Good Land

The fields are ripe for harvest!

This worker is going out to the fields!

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you," says Deuteronomy 8:10.

I have eaten, I am becoming satisfied, and I will continue to be satisfied. I am praising the LORD my God for this good land He has given me.

"Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery" (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; bold mine.)

These last few compresses are taking way longer than planned/expected. On November 3rd, I posted that I just had a few left, and then I could begin on the etsy shop. Funnily enough, I've gotten two more finished, but there are still a few more. It sometimes feels like in my life, there are always "a few more."

A few more dishes in the sink.

A few more loads of laundry.

A few more errands to run.

A few more friends to call.

A few more meals to plan.

A few more herbal places of study.

A few more minutes to play with my daughter.

A few more dates with my husband so we can reconnect better.

But God is so good, this land is so good, the one where I am feasting on His fresh-baked bread spread with butter and rock-pure honey (Psalm 81.)

There will always be a few more, until He comes back to take us with Him in the clouds. So I can keep living in this good land.

Cold & Flu Herbal Remedies

For those of you who have the cold and flu herbal remedies I made around Christmas-time, here are the ingredients included and a simple explanation of the why behind each one.

Cold Herbal Remedy

Please Note:

All of the information you receive below is a simple compilation of why we include each herb in the cold herbal remedy. I intend to inform rather than diagnose.

Understand that herbal remedies work with your body rather than against it. When you take herbs, you may feel worse before feeling better. This is because herbs—which are food and not just spices—remove the fecal matter that has been stored up in your bowels for who-knows-how-long. Once it has been broken off your intestinal wall, it has to go somewhere…and the herbs, as well as water, fresh fruit juices (especially those juiced in a juicer), vegetables, and fiber foods (like flax seed, for example) aid your body in breaking down that matter and expelling it from your body.

Happy herbal-ing!

Thyme

*Antimicrobial, antibiotic, expectorant (creates cough which aids in mucus expulsion)

*Not for pregnant women or for persons who have a duodenal ulcer or thyroid disease

Rose Hips (from wild roses after flowers fall off—fruit of rose)

*One of most concentrated sources of vitamin C, also contains A, D, and E, antioxidant

Red Raspberry Leaf

*Antioxidant, excellent source of iron

*Best to use in small amounts for persons who have liver or kidney disease

Lemon Balm

*In peppermint family, treats nervous system, aids in sleep and gastrointestinal issues

Chamomile

*Relaxant, anti-headache, soothes stomach

Cayenne

*Excellent source of vitamin C, laxative, can deplete pain chemicals in stomach

*If in tea form, avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands immediately after handling.

Garlic

*Anti-parasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, tonic

*Avoid where there is fever in long-term deficiency conditions (such as cancer)

Comfrey Root

*Helps prevent and treat infection—heals and soothes the gastrointestinal area, flushes out parasites embedded inside intestinal wall

*Best to use in small amounts if one has liver disease or cancer, is pregnant or nursing

Flu Herbal Remedy

Please Note:

All of the information you receive below is a simple compilation of why I include each herb in the flu herbal remedy. I intend to inform rather than diagnose.

Understand that herbal remedies work with your body rather than against it. When you take herbs, you may feel worse before feeling better. This is because herbs—which are food and not just spices—remove the fecal matter that has been stored up in your bowels for who-knows-how-long. Once it has been broken off your intestinal wall, it has to go somewhere…and the herbs, as well as water, fresh fruit juices (especially those juiced in a juicer), vegetables, and fiber foods (like flax seed, for example) aid your body in breaking down that matter and expelling it from your body.

Happy herbal-ing!

Catnip

*Strongly antifungal

*Not recommended for pregnant women

Cayenne

*Excellent source of vitamin C, laxative, can deplete pain chemicals in stomach

*If in tea form, avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands immediately after handling.

