Carolyn Carleton

Preparing heroes ....

7/25/2021

I read this quote from A.B. Simpson a few days ago and I can't get it out of my thoughts.

With the pain and darkness that I see in the world today I have this feeling deep inside of me that heroes are now being equipped and built into - to take a stand. That we will no longer be silent, that we will speak truth and show love that the world so desperately needs.

It is time to delve into the scriptures like never before sisters. We need to long for its knowledge, that it would hide in the depths of our hearts and become rooted and grounded so that is available for when we need it's truth.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Those verses found in 2 Timothy really touches a nerve. We have things that are wrong in our lives and by delving into His word it will correct us, prepare us and equip us - to be heroes!

It is not the easy road - it is the road less traveled. You will meet people along the path, some will build into you, some you will bless with your gifts and talents, some may even challenge you and your faith.

It is the most heart wrenching and rewarding journey that you will ever take.

Are you ready?

The world needs you.

You have been created for such a time as thing.

It is time.

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Crafting for mental wellness

6/1/2021

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Wellness is described as the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.

Crafting gently keeps the mind active and encourages you to try new things in a safe, low-stress environment of a project chosen for pleasure. Repetitive movements, such as crocheting, induces a relaxed state, similar to yoga or meditation. The repetitiveness helps keep the mind calm and distracts the brain from the numerous negative messages that we tell ourselves everyday.

By keeping your hands busy you reduce anxiety because you are focused on your project not your problems or perceived problems. (Most problems are a result of your thoughts not facts, but that is a post for another day 😁)

Did you know that fibre crafts are shown to improve Alzheimer's disease, insomnia, depression, anorexia and was prescribed to WWI soldiers to helped with PTSD?

The colours and textures are pleasing to the senses and a finishing a project has great benefits:

a boost of pride
a connection with tradition
increased self-confidence
improves ability to problem solve
encourages your sense of perseverance
& your belief that you can achieve your goals

To celebrate fibre crafts I have included my Nisbet Throw crochet pattern for free, just click on the button below for the pdf. I can't wait to see your finished projects, please tag #nisbetthrow so I can see them. 😀🧶

click here for the Nisbet Throw crochet pattern

Life is a lot like fibre arts. It is a journey of twists and turns, full of life lessons, character building exercises and there is beauty watching it grow and unfold.

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Wellness Wednesday - Social Media Cleanse

5/19/2021

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Last year I found myself scrolling a lot. I was checking the news all the time, wanting to keep up on the latest COVID reports. I was trolling through social media to find connections and to constantly check on everything. Completely wasting a lot of time.

Finally I got to the point where I had to stop watching the daily news reports, I had to stop listening to people who were always speaking from the negative.

I have always tried to look at situations from the positive. Focusing on the negative - always seems to bring more negative.

Less scrolling - more living

I had to consciously make a choice as to how I was going to deal with social media and my news consumption.

Here is a list of steps that I took:

I turned off notifications. The red dot gets me every time. If I see it, I have to make it disappear. So I went through my notifications for my social media and turned them all off. I do not always have to be available to everyone at all times. Once I got started I went through every app on my phone and set the notifications appropriately for each app.
Unfollow. Then I went through my social media accounts and I unfollowed quite a few people on Facebook and on Instagram and I hid a few peoples stories, I don't need to see them walking around their house everyday telling me their every move. I unfollowed "influencers", my bank account can only handle so much influence. 😂 If I didn't recognize the account, then I unfollowed. I even unsubscribed from a bunch of emails that I never read but would show up weekly in my inbox. It felt like a really good cleanse.
Time for change. I went through a change in my business last year and so I decided to go through my Facebook groups and pages that I followed. Everyone changes over time and there were a lot of things I didn't need to follow or be a part of anymore. Some groups were not monitored well and I found them quite frustrating, so I left. I'm sure no one noticed that I was gone, but it felt good to not have to scroll through content that I was no longer interested in.
Limit your time scrolling. This is a hard one because it becomes a habit, you see your phone just sitting there so you have the urge to pick it up. Then the next thing you are doing is scrolling through all the apps, and then wondering how the phone ended up in your hand. A couple of tricks to limiting your time. Only scroll standing up, you will spend less time scrolling if you are standing and set a timer. Some apps have timers of how long you spend on it in a day or use the timer on your phone. It is amazing how quick you can loose 30 minutes. I was speaking with someone on the weekend and they do not go on any social media on Sundays. I think that is a good habit that I would like to start.
Break the habit. In order to break the habit I had to replace the desire to pick up my phone with something that I wanted to do more or something that I should be doing instead. First thing in the morning I would sit with my coffee and scroll, now my mornings are filled with my current Bible Study or 30 minutes of yoga and I have my coffee when I sit down to work. One of my goals of 2021 is to spend more time reading, so at night when I have to urge to sit and scroll, I pick up a book instead. Once I start reading I usually don't want to quit. So now I am spending more time doing things that are good for my mental wellness and you know what? I am not missing out on anything that is happening on social media.

