The Journal & the Journey: The One Who Knows the Way

Not too long ago, I stumbled on an old diary at a flea market. The journal year? 1888.

Wow!

What a treasure for a history lover like myself. Of course I bought it, then struggled whether or not to read it. I wouldn't want a stranger snooping through my journal! Friends assured me no moral dilemma existed considering the age of the document, and we were all curious, so...well, we read it. :)

To our amusement and utter awe, Sierra Hunt, the writer, described her life, and it's simple, often mundane tasks. With her words, this young teen, transported us back in time. Glorious experience!

Not much changed from Sierra's day to day routine. School, fetching water, helping Ma in the kitchen. On Sunday she walked to church. She made mention of the weather, social gatherings, a family friend getting ill, and visitors. At times, she seemed frustrated by her simple life, and skipped several days in the journal --a sad thing for all of us reading.

Sierra had grown used to her life, and it's routine. I found myself able to relate well this young lady of the past. For years I've stayed at home with my children, raising them, and moving from state to state with the military. At times the life set before me seemed so rote, and blah. Even as a 21st century grown woman, I understand Sierra's century old teenage rant.

So we continued to flipped through the journal, thoroughly enjoying each entry, until it stopped mid sentence.

She wrote on July 6, 1888: "Warm & Pleasant. I worked for Mrs. Struthers this forenoon. Sewed some. Scottie [her brother] and I went up and got the "

And that's it. Nothing more. We're left wondering where she and Scottie went, what they were doing, and what ever happened to Sierra. Did she finish school? Get married? So many unknowns!

If our lives were a journal, how many unknowns would we have?

For me, plenty.

We don't know what tomorrow brings, or what our future holds when our paths in life change. We're on this journey, and our journals are filled with unknowns.

But God knows. He knows what happened to Sierra, and I intend to ask him one day. He knows the paths our lives will take, and we can trust Him with all our unknowns. All of them -- the career choices, parenting tips, finances, the good & the bad of it all. I'm learning this day by day as I transition into a new phase of life with my hubby retired from the Army, and my youngest starting school.

A new path doesn't have to equal uncertainties when we are certain of The One guiding us.


"And whenever you turn to the right or two the left, your ears will hear this command behind you -- this is the way, walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

Many blessings, and a journey full of joy for all of you.

Click to Tweet: "A new path doesn't have to equal uncertainties when we are certain of The One guiding us." ~Author @hannahrconway http://ctt.ec/6IC6h+

Never Go to the Grocery Store Again: Whole Foods Living Challenge & GIVEAWAY!

The Whole Foods Life Without Ever Going to the Grocery Store Again!

Challenge & Giveaway! Use the giveaway tools button at the bottom of the post to enter to win The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila Your email address is ONLY used to notify a winner. J

Never going to the grocery store again, now that’s a dream come true, but my family needs to eat. It’s not like growing my own food and relying on local farmers for sustenance is a valid option, right? Actually, it is, and one family is making it work rather well!

Say Hi to the Syner’s!

Hey guys! My name is Lisa Syner and I have been married to my wonderful husband, Cliff, for the past 12 years. I homeschool our 3 children on our small farm in Clarksville, Tennessee. I have a passion for the cultivation of the earth and the fruits of that labor, especially deep purple tomatoes and creamy Japanese sweet potatoes. Our family has chosen to follow Christ’s calling to love God and love others by stewarding this land and teaching others the beauty of tending, preserving and harvesting the bounty of His creation.

I had the great opportunity to hang out with Lisa and her family not long ago, see their farm, pick their brains, and soak up anything they wanted to teach me. They’ve taken a whole foods diet to a new level, and I’m intrigued.

Lisa and her family were stationed in Hawaii (whoop ,whoop for another Military family!). They saw firsthand fields of produce being mass produced, quickly grown, and sprayed with chemicals. She couldn’t shake the knowledge and concern of that food being shipped out and consumed by individuals who had no clue what gunk they were putting in their body, or where the food even came from.

Not many of us scan the isles of the grocery store looking for things that are harmful for us, well, sometimes I willingly purchase some sugary treat. For the most part, we buy things that seem healthy, or the box says it’s nutritional, so in the cart it goes.

Lisa says, “People are so disconnected from God’s creation. We don’t know how to eat.” I have to agree. We try to make the right choices, but we’re mis-informed. Before the Syner’s stopped going to the grocery store, they decided to only purchase and eat whole foods, meaning nothing from a box, and only organic, grass fed meats.

“Yes, it was expensive.” Lisa nodded with a grimace on her face. “We were spending $1300-1500 a month, easy.” I may have gasped or choked on my tongue at that moment.

And after the No Grocery Store Challenge?

