Tracesoffaith

I believe in the communion of saints.

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You’re welcome here. I’m passionate about church unity, helping others connect deeply with God, and Frankincense. You can connect with me on social media as @tracesoffaith. I’d love for you to check out my two books: include “Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost” and “Shaky Ground: What to Do After the Bottom Drops Out.”

Essential Mythbusters #7 – Essential oils and supplements are expensive

March 13, 2024

Essential Oil Mythbusters #7: ESSENTIAL OILS AND SUPPLEMENTS ARE EXPENSIVE

It might be easiest to go back to bullet points. Seeing things all neat on a list like this make my mind so happy!

· Remember the old adage: You get what you pay for. This certainly applies to the essential oils market. Be diligent about finding oils that are pure, because it's your body and your health we're talking about.

· That being said, when you're using a pure oil, use less more often. These bottle are potent, give one a smell and you'll know, so it might only take an application or two to do the work (ie. rub tree oil on a pimple and it'll clear up in no time, costing under about .50 per use). A 15 ml bottle of our oil has 250 drops in it. That should last you a bit, if not years (citrus oils have a ten-year life span; other oils do not go bad).

· Diffusing an oil in a diffuser uses the most drops (8-12 typically), but it gives you hours of putting healthy molecules in the air to combat toxicity, freshen up the home, and support your body. This from a Huffpost article: "Research has shown that oils can kill most air-born microorganisms. A French study colonized 210 various microbes; within 30 minutes of misting the air with a mixture of oils, only four colonies remained alive."

· When it comes to supplements (ie. vitamins, collagen, probiotic, bone nutrient) you want something that's actually got the ingredients listed in it, no fillers, and a combination that's been well-researched. Pure essential oils help get all those other ingredients where they need to go. This isn't an inexpensive process, but its preventative work is so worth it. When your body needs additional support, it's an affordable, and needed, product. Those customers who have used other supplements in the past, typically find getting all of their supplement needs met by a few of our products from one place actually saves them money.

· Finally, and this is one thing I'm wild about in doTerra, it costs time and money to establish a global network of farmers and customers. There's no middle man between the field of plants, or forest of trees, and a doTerra distillery. They work around the world in areas where oils can be processed indigenously. They've reinvested in those farming communities, creating jobs, helping with schools, health clinics, and so forth. Learning about these communities has been such a gift to me.

Can the price tag seem high sometimes? Maybe. With proper budgeting, it fits, and the many benefits are immeasurable.

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Traci Rhoades is a wellness advocate for doTERRA. Email me about how to get a wholesale account free of charge, good for 25% off our products.

doTERRA is a Latin derivative, meaning “gift of the earth.” From the beginning, the mission of doTERRA has been to share the highest-quality essential oils with the world. Having seen the incredible benefits of using these precious resources, a group of healthcare and business professionals set out to make that mission a reality in 2008. Today, they are a privately owned, debt-free 2+ billion dollar company.
Essential Mythbusters #6 – Essential oil reps aren’t medical professionals

March 13, 2024

Essential Oils Mythbuster #6 – ESSENTIAL OIL REPS AREN'T MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Well, some of us aren't, but a good deal of our team members are educated in holistic medicine, aromatherapy, and nurses. As for the rest of us who aren't medical professionals, I’d add “neither are pharmaceutical reps.” I think on the similarities often. Our technical title is advocate, promoting better health in an ongoing relationship with our customers. We have access to a number of resources that explain the science behind the supplements and oil blends. doTerra has a whole team of medical doctors and scientists who share their findings about their clinical work and studies. There are podcasts, interviews, articles (most are available to our customers too). We receive as much training as we're willing to take on as time allows.

In addition, we reference books that are regularly updated on the origin and capabilities of the many essential oils available. Finally, our teams regularly share testimonials, protocols for illnesses like Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, neuropathy, etcetera. Again, not instead of medical professionals and prescribed medication, but in conjunction. Here's our customer FB group where much of this is shared. It's open to anyone: Live Well. Live Free. Live Naturally.

Rather than referring to our services as direct sales, we prefer network marketing, for it’s our hope that as we make a difference in your health, without side effects, you’ll tell your friends, family, and coworkers. Over time, we continue to meet the changing health needs of you and your family. Our wellness consults happen face to face (sometimes that’s on zoom), and it feels good and true to have conversations at length about what natural health options a person might have.

You cannot build a partnership like this by doing an Internet search, putting items in an Amazon cart, or even by visiting a local health food store (although these places do sell doTerra products, at full price). Working with a wellness advocate, you get wholesale cost. Eventually, you can learn about doTerra’s Loyalty Rewards Program (accrue points for free product), and it is our hope the journey together continues for years to come.

