4 Ideas for Lymphatic Cleansing

The lymphatic system is like your body’s second circulatory system. It is responsible for the following:

• Detoxification of waste products from the body

• Immunity boosts to keep the body healthy

• Transportation of nutrients throughout the body

It might help if you think of the lymphatic system as your body’s trash collector and disposal system. It pumps lymphatic fluids throughout the body in order to absorb toxins + waste so that it can eliminate them from the body. If your lymphatic system slows down it can quickly clog and cause major problems with major organs and systems within the body.

The lymphatic system plays another very important role by absorbing the fats + vitamins you take in and delivering them where they need to go. When we take all of that into consideration, and we recognize how our physical bodies impact the brain, mind + emotions… Well, you can see why it is vital to do your best to keep it working smoothly.

So, I put together four VERY simple and easy techniques that are gentle + kind to your system. For those of you in the thick of grief I know it is easy to get overstimulated and overwhelmed, so I wanted to keep it super simple.

These are all things I have been using over the last few years, I actually began them prior to Dave’s passing, during his illness. I am here to tell you, no matter what shape you are in, you will feel SO MUCH better implementing these.

Just pick one, after a few days try adding another if you feel up to it.

GUA SHA is a simple technique that you can easily do yourself. There are several youtube tutorials to follow. You will need the following items:

• a GUA SHA stone

• Essential Oil Face Serum w/ Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, Helichrysum, Hawaiian Sandalwood, and Rose. (PLEASE, only use certified + pure, 3rd party tested eos, many are adulterated + filled with toxins in the name of “fragrance”)

Here is a Gua Sha Beginners video (click here)

HYDRATE more water, more water, more water. Increase your water to 50% of your weight. HNow does that work - claculate by taking your weight in pounds + drink half of that in ounces of water. Make SURE it is filtered. No plastic bottles. No carbonation. No juice. Just water counts for this one. You can have other drinks but they don’t contribute to your count. And caffeine can actually take away from it.

Drinking water with 1-2 drops of lemon or grapefruit essential oil in it is excellent for detox + your body while at the same time it will really uplift your mood.

• Berkey Water Filters are some of the best around for removing bacteria, pesticides, minerals and metals .

• Lemon essential oil, or grapefruit, are essential to add to your water for a gentle detox.

• Hydro Flask makes my FAVORITE water bottle to use with essential oils. Using a water bottle helps keep the tracking easy. (You want to use metal or glass when using eos.)

DETOX BATH SOAK is oh-so relaxing + calming to the mind it is also an AMAZING way to pump up that lymphatic system.

Hot water will dilate blood vessels, the epsom salt and baking soda draw out the impurities. Essential oils boost your body’s natural ability to purge what it needs to + support your lymphatic system.

• 2 cups Epsom Salt

• 1 cup Baking Soda

• Essential Oil Blend specifically designed to help boost your body’s detox system with Tangerine Peel, Rosemary Leaf, Geranium Flower/Leaf, Juniper Berry, Cilantro Herb essential oils.

  Directions: Fill the tub with hot water. Mix the salt, soda + 6 drops of the essential oil. Blend well. Add to bathwater just before soaking and stir in well. Soak for 30-45 minutes.

  Repeat weekly. Make sure and hydrate extra well after your soak, and the following day.

Now, let’s talk REBOUNDING.

This is SO incredibly good for all the cells in your body. It is gentle on the joints. It totally helps with mood, especially when you pump up some. music.

It stimulates the lymphatic system and moves those nasty toxins right out of your body. This is one of the fastest ways to jiggle + shake ALL those lymph nodes in your body at one time.

I have a jamming playlist I play on my earbuds as I get in the zone. I also pop a couple of peppermint beadlets in advance because there are studies done on the effects of this essential oil and increasde physical performance. PLUS it opens the airways and completely lifts my mood.

You don’t have to jump intensely, just hop on a bounce gently, pick it up a little and then back to gentle. Have fun with it.

I like the ones with handles, and some are foldable for easier storage, like this one that’s available on Amazon: Rebounder

Check out this diagram with all the lymph nodes in the body. Crazy right? I figured seeing them may help you want to do something to help them be tip-top.

Now, go jiggle + jump, hydrate + flush, soak + release, and massage those babies.

Make sure and let me know what you try and how it works. Let me know if you have any questions.

If you are really spurred on to do all you can and you really want to dive in, you can always go for a full-on detox kit. We have a great natural option that steps through the elimination pathways in the proper order so that you get maximum detox results without side effects. When you purchase the kit you will also receive an ebook + gift box from us. You have us to help walk you through it as well. This is something we highly suggest doing two times a year. You’ll be amazed at how clear your skin is, how your energy increases, and mental clarity. BOOM!

You can purchase your all-natural detox solution here: Detox Kit

Alcohol may calm your nerves + numb your pain? But it is also poison to your brain.

A little sip, turns into a glass or two. Relaxed, right? Seems like a good way to unwind, especially when the health industry has been saying it has quite a few benefits. 

But wait, does it? And if so do they outweigh the harm?

And what does this have to do with the grief process anyway? A lot.

I think many consider wine/alcohol as a natural sedative. After Dave died I must have been brought wine with nearly every meal delivered from friends. And to be fair, there has been a handful of times I have sipped on a glass, but it is far from a normal routine for me. And this isn’t because of the idea of brain damage, because I didn’t have this info from Doctor Daniel Amen and his extensive research yet, but it was more about wanting to feel + be in reality. I knew the depth of my grief would require a deep altering to not feel it, and I just wasn’t willing to take the risks that come with that.

Scans, along with several studies, is revealing the many ways that alcohol impacts the brain. Decreased blood flow to the brain, limited brain cell reproduction, increased risk of dementia, hippocampus atrophy, and more. Add on increased anxiety and brain fog.

So yes, it may calm your nerves for a brief spell but it sounds to me like a very temporary numbing with great potential to lead to much more unsettling conditions.

It just isn’t worth it when there are so many more options out there now. Like natural options that truly help with building overall strength, long term.

It is time to invest in finding your way through your grief , naturally. Know better + do better!