“We eat the same quality of food, better actually, and we spend between $680-$740.”  Lisa smiled, and I’m sure her hubby is still smiling over those savings. “We used to have so much waste, but now, we use every bit.”

This lifestyle couldn’t have been easy?

“It’s been a learning process, but we base our meals on local, seasonal foods, and it’s healthier, and cheaper.” She also adds that there’s no pizza night to fall back on, so she’s got to be prepared.

It’s really just getting back the basics of how things used to be.

They “grow slow,” using heirloom seeds (organic, Non-GMO), and raise heritage animals that are able to adapt to their environment, making them stronger, less likely to get sick, and can forgo shots other animals raised for mass production require. Their chickens cluck about providing fresh eggs, and their sheep will provide much needed milk for homemade cheese, which Lisa is very excited about. A dairy sheep! How cool is that? Local farmers and farmers markets provide what they have not been able to produce.

“Everything is made from scratch.” And she’s not lying. Even mustard, and cream cheese! “If I don’t know how to make it, I look up a recipe.” I love that attitude. “If it’s not local, we don’t buy it.” Not lying their either.

Any concessions to this way of life? I had to ask that.

“Coffee is a concession.” Totally agreed with her. “Since there are no local coffee bean farmers, we buy the beans from locally owned coffee shops. We also eat out once a month, and if we’re at a friend’s house, we eat what we’re served.”

What about treats and sweets? No chocolate?

“No chocolate.” I’m kinda sweating over this. “Veggies are our snacks. Honey, homemade ice cream is a once in a great while treat when we have excess of milk, and local/seasonal fruit.”

Any health benefits you’ve noticed?

"I have so much more energy since beginning the challenge, and my seasonal allergies are much more controlled." Her eyes widened in a 'Thank the Lord' kind of way.

What have you loved most about this lifestyle?

“The anticipation.” Her eyes lit up. “Food is a gift, each season for a purpose. There’s also a freshness factor. Before doing this, I never stopped to appreciate these gifts from God.” Lisa sat on the couch with me, hand propped on her head. “I’ve also love the farmers. We’re building new relationships, connecting in new ways, face to face, and able to share the gospel.”

Gardening tips?

“We use a no till method.” The Syner’s lay cardboard on top of the ground garden area, then pile on their fall leaves, mulch, and compost. “Start this process around February.” By planting time they simply push the leaves aside and plant into the rich earth. They actually water less because of how well the mixture holds moisture.

“Fish fertilizer.” Okay, that stuff is disgusting, but, as Lisa pointed out, the Native Americans used fish in their farming, so even though it stinks, it works.

Take the Challenge!

What is your challenge for the readers out there, and any advice to help them meet that challenge?

“Try not going to the grocery store for 30 days by eating whole foods from local vendors.” Sounds sort of easy, but then again, we all know things are easier said than done. To help us stick to the challenge, Lisa says, “Be committed. Find your local farmers and artisans, and ask them questions about their produce. Plan and prep what you want to eat. Have fun.”

She ends with, “It’s not complicated, it’s commitment.”

How about it Dear Readers? Are we up to this challenge?

 

 

 

For More Info on Whole Foods Living & Resources, Connect with the Syner's @ 

Liberty Star Farms
Liberty Star Farms on Facebook
Community Resource Guide

Other Suggested Reading:

• Healthy Kids, Naturally
• Healthy from the Inside Out, Minus the Parasites
• Mealtime Moments: Dinner Conversations & Meal Plan!

Remember to Enter to Win a The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila, one of Lisa's go-to resources.

 

 

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Worth the Sacrifice: Lessons from Memorial Day Weekend

"But King David replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing." (2 Chronicles 21:24 NLT)

King David wanted to build an altar to God. Araunah owned the perfect place for an altar located on the summit of Mt. Moriah. Nice view I'm sure!

When David approached Araunah about purchasing this "threshing floor" (a flat, hard surface), Araunah offered it to David at no cost. Awesome! A prime piece of property for free! What a bargain, right?! But, David refused to take the property without it costing him something. Instead of saying, "Hey God, I'm building this great altar for you, AND I got it at no cost," David says, "I want to pay, and I want to pay A LOT for this place."

Sounds a bit backward in our 'something for nothing' culture, but David understood what we've seemed to have lost: the definition and value of sacrifice.

David understood that a sacrifice costs something. It hurts, but worth the pain, whether physical or emotional. We feel a sacrifice, and if we don't, it's not a sacrifice...it's something much different.

David was telling God, "I wanna pay. You're worth it."

What's worth it for us?

What do we know of sacrifice? In a culture of abundance, credit cards, and self-indulging tendencies, what do we know of sacrifice? To give up something we value, perhaps even need, in order to benefit or honor someone else?

While we may be in short supply of sacrifice, it's still there, and worth every penny, every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears that we willingly pour out.