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Traci Rhoades is a wellness advocate for doTERRA. Email me about how to get a wholesale account free of charge, good for 25% off our products.

doTERRA is a Latin derivative, meaning “gift of the earth.” From the beginning, the mission of doTERRA has been to share the highest-quality essential oils with the world. Having seen the incredible benefits of using these precious resources, a group of healthcare and business professionals set out to make that mission a reality in 2008. Today, they are a privately owned, debt-free 2+ billion dollar company.
Essential Mythbusters #5 – Oil people hate modern medicine

March 13, 2024

Mythbusters #5 – OIL PEOPLE HATE MODERN MEDICINE

I cannot speak for everyone who uses essential oils, but I don’t hate modern medicine. I think we can forget its place. A few weeks ago, I asked Twitter what came to mind when they heard the term, “natural health.” Twitter loves questions like this. Here are a few responses:

“People who create a false dichotomy and assume 'natural' as an alternative to contemporary medicine.”

“'There’s an oil for that’ slogans on FB posts and being told the opposite of natural health products/care is toxic and deadly.”

“Pathological fear of disease and pharmaceuticals.”

“Tried and true tonic, elixirs, and teas that were used before modern western medicine.”

Let’s take the weird out of essential oils, shall we. The term natural health can have all kinds of connotations, but as in all things, we seek the truth behind the hype, the media, the “I know this one person.”

We’ve all been there—a point of frustration with the healthcare system, paying copays, urgent care versus emergency room versus virtual visit, overprescribed medication, money, money, money.

Here’s what I appreciate about doTerra and my continuing knowledge of supplements and essential oils. We have options. The medicine we do need has all-natural partners that offer both alternative and additional support to our bodies. It’s empowering to know my options.

Check out the article about St. Elizabeth Cancer Center in Kentucky. They offer an integrative approach to the care they offer their patients, including doTerra essential oils.

Envision this with me; a better understanding of how essential oil fits in our overall best healthcare practices, and a lifelong partnership between modern medicine and (a proper approach to) natural health.

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Traci Rhoades is a wellness advocate for doTERRA. Email me about how to get a wholesale account free of charge, good for 25% off our products.

doTERRA is a Latin derivative, meaning “gift of the earth.” From the beginning, the mission of doTERRA has been to share the highest-quality essential oils with the world. Having seen the incredible benefits of using these precious resources, a group of healthcare and business professionals set out to make that mission a reality in 2008. Today, they are a privately owned, debt-free 2+ billion dollar company.
Essential Mythbusters #4 – Essential oils don’t work

March 13, 2024

Mythbuster #4 – ESSENTIAL OILS DON'T WORK

First, a solid definition of essential oils from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences:

“Essential oils, which are obtained through mechanical pressing or distillation, are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor of their source. Each essential oil has a unique composition of chemicals, and this variation affects the smell, absorption, and effects on the body.”

So, in a nutshell, or in this case, in a lemon peel, what do essential oils do for our bodies? Remember chemistry class? I do, but barely. From a doTerra article, “Essential Oil Cellular Activity:”

“Essential oils are active at the cellular level of our bodies. Better said, essential oils affect the biochemistry of our cells."

Here’s a list of benefits essential oils may help with: inflammation, mood, sleep, relaxation, gut health, headaches, nausea, cramps, muscle pain, fungal infections, respiratory and metabolic support. An essential oil goes far beyond surface level work.

If you'd like to look up just one to learn a little more, check out frankincense oil (yes, the stuff the wise men brought to Jesus). It's considered the "king of oils," and wow, does it do some great work at the cellular level. Pretty exciting stuff.

Do essential oils actually work? Yes. Much of what an essential oil does in our body is considered preventative care. We should keep in mind, too, sometimes the work they’re doing may not show itself at a surface level, and a body might need additional support with further medical treatment of some kind. We’re not so much looking for a miracle cure, we’re looking to support our body naturally, in partnership with all other components of healthy living (ie. nutritional diet, movement, medical consultation).

For those times an oil might not have worked, there could be a couple reasons. Perhaps the amount used, or the amount of times it was used, wasn’t adequate for treatment. Remember, our bodies all react differently because we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139).

By now this might not come as a surprise, but it could be the oil used was an inferior product. If the oil marked “pure” also has additives mixed in, the actual oil you’re getting might be rather insignificant, or it might not be that pure in the first place.

If you'd like to hear stories about oils doing good work, our doTERRA team has a customer FB page. It's for anyone, and people share stories about the products they use all the time: Live Well. Live Free. Live Naturally.

