Your Abundance Does Not Wither!

“Blessed is the man

     who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

     or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

     and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

     which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither.

     Whatever he does prospers. 

Not so the wicked!

     They are like chaff

     that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

     nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

     but the way of the wicked will perish.”

- Psalm 1:1-6 NIV

What was your initial reaction to this scripture? A breath of power and esteem? A sigh of relief? An eye roll? A stir of annoyance?

More than likely depending on the day and what's going on in your life the reaction might be different. Most emphasis on this scripture is directed to be rooted in Christ, the stream of water. And how when you are then you will receive the prospering that is discussed. With that in mind, as a Christian you might have reacted in the positive manners, a breath of power or esteem or a sigh of relief. Even if this is the case, I still want to challenge you to go a little deeper with it! So keep reading. :)

But what if your reaction was on the other end? What if this scripture made you roll your eyes or it aggravated you? I want you to take a moment and ask yourself why. 

Are you ready for complete transparency?!

This morning when I read that I rolled my eyes. {Catch your breath! Yes, me, the one writing all of these blogs and praying for you, the one who loves Jesus with all my heart, - I rolled my eyes!!!} I am far from perfect and as much as I hate to admit it, my flesh gets the best of my mind sometimes. When I read that a Christian is like a tree planted by waters that will  prosper in whatever he does, I sent that through "a breeze through the trees"** of my thoughts and thought patterns that have been formed over the 24 years of my life. This morning followed the several days of the enemy attacking my thought life. So the trees this scripture breezed through were ones that were growing in toxicity; "humph, not me...", "not everything I do prospers", "I'm not good enough", and the list goes on.

Luckily, I have had wonderful mentors, pastors, and friends who have trained me since my spiritual birth to fight my flesh. They have taught me and walked with me through many of the spiritual growing pains I have faced. I have been raised well. 

Have you ever met a 20 something, spoiled brat who doesn't know what real work is? Have you ever met a 20 something who has been raised well, with a head on their shoulders, manners, and a great work ethic? You can immediately see the differences. The same goes for spiritual growth. Some have been raised well, others not so much. 

{{If you are a Christian who feels like you have not been raised well and you identify more with the 20 something brat, find strength and power in that there is still growing up to do. You're not stuck where you are, no matter how long you've been there.}}

Because of my spiritual upbringing I have been able to stand firm and not relinquish my thoughts and emotions to satan. So when I read that and rolled my eyes there was a spirit check. Why? Why was that my response? Also, God's nudging was there to push me from noticing a spirit check to discovering and shifting something in me. He opened my eyes to the rest of that verse.

"...which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither."

First, the tree yields its fruit IN SEASON, not continuously. If you've been in church for very long you know that there are "seasons of life", this is a churchy term used to describe the ups and downs and ebbs and flows of life. This is not exclusive to Christians, but effects non believers too. So we Christians can become used to this term and look it over easily in scripture, while maintaining our pre-percieved ideas about whatever we just read. While I read that the tree will bear its fruit in season I still had in my head a tree will bear fruit constantly and continuously. But that is not what the Word says. There will be a time to "bear fruit", {another churchy term that means to see the payoffs of our hard work - apply that to whatever area of life you need to}, but there will also be a time when no fruit is seen.

Second, the leaf won't wither. When do leaves wither? Extreme circumstances, cold/hot, and in fall, the "season" of death and dormancy. So this tree is not exempt from the heat or from the cold, it is not exempt from the seasons of death and  dormancy. However, the tree will endure. The tree will continue to show signs of life, a leaf not withered. 

This is there promise that we have from the Lord. If we remain in Him, if we obey and meditate on His laws, we will not wither and we will bear fruit in the proper season. 

Through this scripture and others like it we are also promised that if we do not abide in the Lord, if we choose to "walk in the counsel of the wicked" and to make our selves at home there, then we will be like chaff; dried, dead, and useless. We will be tossed around by life, not able to grip anything. We will not truly live.

So, wherever you are, whatever you're going through, I pray that this message speaks to you. I pray that you hear your heavenly Father, your Rescuer, your Best Friend, calling out to you, encouraging you to walk with him. He has the water to provide for seasons, to keep you from withering away and to supply your fruit in the proper season.

Father, thank you that you care enough about us to encourage us and to prompt us to go deeper with you. Thank you for your provision and for giving us your best, no matter what life throws at us. Thank you for new life, for fruit, for steady stream, pouring into us constantly! Give us peace that goes beyond our circumstances and courage to stand firm in you! 

~Awaken Us~

Brenna Stanford

Young Living
Member # 2645436

P.S. So right after I had this moment with the Lord I read a post by one of my leaders. I'll share it below. Basically it was a post reminding us of how awesome and powerful these gifts of essential oils are. This particular one is a blend called Abundance. I have this, and actually had it in my purse. So I pulled it out and applied it topically and inhaled it directly. This gift from God paired with the reawakening of this scripture shifted my mind and spirit enough to kick satan's tricks out of my mind, refocus and walk in the abundance God has for me!

