To Be in Awe as a Child

I picked up my precious 2 year old granddaughter from her Mother's Day out program this afternoon. As we drove down the main thoroughfare of our suburban community,
she continuously pointed and shouted, "Look! Look!" She had spotted the tinsel decorations displayed (year after year) on the utility posts lining the road. They were so familiar that while festive, they certainly didn't evoke the same awestruck response in me that they did in that sweet little red haired cherub. This evening I opened my email to find this quote . . . ponder for yourself . . . then look for all the reasons to truly be awed (child like) by THE PROMISE OF CHRISTMAS.

Those of us who are most familiar with the Spirit's promises are
in the greatest danger. ... familiarity may not breed contempt,
but it takes the edge off awe ... promises that drop the jaws or
widen the eyes of newcomers but provoke no more than a raised
eyebrow in the old-timers who have ceased to dream.
-- Jim McGuiggan

Homemade Gift Suggestion

Several folks I know have become bedazzled with beading. They are making many of their Christmas gifts. Fabulous looks you create yourself with a special friends' or family members' style in mind, provide a treasured gift. At the link below you will find a wide variety of fabulous beads and findings for your gifting endeavors.

The Finest of Healthy Relationships

Relationships -- the last couple of entries mention these a few times. Please allow me to share a brief devotion I read recently about the most important relationship of all. Whatever gifts you give and in whatever way you celebrate the season, please know and remember

The relationship for which we were made, the relationship our heart never ceases to crave, is very specific. We are barely into the first chapter of the story when we encounter a significant fact: "Let Us make man in Our image." Making man was a relational affair from the very beginning. We were born in the womb of the greatest relationship the galaxies have ever known. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit . . . God made us for Himself.

Fawn Parish
It's All About You, Jesus

He who loves Me will be loved by My Father. John 14:21

Thoughtful Gift Giving

Have you checked out www.adventconspiracy.org? After posting that link yesterday, I also added a couple of links to purchase gifts. Is this a contradiction? I did give that some serious consideration, and believe it is not.

I love the idea that Christmas Changes the World promoted by the website above. They spoke of relational gift giving -- mostly home made gifts and gifts of your time. Many, many years I have done exactly that. It still takes much time, some times much money, and it may still produce the stress that keeps us from making a real difference in the lives of others through this Season meant to celebrate Christ's birth.

My hopes are that your gifts for loved ones, whether home made or store bought, are given in love and chosen especially for that person. Whether a large gift or a small one, one that shows your thoughtfulness about the gift recipient's likes and dislikes, I believe will be relational at its best. The carefully chosen gift says to the recipient, "You care about me, and who I am." Simple, well-chosen gifts say so much more than mountains of purchases just because we've been sucked into the commercial frenzy.

Over the next couple of weeks, we may add a few more of these links. Our recommendations will always be in line with our beliefs in a healthy & loving lifestyle. By offering online suggestions, it is our prayer that we might also contribute to stress reduction for you and your family because you will spend more time together and less time fighting the crowds in the shopping malls. Please spend some of that time making a difference -- being a part of how Christmas Changes the World.

We'll also take some time to share with you a little about each of the businesses represented by these links, and why we've chosen to include them.

A More Peaceful Season Ahead

Silver bells. Ring-a-ling, here them ring. It's Christmas time in the city!


Where were you on Black Friday? And Today? It's Cyber-Monday you know? The report is that businesses will lose over 4 million dollars of productivity in the workplace today, as employees use their work computers to shop online. Sales figures for this year's marathon weekend were higher than last years. That is a HUGE deal in the retail world, but it is rather unsettling when we face the music of the price we pay to celebrate Christmas this way. How do we destress? Is it possible to bring back the peace and joy of the birth of The Savior to this season that at its true heart is all about JESUS!

A local newspaper columnist introduced the following website in her writing yesterday. Jesus offers us the most wonderful relationship EVER with Him, and because of Him we celebrate with family and friends. Would you like ideas for keeping your holiday more of a relational celebration of Jesus, family and friends? This site may have some perfect answers for you. www.adventconspiracy.org

As you make plans for celebrations over the next month remember the words of the angels song to the shepherds that first Christmas in Bethelehem:

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Where will you find your peace this season? Please share your ideas.