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Traci Rhoades is a wellness advocate for doTERRA. Email me about how to get a wholesale account free of charge, good for 25% off our products.

doTERRA is a Latin derivative, meaning “gift of the earth.” From the beginning, the mission of doTERRA has been to share the highest-quality essential oils with the world. Having seen the incredible benefits of using these precious resources, a group of healthcare and business professionals set out to make that mission a reality in 2008. Today, they are a privately owned, debt-free 2+ billion dollar company.
Essential Mythbusters #3 – I’m allergic to essential oils

March 13, 2024

Mythbuster #3 – I'M ALLERGIC TO ESSENTIAL OILS

Well, maybe sort of, for some people. There's a lot of misunderstanding behind this one, though. Many of the negative reactions can be resolved by moderate usage, dilution (see below), using less drops of oil in a diffuser, or distancing oneself from the direct line of the steam. Here are a few bulleted points to educate further:

· Please make sure the essential oil you're using is pure. The essential oil industry is not regulated by the FDA, so false claims are made, and there are studies to prove it. doTerra backs their oils with science and works directly with product sources in the plant's indigenous environment. Smell one bottle of our oil, and you know it's what it says is in there, no more and no less. Often, the reactions people experience are from using a lesser quality product, from additives it contains.

· If you have a known allergy to a certain fruit or plant, its essential oil won't likely cause the same allergic reaction. One common example are those individuals who avoid eating grapefruit due to taking certain medications. Oils come from the peel, which doesn't contain the same molecules as the juice. It's always wise to work with your doctor when considering allergic reactions.

ᐧ Some oils are "photosensitive"or "phototoxic," meaning skin irritation or a burning/itching sensation can occur where the oils where applied topically. This can largely be avoided by applying the oil 12 hours prior to exposure to UV sun rays. Examples include: Citrus essential oils such as lemon, lime, orange, and bergamot. Also laurel leaf.

· For those with extra-sensitive skin, for toddlers and babies, and for those oils known as "hot oils" (ie. cinnamon bark, clove, lemongrass, oregano, black pepper, ginger, and thyme), dilution of oils with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil is recommended. The dilution to essential oil ratio varies. Work with both your doctor and wellness advocate for further direction. If there's a skin irritation, it's likely because the oil isn't diluted enough for that individual.

· Asthmatics should exercise caution when inhaling essential oils through a diffuser or topical application. Again, regulated amounts make a big difference here.

To read more on this topic: Essential Oil Safety Guide

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Traci Rhoades is a wellness advocate for doTERRA. Email me about how to get a wholesale account free of charge, good for 25% off our products.

doTERRA is a Latin derivative, meaning “gift of the earth.” From the beginning, the mission of doTERRA has been to share the highest-quality essential oils with the world. Having seen the incredible benefits of using these precious resources, a group of healthcare and business professionals set out to make that mission a reality in 2008. Today, they are a privately owned, debt-free 2+ billion dollar company.
Essential Mythbusters #2 – It’s never safe to ingest essential oils

March 13, 2024

Mythbusters #2 – IT'S NEVER SAFE TO INGEST ESSENTIAL OILS

Now, before I began using essential oils in my homes, I didn't know much about them. I'll admit that. I wasn't opposed, just didn't think I needed them, and they were something for other people. I couldn't imagine ingesting them.

Then Covid hit, and the grocery store shelves went empty. I had a recipe that called for orange extract, and there was none. So, my chef friend suggested I go to the "oil aisle" and use orange essential oil. So I did. Today, because I know more, I would never recommend buying an essential oil from a grocery store, but then, I did it and learned essential oil can be used in baking and cooking.

Now, if I can bake and cook with it, why on earth couldn't I put it in my water for drinking?

Can we safely ingest some essential oils? We already do friends, we already do.

From doTerra’s ebook: "Internal Use of Essential Oils:"

“If you take a peppermint leaf and crush it between your fingers, you’ll instantly smell the minty aroma of peppermint. That’s because a small amount of essential oil was released. Or say you’re in the kitchen zesting a lemon. As you grate the lemon peel, microscopic particles of essential oil are released, and you smell the lovely scent of the lemon. And when you add that lemon zest or peppermint leaf to a recipe, you’re consuming those tiny amounts of essential oil.”

So now my family takes certain oils internally. Lemon oil is an example, as it invigorates, offers natural electrolytes (with way less sugar or sugar substitute than other electrolyte drinks), and among other helpful qualities, it tastes good. doTerra has a Certified Pure Tested Grade (CPTG), one they created because oils are not federally regulated. Their "pure" means "pure," and I trust that. They also put an ingredient label on the bottles of oils that can be ingested, with a note that says "can be taken internally."