Post:

Seriously y'all. You need to use Abundance oil like water. No joke. It's the #secretsauce along with a train load of #hustle!!!

This essential oil has a powerful effect on your energy. If you are radiating the frequency of scarcity {poverty mindset}, it will be very difficult to move into a place of Abundance. Many people find this incredibly beneficial.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?
1. diffuse it during the day
2. diffuse it at night while you sleep
3. rub it on your feet
4. wear it like perfume
5. rub a drop on your phone (seriously)
6. rub a drop on your computer (yep)
7. put a drop on oily mail that you are sending out
8. put a drop in your wallet (no joke)
9. add a few drops to a spritzer with water and spritz yourself each day.
10. spritz the floor mats in your vehicle

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20

#ALLtheabundance #getyousome

**This is a phrase taken from Who Switched Off My Brain? by a Christian neuroscientist Caroline Leaf. I highly recommend you reading this book!

God's Ways are Higher than Ours. Where is He Leading You?

I want to ask you, what is the avenue that God is using or is trying to use in your life? If you would have told me 3 years ago that the ministry God was building through me was through a network marketing company I would have laughed in your face and wondered what type of drugs you were doing. I'm reminded of Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

I hope that you find encouragement in this. It is truly in obeying God in the little things that leads to the "big" things.

{I apologize for the abrupt ending. 😬 And all the moms said amen! 🙏🏻 Thank you for your grace!}

I wouldn't be able to share this testimony of God's plan if I wouldn't have first said yes.

My first yes was in 2009 when I said yes to coming home after a LONG summer, on one condition, I had to go to church. My next yes came just a month or two later when I said yes to Jesus. All he wanted was for me to let him love me. After that came many other yeses, all of which took my on a new adventure of some sort. 

While the introduction of Young Living in my life wasn't anything "miraculous", it was God's hand in it after. The freedom from sickness that he brought my family. The subtle pulling on my heart deeper into this company. Then the Spirit speaking to me saying, "If you trust me. I will use this to bless you." Now I get to pray for and with so many people! I get to stand in front of them, representing and glorifying Christ in all of it!

There has been opposition along the way. Satan does not want God's love to be extended to people. Through this ministry it is happening! It goes so far beyond me, but I get to play a piece in it. Here is a video showing the bigger ministry.

So today, I want to ask you, where is God pulling your heart? Are you following Him? Part of my purpose is to help others follow God and where He is leading them. If there's anything I can pray with you about and for, comment below or send me an email. This is a safe place for us to seek God and let Him awaken purpose and passion into our lives.

Father, thank you for your goodness. Thank you that you have a purpose for each of us. We praise you because your ways are higher than ours and your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We do not trust in our own understanding, but we stand firm in faith that you are leading us deeper into your heart. Make us aware of your presence in our moments today. Lead us through each one with fresh eyes for your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen!

~Awaken Us~
Brenna Stanford

The Song We Sing

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us                          You who fear him, trust in the Lord-
     but to your name be the glory,                        he is their help and shield.
     because of your love and faithfulness.
                                                               The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
Why do the nations say,                                     He will bless the house of Israel,
     'Where is their God?'                                     he will bless the house of Aaron,
Our God is in Heaven;                                    he will bless those who fear the Lord -
     he does whatever pleases him.                       small and great alike.
But their idols are silver and gold,
     made by the hands of men.                        May the Lord make you increase,
They have mouths, but cannot speak,                 both you and your children.
     eyes, but cannot see;                                  May you be blessed by the Lord,
they have ears, but cannot hear,                           the Maker of heaven and earth.
     noses, but cannot smell;
they have hands, but cannot feel,                  The highest heavens belong to the Lord,
  feet, but cannot walk;                                        but the earth he has given to man.
  nor can they utter a sound with their throats.    It is not the dead who praise the Lord,
Those who make them will be like them,               those who go down to silence;
     and so will all who trust them.                  it is we who extol the Lord,
                                                                           both now and forevermore.
O house of Israel, trust in the Lord -
     he is their help and shield.                         Praise the Lord."
O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord -
     he is their help and shield.                         - Psalm 115 (NIV, 2005)

This Psalm, a song sang at the Passover meal to celebrate how God rescued His people. This song is meaningful and applicable to our lives today.

The first thing that is sung is that God's name will be glorified. This needs to be the heartbeat of our lives, the song that our lives sing. When you hear something like that, the heartbeat of your life, or the purpose for your life, what do you think of? So many of us jump to the big picture of our life, the sum of all of our moments. It is so easy to overlook the fact that the big picture of our life is the sum of our moments.

