Natural Health and Wellness

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Stress free shopping for you . . . a relaxing and stress releasing oasis in time for the recipient. Gift yourself, a friend, or loved one -- or all of you!!! Footsteps In Eden is offering a $30 savings when you buy three gift certificates between now and December 24th. See our website for details.

With all the negative press and emotional churning our country has been experiencing with today's headlines of a spiraling economy and peak oil looming, you'll be delighted to watch this video on the positive impact these seemingly negative events are having. This is another valuable reason to support our local producers, start your own gardens, and continue to invest in our communities. I hope you enjoy this clip as much as I did: To check out more of their work (or buy their video), check out he Community Solution's website at: http://www.communitysolution.org/poc.html Have a wonderful day! Laura

Reflexology for pregnancy and for all in all ages & stages of life featured on Memphis' Live@9 Show ! Click on the headline above! It will take you to the Live@9 page. Footsteps In Eden was a featured guest on Wednesday, Nov. 19. We're about 15 minutes into the show I believe. This is a daily show. Each date is listed down the page. Just click on the hands rubbing the feet! The Nov. 19 segment will pop up, and you will be able to view the show or fast forward to find the reflexology segment.

Many new and veteran moms, including celebrities, Elle MacPherson, Kate Moss, and Gwyneth Paltrow have followed and endorsed a maternity care program developed by obstetrician, Dr. Gowri Motha, and outlined in her book, Gentle Birth Method. The main “ingredient" of this program is reflexology. I've been privileged recently to receive advanced training in Maternity Reflexology from Dr. Motha’s contemporary, Susanne Enzer. Susanne has used reflexology with great success in her midwifery practice in the United Kingdom and Australia. She is passionate to teach midwives reflexology and reflexologists maternity reflexology techniques, holding classes in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Susanne is well known worldwide in this field, and believes “Reflexology is second to none for pregnancy care! In my opinion, no matter what type of delivery the mum-to-be will have, if she has had reflexology as part of pre-natal care she will be well prepared for the experience

Haven't posted in awhile . . . would just like to share a Scripture today that spoke to my heart this morning . . . Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. Psalm 25:12-13 NAS

I need to ask you a question that could be very lucrative to both of us. But first, think of all the people WE know who will answer "YES" to this question. Think about this for a minute. OK! Now here's the question: If I could show you a way to lose all the fat you want, painlessly and effortlessly and make some money, probably some serious money, would that interest you? Just found this great new opportunity and product!!! I'm excited because it is a natural and healthy but easy approach to weight loss that works!!! Check it out on my new website .

Just found this quite fun and very interesting and helpful blog for those looking for greener ideas for life. "Your Kid-friendly Guide to Earth-Friendly Living" is the subtitle for this refreshing little spot on the great big WWW. Personally, if it isn't kid-friendly, I don't believe it is probably very adult friendly either. In this blog you will find not only the author's green opinions on a vast array of timely and pertinent topics. The blog also includes numerous links to vital information to support the detailed reports being brought your way. Topics range from building, clean air, eco-crafts and green events to healthy eating, pets, schools, reducing waste and about 20 other topics in between. Each topic has been covered in several different posts about different aspects of that topic. Continuously, I'm excited as I find new resources to share with you to help all of us take better care of ourselves, our lives, our family, our homes and our planet. This

Footsteps in Eden Reflexology (Memphis, TN) has 30 seconds of limelight this Saturday morning... that means along with 15 other ladies from Memphis' Ladies Who Launch incubators, I have the opportunity to share my 30 second "elevator speech." What's an elevator speech? You know. Someone on the elevator asks you what you do (not likely -- people rarely speak on elevators), but you have about 30 seconds to respond and leave them with a GRRRRREAT impression. This is all Saturday morning at 10 at That Chic Shopping Show at the AgriCenter in Memphis, TN. There will be giveaways and fun, and a full day of great shopping for chics! Anyone have any wonderful ideas for my elevator speech, I'm all "ears"!!!! (But ideally the speech will focus on "feet"!) I have one special gift to give away as well. Any really creative and fun ideas for that are truly appreciated!!! So, this is definitely the post on which to comment . . . and if you're in Memphis