Absolutely know what you're putting in your body (that includes preservatives in food, the particulars of medicine, and hopefully only PURE essential oils) because that's good practice in general.

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Traci Rhoades is a wellness advocate for doTERRA. Email me about how to get a wholesale account free of charge, good for 25% off our products.

doTERRA is a Latin derivative, meaning “gift of the earth.” From the beginning, the mission of doTERRA has been to share the highest-quality essential oils with the world. Having seen the incredible benefits of using these precious resources, a group of healthcare and business professionals set out to make that mission a reality in 2008. Today, they are a privately owned, debt-free 2+ billion dollar company.
Essential Mythbusters #1 – EOs are dangerous for pets

March 13, 2024

#1 ESSENTIAL OILS ARE DANGEROUS FOR PETS:

This blanket statement is simply not true. Actually, blanket statements in general, buh bye. First, let me introduce you to Essential Oil Vet – Janet Roark, DVM. As with many things, I’ll usually send you to the experts when it comes to mythbusters. She’s great on social media, but also has lots of clinics and a website to educate pet owners and their friends. Definitely check in with your own vet with questions, too.

But here’s some basic info to get you started:

– Use tested, pure oils (for me, that’s only doTerra).

– Animals do have a higher sensitivity to essential oils than humans. Dilution of oils is recommended.

– Don’t give your pets oils internally.

– Have your pets smell an oil before applying it or diffusing it nears them. As a general rule, if they turn their nose away, do not apply it. If they seem curious about the smell, it’s not sending off alerts to their natural senses.

– Diffuse the recommended amount of oil/water ratio for the recommended periods of time, and keep the diffuser out of reach of pets. Make sure they can leave the room if the smell gets overwhelming, or turn off the diffuser at that point.

– Any plant known to be topic to a pet should be avoided in oil form as well (ie. eucalyptus and cats).

– Speaking of cats, exercise caution with tea tree, for it can be toxic but only if you use WAY too much of it. Limit citrus oils on cats as well.

– Avoid using high-phenol oils (ie. oregano, wintergreen, clove, basil, cinnamon, cassia and thyme) topically on pets.

– Pay attention to your pet’s behavior and body language when using a diffuser. Most pets don’t seem to mind. Consulting your vet if you’re unsure.

– With birds, essential oils are not recommended, although a high-quality diffuser with a water/oil combo should be OK.

As I mentioned, this is the tip of the iceberg. With permission, a team member of mine also has a post on the safety of essential oils for pets. I especially liked her acronym for introducing oils to pets – S-L-O-W-L-Y. Thanks Sue! https://www.facebook.com/sue.namedof/posts/pfbid0nazkQn1RBRa9dcyZfCPjaGqNWK5NHfcY5HrzEPHKU1WSvUQBW3bzshXd2QXT5fbDl

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Traci Rhoades is a wellness advocate for doTERRA. Email me about how to get a wholesale account free of charge, good for 25% off our products.

doTERRA is a Latin derivative, meaning “gift of the earth.” From the beginning, the mission of doTERRA has been to share the highest-quality essential oils with the world. Having seen the incredible benefits of using these precious resources, a group of healthcare and business professionals set out to make that mission a reality in 2008. Today, they are a privately owned, debt-free 2+ billion dollar company.
A Review of the Timeless Truths Bible (NET)

February 7, 2024
When I think of the New English Translation (NET), the first word that comes to mind is research. I purchased my first NET Bible several years back, it was new at the time. I bought it for the notes. If you'd like to nerd out on the philosophy used in developing this translation, read more here. This version, Timeless Truths, is also full of notes, not from the team of translators, but rather compiled by editors. This Bible takes a reader through church history.

Thus the subtitle: One Faith. Handed Down. For All The Saints.

The notes in this particular Bible are about the work I've undertaken for ten years now, wandering among the hallowed halls of the capital-C Church. On almost every page of Scripture, the editors at Thomas Nelson have compiled commentary notes from a wide variety of brothers and sisters in Christ. Some names will be more readily recognizable (Origen, Charles Spurgeon, Augustine, John Calvin), while others are worth learning more about (Catherina Regina Von Greiffenberg, Erasmus, Venerable Bede).

Scattered throughout the holy scripture, readers get an overview of various creeds and confessions (nine in total) that set forth foundational truths among the faithful as well. The full documents (or in some cases excerpts) follow the explanation. There are also 46(!) biographies of significant people involved with various church movements.

Here are a few other features:
- Sixteen pages of full-color artwork
- 9 pt. Comfort Print (Thomas Nelson exclusive) font
- Book introductions for each book
- Single Column format
- Available in hardcover or leathersoft covers
Truly an excellent way to dip one's toes into the waters of history (what a baptismal that is), dispersed among a Bible that's highly readable, both in translation and page layout.