So if God being glorified is what the big picture of our lives needs to look like, it is also what our moments need to look like. Our moments need to sing God's glory.

Our challenge is to stay in the Word, so we can read and study and hear from the Lord and His instructions for us. Every day we are to wake up, praise Him, and ask the Spirit to fill our heart and mind.

Once we accept Jesus into our heart as savior, the Holy Spirit fills us and we are marked with Him. (Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,) So we aren't asking the Spirit to fill us because He left us. We are simply directing our mind and heart to acknowledge that everyday we need God. We are intentionally making ourselves aware of the Spirit and His presence in our life and our need for Him. This is how our moments will glorify God, when we are intentionally about listening for His guidance in our every moment.

The next portion of this song talks about the idols that others were worshiping. While in most areas today people aren't bowing down to a statue, people are bowing down to money, to status, to busyness, to mediocrity, and about a million other things. While I understand that it takes money to survive in this world, I want to help you understand that that does not mean that money is to be your first priority. The same goes for anything else you can fill in the blank with. We can spend a lot of time here and many blog posts here, but we aren't going to today. So I am leaving you with this, NO. THING. is to be in the first priority spot except for God, not your spouse, not your kids, not your job, not anything. That spot belongs ONLY to God. 

The answer for why, follows those verses, because God is our help and shield. God blesses us when we follow and obey Him. No matter who you are, the president or lowest of low, God blesses and loves you when you glorify Him.

>>>>>Side note here. We, humans, we are the ones who established a "rank" within ourselves. The only rank God gave was that we were to rule and reign over the earth. Our sin put everyone in these "brackets". So no matter who considers you what class, or how you even consider yourself, God is adamant in the Word about how He sees you; HIS CHILD. A child of the most high king. The one who created it all and the one in whom everything has its purpose. YOU BELONG TO HIM.

Challenge yourself to be aware of His presence and guidance and to let your moments, each one, bring glory to Him. I bet you will see some major blessings. If nothing else you will be more aware of the Spirit at work in your life, that alone is a blessing unlike any other! If you aren't sure how ask Him. After all, He is your daddy, your best friend, your number one supporter, He wants you to have all the goodness that you can!

Father, thank you for your love and faithfulness to us! Help us to sing your glory today in every moment! Show us just how you are with us. Lead us through each moment. May your Spirit equip us today! In Jesus' name, Amen!

~Awaken Us~

Brenna Stanford

P.S. I am going to be including little nuggets of ways that I have been able to enhance my prayer life, or area of life that these blogs pertain to. Today, I want to share with you the heart fill, the spirit fill! God wired me so that emotions play a big role in how I tick. One thing I have learned is that our limbic system affects our emotions, unlike words. I have been using Frankincense essential oil during my prayer time, and throughout my day. It has helped to stabilize my emotions so that I am more focused on my time with the Spirit, and His presence in my moments. 

Hello Again!! I've Missed You!!

Four years ago this month I introduced myself to you all. At the time I was newly married and had received a dream from the Lord. The reason I started this blog was birthed from that dream. God had given me a message and this was the only way I knew how I could share it at that moment. Over the last four years I have gone through many seasons and many growing pains. This blog reflects those times. In posts to come I am sure you will learn more of them.

Right now I want to share with you why you suddenly see an influx of posts that seemingly have nothing to do with spiritual health and that are all about Young Living. Right now it probably seems that it doesn’t belong here. About two years ago God brought Young Living into my life in such a random manner. I wanted to make laundry soap and the recipes I found used essential oils to scent the soap. I did a little research and right away I saw how strong the opinions were about the importance of pure, therapeutic grade oil. At the time this didn’t mean much to me. I had never been a “green freak”, all I cared about was the fun of making my own and saving some money. Not long after I started looking into them I saw a diffuser at my sister-in- law’s. She called it an “air purifier”, which caught my attention a little. I thought it was cool that it cleaned the air and it smelled good.

Not long after that one of my boys pulled a candle off of the table and it is only God’s protection that kept him from needing to go to the emergency room. There was hot wax EVERYWHERE except on him! That was the moment where I finally decided that we needed to do something different. So I got with my SIL who pointed me to a mutual friend. Between the two of them they got me all set up with oils and a diffuser.

Shortly after that the seasons started changing and I got a cold. Those two started telling my about different things I could use to support my immune system and hopefully kick that cold. After two days I was convinced. I fell in love! I started talking about it and sharing it with other friends! And even people who I had before called “friendlies”  meaning that they were friends on things like Facebook and other social networking platforms.

About a year later I was following some of the social media posts from Young Living’s annual convention. This was the first time I had heard the founders and leaders speak. I was shocked and in awe of how much of God was represented! He was the one getting all of the glory. Others were the ones who was the focus, their well-being, their purpose, their good. The ones leading this company are a true example of Loving God first, loving others second and taking great pride and stewardship over the purpose God has given them! I was blown away. In that moment is when I heard a whisper from God, “If you trust me, I can use this to bless you.”

