Good Things vs. God things

Have you ever heard the saying, "Not every 'good' thing is a 'God' thing?
When you get involved with something that God didn't intend on, it usually turns out to be a waste of time and energy. It leaves us drained and looking back wishing we had spent our time differently.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  -Ephesians 5:15-17

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  -Mark 8:36-37

Ask yourself is it God or a beautiful distraction. Is it a distraction that will take you away from God? We all have a lot of good things in your life that aren't evil but they keep us from God. You need to know the difference between God and a beautiful distraction. We do a lot of things and get our priorities out of wack because we have a fear of missing out on something. We want to have our hand in everything! I can promise you that God will not let you miss out on something if you ask Him and it is of Him! Narrow your focus! Value your time! Make your only life count and make it count for all eternity! Make sure you really know Gods Will. Not everything we get involved with is God's Will for us. Satan likes to throw some good things in there to get us sidetracked. Continue to seek the Lord daily, read scripture, and ask Him what HIS Will is for you. Pray for Gods wisdom. Ask Him if it is a good thing or a God thing.  If not you will continue to get involved in things outside Gods Will. We are here to fulfill His Will, not our own!

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  -Proverbs 3:6

"When your values are clouded your schedule becomes crowded." -Kerry Shook

You can either redeem your time or regret your time on here on earth. 

When we get too busy we cut things out that will last for all eternity. Fellowship, serving, and connecting with others will last forever but those are the first ones we drop. We cut out the things we need the most, relationship with God and relationships with others. Look at what really matters. Make sure that whatever has your time is bringing you closer to Christ and not further from Him. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  -Matthew 6:33

Prayer & Bible Study Journal

I have been wanting to start a prayer journal for the longest time and have continued to put it off. So I decided it was time for me to start my journal.

I have never been good at journal writing. Even though it's my own personal thoughts, I have always feared of others reading it and worried about what they would think. (I really shouldn't care...I know)

I will write in a journal for a few days and then stop and then start back a few months later and then the pattern repeats over and over again! THAT'S WHAT SCARES ME MOST ABOUT THIS!!! This prayer journal is so much more than just my thoughts. I want this to help improve my prayer life. I want to be able to write things out that sometimes I can't seem to get out of my mouth!
But I know God knows my heart and my prayers no matter if I say them out loud or write them in my journal.

I have also been wanting to do a bible study journal. But since I'm not good at the whole journal writing thing, I decided to put them all in one. I didn't want to stretch myself too much to where I stopped doing one or the other because it got overwhelming.

So here is what my journal looks like....

I used a notebook and added a little bit of color to it.

I decided to put BROKENNESS, BURDENS, & BLESSINGS on it because I thought it would be a good way to look back at everything and see how God worked in my life (and my family and friends lives). Also to look back at all the wonderful blessings He pours down on me and my family everyday!
                      And I want to remind myself to be Grateful everyday!!!!

Say a prayer for me as I start my prayer & bible study journal. I really really really want to do this! I want to make sure that I set aside the "time" for it.  :)

Small Business Owners

Bible Verses For Your Business

As many of you know, Dusty and I have done network marketing (MLM) for many years now. We have recently opened a screen printing business. So I started looking at bible verses to encourage us along our entrepreneurial journey. Running a small business (brick and mortar or MLM) can take a big toll on you, spiritually and physically. 

You will have a long road ahead of you. You will be tested, stretched and stressed to the absolute max. Those really bad days will be the ones that allow you to truly see the good days shining through. I suggest praying over your business. Ask God's blessing, guidance, and protection over your business. 

Here are a few bible verses to help you along the way, if you are starting a new business or already have one and just need some inspiring words. (All of the verses will be NKJV)

• For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 God only wants what is best for you. So in order for you to have a successful business, you must trust Him completely! There will be times when things will happen that you don't understand, just keep trusting. God is ALWAYS teaching us things, protecting us, and He knows when He has something better in store for us. 
• "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." Matthew 7:24-27 Just like in a marriage, invite Him in! I can't stress that enough! He is your foundation, your rock! If He is not the foundation, you can count on the fact that it will eventually fall!
  

