Lemon Sugar Scrub. Homemade.

I love handmade gifts. It's amazing how much cheaper it can be to make a batch of something for several different people rather than spending $20-$30 on one person..depending on what you're making of course. When you haven't got the money to spare, and/or you're saving, 

(like us) this makes a lovely gift for the lovely ladies in your life.

I found this recipe here on her website.

Supplies you will need:

2.5 cups of sugar (bag of sugar-$3.00 Walmart)

1 cup EV Olive oil. (liter-$7.00 Walmart)

4 Tablespoons of lemon juice. (pre-squeezed and packaged-$2.50 Walmart)

Glass jars with sealed lids. (Kerr 12 pk. 8 oz. $9.00 Walmart)

Pretty Ribbon (3 spools-$6.00 Michaels)

Metal spoons. (2 4 pk.-$2.00 Walmart)

About $30.00 total..gifts for at least 8 people.

Directions:

I bought all my supplies at Walmart and Michaels. 

The recipe is for 12 oz. jars, but you can use any size jar you'd like. 

Mix 2 1/2 Cups of Sugar with 1 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add in 4 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice.

You can use scented essential oils if you'd like instead or along with.

Mix well until a gritty paste forms and spoon into a glass container with a lid that seals.

The Sugar may settle once it sits for a while, so be sure to stir before using. 

Pair your glass jar with a little metal spoon tied with some lovely lovely ribbon!

This scrub is great to use after any craft projects that leave your hands sticky or gummy...including paint!

Perfect in time for Christmas!

Will post photos of my own creations soon.

Love,

Lindsay

His Nest.

Some of you may not know that Matt and I have been living with Matt's family for about a year and a half now saving our money and building our careers. Sometimes sacrifices are made when you marry young, and having our own home was one of them after moving back from Cali after a year.
I cannot express how thankful I am for Tom and Bobetta.
We are truly blessed by their patience and giving hearts.
This has humbled us, as God has placed us here to wait patiently. I'd like to say that Marriage looks different practically for a lot of couples. It is true that God has given us a perfect picture of what marriage should be and He has been teaching me a lot about this. It's been difficult to wait for our own home...

to have our own Christmas tree, our own kitchen to cook together, complete privacy and freedom. 

But that is just it. It isn't going to be our own when we do end up moving out.

It is and always will and should be in Christ's hands. I am in consistent need to be reminded all that we think is ours, is the Lord's.

I wouldn't have it any other way. Pushing my husband to feel like he needs to work at a place where he feels useless just to pay our rent doesn't feel like a good idea to me...I can't say I have never been tempted, but I believe the Lord has placed us right where He wants us the past year and a half.
I am not saying that couples who are working in places they dislike to provide for their families are in the wrong. And I can't say that working for minimum wage to provide is perfect. We all have our differences and God places us, as believers, in the right work place to further His Kingdom.
Life is after all to glorifying Him, right?
I've started realizing how quickly life is moving, and it is moving faster and the days feel shorter.
Do something you love, that moves you, and gives God the Glory. Whatever you do, do for His glory.
The Lord calls us to take action. Not just speak and think, but to take action by His guidance; to use our gifts.

"There's a unique sense of fulfillment that comes when we submit our gifts to God's use, and ask Him to energize them in a supernatural way-and then step back to watch what He does. It can be a difference between merely existing in black and white and living a life in full brilliant color." Lee Strobel


I have learned a lot about encouraging my husband. I know I have had difficulty doing so here and there, and it is clear to me that lifting him up in the work he is passionate about is essential; working for a non-profit doing media, taking part in showing God's word through photo and video to be shown to the Nations. I am so proud of Him. We have been blessed to see more and more support come in from friends and family and we are so thankful! I have seen so much growth in Him as he's worked with School to the Nations. Though this has been part of us waiting for our nest, I wouldn't do this any other way because of Matt's growth and passion to see the Good news reach the nations.
Praise God for His plan. Praise God for His provision and guidance. 

Sometimes we think we know everything...where to go, what to do, how to do this or that. 

If I hadn't trusted God with where He was leading Matt, 

I don't think I would have seen this growth. I wouldn't trust the Lord for my strength as I have now.

 In my mind, I will know...our nest will be His.

Seeking to have Joy this morning.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;  at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

"Fear not..."

"But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you,

O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

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. For I am the LORD, your God, 

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom,

Cush and Seba in your stead."

Isaiah 43:1-3

It is my responsibility as a believer to place my trust and confidence in the Lord. He has redeemed me! Why do I fear? 

Why am I so focused on my fears over my capabilities? 

Sometimes it feels like satan has a hold of my foot and I just can't seem to shake him off. So I've been in a rut lately. 

A lot of things weighing on me, that I haven't just laid at the feet of Jesus. When my fear and worry comes out of my mouth, part of me doesn't believe how much junk is in my brain; dampening my strength and confidence in what I can do.

THe Lord's strength cannot be dampened. He is my confidence. He leads me through the waters beside me, He keeps me safe from the blaze. 

Sincerely, 

Lindsay