Now, if you know me, then you know that when God gives me a piece of the puzzle, I try to solve the whole thing! I immediately thought, oh my gosh, he is going to use the business opportunity to financially bless and take care of Awaken! I’m not saying that isn’t going to happen, but I am saying that after a year I can look back and see God’s hand in this is so many ways that go far and beyond finances! I have seen God use these products, which is a pure form of His creation, to do miraculous works in the bodies of His people. I have seen Him use these products to change mindsets. He has used this to bring people into my life that I get to pray for! Some of the people who I have been able to meet and connect with through Young Living are some of the coolest spirit friends I have!

The foundation of Young Living is God. What they stand for and what they want to help everyone achieve is the same goal and vision I have. Although I will admit that I have not always been as aware of physical health, and I still struggle most of the time to stay mindful and pursue physical health and wellness, but Young Living definitely is helping me in this area. I have always been about passion and purpose, about God’s best for your life! So is Young Living! They not only provide you opportunities to discover this but they equip you with tools like brain power, clarity, motivation, abundance, valor and more! (these are all essential oil blends that are formulated to support you in those areas!) 

So, with Jesus, Oils, and Coffee, I have learned to take on each day better equipped. I continue to learn more and more about the Lord. That He cares about every moment of our day and everything that we do. This blog will always have the purpose of God first, others second and ourselves last. We will always share with you ways to grow and learn and love God. Now we are not limiting it to sermon style blogs, but will encompass everyday life.

~Awaken Us~
Brenna Stanford

Young Living Member # 2645436

Here is some of my story and why I love Young Living

Benefits of essential oils

Start learning about essential oils here!

What does God say?

"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise." Proverbs 21:20 KJV

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” Thus begins the Gospel of Saint John. The creation story of Genesis begins with the statement: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Following we find God speaking his creation into existence. We find the phrase “and God said” nine times in the first chapter of Genesis.

Word is a vibration, a frequency, a consciousness, an expression of energy. When God created the plants by his speaking voice, he imbued them with his word and his intelligence.”

-Healing Oils of the Bible; Stewart, David, Ph. D; pg. xvii


"It is clear in the Bible that God intended the oils of plants to be used for many purposes. …Food, fuel for light, aromatic, perfume, incense, burial, anointing, emotional release, mental clearing, spiritual upliftment, physical healing, and prevention of disease."

-Healing Oils of the Bible; Stewart, David, Ph. D; pg. xix

Benefits of Essential Oils

If you have been under a rock for the last few years then you've missed the "go green" movement. So I will fill you in! With the help of more research and its availability to the general public, people are becoming more aware of the toxins and chemicals that surround us in EVERYTHING we encounter. Literally. In discovering an issue people are also educating themselves in solutions. Enter essential oils.

Essential oils have added to lives for thousands of years. They offer a variety of benefits from cosmetic and dietary purposes to spiritual and religious use. When an essential oil is extracted properly through careful steam distillation, resin tapping, and cold pressing, you are left with the "lifeblood" of the plant. The purest essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they come. Any time you hold a bottle of high quality and 100% pure essential oils, you hold nature's pure essence. 1 How can essential oils benefit you in your everyday life?

Heighten Spiritual Awareness

Incense and essential oils from plants are highly known to play an important part in religious and spiritual ceremonies. This helps participants exceed the trivial and connect with something larger than themselves. The pure constituents in these oils trigger receptors and activate regions in the brain’s limbic system associated with memory, emotion, and state of mind. To heighten your spiritual practice, dilute and apply empowering essential oils directly to wrists, feet, and behind the ears or diffuse the oils in a quiet space.1

Inspire a Positive Emotional State

Have you ever smelled something that immediately took you back to another place and time? You were filled with emotions revolving around that memory. That is your limbic system at work. Just like the smell of aftershave and a pipe can remind me of my great-grandpa and fill me with love and happiness, scents are one of the only ways to reach our limbic system. Your limbic system is the area of your brain that is concerned with instinct and mood. It controls the basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, dominance, care of offspring). 3 Essential oils are potent and have a powerful effect on our sense of smell. They are used in aromatherapy, aroma yoga, and other mindful practices because of their outstanding impact on brain health and emotions. Love the way the fragrance from a fresh orange peel brightens your day? Or how the invigorating scent of mint awakens your mind? Essential oil’s complex, pleasant, and unique scent triggers emotions and memories, which can help in your search for a more fulfilling and balanced life.1

 

Don't Forget Your Memory

Our mental faculties are responsible for the way we function in our daily lives and the quality of life which we lead. At one end of the spectrum mental fatigue, poor concentration and burn-out, plague us, and at the other end long-term degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia are taunting us. The good news is that we can do something about it. Scientific research suggests there are a number of essential oils that can benefit our cognitive abilities and help us to maintain healthy brains. At a lecturer in early childhood and special education studies, Professor Barbara Wilmes, has suggested that educators should be using essential oils to boost learning in our classrooms. 2

DHA and EPA are the most important omega-3's to our brain and overall health. Research has shown that some essential oils can slow down the degeneration of DHA in the brain.2 A university held a study which showed that essential oils can increase autonomic nervous system activity, reducing alpha 1 and 2 brainwaves and raised beta brainwaves. 2 Because essential oils have been proven to have these amazing benefits to our brain they may help reduce day-to-day absentmindedness and improve mental clarity and function, as well as the longevity of memory.