Keep Your Life Simple

Cleaning out some of my vast collection of emails, I came across these words this morning. As we head into the incredibly jam packed weeks ahead, I believe these speak volumes to how we each determine the most important priorities for ourselves and our families. Very well written, and I only wish I could give credit to the one who penned them -- alas, that person remains anonymous to me at this time. Should I learn of the source I will certainly share with you. Perhaps there lies more precious wisdom from this same individual.

Insulate yourself from the killing pace of change. Granted, we have to keep up when it comes to business, but do we really need to strive to have the latest and greatest in all aspects of our lives? My answer is no. We don’t have to be trendy in every aspect of our lives to keep up. On the contrary, you’ll find it easier to run at the front of the pack if you keep your life simple, and if you keep in touch with who you are and where you’ve come, rather than what you own.

Train yourself to look at time as a precious resource rather than a merciless taskmaster. I am a firm believer in time management — managing to enjoy my life while conducting business, rather than filling in every gap with a meeting or project that will get me further ahead.

Hang out with people with whom you have fun. Seek out and make friends with people who accept and affirm your worth as a person.

Accept your human nature. You’ll never have the perfect answer to every question. Don’t lead yourself or others to believe you do. Make a habit of searching for challenging new concepts and opinions contrary to your own to help you develop a better understanding of your world and how to live well in it.

Develop your own list of things that make you feel good. Keep that list handy and apply at least one item to your life on a daily basis in order to keep the negative effects of stress at bay

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Holiday Stress & Depleted Energy Coming Right Up!

With Thanksgiving just over two weeks away, even the anticipation of Holiday Stress and Depleted Energy may have you singing the blues, while rejoicing would be so much more appropriate.

Skimming through a Natural Health magazine this morning with much to say about simplifying your holiday celebrations to be truly celebrations, I read of many suggestions on how to do this. Most of us would be wise to heed the ideas of smaller morning meaningful celebrations and rethinking our expectations of the perfect holiday.

Even with the best intentions in place, the season just naturally adds some stress to and depletes energy from our lives. Taking time to relax and enjoy life are so important in the midst of the busyness of the season. Being a reflexologist, one of my thoughts as I read through the article was the idea that reflexology reduces stress and promotes energy. In fact, some have said they believe that a 30-60 minute nap (and this happens often) during a reflexology session is the equivalent of a full restful night's (8 hours) sleep!

Treat yourself or a friend! Gift Certificates available -- email me at LynnsOrganicChoices@yahoo.com (please copy & paste into your email composer)

Friday, October 26, I posted a quote, mentioning how appropriate it was for life in my little part of the world recently. . . . it was amazing to see how quickly God came through in one area for our family.

As I was posting Richard Cecil's quote, "God denies a Christian nothing, but with a design to give him something better," my son and daughter-in-law had just been handed some very grim news about their chances of having a family. After praying for and attempting to begin a family for the past year and a half with no success, they chose to work with a fertility specialist. They had prayed for a clear cut answer, and they believed they were prepared for whatever news they received.

Mentally, I believe they were ready. When they arrived in Nashville four years ago (and that's another "God" story) my son, a free-lance video-editor, was working on a project for Shaohanna's Hope. Shaohanna's Hope is an organization founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Marybeth, to promote international adoptions. China is one of their particular favorites. My son fell in love with the "China Dolls" as he worked on the video. He and his wife knew that one day they would love to bring one of these precious children into their home. It appeared this was the time.

While mentally prepared to make that decision, their emotions took a beating that would be very difficult to describe. If you have walked in these shoes, you will understand the depth of that. If not, try to imagine how you might feel. Multiply that times about 100 or so -- maybe more.

God was so gracious to them. His Spirit ministered to them, and by Sunday afternoon -- just two days later -- they were so excited and so filled with joy about beginning the adoption process, and anticipating the day they would bring their child home.

Then another let down on Wednesday afternoon. While my son will be 30 in January, his wife turns 26 just a few days later. By Chinese law both partners must be 30 to even begin the application process. In the midst of their further disappointment they allowed themselves to be open to other possibilities. There are, of course, other countries to consider. El Salvador seemed to be their next choice.

