Ginger’s Interview- Back to the Basics:

Ginger has her own business called Back to the Basics 101. The Lord is truly at the center of her business and has shown her so much regarding healthy eating and how we care for our bodies. If you are struggling with healthy eating, auto-immune disorders, heart issues, asthma, etc. this interview is a must read! Ginger shares how God revealed to her that she needed to change her children’s diet, and they were healed from their sickness. This is where it all began for her! If you are new to starting your health journey, Ginger’s story is the best place to start! She sells amazing products that are perfect for introducing “nutrients from the source” into your home!

Ginger on the left

Introduce Yourself, Brand, and you can also briefly share your testimony here too!  

I’m Ginger Butts been married to my hubs, Johnny, for 32 years. Back in 2012, I started my business, “Back to the BASICS 101.” The acronym, BASICS, stands for Brothers and Sisters in Christ’s Service. My mission statement is: When we are Saved, Discipled, and Healthy, we can have the abundant life Jesus talks about in John 10:10. 

Ginger's Family

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."~ John 10:10

When did you start your health journey and how did God reveal that to you?  

My health journey began when my sons were young and had respiratory issues. I was new walking closely to Jesus. Because of my history of addiction, I was not a fan of medication. When I’d take my boys to the doctor, they would treat the symptoms and prescribe medication to address the symptoms. That’s when I began to ask questions like, “What is the root issue?” “What is causing this?” Because I was brought up to not question authority and just accept whatever the “experts” say, it put me way out of my comfort zone asking those questions. I don’t remember the specifics of how it all went down, but I do remember one monumental moment. I was laying across my bed and had my bible open to James 1.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” ~ James 1:5-6

In verse 5, it says, “if you want wisdom to ask and it will be given to you.” But verse 6 says, “...when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.” I put all that I had “out there” and said, “God, I don’t know how this works, but I want wisdom!” I may not have known the story of Jacob when he wrestled with God, but that’s what I picture in the spiritual realm. I was NOT letting go until God gave me wisdom concerning my children’s health. The fierceness of a mama bear had me all in to get answers instead of just accepting what the “experts” said. 

Long story short, much research and praying and listening I went to the doctor armed with my research. After 1.5 hours, my husband and I left and I realized they are not infallible. They are in practice. I felt led to make a radical move. Never heard of the likes of this before with anyone. I changed their diet slowly.  

God healed them! I felt led to take them off their medicine. Was it hard work? You better believe it! But the exhilaration in knowing I was led in an unorthodox way and God proved faithful, pumped me up! I put myself out there by questioning the practices of the experts, not because I’m medically qualified, but because I truly believe the Holy Spirit lives in me and that gives me that resurrection power we sing about in church! 

What were some of the small steps you took to change in relation to health?  

Ha! “Small steps” are not in my DNA. My personality is all in!  But here are some things I did. Mind you this was almost 30 years ago when it wasn’t as accessible or “trending.” 

• Drove 35 miles one way weekly to organic farm to pick produce and bring it home and process  

• Stopped all sugar when I learned it feeds disease 

• No dyes in “food” once I learned dyes are made from petroleum 

• Brought a grain mill into our home 

Basically, if God made it we ate it. If man made it we didn’t.  

What is a common misconception people have when it comes to food? 

I would say the misconception is in their definition of food. My definition of food is getting as close to God’s Creation as possible to get “Nutrition from the Source.”  

What is Back to the Basics 101? When did you feel the calling to start Back to the Basics 101? What are some other items you sell? 

So time marches on and my boys flew the coop. I’ve always had to supplement our income since I chose to be a SAHM over a civil service career I had before I was married. In 2012, our school system was selected for Feed My School pilot. With this program, one school would feed their children for a week from local farmers. The Nutrition Director for our county went to church with us. She knew I milled grains into flour and my husband grew wheat. She asked me to provide the flour to make yeast rolls. I looked forward to supplementing our income with this opportunity and create large quantity recipes with fresh milled flour.  

I milled my hubby’s wheat with my residential grain mill and went to the schoolhouse armed with fresh milled flour. I baked with the staff and we made light fluffy yeast rolls, cookies, and muffins. That week, everyone experienced delicious whole-wheat products because of fresh milled flour. The “Feed my School” initiative was a success and “birthed” my business, Back to the BASICS 101. 

