'll be back tomorrow - because I can!  It's so GREAT!!

Blessings
DV-NMV

Prayer and Fasting

It is a season where many are spending 21 days in deep connection with God doing prayer and fasting.  This is something I have never done.  To be bluntly honest I have friends that do this and I have always wondered "How?" while watching them from the sidelines.

I have put much thought into it in the last 24 hours and still don't quite know what I'm doing to do.  I know I am going to devote myself to some serious prayer during this time.  The fasting part is what I have not managed to figure out.

Have you done a time of prayer and fasting?  How did you do it?  What was it like the first time?

This is such a new world for me but I'm definitely feeling called to participate in some way.

Pray for me?  Let me know if you have prayer requests, I would consider myself blessed to serve you in any way that I can.

DV-NMV

One Word - 2014

I've been missing this space. Spending my days running ragged, juggling too many things, trying to remember what I'm forgetting. I've really been missing this space, this sanctuary that is here.
Last week, Christmas night a dear friend messaged me to inform me that their baby had passed. Due in May it was to be the first born to this woman and her husband. Christmas 2012 was heartbreaking due to a miscarriage and so many of us were anxiously waiting May and this babe's arrival. Older siblings were excited, extended family and friends were excited, a babe to spoil and love. Christmas 2013 was overshadowed by laying this sweet boy to rest on the 26th. We'll see you someday, baby boy, some wonderful day.
In reflecting over this loss, the chaos of the last few months and knowing that tomorrow can be equally full of surprises I'm wondering what to do with myself. I feel lost, my heart is heavy, my brain is muddled, something needs attention here.
I was reminded that people pick one word to strive for growth in the new year. I am not a resolution maker, never have been. I am a striver, I like to have something to strive, reach and dream for. I am generally pretty sucky at follow through though, so here's where being here comes in. I'm doing this post today to set myself to task. I'd love to say "I'll blog once a week!" when reality is I"ll be blessed to pull one off a month.

So, here's my word - Devotion.

I struggled over what word to choose. Devotion, focus, patience, love, peace, faith...the list of where I can improve is always quite long. In the end I kept coming back to devotion.
Devotion - love, loyalty or enthusiasm for a person, activity or cause
This I do somewhat well anyway. Baby loss, completely devoted to those facing those painful aches. Natural living, totally wrapped up in finding ways to better care for my family. Wifely-ing, been at it for nearly 14 years (yikes) and do a half-decent job, most days. Mommy-ing, manage these five like a momma bear, just don't get me growly and I've been growly more often than not lately.
So I think it's time for some devotion work in my life. Devoting my heart to my Father and letting Him guide me. Like a rushing stream I get all wound up and messy where I need to just follow the path that He has already designed for me. Getting all murky and sullied when the storms arise, losing my footing and sliding down the slippery slope of life. I love to be there for people, love to serve the ones I love but I need to better ground myself and focus this enthusiasm for life.

I look forward to seeing what 2014 holds. In devotion I step into a new year, a new day and anticipate what God will share with me. I look forward to coming back every couple weeks or so and capturing my progress. Devotion, exactly what this frazzled heart needs.

God Bless!!
Deo Volente
Nicki

Say What?!?!

I have never done, nor dreamt I would do anything like this.

I am going to offer a Black Friday special all on my own of the Young Living Premium Starter Kit.

If you're tired of battling a health issue - allergies, eczema, weight, anxiety, depression, dry skin, sleep loss, snoring - seriously, whatever it is, let's deal with it and leave it in the past. I am passionate about finding natural ways to manage my family's health. I've been exploring this for over four years. Exploring and loving what I'm finding and learning. Let's do the same for you.

Just this morning my daughter woke up feeling "yucky" some peppermint oil on her belly and thieves to battle what was ailing her and she is "so much better, Mommy" already.

You deserve this, of this I am sure!

Go to my Join Me page and explore what this opportunity is all about.