 

Physical Wellness

Modern, fast-paced lifestyles don’t always create ideal conditions for physical wellness. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and an overabundance of environmental toxins can leave the body out of balance and with low to no energy levels. From weight management to supplemental support, essential oils and essential oil-infused products can provide the targeted solutions you need to restore balance and feel your best. Check out the Slique® weight-management system or Vitality™ line of dietary essential oils from Young Living to discover the best way to infuse your life.1

If physical fitness is important to your life there are several essential oils and oil infused products that help stimulate and promote oxygenation. Sore muscles? Why not help soothe yourself with the amazing power of a pure essential oil? You can feel revived every day with the whole food-based nutrients, powerful antioxidants, and pure essential oils.1

Refine Your Beauty Routine

Eliminate unsafe ingredients from your personal care products and rediscover your natural glow. Essential oils are an ancient beauty secret, that help promote many different benefits. 1 They can aide in skin cell regeneration which supports clear complexion and an even skin tone. Essential Oils such as Frankincense and Tea Tree can act as natural toners in your skincare routine. Some essential oils may help regulate oil production which can benefit the skin in a variety of ways, maintain elasticity, reduce occasional acne, fight signs of aging, and tighten skin. They also condition the skin which may help with dryness. Using naturally derived ingredients, these advanced skin and hair care solutions make it easy to enjoy the beautiful benefits of essential oils every day.1

Purify Your Home

Harsh chemical formulas aren’t your only option when it comes to cleaning your home. Enjoy peace of mind without compromise when you polish countertops, wash sticky hands, and clean laundry with the safe and effective power of essential oils and Young Living’s Thieves® line of products.1 It’s not just you're cleaning products, do you burn candles, use aerosol spray, wall plug-ins and anything else to help your home smell great? Chances are even the “green” brands are chalked full of chemicals. Diffusing essential oils not only adds a fragrance that is wonderful but it can also support your body on many levels!

How To Use Essential Oils

You can access the power of essential oils many ways, but the most common practices include aromatic diffusion, topical application, and dietary consumption. These methods bring the pure essence of health-promoting botanicals to your home, family, and life.1

Safety Tips

While essential oils are safe to ingests, diffuse and apply topically (I can only safely say this about Young Living Essential Oils), there are a few safety tips you want to keep in mind. Please keep away from eyes, and do not pour into ears. If you get any in your eyes use a fatty oil, known as a carrier oil, to rinse with. There are some oils that met feel “hot” when applied to the skin so use a carrier oil to dilute if that is ever the case. Dilution is suggested for infants and children. Citrus oils are photosensitive so keep off of skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or uv lighting.

If you're ready to start enjoying the amazing benefits of pure therapeutic grade essential oils you may go to yl.pe/f2q or go to youngliving.com and enter member number 2645436 into the sponsor and enroller slots.

If you would like to learn a little more click here!

Feel free to contact me with any questions!



~Awaken Us~
Brenna Stanford


brennadawnnstanford@gmail.com
Young Living Member # 2645436

Reference:
1 - https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/about

2 - https://www.wellbeing.com.au/body/health/essential-oils-healthy-brain.html

3 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbic_system

Essential Oils 101: Part 2 - The Premium Starter Kit!!!

We have several different variations of Starter Kits, but we will be covering the PSK with oils!! (Premium Starter Kit)

Even within the Premium Starter Kits you have options!! Diffuser PSKs, NingXia PSK, and Thieves PSK. We are going to cover the Essential Oil PSKs!! (Stay tuned for Part 3 & 4, covering the NingXia and Thieves PSKs)

This graphic is a great over view of the
11 oils that we will discuss today!

What all is included in the PSK?!

• 10 of the most popular essential oils
• BONUS oil (a flex oil)
• Diffuser of your choice
• A roller fitment
• 5 sample caches of essential oils (one is Peace & Calming which is not in the kit)
• Sample jars and cards for sharing
• 2 samples of Ningxia Red
• Product Guide
• Some literature to learn more about Young Living and our amazing products!!