I knew if our school system bought fresh milled flour that other school systems would also. So I purchased a commercial stone mill to accommodate large school orders. However, schools are not in session during the summer and I needed cash flow to pay start-up costs. Not to be deterred, I went to a Farmers Market with fresh milled flour. Everyone loved the concept of locally grown wheat and fresh milled flour, but the reality was, no one baked. So that’s when I developed Homemade Baking Mixes using our Georgia Grown wheat flour along with other pronounceable ingredients.  

Homemade Baking Mixes were the first product line. Initially, I took the recipes I made for my family and multiplied it to make larger batches. We now have 17 different kinds of Homemade Baking Mixes. 

In 2014, I personally suffered a health crisis. It appeared to be cardiac related. My father died suddenly at the age of 41 of a massive heart attack. I’ve always been “harrassed” by the enemy that that would also be the case for me. After much prayer and research and grounded in many Scriptures for ammunition, I felt led to treat myself nutritionally and went vegan, for lack of a better term. I needed protein and that's when I created the purest form of plant protein with my second product line, Nourished in 5. Five organic seeds milled into a meal that I used in smoothies for 5 years to heal my body of inflammation. And the result was complete healing of my body and the potential cardiac issues.  

A third product line was born when there was a flu rampage. I had an elderberry syrup I used for my family for years. I knew it was effective. When a friend had the flu and I sent her the syrup, she was amazed how well it worked for her. That's when I realized I needed to make it a product so others can benefit from it. Elderberries & More Ultimate Syrup mix was created. I chose to not make it already made as I would have to use a co-packer and wasn't confident in its efficacy versus making a mix that puts the power in the hands of the consumer. When they drop the powerhouse herbs in the hot water, it releases its medicinal properties providing the consumer the peak of potency. It can't help but be effective! 

In 2018, I opened a retail store and commercial kitchen in addition to my wholesale business. I carried the most superior forms of all food in my little country store on our property of over 250 acres. It was a dream. All the foods I ate I was able to prepare and provide for my community. I had all the fermentation with kombucha, water kefir, cultured veggies and coconut kefir. Fermentation is such a gift that needs to be tapped into. I wanted my customers to use the coconut milk kefir. But a lot of them didn't like it by itself. As an avid dipper, I thought I could add ranch seasoning to it and dip away! Everyone loved it. So I created a 4th product line of seasonings: Ranch, Taco, and Italian. All using organic dried herbs. That's it. Nothing extra. Nothing preserved. Just purity and an explosion of taste! 

How are you using this business to glorify and honor the Lord?  

I view my business as a platform to share my testimony of healing through a living God.

I do this in-person when I sample my products in my retailer partners’ stores. 

I do this on our packaging. 

I do this through my website. 

So many different opportunities present themselves for me to share the good news of a living God that cares!! 

What are some of your favorite items and what are some of the most sold items?  

The Elderberries & More Ultimate Syrup kit is our most popular item. It’s truly effective because having the “source” of the herbs and making it into an elixir puts the power in the consumer’s hands. '

Our Elderberries & More Ultimate Syrup Kit is a natural remedy for colds, flu and more.

Here’s why we love it:

• supports the immune system

• powerhouse of antioxidants

• fresh syrup mix delivers medicinal properties at the peak of potency

• easy to make

Ingredients: Organic Dried Elderberries, Organics Dried Rosehips, Organic Dried Hibiscus, Organic Cinnamon Stick, Organic Whole Cloves

Our whole grain Cheddar Garlic Biscuits are the perfect side at dinner… but they are so good, you’ll want to eat them on your own. Easy to make, these biscuits are a tasty, better-for-you option that will liven up your dinner table.

Makes about 30 drop biscuits.

Our pancakes and waffles mix, made from whole grains, is a great way to start your day. Make breakfast time family time… the only question is, which will it be? Pancakes or waffles?

Makes about 10-12 small pancakes or 3-4 waffles.

What is one thing you wish you could have done differently?  

I love people and I love doing life with people. But I’m not a good “manager” of people. Meaning, I’m not a good “boss” (because I’m a pushover). I wish I had a mentor to guide me to be a good leader to build a team. 

I wish I knew business better. I don’t consider myself a businessperson cause I’m figuring it all out as I go. Again, a mentor to guide me in business decisions.  

How has God used you and your passion so far?  