Banana Tea: A natural mood + sleep boosting recipe.

Do you struggle with sleep much? I know for me sleep is currently off + on. Throughout Dave’s cancer + following his death my sleep was non-existent. So, I am still working hard to recover from all of that deprivation. It’s so hard on the body. This Banana Tea though! Cheap, easy + about as natural as you can get.

You may have heard it said before that banana peel contains the most nutrient-dense part of the fruit. But, who really wants to eat a banana peel? I don’t know, maybe someone out there has a good recipe for ingesting it. If so, please share!

This tea, however, gets you the nutrients without having to chew your way through a peel. I think it is a SPECTACULAR option to be able to sip your way towards a sounder slumber + happier mood. Tea just sounds comforting but then add in the health benefits.

Why is it that bananas help? Potassium + magnesium baby, they are a HUGE help when it comes to equipping your body, and bananas are an amazing natural source for these minerals. The peels also contain tryptophan which naturally produces serotonin + melatonin in our bodies. What?!?

Yep. This may be the cheapest + most natural option for helping you catch some solid wink eye. Let’s not stop there, serotonin is the key hormone that stabilized our moods, it gives us feelings of well-being. Can even boost feelings of happiness! and who doesn’t need a little extra dose of that these days?

Here is the recipe:

• 1 rinsed organic banana*

• cut ends of banana off

• boil 2-3 cups water

• place banana in boiling water

• simmer for 10 minutes

• strain + serve

• can add a sprinkle of cinnamon

• I add a drop of vanilla

• *note: for low glycemic just use peel and omit the fruit.

YUM!
Tell me you don’t have a list of five people that immediately come to mind who could use this Hope tip.

Let me know if you try this + What you think. Cheers to a healthier you!

A cancer widow's tale: When words fall short but LOVE doesn't.

Lament, sorrow, pain. Sometimes we allow ourselves to go there, sit there, feel it. Other times it presses in like a vice grip on our brains. Yesterday, was a vice grip day as I was standing in the kitchen. My mind uncontrollably reeling, revisiting all kinds of thoughts. Honestly, considering conversations that never were. A new reality of deep grief was forming due to a lack of conversation.

Why didn't Dave talk to me about it?

Why didn't he give me advice, permission, his wishes, and why didn't he give me a goodbye letter. He gave each of our kids one. Why not me? 

And as for me....

Why didn't I scream at cancer in his face?

Why didn't I cry out in front of him that I didn't want him to leave me?

Why didn't I beg for him to tell me everything my ears and heart so badly wanted to hear from him? WHY????? 

I was asking God this yesterday in my extremely vulnerable state. I had been on the verge of tears (or full-out bawling) the entire day. 

As I was standing in the kitchen facing the cupboards, for who knows how long, mind sloshing away in the grief sludge. Why?   … and God, clear as DAY, told me "That was you LOVING HIM WELL. That was you loving him in the most sacrificial form there is."  You see, I needed SO MUCH MORE. I needed words, I needed to hear his heart for me. I needed him to tell me I was going to be okay. I needed him to tell me everything he wanted me to do and to say with the kids from here on out. I got none of it, not one word. What I did get was a simple look of content, over + over again.

Decades of marriage with him proved I could easily have forced him to talk to me.... so why didn't I? Why did I sit there in a state of quiet and calm when in truth I so desperately longed for words. Because I LOVED HIM so DESPERATELY. I didn't press or demand... I sat in his process with him. I allowed him to do it his way. No, WE did it his way together. I followed his lead, and he held tight to his HOPE. 

So many tell me they can't believe the tremendous faith we had through it all. Yes, we did. But I think perhaps they are confusing what they witnessed as faith when in reality a lot of it was Dave’s positive mindset, and perhaps even a touch of denial. They think because we didn't post about the struggle, fears, and appearance of a gloomy outcome that we believed 100% he would be healed. I don't think any of us stood on that ground, but hope was always on the fringes. My husband was few on words but the ones he did choose to speak were full of life, hope, and days to come. Any others were unspoken.

Everything in my nature would have screamed for answers, and real talk, but somehow in the thick of our 14 month long chaos of chemo, radiation and unsuccessful bone marrow transplant, God gave me a supernatural ability to die to self. I am so grateful for that now. We did did it our way, we did our best, we loved well. Sometimes love looks like action, and sometimes love looks like quiet. Real words may have fallen short but love was more than evident in the chosen QUIET. 

When words fall short but LOVE doesn’t.

The Unexpected in Widowhood: Learning to trust.

My mornings are such a mix these days. They range from waking with head pressure, sometimes angst, maybe a song, all the way to out and out enthusiasm. But I am not so far away from the brutal slap of widowed reality + gasp for oxygen mornings, sleepless nights, to forget their sting. They were my unwelcomed morning ritual for, well, far too long to count. I will say they were there long enough, they were consistent enough for me to be able rise and recognize the feeling of freedom without their presence. And today it has brought to me a place of such deep gratefulness.

Today was one of those days. This morning I woke up with words of thanks spouting from my lips. I found myself standing up + speaking out loud from my heart:

“God, I LOVE you. Thank you for that. Thank you for loving me and for helping me to know you. Like really, KNOW you and TRUST you. Thank you for having a plan for my life. A good plan. Thank you for the people you have put around me in my life, to help remind me and to spur me on. Thank you that you are teaching me that I can trust myself .“ SCREECHING HALT…. ummmmm, wait … WHAT did I just claim? And when did that happen?

See, since Dave passed away this sneaky little distrust in myself began to grow. As time continued to separate me from the life I had lived with my husband I found myself questioning more and more of my abilities: my decision-making processes, my feelings, the filters I run info through, my ability to show up. I began to feel this weird weight of scrutiny pressing on me. And I found myself wondering just where did this mental onslaught stem from? Because I was pretty sure a lot of it was in my head.

Through time + much thought, I have come to the conclusion that there were some key voices that spoke into the spaces of my falsely held beliefs.

1- Well-intentioned people questioning my process.

2- The void where his voice once spoke to bring balancing opinions + thoughts.