I can think of several people, and groups that are accustomed to sacrifice, but this Memorial Day weekend I want to acknowledge those who have served and sacrificed their lives for this country. They saw a need, heard a call, counted up the cost, and served anyway. They deemed us worth their lives. Humbling.

I am thankful for the Military families that sacrificed alongside their soldier, willingly setting their soldier free to serve, knowing the dangers at hand. You too are valued, and appreciated. A hug, and kind words do not begin to scratch the surface of our gratitude.

We learn several things about sacrifice from the example of our fallen Military men and women, as well as David.

1: We learn a sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it doesn't cost us something.
2: We learn a sacrifice is worth what we've given up.
3: We learn sacrifice is something we should do more of...setting ourselves aside for the benefit and honor of others whether with our time, money, or perhaps one day, our life.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Suggested Reading:
5 Ways to Be Blessed in the Stress: A Military Wife's Perspective
Loving My Soldier: The Hindsights and Insights of PTSD and TBI
Army Wife Tips

Choosing Life: A Celebration Baby Shower at the Hope Pregnancy Center

The Feet of Those Who Were Given Life

As part of a Mom's group, I recently had the honor of taking part in hosting a Baby Shower for many mothers-to-be at the Hope Pregnancy Center here in Clarksville.

Months earlier, many of the women in attendance found themselves pregnant & scared. There were many who didn't want to be pregnant, didn't want the baby, and considered having an abortion.

But they changed their mind. Some will choose adoption for their baby, and bless a loving and deserving family. But all of these women chose life.


Thank You Chick-Fil-A for
Donating to the Shower!

I admire their courage. In the face of fear they sought help and guidance. So many people, myself included, find it difficult to reach out in a time of need. I don't want anyone to think I'm incompetent. Besides, I'm an Army Wife, and we can do it all, right? 



Sweet Treats!

Their bellies were large, and their feet were swollen as these lovely ladies neared the end of their pregnancy. Were they still scared? I never asked, but to some degree, I'm sure they were. We chatted about due dates, gender, baby names, nursery rhymes and shared labor stories--women want those details.



The "Don't say Baby" game!

Listening, watching, and socializing with these women, I realized that every expectant mother deserves a baby shower. All of the shower stuff. From the fabulous food to the fun, right of passage baby shower games (I never lost my clothes pin!). Every mother-to-be deserves to be celebrated, especially these Mommas, because they chose life when they didn't have to, when they thought it would be easier not to, when they knew their families would disapprove of their situation and possibly abandon them. Even then, they still chose life. Now that is something to throw a shower for!

Gifts for All the Mommas!

No matter the circumstance, right, wrong, whatever the reason these women found themselves pregnant and at a Pregnancy Center, they are still a child of God. They are beautiful, worthy, loved, special, and hand crafted by our Creator with a purpose. The child they carry is not a mistake. That baby was handcrafted for a purpose, he or she is beautiful, loved, special and worthy of the best life possible.

I know I'm speaking for our group, but I'm praying that we as the host were able to bless these expectant Momma's as much as they blessed us.

Being an Army Wife, I've kind of adopted the saying of "grow where you're planted." For me, that means making a Kingdom impact on the community where I currently live. What better way to make a difference than partnering with a local pregnancy center to speak words of life and encouragement to women who may have found themselves unexpectedly expecting? 

Video Blog! Unmet Expectations

Unmet Expectations? Me? 

I didn't know I had them...until they went unmet. In fact, I can't recall ever being aware of what my expectations were for specific circumstances/people etc. It's not like I  sat down and listed them out...until now, lol. So where did my expectations come from, and which ones went unmet? But the bigger question ...what do I do when they go unmet?

My First Video Blog!

Thanks for Watching!

Army Wife Tips

As a young new Army Wife, I had many things to learn. Ten years in the saddle, and I'm still learning.

None of my family members, to my knowledge, had much experience regarding military things, let alone the military lifestyle. Still, the prospect of traveling to new places with my very own hunky GI Joe that I was head over heals for, was appealing. Not only would we travel, but we would attend a formal ball every year. Hello dream come true!  In my mind, the Army was like any other 9 to 5 job, weekends off type of career. I knew nothing of rank structure, field problems, deployments, decoding acronyms, how busy the commissary was on payday. I couldn't even begin to explain the difference between a unit and platoon, nor did I care.  

