Several weeks ago, at the beginning of December my mom and I had the amazing opportunity to be apart of the Hearties Family Reunion (a fan event for the TV show When Calls the Heart) in Vancouver, BC. It was a brilliant and wonderful weekend and as I shared on instagram, I marveled at the beauty and the creativity of all of those involved in the show and left inspired in many was that are hard to put into words. The entire weekend was absolutely delightful in meeting so many lovely people, including the cast of When Calls the Hart (#WCTH), producers of the show, Brian Bird, Janette Oke, and so many other sweet #hearties. The trip impacted, inspired, and changed me... in gentle and beautiful ways.
On Friday evening (December 2nd) we gathered for the welcome party. I said this to several people but I truly wasn't sure what to expect. I wasn't sure if we were all going to stand around and chat or what the process would be but I was so impressed with the way that the organizers had set up the time. It was truly wonderful.
After registering and receiving some awesome swag bags and goodies we all met in the large conference room where we proceeded to have a wonderful evening.
We heard more details about how the weekend would look, heard precious testimonies of how the show had impacted people personally, and even got to have a sneak peek of the Christmas episode movie.
One of the most fun parts of the reunion was connecting with new friends from around the world! I loved meeting these precious new friends (including some whom I have connected with in the Facebook group) and was delighted to connect with others who had a love for life. We had a blast hanging out and sitting with each other throughout the conference and enjoyed getting to know these ladies more at dinner one of the evenings.
I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Brian Bird, one of the executive producers of the show.
It was an incredible honor to meet was author Janette Oke.
As a beginning author and a woman who wants to encourage others through her writing it was such an incredible honor to have the opportunity to chat with Janette. She was so incredibly gracious and had words of encouragement for me as a writer which I truly have treasured.
I have always found Janette's books to provide a sweet and yet profound message of truth in them and to meet her was such an amazing thing that I will definitely treasure forever. As an author you always have your favorite authors that you admire and look up to and Janette Oke is definitely one of those for me!
And of course for me the most special part of the entire experience was sharing it with my mom. We had such an amazing time with memories that will last for a life-time. It was such a wonderful opportunity and a dream come true.
A huge thank you to everyone that made this trip possible and to everyone who was apart of this! I can't wait to share with y'all in the next couple of weeks more of the Hearties Family Reunion (#HFR2) including the opportunity to meet the cast and crew (which you can read about HERE) and the visit to Hope Valley (the set of When Calls the Heart)!
Happy Tuesday friends! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
In the three previous years that I have done this I chose the following words:
Anew (2016)
Mettle (2015)
Valor (2014)
Over the past few months as I have prayed about 2017, the Lord kept bringing to mind the themes of redemption and restoration. These are two words that I have always prayed for my life over this health journey, but in the last few months I truly felt the Lord impressing upon my hear these two themes for this year. So as I continued to pray I felt the Lord bring these two words together into one perfect word:
Rachat is a french word that means:
(1) redemption
(2) restoration
(1) redemption
(2) restoration
Granted, it is not a word that is "common" or used everyday but the definitions sum up exactly what I pray for for this coming year. You may be wondering why I chose the french word for this year and I can't wait to share more with you on Wednesday about my goals for this upcoming year and will explain the unique reason I have chosen the french word.
This word is perfect for many areas of my life, but as this battle for my health continues to be very difficult and demanding and I want to meet this challenge with the hope of what is coming and the full belief that the Lord is bring full redemption and restoration. I want to persevere and yet live fully in this season. As I lean on the Lord's strength to conquer the "unknowns" of what lies ahead with my health, healing, relationships, my professional life, my shop, my writing, and some personal circumstances I can rest fully in the knowledge that His strength is going to give me the joy to face these demanding and difficult situations and bring about a victory that I could never imagine. Finally, I want to be a good soldier for the Lord in this difficult situation and have the quality of temperament to face the pain of illness, the strength to believe in the impossible, and the lovely peace that comes from trusting a Sovereign God fully without fear.
There are some verses in scripture the the Lord kept bringing me back to as I prayed through this upcoming year and two have really become "my verses" for this 2017 year:
A lot of time as a young sick gal I find myself facing the truth that I struggle with this season being one of "crumbling". To be honest, it is not a lot of fun. *smiles* The other day I was moaning and complaining to the Lord and saying, "hasn't there been enough pain?" "hasn't there been enough sickness?" "haven't I endured enough on this journey?"
