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My CBD Oil Adventure Begins

3/27/2018

Recently, I started a new adventure. I'm excited to not only invest in my own wellness, but to help others do the same. The most rewarding experience in life is giving healing, health, and hope.

This is my mission. My deepest passion. My God-given purpose. It's what drives me, excites me, and sets my dreams on fire.

After pharmaceutical drugs miserably failed me and nearly killed me, I’ve researched CBD oil, hemp, cannabis, and medical marijuana. After years of educating myself, gaining wisdom, and learning credible facts, I believe there’s a variety of health conditions that can benefit from this natural alternative to toxic chemicals.

As a passionate believer in holistic health, I have extremely high standards. I check every single ingredient. I inspect everything before choosing what methods to pursue.

In simple terms, I take my health very seriously. It wasn't until I lost my health in 2008 through 2012 when I realized how precious good health truly is. I have fought long and hard to get to where I am today.

In March 2016, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer in her frontal lobe. As you can imagine, this has been beyond challenging and stressful for her as well as myself. In effort to help our mom reduce the negative symptoms of brain cancer, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, my family and I encouraged her to try legal CBD oil.

Based on what I know about conventional oncology treatments, I believed this natural plant-based alternative was worth checking out. There’s medical evidence that cancer patients have reversed their health by using CBD oil, cannabis, and various parts of the plant. (Do your own research. There's numerous documentaries about it.)

Two years ago, my mom and I both tried it. We've used CBD oil and CBD gummy edibles. It made us feel relaxed. It decreased our anxiety.

I had such high hopes for my mother to be consistent in taking this several times daily. Unfortunately, my 81 year old mom wasn't committed to using any natural options on a regular basis. Realistically, it's her body and her decision.

A few concerns I had and still do have is that not all CBD are created equal. Both of the products we had tried contained artificial ingredients, fillers, and synthetics. In my opinion, they were not pure enough or superior in quality.

Due to the sky rocketing interest in CBD oil, hemp, cannabis, and medical marijuana, plenty of businesses jumped onto the CBD bandwagon. While some of the brands are excellent, others are diluted, filled with toxic ingredients, and not effective.

What does this mean for us? It means that we must thoroughly weed through each product. We must examine the ingredients. The company must be transparent. If not, it's a red flag.

If we want to receive the most positive effects, we have to do our homework. In order to be a conscious consumer, it will require time, patience, wisdom, and education. Ultimately, it's for our own good. Our health is worth it!

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend the rest of my life taking one prescription after another. After spending 40+ years following traditional medicine and nearly losing my life over toxic drugs, I've found natural ways to improve my health.

While there’s a time and place for medicine, it doesn’t have to be the first choice or only option. There’s another gentler way. There are countless people reducing their depression, anxiety, inflammation, and pain without pharmaceutical drugs.

Although, CBD oil may be outside your comfort zone, it’s scientifically proven safer and effective compared to harsh chemicals. Why would you willingly take long-term prescriptions with potential for negative side effects if you can use a natural method?

As for the CBD stigma, including in the Christian community, it boils down to our societies lack of knowledge and facts. I believe God created many plants that are medicinal. There's biblical verses sharing loads of information about plants, seeds, fruits, and oils made by our Heavenly Maker from the very beginning of time.

For example, "The land produced vegetation--all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:12 (NLT)

Most CBD oil doesn't contain any psychoactive properties. It does not cause the same effects as marijuana. Simply stated, CBD oil will not cause euphoria or get you high. God is not against CBD oil or He would not have put cannabiniods in our bodies to work with the oils.

After two years of experimenting with a variety of CBD brands, I've found a superior formula that's working wonders for me. So far, it's stopped my disabling migraines, nausea, hot flashes, and brain fog. In the coming months, I will share more of my personal experiences.

In the meantime, here's informative facts pertaining to my CBD oil:

It's legal in all 50 states.
It's 100% natural & non-GMO.
It's pesticide-free.
It's vegan.
It's gluten-free.
It's organic.
The CBD oil is manufactured in an FDA approved facility.
It contains .03% THC, which is extremely low.
It's available without THC for those who get drug tests.
It cannot cause euphoria or get you high.
It contains over 85 cannabinoids.
It's 100% safe and effective.
The CBD oil can activate receptors in the body to reduce inflammation.
The CBD oil is available in liquid oil or topical cream.
The CBD oil is available for dogs and cats.