3- History. All the voices of my past failures magnified by the risk of facing future ones alone.

4- The whispers of the enemy, “You can’t do it.”

The sheer volume of these voices spinning on repeat in my head would hit me at different times throughout the day, although I will say this… I think they were probably on constant replay. I think I was just busy putting every ounce of my subconscious mental energy into drowning them out. However, it took its toll + somewhere between 2-4pm my brain would just want to shut off with my body closely wanting to follow. About that time the nerves would fire up to keep me in motion until bedtime. And throughout the evening and upon rising I would have a spontaneous electrical dance responding to those voices until I stood up to drown them out that following morning. And repeat.

But somehow scattered here and there I found space to sit with Jesus,

even when I didn’t feel like I had a drop of energy to personally show up. My sordid past had already proven His immense love for me + I knew I could trust him to show up even when I couldn’t muster much strength. I just needed a willing heart to try.

And as I started to implement some simple steps with my Being Known time I would find Jesus asking me morning after morning… “I know you don’t trust yourself, but DO YOU TRUST ME?” Yes, Jesus, I do, completely.” And in my journey with him this last year He has shown me SO MUCH about the voices I was tipping my head to, the things that were holding my gaze. It matters much. And with his simple questions + his deep love, my mind has been able to identify some of the faulty wiring + naturally I am beginning to respond out of more of his truth.

In the course of that, I have fallen SO deeply in love with Jesus, right in the thick of my painful process. The very thing that took a swing at me with the intention of taking me out resulted in shifting my position + opening my view to THE ONE who would steady my stance by wrapping his loving arms around me, holding me tightly, looking straight into my eyes, while asking me the question over and over again until I believed it to my very core:

“Kim, do you trust me?”

I do. If ever I trust anything, it is YOU!

My journey is still long. I have much to still discover BUT for today I am so grateful to recognize that although I won’t ever have all the right answers on my own, I do know the ONE who does. And we are tight, like really tight. In fact, he adores me.

This song:

LOVE YOURSELF

by Justin Bieber + modified lyrics by Tanner Townsend, it gets me every single time I listen to it. Close your eyes + wrap the words around your heart and mind.

“For all the times that you feel so alone
And when you don't know where to turn or to go
You think you're too far gone, you've made your last mistake
You think I'm lying test me, kneel down and pray

'Cause Gods got a plan for you
Listen to the spirit there's too many
Different voices, block out all the noises
I'm singing that I know it's true
And if you think you're worthless, I just want to help you know that
You're still good, don't look back

And the Father loves you, and he loves everyone
And I'd invite you to pray through His Son
We get so caught up in our day, we forget to kneel and pray
Yes I know that you are never on your own

If you could see the way He sees your soul
Then maybe you could learn to love yourself
And if you start to hear the still small voice
Then maybe you could go and trust yourself

And if you start to feel that all your hope is lost
Remember Jesus died on Calvary's Cross
He suffered all the pains and hopelessness you'll see
So you can break the chains and start to be free

'Cause Gods got a plan for you
Listen to the spirit there's too many
Different voices, block out all the noises
I'm singing that I know it's true
And if you think you're worthless, I just want to help you know that
You're still good, don't look back

And the Father loves you, and he loves everyone
And I'd invite you to pray through His Son
We get so caught up in our day, we forget to kneel and pray
Yes I know that you are never on your own

If you could see the way He sees your soul
Then maybe you could learn to love yourself
And if you start to hear the still small voice
Then maybe you should go and trust yourself

For all the times that I know, you feel small
Just take His hand, and He will help you stand tall
And if you hold fast to the rod and don't lose sight
Then you can know that it will end up alright

And the Father loves you, and he loves everyone
And I'd invite you to pray through His Son
We get so caught up in our day, we forget to kneel and pray
Yes I know, that you are never on your own

If you could see the way He sees your soul
Then maybe you could learn to love yourself
And if you start to hear the still small voice
Maybe you should learn to love yourself”

Mango + Avocado African Salad Recipe

This is SO FRESH + DELICIOUS.

If you can get your avocado 🥑 perfectly ripe to a creamy consistency this almost becomes a fruit pudding.

And… the added doTERRA eos + fresh lime juice not only adds awesome flavor but they help it keep from turning brown. (Example: This photo is from day two of creation.)

One more thing. Burlap + Barrel spices… get them! Their sourcing has the same heart + mind of doTERRA’s sourcing standard.

•straight to the source
•where it grows best
•changing lives

No, I am not affiliated with them, just LOVE everything I’ve gotten from them so far. Trust me, they don’t disappoint.

Let me know if you decide to whip a version of this up + let me know how it turns out. This isn’t a precise type of recipe - we’ll call it a creative blending of fruits.

Balm of Gilead recipe: soothe your skin

This balm is absolutely amazing. I was on a pursuit to find an all-around balm recipe that would support the body in its natural response to head tension, skin irritations, dry skin, and more. I was really intrigued by the Balm of Gilead spoken of in the Bible. As I looked into it a little more it seemed the absolute perfect fit for creating a one-for-all balm.

So, when Maddy and I went to whip a batch up we added some other nutrient rich oils that sink deep into the skin quickly.

Just a few of the health benefits are listed in the above graphic. Each one of these oils could stand alone with the many benefits they provide, together this balm is dense with some skin-loving support. Ten years ago I would have never guessed a balm applied to the skin could soak in to fuel your body with the added love it needed for a mood shift or a tummy ache?

Toss the following into a double boiler to melt:

• 1/4 ounce beeswax

• 1/4 ounce candelilla wax

• 1/4 ounce kpangan butter or shea butter

• 1 ounce jojoba oil

once melted remove from heat and add:

• 1 ounce balm of gilead herbal oil

• .5 ounce St. John’s Wort

• .5 ounce Prickly Pear

• 20 drops frankincense

• 4 drops myrrh

• 4 drops ylang ylang

• 4 drops elevation blend

mix thoroughly + pour into a 4 oz. jar.

and voila! You have one incredible balm that could be used for so very many things.