As they began their El Salvador investigations on Thursday, Nov. 1, God had the most amazing surprise of all waiting for them. Five positive pregnancy tests later (and confirmation from the doctor on Friday) they have witnessed one incredible miracle!!! The miracle of life where death had been spoken. Amazingly, our daughter-in-law was pregnant as the doctor spoke such disheartening words into their life. How awesome the way God turned things around in 6 short days. As I typed "6 short days" the thought struck me that He also created the whole earth and everything in it in 6 short days -- of course, why not a positive pregnancy test (or 5) of them -- piece of cake for such an incredible, amazing God!

HE IS A MIRACLE WORKING GOD WHO LOVES HIS CHILDREN!!!!

Our family and friends are praising God with everything we have for His "design to give them something better." If you were imagining their emotional pain earlier-- now imagine their joy indescribable! And what a witness and testament to God's faithfulness as they share their story. Praise the Lord!!!

Coffee vs Tea

Starbucks isn't my obsession, but I do enjoy a great cup of Joe. Taking in the aroma as it brews, and cradling that warm cup in my hand while savoring that first sip . . . . and my morning is off to its grand start.

Recently, I've been considering the health benefits of some tea varieties. . . . all those anti-oxidants, and I've even seen some info on tea's aid in weight loss. My current caffeine laden jolt of choice certainly offers none of those. What's more, I think often to a very enlightening scenario in my kitchen a few years back. Allow me to share.

Those programmable coffee makers . . . . you know the ones, and there's a good chance if you drink the dark liquid you own one as well. We loved the great benefit of the aroma wafting through the house each morning as we began to awaken to the new day ahead. . . . a wonderful experience until the morning I found coffee all over the counter, the cabinets and the floor. It seems I had not placed the carafe perfectly in its little home base. The eye-opening part that morning was not the coffee but all the finish it had stripped from the cabinet doors. It made me think twice wondering exactly what the substance was doing to the inside of my body, but I certainly didn't give up my morning "fix."

Today I took a step in a new direction. While I have plenty of teas from the grocery store that I enjoy lots of other times of the day, today I ordered some of those very special loose leaf types -- white and oolongs. The whites promise to be rich in anti-oxidants, and the oolong was represented as flowery and sweet, stimulating metabolic function contributing to weight management and a well balanced diet. I'm looking forward to this new adventure in taste (and health).

But will I be able to resist that morning urge? I'll be sure to share.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology -- a topic mentioned in more than one of my posts, and certainly the main topic of the one published earlier today -- but just exactly what is reflexology????

Happy Feet? -- Maybe, but read on. . .

One of the definitions we learned in class goes like this: Reflexologists understand that the entire body is mirrored on the feet and hands. Foot and hand reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts. The physical act of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger, and hand techniques results in stress reduction which causes physiological changes in the body. A primary benefit of reflexology is relaxation. Relaxation through reflexology may help the body to balance any kind of stress it is experiencing.*

Reflexology has been around for centuries. The use of this technique, especially in our western culture, all but disappeared. In the early 1900's new "discoveries" brought renewed attention to this modality. Today in some states like Tennessee, it has its own designation under the states division of Health Related Boards.

You may live in the Memphis, TN area. Would this experience be one you may enjoy? Email me at lynnsorganicchoices@yahoo.com to learn more. (Please copy and paste email address into your email compser.) Also, please visit www.FootstepsInEden.com

*Reflexologists are not medical doctors, do not practice medicine, do not diagnose or treat for specific illness, and do not prescribe or adjust medications.

Journey of Perseverance and Blessing

FOOTSTEPS IN EDEN is NOW OPEN! . . . . or at least it will be officially according to business license records etc. on Nov. 1. That's tomorrow! WOW!!! My feelings about this range somewhere between euphoric, numb, excited, is this really happening? to anti-climatic, and just about anywhere else along the track of highs and lows that roller coaster travels.

Adventures and misadventures of all kinds filled this two year journey. That first year I researched, surveyed, and researched some more, making absolutely certain that I would have the very best training and also be in compliance with my state's rules and regulations. Last November I traveled to Boca Raton, lived for ten days with someone I had never met, and completed the basic reflexology course requirements.