"What's my reason for getting up in the morning and do what I do every day?" I just came across the question being asked by the author of another blog . . . Live Your Dreams The author is hoping that others would leave their answer. I wasn't quite sure how to do that, but believed it might be an interesting question for a quick blog entry of my own. From my profile, you know that I'm committed to living my life for Jesus every day. . . a Scripture from Ephesians says it all: For by grace are you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 We're so precious to God that He gave everything for our salvation. He created us for the plans He had for us before the beginning of time. What a privilege to get up and do whatever He

Of course, those who read my blog regularly know that I am a Registered Certified Reflexologist working in the Memphis, TN, area. For a long while my reflexology posts were popping up quickly in the top 5 or 6 on a google search looking for "reflexology, Memphis, TN." I've noticed that it no longer even shows in the first 3 or 4 pages. I'm certainly not sure what's happened, but I hope you'll indulge me the opportunity to include this more current post in hopes that ALIVE! will again come up high in the google searches. For those of you just finding my blog for the first time, please take the time to check out my reflexology website as well. I believe you will be amazed at what you'll learn about the benefits of reflexology. Scheduling an appointment affords you the experience to go along with the knowledge you'll glean from the site. Most likely, you'll quickly become a believer in its incredible benefits.

Hello to all. . . if you are a subscriber and haven't seen a post for awhile, it is true. . . . I've been mentally and emotionally away from the blog for a couple of weeks. So this short post is just a red, red rose in memory of my Mother-in-Law. She went to be with Jesus this past week. Her victory celebration of glory to God for a full and completed life was just that . . . and exactly as she would have had it. May she rest in the loving arms of Jesus until we see her again at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb!!!

Ladies Who Launch came to my attention through some "Facebook" escapades over the weekend. And, unbelievably, there is actually a Ladies Who Launch group in Memphis, TN. That's simply amazing! What is even more amazing is that last night I found myself sitting in on the first meeting of the Incubator here in Memphis. God allowed some very amazing things to happen very quickly . . . LWL call it movement!!! Well movement there was. I believe this is a huge stepping stone to seeing my dreams for my business finally truly be "launched." If you have a hobby, a business idea, a floundering business, just a wild dream. . . . and you're a lady, look for a group in your city. I believe you will be very pleased that you did!

Essential Oils beginning to be used in a hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas, as what appears to be an effective therapy. It is exciting to see this happening. Young Living features high quality oils as mentioned in the article. Below is the first portion of a report from a Ft. Worth, TX, News show. You may read the complete article by clicking on the link above. Essential Oils Now Used In Mainstream Medicine Reporting Mark Johnson FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ― "The healing powers of essential oils have been known for centuries. Now a Fort Worth hospital is the first in North Texas to take those powers to a clinical level. Megan Morrison's high risk pregnancy has kept her on bed rest for the past six weeks. Her clinical aromatherapy sessions at Harris Methodist Hospital are new. "'I can definitely tell a big difference,' Morrison said. 'I'm definitely much more relaxed than if I was just to go take a hot bath.' "Nurse Susan Shields is trained in clinical

Dr. Mehmet C. Oz,M.D., author of You: An Owner's Manual and regular guest on Oprah has this to say about Deirdre Imus' book, green this! Packed with practical insights and solutions to protect our families. Deirdre Imus asks the provacative question, 'Is the way we clean really good for us?' Read on to find the startling answer." Learning of a new Young Living Distributor in my organization who found about our healthy and pure oils from this book by Deirdre Imus, it became a must read on my list! I've spent some hours over the weekend being enlightened even further on cleaning ideas and potential hazards in our homes. The ideas, suggestions, cleaning recipes, etc. are indeed most practical for every day! With small grandchildren in my home very often, I'll be choosing growing up green! for a near future read. Both of these books have been BEST SELLERS on Amazon. growing up green! and green this! have earned their place on the New York Times Bestselle

The World Health Organization ranks the United States at number 37 in the list of the healthiest countries. Very sad indeed for a country so advanced in so many ways. Those interested in alternative and complementary health options are already well aware of some/many of the reasons this is so. One of my fellow miessence® representatives resently shared this video. The producers of this coming movie/documentary are nutritionists who wish to share some serious truths about health issues in our country today. It is quite a lot to think about, and a small sample of a movie, I believe, you will be making plans to see! You will find many nutritional products for helping to detoxigy the mody, build immunity, and optimize health at Young Living .