It didn't take long to find out that the military wasn't a typical 9 to 5 career. Sometimes he worked on the weekends. Sometimes he was gone for weeks and months...years. There wasn't a formal ball every year. In ten years, I've been to two. I've learned about rank structure...it's strange, and can create social barriers amongst the spouses, but necessary for job function. I speak in acronyms quite fluently, and avoid the commissary at all costs on payday-EVEN -if there's a case lot sale (lol). Thanks to my patient, wonderful husband, and little toy Army men, I now have a visual on the difference between a unit, platoon...even a division and battalion! Look at me go! :) 

I'm no longer the new Army Wife--I'm still young though, lol. :) It's odd that I'm friends with military families that have been in for two, three, four years. That was us just yesterday...seems like it at least.  When my younger Army Wife friends ask for the Need To Knows  about Army Life here are my tips: 

1: KIA doesn't always mean Killed in Action...especially if it's the name of a car lot. Then that's probably a KIA store that sells those cute little compact cars. Yeah...when I first started learning acronyms I was highly offended that someone would name their store "killed in action." Then I was HIGHLY embarrassed to find out it was a car lot. Ugh. I was blonde then. 

2: If another military family invites you to go "swinging," it's not swing dancing that they're talking about. Say NO, and then run away. That's GREAT advice, and saves you from A LOT of embarrassment...let's leave it at that. 

3: Pick friends wisely. That's just plain good advice for anyone, but especially for the military spouse who has moved away from home for the first time. 

4: Be kind to the other wives, and help them when you can. Babysit their kiddos so they can have a date night with their hubby and not have to pay $40 for childcare. Watch that lady's kiddos so she can go to the grocery store in peace for heaven's sake. 

5: Find a place to volunteer. Military Life is a lot of hurry up and wait. Sometimes you don't even know what you're waiting for, but while you wait find a place to serve. Remember, serving your family is a great way to start.

6: Take advantage of your surroundings. Each new move is an opportunity to explore places the locals don't even know about. Have fun with your family learning about your new community, and its culture. New moves are some of my fondest memories.

7: Laugh. Seriously, you have to learn to laugh. 

8: Don't judge people. That's so Biblical, and awesome advice. I didn't realize how judgmental I was until I became an Army Wife. I was this young, naive, raised in church, Baptist chick that had never seen alcohol, and gasped at curse words. I think for the first 4 years of my Army Life I was in culture shock, and all but twitched. God really got a hold of me and was like "SNAP out of it, and love these people. You are no better than anyone else in this world." I totally wanted to argue...but you can't really argue with God...successfully at least.  SO...love others...period. 

9: Choose your spouse, always! I remember being so lonely, so homesick my first few years as an Army Wife. My hubby was deployed, and when he was home he was gone too often than I liked. I cried often, complained to everyone who listened...ugh, I was horrid. I was feeling so sorry for myself that when I had the opportunities to choose him, to be with him, date him etc, I would often not. I would go to my family...I felt safe, loved by them, but what I didn't realize how choosing them over him was not only hurting him but driving a wedge in our marriage. SO...choose your man. ALWAYS...even if you're mad at him, even if you want to choose something else...choose him!

AND the most important tip...

10: Pick up your Bible, and dig in. God calls His Word a sword...He calls it living, powerful, and able to cut through bone and marrow. That's pretty stinking hardcore. His Word not only encourages me, but strengthens me, changes me for the better. Check it out, it will change your life!

Suggested Reads: 
All Because of One Woman: A Mother, Wife, Author, Speaker Point of View
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage: Building Intimacy, Not Walls
Loving My Soldier: Hindsights & Insights of PTSD
Army Wife Tips


ABOUT HANNAH: 
Hannah Conway is a military wife, mother of two, and speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns sure to thrill, and encourage. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee

( A / IBook /BN / K )

CLICK the Links Below The Image to Download Your eCopy of WEDDING A WARRIOR! 

Stronger Than We Think: Encouragment for Moms

"I don't know how you all do it." Many civilian women/moms say to me. "I could never be without my husband for that long. I'd go insane." 

Ha! What makes them think I'm not insane? There are days I teeter on the edge of insanity. I'm sure my kids would agree.

It's not like I want to be without my husband. I don't look forward to him leaving for lengthy periods of time. Although, admittedly, I don't mind a nice week or two away here and there, lol. To these women/moms who think they couldn't do Army life, I say to you: you're stronger than you think. I was stronger than I thought, BUT, that took some hard knocks to find out.

Life happens. Things are thrown your way whether you're military or not. I've learned that it's how you respond that matters. We learn to be strong. Courageous, kind and loving. Whining, fussing, and complaining does no good for anyone. It stresses my husband out, depresses me, frustrates our children, and causes rifts in our marriage, and family.

How did I learn? Where else? The Bible of course. I totally still struggle with being strong, brave, courageous, kind and loving. I'm such a work in progress--like right n
ow, I'm Picasso looking. There are days I just want to crumble, and I need to cry. I need to vent. Then I get back up, and say, "Okay, God, help me out."