And the Lord quietly replied, "My child, I love you. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame scorch you." (Isaiah 43:1)
I am humbled by the Lord's love that so graciously puts up with my complaining. How great His love is for His children. BUT... I admit that I have been dealing with some deep grief behind the scenes. Recently I have felt such a tug-of-war about wishing this story was different. I have cried many tears about the deep aching dreams that I see others receiving and living while I struggle to get out of bed some days. My "successes" of the day often revolve around things that would seem small to the rest of the world. I haven't talked about it much on this blog but it has been a death ... a relinquishing of many many dreams on this long journey. There have been many tears that have been spent on this tender subject. Many tears wondering if my greatest dreams of being married and being a mama will come true. Even writing those words and reading them is difficult as I surrender to the Lord.
But in the midst of this the Lord has promised redemption and restoration. I don't claim to know exactly what that will look like in my life or the way that it will manifest itself. I know that it will look unique and the way that the Lord will write the story and I trust His best ways.
This word is perfect for many areas of my life, but as this battle for my health continues to be very difficult and demanding and I want to meet this challenge with the hope of what is coming and the full belief that the Lord is bring full redemption and restoration. I want to persevere and yet live fully in this season. As I lean on the Lord's strength to conquer the "unknowns" of what lies ahead with my health, healing, relationships, my professional life, my shop, my writing, and some personal circumstances I can rest fully in the knowledge that His strength is going to give me the joy to face these demanding and difficult situations and bring about a victory that I could never imagine. Finally, I want to be a good soldier for the Lord in this difficult situation and have the quality of temperament to face the pain of illness, the strength to believe in the impossible, and the lovely peace that comes from trusting a Sovereign God fully without fear.
There are some verses in scripture the the Lord kept bringing me back to as I prayed through this upcoming year and two have really become "my verses" for this 2017 year:
"For I will restore your health to you, your wounds I will heal" declares the Lord."
-Jeremiah 30:17
"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter..."
-Joel 2:25-A lot of time as a young sick gal I find myself facing the truth that I struggle with this season being one of "crumbling". To be honest, it is not a lot of fun. *smiles* The other day I was moaning and complaining to the Lord and saying, "hasn't there been enough pain?" "hasn't there been enough sickness?" "haven't I endured enough on this journey?"
And the Lord quietly replied, "My child, I love you. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame scorch you." (Isaiah 43:1)
I am humbled by the Lord's love that so graciously puts up with my complaining. How great His love is for His children. BUT... I admit that I have been dealing with some deep grief behind the scenes. Recently I have felt such a tug-of-war about wishing this story was different. I have cried many tears about the deep aching dreams that I see others receiving and living while I struggle to get out of bed some days. My "successes" of the day often revolve around things that would seem small to the rest of the world. I haven't talked about it much on this blog but it has been a death ... a relinquishing of many many dreams on this long journey. There have been many tears that have been spent on this tender subject. Many tears wondering if my greatest dreams of being married and being a mama will come true. Even writing those words and reading them is difficult as I surrender to the Lord.
But in the midst of this the Lord has promised redemption and restoration. I don't claim to know exactly what that will look like in my life or the way that it will manifest itself. I know that it will look unique and the way that the Lord will write the story and I trust His best ways.
The Lord is staring to beautiful restore and redeem. He is bringing rachat into my life in unique and tender and gracious ways.
So that is my "word" for the year friends! Did y'all pick a "word" for this year? I would love to hear about it and what the significance is to you!!
"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight, at the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more, when he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, and when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."
-CS Lewis-
Happy Saturday friends! I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend!
Happy Friday friends! I hope that you have had a wonderful first week of this new year! This first week has been a busy one for me for sure! To kick off the BUY A BOOK, CHANGE A LIFE PROGRAM, my very first book, “Praying through Lyme Disease” has been set at a special promotional sale!
For a limited time "Praying through Lyme Disease" will be on sale for $3.99 on Amazon but this sale won't last much longer! Head on over to get your copy now by clicking HERE!
Do you already have this book? Consider purchasing one of my other books for your library. You can find the complete list of all of my books HERE! Or would you consider purchasing a book as a gift for a friend or loved one or to donate to your local doctors office, a local shelter, a local church library or your public library? I have been overwhelmed with the response to the BUY A BOOK, CHANGE A LIFE PROGRAM and I am so thrilled to see all the change we can make in peoples lives this year!
For a limited time "Praying through Lyme Disease" will be on sale for $3.99 on Amazon but this sale won't last much longer! Head on over to get your copy now by clicking HERE!