Want more information? Please fill out the contact information on my blog.

Interested in checking out the CBD oil and products?

www.healthymama.MyCTFOCBD.com

Medical Disclaimer: The information on my website is not to be a substitute for a doctor or medical professional. It is not implied to diagnosis you, treat you, or cure you. All content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information on my blog is my own personal experience. I encourage you to do your own research and become your own wellness advocate.

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I am a Survivor & Warrior

3/9/2018

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Are you or your loved one battling depression? Do you have suicidal thoughts? Have you reached the end of your rope?

I am no stranger to depression and suicide. Based on my personal experience, I view it from a unique perspective. I understand all too well that on many occasions we can become hopeless when we’re in the midst of serious hardships, especially with chronic pain or depression.

Yesterday was my ten year anniversary of being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. On March 8, 2008, my life came to a screeching halt. Depression goes hand in hand with chronic pain. I lost hope. My dreams were shattered. I didn't think there was a purpose for me to carry on.

In retrospect, as I reflected on everything that I had once faced, I am grateful to be alive. To have walked this unique journey. To learn valuable lessons in life. To come out of this rock bottom battle as a stronger woman of faith.

During those ten years, I endured horrific negative side effects from a combination of medications, including Cymbalta, Ativan, and Prozac. The medicine severely interacted and I had too much serotonin in my body. This led to things going haywire in my central nervous system and neurotransmitters.

In 2013, after fighting for my life, I had friends encourage me to write my own book. To give other people encouragement who may be struggling with similar concerns. While this may have been my biggest endeavor in life, it was a labor of love.

My memoir shares my nightmare and how I survived suicide. My purpose for writing my true story is to give people healing, help, and hope. For them to not feel so alone. The truth about sharing my painful mess is that it can be a slice of hope for those who need it.

Most people misunderstand the dynamics involved with depression and suicide. There's too much misinformation about mental health. And the stigma prevents most men and women from sharing their own hellish ordeal.

Oftentimes, Christians think only those lacking faith would attempt suicide. That if you believed in Christ you wouldn't dare take your life. In my opinion, it's the furthest from the truth. Yet, it's a tough topic usually ignored, dismissed, or minimized in the church. And those churchgoers who faith-shame only complicate the matter.

It’s not necessarily that a person wants to die. More so, it’s that a person is dying to be heard. That need someone to listen to them. They feel isolated and disconnected from others. They cry out for legitimate help. Sometimes, they are suffering to such an intensity that they become desperate to stop the excruciating pain.

What I’ve learned is that there’s always hope for healing naturally. That medicine is not always going to be successful. While there is a time and place for conventional medicine, it doesn’t need to be the first or only option.

In my own experience, I discovered that we have the innate ability to heal. When we give our body and mind what it needs, we can thrive. Without one single toxic drug. Healing is a choice. Healing takes time. With consistency and patience we can make positive improvements.

There’s a wide range of healing methods through clean, plant-based nutrition, herbal remedies, and natural supplements. Keep in mind that each individual is unique. They have their own medical history, sensitivities, and may respond differently. Realistically, for each person, it’s trial and error.

Despite the difficult seasons of darkness and despair, Christ is with us. He has not forsaken us. And He can use our most painful trials for His greatest triumph.

Today, I pray my overcoming the biggest battle of my life can give you hope and encouragement. In victory, I’m living proof that natural healing is possible to regain your health. I am a survivor. I am a warrior. And fighting for my life was worth it.

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He Pursues Me

3/1/2018

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As I reflect on the passed two years, I'm filled with gratitude for my writing journey. My book, Sacred Wandering: Growing Your Faith in the Dark, has been a unique experience. It's been a long, drawn out process. In other words, turtle slow.

While many authors rave about writing fast, I believe slow and steady wins the race. Sometimes, great things come from percolating. Our words, ideas, and inspiration need marinating. Yes, patience is a virtue.

