My Journey of Faith

 

My relationship with God wasn’t always that great, if even existent, until just recently.  Growing up the only church I remember is going with my Grandma and then some shortly after my mom and stepdad were married.  None of them really caught my interest, but I do have to appreciate the fact that they brought me.  As a teenager I was quite a pain in the butt and refused to go because I felt forced, therefore it wasn’t my idea and it wasn’t fun.  So, I decided to go down my own path……..BAD IDEA!!  I made so many mistakes and have so many regrets.  But, at the same time, it has formed me in to the person that I am today. 

About 6 or 7 years ago my dad decided that he was going to take his shot at “this whole God thing”.  Growing up I always remember hearing him say “God will strike me dead with lightening if I step foot inside a church”.  So when he decided to try and find a church to call home, it really sparked my interest.  He finally found one after many months of searching and he himself was saved in 2005!  After my divorce, I got really lonely and needed something, but wasn’t sure what it was.  My stepmom at the time had left my dad and sent him in to a deep depression.  So, I felt that it was a good idea to join him at his church on Sunday mornings.  Devin and I would meet him there and every time during morning worship I would just break down and cry, but had no idea why.  My dad would put his arm around me and just hug me the whole time, not saying a word.  He would take Devin so I could gather my composure again.  I would look over and see him holding his hand high and singing along and worshiping his heavenly father.  I had never seen this side of him before but I LOVED it! 

Unfortunately, April 26, 2006 my father took his own life because of his depression and the prescription drugs and alcohol he referred to as “the demons he couldn’t get rid of”.  After Arta left him, he plummeted quickly in to a horrible downward spiral of not caring about anything.  The combination of alcohol and prescription medication to take away his pain inevitably took him away from me and everyone else who loved him.  That was by far the worst day of my life!!

After that I was angry with God for not saving him.  I was angry that of all the miracles he performs he couldn’t make this miracle happen.  Dad prayed every single day to have his pain taken away, so why weren’t his prayers answered?!!  Easy…….Dad wasn’t himself or in the right state of mind and instead of hearing and feeling God’s love, grace, comfort, promise and care for him, the evil took over and he was gone.  This wasn’t God’s fault!  Why should I blame him?!

I started attending a couple different churches but just couldn’t get that feeling that I belonged there.  Then, my sister Kiley said that she attended Abundant Life Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit and it was amazing.  So, I told her I would go with her a couple of times and see how I liked it. I had also received some mail of my neighbors that hadn’t quite moved in across the street yet, so I knocked on their door because I saw people working in there.  It was the wife’s parents and they were very appreciative.  We got to talking and she said that her new son-in-law was the Youth Pastor up at Abundant Life and that I should try it out sometime.  I thought “Ok, God, I get it”.  J  In October of 2009 I finally found my church home and haven’t looked back since.  I have never had the desire to go to church as much as I do now.  I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to put in my all or nothing.  So, on February 14, 2010 I officially became a member of ALBC, March 2010 I began my discipleship with Elona and on July 4, 2010 I was baptized!!!  I felt this huge release from all of my mistakes because my sins were washed away.  I have met some amazing people at ALBC through the Children’s Ministry I volunteer for every month as well as a Women’s Bible Study…not to mention the comfort of having awesome neighbors just across the street! 

Although part of this was extremely hard for me to talk about, I hope that it will reach someone.  I would love to have anyone who reads this as a guest at our church, so consider this an open invitation.  God loves you no matter who you are or what you have done.  It is by his grace that we are saved, not by what we do for Him.

“I am with you and will keep (watch over you with care, take notice of) you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done all of which I have told you.” (Genesis 28:15)

Do Springtime blooms tear you up? Let me help you!

Ah yes....we are finally coming up on the sun shining, green trees, flowers blooming and open windows!!!  Unfortunately, that time of year is not always pleasant for some!  My youngest sister can't enjoy the windows being open in the house or driving with the windows down in the car when her allergies kick in.  I have heard stories of people having to get shots, be put on prescription medication that is outrageous in cost and they can't be outside enjoying the beautiful weather with the rest of us!  I don't know about you, but that sure doesn't sound like a lot of fun to me.  Why put yourself through all of that when all you have to do is build-up your immune system up so when that time of year comes you can join in the fun outside with everyone else?!

There is a product made by Shaklee called NutriFeron and it is AWESOME!!  My aunt suffered from allergies for years and was one of those that had to be on medication, nasal sprays and eye drops.  After re-vamping her diet and adding NutriFeron to her routine along with her multivitamin, she has been medicine & doctor visit free for over a year now for her allergies!!!  She doesn't have to restrict herself on where she can go because she's not feeling well.  I just had her over a few weeks ago around our dog and both of our cats and she didn't have one single problem!!!  She pet them, they were rubbing up against her, investigating inside her bag and she was completely fine! 

Now more than ever is the time to take care of yourself.  Everyday your immune system has to protect you from millions of toxins that inhabit your surroundings - toxins that you breathe, eat, touch or share.  Here is a list of 10 reasons to support your immune system with NutriFeron:

1.  Naturally Boosts Interferon Levels

Scientists have identified interferon as being critical to healthy immune function.  Inteferons are antiviral agents that fight off viruses, bacteria, parasites and even tumors.  When those cells are attacked and damaged, they need to be increased in order to better fight off future attacks.  NutriFeron is the only dietary supplement in the United States created by the immunologist who discovered interferon that naturally increases the production of interferon in the body.