Do you already have this book? Consider purchasing one of my other books for your library. You can find the complete list of all of my books HERE! Or would you consider purchasing a book as a gift for a friend or loved one or to donate to your local doctors office, a local shelter, a local church library or your public library? I have been overwhelmed with the response to the BUY A BOOK, CHANGE A LIFE PROGRAM and I am so thrilled to see all the change we can make in peoples lives this year!
Hurry on over to purchase your copy now at this special promotional price before it ends and help further the BUY A BOOK, CHANGE A LIFE PROGRAM! Thank you so much for your sweet support of this book and program!
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
- Mother Teresa-
Happy Thursday friends! I hope that you are having a great week!
It seems like all of a sudden there have been tons of people struggling with getting colds or the flu and today I wanted to share 21 tips on how to prevent catching either of them! I was shocked when I read recently that many people contract up to 3 colds per year and they can last last long as three weeks! That is more time than many people spend on vacations for the whole year!
As y'all are aware my immune system is incredible low and so these are tips that I have been practicing for the last several years with great results. Thankfully, despite my extremely compromised immune system I have had very few colds or flu bouts which is a miracle. I hope that these tips that have helped me will help y'all too and you can enjoy a happy and sick-free winter!
1. Wash Your Hands
This is such simple tip but one that so many people actually don't do! Take the time to wash your hands every time you come into your home, before you eat and several times a day. This is a simple tip but one of the most important ones!
It seems like all of a sudden there have been tons of people struggling with getting colds or the flu and today I wanted to share 21 tips on how to prevent catching either of them! I was shocked when I read recently that many people contract up to 3 colds per year and they can last last long as three weeks! That is more time than many people spend on vacations for the whole year!
As y'all are aware my immune system is incredible low and so these are tips that I have been practicing for the last several years with great results. Thankfully, despite my extremely compromised immune system I have had very few colds or flu bouts which is a miracle. I hope that these tips that have helped me will help y'all too and you can enjoy a happy and sick-free winter!
1. Wash Your Hands
This is such simple tip but one that so many people actually don't do! Take the time to wash your hands every time you come into your home, before you eat and several times a day. This is a simple tip but one of the most important ones!
2. Get a Goodnight Sleep
I have written on the blog about getting better sleep and this really applies to this season too! Do you need a better mattress? Check out my post on better mattress ideas!
I have written on the blog about getting better sleep and this really applies to this season too! Do you need a better mattress? Check out my post on better mattress ideas!
3. Move your body
Exercise stimulates your immune system so try to do something everyday to move your body!
Exercise stimulates your immune system so try to do something everyday to move your body!
4. Sanitize your purse
(or book bag or briefcase) Doctors now say that these items can be one of the worst carriers of germs!
(or book bag or briefcase) Doctors now say that these items can be one of the worst carriers of germs!
5. Drink plenty of water
Water flushes toxins out of our system and helps to move germs out of the body. Want to read more about the amazing benefits of drinking water? Check out this post HERE! And for an added immune boost try adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your water! (You can read all about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar HERE!)
Water flushes toxins out of our system and helps to move germs out of the body. Want to read more about the amazing benefits of drinking water? Check out this post HERE! And for an added immune boost try adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your water! (You can read all about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar HERE!)
6. Take your vitamins and herbs regularly
Most Naturopath Doctors believe that it can take up to three months for your body to start using the vitamins and herbs that you give it so take these on a consistent basis before you get sick.
7. Strengthen your Gut
Did you know that your gut controls so much of your immune system? Going along with #6- take supplements that help to strengthen your gut to help out your entire body! Last week I wrote a post on 10 Affordable and Helpful Supplements for Lyme Disease Patients for the Gut but that post is helpful for anyone that is looking to improve your immune system! You can find it by clicking HERE.
Most Naturopath Doctors believe that it can take up to three months for your body to start using the vitamins and herbs that you give it so take these on a consistent basis before you get sick.
7. Strengthen your Gut
Did you know that your gut controls so much of your immune system? Going along with #6- take supplements that help to strengthen your gut to help out your entire body! Last week I wrote a post on 10 Affordable and Helpful Supplements for Lyme Disease Patients for the Gut but that post is helpful for anyone that is looking to improve your immune system! You can find it by clicking HERE.
8. Reduce Stress and Relax
Reducing stress helps to support the immune system. Looking to do something to help you relax? Take this opportunity to discover the benefits of massage or consider the benefits of pet ownership!
Reducing stress helps to support the immune system. Looking to do something to help you relax? Take this opportunity to discover the benefits of massage or consider the benefits of pet ownership!