Enjoy!!!!

Castor Oil Packs, what are they good for + why? Body Detox + SO Much More.

Five years ago I would have been, like… what? Excuse me? Slather myself in an old wives tale type oil with the expectation of internal relief?

YUP. (Start singing it now: “This is how we do it” by Montell Jordan)

Turns out our Grandmas knew what they were talking about. This oil is coming back on the radar with voracity. It has a HOST of benefits for many common issues + can really bring quite a bit of relief.

I am currently in the middle of a METAL DETOX (which if you don’t know metals are tough to get out and they put a TON of BIG ole roadblocks up in many of our systems, creating a multitude of issues.) Anytime you are doing a detox your body just may do a little squirming in the process of letting go. It’s to be expected. And Castor Oil packs were my best friend in those first few days of my detox.

But I haven’t left them behind. I am still currently using them for ongoing detox because they are GREAT for assisting the liver in releasing what can clog up that beauty of a filtering organ. Trust me, that organ needs to be as available as possible to do a good job or your body throws a whole out-of-control dance party of toxic overload + chaos. And the products we use, the food we eat, the contaminants in the air ALL going through our bodies one way or another.

Here are just a few of the possible health benefits of Castor Oil Packs:

• detoxifies the body

• reduces inflammation

• boosts circulation

• increases lymphatic drainage

• strengthens immune system

• reduces food sensitivities

• relieves joint pain

They are so simple to use + really inexpensive.
All you need is:

• Hexane-free Organic Castor oil

• Organic Unbleached Wool or Muslin

• Saran Wrap

• Heating Pad

• Airtight container

The instructions are SO basic.

1. Get a glass baking dish or storage container.

2. Lay out a LONG sheet of plastic wrap centered over the pan. Make sure it is large enough to generously wrap around the area where you will be applying the castor oil pack plus an extra few inches for overlap.

3. Place your flannel fabric down in the glass pan on top of the plastic.

4. Make sure it is pressed down into the bottom of the pan so when you begin pouring the oil it doesn’t spill onto the countertop or floor.

5. Slowly pour small amounts of the castor oil onto the flannel, allowing it to soak in. Keep slowly adding more until it feels spongey and is nicely saturated with enough that it will transfer to your skin.

6. I often rub a little castor oil directly onto the area where I will be applying the pack as well.

7. now gently pick up the saran wrap, apply to area and wrap the saran wrap around, attaching it to itself to hold the pack in place. Most often I wrap another 2-3 runs of the wrap around to hold it firmly and contain the heat.

8. find a cozy spot and put a towel down in case your pack leaks, this oil can stain clothing and other fabrics.

9. Heat your pad to the warmest setting you can comfortably sit with and leave it on for 2 hours.

10. Remove heat after 2 hours. You can leave the pack on overnight but make sure you unplug that heating pad + remove it.

11. Store your fabric castor oil pack in an airtight container for the next use. You may need to add a little more castor oil for each use.

12. Replace pack every 2-3 months.

I’m so excited for you to try this. Every time I do it I feel like I am pampering my body, making internal change, and removing the unwanted. It’s good for me + in addition to what I know it is doing it is also creating many extra benefits I am completely unaware of. SO GOOD!

And hey, of course, I add my favorite essential oils to it, depending on my desired outcome for what I am using it for. I OFTEN grab a citrus + fir combo to help me feel encouraged, uplifted, grounded + to move through + forward. They help me to accept myself + to hold tight to HOPE for the future, while releasing all the head stuff I need to let go of!

Every single day I want to CHOOSE just one thing that helps create lasting change to a healthier tomorrow! This is one easy thing I can do to feel successful in that journey. How about you? What have you tried lately?

Keto Delicious Low-Carb Cauliflower Noodle Lasagna, it's what's for dinner.

This is honestly the most DELICIOUS lasagna. The keto noodles make it hard to believe it isn’t guilt-worthy. But it’s not. IT is so fresh, rich + robust.

And it may seem like a lot of step but it really does go quickly and is 100 percent worth every second.

Perfect recipe for entertaining! Printable version below!

Yield: 6-8

Author: Kimber Ryan

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Keto Low-carb Cauliflower Noodle Lasagna

Prep time: 1 HourCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 1 H & 30 M

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

• Rao's Tomato sauce 15oz jar
• 1 lb ground Italian Sausage
• 1/2 yellow onion chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt/pepper to taste

Cauliflower Noodles

• 3 cups cauliflower rice, packed
• 3 eggs
• ½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients

• 1 C. Grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 C. Shredded Mozzarella
• 2 Cups Baby Spinach

Instructions

1. Brown sausage and set aside.  Saute onions, green bell pepper until soft and add minced garlic, oregano, salt + pepper the last until garlic is softened. 

Now for the Noodles

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with olive oil.
2. Place riced  cauliflower in a bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes, give it a good stir, microwave for another minute.
3. Place the cauliflower rice in a tea towel  or cheesecloth and twist it removing as much moisture as you can. This is SUPER important. The cauliflower rice needs to be as dry as possible.
4. Place the pressed cauliflower rice back in the bowl and add eggs, salt, pepper and mix until combined.
5. Spread the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, let cool 5 to 10 minutes
7. Carefully peel it off the parchment paper.
8. Transfer to a large cutting board or work surface + cut to size of pan. 

Assembly + Baking

1. Layer 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of the pan, then add a layer of noodles, top with more sauce, some spinach, sprinkle parmesan cheese... repeat noodles, sauce, spinach, parm and final layer is noodles, sauce, parmesan and finally the mozzarella sprinkled over top.
2. Bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Did you make this recipe?

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Best Spices in the WORLD, literally. Kick up your KETO meals.

This blog is a whole lot of things we ESSENTIALLY LOVE. And these spices sourced from around the WORLD are our latest addiction.

We have found the yummiest, freshest, and equitably sourced spices. Just like our favorite essential oils brand, this spice company searches the globe to find the BEST in the region, where they grow naturally + they support the local farmers first-hand. They serve those producing the herbs + spices, and they serve you by providing the best spices we have found out there yet.