Such a great question for me to contemplate. We’ve had a lot of loss in our family in the last few years. Last year I considered selling my business. As I was considering that, I put out on social media this question: “What impact has my business had on you as one of my followers?” The number one answer was us producing the elderberry kit. The next biggest response was how my personal involvement has helped others realize that God’s best for us is to nourish our bodies and teaching them ways to do that. The third biggest response was our quality products, “best in the business” as one follower said

How can ladies at CCW be praying for you and your business/ministry? 

Since experiencing loss recently, it’s changed me. I love what I do but there’s so much I want to do. I’m VERY ADD so please pray for me to be focused and know God’s plan concerning the future of my business.

What are some Scriptures that have been a helpful guide and encouragement for you? 

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” God created food is for our good to nourish us. But as a society, our palate's desire what is man-made and we are malnourished.”- Hosea 4:6

 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

~1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

~ Ephesians 6:12

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.”

~Colossians 2:8

Every viewpoint we have, even regarding food/nourishment, comes from a worldly philosophy or from the Word.   I could go on and on and on. I could write a book. Actually, I probably should lol 

More Back to the Basics -

Note From Isabel:

My mom and Ginger are good friends. I can remember when I was feeling sick, my mom would have me drink some of Ginger’s Elderberry. It truly helped boost my immune system and I usually ended up feeling fine the next day. I remember thinking, there has got to be something to this! Ginger truly has the sweetest heart and truly cares for educating people on diet and nutrition. The Lord has used her so much. A lot of people have no clue what they are putting into their bodies on a daily basis and the effects it has on us. When we go to the doctor, we are told to take medicine… when really it may be something as simple as changing our diet! Ginger has done an excellent job of educating others on this discussion and providing people with real nutrients!

I added some of Ginger’s videos, photo, and links so you can “follow her on the socials!”

Here is a video about Ginger and how it all started. Click the Button below to watch!

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Ginger's Store

She has been in the local news many times!

Creating a Cleaning Schedule:

Creating a cleaning schedule that works for you can be tough. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the right pattern and rhythm- especially with littles. In this post, Emily Wall is going to share how you can create a cleaning schedule that works for you!

I’m a busy ranch wife, mom of 2 toddler boys, and a small business owner, so I absolutely understand that keeping a home in order can be a straight up challenge sometimes. The mere fact that you have a home to keep though, means that there’s life happening inside it! Isn’t that one of the greatest blessings from God?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” 

James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A great way to take the guesswork & mental load off of keeping a house clean, is to schedule it! My days are hugely unpredictable; no day is ever the same as the last. Since each day has its own challenges already, it’s a great help to simply look at my list for that day, accomplish only those things, and to then have the freedom to move on. It brings a sense of security and peace too, because I know that I don’t have to clean out my fridge today, since that’s tomorrow’s task!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Scheduling also ensures that cleaning tasks are done on a regular basis, rather than “when you find the time”. If you have trouble staying focused when cleaning, a routine could be beneficial for you too. If I’ve finally sold you on the idea of a cleaning schedule, let’s talk about how to create one!

Make a list:

Write down every chore that needs done around your home. Separate them into lists for daily, weekly, and monthly. Pinterest has a lot of graphics showing how a cleaning schedule could look, but I encourage you to think through this part on your own. This schedule should be unique to the needs of your family & your home!

Tip: For tasks that need done less often than monthly, make a separate list. We won’t incorporate those in our schedule, but it can be helpful to have them written down for reference. If you’d like, even considering scheduling them in your phone calendar. Most calendars will allow you to make them recurring (every other month, biannually, annually, etc.) When you get a reminder of one of those cleaning tasks, evaluate your schedule for the week & see where you can fit it in. 

Divide the list:

We’re going to focus on the weekly & monthly list for this part. First, decide how many days your schedule will allow for cleaning tasks. Keep one day off as a Sabbath day! You’ll still likely need to do your daily chores on that day off, but you deserve a break from all the rest. If you work or have a particularly busy day any day of the week, feel welcome to leave it out too. Just remember that the more chore days you have, the less you’ll have to do each day.

Pick 1-2 days of the week to leave a window for a monthly task. Each week, rotate through your monthly list. Depending on how many monthly tasks you have, you may need to do more than 1 each week.

Now, divide your weekly tasks into the days you have available. It can be fun to have themed days: Toilet Tuesdays for cleaning bathrooms, Floors Friday for mopping, vacuuming, etc., Wash Wednesday for washing all bedding or doing laundry. The fun names are absolutely not necessary, but it helps me remember my schedule without referencing back to my master list.