Valor® , is a proprietary blend of therapeutic grade essential oils from Young Living . Young Living offers over 100 different essential oils and essential oil blends. This specific blend reached out and caught my attention in a BIG BIG way . . . That experience, which I'll share today, not only grabbed my attention, it hooked me on the oils that I love so much. Young Living also incorporates these therapeutic grade oils into a host of personal care products, dietary supplements, and household products that are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and wonderful to use. Now for my personal story of Valor® -- A bit long, but I truly wished to share the whole traumatic experience for you to know how truly blessed I felt upon the discovery of this great essential oil. Three years ago this past December -- it was the day after Christmas -- the Mid-South section of the county was recovering from a major ice storm & a devastating tsunami was hitting Thailand. That was the day! Our son and daug

Aromatherapy oils have shown in many cases to be highly effective when used on the feet to promote health & wellness for the entire body. This was a significant factor in my personal decision to pursue reflexology training. It was my desire to intentionally introduce more people to the therapeutic effects of the oils by using them in a reflexology setting. The following aromatherapy tip comes directly from a Young Living distributor through the Young Living weekly newsletter. I'm passing it on to you. This is an awesome testimony to the power of Young Living essential oils . “My husband has a hard time sleeping at night, especially when he travels away from home. He uses lavender and Valor® essential oil blend together on his feet and sleeps all night long! (The author of this post, the Young Living distributor from which the tip comes, and the Young Living Company assume no liability for any damage caused by use of this tip.)

The thought of sending my king size bedspread to the dry cleaner was distasteful for a couple of reasons. Only one (kinda large) corner needed cleaning. The dry cleaning solvents would be quite noxious to my way of thinking. Never the less, the whole bedspread would certainly not fit in my washing machine. What happened? Our precious little 2 year old granddaughter was sleeping on our bed when an upset tummy presented itself in quite a yucky way. You probably get my drift here. Carefully wiping it off and then allowing it to dry out gave me a bit of time to think this one through. Thieves™ in its many forms has come to my rescue before. One corner of the bedspread would easily fit in my oversize kitchen sink. So, with a bar of Thieves™ Soap and some cold water the spots were gently coaxed from the bedspread. Wrapped in towels to absorb the water, the bedspread is now clean and spread out to dry. The greater benefit is the antibacterial properties of Thieves®, and essential oil blend fr

One of the comments made in response to this YOUTube video was to the effect that if each of us did one earth friendly thing each day, the earth would smile. The music and the message are terrific! Be warned: There are many sad scenes between the many beautiful ones here. We could jump to the extreme conclusion that we would be wise to all go back to living like cave men. More realistically, however, I believe it is a call to all of us to be more selective about our perceived "needs," more responsible with the disposal of our discards, and more contemplative before we act about just how our actions will affect this earth for our children and our grancdhildren and theirs for the generations to come.

Emerson Grace is 2 weeks old today! In the midst of a blog entitled ALIVE! I believe I'll take a moment for G'amma to brag (and show off a little too) about this NEW LIFE that is definitely ALIVE! This is the newest blessing for our family, and quite a sweet one, too! Big sister, Mikah, adores her. We all agree, she's a keeper!

Earth Day is celebrated this week. Over the years I've had various reactions to the attitudes and types of people that might celebrate this day. . . . some more honorable than others I'll have to admit. As I've contemplated the position I choose to take about the earth and how we live upon on it as its caretakers my only honest conclusions come from the words of the ONE BOOK I truly believe to be the very basis of truths that man is wise to live and follow. Everyone may not agree. It doesn't make it any less GOD'S TRUTH, and I choose for myself to follow Him to Eternity. So, what words are found on this subject in The Bible? I'm so glad you asked. Well, even if you didn't -- I'll be sharing any way. Here they are. Genesis 1:27-29 (The Message)* 26-28 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Eart