2.  Created by the Discoverer of Interferon

Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima, the world-renowned immunologist who discovered interferon in 1954, dedicated 40 years of research to finding natural compounds that would provide a boost to interferon production.  This patented botanical blend is found in NutriFeron.  Shaklee's NutriFeron is the only immunity supplement in the U.S. created by the discoverer of interferon.

3.  40 Years of Research

After 40 years of intense research testing hundreds of natural compounds and herbs, Dr. Kojima developed a unique blend of four powerful plant extracts that boosts the body's natural production of interferon.

4.  Patented Blend of Interferon-Boosting Plant Extracts

NutriFeron boasts the MACH patented blend of interferon-boosting plant extracts, AN EXCLUSIVE FORMULA that includes pumpkin seed extract, safflower flower extract, Asian Plantain seed extract, and Japanese Honeysuckle flower extract.  Each serving provides 500mg of immunity-bolstering ingredients.

5.  Supported by Four Human Clinical Studies

Four published clinical studies confirm the extraordinary health and immune-supporting benefits of the proprietary blend of plant extracts found in NutriFeron

6.  Exclusive Formula Protected by 3 Patents

NutriFeron is supported by THREE patents and is available only through Shaklee Independent Distributors.  This unique, patented formula is a Shaklee exclusive.

7.  Made to the Highest Quality Standards

A powerfully effective supplement, NutriFeron has been subjected to a stringent set of scientific tests for safety, purity, potency and performance.

8.  Springtime tears?

Preliminary studies suggest that NutriFeron balances your immune response against environmental irritants and airborne pollutants.

9.  Save 10% by Using AutoShip

Save time and money by putting your NutriFeron order on AutoShip.  Shaklee will send you a reminder one week ahead of time to let you know when it is that time so you won't forget. 

10.  Don't Like It?  Don't Pay for It!

Shaklee takes pride in making products that are naturally safe - AND proven effective.  To prove it, every Shaklee product is backed by an unconditional, 100% money-back guarantee!

Shaklee is always safe...always works....and always green!!  Get in touch with me to set up a FREE health consultation and let's get you on that road to recovery and prevention!!  I feel I have finally landed on something that I am passionate about.....family health, and I would LOVE to help you and your family set a plan in action to get you the most nutrition just right for your budget!

Remember, now more than ever is the time to take care of yourself!!

Welcome to my life.

I am a 30-year-old mom of the most precious little man (Devin, age 6), work full time, go to school full time, have two home based businesses to bring in extra income as well as an active member of a local church.  How do I fit everything in to a 24 hour day.......that's easy.....God.  It is by his grace that I am alive, healthy and can do everything I do each day.

I am not a morning person, so I am rushing around every morning to get as much done as possible and be out the door in time to get my son to school before the bell rings.  Then I'm off to work.  I work at an architectural firm in Leawood, KS full time.  I really enjoy the people I work with.....ok, most of them.  I do have to say that I am very fortunate to work under my mom and we have the most amazing boss!  It's hard to find a company in today's economy that will provide as much as he does for his employees.  

Then I go home my second full time job....being a mom, housewife, girlfriend and caregiver. This is my favorite job of all believe it or not.  Granted, I want to pull my hair out some days if I see dirty dishes on the counter or I get interrupted with "Mommy, mommy, mommy" a million times.  I am fortunate to have a helpful man around the house anytime I need it.  We switch off and on who makes dinner, cleans up, and gets Devin ready for bed.  

Now at some point during the week, I squeeze in time for my homework.  I am going to school to earn my Associates Degree in Business/Business Management.  I do most of my classes online because of the flexibility it offers.  The only downfall is making myself get it all done before Sunday.  You have to be very self driven and motivated to take online classes because there is no one standing there telling you what to do.  You are given a syllabus and course assignments at the beginning of each semester and are expected to turn things in by each deadline.  It sounds easy enough, but when you are as busy as I am, it can get a little overwhelming and next thing you know, it's Sunday at 3pm and you haven't even started your work. 

I am also a member of Abundant Life Baptist Church and feel it has been such a safe haven and life saver for me.  I started going there because my sister wanted to check it out too.  She had heard it was a really good place of worship and the pastor was amazing.........she heard right that's for sure.  I haven't stepped foot in to another church since then because I had found my home.  I officially became a member on Valentines Day in 2010 and was baptized on 4th of July in 2010.  I have since then completed the first discipleship class and volunteer 1-2 times each month in the Children's Ministry with the 19-23 month old kids.  They will truly start your morning off right!

To earn a little bit of extra play money, I have been an Avon representative for 1 year and recently became a Distributor for Shaklee.  I love Avon because they have been around for 125 years and their products speak for themselves.  They do a lot of work with charitable organizations and are one of the many companies that help contribute to disaster relief all around the world.  I fell head over heals for Shaklee for so many reasons.  I could go on for days about why I love their company and their products.  Probably the first and most important thing is that their products are 100% organic and PURE!!  A lot of companies are organic, but Shaklee goes one step further and makes their products pure.  It has helped my family in a huge way and I just want to help so many people by sharing what they have to offer.  Prescriptions damage your immune system and the cost itself can be outrageous!  Just being on a multivitamin, pro biotic and fish oil can balance your system out. It has helped my family in a huge way and I just want to help so many people by sharing what they have to offer.  We can get you the most nutrition that fits your own personal budget.  

I plan to use this blog as a way to share the things I have learned from health & wellness, beauty inside and out to parenting and so much more in hopes of helping other people out there in similar situations.  There are so many times that we go through something difficult or stressful and feel so alone or like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  There is always a light at the end of the tunnel!!!