Build it into your schedule:

Going back to our daily tasks, are any of them time specific? Making the bed, for example, is likely a morning chore and picking up toys might be done in the evening. Other chores can be flexible and done any time of day. Evaluate what needs done when, and be mindful about accomplishing these tasks during that time of day. You don’t need to have a rigid schedule per se, but a routine might be helpful. Let your daily chores become habit.

Any time of day, plan to work on your weekly tasks. I personally don’t have a set time of day to do my weekly chores, but most often I’m able to get them done just after my toddlers are awake, because they’re rested and content playing with each other. It’s okay to be flexible and do your chores any time that works best for that given day! Observe the natural rhythm of your home and build in chores where you see fit.

Allow others to help:

If there are other people living in your home with you, is it fitting to recruit their help? Some husbands help with household chores and others only do work outside. Some husbands don’t help at all, since they work labor intensive jobs. Gracefully accept the lifestyle God has blessed you with, and decide what works best for your family.

“Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God,” ‭

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

If you have kids, involve them if you can! Some tasks might not be safe for children, but if they show interest in what you have going on, see if there’s a way they can help. Up until 2-3 years old, it can be hard to include them, because things will take much longer to get done with the help of a toddler. Beyond that though, you’ll start to realize that your kids are actually helpful! My 3 year old takes pride in a lot of what he does and he loves to tell me that he is a good helper. To tell you the truth, he actually is becoming a big help! Your kids can learn to accomplish a lot, and to do it with joy, if you encourage them with the right opportunities.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” ‭

Philippians ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Give yourself grace: Keeping up with a whole home (and life on top of that!) is no small task. It’s going to be a lot of work! Be graceful and kind towards yourself when things don’t go as planned. Remember that His mercies are new every morning, so it’s okay to sleep off the housework and try again tomorrow. After time, your schedule will become second nature and much easier to keep up with!

I pray that this blesses you, and that you feel encouraged and supported as a wife!

5 Ways Cozy Your Home For Fall:

Written by Emily Wall

With the seasons changing, many of us are experiencing the transition to cooler weather. We’ll be staying indoors more as autumn settles in! It’s become the social norm to make a trip to the coffee shop for your pumpkin spice latte, followed by a stroll through all the fall decor at your local department store. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but have you considered that you can get the coveted fall feeling without all the store bought decor? That the feelings of fall are more than that?

Imagine walking into your home. The smell of vanilla & pumpkin swirls through the air and you feel instant comfort slipping on your favorite pair of slippers. You notice the gentle crackling of a wood wick candle burning, and a fresh baked loaf of pumpkin bread is waiting on the counter for you. Sounds blissful! Yet—did you notice we didn’t talk about the way your home *looked*?

The appearance of your home is actually the *last* thing you need to consider when making your home feel cozy. Inspired by an episode of the Lazy Genius Podcast that talked about Myquillyn Smith’s book “Welcome Home”, I’d love to introduce you to the way your 5 senses can come into play when making your home a cozy fall haven!

The sense of smell:

Think of all the smells of fall! Candles are a great way to introduce some seasonal fragrance, but think outside the box too. Fresh baked bread, simmer pots, and essential oils are all great ways to engage your sense of smell.

The sense of feeling:

Comfort is a significant feeling associated with fall. Think about all the things that make you feel comfortable! Clean floors to walk on, until you reach a comfortable pair of warm slippers. A soft blanket to curl up with on the couch. Switching to flannel sheets on the bed and even a gentle fall breeze through the house, if you leave the windows open! Also, don’t discount the feeling of thankfulness, as Thanksgiving approaches!

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ‭

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The sense of taste:

What recipes make you think of fall? After spending the summer delighting in fresh vegetables and barbecue, warm soups and hearty dinners will likely be a welcome change. Pumpkin, apples, and spices are all tastes that come with the season too. Take advantage of all the baking opportunities. That’ll double as a way to engage your sense of smell, too!

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The sense of hearing:

Most sounds associated with fall occur outdoors—crunching leaves, raindrops, birds chirping, the cheering at a hometown football game. If the weather is nice enough, opening your windows to let the sounds in can be a delight! You can also consider making a home playlist of all the songs that are specifically for this time of year.

Lastly, the sense of sight:

Chances are, there are things in your home already that have the potential to make your space look cozy. If you have lamps, choosing to use them vs overhead lighting will provide a warm glow! The sight of blankets draped over the couch instead of being put away and the gently flickering light of a candle are both simple ways to make your home welcoming.