• This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mou, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8-9 Pray Pray Pray! Start each day with prayer and ask Him to be with you each day and help you respond to any struggles you may encounter in the right way. Continue to read His Word daily (it is THE BOOK, THE BLUEPRINT, THE ROAD MAP, THE HOW TO, THE WAY TO SUCCESS).
• Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3 The Lord is in charge. Give it to Him. If you are worried or in doubt, pray! He will direct your paths. Wait for His answer. He could answer you in different ways, but He will answer you. You just have to make sure you know the difference in your inner self talking and The Holy Spirit talking! 
• And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23 Always remember who you are and who you are in Christ. It's not about how much money you have in the bank or how many awards you have. Don't do it to get recognition from man, the reward is in Him! 
• Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:5-6 There will be times when you just don't understand. Times where you and others think you aren't going in the right direction. But who can stop God? NO ONE!! Stay focused. When you want to give up, DON'T! When you think you can't go any more, GO A LITTLE FURTHER! When you think you have no more to give, GIVE SOME MORE! The reward will be great! 
• For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:28  The good, bad, crazy, and chaotic things work together for the good of those who love Him. He has a purpose!
• in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16 Walk in God's way and He will continue to bless your business. There is no such thing as luck, only blessings from our Heavenly Father! This is truth!!
• Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 Continually thank Him for all His goodness! Share your testimony with others. Share what Christ has done in your business. 

When the explainable happens, don't be fooled. God did it!! God promises to bless those who follow Him and obey Him! 

I pray for God's blessing over you and your business!

Priorities

What is of Utmost Importance?

We get busy with day to day stuff and can't get our priorities in order. It seems like we make it so much harder than it really is. But the bible is pretty clear on the matter!
First Things First

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 






In Luke 10:40, Martha is distracted with many things and upset with her sister for not helping her. That's what happens, we get distracted and overwhelmed with the "many things" in life and forget what's most important and right in front of us. Mary had it right though! Instead of trying to get this and that done, she was more concerned with the most important thing, JESUS was in her living room and nothing else mattered!

When we seek God first, everything else will fall into place (or out). 

It's like a bulls eye! You won't get the bulls eye every time, but by aiming for it you will still get somewhere on the target!

• God (bulls eye)
• Family 
• Church 
• Relationships
• Friends 
• Finances 
• Work
• etc!

Every day focus on your spiritual growth and by doing that, all the other things will come together.

I'm not saying that your marriage, relationships, finances, etc, aren't important but if you are seeking God first...He will handle the rest. You can't be more worried about the other things than you are God. He is the most important!

Put people before things and really pay attention to what you put your time and energy into.

Talk to God constantly, make sure you are feeding yourself spiritually, and ask Him to prepare you for each day!

What Are Parabens and Should I Be Worried?

Danger of Parabens

Parabens are used to prevent the growth of microbes in cosmetics products and can be absorbed through skin, blood and the digestive system. Parabens may be found in a wide variety of products including shampoos, lotions, deodorants, scrubs and eye makeup, and are found in nearly all urine samples. 

Parabens are several distinct chemicals with a similar molecular structure. Four of these are used frequently in cosmetics: ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. Methylparaben and propylparaben are the most common of these. Parabens are most common in personal care products that contain significant amounts of water, such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions and facial and shower cleansers and scrubs, in order to discourage the growth of microbes.  Cosmetic Ingredient Review recommends concentration limits for single and total paraben concentration in a single product, these recommendations do not account for exposure to parabens 

from several products.

Another concern is that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. They also increase the expression of genes usually regulated by estradiol (a natural form of estrogen); these genes cause human breast cancer cells to grow and multiply in cellular studies. Parabens are also linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation. Since parabens are used to kill bacteria in water-based solutions, they inherently have some toxicity to cells.