Burlap + Barrel, WE absolutely LOVE YOU!

Here is a BIG reason why:

As they say on their website: “Most spice supply chains are completely opaque; where the spices came from, who grew them, and how they were grown is usually a mystery. That’s not by accident - the systems we live with today are legacies of the colonial spice trade, which was designed to disenfranchise farmers and shortchange consumers.

We're replacing those broken systems with equitable sourcing, direct supply chains, and mutually-supportive relationships with our partner farmers. It's not only better for our partner farmers and our world; it also makes for much fresher, more flavorful spices. You can tell that our spices were grown with immense expertise and care as soon as you crack open the jar.”

We don’t get any kickbacks for saying any of this. We simply FELL in LOVE with their product + believe in their mission. So naturally, we want to support them + share the good news. Try them. You won’t regret it.

Some of our PRODUCT FAVES (however we LOVE them all) is:

• Wild Icelandic Kelp

• Smoked Paprika

• Turkish Oregano Buds

• Cloud Forest Cardamom Seeds

• Fermented White Pepper

• Cinnamon Tree Leaves

Over the next few months, we will be sharing allllllll the recipes we have whipped up with them so far. They have some great ideas on their website as well. Let us know when you try them out + what you use the most.

Be well,

Creamy Keto Cheesecake Whip with Berries

When you are doing a Keto Diet to try and lose weight one of the trickiest parts can be satisfying that sweet tooth. Especially in that first transition phase. And then there are the gatherings with the sweet yumminess options calling to you. These little Creamy Cheesecake Whips are super simple + quick to make. Because let’s face it, sometimes when we are cutting out the sugar our patience gets cut in half as well.

Can’t wait for you to try these and let me know what you think. Oh, and side note… if you don’t have doTERRA essential oil, or one that is labeled for internal use, don’t add it. So many out on the market are laden with additives. (I have linked the lemon oil for ya, if you want to snag a bottle - we have a lot of other uses for it listed here on the EL site.)

Keto Creamy Cheesecake Whip with Mascarpone

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Yield: 6

Author: Kimber Ryan

Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 17 Min

This recipe is the perfect little sweet after-dinner treat.

Ingredients

• 8oz mascarpone cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 4 T. swerve
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 C. heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Soften the cheeses + whip.
2. Add swerve + lemon essential oil, whip until incorporated.
3. Whip heavy whipping cream in a separate bowl.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese/mascarpone mixture, mixing the two together well.
5. Dish into individual size serving dishes.
6. You can garnish with sprinkled cacao + strawberries, or raspberries + mint leaves.
7. Chill until ready to serve.
8. So good!

Calories

201

Fat (grams)

18.9

Sat. Fat (grams)

11.9

Carbs (grams)

4.2

Net carbs

2.2

Protein (grams)

6.1

2 grams of alcohol sugars per serving

Did you make this recipe?

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BEST EVER Keto Reverse Seared Picahna Steak (Coulotte / Sirloin Cap)

THIS is DELICIOUS and SO EASY. You just pat it dry, score the fat, season, toss it in a low temp barbecue or oven until it hits 105 degrees. Then toss it on sizzling cast iron grill, 1-2 minutes on each side. YUM.

I’ll post the recipe for the Keto Cilantro Chimichurri sauce shortly, it was adapted from Umami Girl’s brilliant recipe using carrot tops. As I was scouring the web looking for best reverse searing methods for this cut of meat I saw her post using a chimichurri with it and OH MY… don’t skip this glorious addition. It is SO GOOD!

Also - side note, if you haven’t purchased from Butcher Box you may want to give it a try. GREAT quality grassfed beef and other quality meats and seafood.

Enjoy, and let me know how yours turned out.

Keto Reverse Seared Brazilian Picanha (barbeque or oven)

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Yield: 4

Author: Kimber Ryan

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 25 MinInactive time: 10 MinTotal time: 40 Min

So

Ingredients

• 2 pounds  grass fed sirloin cap (this cut is available at Butcher Box)
• 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns (Burlap + Barrel brand is my current favorite for spices. They are single-source origin + so fresh)
• Cilantro Chimichurri (recipe below) for drizzling or dipping

Instructions

1. Pat down your roast and let it air dry on a rack (in the fridge) for about an hour before cooking. 
2. Preheat oven or BBQ to 250 degrees.
3. Score the fat layer without cutting through the meat in a crosshatch pattern about 1/8" deep and 1" apart. 
4. Then generously rub it down with salt + pepper.
5. Place it in barbeque (or oven in pan - middle rack) with the fat side up.
6. Cook over low heat, around 250 degrees. (I used the barbeque) 
7.  Cook until it reaches 105 degrees internally.  
8. To reverse sear first you will cook the steak over indirect heat until it reaches 105°F, then sear it on all sides for 1-2 minutes in a cast iron pan  (or other low-tox). Then voila... it is DONE. 
9. Now, make sure to let the meat rest for 10 minuts after searing to keep it plump  + juicy. 
10. Garnish with Keto Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce 

Recommended Products:

Butcher Box Sirloin Cap

Calories

550

Fat (grams)

30

Carbs (grams)

0

Protein (grams)

60

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Cocktails + Mocktails with Essential Oils: Rosemary Grapefruit Moscow Mule + Grapfruit Lime Margarita

Here are two DELICIOUS cocktail recipes that include some of my very favorite ingredients. For my simple syrup I have been opting for low-carb, sugar-free. I either use SWOON or make my own with Swerve, because when you know better, you hopefully do better. Am I right? I also try to use as many fresh ingredients as I can, along with a drop of essential oil here and there.

Here is one of my absolute favorites, the Grapefruit Rosemary Moscow Mule w/ doTERRA Ginger & Rosemary essential oil. {Start with a toothpick tip of the rosemary and add as desired by taste.)

Check out the original of this recipe over at Domesticate Me. She has an AMAZING blog

(The photo above is hers I just added my modifications)

Here is some info on the 3 essential oils in this drink.