DV-NMV

Amish Peace

Okay, I totally signed up to help promote this new The One Year Book of Amish Peace devotional from Tricia Goyer and wow, am I so blessed to have done so!! This devotional is A-MA-ZING!!!
Seriously, take a quick peek!! http://www.triciagoyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/oy_book_of_amish_peace_sampler.pdf
The day it finally came was like celebrating my birthday. A special gift, just for me, only me and truly what a thoughtful friend it came from. I opened it up, turned to the date's devotion, October 17 and it spoke like a spear to my heart. I have a friend walking a difficult road and I have no idea how to reach her. This day's devotion as well as many between then and today have given me insight into how to pray for and help her.
I love the quiet moments of my day when I'm reading and pondering what Tricia has written. The proverbs, the messages, the scriptures, it all comes together so well, God's truth and wisdom surely shines through in every page.
So, I shall simply say, go find yourself a copy today, if you're close by and want to do a study with me, give me a shout. There is nothing more profound than a devotional that truly speaks to you of God's Voice in the Simple Things.

These are things I enjoy sharing with my children, friends and family.
Find a way to slow down and enjoy the steps of your day instead of worrying about there being so many steps to go. Prepare for the upcoming holiday season by go about your days thanks-livingly instead of spending just one day in thanksgiving. This is truly the time of year to start the new habit of being the change you wish to see in the world.
No need to wait until January 1, 2014 to "start" something. Start it today. I have no guarantee for tomorrow much less a week, a month or more past today. Turn to Your Father and ask Him to guide you through, let Him lead you and hold your hand. Let Him shower your soul with the peace you'll feel in simplifying your life.
So, go to your local bookstore or jump over to Tricia's website (http://www.triciagoyer.com/non-fiction/) and click on the link to get your own copy. I truly think you'll find it inspiring!

DV-NMV

When the Loneliness Overcomes You

There are times in this life when loneliness just overcomes me.  Surrounded by five kiddos on a daily basis "lonely" shouldn't be even on my radar, I think, but all the same it slaps me across the face some days. 2am this morning was one of those moments.  It's never a sudden realization, more like a couple of lonely months that lead up to a hard reality check.  I'm quite seriously not one of those people that "can't be alone" and constantly in contact with friends or family but there are moments that being alone in this world nearly drowns me.
The thing I laid in bed this morning pondering is why no one wants me.  Since day one as an "accident" I have always know I wasn't planned and wanted, just dealt with as a consequence of some teenage actions.  Throughout life when someone needs me I am good enough to talk to regularly but as soon as that needy time is over I am left in the dust like a worn out shoe.  I will honestly say that I'm not all that great at connecting with others.  I don't know when your use for me is going to be "over" and therefore don't know how to handle the friendship sometimes anyway. 
It's was a long summer for me.  A girlfriend of mine that has spent the past few years dreaming and planning for the man God had for her met a man.  Is he what I pictured her dreaming of?  Nope.  She has fallen head over heels for him and moved on to another phase of her life?  Yup.  One of which I am not a part of.  I watch from a distance, heart broken over a friendship lost and a mother and daughter on a path that I (through my non-rose colored glasses) looks rough and scary.  Is she happy there, I assume so because she is going, going, gone.
We have friends moving into their new post-fire home nearly 15 months after a fire destroyed everything they owned July 7, 2012.  I have watched from a distance and enjoyed getting to know their family in the last 15 months.  I plan to take some food over and help for as long as my schedule allows.  This brings me to the root of what broke my heart at 2am this morning.  I sent a text saying to expect us around mid-morning.  The response, 'Oh, I didn't know you were able to help!'  Now it shouldn't bother me but I only offered about six times and said I'd plan to be there.
So in my laying awake wondering what makes me so disposable and why the words I say fall on deaf ears it dawned on me that it's okay.  I'm not alone as my Father is always with me.  It's a time for me to focus on my family, myself and my dreams.  I'm just not the kind to have a "bestie" and honestly that's just not my style.  So while I haven't posted like this in a long time, apparently it was overdue and on the off chance in your loneliness you stumble across this, know that you're not "alone" right now, you're just doing your own thing.  Several hours later I'm still sad and heavy of heart at this moment but yet I'm feeling better.  I like me, I like doing my own thing, I'm not a shopper, a girly-girl, a gossiper, a drinker, a work-outer or a bestie.  I am me, redneck woman, mom to five, essential oil/going natural mama, rescuer, helper, prayer, reader, blogger, blessing counter, cheerleader, dreamer, wanderer, God lover, I am me.
Who are you?  Be content in that.  It is good enough.  God will be your best friend, there's noone better than Him for the job anyway.  If you need another friend, well, I'm in Iowa, but I'm willing to be there in whatever way you need me, it's who I am.
DV-NMV