Christmas is more than a moment—it’s a message. In Luke 2:11, the angel tells us who Jesus is in three simple titles: Savior, Christ, and Lord. Those words invite us not just to celebrate His birth, but to consider what they mean for our lives.
Luke 2:11 says: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
We are given three titles that summarize who Jesus is.
First, Jesus is our Savior. That word means rescuer. We don’t just need advice or inspiration—we need saving. According to the Bible, we are not the hero—we are the damsel in distress! We need someone to save us. The Bible says our sin separates us from God, but Jesus came to rescue us by living a perfect life and giving His life on the cross in our place. He saves us from guilt, shame, and judgment.
Second, He is the Christ. Christ means the Anointed One, the promised King God had been sending prophets to talk about for centuries. Jesus isn’t an accident of history—He’s the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore what sin broke. He is the promised Messiah.
Third, He is the Lord. That means Jesus isn’t just someone to admire—He’s someone to trust and follow. Lord means authority, ownership, and allegiance.
Most people like the idea that Jesus is Savior and Christ, but few accept Him as Lord.
Jesus cannot be divided up into pieces. The Bible is clear that He comes as all three or not at all.
So the good news of Christmas is this: the Savior has come, the promised King has arrived, and the true Lord calls you today to repent, believe, and receive the gift of eternal life.
Will you answer His call?
By Justin Tubbs
Dark Days = Dark Mood? You’re Not Alone, Friend
When the days get shorter, it can feel like we’re handed an official permission slip to change into pajamas at 5 PM—and honestly, I don’t hate it. I really don’t. Slower evenings can be a gift.
But let’s be real: the lack of sunlight can quietly tinker with our moods, energy, and motivation—especially for those of us who are more creatively wired. If that sounds familiar, you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.
Over the years, I’ve learned to build in a few simple, intentional habits that help keep my family (and myself) from slipping into the winter blues.
Why Shorter Days Affect Our Mood
Sunlight is free, powerful, and one of the most natural mood boosters we have. It helps regulate:
- Sleep cycles
- Mood and emotional balance
- Vitamin D production
When daylight hours decrease, our bodies don’t automatically adjust—we have to step in and support them on purpose.
1. Get Outside During Peak Daylight Hours
Even in winter, sunlight matters. Make it a goal to step outside during the brightest part of the day, even if it’s just for a short walk or a few minutes on the porch.
Fresh air + natural light can make a noticeable difference in energy and mindset.
2. Boost Your Mood With Orange Essential Oil
Diffusing Orange essential oil is one of my favorite winter mood hacks. If you’ve never experienced how citrus oils can shift your mental state, consider this your invitation.
Here’s your challenge: grab some Orange essential oil, turn on your diffuser, and sit nearby while it’s going. You may be surprised how quickly your mood lifts.
I also love adding Orange oil to my household cleaner so I can smell it while I clean—instant sunshine vibes.
3. Support Your Body With Vitamin D
Vitamin D isn’t optional—it’s essential, especially during darker months. It plays a major role in regulating:
- Mood and serotonin levels
- Immune function
- Calcium absorption and bone health
- Muscle strength
- Inflammation response
Taking a high-quality Vitamin D supplement daily can help support your body when sunlight exposure is limited.
4. Nourish Your Body With NingXia Red
NingXia Red is one of my go-to winter staples. It’s a whole-body supplement that:
- Supports natural energy levels
- Helps balance blood sugar
- Delivers antioxidants and nutrients directly to your cells
Yes—it’s absolutely a mood booster.
During winter months, I increase my intake. The minimum is one ounce a day, but some days I drink more. Consistency is key to seeing results.
My Simple Winter Wellness Essentials
Here’s what I personally focus on during the darker months:
- Super Vitamin D – Taken daily to support immune health, hormone balance, and strong bones.
- Orange Essential Oil – Diffused or inhaled directly for an instant mood lift (it’s basically like sniffing sunshine).
- NingXia Red – Drunk daily for natural energy and full-body support.
A Gentle Reminder for the Winter Season
Winter doesn’t mean something is wrong with you—it simply means your body needs a little extra care. With a few intentional habits, you can support your mood, energy, and overall well-being, even when the days feel dark.
Give yourself grace, soak up every bit of light you can, and don’t be afraid to lean into simple supports that help you feel your best.
You’re doing better than you think.