Rosemary Oil: Rosemary has many health benefits. Rosemary supports healthy digestion and helps soothe sore muscles and joints. Long revered by healers, Rosemary was considered sacred by the ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Hebrew cultures. Rosemary’s herbaceous and energizing scent is frequently used in aromatherapy to combat nervous tension and fatigue.

Ginger Oil: Studies have been conducted on Ginger for its positive effect on joint health; however, Ginger is best known as an effective digestive aid and for helping to ease indigestion and nausea. As a powerful tonic for the entire digestive system, Ginger can lessen motion sickness, soothe an upset stomach, and help digest food after a large meal. Ginger essential oil can also be applied topically or inhaled to help with digestion issues.

Grapefruit Oil: Referred to as a “forbidden fruit” and one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados,” Grapefruit was first documented in 1750 by Welshman Rev. Griffith Hughes. The name “grapefruit” is attributed to the fruits growing in clusters which resemble those of grapes. Known for its energizing and invigorating effect, Grapefruit helps reduce mental and physical fatigue. Grapefruit is also renowned for its cleansing and purifying benefits. It is beneficial for oily skin issues and helps to purify as it cleanses. Grapefruit is frequently used in skin care for its ability to promote clear, healthy skin and in weight loss products to support healthy metabolism.

How about a Watermelon Lime Margarita? Doesn’t it look beyond refreshing? Why, yes...yes it does!

Lime Oil: Cold-pressed from the peel of fresh limes, dōTERRA Lime essential oil is refreshing and energizing in both aroma and taste. Limes are frequently used in entrées and beverages for their fresh, citrus flavor. In the 18th century, British sailors drank lime juice daily to prevent scurvy while at sea, thus giving British seamen the nickname “Limeys.” Lime essential oil contains powerful antioxidants that enhance immunity. Due to its high limonene content, Lime provides internal cleansing benefits and can be diffused to help purify the air. It’s also an effective and natural surface cleaner. Lime is known for its ability to uplift mood, and balance and energize the mind and body. Lime is frequently used in facial and body cleansers for its purifying properties and uplifting scent.

Don’t worry, this isn’t the end of our list. We have SO MANY yummy recipes to share with you. Stay tuned!

Love My Skin Face Serum: DIY Recipe with Essential Oils

This serum is absolutely SPOT-ON. No, like literally. This is the perfect recipe to apply to troubled areas. I love having this in a roller bottle at all times, ready to swish the roller over any areas that need a little extra love.

Heart My Skin Serum 

1 T Camilla

1 t Calendula

1/2 t Prickly Pear

1/4 t Argan oil

ESSENTIAL OILS:

2 each : Neroli, Rose, Geranium, Melissa, Frank, Jasmine

1 each : Helichrysum, Roman chamomile

This recipe is enough to fill two 10ml roller bottles. One for you + one for a friend. Go bless someone!

Check out the list below that describes why I chose the particular oils in this blend. There are some real beauties. And if you are looking for an all over face recipe then make sure to check out this recent blog post on the Power-packed Plant-based Facial Skin Serum

Prickly Pear Seed Oil: the Protector

This oil offers you two beautiful moisturizing benefits:  light texture + deep penetration, which will gifts you with extremely soft and velvety skin. It is high in tocopherols (vitamin E) and omega-6 fatty acids, both of these get to work nourishing +  protecting the skin. 

The high levels of vitamin K and zinc in this oil help to lighten under-eye circles, heal dark spots, and reduce scarring. Packed with amino acids + antioxidants this beauty of an oil helps to improve skin elasticity and appearance, especially for dry or slightly aging skin types.

Camellia Seed Oil: the Deliverer

Camellia oil is a very lightweight, dry oil, that has a very similar makeup to our sebum, which is your skin’s natural oil. That means that when applied, the molecules are small enough to be absorbed into the skin immediately instead of sitting on top of the dermis, which helps to lock in moisture, which of course keeps your skin smooth and hydrated throughout the live-long day. Can I get an AMEN?

Not only that, it’s packed full of skin-perfecting nutrients which help preserve the youthful glow of your skin and combat those dreaded wrinkles. This oil delivers!

Fun fact: Historically, this is the oil the Japanese Geisha’s used to keep their skin smooth + gorgeous.

Calendula Oil: the Comforter

Calendula Oil is a great option for your skin. It has so many calming, healing, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can calm sensitive skin, relieve redness + soothe the skin after acne breakouts.

Where does it come from? it is extracted from those cheerful + happy Pot Marigold flowers. Its mild properties relieve many types of skin conditions and also support your skin’s healing process.

Argan Oil: the Doer

Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, it’s packed with a slew of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that do absolute wonders for skin. It offers deep hydration + antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

You need this now, am I right?

Be Well,

Power-packed All Natural Plant-based Facial Skin Serum Recipe.

In this post we are going to cover the life-giving benefits of choosing some pretty power-house, nutrient-rich, FABULOUS, non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) plant-based oils in your make-it-yourself-and-save-a-TON-of-money Be Kind Facial Serum. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s good for you, it saves you moolah, it makes you SHiNE… why not?

Stocking up on some of these oils may cost you a bit, but we are going to show you how to put them to work in many ways. Today… we start with our beautiful faces.

I introduce you to this gem. . .

Be Kind Facial Serum

• 1T Baobab Oil

• 1 T Calendula Oil

• 1 T Camillia Oil

• 1 t. Moringa Oil

• 1 t. Argan Oil

Essential Oils

• 6 drops each:

• Geranium - Blue Tansy - Lavender - Tea Tree
  Yarrow Pom - Frankincense - Neroli

  3 drops each:

• Helichrysum - Roman Chamomile
  

  Mix. Store in a 100ml (or 3 oz) opaque glass dropper bottle. Apply just-enough on your freshly cleansed face ( these soak in deep so make sure you cleansed your face thoroughly. )
  

That’s the basic recipe - of course, you can modify to make it work best for you as needed. Below we have a list explaining some of the benefits of the plant-based oils we chose. Oh, trust us… there are reasons + they are really great reasons. Keep reading to find out our why.