It's that time of the year...at least in Memphis it is... It's beautiful!!! The azaleas and dogwoods are producing their short but spectacular spring extravaganza showtime! All of this also produces lots of allergy and sinus issues for many people. My discovery of high quality (therapeutic or medical grade) essential oils has contributed greatly to my ability to enjoy this season with much less of the itchy, watery eyes, irritated nasal passages, sinus drainage and all the rest of what this season often brings. Accordingly, I've shared what I've learned and experienced with others. Occasionally I'm believed. More often my audience is considerably more skeptical. Recently I came across this article featuring a doctor's suggestions of essential oils for sinus problems. To find the medical community encouraging the use of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is always exciting. Please take the time to check out Dr. Mao's thoughts on the subject of es

By visiting Yahoo! Green's link above (the headline will get you there) you may find yourself amazed and gap jawed at some of what you read about the GIANT bottled water industry. This YOUTube video also makes a quick, but impressive point about all the empty bottles. At our home we have begun to recycle our plastic and glass containers. Our community does not make this convenient, but we have made the decision to take the extra effort to preserve a little drop of the environment for everyone. At the end of the YOUTube video you will find websites specifically focused on the recycling issues. There are many very safe reusable alternatives for taking your water "to go" without the expense and pollution hazard of bottled water. Many of us have filtered water coming right out of the door of our refrigerators. After reading the material at Yahoo! Green you many come to recognize this as a more reliable source of safe drinking water anyway. As a reflexologist I am very aware

We're transmitting our blog -- OK, perhaps not so archaically that you need an old fashioned TV antenna -- but subscription service to our posts is available. Read ALIVE! from whatever destination you choose. Click on the "subscribe" icon to the right. We're glad to have you, and look forward to sharing lots of great stuff!!! We love comments . . . . please share your thoughts.

Footsteps In Eden is my business. I am a reflexologist. I'm often asked to explain what reflexology is and what exactly I do. . . What are the benefits to the client? The answer is amazing, but not always easy to convey. How exciting to share what follows! This morning I found this wonderful explanation of reflexology and its benefits on the website of Hadassah Medical Organization, Israel's leading university hospital. I'm excerpting a bit below and encouraging you to read and learn from the complete article by clicking here or on the link above. Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet and ears that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas of the body. ...Reflexology corrects the three negative factors involved in the disease process: congest

”Tranquility is life to the body, and contention is rottenness to the bones.” These incredibly wise words of King Solomon (at least in part) are seen at the top of this blog every time you visit. They also ring so true. Last week was not a tranquil one in the life of our family, and my body has felt it . . . particularily in exhaustion and what appeared to me as diminished mental capabilities at times. Anyone else been there?!? The events our family faced last week – some blissful and some quite sorrowful – were all ones we are unable to avoid. While we welcomed a beautiful new granddaughter into our lives, bringing us much joy, demands on our time and energy were truly stretched. Last week we also lost a beloved uncle, and readmitted my mother-in-law to the hospital once again as we watch her life diminishing. Stress is all around us. Sometimes, as in the situations above, it takes all that we have to make it through. Then our bodies let us know they are exhausted and in need of rest

The medical community is promoting the benefits of reflexology. I'm excited to share the list below of medical centers and what they are saying about the benefits of this amazing touch therapy. Thank you to Mark Cook, reflexologist in Idaho for gathering and sharing the information below. What is reflexology effective for? In my practice, I've seen miracles time and time again in every kind of ailment. People withlong standing conditions and no hope have regained hope as their quality of life improved. Since I am not a doctor, I am not qualified to diagnose and condition. Nor do I try since I seek to balance the whole body. Medical centers ARE qualified and promote reflexology as beneficial for the following conditions. The California Pacific Medical Center says: Reflexology reduces stress, balances energy flow in the body and mind and supports the immune system. Though given on the hands and feet, this extraordinary technique affects the entire body. The University of Pittsb

SENSE ABOUT SCENTS has morphed. As an Independent Representative of the Young Living Essential Oils company, many received a monthly newsletter via email, SENSE ABOUT SCENTS. Since discovering the wonderful ONEGroup miessence® line of organic skincare and cosmetics , and launching my FOOTSTEPS IN EDEN reflexology business I've seen what I believe are some awesome reasons for morphing that newsletter into this wonderful blog. Since late October I have been working to bring blog readers helpful information on a variety of health and wellness topics. I've also included links to fun, informative, and educational spots on the web offering products and services I believe my readers will love and enjoy. When I am forced to categorize this blog, it's under health and wellness, but my readers also find posts and links relating to greening our world, family, spiritual matters, shopping, and more. In the last couple of weeks I've learned to offer an opportunity for readers to be