What To Look For

Name it goes by-  Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, any ingredient ending in –paraben

Health concerns- Endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies and immunotoxicity
Found in- Face and body wash, face and body scrub, lotion, shampoo, conditioners

To Avoid Paraben Products

Look for products labeled “paraben-free” and read ingredient lists on labels to avoid products with parabens. Many natural and organic cosmetics manufacturers have found effective alternatives to parabens to prevent microbial growth in personal care products. Some companies have created preservative-free products that have shorter shelf lives than conventional products (six months to a year), but if used daily they are likely to be used up before they expire. 

Further information and links

http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/radiation-chemicals-and-breast-cancer/parabens.html

Take a FREE TOXIC TEST HERE

Using Toxic Chemicals On A Daily Basis

Toxic Chemicals

Did you know that your home can EXPOSE you to more than 200 chemicals before you even leave your house DAILY? How many people do you know that ended up with cancer or other diseases that never smoked a day in their life and lived an overall healthy lifestyle?

Harmful chemicals can be found in your soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning products, and even your make-up? It's scary to know that toxic chemicals can cause cancer and other diseases. 

And.....it only takes 26 seconds for these chemicals to get in your bloodstream.

Cigarettes have a warning label stating that they could cause cancer and other health problems. However products that we are using everyday don't have those warning labels. Shouldn't we have the choice of what we are putting on and in our bodies?

You just don't know what you just don't know, right?

So I feel that as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend that I should educate as many families as possible. My household is TAKING DOWN THE TOXIC TITANS and we are on a mission to make the home a healthier safer place to raise a family.

I encourage you to put healthier products in your home.

• All-Natural
• EcoCert
• Certified Organic
• ToxicFree Ingredients

Grab a few products out of your own cabinets and see the toxins that are going into your body on a daily basis. You can take a free toxic test here www.takeatoxictest.com 

Reading

My Favorite Books:

The first book that I recommend is the Bible. If you only read 1 book in your life please let the Bible bet it! It is the greatest book you'll ever read! And here's just a few reasons why:

• A story of true love.
• Everything you'll ever need to know is written in this 1 book.
• You will get to know the love of your life and best friend. You will see God's love, mercy, faithfulness, grace, and so much more.
• It's a way for God to speak to you through his word and grow closer to Him.

The truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy. -James 1:25
As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching. By it you can grow up and be saved, because you have already examined and seen how good the Lord is. -1 Peter 2:2


Here are a few more books that I have really enjoyed.

1. Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure. (The biblical perspective on appetite and self control and have a healthier lifestyle through faith.) I haven't read Balancing It All yet but it's definitely on my list.
2. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. (Angel is always betrayed by men until she meets Michael. Michael obeys God’s will by marrying Angel and loving her unconditionally. Angel runs away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does…the One who will never let her go.)
3. Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck. (Jade and Max find out he has a son from his past and shakes their marriage up a bit. Jade is crazy about Asa and is raising him as her own. They need a fresh start so they move to Texas. Jade finds out some news that could change their lives forever and break Max's heart.)
4. The Good Wife's Guide by Darlene Schacht and forwarded by Candace Cameron Bure. (Helps encourage women to serve their families with a joyful heart. It also helps encourage women to make faith and family their first priorities from a place of sacrificial love. You will also get a great cleaning and organizing schedule.)
5. When Godly People Do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore. (Biblical warnings of Satan's schemes and how to keep yourself safe from Satan's attacks. How to truly repent and restore your life.)
6. The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman. (You will learn how to keep your spouse's love tank full by using the five love languages.)
7. Battlefield of the Mind Winning the Battle in Your Mind by Joyce Meyer. (This book will help you start thinking the right way.)
8. The Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. (Helps you see the difference between a servant leader and a self-serving leader.)
9. God's Promises for You by Max Lucado.

My list could go on and on so I'll leave you with this...
Read as many books as you can that will help you grow spiritually. Avoid books that corrupt your mind, fuel temptation, or compromise godly character.