Posted in Body, Skin

Keep the Fun in the Sun Goin!

What if you’re not into DIY’s? I totally feel ya, there is enough on the to-do list as it is at times. We don’t want a gnarly burn to shut down shenigans like pictured, but we don’t want to hide from the sun and all it’s God designed benefits. And finding a quality full-body sunscreen while trying to live clean can be quite difficult!

Let’s talk it out…

⛔️ Conventional SPF products use chemical filters to absorb the suns UV rays.Through a chemical reaction, the sunscreen dissipates the UV rays. The UV rays don’t end up reaching the skin.

🛑 6 most used chemical filters:

• Oxybenzone

• Octinoxate

• Octocrylene

• Octisalate

• Homosalate

• Avobenzone

⚠️ In order to work, these chemicals are developed to absorb quickly into the skin.

⚠️ Then… you guessed it! Once absorbed, these ingredients become part of your bloodstream, and have even been found to transfer into breast milk. What’s the big deal???

⚠️ These ingredients are increasingly banned in certain parts of the world for killing the coral reefs.

⚠️ They’ve also been linked to endometriosis, decreased sperm count, and lower testosterone in men.

⚠️⚠️ Endocrine disruption leads to hormone trouble

Why do people continue choosing products with these ingredients?

⛔️They absorb rapidly, clear, and are “easy.”

🌅 Mineral sunscreens are preferred, even if it means that you add back a little time to your application. It’s worth it, I promise!

Products using safe minerals, non-nano zinc and/or titanium dioxide…

🌻 Help protect against broad spectrum UV rays

🌻 They do not penetrate the skin’s barrier and enter into the bloodstream.

🌻 They are gentle on the skin and safer for people with skin conditions like eczema.

🌻 They work immediately [you don’t have to wait 20 minutes before they work].

🌻 They don’t break down as quickly in the sun so you can reapply less often.

🌊 They are environmentally friendly and won’t harm our waters and water life.

🌄 EXTRAS…

• Wear clothing that protects your skin.

• Avoid spray on sunscreens if you can – breathing in Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide promote respiratory concerns.

👀 Watch for GREENWASHING!!!

Just because two minerals are listed on a sunscreen doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe! Those sneaky preservatives that we are learning to identify are important!

☀️ Want help with reducing the white ghostly glow?

• Moisturize your skin before applying sunscreen. Slather on the coconut oil first in order to hydrate the skin. You’ll get a better application if the skin is not dry!

• Start with a little sunscreen… rub it in… and then add some more. Applying too much at the start will make the lotion absorb faster than the minerals can spread.

• Work with small areas evenly.

It’s okay to feel like you’re staying old school with healthier sun lotions! Wouldn’t you rather look youthful later on in life?

Your skin will thank you!

Sun’s out, Fun’s out y’all!!!

Posted in Considerations of a Wildflower

It is not your place…

Ouch. In Acts chapter 1 this morning a few things popped out at me. This is one. It had not been too awful long before Acts that the crowds cheered and praised because they thought Jesus was coming into town to reclaim political power, to free them from oppressive government. That same crowd was quick to turn on Him, screaming "crucify Him, we have no king but Ceasar, when they realized He had no intention of messing with earthly kingdoms. In effect saying, 'we choose government over following You. this earthly king is our king, not You'. 

Here the disciples are, again, imploring "are You restoring the kingdom to Israel, now? Is it time? (Acts 1:6) We often times forget that these were the ones who walked day in and day out with Jesus, studying His ways...what was important, what wasn't. And Jesus STILL had to refocus their attention and intentions. Then remind them what the real goal was. How beautiful is this? How fitting still today?! It isn't for us to know the time or seasons when things will be made right, when oppressions will end....we need not focus on that. There is something much, much, much better...much, much, much more important. The Holy Spirit empowering us to be witnesses of Jesus to people close, to people considered undesirable, and people at the farthest points of the earth. 

Strategic as all get out. Don't you think? The heart change produced by knowing Jesus and following Him is the only end to oppressions, and restoration of Godly governing. By focusing on THE kingdom...His Kingdom. Not on earthly things or kingdoms.  

"It is not your place to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. BUT you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:7-8

Witness (google dictionary)
- evidence; proof.
- have knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience.

Posted in Considerations of a Wildflower

Adorned for Purpose

While reading/listening to Exodus this morning I found myself wondering why in the world God was so stinking specific about how the Tabernacle, and everything in it, was to be built, arranged and adorned. We do have a very accurate picture of it now because of such detail. But why did it matter so much? Like a sweet whisper, I felt a clarity…because years later His Tabernacle would become those who choose to live for Him, who accept His offer of reconciliation though Jesus. He will take just as much interest and detailed care in those Tabernacles as well. Tabernacle being…”…the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh…”. I looked it up as the thought penetrated and unfolded in my mind/heart. Never ceases to amaze me. As He created us in His image He knew we would absolutely delight in the continuous unfolding and unveiling. In my heart I can hear the proud, delighted chuckle of a father, as his child looks back at him in excited wonder after she stumbles upon a golden nugget he hid some time before, just out of sight.