(We realize we haven’t covered the why behind the essential oils chosen here, but you can click this to learn up on a couple of them. )

Moringa Oil: the Wonder-worker

Moringa oil is one of those oils that covers a lot of ground… or skin. It has moisturizing and emollient properties, which help the skin hydrate and actually retain the moisture. Moringa also has the ability to purify, making it a wonder-worker at dealing with allergenic issues. The behenic acid in this oil helps protect the skin from damage. This oil can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, improve overall appearance, combat breakouts + SO MUCH MORE.

To top it off adding a little of this wonder oil can help to prolong the shelf life of your homemade beauty products. Muah… we LOVE you Moringa!

Baobab Oil: the Hydrator

Baobab oil is a natural moisturizer and an emollient. It is packed with moisture, making it a must-have for dry skin. It works to restore hydration and then it strengthens the skin barrier to keep moisture levels adequate.

Baobab oil is also skin microbiome friendly. Well, what exactly does that mean? The term ‘skin microbiome’ refers to the community of bacteria that live in the layers of your skin and keep it healthy. This is a GOOD THING - just like your gut, keeping that healthy balance is important.

Baobab Oil is not limited to these benefits, as it has many more that are also contained in the remaining oils we will cover.

Fun fact: This oil comes from the seed of the Baobab tree found in Africa. the tallest recorded tree was about 98 feet tall and had a trunk diameter of 36 feet. The trunks become so massive partly because they can HOLD WATER! As much as 1000 gallons of water have been tapped from one trunk. #hydrator

Camellia Seed Oil: the Deliverer

Camellia oil is a very lightweight, dry oil, that has a very similar makeup to our sebum, which is your skin’s natural oil. That means that when applied, the molecules are small enough to be absorbed into the skin immediately instead of sitting on top of the dermis, which helps to lock in moisture, which of course keeps your skin smooth and hydrated throughout the live-long day. Can I get an AMEN?

Not only that, it’s packed full of skin-perfecting nutrients which help preserve the youthful glow of your skin and combat those dreaded wrinkles. This oil delivers!

Fun fact: Historically, this is the oil the Japanese Geisha’s used to keep their skin smooth + gorgeous.

Calendula Oil: the Comforter

Calendula Oil is a great option for your skin. It has so many calming, healing, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can calm sensitive skin, relieve redness + soothe the skin after acne breakouts.

Where does it come from? it is extracted from those cheerful + happy Pot Marigold flowers. Its mild properties relieve many types of skin conditions and also support your skin’s healing process.

Rosehip Oil: the Tamer

This oil may be best known for its ability to tame inflammation.

One study found that rosehip’s high levels of antioxidants are what make it a superstar in regards to dealing with oxidative stress + inflammation.

Rosehip’s fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic) make it an excellent option for dry skin.

Those same fatty acids are what have shown to bring relief with rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, (see study)

Rosehip is also rich in Vitamin A + C + E which: Exfoliates - Boosts Collagen - Regenerates cells - Helps with Skin Damage.

So, what is Rosehip Oil?
It comes from the rose bush and is harvested from the fruit. You know those little bulbs that form after the petals fall? That little beauty is the power-packed rosehip.

This fruit is beautifully rich in vitamin C  + Provitamin A (not your common retinol vitamin A), vitamin D, vitamin E, flavonoids, carotenoids, beta-sitosterol, and a plethora of other beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Argan Oil: the Doer

Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, it’s packed with a slew of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that do absolute wonders for skin. It offers deep hydration + antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Beautiful, right? Who wouldn’t want to go smother their faces with all of this gold now?

Stay posted. Up next is our AMAZING power-packed restorative serum. You won’t want to miss it…

Be well,

When grief tries to steal, don't believe it.

F A M I L Y

Hold them tight, cherish the moments, because you just never know.

This photo is missing a key player from it. The one that stood at the helm to navigate our course and he was the one who knew where to drop the anchor that steadied us in a safe harbor.

Honestly, he was my grounding person. I am the dreamer, the planner, the visionary, the creative force, the spontaneous let's go girl. And he was my, (what I often called), dream squasher. Haha. He brought all the practical into any situation that presented itself. "Okay Kim, so "HOW" are we going to do that?" At the time I didn't give the process the respect it deserved. I need that in my life to help me look at both sides of the same coin.

I miss that.

I miss him.

We all do.

There is SO MUCH that has changed + there is SO MUCH that we miss. There is SO MUCH that we have processed + SO MUCH MORE to work through. We have experienced quite the trauma during the process of fighting to lose, and in the defeat of cancer, we have been left with a thick residual of heavy grief.

BUT we have learned SO MUCH.

This is the gold in the story. This is where God redeems the broken. He doesn't rewrite stories, he adds on to them... bringing new strength, growth, or light in response to what happened. We can count on this. He never leaves us where we are at, He always has things to show us and places to take us. We just can't let ourselves lose sight of him in the process. EVEN IF it means just barely cracking one eye open-enough to squint in his direction. Or one cracky whisper of "You're here, right God? I'm not alone, even though every ounce of me feels like it."

"Yes baby girl, I'm right here. I haven't taken my eye off of you for one single second. I love you so much + I know how deeply you are hurting. Someday you'll be able to walk again... for now just find rest in the knowledge I am here + I am fighting for you."

That right there is what has carried me to this point. Knowing my God is here, and true to his word. He will never leave me and never forsake me... and I have just got to believe that because my, what I thought was “FOREVER LOVE” did leave me. Not by his own doing but never the less, he is gone. And that messes with a girl's mind + heart on all sorts of levels.

I have SO MUCH MORE to say on this. But for now I just wanted to stop on in with a quick update and encourage anyone who is suffering immense loss. YOU AREN'T ALONE... EVER. Not even in your darkest nights. YOU are being fought for and guess what... he already won! I pray you can find some peace and some rest in that.

YOU are loved,

Emollient Rich Cuticle Recipe for dry, cracked + brittle nails.

Easy, peasy all natural cuticle cream recipe. PERFECT for gift-giving. This nail salve is so emollient dense your nails will be back to strong and healthy in no time.