Echinacea Herb and Root

*Stimulates immune system, alleviates colds

*Use with caution if allergic to ragweed

Thyme

*Antimicrobial, antibiotic, expectorant (creates cough which aids in mucus expulsion)

*Not for pregnant women or for persons who have a duodenal ulcer or thyroid disease

Garlic

*Anti-parasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, tonic

*Avoid where there is fever in long-term deficiency conditions (such as cancer)

Ginger

*Relieves dampness, chill, and nausea, terminates parasitic infections and cold viruses, helpful with migraines

*Especially helpful during pregnancy as it relieves morning sickness and can correct breech births

Red Raspberry Leaf

*Antioxidant, excellent source of iron

*Best to use in small amounts for persons who have liver or kidney disease

Boneset

*Treats fevers by inducing perspiration to lower body temperature, fights bacterial infections

*Best to use in small amounts for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 6 and persons with severe liver or kidney disease

Marshmallow Root

*Soothes and relieves irritation by coating inflamed surfaces (such as is caused by diarrhea or sore throat)

*Best to take apart from other medicines because of its helpful, cleansing nature

Fifth Grade's End

When I "graduated" from fifth grade, my school had a huge celebration for us as we, essentially, moved from being children to pre-teens (or young adults.) I remember this being such a completely surprising rite of passage for me as I perused the changes going on around and within me. We had a convocation, a ceremony of graduation, and a special presentation of those of us who were in choir, a recorder musical group (yes, the old-school instrument that has been revived in our home with our daughter), and the band.

I remember receiving lots of love from many people, from my parents, to peers who I didn't even know liked me, to my principal, who spent time afterwards perched on the edge of the school's stage along with me, listening to how I felt about everything regarding growing up and sharing his fatherly advice. When I arrived home, I went directly to our "family room", the time we spent most of our time together as a family through part of my growing up years. I nestled on the couch, placed my hands behind my head, and thought carefully through all that I had grown up through in my 10 years of life. This introspective care of myself has proven to be indispensable to my growth in Christ. When I take care of myself first (rather than trying to take the speck out of everyone else's eye, dealing with my own plank), whether it be forgiving myself and loving myself by feeding the Spirit of Christ within me (and not the sinful nature), then I am able to walk in love as Jesus did.

This Terebinth Spa adventure has been much different than I thought it would be. I believed I would learn how to make various products, make them, and then sell them, barter, or give them away. What instead has happened...
1. learning about God's creation
2. creating products from this knowledge
3. trying out a Farmer's Market with this in stock...trying out spa parties...trying to garner support and move along...but...
4. frustration and pain as I lacked support from God's people, vision from God, financial abilities
5. crying out to God in the midst of this pain--isn't this what God is calling me to do?
6. His continued love, deliverance, restoration
7. a renewed vision and ability to walk in love--God's way

This, coupled with many other strenuous circumstances in my life that have made me despair of all hope and life, has been the precursor to another "graduation" from emotional toddlerhood to emotional adulthood. Once again, I am sitting on a couch (now at my own home, with my husband and daughter playing nearby) and ruminating on life. Now that I have been set free, I do not desire to go back to those weak and miserable principles of my old way of life. He, God of hope that He is, has filled me with all joy and peace as I trust in Him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Today

We picked tomatoes yesterday. A November tomato harvest has me happy! We made homemade tomato soup with them.

I am finishing up some herbal compresses for friends/family and then am ready to finally begin my etsy shop.

Overdue update...

It has been some time since I've shared all that Terebinth Spa has been up to. In the midst of the colder fall/winter months, I have spent more time nestled inside my cozy home, reading stories about Jesus, making meals, playing with my daughter, singing as my husband plays the guitar, washing loads of dishes with my family (yes, they love to help!), stitching buttons on shirts that had been waiting too long, learning how to weave, visiting with family and having a birthday party for Jesus with friends. What fun it's been! As for Terebinth Spa, I've found that it is far better giving away spa goodness to others in everyday ways, like giving a spontaneous foot rub to my daughter or making hand soap for use in our bathroom. Here are a few highlights:

*I made lavender/flax seed compresses (the type you can put in the microwave or oven to heat up or freeze for relaxation and aromatherapy benefits) and rich coconut oil soap for Christmas gifts this year. I enjoyed hand stitching the compresses while having a few The Lord of the Rings marathons with my husband.

