Salt + Light Oils & Mercantile

“Where is your confidence - in God and His Son, or the blessings He gives? Do you say you trust Jesus, yet cling tightly to material security? Do you speak of fellowship with that LORD yet rarely pour out your heart to Him? When we recognize God’s strength and our neediness, prayers for His help, strength, wisdom, guidance, and power become a regular part of life. How will you begin to live in moment-by-moment dependence on your Savior? Start by asking God to reveal the truth about your priorities and lead you to change. Over what rebel territory in your heart will you ask Jesus to reign supreme? How will you trust the LORD to supply His strength to be victorious? Jesus rules Gods creation; His reign and rule over your life offers you the greatest security that can be known.” 
- excerpt taken from BSF International notes study of Revelation 3:7-22 
 
:23

Magnesium... studies show we don’t get enough in our diets yet it is beneficial for so many things:  
Improved Sleep 
Anxiety  
Digestion 
Protein synthesis 
Muscle cramps 
Blood sugar 
Stress management 
Migraines & Headaches .. 
There are a lot of foods that are high in magnesium, and you should try to get more of the nutrient in your diet from magnesium-rich foods first. A magnesium supplement may not be a bad idea to add in, but if you do, more is not necessarily better. Recommended dose for women is around 320mg and men 420mg per day. And it’s best to take take it with food.

Precious Jesus, I humbly bring myself before you at Your feet of Your throne, in quietness and peace on this Holy Saturday.   
As I reflect upon Your death on the cross, I am full of gratitude for all You endured, for us. I thank You that You had me in mind as the nails struck your hands & feet. I thank You for all that You willingly received to stay the course so you would end up on that cross so I could be set free from all sin that threatens my life with you. Lord, as the silence falls on this Holy Saturday, I pray that you lead me into a time of rest and peace. Help me to still the call of activity in my soul, the frenetic busyness that can easily take over my life. Help me, gracious Lord, to recognize the stillness of Your presence, a stillness that beckons me to follow you to a quiet place for my own rest and refreshment. In the quiet places of my day, may you draw my attention to your presence, to help me know that in this silence, You are still here. Push against all that distracts me and overwhelms me. And as my body breathes deeply the air around me, may my soul breathe deeply Your Spirit of life, truth, and peace. Jesus, thank You for this day of silence that builds my faith. When it feels too quiet, help me to lean into the coming of the third day, where hope arises and we all become more than conquerers. The day where You call me to new life. Give me eyes to see where you call me forward in faith, and prepare me, O Lord, to receive Your victory anew and to welcome Your resurrection in celebration and wonder.   
All of this I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

In winter months it's good to do all we can to keep our immune systems strong. Here's an elderberry recipe I sent out when we were in quarantine, but it is good to make anytime there is "something" going around. It's a great addition to keep your immune system strong or help fight something getting started.  
 
*you can purchase the Essential oils in this recipe from the Young Living website (not all companies have food grade oils so don't use just any brand). You can also swap out the oils for herbs.

In winter months it's good to do all we can to keep our immune systems strong. Here's an elderberry recipe I sent out when we were in quarantine, but it is good to make anytime there is "something" going around. It's a great addition to keep your immune system strong or help fight something getting started.  
 
*you can purchase the Essential oils in this recipe from the Young Living website (not all companies have food grade oils so don't use just any brand). You can also swap out the oils for herbs.

Did you know that h**p has many cannabinoids that can be extracted that can be used for different health benefits, besides CBD? Look for these few that are gaining a lot of traction in areas of wellness. Most H**p extracted cannabinoids are different than ma*****na in that they do not have mind altering effects. There is a lot of research going into the wellness benefits of the h**p plant. But do your research if you want to try some because though the industry is becoming more regulated, there is still a lot of junk out there that is not what they say it is. Make sure it’s a reputable company.

In a culture where self recognition seems to be the forefront of every social media platform - I think we need to be reminded of Who truly needs to be glorified and try instead to point others to Him.  
 