Abundance™, one of my favorite essential oil blends, is said to "resonate at the frequency of attraction." Now I'm not exactly sure of the technical explanation for that one, but as its name might indicate, the use of this oil has been known to have a magnetic influence drawing blessings to the user. There is a living energy captured when plant materials are distilled at optimal low temperatures and pressures for all the hours it takes to bring every tiny valuable constituent of the flower, leaf, bark, or root into the final product. Young Living works patiently to assure their oils are of the finest quality produced at these most exacting standards. The aromatics of essential oils do have some incredible influences over the mind, body and spirit. It's interesting that Young Living's Abundance™ Essential Oil Blend contains to single oils, frankincense and myrrh, oils that have been highly cherished for centuries for their spiritual, emotional, and physical heali

A certain brand of room fresheners you plug into your wall may cause home fires. An email with this message came across my screen this morning with an origination date of Sunday, March 23, 2008. All indications were that I was in the 2nd generation of readers after the originator of this WARNING! This sent me on a quick search of the internet. Would you believe that the same message has been circulating verbatim for four (4) years now?!?! Yep! Four big years. What did I learn? There had been a concern that a "lot" of them may cause fires, and were recalled by the manufacturer before any did. A child stuck a copper penny in one once. The penny and the electricity didn't quite mix well. The current arced the penny and a fire was started. And then there was the information that I already know. The ingredients in these air fresheners may be rather noxious and toxic to your health as you breathe the fumes into your lungs. Allow me to offer you what I believe to be the better c

HALLELUJAH!!! HE IS RISEN!!! After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God's angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move. The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed. "Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.' That's the message." The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leavin

Mohar: the price a prospective groom paid to her family to secure the betrothal. To secure The Church as His Bride, Jesus the Christ paid an enormous mohar. The price was the ultimate in shame, pain, and a most brutal and agonizing death. We commemorate His ultimate sacrifice/payment today. How does your heart respond? SHAME: Spit on; dressed up as a silly looking king (purple robe & crown of painful thorns) and mocked; beaten; hit in the face; made to carry His own cross . . . His reaction: Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side [a] of God's throne! So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with ma

Thursday evening of Holy Week -- Jesus served His disciples by washing their feet. That's not considered a very pleasant task. They walked dusty roads on their sandaled feet. The dust that hopped into their shoes, mixed with sweat on their feet from the warm climate would have made for some caked on mud. It's a good bet they may have sported blisters and callouses besides -- perhaps cracked skin. Yet Jesus possessed the humility for the task in spite of His status as God Incarnate. In a Bible study session recently someone commented about our individual willingness to wash feet if that is the task God has prepared for us to do. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 My though

All 4 of the Gospel writers in the New Testament record an account of Jesus being anointed with costly pure nard or Spikenard. Quiz: 1) Was He anointed on His head or His feet? 2) How many times during His ministry was He anointed? a. 3 b. 6 c. 1 d. everyday 3) Who anointed Him with the precious oil? a. Mary of Bethany b. Mary Magdalene c. An anonymous woman d. All of the above 4) Where did the anointing(s) occur? a. Simon the Leper's home b. Lazarus' home c. Simon the Pharisee's home d. At the Last Supper It is easy to assume these are all the same story. Closer reading will show they are actually 3 different occurences in Jesus’ life and in 3 different locations. One was at the beginning of His ministry, one was 6 days before His burial, and yet another one was 2 days before His burial. The time of Luke’s story is the early days of Jesus’ ministry at Simon the Pharisee's home most likely by Mary Magdalene. Ou

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY Celebrate the kind of St. Patrick's Day that would please the saint himself, and bring glory to the God he served. Some of our traditions associated with this holiday are simply fun and even a bit silly, and I believe that is OK! Others that are not so uplifting and certainly not of a nature that honor Jesus Christ and His Gospel -- the Gospel shared freely by St. Patrick don't get such a big thumbs up here. He shared it not only with those closest to him, but also with the very people that imprisoned and mistreated him for many years. Green means growth: perhaps celebrate by growing in your own relationship with Jesus Christ today, by helping someone else grow in theirs. Better yet share the Gospel with someone who doesn't yet know . . . they will be on a brand new green sprout in the Kingdom of God. St. Patrick would be honored for the glory you bring to the Living God. For insight into St. Patrick's life and his ministry visit Proverbs 31