Be Well,

Kimber

and if that little fire video for the cuticle cream recipe is flashing too quickly before your eyes don’t fret… I am posting images below that you can revisit, or pin to pinterest for easy reference later.

Rise n' Shine Keto Coffee Recipe: an Anti-inflammatory Diet Recipe

This is a DELICIOUS Keto Coffee recipe that has incredible anti-inflammatory benefits. Golden Milk is filled with turmeric, ginger, cardamom + black pepper which really BOOST your bodies response to reducing inflammation within the body.

• 1 Tablespoon MCT Powder

• 1-2 teaspoon Golden Milk Powder

• Good Cup of Java

• 1 dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice

• 1 dollop Heavy Whipping Cream (no sugar added)

add first three ingredients into a cup and whisk or froth, top with whipping cream, sprinkle the spice and sip away. This is so delicious + so beneficial for your health!

Be Well,

Kimber

What to do when you feel stuck + overwhelmed with your home business.

In the last two years my life has taken a major about-face. March 2018, I would have never imagined my husband would be diagnosed with cancer followed by 14 months of extreme treatments, to end with him heading to his eternal home. Leaving me here to become the provider. All of this left my head reeling and my feet unable to gain traction underneath me. Where to start? I felt SO VERY OVERWHELMED!

I kept trying and just couldn’t get my thoughts and actions to line up in a way that felt right. I was missing some key, foundational, pieces to the process of developing my plan to move forward. I knew I wanted to move forward but the steps were hard to see, and even more difficult to try and execute. Until….

This recent shebang started a couple months back and I was DEEP in the trenches of gloom. I was ready to just give up. Then, one day as I was scrolling through the motions I ran across a free training on facebook. (this course has expired but BOY do I have content to share with you from it) Something pressed on me to click “going”. Possibly one of the most brilliant moves I have ever made! Thank you God for the nudge.

In walks this life-giving, enthusiast that was so straight-forward. I began a process of thinking back to the very core of who I am, what I stand for, what talents God has given me and how I could solve a problem with that resulting in being a blessing to others. BAM! Oh, give me purpose and give me hope for my future. And not only that, but I went all the way back to the HOW and WHY. Why do I do the things I do in business when God is in the lead? IT looks different, right? This was fresh air to my tired and weary mind. The knowing that God has a beautiful plan unfolding that includes using my past failures for a positive future, for myself + others.

You can hear it my words right? This insight has wrapped all my beliefs and passions into one beautiful package that I can get SO EXCITED about! It has been absolute GOLD. I kid you not. I would call it a core level booster, cutting through all the head stories we create to sabotage ourselves. NO FLUFF. Just straight forward, practical, go after it, make it count, valuable content, with all kinds of helpful resources. If you need to light a fire under your seat (or in your head), you can do it and you CAN also LOVE the process.

Going through these steps have COMPLETELY changed my approach and now I am SO EAGER to help other people find their way through the cycle of defeat. It is a blast figuring out what makes people’s hearts skip a beat and move mountains. That’s what you need to find, that’s what you need to do. That is AUTHENTIC + something to be passionate about. I am going to be posting some simple worksheets that will help your mind pull out from under the weight of burden or anxiety and start moving towards a bright, shining future.

In the meantime, pray and ask God for a light to shine in an area that has felt dim. Expect a nudge, a prompt, to reach out and love on someone. It all starts by serving others in love. ALWAYS.

Time to Worship: Quarantunes Playlist - best activity to relieve stress during quarantine.

Stressed or concerned yet? Going crazy? What day are we on of this home-bound quarantine? How many days do we have to go? So many thoughts and questions concerning quarantine.

The biggest one for me is how to manage my spinning thoughts around what the future will look like. ALL MY PLANS hinge on how this Corona virus plays out, here and around the world. So many “I don’t knows” right now. That is an uncomfortable place to prop yourself for any length of time.

This morning as God woke me up EXTRA early, He told me to turn on my portable speaker and listen. That the words to the melody had plans to minister to my soul and mind on this very day. So, I obeyed. I am SO GLAD I DID. As I listened He revealed song after song that spoke directly to all of my questions. They calmed the storm within me and reminded me of the bigger STORY. The story where I am not the author, and the one who is… well, He is OH-SO TRUSTWORTHY. It helped me to just breathe and find rest in not having to know, just needing to follow.

I decided to go ahead and take the morning worship song list and make it into a playlist on Spotify to share with all of you. I’d love to hear ideas of songs you would add to it. In fact, you can just pop on over and add it yourself because I made it a collaborative playlist. Here is the link: Spotify Playlist - Time to Worship: Quarantunes (please keep the list child friendly and Jesus centered)

I plan on running through this quarantine music playlist a few times a day… reminding myself that God is not surprised by this. He already has in mind what He is going to do about it. There is purpose in EVERYTHING. So the question is then, how do we show up in it? What does he have in mind for us to do in the space of it?

It is SO EASY to fill our heads with ideas of what our culture says will bring us peace, success, stability, comfort, and happiness. The fact is though, most of those things when acquired are very short-lived if fulfilling at all. So, let’s apply that thought to our current situation. WHAT IF God has different ideas for us than what we had been setting out to do? Wouldn’t this be THE PERFECT time to sit with him, soak in a little of His love, reconnect and LISTEN? I think this is a thing of beauty!

I am not saying this season is easy. I am not saying it is a good thing even. I am saying let’s make the MOST out of it! Let’s use these still days to allow God to speak to us. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear and willing minds to follow.

Listen to this song list and ask those very questions. He’ll speak to you, I just know it.

Psalm 46 The Message

A Song of the Sons of Korah

46 1-3 God is a safe place to hide,
    ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
    courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
    the tremors that shift mountains.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city,
    this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
    God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
    but Earth does anything he says.

7 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
    He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
    breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
    loving look at me, your High God,
    above politics, above everything.”

11 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

We can choose to wrestle our own way through this, or we can seek God’s wisdom and find His peace in the thick of this. Praying these songs for quarantine will help you to slow down your worries and fears and find rest for your weary soul.

Be well,

Kimber