Salt + Essential Oil Body Scrub
Every winter my skin decides to default to the alligator skin look. The moment the heater kicks on, my arms and legs get dry - so if I’m not intentional, I start looking a little… flaky. - NOT the look I'm going for! So this time of year I always give my skin a little extra TLC. A simple salt scrub has become one of my winter rituals—Keep a jar right by the shower for quick use. It takes maybe 30 seconds to use, but it makes such a difference. My skin feels soft again instead of tight and thirsty, and honestly, the little burst of essential oils makes me feel pampered before the day even starts.
Why Use a Salt Scrub?
Salt scrubs are beloved for their ability to exfoliate, polish, and refresh the skin. Fine sea salt gently removes dead skin cells, while your carrier oil leaves behind a silky finish that absorbs quickly. With the right essential oils, you can also create an aroma that feels like your very own spa moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup fine sea salt
(Fine grain is gentler; coarse salt creates a stronger exfoliation. You can also mix half-and-half.) - ½ cup carrier oil
Great options: fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.
Essential Oil Options (10–20 drops total)
Here are some beautiful blends to choose from:
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil (extends freshness + nourishes the skin)
- 1–2 teaspoons dried petals (rose or lavender) for a pretty finish
How to Make Your Salt Scrub
- Combine the salt and carrier oil in a glass bowl.
- Stir until you reach a wet-sand texture.
- Add more oil for a silkier scrub.
- Add less if you prefer it on the dry side.
- Add your essential oils.
Start with 10 drops, smell, and increase up to 20 drops. - Stir in vitamin E oil or dried petals if using.
- Transfer to an airtight glass jar and label with the blend name and date.
Shelf life: 1–3 months depending on your ingredients.
How to Use Your Salt Scrub
- Apply a small scoop to damp skin in the shower.
- Massage using circular motions, especially on dry areas like elbows, calves, and arms.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry—let the oils naturally absorb into your skin.
- Avoid exfoliating right after shaving, since salt may sting.
Use 1–3 times a week depending on your skin’s needs.
Final Tip
Make a double batch and create two jars with different essential oil blends—one for peaceful evenings and one for uplifting mornings. These also make wonderful handmade gifts!
How to Protect Your Peace and Your Wallet This Holiday Season
Christmas is quickly approaching, and with the spending frenzy beginning right after Thanksgiving, let’s pause and think about what really matters. This season can be joyful, meaningful, and peaceful — but only if we enter it intentionally, not stressed and slipping into debt like the scenario below.
When Christmas Spending Steals the Joy
She unloads her basket onto the countertop as the cashier begins ringing up a pile of gift items. A knot the size of a cantaloupe sits like a boulder in the pit of her stomach. The sweaty palms of her nervous hands make it hard to find her credit card as she watches the number on the cash register escalate with each item.
I hate Christmas!
The thought startles her, and she silently rebukes herself for such sacrilegiousness. Of course she doesn't hate Christmas — it’s the pressure.
It’s too much this year.
My kids need clothes, my car needs an oil change, rent is due, and I’m buying things I can’t afford, she reproaches herself.
There never seems to be enough money to do everything I want to do. How do other families provide such nice Christmases for their kids? I don’t want my children to feel cheated.
She justifies the purchases that sink her further into debt — all in the name of keeping up with the Joneses.
Overspending Is Not the Gift We Think It Is
Christmas is certainly a time to celebrate BIG, but we actually do our kids a disservice when we go beyond our means and act like it’s normal. We unintentionally teach them to live a life enslaved to credit card debt by modeling it ourselves.
Instead, create repeatable, affordable traditions your kids can carry into adulthood — traditions rooted in peace and presence, not pressure and debt.
If a few small items tucked into stockings are all your family can afford, it’s truly okay. Your children will respect you far more for providing a stable, grounded home than a stressed-out atmosphere driven by interest rates and rising balances.
Simple Traditions Create the Best Memories
With intentional effort, you can create a festive, joy-filled atmosphere in your home. It starts with something beautifully simple:
A smile on your face and a song in your heart.
It may sound silly, but children genuinely crave happy, playful parents more than anything wrapped in shiny paper. That is a free gift they’ll remember forever.
Here are easy, cost-free or low-cost traditions that bring warmth and connection:
- Keep Christmas music playing throughout the season
- Bake banana bread, sugar cookies, and simple treats with your kids
- Choose one night every week in December for family game night
- Attend a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service together
These small rhythms build anticipation, nurture belonging, and weave meaning into the season — all without straining your finances.