Lord Jesus, 
Thank you for all the things that you give us. You are generous with your gifts and blessings on our lives. Even when we fail to realize it, you are the giver of every good thing we receive. 
Help us to attribute all the praise, honor, and recognition to you rather than claiming it for ourselves. Just as John the Baptist did, let us make you greater and ourselves less so that all those around us can see that you are the one who deserves all the glory. Let our lives be a testimony to your greatness and show others that it is not I, but Christ through me (Galatians 2:20). 
Forgive us when we take credit for the things that you give us and try to attribute the praise to ourselves. Help us to recognize this, even when we do it unintentionally. Give us the self-awareness to always look for your hand in all things. Let us not forget that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father (James 1:17). 
You are a powerful, loving, and good Savior. Thank you for all the ways that you bless our lives, both in ways we can see and in the unseen. Thank you for accomplishing your good works through us. We love you, and we give you all the praise, glory, and honor.  
In Jesus’ Name, 
Amen. 
 
(Prayer by Tiffany Curtis is the Faith Editor of Crosswalk.com)

See for more helpful food and beverage tips for your body

Need Christmas gifts ideas for teachers, stocking stuffers, or even a little something nice for yourself? 😊 Beautycounter has added an entire limited time seasonal line of great good-for-your-skin products, AND, almost everything on the site is on sale w/ free shipping.

Got something weighing on your mind right now? Our God cares. Tell Him.

Happy Fall! 🍁 Looking for some new healthy recipes that the family would love? If you haven’t checked out Green Chef, it’s awesome! I can always count on healthy meals every week with all organic ingredients, made in only 30 mins. This Shrimp Bisque with fresh zucchini is amazing 😍. If interested let me know and I will send you a discount off a trial order.

Swap your dryer sheets for wool dryer balls! 
 
One way to clean some toxins out of yours and your families lives is through your laundry products. What we wash and dry our clothes with stays in our clothes, which stays on our skin all day and night. Our skin absorbs those toxins. There are a lot of clean detergent and fabric softeners that are safer options that work great. Those dryer sheets, however, are not only bad for us, but they are horrible for your clothes and laundry also. They coat the fibers with a film that wears them out more quickly. That slimy coating is made up of a chemical called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACS) that has been shown to cause or worsen asthma and irritate sensitive skin. Environmental Working Group’s senior research and database analyst Samara Geller says that the chemical has been linked to long-term health problems like cancer or reproductive issues, but that it hasn’t been studied enough to make a conclusive determination yet. Wool dryer balls are a wonderful option that reduces static and drying time. Instead of just imitating softness, the balls rub and beat the fabric to mechanically soften the fiber. You can even enhance the smell of your laundry with some drops of essential oils on the balls if you desire. I keep 6 in my dryer at all times. You can find them at your local health food store, Whole Foods, or on Amazon for less that $15 for a set of 6, and one set lasts for a several years. That’s much less that what you will spend on dryer sheets for 3 years. Just make sure they are 100% wool.

I love to read Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young to my children every morning. It is such a great way for young Christians to be able to relate to and see our Lord in a more personal way. I love how Sarah writes scripture from the 1st person (Jesus’s) view with short life applications that we all need reminding of daily. The Bible is a love story from God and shows how God has desired to be with us from day 1. And He promises until the end, He is with each of us, Always.  What comfort ❤️ 
  
Excepted from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young,  
I broaden the path beneath you so that your ankles do not turn. This shows how intricately I am involved in your life-journey. I know exactly what is before you, and I can alter the path ahead of you to make your way easier. Sometimes I enable you to see what I have done on your behalf. At other times you are blissfully unaware of the hardship I have spared you. Either way, My work to widen the way before you demonstrates how lovingly I am involved in your life.  
  
From your perspective, My workings are often mysterious. I do not protect you — or anyone — from all adversity.  
  
Neither was I shielded from hardship during my thirty-three years of living in your world. On the contrary, I willingly suffered unimaginable pain, humiliation, and agony on the Cross — for your sake! When My Father turned away from Me, I experienced unspeakable suffering.  
  
But because I was willing to endure that excruciating isolation from Him, you will never have to suffer alone. I have promised: I am with you always!  
  
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” — Matthew 27:46 NKJV  
  
…And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. — Matthew 28:20  
  
You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. — Psalm 18:36