9. Take Time to Laugh
Remember my post on the importance of laughter? Laughter is excellent for your body!
Remember my post on the importance of laughter? Laughter is excellent for your body!
10. Dry Brush
Have you tried dry brushing? This simple and yet effective trick is easy to do and helps get rid of your toxins! Not sure how to dry brush effectively? Check out my post entitled Step-by-Step Dry Brushing guide by clicking HERE.
Have you tried dry brushing? This simple and yet effective trick is easy to do and helps get rid of your toxins! Not sure how to dry brush effectively? Check out my post entitled Step-by-Step Dry Brushing guide by clicking HERE.
12. Limit your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol suppresses the immune system and dehydrates the body.
Alcohol suppresses the immune system and dehydrates the body.
13. Stop Smoking
In addition to the dangers of smoking for your entire health, doctors say that smokers are more prone to more serious and long lasting colds.
In addition to the dangers of smoking for your entire health, doctors say that smokers are more prone to more serious and long lasting colds.
14. Watch what you touch!
Are your co-workers sick but still coming to work? Watch what you touch and make sure to wash your hands at work A LOT!
Are your co-workers sick but still coming to work? Watch what you touch and make sure to wash your hands at work A LOT!
15. Take Garlic (or add it to your meals)
Garlic is known to have antibiotic properties for your body. Can't stand the taste? There are many garlic supplements out there!
Garlic is known to have antibiotic properties for your body. Can't stand the taste? There are many garlic supplements out there!
16. Drink Tea
Try drinking different teas to help boost your immune system.
Try drinking different teas to help boost your immune system.
17. Take a Probiotic
Just like I shared in #7- the gut is the storehouse for your immune system. Probiotics can help you in many different ways and studies are showing that those taking probiotics are 42% less likely to get a cold! Check out some of my recommended probiotics HERE.
Just like I shared in #7- the gut is the storehouse for your immune system. Probiotics can help you in many different ways and studies are showing that those taking probiotics are 42% less likely to get a cold! Check out some of my recommended probiotics HERE.
18. Cut out the Sugar and Sweets
Loma Linda University did a study on people who consumed sugar and found that their infection-fighting white blood cells lost the ability to fend off bacteria and viruses.This study also shared that our immune systems can actually be suppressed for several hours after you eat or drink sugar. Are you a person who drinks several sodas a day? If this study is correct then you are actually lowering your immune system for the entire day.
Loma Linda University did a study on people who consumed sugar and found that their infection-fighting white blood cells lost the ability to fend off bacteria and viruses.This study also shared that our immune systems can actually be suppressed for several hours after you eat or drink sugar. Are you a person who drinks several sodas a day? If this study is correct then you are actually lowering your immune system for the entire day.
19. Dry your toothbrush
Make sure your toothbrush is far away from others in your household and have the opportunity to thoroughly dry so that bacteria is not growing on them! (EWWW!!)
Make sure your toothbrush is far away from others in your household and have the opportunity to thoroughly dry so that bacteria is not growing on them! (EWWW!!)
20. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an immune booster to our bodies. Looking for a recommendation on a Vitamin C? We use THIS ONE by Soloray. We purchase it on Amazon due to the low cost and love the fact that it is non-acidic! You can find it HERE.
Vitamin C is an immune booster to our bodies. Looking for a recommendation on a Vitamin C? We use THIS ONE by Soloray. We purchase it on Amazon due to the low cost and love the fact that it is non-acidic! You can find it HERE.
21. Build Healthy Relationships
Studies have shown that those with healthy relationships are generally healthier people.
Studies have shown that those with healthy relationships are generally healthier people.
Did you know that there are certain foods that boost your immune system? Check out my blog post, 17 Foods that Boost the Immune System by clicking HERE to read! Have you gotten a cold and are looking for help to get over it quickly? Check out my blog post 14 Ways to Heal a Cold Quickly by clicking HERE to read!
Happy Thursday friends! Wishing you a wonderful day (and winter) of health and happiness!
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.
Imagine having a disease and yet not being able to pay to be able to see a specialist for your particular case.
Imagine being able to finally pay thousands to see a specialist and then not having the funds to follow the doctors instructions because insurance won’t pay for the medicine or supplements that you need.
Sadly, despite the rising costs of health insurance this is the situation that most Lyme Disease patients find themselves in. In the course of treatment and the fight to get well, most Lyme Disease patients will spend close to 100,000 to 500,000 in their fight to get well and many struggle to even buy the most basic everyday needs for life.