Social media has it's benefits and it can be good, but when it gets in between you and the one life that you have to live, then there is a problem. I think most of us have a problem finding that balance.

This week I am asking you to take a little self check and see how you are doing. Click below for a checklist that I created.

click here to download your Social Media Cleanse checklist

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Book Review - Flooded by Nicki Koziarz

5/7/2021

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Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for giving me the opportunity to review Flooded by Nicki Koziarz.

Nicki writes in a very personal manner that makes Flooded a very easy read. She draws on personal experiences to connect with the story of Noah found in Genesis. She includes practical advice for Christian living through each of the examples.

Nicki did her research for the book including a trip to the Ark Encounter which features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible, spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, a modern engineering marvel.

As a part of the review I did not use the workbook, which may have been beneficial as I felt like something was missing as I read the book. I kept wishing the author would go deeper - the surface was just being scratched and then she would move on to the next chapter. The personal stories could be shorter so that the topics can be discussed further.

Also as I read the book I had no desire to pick up my Bible - this is a pet peeve of mine. I feel that Christian authors and teachers should inspire us to open our Bibles, to seek truth. (I am a big fan of the Bereans) At the beginning of the book the author could have asked the reader to read the account of Noah in scripture. Many only know the abbreviated version that they learned in Sunday School.

I know, I could have chosen to do that on my own initiative but I am frustrated with the pop culture version of Christian living, I want to go deeper and raw about life.

So I would suggest that you read this book along with the study guide because I think you would benefit from it. There is also a video study that includes 6 sessions, the first one is below. All these videos can be found on YouTube.

Have you read Flooded? What are your thoughts?

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My favourite Young Living products

5/4/2021

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Progessense Plus has changed my life. My hormones have been out of control my whole life. This is natural progesterone from wild yams and this has changed my whole life. Honestly, I feel like I have my life back.

You know when you go to the Doctor with an issue - acne, irregular periods, PMS, heavy bleeding, moodiness and they prescribe you birth control. That is synthetic based progesterone.

Progesterone is our calming hormone, it protects you from stress. Many women are progesterone deficient and estrogen dominant. This causes so many of our issues.

Do you know that 25 year old women today are less fertile than our Grandmother's were at age 45? Why is that? All the crap that is in what we eat and the chemicals in our household cleaners.

Using Progessence Plus oil twice a day my hormones have leveled out and I have a clearer mind and have been sleeping so well.

Thieves Cleaner comes as a concentrate and it replaces every cleaner in your home. It is plant based, essential oil infused, all natural product. 😁

I use this for everything in my home, glass, mirrors, toilets, stainless steel, butcher block counter tops - everything! It has even helped get rid of ants in my flower beds.

It is formulated with clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary. Not only does it work but it smells amazing!

Mirah Shave Oil
I haven't shaved my legs in years - why? Because it hurt. I would get a rash and ingrown hairs all the time. I used nair lotions but that would cause the results. I thought my only option was laser hair removal, but I could never afford that. So my life consisted of pants and long skirts.

Since I was trying out various Young Living products I thought I would add this to my order one month. I was worried about spending money on another product that would just cause me pain. I have been using this oil and shaving my legs regularly for a month now and I have no pain, hair free legs and I have been wearing capris and shorts!!!! My legs haven't seen the sun in years! I am so glad that I have this a try!

Mirah™ Shave Oil is formulated with a rich blend of essential oils, emollients, and botanical ingredients for a luxuriously close shave. Exotic baobab, meadowfoam, and avocado oils work together with our exclusive Mirah essential oil blend to reduce razor drag, bumps, and nicks.

Want to learn more? Connect with my friend Tara!

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The benefits of Ginger

4/28/2021

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While visiting a friend a few years ago we were enjoying a chance to catch up with one another over a cup of tea.

At one point I looked down in my tea and noticed chunks of something in the bottom of my cup. Since I wasn't sure what my friend had put in my tea I had to figure this out.

She told me that she always cuts up pieces of ginger and puts it in her tea. It just stays in the bottom of the tea and adds great health value.

I have started to this daily as well. But I wasn't sure what the health benefits were so I did a little research - I just had to share what I learned.

it soothes the stomach
enhances immunity
protects brain health
eases osteoarthritis pain and muscle soreness
increases weight loss
supports digestive health
promotes blood sugar control
keeps cholesterol in check
controls nausea

What amazing benefits from a root! A simple trick that has so many benefits!

A cup of tea is always a good place to start. Recently I read the article: A little warmth goes a long way - the science of hot drinks.

Here is a little excerpt from the article:

Hot beverages are relied upon for waking up, punctuating workdays, gaining favour, welcoming home, relieving poorliness and lulling to sleep. They can be cheering, reviving, relaxing, cooling (if you’re hot) and warming (when you’re cold). And they soften the pace of life.

Next time you are in the produce section at your local grocery store add some ginger root to your cart. There are many ways that you can add it to your diet, and the wellness benefits are worth it!

And check out my new favourite wellness tea - Living Apothecary!

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