Here's a link to purchase the Timeless Truths Bible.
The Old Testament Handbook – A Review

November 25, 2023
BH Publishing comes from a long line of trusted sources of scripture and scriptural resources. Here's a brief timeline:

1738 – Christopher Sauer started a publishing company in Philadelphia. A German native, he printed the first American hymnals for the Mennonites, Amish, Moravians, German Baptists, and Lutherans.

1743 – Sauer Bible was the first European-language Bible printed in America.

1839 – Andrew Jackson Holman became plant superintendent at Sauer's company.

1869 – Holman buys out Sauer family, founding A.J. Holman & Company.

1961 – J.B. Lippincott & Company purchased the Bible publishing company.

1977 – Harper & Row acquired J.B. Lippincott & Company.

1979 – Southern Baptist Convention Sunday School Board (founded in 1891) acquired A.J. Holman from J.B. Lippincott & Co (now subsidiaries of Harper & Row).

1993 – Holman Bible Company and Broadman Press (SBC's publishing house) merged to form Broadman & Holman (B&H).

1998 – Sunday school board changed its name to Lifeway Christian Resources.

2004 – Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) is published (NT was released in 1999). Its translation team included 100 Bible scholars from 17 denominations.

2014 – B&H became a subsidiary of Lifeway.

2017 – Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is released, based on feedback from those who used the HCSB.

They've been doing this Bible business a long time.

Their newest offering, The Old Testament Handbook, is both gorgeous and full of valued information for teachers, seminarians, pastors, and anyone interested in biblical scholarship.

From the publisher, here are some features of this guide:
- High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime
- Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament
- More than 75 in-depth word studies of keywords found in each Old Testament book
- Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing
The book is broken down by the book so the Old Testament. I'm currently teaching on the lives of Elijah and Elisha, and there in the section on 1-2 Kings, there's a chart that shows the works and miracles of both prophets, with New Testament references to similar miracles that Jesus did, and mentions of Elijah in the gospels. Also a chart that shows connections between Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist and Joshua, Elisha, Jesus. This book would be a tremendous resource for any book you're spending time on in the Old Testament. Yes, according to the website, a New Testament Handbook is coming soon. What an excellent addition to your Bible reference collection. A true keepsake.

You can enter to win your own copy of this new handbook! Contest runs through December 7, 2023. Here's the link.
A Review of the Student Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

June 27, 2023
If you'll allow me two quick stories, then we'll dive into the features of this Student Life Application Study Bible (there are many).

First, I began reading through the Bible chronologically in a year in 2015, and it's become a daily practice. It all started with a woman from Bible study who started a year ahead of me, and kept talking about how she enjoyed it. I found a copy of the Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation at a garage sale, and joined her. We read it with a group of people online, and the NLT has been a great translation for Bible readers at all levels.

Second, I have a daughter who's in the age range for a student Bible. She went to a youth camp last summer, and on our way home, she asked if she could get a new Bible. We'd appreciated the kid Bibles she used that were age-appropriate, often including pictures, charts, and sidebars. What a joy for this mama to help her daughter find a Bible that would take her study of scripture to the next level.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

The Student Life Application Study Bible brings both of these stories together in a meaningful way. Let's look more closely at the translation. It took ninety respected Bible scholars seven years to complete the New Living Translation. A revision of the popular Living Bible, it was first released in July 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers. It's written at a 6th grade reading level (or 11+ years). Their Life Application Study Bible (for adults) remains one of the best-selling study Bibles today.

This particular Bible comes in a sturdy gift box, and matches the teal color of the "Leatherlike" cover. There are five other options to choose from, including a green hardcover and softcover, and charcoal featherlike with or without reference tabs. In addition to the myriad of charts, notes, maps, book overviews, and character snapshots, this Bible is equipped with access to the Filament Bible App. Here are some specific features:
- 8.25 font on paper of decent thickness
- 27,000+ study notes (combined with app)
- Timeline of Bible events and world events
- "The Bible's Big Story" in the back that highlights narrative themes
- 81 biographical summaries of men and women in the Bible
- 137 full-color pictures illustrating objects and places
- 59 Q/A about basic Christianity
- 316 maps, charts, and infographics throughout
This study Bible is full, and with the downloadable app, an amazing resource. Every page was assembled with a young student of the Bible in mind. I highly recommend this Bible for a student growing in their faith.

Enter to win this Bible for FREE at freebies.com by clicking on the "enter." Contest ends July 14th, 2023.