Take a few moments can and check out the verses below that help keep life in perspective when times get hard. They remind us that we are stronger than we think.

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing." Philippians 2:14

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4


"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28


"I can do all things through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23


"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37


"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2


"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9


Ever in a bind? Don't know what to do, how to respond, or what the next move should be? Ask God. He gives wisdom to those that ask.  

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5

Redeployment Ready: The Crazy Ways We Prepare

Image from www.entertainmentwallpaper.com

Oh, I've been more than ready for this deployment to end. For months I've been wishing time would fly faster, and honestly it  has flown. 

At the beginning of the deployment I made a to do list  of all the things I wanted to accomplish while my hubby was away. I'll get to the list later, but today I want to discuss all the ways I'm preparing for his return.

click here to see my deployment list update (some things just didn't get done, lol)

It's occurred to me that we, Military Wives, do some crazy stuff to get ready for our Other Half to come home. Some things are down right comical. For example, I have a good friend that went on a very special waxing adventure before her husband came home...lol...I will not go into details, just know that it didn't turn out the way she had hoped. Good times. 

Losing weight, and toning up seem to be the default things to do when our hubbies are away. Do you even wanna know how much of my money has went to Jillian Michael's workout videos? I'm telling ya, it's almost shameful.

Me with Henna Hannah Hair!

We buy bronzing creams, new unmentionables (wink), search for the perfect dress to greet our man in, schedule hair/nail appointments, or dye our own hair (see my pics), and hit the tanning beds 'cause every lady knows that if you can't get rid of fat, you might as well tan it. After months of not shaving on a regular basis--oh, don't judge me, lol, if you're hubby was gone, you would totally take a hiatus from shaving--anyway...I'm in the market for a fancy new razor. Any recommendations? My Dad suggests I start with some lawn clippers, lol, totally joking.

This is Henna, not baby poo

So yes, in lots of crazy ways I'm preparing for my husband's return, but I want to! I want to be the best possible version of me for him, because he's my husband. You know, I LOVE how giddy his return makes me feel. After nearly 10 years of marriage I feel like it's the night before our wedding, but better. I now know my husband on a deeper level, and I now have a working knowledge of what love really is, and what it isn't. I can't wait to be with him again! 

...And I can't help but see the spiritual parallels to all my preparation. The Bible makes many references to Brides and Bridegrooms.

"[...]and his bride has prepared herself.
8 She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” Rev 19: 8

Just like I should never stop preparing myself for my husband, I should never stop preparing myself for God. The greatest way I can prepare myself for my husband, is to become even more spiritually fit. The closer I get to God, the closer I get to my Spouse...that's just how it works.

So what about you? How do you get Redeployment Ready? Or Spiritually fit? I 'd love to hear from ya. :) 

  

On Days When I Need A Laugh

image from www.allposters.com

Like Today.

Is it just me or do all the kiddos seem to be rowdier than usual? Ah. It must be the end of the school year! I dare say this time of the year is almost equivalent to the excitement felt at Christmastime. I feel the pool calling my name. But before I can sink my toes in the cool waters of a community pool, I need to make it until Memorial Day Weekend. I'm praying I can make it, but with one hyper child bouncing off the walls with a condition known as "can't-wait-for -summer-itis" and the other having torrential melt-downs because something doesn't go her way, I just don't know if I can hold on!!

Besides busting out my fav Bible verses, giving myself pep-talks, and deep breathing, I've also included laughing in my prescribed remedies for crazy stressful moments/days/weeks when I feel as if I'm gonna explode.

I've discovered that laughing really does help lift my mood, and ability to manage my stress level! :) It also works with the kiddos...I just need to remember to help to turn their screaming into laughter. :)

So whenever I'm feeling stressed, or grumpy, I yell for the kids (in a pleasant tone of course, :) ) and we check out our favorite youtube videos that have us hee-hawing within minutes! If you have a few minutes to laugh, check out our top picks are sure to bring a smile to your face, if not a hearty chuckle. ENJOY!

That song was my ringtone forever!

I think that goat can really hit the high notes!

FUNNY, FUNNY Guy.

This Church, Vintage Church, put out videos about the misconceptions of Jesus and Christianity. So funny and true! BUT it's  the kind of that funny you feel sort of guilty for laughing. 

Beating the Easter Blues: What to Do While Your Honey's Away



It's difficult to celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays when your spouse is deployed, or away for training. It's hard to feel like celebrating when the one you love can't be there to join in on the traditions, fun and laughter.

picture from www.dreamstime.com

With Easter next week, I can't stop from wondering what our family would be doing this year if my husband were home. Where would we have went for Easter dinner? Together, we would have taken the kids to see the Passion Play at our church, and together we would talk to them about the importance of Easter in our Christian faith. I wonder how many ugly eggs my hubby and the kids would insist on coloring? Where could we hide the eggs that would keep the kids busy long enough for he and I to raid their Easter baskets, lol....we would NEVER do that.