It's kinda like the Israelites who had a pity party complaining about not having enough food. Moses encouraged them to stop having a hissy fit. He told them to be grateful for the manna, which God gave them daily.

In my own case, if I'm going to be real, I do remember in April 2016 when I was called to write this book. I had been desperate for the Lord's will. Not just for my future, but for my husband, mom, and dad's future.

I had been at a complete standstill; personally and professionally. My husband, Tony, searched for a new job after being laid off work. We were in the midst of a financial crisis. In the meanwhile, both my mom and dad battled brain diseases; cancer and Alzheimer's. Seriously, on the outside our circumstances looked bleak.

In a last-ditch effort, I decided to spend twenty-four hours in fasting and prayer. While I'm a big believer in prayer, I wasn't one for fasting. For starters, having hypoglycemia and an auto-immune condition, I had good cause to avoid it.

Perhaps, to those who don't know me or my health issues, it may seem like a lame excuse? For those who live with chronic pain or a vulnerable immune system, you understand that it doesn't take much to land you in bed for days, debilitated. Even from the tiniest changes in your diet or activities. Welcome to my world!

Determined for a breakthrough, I began my fasting and prayer. For me, it meant unplugging from social media. To carve out specific time to spend in the Word. To listen to soothing worship music. To pray throughout the morning, noon, and night. To only eat fruits, vegetables, and almonds. To hydrate with plenty of water. To enjoy the outdoors and sunshine. To journal. To be still. To press into my heavenly Father.

It also meant to pray, to plead, to cry out to Jesus in desperation. To ask Him to reveal Himself to me in a tangible way. To give me wisdom, clarity, and discernment. To meet me face to face. Softly, I prayed, "Lord, show me Your glory."

During my fasting and prayer, I sensed the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit come upon me. My anxiety melted away. Peace filled my weary soul. Repeatedly, the words sacred wandering came to my mind. I had no doubt, Christ gave me a new book idea, Sacred Wandering.

The next day, the most amazing thing happened. My husband received several calls from potential employers. We were both delighted! I knew it was no coincidence. Rather, it was made possible through my fasting and prayer.

Something else had happened following my fasting and prayer. It was unexpected, but I wasn't taken by surprise since I do have health concerns. When I awoke in the morning, I became very ill. After spending twenty-four hours fasting from regular solid food, I suffered nausea, dizziness, a migraine, and fatigue.

Although it was unpleasant, I don't regret my choice. Or regret that I was stuck in bed the next day. The sacrifice was well worth the pain. Ultimately, by the end of that week, my husband obtained full-time employment. Fasting and prayer moved mountains!

I wish that I could say I felt led to immediately write my book. Or that the words smoothly flowed. However, that wasn't the case. Not by a long shot.

Instead, I experienced nonstop writer's block. No matter how much effort I put into my book, I hit a dead end. In frustration, I struggled with ideas, sentences, and chapters. Mystified, I didn't know how to move forward.

For four months, I wrestled to follow God's call upon my life. While I couldn't explain it, I knew that I was stuck in a rut. Plagued with confusion, I placed my book onto the back burner.

In the summer, a new opportunity arose. It was beyond exciting for me! At the time, it appeared to be a dream come true. Following numerous interviews, I was offered a full-time position as a licensed makeup artist and esthetician. Based on my lengthy education and experience, the benefits and salary were outstanding.

Foolishly, I focused on earning excellent income. I got caught up in my glamorous title. And silently I told God, "I don't want to write another book. It doesn't offer dependable income."

During my first week of employment, I sustained a back injury. Not only was my low lumbar area hurting, but my Fibromyalgia was flaring. Isn't it funny how Christ can get our attention? When He loudly slams a door in our face? Of course, at the time there was nothing comical about it.

Talk about a humbling moment. When the tears slipped down my face. When I could barely climb out of bed. When every muscle in my body was on fire. When I became disabled and couldn't function.

In confusion, I questioned how I landed into a heap of a mess. Verbally, I beat myself up for making a wrong turn. I felt like a failure. And I had one heck of a pity party.

