Reader: Today we light the Joy candle. We open our hearts to receive the gift of joy in Christ. Jesus partnered with God in Creation and then stepped into the world He made to bring heaven here. The angels sang of this good news of great joy that is for all of us!
(Light Candle)
Cynicism is easy.
Yet we long for laughter
A reason to rejoice that reaches into the deepest parts of us.
Joy to the world, the Lord has come to bring heaven down
The angels proclaimed it good news of great joy
Our Maker stooped down to be with us
Good news for all people
The beautiful hodgepodge of humanity invited to be restored
To God’s vision for each of us.
For us, the infinite became an infant
To be known, to offer meaning, purpose, eternal life
An infant to make us smile and peel back our armour
To open our hearts to the joyful invitation to wonder and new life.
Rejoice in the restoration
Jesus came to bring abundant life
Come near and let Him restore, awaken and make new.
Today we light the Peace candle. The Prince of Peace invites us to enjoy stillness. “Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the waves: “Peace! Be still.” The wind died down and was completely calm.” Thank you, Jesus, for entering the storms of life with us and bringing peace there.
Peace Poem:
In a world full of noise and conflict and sorrow.
Life vibrates with sound and motion
Thoughts fly in chasing others out
Multi-tasking, managing schedules, juggling responsibilities
Needs cry out to be met
Storms blow in knocking us flat -
Jesus beckons
“Peace
Be still
Peace I give to you
A gift to nurture a transformation
Rooting you in restoration
Jesus invites
Let peace grow within you
and then let it out to the world so in need of reconciliation.
Let me create peace in you beyond your understanding
that you can hold the light of the Prince of Peace
to shelter your heart and shine on the path of all those around you.
~ Peg Wright 2022
We all go through seasons when stresses are high.
My husband had a day off on Monday and really needed to let his body gear down. Instead of numbing with mindless activities, I suggested an at-home spa day! He was game!
I started with making him a nourishing smoothie with 1/2 scoop of Chlorella protein powder, 10 mg Collagen, 1/4 Avocado, 1/4 cup of Oat milk, 1 tbsp Coconut milk, 1/4 cup of Strawberries, topped up to the 2-cup mark with water. I try to make one of these for him most mornings since I already make one for myself. I handed him a Ningxia Red pouch, Super B for adrenals, Vit D/K, and mineral supplement to round out his nutrient care!
After a leisurely breakfast, I had him prep for a detox bath with some dry brushing. This stimulates the lymph system to circulate and drain as it is meant to. You just use a boar bristle brush to brush up from the feet to the groin area where the lymph drains. Then brush up the hands, arms, and torso to the armpits where the lymph can drain.
While he was brushing, I filled the tub with very warm water, Epsom salts and 4 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil. He soaked in the tub for 15 minutes to allow his muscles to soak in the minerals and let the Rosemary go to work on helping cleanse his body of toxins. It is normal to sweat after this. I have been doing this bath every 3 days for the last few weeks and found it really restful and helpful.
I learned about this routine during our YL team's summer lymphatic challenge. I really enjoy the benefits of the dry brushing and detox baths. At first, these actions stirred up headaches that eased in the bath.
I showed him my YL Satin Mint Facial Scrub and three-step Bloom skincare routine, and he loved how it made his skin feel smooth and hydrated.
Then I showed him how to apply essential oils for hormone balance, immune support and digestive care to help his body feel nourished and supported to function well. Supplements and essential oils are part of my daily routine - though I also include emotional oils.
For lunch, we included a large salad with balsamic vinaigrette to enjoy the benefits of olive oil and greens alongside his normal easy picks for self-serve meals. He remarked that he isn't usually so intentional about self-care. I mentioned that it is to have a resilient body that can handle neglect. My system is so sensitive that these are habits that are necessary for me to feel well every day.
After lunch, Lance and I enjoyed some reading time and then he had a restful nap on the couch for 30 minutes.
Some physical activity and creative time are great ways to nourish our body and spirit to reset. I was pleased when Lance mentioned how much more relaxed he already felt. A massage before bed will be the perfect finish to our spa day!
What would you include in your spa day?
I was reminded this morning how vital it is to know we are seen, heard, known and loved! I love the bible story of the lamb that was missed, sought and found by the shepherd! It is lovely to remember that the One who made us is always aware of our needs and steps in before we even know how to ask.
As a young teen struggling with trauma, I'd go out into the woods and feel a peace and calm settle over me as I recognized God's care and understanding even though I didn't even know what I needed. I knew I wasn't alone in the best possible way - not the creepy way.
Whatever this day is like for you, take a second to breathe deeply and know that you are seen, known and loved!
Many perfumes and candles cause me to have headaches and an asthma reaction. So I love using beautiful natural scents from essential oils to make my own personal scent that also offers some stress relief!
DIY VANILLA MINT PERFUME
I love vanilla and mint scents! They are calming and fresh, and remind me of peppermint patties and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Wearing some stress-relieving self-care as you get ready for your day can be such a wonderful way to set the tone and move into healthy spaces!
This DIY Vanilla Mint perfume is the perfect spring perfume and it is so simple!
DIY VANILLA MINT PERFUME
10-15 drops of Lavender
10 drops Stress Away
3 drops of Peppermint
Add to a roller bottle and top with your favourite carrier oil.
OR
Add to a 30 ml Pretty Spray Bottle and add a splash of witch hazel to spritz it on! It can be a great linen spray, too!
And BONUS: Lavender and Peppermint are great seasonal supports too, so as you're smelling delicious you're also fighting off the spring sniffles!
My favourite roller bottles can be found at this link:
Find some fancy bottles for gifting or pick up a few vintage perfume spray bottles. I like these but you can use half the number of essential oil drops for this size.:
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