The memories keep me going through times like this; I'd say they keep most of us going during the deployment. My memories equal hope. I think of the good times, how they make me feel, the laughs that were shared, and those memories allow me to hope for the future--that there will be even more good times to come. Easter is a good time to be filled with hope; after all, Easter is all about hope.

There are many Military families missing their loved ones this year, I just want to take a minute and encourage you. Hang in there. In the words of my Momma, "Paste that smile on, and go on." Acknowledge that you don't feel like celebrating. Cry about it if you must over a bag of those awesome Hershey candy coated eggs and a glass of milk (I may or may not have done that, lol). Once you've acknowledged these feelings, go on and get your celebrate on! Make yourself if you have to, because you need to, because your children need you to, because the others going through the same battle need you to.

Think of the good times and know more are on their way.

Beat the Easter Blues: Tips for Making this a Memorable Easter Even With Your Spouse Afar:

1.  Find a church to attend for Easter Sunday: If you haven't heard about the hope Easter is about, it's about time you heard it. :)
2.  If you're close to family, go home and hang out with them.
3.  If you're far from family, get together with friends and play games, talk, eat, laugh, hunt for eggs!
4. Color Easter Eggs with your family, or start a new Easter Deployment Tradition; maybe it's making a special breakfast, or playing bunny freeze tag where everyone hops around like bunnies---it's a blast and a calorie blaster! Be creative, and have fun.
5. Talk openly with your kids about the deployment, and how they feel about their parent missing Easter and other special occasions. Have them think of things they will do next year when their soldier is home.
6. Remember that traveling any road alone is lonely; if you're feeling down or need to share some exciting news, there's nothing like a good friend to do life with. If you don't already have someone you can confide in while your hubby/spouse is gone, and even when they're home, I would highly suggest you pray God sends you one.
7. HAVE FUN! Whatever you do this Easter, and while your soldier is deployed, try to have fun and laugh. Anytime your soldier is away, is just plain stressful. Laughter is a good prescription for stress.

Healthy from the Inside Out--Minus the Parasites

Taking time for yourself is a must. We all need rest and rejuvenation. I decided to take time for myself by spending a rest filled and rejuvenating spa weekend with my best gal pals in the world at Retreat in the Country in Frankfort, Indiana.  A big shout out to the Morgan's for the best weekend ever--well, best weekend ever until Stephen gets back home. Another big shout out to my Mom and Dad who watched my kiddos for the entire weekend! My family is amazing!


This was no ordinary spa. Oh yes I detoxed, and learned what it means to eat clean, but to be completely honest, this past weekend was more like spiritual retreat. Where do I even begin? Let's start with the blood!
The owner of the spa, Mrs. Kim Dunn, took a sample of my blood and was able to tell me things about my health that was...well...terrifying....incredible...and all together enlightening. Scripture says that life is in the blood. I'm even more convinced!

 The needle stung more than I thought it would. No judging. 

Check out the computer screen. Yup. That's my blood frolicking around. Did you know red blood cells glow! It was so amazing to see!

What did my blood reveal about my health? Ugh. I really don't want to tell you but I have to. Embarrassment aside for the good of all those reading, I learned that I have heavy metals in my blood/body. How did they get there? Yeah, I asked that too. Well, the environment, canned foods (tomatoes are the worse), tap water, any vaccines or flu shots I may have had, hair coloring, skin and hair products, and painting. I use Shaklee all natural cleaners, so I know that no metals or chemicals were in my blood from cleaners. These metals need to come out A: for my brain health and prevention of Alzheimer's, and B: to get rid of my fat cells. These metals are hanging around in my fat cells living it up, making me jiggle, and I've had it with them! So I'm getting rid of those bad boys with ionic foot baths, infra red saunas, and a heavy metal detox spray . Children with Autism often have high amounts of heavy metals in their blood. A heavy metal detox is often beneficial for children with Autism. 

What else did my blood tell me? 

"You're healthy!" She tells me, and then dives into a list of not so good things about my blood that made my skin crawl...