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils. It’s also the most adulterated of all essential oils, so it is very important to know what you are getting. It takes 170 pounds of plant material to make 1 pound of lavender oil. Young Living adds nothing to that pure Lavender oil, so the aroma may be different than typical lavender body care products, which often contain synthetics for a sweeter fragrance. 

Lavender:

- Assists the body when adapting to occasional stress.

- Relaxes and calms for restful sleep.

- Soothes and cleanses healthy skin.

- Soothes occasional minor skin irritation.

- Can be diffused for a comforting and calming aroma.

- Can be added with Epsom salts to a relaxing nighttime bath.

- Is sometimes called the “Swiss Army Knife” of oils because it can be used for so many things!

Lavender is the reason I started using essential oils. In our home, previous to oils, we used lavender scented EVERYTHING!! Then one day my son got old enough to pull plug-ins out of outlets and pull candles off of tables. On top of that I wanted to start making my own soaps and things of that nature, so I started looking into ingredients. Essential oils was the constant in the fragrance department. I knew someone who used the so I started asking questions. Young Living's Seed to Seal Guarantee set them apart and so it began!

How do you imagine you would use lavender essential oil the most?

Lemon Vitality oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit, meaning the oil doesn’t contain the acid found in the pulp. Drinking water with Lemon Vitality is much easier on the enamel of your teeth than squeezing a lemon into your water. Lemon has many more uses!! One of my favorites for this is diffusing with Lavender and Rosemary, it smells so fresh and clean! When our family needs extra support in our drainage system I will apply topically or put a drop directly in the mouth.

Lemon Vitality:

- Tastes wonderful in water.

- Includes 68% limonene, a powerful antioxidant.

- Can be used in beverages, savory foods, sweet foods, or placed in a vegetable capsule.

Kitchen Tip: Add several drops to your favorite fruit dip recipe.

Comment below to let me know how would you be most likely to use Lemon Vitality!

Peppermint Vitality!! Yay for peppermint!! This is great to support brain health and memory! 

Peppermint Vitality:

- Promotes healthy intestinal and bowel function.

- Supports normal digestion.

- Supports cognitive function and memory.

- May support performance during exercise.

- Has a crisp, cool, refreshing flavor.

You can add Peppermint Vitality to food or water or add a few drops to a vegetable capsule. Another great way is benefit from this essential oil is to spike your water or tea! With the cool months approaching I look forward to trying a drop in my hot chocolate! :)

Kitchen Tip: To make Peppermint brownies, add 5 drops of Peppermint Vitality to a 9x13 pan of your favorite brownies.

Leave a comment below about how would you be most likely to use Peppermint Vitality!

Frankincense is considered the holy anointing oil in the Middle East and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. (*If it is good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us!) Frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times, and only those with great wealth and abundance possessed it. 

Frankincense:

- Can be applied or diffused for calming, relaxing, or emotional well-being.

- Is useful for massage after activity.

- May help smooth the appearance of healthy-looking skin.

- Includes the naturally occurring constituent alpha-pinene and is high in sesquiterpenes.

Let me tell you, this is my FAVORITE oil!!! I do not go a day without it! It has completely upgraded my facial skin and played an important role in leveling out my emotional health! 

Which use for Frankincense would be your favorite? 

Purification is a blend of Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandin, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Myrtle. 

Purification:

- Soothes and cleanses common skin irritations and occasional blemishes.

- Freshens & cleans the air rather than covering up odors like chemical sprays or plug-in air fresheners.

- Is a great non-toxic cleaning choice.

- Can be applied topically to enjoy summer evenings outdoors annoyance-free.

- Can be added to laundry soap or to wool dryer balls for fresh-smelling laundry. 

Okay, I know I promised not to say this about every oil, but I LOVE Purification!! I am diffusing it constantly! I love to apply it topically along with Lavender around my ears and down my neck to support my drainage system. My favorite use for Purification is on my dryer balls! This oil got 40 years of smoke out of a quilt!! (jumping with joy!!!)

Can you think of something around the house that could use a little Purification essential oil?

PanAway is a blend of Helichrysum, Wintergreen, Clove, and Peppermint. 

PanAway:

- Helps soothe occasional muscle tension and discomfort.

- Provides comforting warmth to muscles after exercise or daily activities.

- Can be applied to the skin for a soothing aromatic experience.

- Can be added to massage oil to cover a large area.

DIY: Create a soothing muscle rub by whipping up 1 cup of coconut oil until its fluffy (or for a more firm rub just heat the coconut oil to melt it), then add 10 drops each, PanAway, Valor, and Peppermint.

DiGize Vitality is a blend of Ginger, Anise, Fennel, Peppermint, Tarragon, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Lemongrass, and Juniper.

DiGize Vitality:

- Supports normal digestion.

- Can be taken in water, honey, or a vegetable capsule.

- Can be used with meals along with enzymes like Essentialzymes-4™ to support a wellness regimen.