"The next day the huge crowd that had arrived for the Feast heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem. They broke off palm branches and went out to meet him. And they cheered: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God's name! Yes! The King of Israel! Jesus got a young donkey and rode it, just as the Scripture has it: No fear, Daughter Zion: See how your king comes, riding a donkey's colt. The disciples didn't notice the fulfillment of many Scriptures at the time, but after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that what was written about him matched what was done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts. It was because they had spread the word of this latest God-sign that the crowd swelled to a welcoming parade. The Pharisees took one look and threw up their hands: "It's out of control. The world's in a stampede after him." John 12:12-19 THE ME

Poking around today looking for like minded individuals, I came across this blog " Fun 2 Save $$ " about making saving fun. The first post that popped up is entitled "Children and Advertising- What to Do?" That caught my attention as I remember well my children's pleas for the latest and greatest. As a graphic artist my husband's profession calls for the creation of advertising print pieces -- packaging, print advertising, billboards and the like. We were so aware of the gimmicks and tricks utilized by many companies to lure the consumer. We used many of the same tactics mentioned here to educate our children of these ploys. These are great suggestions. It was also a great learning tool for our children that whenever we were approached at the mall by market researchers, we were automatically disqualified because of my husband's work in the advertising field. They knew we knew all the tricks! There are other posts on the blog, too, that speak of "sno

WOW!!! That's the only word that came to my mind as I read through this incredible article -- plus an overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit all over this one. "WHO" would have ever thought that Dr. Seuss in 1954 would be speaking prophetically to us today in 2008 -- over 50 years later. What I recognized immediately as a friendly children's flick appearing on the big screen all over America this weekend, has just become a "must see" moment in time. This is just more confirmation to me that it has been God speaking to me about using my reflexology skills and gifting in a pro-life center in my community. The contacts were made weeks ago. I now have a copy of a textbook on the subject of maternity and reflexology. When I learned of the book in early January, I had no idea it would take me over 2 months to actually obtain a copy -- especially in our instant gratification society. I'm also trusting the right doors will open for me to participate in a very sp

These flowers are the picture of beauty you will find on this great new blog link I've just added to the "Healthy and Nurturing" links here on "Alive!" GREEN FOR CHRIST Blogger, Fran McCollum, is a sister in Christ who is intentionally sharing the many discoveries she is making about caring for God's creation in a responsible manner & sustaining and improving the world God has entrusted to man's dominion. Fran has not only learned about, but she has implemented as well, the ideas and lifestyle of which she writes. You'll find many opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas. There is even a place to share how steps you've taken in becoming "green" have made a difference in your life. Everyone will learn from each other's stories, and the editor's choice for first place will receive a $20 LifeWay gift certificate. Visit GREEN FOR CHRIST via the link above.

Our salt lamp glows all day next to our bed. It's so refreshing to walk by it, especially knowing that the air has been renewed; a most peaceful night's sleep awaits. (We do turn it off at night as the brightness of the light does create some interference with our sleep.) Have just begun to use another one of these terrific lamps next to my computer. I look forward to an awesome testimony here, too. Solay has so many different natural and eco-friendly products available, I'll know I'll be spending quite some time in discovery. More reports to come from my first hand learning.

Fruits and vegetables are good for you. We all know that. But they can be expensive. What can we do to save the cost and still get the best produce money can buy? To get the most out of your produce and your wallet buy fruits and vegetables that are grown locally and in season. Fruits and vegetables begin to lose their nutritional value immediately after being picked. The longer they are in transit, the more nutrients are lost. Even though organic foods are more expensive, you are receiving more nutrients and less harmful toxins (herbicides & pesticides) from them. In addition, you are supporting your local farmers, which in the end can also save you money by helping their business grow! The best way to buy local, organic produce is from local farmers and farmer’s markets. You not only get your fruits and vegetables closer to their harvest time (less time in transit and on the shelf means more nutrition and less cost), but you have less people handling your food, less transportatio