*Homeopathy and herbology are my recent studies of late. I love to read up on this information that is so crucial for maintaining a healthy self.

*Some children my husband and I have "adopted" came to stay with us and we made soap, shampoo and I think a few other things together. I was delighted to see their pleasure with learning how to do such things that previously they needed to depend on stores to provide for them as well as overcoming the challenges that come along with creating spa products.

*When my husband, daughter and I have been sick, God has led me to specific herbal and other food remedies along with massage therapy, herbal baths, homeopathy, aromatherapy and more in order to treat them! We have gotten well and no longer have to rely on conventional medicine (which is actually just people pulling out chemical constituents of herbs and only treats the symptoms, not the cause of disease.) He has fascinated me with how tender He is in His loving care of His children. I am thankful to Him that He not only allows but WANTS me to be involved in this healing and restorative aspect of His character.

(Picture taken by and copyrighted by Michelle Craig)

Terebinth Spa in the News

So What is Terebinth About?

Here's a little description of what I make/do (for those who like such things):

Terebinth Spa provides homemade, all natural and/or organically based spa products & services. Balms, Salves, Lotions, Scrubs, Massage Oils, Specially Requested Items, Therapeutic Massage, Home/Office/Church Spa Party Bookings...all to show the love of Jesus!!!

In the News

My friend Renee with Green Piece Indy asked me to do a spa party for her a few months ago. What a delightful way to relax on a sunny Sunday! My husband played with the baby in the backyard while I sought to bring healing to sore muscles in the living room. I was humbly blessed to see how I showed the person of Jesus Christ and His overflowing love after I read what she wrote in Green Piece Indy...

Allison of Terebinth Spa makes her own spa products from organic and natural ingredients like shea butter, honey, beeswax, lavender, avocado, and yummy-smelling essential oils, then uses them at spa parties for massages and facials. Her services are ideal for bridal or baby showers or girls night parties. The Green Piece girls recently invited over a few lucky friends for an afternoon spa session with Terebinth Spa. We were treated to mini-massages using her Peace Mountain Foot Balm and Jasmine Hand Jive and were amazed how quickly we were transformed from tense to tranquil in mere minutes. Our testers raved about the effectiveness of her products. We know what you're thinking: sounds great, but it must cost an arm and a leg. Well, friends, it gets better. Terebinth Spa operates by donation and/or on the barter system...

Product List and Ingredients

A few things that will be helpful for you to know...for we all learn something new every day!

1.) The * denotes organic...anything else is all-natural/raw/unrefined/pure unless otherwise noted.
2.) Lecithin is an emulsifier and lubricant. Basically, it holds everything together and makes it possible for topical use.
3.) Raw honey is honey that has not been cooked. Therefore, all of the living enzymes are included. These are not harmful and are actually very beneficial! Living enzymes=life to the body!
4.) Vegetable glycerine is usually from palm or coconut oils. It is actually even a food-grade sweetener. Yum!

Armpitty Party Deodorant
*Shea butter, baking soda, *lecithin, *cocoa butter/kokum butter (refined)/illipe butter (refined), vegetable glycerine, your choice of an essential oils blend, vitamin E (preservative)

Her Shiness Sea Salt Scrub
Sea salt, blend of oils (any of *sweet almond, avocado, *sesame, *hazelnut, walnut, *jojoba, apricot kernel, and/or brazil nut), your choice of an essential oils blend

Hooray! Honey Facial
Raw honey (Indiana-made!) and *jojoba oil

Jasmine Hand Jive
*Lemon balm and/or pink rose/*helichrysum infusion, *lecithin, *shea butter, beeswax, *sweet almond oil, avocado oil, *jojoba oil, *cocoa butter, jasmine essential oil, lavender essential oil, vitamin E (preservative)

Lady Lavender Hand Soap
*Fair trade unscented castile soap, vegetable glycerine, *jojoba oil, lavender essential oil

Peace Mountain Foot Balm
*Lemon balm and/or pink rose/*helichrysum infusion, *lecithin, *shea butter, beeswax, *sweet almond oil, avocado oil, *jojoba oil, *cocoa butter, *tea tree essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, vitamin E (preservative)