- Can be used as a dietary supplement in water when traveling abroad. 

We love this oil! My whole family uses this oil to support a healthy tummy! My two year old son will ask for his "oisil" and generally it means he wants this on his tummy!!

When would you be most likely to use DiGize Vitality? Comment below!

Copaiba Vitality:

- Was traditionally used to aid digestion.

- Can be heavily diluted and applied to the gums of teething children.

- Promotes wellness.

- May be an important part of a daily health regimen.

- Can be mixed with honey and warm water to create a tea. 

This oil moved up my awesome list when I had a teething infant who needed support to his body's natural reaction to inflamed gums. This is a mild enough oil that I was able to apply it directly to his gums. (Be sure to always test oils on yourself before you put them on your infants. For further reference look to Gentle Babies by Debra Raybern.) Since then I have used it several times to support my body's natural reaction to inflammation.

Thieves Vitality is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, Rosemary.

Where did the name “Thieves” come from? 

Thieves was inspired by the legend of four 15th-Century French thieves who formulated a special aromatic combination composed of clove, rosemary, and other botanicals they used while robbing the dead and dying. In exchange for a more lenient punishment, they revealed what they used. Thieves essential oil blend is highly regarded for it’s ability to support the immune system. 

Thieves Vitality:

- Supports healthy immune function and overall wellness.

- Includes Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil, which may help maintain a healthy respiratory system.

- Can be added (1 drop) to a cup of tea or glass of apple juice.

- Supports oral health.

We keep a blend of Thieves, Oregano, Lemon and Peppermint in a roller bottle. I use this on myself and my two boys as a part of our daily wellness routine!

Kitchen Tip: Make a wellness tonic of 1oz Mother's Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 drops of Thieves Vitality, 3 drops of Ginger Vitality and 3 drops of Lemon Vitality. Top with Hot water.

How would you most likely use Thieves Vitality? 

R.C. is a blend of Cypress, Spruce, and three types of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Eucalyptus Citriodora).

R.C.:

- Can be diluted and applied to chest, neck, and throat areas.

- Can be rubbed on feet or chest before exercise to uplift.

- Can be massaged on feet before bedtime.

- Can be diffused for an uplifting and invigorating aroma. 

R.C. stands for Respiratory Care. When my family needs respiratory support, our favorite way to use this is in combination with Epsom salt for a therapeutic bath!

Stress Away is a blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Ocotea, and Lavender. 

Stress Away:

- Helps combat normal stresses that creep into everyday life.

- Promotes wellness.

- Helps reduce mental rigidity and restore equilibrium.

- Encourages relaxation and helps reduce occasional nervous tension.

- Can be diffused for a relaxing, calming, and comforting atmosphere. 

Tip: Add a roller fitment to the Stress Away bottle and roll Stress Away on your neck, wrists, and over your heart. 

Who would you share a little Stress Away with? 

You have seen that some essential oils are called vitality oils and some aren't. So, what's the difference?

To learn more about the Vitality Line click here: https://youngliving.com/en_US/products/vitality

Would you like to learn more?

Oils are an investment into your family’s health, so it is important to know how to use them! There are many resources available online. Here are a few that you may want to bookmark.

• Online Starter Guide: http://issuu.com/lorimillsgordon/docs/oily_families_essential_oil_starter
• The Embrace Wellness Chart: at top of post
• Young Living Blog: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/
• Oily Families Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/oilyfamilies
• Young Living Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/YoungLiving/
• Oily Families Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/myblessedlife/young-living-essential-oils/

You can’t use what you don’t have... so how do you get these amazing oils?

Young Living Essential Oils are not available in stores, and Young Living chose this business model deliberately. Rather than having you walk out of a retail store with products, they wanted to provide you with a community for support and resources. When you become a Young Living member, you get a whole team of people who will guide and support you at no extra cost.

The best option for getting your oils is starting a wholesale membership. This is similar to becoming a Sam’s Club or Costco member. With your membership, you get 24% off of retail prices on all future orders.

The best choice!

The best choice to kick off your membership is the Premium Starter Kit. It includes the 11 oils we talked about in this class, a diffuser, a roller fitment, empty travel-sized bottles, 2 packets of NingXia Red, additional product samples, and educational information. You get all of that plus your wholesale membership for $160. The retail value of this kit is over $350!

There are no strings attached with your membership. You don’t have to distribute or sell anything. You don’t have to order monthly. There are no order minimums. To remain an active member, you simply have to purchase $50 every YEAR! If you let your membership go inactive, there’s no penalty. You just have to make another purchase to reactivate. Simple. Easy. No surprises.

If you’re ready to start your wellness journey you can go to youngliving.com and use member number 2645436 or click here! :)

I hope that you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful. If you have any questions please comment below or send me an email!