• She could tell that I have been under stress for a very long time. Um, yes, aren't we all? Stress is such a killer! It leads to 80% or more of diseases. SO...I have to work on deep breathing and making sure I'm getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
• My body really likes and needs more vitamin B, which I knew. 
• I have distress in my right lung more than likely from air pollution and being around second hand smoke. Nice. 
• I have undigested fat floating around in my blood like they're having a block party or something! This means I'm having a digestive issue and should take a digestive enzyme. Will do.
• I need to cut my carbs. I thought eating multi-grain stuff was okay...guess I eat too much of it.
• And um...I have parasites. UGH! I'm so disgusted with myself. Apparently most people have them. Most, if not all pet owners have them. Cat people are worse, lol. You get parasites from shaking hands, sharing drinks/food, touch shopping carts, letting your pets lick you and basically anywhere people are gathered. Yes, even church. No one wants bugs, and these parasites take joy in sucking the nutrients from our body. Click here for symptoms of parasites. I say, death to them all! How to get rid of them? Up your raw garlic and onion intake. There is also an herbal remedy by Pure Herbs, Ltc. called W.-W, that I'm giving to the kiddos right now and putting in the dog's water.  
• On a positive note, she really liked the vitamins I take....

 Gross stuff coming out of my body during the detoxing ionic foot bath

Me getting ready for the best massage in the world!

I'm not new to natural health and wellness, by any means. I've been a Shaklee distributor for awhile and have had the privilege of helping others create a healthy and happy home the natural way. However, what I learned this this weekend was like adding a new dimension to what it really means to be healthy, and I have been left even more in awe at the intricate way in which God designed our bodies and intended them to function. It's difficult for me to try to cram everything I learned this weekend  into a blog post. To help summarize I think I'm gonna use those oh so trustworthy bullet points. 

• Drinking hot lemon water 20 minutes before breakfast not only helps with digestion but it helps to cleanse the liver and gallbladder. 
• Ice cold water helps you lose weight, but should be consumed in the afternoon. Drinking too much ice water over stimulates your body and can weaken it.
• Room temperature water is good for hydrating the body
• Drink purified water. This place had a filter that would put back in the important minerals we needed. It rocked! Literally, it had rocks in it.
• Use Sea Salt when cooking. It has the minerals our body needs and table salt does not.
• Whole milk is better for our body than skim or 2 %. Taking the fat out of milk just makes it like drinking sugar and sugar is the anti-nutrient. She buys her milk from the Amish.
• We should eat foods as close to the way God made them. Raw veggies, raw fruits. She said that if milk naturally has fat in it, then that's the way we should drink it. Everything in moderation of course.
• Some veggies, like broccoli, unlock more nutrients when steamed that we couldn't get if we ate them raw.
• Most, if not all American's should take a digestive enzyme. I can hook you guys up with that, click here.
• Chewing your food thoroughly is the first process of digestion. Enzymes in our saliva start the digestion process, so busy Mom's like me, HAVE to remember to slow down and chew!
• Everything is made of energy. With that said, negative emotions can be stored in our body and cause health problems. When the Bible talks about unforgiveness being a bad thing, that goes for our health too. 
• Positive emotions are also stored in our bodies. A good thing. When the Bible talks about thinking on good, pure, noble things, there's a health benefit that goes with thinking positive. 
• Our blood type actually gives us a HUGE clue as to how we should eat. I dare you to google "Eat right for your blood type." 
• No one should ever eat pork. Sigh. I miss bacon already. When God gave strict food laws to the Jewish people there were medical reasons behind everything He said NOT to eat. Pork happens to be an animal infested with parasites. Yes, the parasites die when the meat is cooked, but their bodies still remain and so do all of the toxins from their little parasite poo poo.  
• Anything fried is toxic to the body and you are literally eating cancer causing agents. Ugh. Huff. Goodbye my deep fried fatty filled foods.

My brain hurts from revisiting all of this information! I highly encourage you to check out the Retreat in the Country and the services they offer, and if you lovely people ever have any health and wellness questions, shoot'em my way. I'm happy to help.  I hope you are able to take away something that will help to make you and your family healthy from the inside out ---minus the parasites. :) 

Me and The Morgan's rested up, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world! 

The Deployment Ride

It's been right at three months since Stephen deployed--6 more to go! Six months sounds like a long time, but I won't complain, it could be worse. The last deployment ended up being 15 months--ugh--so 6 more months is so doable!

Since he has been gone, I've been working on my Deployment Bucket List that I created. :)  To read more on that, click here.  Meh, it's coming along. I have cleaned the garage, which ended up being a terrifying experience after I uncovered the world's last known prehistorically large centipede hanging out behind some boxes. Yeah, I totally screamed. Just like I wanted, I turned portions of the kitchen into chalkboards, YAY, and I have been slowly redecorating our bedroom. Still on the high priority end is to update the kiddo's rooms! 

On this deployment I have learned how to use a saw and drill without destroying my project. I have learned how to change air filters! I've learned the power of meal planning! I've also learned how to make a few mean freezer meals--I will totally share those recipes with you all soon! A lesson that I continue to learn is just how  "enough" God is for me when I'm laying in bed at night wishing Stephen was cuddled next to me, or when I'm drained from a day of chasing sticky, screaming kids...God is enough. He provides enough energy for me, enough rest, enough peace, enough protection. He provides me with enough of everything to get me through the next day, and the next, and the next.  There have been highs and lows on this deployment ride, and there will be more, but I know that God will always be enough and all that I need to get me through.  