This year, in 2017, I have a dream to help make a difference one-by-one in Lyme Disease patients lives through helping to provide monetary funds to patients who desperately need help and this is why I have created the BUY A BOOK, CHANGE A LIFE PROGRAM.
Simply put, the BUY A BOOK, CHANGE A LIFE PROGRAM will donate financial gifts to Lyme Disease patients when any of my books (Praying through Lyme Disease, December Caravan, Path of Hope, When Light Dawns, Prayers for the Single Journey) accomplishes either of the two following things:
(1) hits the top 20 list on Amazon
or
(2)when I hit 25,000 sales of any individual title
To determine who will receive the financial donations when any of my books accomplishes either of the 2 things above, I will hold a special contest on my blog that readers can vote for the Lyme Patients they feel should receive the financial gift. (More details on this to come!)
Thank you for helping to change the life of patients who desperately need help and health. Want to buy one of my books today? Click HERE. Already have all of my books? Consider purchasing a copy as a gift for a friend or loved one, for a local doctors office, a local shelter, to donate to your local church or public library, or to give away to someone who needs it. Each purchase helps us reach the goal of changing a life.
Thank you for being a hero!
Also- to kick this special program off I am holding a special promotional sale for “Praying through Lyme Disease”. For a limited time "Praying through Lyme Disease" will be on sale for $3.99 on Amazon! This is a special promotional price for the New Year and won't last long! Head on over to get your copy now by clicking HERE!
Hurry on over to purchase your copy now at this special promotional price before it ends and help kick off the BUY A BOOK, CHANGE A LIFE PROGRAM! Thank you so much for your sweet support of this book and program!
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
- Mother Teresa-
We're thrilled to announce you can now sign up to be a part of the "From Hope Valley" book launch team!
Happy New Year friends!!
25 Women will be selected from the applications to join the launch team on January 7th and the members will be notified via email by January 7th! This application timeframe is QUICK so apply today!
25 Women will be selected from the applications to join the launch team on January 7th and the members will be notified via email by January 7th! This application timeframe is QUICK so apply today!
Launch team members will receive exclusive access to a pre-release digital copy of "From Hope Valley" and will be invited to join our private facebook group.
*someone who enjoys reading books on faith
* someone that LOVES books
*someone that LOVES the TV series "When Calls the Heart"
* someone that LOVES books
*someone that LOVES the TV series "When Calls the Heart"
*someone that loves the internet and isn't afraid of social media
*someone who who is will to post about the book's release on their social media sites (and blog if applicable) and write a review on Amazon AND Goodreads
*Are you excited to read "From Hope Valley" and tell your friends about it?
*Do you like the TV Series "When Calls the Heart"?
*Are you fairly savy at Social Media?
*Do you have an active blog? Are you active on any social Media Account? Do you have another legit place of influence (Christian Ministry Director, Newsletter Editor, Group Leader, Site Manager, Youth Leader, Women's Ministry director, Sunday School teacher, Christian School Teacher, Teacher, etc.?)
IF YES to any of these questions than we would love for you to apply!!! (You can click HERE to do so!)
*your age (this is a book for women 16-100+)
*Your location- we are happy to send a digital copy of the book to anywhere in the world
*Your social media numbers
*Whether you are new to watching the show or have been watching it since it began
*Whether you are new to watching the show or have been watching it since it began
We are asking you to do FOUR things:
1. Read a portion or the entire early copy of the book.
2. Engage with your friends and followers online by posting about the book before, during, and after launch week (you will be provided with complimentary images, ideas, etc. on how to do this) (Launch Week is the week of February 1, 2017)
3. In your place of influence we require that you write a blog post, facebook post, social media post, etc. about the book. You will be provided with lots of pics, links, and goodies for this!
4. Post a review on Amazon AND on Goodreads during Launch Week (Launch Week is the week of February 1, 2017)
You will receive a free digital copy of the book that will provide you with a first look at the book and access to a private facebook group that will keep you updated on the activity and latest news around the book. This gives you an opportunity to get an inside look at marketing a book and being apart of the movement surrounding the book. There will also be some exciting opportunities and special surprises for the launch team to win free goodies!!
AND I will be forever grateful!!
AND I will be forever grateful!!
We have made joining and applying for the "From Hope Valley" book launch team SO simple. Simply fill out the application HERE!! (HURRY!!) Don't forget, if chosen you will receive an email on January 7th and be invited to join the facebook group on that day also!
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