We were to meet again in February to complete the advanced training and prepare for our 100+ hour practical experience at home with family and friends. In May after three delays, the small class was back together at last. (One of those delays occurred after I had already been on the road for a full day and traveled half the distance. Terribly disappointed, I turned around and came home again to wait for the new news on the class date.) Back home again in mid-May, advanced training behind me, and ready to get the rest done, I set a goal to complete all the practical work and have my school certification in August 15th. VOILA!! TASK COMPLETED!!

With MY school certificate in hand I applied for registration with the state. What a totally disheartening shock to learn the state was unwilling to accept my education because of a "technicality" in the law. Today it's 2.5 months later, and that has equaled many, many $$ spent, lots of red tape and hoops, more out-of-town travel and lots of time. I am relieved to say that my registration has finally been activated by the State of Tennessee.

The scenario above is certainly the micro-mini version of the story, but it does speak volumes to all of the emotions I am experiencing today. I am excited that I have persevered rather than throwing the whole thing out for the birds to eat. I rejoice that God has been faithful in meeting the needs -- and they were significant -- to see this through to completion. While a giant leap of faith for me as I meandered the trail, I believe it is only the beginning of a marvelous plan God has in mind. He has allowed me a few tiny glimpses of the big picture. My vision is growing. It will be exciting to share more as the pages of the map unfold.

"There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" Romans 5:3-5 (The Message)

This quote arrived in my inbox this morning. It certainly speaks loudly and clearly to recent activity in my little world. Pray it might be encouragement to you today, as well.

God denies a Christian nothing, but with a design to give him something better.
-- Richard Cecil

Reading with Children

Thought I would take the opportunity today to share with you about one of my favorite links: LITERACY LAUNCHPAD. What a relaxing, enjoyable, nurturing and growing opportunity it is to share books with children. Amy created Literacy Launchpad for children in daycare centers in the Nashville, TN area. She reads with the children, encouraging them to love books and reading, promoting what she believes will be a life long adventure in and love of reading. In her blog, Amy shares about the children, the books they read, the activities that bring the book selections to life, and makes many recommendations for bringing similar experiences to life with your children. She would love to meet you on her blog, and you might like to checkout her website where you can learn more about the LITERACY LAUNCHPAD EXPERIENCE in the Nashville area.

Children, parents, and Ms. Amy visited the Literacy Launchpad's October Scarecrow, Reid Tome, at Cheekwood Gardens earlier this month. It was a great adventure and they had the opportunity to meet Reid's other scarecrow friends. To learn more and see more great photos of the day visit the Literacy Launchpad blog.

Battle Against the Superbugs

I am aware of more than one person that has recently struggled or continues to struggle with staph infections. These and other mysterious superbugs have become exceedingly resistant to anti-biotics. Articles like the ones below are popping up all over the country. This problem is especially prevalent with children and young people. Many have found by experience that the newly introduced and long-awaited INNER DEFENSE from Young Living™ may be a worthy weapon in the battle.


High School Football Player in Medically Induced Coma to Fight Mysterious Bacteria.

GROVE CITY, OHIO -- Football captain Justin Laborce remains in Children's Hospital, slowly but surely recovering from a mysterious illness that apparently has been stabilized, but still hasn't been diagnosed. Laborce's symptoms are consistent with that of a staph infection, but doctors have yet to confirm it as the cause of his illness.”
-- The Columbus Dispatch, September 22, 2007



Michigan Catholic School Evacuated After Students Pass Out

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI — An 860-student Catholic school was evacuated after some children became sick during a church service Wednesday, authorities said. At least two were taken to the hospital. St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic School shut down classes shortly after 9 a.m. when at least three students passed out . Two of the children were taken to local hospitals. The source of the outbreak is still unknown. – Associated Press, Wednesday, Sept 26, 2007



ARMED AND READY FOR THE EMERGING SUPERBUGS!!

In a world of ever-evolving mystery illnesses, mutating viruses, and Super Bugs we are continually challenged to find new and powerful ways to boost our immunity. More and more people are awakening to the exciting research using natural, organic sources to protect against and prevent mysterious and other illnesses. In keeping with this new awakening, Young Living offers a generous selection of essential oil-enhanced products, proven to kill staph, strep, e-Coli and all known viruses.

Recently, boosting our immune systems has become easier than ever. With the new super-powered soft gels of INNER DEFENSE, OMEGA BLUE, & LONGEVITY, we can ingest the highest levels of nutrients and anti-microbial essentials oils at the intestinal level to receive the optimal potency. (Find more info at above link. Click "Product Catalog" button and then use search box to locate the specific products.)