Celebrate Within Your Means
Christmas should be a delight, not a burden. Give yourself and your family the gift of a peaceful home by choosing to celebrate within your God-given means.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, remember to plan with wisdom, clarity, and intention. Your joy, your peace, and your financial stability are far too valuable to sacrifice for a fleeting moment of holiday pressure.
Remember: Celebrate wholeheartedly — and wisely — this Christmas season.
A Simple Guide to Teaching Children the Heart of the Holiday
Wrapping paper lays strewn across my bedroom floor, while unwrapped boxes wait in line for their turn to be draped in beautiful paper and tied with elaborate bows.
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and as our days begin to be filled with decorating, baking cookies, preparing for parties, and shopping for gifts, I wonder how much of the true meaning of Christmas my kids are soaking in.
It is absolutely possible for children to grow up and continue all we do during the holidays—without the heart behind it. After all, even families who do not celebrate the Christ-child go through many of the same motions.
So how do I draw the distinction?
How do I pass on the purpose behind our actions?
How do I anchor their hearts in the reason we celebrate Christmas?
How do I pass on the purpose behind our actions?
How do I anchor their hearts in the reason we celebrate Christmas?
Talk About the Wonder of Christmas
The first thing I do is talk about the wonder of Christmas with my kids. We read the Christmas story in Luke, and I display nativities all over the house.
Some are “look with your eyes and not with your hands” nativities meant for beauty. Others—wooden, plastic, and durable—welcome chubby little hands to hold, move, and explore.
I tell the story with the nativity pieces.
I explain why the kings came, why the shepherds were invited, and why the angels sang.
I explain why the kings came, why the shepherds were invited, and why the angels sang.
Intent. Purpose. Teaching.
Keep Christ at the Center of Every Tradition
Christmas is nothing without the Christ child, so this truth is woven into each activity we do.
We read books that make Christmas heartier than a sugar cookie hung on a tree. Some of these stories even explain the Santa tradition and help my kids understand the heart and generosity behind filled stockings on Christmas morning.
As you decorate, bake, wrap gifts, and prepare for gatherings, take time to sit down with your kids and read stories that reinforce the true meaning of Christmas.
These moments matter more than perfect cookies or flawless garland.
Christ-Centered Christmas Books for Kids
Below is a short list of rich books to read with your children this month. There are many more, but these will get you started and help anchor your traditions in Scripture, story, and meaning.
Scripture
- The Amplified Bible – Luke 2:1–20 (The Christmas Story)
Picture Books + Family Reads
- One Wintry Night — Ruth Bell Graham
- A Child’s Christmas at St. Nicholas Circle — Thomas Kinkade
- The King’s Christmas List — Eldon Johnson
- St. Nicholas: The True Story of the Christmas Legend — Julie Stiegemeyer & Chris Ellison
- The Legend of the Candy Cane — Lori Walburg
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift — Ann Voskamp
Final Thought
As parents, we get to shape how our children experience the season. The cookies, lights, and presents are wonderful—but they are not the foundation.
Slow down.
Read together.
Tell the story again.
Let them hear, see, and touch the wonder of God coming to earth.
Read together.
Tell the story again.
Let them hear, see, and touch the wonder of God coming to earth.
Merry Christmas & Happy Reading!
Why I Love This Trio for Daily Comfort + Seasonal Support
Frankincense • Idaho Grand Fir • Copaiba
If you’ve been around here a while, you know I love simple, natural tools that help support the body — especially when life feels stressful or you’re looking for ways to feel your best every day.
These three oils are some of my absolute favorites for emotional balance, everyday comfort, and overall wellness support.
Let’s break them down…
Frankincense: The “Chill Out” Oil
Frankincense has been used for thousands of years, and it’s still beloved today for its grounding aroma and ability to help the body relax during times of tension or stress.
While research continues to explore how compounds in frankincense interact with the body, many people love using it to support a calm atmosphere, emotional balance, and general wellness.
It’s one of those oils that just helps everything settle — mind, body, and mood.
Idaho Grand Fir: Support for the Nervous System
Idaho Grand Fir offers a refreshing, woodsy aroma that is known for helping the body shift out of “go-go-go” mode and into a calmer, more restful state.
Its grounding scent can support:
- A sense of balance
- Emotional regulation
- A rested, peaceful environment
When your nervous system feels overworked or overstimulated, this oil is a beautiful addition to your daily routine.
Copaiba: A Gentle Oil With Big Benefits
Copaiba is one of my favorite “comfort oils.” Its mild, slightly sweet scent makes it easy to use daily, and many people find it supportive for overall wellness and relaxation.