Venting. Screaming. Sobbing. Dripping snot from my nose. Yes, sometimes, us Christian gals can find ourselves in quite a pickle. When we come to the end of ourselves. When we realize the only thing left is grace. When God's waiting for us in the midst of our brokenness.

In September 2016, this is what I discovered...

When we come to the end of ourselves, we find Jesus. When we come to Him in our brokenness, His grace is enough. Despite our free will, wrong turns, poor choices, or going astray, Christ will never let us go.

He unrelentlessly pursues us. No matter how far we fall, He gently picks us up. It's during our most painful moments when He wraps us in His tender embrace. When He joins us on this sacred wandering to grow our faith in the dark.

It's a wilderness journey of tested faith. A dessert season of thirsting for more of Him. Long walks, hand in hand, when He showers you with His infinite love. When your heart overflows with gratitude. When you come to see your heavenly Maker with new eyes.

The sacred wandering cannot be rushed. There are valuable lessons to be learned. The purpose is to spiritually strengthen you. To teach you. To mold your character. To prune you. To release old habits. To let go of the people, places, and things preventing you from fulfilling God's perfect plan.

To trust that when you release the old, Christ will do something new. As you bravely trust in Him, He will make a way for you in the wilderness. Lean on God's promise that declares, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

At the end of September 2016, I boldly asked God to do a new thing for me. To confirm if the book, Sacred Wandering, was truly His divine will. Prayerfully, I asked Him to reveal three red cardinals at the exact same time to confirm that I'm meant to write this book.

Deep down, I thought it was a bit audacious of me. I wasn't sure if the Lord would come through. On the same token, I trusted if my prayer went unanswered that I'd graciously accept it. And if He would answer my prayer, I'd walk obediently to write this book.

Week after week, I'd search for cardinals. Strange enough, there wasn't one in sight. It was as if they vanished into thin air. Frustrated, I said, "I don't know what You're up to, Jesus, but I'm standing firm in my prayer."

Weeks turned into one month. God was silent. I wondered if my prayer was insane. Had I lost my mind? Was I testing the Lord's faithfulness? Never before had I said a prayer this big.

One morning, at the end of October, I was doing my gentle stretches on my bed. The window was directly across from me. As I lifted my leg high, I noticed a red cardinal fly into my backyard. Within seconds, another cardinal swooped into my range of vision. Immediately, I climbed out of my bed to head for my window.

To my surprise, a third red cardinal soared into the backyard. Astonished, I watched all three birds meandering outside. Suddenly, each cardinal flew into alignment next to one another. It was like God was showing off and saying, "One. Two. Three. See what I did for you!"

Blown away, I stood in awe. My heart raced with excitement! Never before had I ever seen three red cardinals at the same time. Best of all, Christ not only answered my audacious prayer, He confirmed that I'm meant to write this book, Sacred Wandering.

From that moment forward, I've plugged away to complete what the Lord has called for me to do. While the process from start to finish hasn't been as I'd hoped or planned, I trust each message is specifically for you. To give you hope. To motivate you to press on. To sustain you along your wilderness season. Lastly, to strengthen and grow your faith in the dark.

He Pursues Me...

He pursues me in the darkness.
He pursues me in the wilderness.
He pursues me when I'm lost and lonely.
He pursues me when I'm filled with doubts.
He pursues me when I am not devout.
He pursues me in my backbreaking battles in life.
He pursues me as I struggle with strife.
He pursues me when my heartbreak cuts like a knife.
He pursues me as I search for Him.
He pursues me despite my horrible sin.
He pursues me when I seek His Holy face.
He pursues me as He provides sovereign grace.
He pursues me with a sweet embrace.
He pursues me when I reach the end of my rope.
He pursues me with never-ending hope.
He pursues me in a puddle of tears.
He pursues me when I'm paralyzed by fears.
He pursues me when He reveals He's always near.
He pursues me in a sacred wandering where He tests my faith.
He pursues me as He keeps me safe.
He pursues me with signs and wonders.
He pursues me using vibrant red cardinals.
He pursues me relentlessly and He will never let me go.
He pursues me with His infinite love that gently overflows.
He pursues me as He woos me to follow His will.
He pursues me when He whispers, “Rest and be still.”

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