I've also  learned that the greatest way to make the best of this crazy deployment ride is by sharing the journey. A portion of sharing that journey has opened up several windows of opportunity, to include the world of writing. Yep, I did it! I completed a novel and am working tirelessly to find a publisher to sweep me off my feet. My first interview went out recently, check it out by clicking here! :) 

Six more months to go...bring it! 

Deployment Bucketlist

Deployment Bucket List: UPDATED :) 

Disclaimer: I had to write a few things on the list that I have already done to make me feel more productive--I know you totally do that too! ;)

1: Organize the Garage  Um...I may need to do that again
2: Organize Laundry Area
3: Organize Top of the Fridge
4: Paint Kid's Rooms (And add shelving...)
5: Paint Our Master Bath  (Need to figure what design) Got a brain cramp trying to figure out what color
6: Clean Carpets (Or just pray for them)
7: Redecorate Master Bedroom
8: Start a Bible Study
9: Stencil the Book Shelf in the Living Room...and the one in our bedroom Not yet...lol
10: Spend Saturday's Playing with the Kids and creating an awesome Pinterest craft/game idea!
11: Take the Kid's Somewhere AWESOME for Spring Break  With the Fam in Ohio!!
12: Camp Out in the Living Room with the Kiddo's at least once a month   Did that like 4 times!!
13: Learn How to Sew It's just sad how bad I am...I should get a sewing machine to help me :) 
14: Figure Out Which Pinterest Crafts I Want to Do and Then Schedule Time to Do It!
15: Get a Pedicure or Massage Once a Month  um...nope...that was a lofty dream, huh?
16: Go See a Movie With No Kids With Me
17: Organize Emergency/Important Papers in the Firebox
18: Clean Out Kid's Closets
19: Make Chalkboard for the Kitchen          It looks so cute!
20: Create and Area for the Kid's Artwork      Did it! 
21: Stencil Wall in Living Room  Almost done...sorta...maybe soon...I think???
22: Create a Workout Routine
23: Finish Family Yearbooks on Snapfish     ummm...no, but there's still time
24: Pay off Student Loans!! Woohoo! (I'm so taking a pic of my smiling face with the last payment in my hand!)  ALMOST...soon!!
25: Volunteer more in the community I did! :) 
26: Have Dad teach me how to build stuff...gotta learn if I am gonna be a Pinterest Pro  Kinda did that
27: Go out of my way to encourage others (a good reason to hit up sendoutcards.com/alane )
28: Finish Reading the 5 Love Languages for Kids and begin to fluently speak my kiddo's love language
29: Pray Psalm 91 over my husband and his men every night  Did it, still doing it...won't stop doing it!
30: Clean car thoroughly!
31: Keep my car nice and tidy (yeah..that's gonna be a hard one...but I'm on my way!)  Sorta doing it...it's kind of a work in progress thing...lol

Resiliency...Army Wives Know That Word....

Ugh, Stephen leaves next week...the deployment begins. I knew it was coming, but it was still weeks away, and now it's a week away. :(. We had our pre-deployment briefing not long ago...nothing much new, same 'ole info for the most part, but I thought I might lose it if I heard the word "resilient," one more time. Yes, yes, resiliency is key to surviving in the Army/Military and basically life, but all I kept picturing in my head to conceptualize resiliency was that clown punching bag from my childhood that kept coming back for more after I  know I totally knocked that thing senseless....not a fun image...kind of frustrating actually. So I guess our family is like the clown punching bag now, and the deployment is the punch that keeps us "resilient?" That analogy just doesn't sit well with me, so I've been trying to think of other analogies to help me process the concept more thoroughly....   

Resiliency is like the elastic in my underwear that is able to miraculously go back to its original shape after each washing. LOL, well, that's true for at least some of my undies...my others, well, they need prayer.

Resiliency is like continuing to wear a pair of fabulously amazing high heels because they make you look awesome even though each step makes you cringe with pain. I totally did that on Sunday--thought I was dying!

Resiliency is like my beautiful begonias that continue to bloom against all odds--a drought, and our dog who has made my flower garden his urinal.

Resiliency is like the first batch of cookies I ever made--tough, refusing to crumble even after multiple attempts to be eaten.

So if I put these analogies together it means, basically, that if I'm resilient I am rolling with the punches, stretched--but never too far, looking amazing even when it hurts, blooming in the least likely of conditions, and too tough to crumble. Hmm...I guess being resilient isn't so bad...it reminds me of 2 Corinthians 4:8-10:

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Now that's RESILIENCY!