Researchers are continuing to explore how beta-caryophyllene (a natural component in copaiba) interacts with wellness pathways in the body. While findings vary, it’s a fascinating area of study — and there are thousands of articles on sites like pubmed.gov if you’re a research lover.
Today’s Tip
Think of this trio like a first-aid kit… but prettier. ✨
Keep:
Keep:
- One set for daily use
- One tucked away for hectic seasons or those “just in case” moments
Because waiting on an order when you’re uncomfortable or stressed? Nope. 😬
How to Use This Trio
Here’s a simple way to incorporate them into your routine:
- Apply 3–5 drops each of:
- Frankincense (including Sacred Frankincense or Deep Spectra Frankincense)
- Copaiba
- Idaho Grand Fir
Use as needed throughout the day.
(As always, follow label directions and adjust for kids.)
(As always, follow label directions and adjust for kids.)
Why We Love It
✓ Gentle enough for parents and kids
✓ Easy to use
✓ Non-habit forming
✓ Won’t make you groggy
✓ Smells amazing
✓ Easy to use
✓ Non-habit forming
✓ Won’t make you groggy
✓ Smells amazing
It’s simple, effective, and supports everyday wellness beautifully.
Testimony
Wishing you a season of comfort,
💛 Terri
Natural digestion support • mindful eating • gut wellness habits
Digestive struggles have been part of my story since my teens.
Back then, I dealt with constant burning, discomfort, and pain — enough that doctors thought I might have an ulcer. After an upper GI ruled that out, my doctor suggested I start with one simple thing: change what I was eating.
And while that felt overwhelming at first, making a few thoughtful choices with food and supplements made a life-changing difference.
Today, I can honestly say:
My digestion feels strong, comfortable, and predictable — and I can enjoy food again without the fear of discomfort.
My digestion feels strong, comfortable, and predictable — and I can enjoy food again without the fear of discomfort.
If you deal with bloating, burning, or general digestive irritation, keep reading. These small habits might help you the way they helped me.
The Power of Chewing: The Simplest Step for Better Digestion
When it comes to supporting digestion, one of the most powerful tools is one we usually overlook: properly chewing your food.
Slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and eating mindfully allows your body to break down food more efficiently — reducing the strain on your gut and easing discomfort.
It sounds too simple, but friend… it’s a game changer.
Food Combining: A Gentle Way to Support an Overworked Gut
When your digestive system feels taxed or irritated, the way you combine foods can matter.
Food-combining principles help lighten the workload on your gut. You don’t have to follow them forever, meal after meal — but understanding the basics can make mealtime so much easier.
I share more about this in my book 31 Days to Fit, including how food combining played a role in my own health journey.
Today’s Tip: Support Digestion Before & After Meals
Especially during the holidays — when meals are heavier, richer, and more frequent — your digestive system needs a little extra love.
You don’t need to commit to long-term supplementation, but giving yourself a few strategic supports over the next two months can make a huge difference.
(And yes, you might actually want to hug me after you try them… 😜)
Here are a few options that can help support balanced, comfortable digestion:
Natural Supports for Healthy Digestion
✔ Essentialzyme-4™
A blend formulated with plant-based enzymes to help break down proteins, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates. One capsule is time-released to support digestion where it's needed most.
✔ Digest & Cleanse™ Softgels
Designed to be taken before meals to support comfortable digestion and overall gut wellness.
✔ AlkaLime™
Think of it as the “pop-pop fizz-fizz” of the essential oil world. It offers a gentle, refreshing way to support healthy digestion — especially helpful if occasional acidity is your struggle. Plus, it tastes like a treat.
These products support general wellness. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Why We Love Digestive Enzymes & Gut Support
✓ Supporting your digestive system can help you feel more comfortable after meals
✓ Gentle enzyme support may help you maintain steady energy
✓ When your digestion is happy — you feel good
✓ Gentle enzyme support may help you maintain steady energy
✓ When your digestion is happy — you feel good
The 14-Day Reset: A Simple Way to Support Gut Wellness
If your gut feels like it needs a full reset… this 14-Day Routine is for you. It’s easy, doable, repeatable, and totally gentle.
When my kids complain of a tummy ache, the first thing I hand them is NingXia Red®. They’d choose a yummy supplement drink over a capsule any day — and I don’t blame them!