~Awaken Us~
Brenna Stanford

Young Living Member # 2645436




If you missed Part 1 (What is an Essential Oil, About them & Safety) then click here!

Click Here to enroll now!

WANT FREE OILS?

Essential Rewards is TOTALLY OPTIONAL. It’s a great way to save on your Young Living products!

If you are truly ready to jump into the Young Living Lifestyle, the optional Essential Rewards program is the next step to take once you have your Premium Starter Kit. It’s SO AWESOME! 

Essential Rewards is Young Living’s monthly autoship program. The benefits include:

- cheaper, flat-rate shipping.

- the ability to change what you order each month.

- the ability to change your order date each month.

- being able to take a grace month (skip month) once a year. 

- earning extra free monthly promotional items.

- earning points you can redeem for free Young Living products.

- being able to cancel at any time with no penalty.

Remember, Essential Rewards is TOTALLY OPTIONAL. It’s a great way to save on your Young Living products!

Essential Oils 101: Part 1 - Why Young Living? What is an Essential Oil? How to Use an Essential Oil? Essential Oil Safety!

Welcome everyone!! I have had some people ask me to post a blog for our Essential Oils 101 Class. This will be a Multiple Part Blog. There is so much wonderful information that you need time to read, and re-read, then let it all soak in!

First, let me start off with our disclaimer (yes, I have to do this): I am not a medical professional. The information shared in this class is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any illness, nor is it meant to replace professional medical attention or advice. Advice and testimonies are all based on use of Young Living brand of oils specifically. Use and application of this information is done solely at your own risk. I believe that when you give the body what the support it needs, then the body can heal itself. I am not an expert. You don’t need to be an expert to make better choices for your health and wellness. It just takes some research and experimentation. There are many wonderful reference guides, books and resources available about how to use essential oils. Find them here!

About Young Living:

Young Living is all about VIBRANT health, wellness, self-care and taking charge of our lifestyle and wellness choices.

WHY YOUNG LIVING? 

What makes it special? Young Living’ s Purpose is to "Bring greater wellness and abundance to people all over the world." Young Living takes the stewardship of our planet seriously. Their state-of-the-art production process brings you the purest oils on Earth. Young Living offers a promise of purity from “Seed to Seal.” Young Living is the only company that offers this type of stewardship and purity!

Growth Facts
• In 2014, Young Living launched 21 new products, 13 of which are new essential oils.
• In 2014, their active members and sales more than doubled.
• Young Living essential oils come from over 50 different sources and are all worthy of the “Seed to Seal” distinction.
LEARN MORE: http://seedtoseal.com

What is an Essential Oil?

An essential oil is the volatile oil of a plant, meaning they will evaporate, unlike a fatty oil. Essential oils are extracted from trees, shrubs, flowers and stems and seeds. Sometimes they are called the “life force” of the plant. Essential oils don’t have a shelf life. They last a long, long time. 

-The purest, most potent form of an herb. 

-EO’s are nothing new. Historically, essential oils are the oldest known form of medicine, dating back to 4500BC. 

Properties of Essential Oils - Helpful for supporting ALL body systems like - skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, nervous, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, reproductive and integumentary body systems - as well as the structures and functions of the body. 

How to Use anEssential Oil

**The FDA requires Young Living to label their oils as either dietary and cosmetic. Young Living had to choose the PRIMARY usage for each oil, since they can be used in so many different ways. YL follows the French model of essential oil usage because of the high quality of our essential oils. If in doubt about how to use an oil it’s always great to start with the primary usage on the label and then go from there as you see fit for your family.** 

1. AROMATICALLY: When inhaling, it takes 22 seconds for an oil to reach the brain. The only way to reach limbic system is through smell, which is why oils are such a great option for those for those needing emotional support and support for their nervous system. 

Diffusing is another way we inhale oils, it purifies the air, makes your home smell good without chemicals, great for respiratory support, stubborn spouses and crazy kids. Having more than one diffuser is a plus too. 

2. TOPICALLY: Because of their molecular structure, essential oils are rapidly absorbed by the skin. Sometimes when you apply an oil to the skin, it almost seems to disappear into the body. When applied topically, it takes 2­-3 minutes for an oil to reach the bloodstream, 20 minutes to affect every cell in the body, then metabolized within 2 ½ hours. 

It’s not rocket science ­- apply oils to the area where you want to provide support. Some favorite places are wrists, behind the ears, neck, temples, stomach or especially feet. 

3. INTERNALLY: In water/drinks, cooking/baking, in capsules etc. 

Be sure to use glass or stainless steel when drinking essential oils in water. Citrus oils especially can digest petrochemicals, so it’s important not to use plastic. 

That's all for this post!! I will see you at Part 2 to get started on the PSK!!! (Premium Starter Kit)

What questions do you have?? Comment below and I will answer them!!




~Awaken Us~

Brenna Stanford


Young Living Member # 2645436