The proven effective kill-rate of Young Living’s antimicrobial essential oils against these emerging threats to our health and well-being is a great place to start! Thieves Blend is proven to kill e-Coli, strep, staph and other airborne bacteria. Therapeutic grade Melissa, Oregano and Thyme essential oils are shown to stem the tide of mutating viruses and microbes.* Apply the Oils topically or take them Internally with Inner Defense Soft Gel Caps. Inner Defense contains Thieves Blend, Oregano, Thyme and Citronella.



* Weber State Univ, 1997, Drs. Chao, Young, et al.; Georgetown Univ, 2001, Dr. Preuss

Caring Touch

Our Sunday Morning Bible study group was assigned the book RELATIONAL CHRISTIANITY. Reading through just the first couple of chapters I saw an immediate link to some truths God continues to impress upon me, especially as I have ventured into the field of reflexology.

In the book, author Steve Meeks focuses on the facts of how much we know about God. It's the way our western minds are programmed. We know so much about how to have an intimate realtionship with Him -- one that brings true joy and peace and love into our lives in an experiential way. We know all the how tos and truths of it, but do we experience the relationship with Him in our lives?

Having studied reflexology in depth over the past year I saw some very really analogies. When a client chose to submit to my touch on their feet, most often they only knew about what it might be like, but had not had this particular experience before. As the client experiences the caring touch they choose to return because of the benefits they receive, the care they feel, and prayerfully the Jesus they see in me.

I pray that each of you reading this may be encouraged to experience God and the depth of His love for you each and every day!

Certified Organic Cosmetics - Healthy for You & for Our Planet

One discovery I made in a journey full of adventure and misadventure over the past 11 months was Certified Organic Cosmetics. A fellow reflexology student in Florida introduced me to this wonderful company out of Australia. Of course, the organic aspect was the hook for me to look closer. What I have found and share with others is a great line of skin care, body care, cosmetics, and more from this emerging leader now moving into the U.S. market. The company is miessence. Please have a look around. If you love the organic idea, I know you will be as excited as I am about their products. It's always exciting to find products that we use everyday that are wonderful and healthy for ourselves and for our planet. Miessence and the other OneGroup product lines have all measured up to their claims.

What's more this company offers their products through a wonderful home-based business opportunity.

Diffuse Tranquility

True pure AROMATHERAPY has limitless possibilities for health and wellness. We keep so many of these in our home, that most people are delighted and intrigued by the beautiful aromas when they enter. While we love the mingling of the aromas, we also diffuse specific essential oils for individual needs.

One of my very favorites is Peace & Calming®. This proprietary blend of essential oils includes tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli and blue tansy. This gentle blend often helps calm tensions and uplift the spirit, promoting relaxation and a deep sense of peace. That sounds like tranquility to me.

Find a wide variety of styles and great prices on some excellent diffusers

"A tranquil heart is life to the body, but contention is rottenness to the bones."
King Solomon, 900's B.C.

It's so easy in our instant gratification age with all of its stress syndromes and hurry sicknesses to believe these words of King Solomon must have really been penned in our 21st Century information age. This wisest ever of men, also shared his belief that, "There is nothing new under the sun." All of that 3,000 years ago. Stress then, as now, must have been at the core of much that ailed mankind.

Looking for a thought to share with my reflexology clients, led me to this verse. Then I wondered: Just what does a tranquil heart look like? How do we arrive at our own place of tranquility of body, mind & spirit? How do we escape (or at least minimize) the contentions and stresses of life that are 'rottenness to the bones'?

More questions: Where do the stressors end? How do we respond to them in a healthy way that says: I stand today in a place of tranquility in my heart in spite of the circumstances and relationships in my life that are less than I would like them to be, and declare I AM TRULY ALIVE!!!?

Answers to these questions may take us in a myriad of directions. . . . directions that may give insights for living in that place of tranquility that brings peace to your life and your home. I am on the quest to arrive at that ideal place for myself and my family. I'll be sharing my discoveries here.

Exchanging ideas is awesome. What works for you and your family? Let's share and bring this little spot on the web to life for all of us!