Every month, people share their results from the 14-Day Reset, and the stories are incredible. While everyone’s experience is unique, here are some of the benefits participants often report:
- Better daily comfort
- More balanced energy
- Improved sleep
- Reduction in occasional bloating
- Support for balanced wellness
- Healthier-looking skin
- Feeling lighter and more refreshed
(These experiences are anecdotal and vary from person to person.)
A Favorite NingXia Recipe
🍒 NingXia Spritzer
- 2 oz NingXia Red
- 1 can berry sparkling water
- A couple drops of Orange Vitality™ oil
- Serve over ice
Refreshing, delicious, and supportive!
Want More Information?
If you’re interested in the 14-Day Reset, reply and I’ll send you everything you need.
Blessings,
~Terri
Simple, Time-Tested Ways to Help Kids Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
I overheard a handful of moms bemoaning the fact that their kids were getting sick too often during this cold and flu season. I understand. It’s a real problem. I’ve been there and have learned a few simple strategies for avoiding “the bugs” throughout the years. So here’s my two cents from raising 11 kids…
The Power of “An Apple a Day"
The old proverb, An apple a day keeps the doctor away, has earned its place for a reason. Do you know the benefits of apples?
Apples are bursting with… immune-boosting antioxidants. Quercetin is the fancy name for the antioxidant found in these sweet and sometimes tart treats, but you don’t need to know the name in order to reap the benefits. Just remember: Apples are a powerful antioxidant.
Apples Help Detox the Body
Apples detoxify the liver and keep the bowels moving. The body is like a river and if part of the river is built up with refuse, then the rest of the river is toxic too. In order to keep the body clean and healthy, the bowels must move daily.
An apple is a GREAT way to do this. Keeping the bowels regular with these crunchy treats also helps to neutralize irritable bowel syndrome, beat diarrhea, and obviously constipation which are all dreaded sicknesses. I buy apples by the case and require my kids to eat one daily. I rarely have to nudge them in this direction, rather I usually find myself repeating… “Slow down on the apples, this case needs to last a few weeks!”
I bet if the only tip you take away from this article is to add one organic apple a day to your child’s diet, you would see an improvement. I challenge you to try it.
Give the Body a Break From Junk Food
Another immune booster is to give the body a break! Artificial ingredients, dyes, and fake foods weaken the immune system. A strong army needs the right weapons in order to fight. Packaged food does NOT have the nutrients the immune warriors need to form their weapons.
We can help our warriors by giving them the tools they need to fight, rather than disarming them with poor nutrition. Clean out your pantry and refrigerator. Keep fresh foods — real foods — in the house and watch your kids get stronger and healthier.
Know Your Child’s Food Sensitivities
Some of us have kids with allergies. Gluten intolerance is a big one these days. These kids tend to have stuffed-up noses more than other kids, even when they are avoiding gluten. This comes from secondary irritants.
During the cold and flu season it’s super, duper important to guard these children against secondary irritants. Sugar is ALWAYS on the list. Dairy is second. Peanut butter can be a biggy, too. Know your child. Watch the reactions (s)he has to the foods (s)he eats.
When Fever Strikes, Don’t Panic
When the fever strikes, don’t panic. The immune fighting warriors are killing as many bad guys as possible and the heat is on. The fever makes a person tired and for a reason; rest will help these guys work.
When we medicate the fever we prolong the problem. Of course, a high fever is NOT safe, so watch that. But don’t panic when your child feels hot. Stir up a pot of homemade chicken soup, and snuggle up on the couch with your little one. Love boosts the immune system too… It’s proven.
Essential Oils for Immune Support
I also HIGHLY recommend essential oils. I rub oils on my kids daily with great results.
Sickness cannot always be avoided, but we moms can do everything possible during the seasons of sniffles in order to boost our kids’ immune systems.
Terri’s Simple Immune-Boosting Checklist
So…
- Add an apple a day to your kid’s diet.
- Clean out the pantry and refrigerator of fake, packaged foods with artificial ingredients.
- When fever strikes, don’t immediately disarm the fighting warriors.
- Give lots of hugs and kisses.
- Learn about essential oils.
We Moms Need Each Other
Even though I’ve been raising kids for years and years and years and have learned a few simple strategies for avoiding “bugs”… I still seek other moms’ wisdom and I benefit from their personal experiences. We moms need each other.
If you’re looking for more “Dr. Mom” wisdom then just text HEALTH to my number 281-747-8467 and I’ll walk you through my favorite tips on natural living for optimal health and wellness!
Happy Health to You!
~Terri