At the end of the day, it’s a blessing to be content with what we already have. Focusing on all the other senses before feeling the pressure to buy new decor is a beautiful way of enjoying all the blessings God has put in your life. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with buying a new candle or enjoying a PSL from the local coffee shop. The whole point is to just find joy within the Lord & the life you get to live.

Enjoy a closing verse from one of my favorite books of the Bible:

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” 

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

How do you cozy your home for fall? What are some things you add to make it special? Emily has linked a podcast below as well!

Link to the podcast:

CCW MUSIC FAVS:

These are CCW’s creators favorite songs, and it has been added to a playlist for you all to have access to! These are perfect for cleaning, driving, or just worship!

Isabel has compiled a playlist of the best worship music! She has even added in some Christian political songs in too! Kylie also added a great number of songs to the playlist! These are perfect for every day and it last over 8 hours! We hope you enjoy it as much as we have and add it to your Spotify playlist too! If you want others, let us know so we can create them! This list is compiled of David Crowder, Lauren Daigle, Bryson Gray, and so many more talented Christian artist.

We hope you enjoy! I added the playlist below for you to access! Click it to be directed to Spotify!

Let us know how you liked this playlist in the comments below!

Our Fall Favorites

We have added some of the CCW’s leader’s favorite Fall traditions into a list! Comment your favorite Fall Traditions below!

Fall is such a cozy season, we all have different traditions and it is fun to see what others do!

1. FALL COFFEE

When we tell you Starbucks has the best fall flavor coffee options, we are not joking! Isabel usually goes and grabs hers as soon as Pumpkin Spice is released! You can get it cold or hot, and it is there to fill your Fall needs, whether it is 90 degrees out or 50 degrees out. Pumpkin Spice is the go to for many…. what is your go to Starbucks drink?

via GIPHY

2. FALL FARMS

Okay, but is it Fall if you do not make at least one trip to a local farm? Riding on hayrides, eating delicious food, and finding your way through a corn maze makes such good memories. A lot of farms in the South have something called a Corn Box, and it is literally just a box or corn kernels that you play in. It can usually fit a lot of people in it too! They typically will have a field of pumpkins and wildflowers for you to pick! These are great for photos! Picking flowers is one of Kylie’s favorite things to do at these farms!

What are your Fall Farm Favorites?

3. APPLE PICKING

One of Ashley’s favorite Fall Traditions is picking apples! This can be so much fun and it is a great thing to do with your family! You can use the apples you pick to make so many different desserts! You can find an Apple Orchard near you, and sometimes the Fall farms will have an orchard there along with the other fun activities!

Some dessert ideas are apple cider, apple cider cinnamon rolls, apple muffins, apple pies, and Cinnamon apple sourdough bread!

Have you ever picked your own apples?

#4- GILMORE GIRLS

via GIPHY

Isabel’s go to Fall show is Gilmore Girls. It is the perfect show to make some coffee, grab a cozy blanket, cuddle with your dog and watch. It is currently on Netflix! This show has the perfect fall vibes, there is little to no language, and the “scenes” are kept to a minimum. It is about a woman who got pregnant at 16, and chose to keep her child. She has raised her and the show starts when Rory, her daughter, is in High-school!

So if you are looking for a good Fall show, start with Gilmore Girls!

#5- PAINTING PUMPKINS

A lot of you ladies do not celebrate Halloween, and we get it! Pumpkin carving may not be on your agenda, and that is okay! If you want to do something fun with the kids, why not have them paint a pumpkin instead? This is something that will keep them entertained, but will start a tradition for them to remember forever. If you do not want them painting just anything, maybe pick a Bible story for them to paint onto the Pumpkin! Display it on your front porch next to those beautiful mum flowers!

Comment your favorite Fall traditions below! We would love to see it!

How To Enhance Your Quiet Time:

This post is written by Ashley H . Ashley mentions 2 helpful methods she uses to study and learn more about God’s Word. She also links some book recommendations and links to other websites that can help you learn even more!

What methods do you use to study Scripture? Do you have a method? If not, try Ashley’s method!

As believers, we all know how important spending time in the word is and how that helps our knowledge of Christ grow as well as our relationship with him. While in college, I was apart of a Christian ministry called Campus Outreach. I learned so many things about studying scripture, prayer, scripture memorization and more. I wanted to take some time to share some things I found very helpful when it comes to studying scripture. These aren’t things that Campus Outreach created, they just simply shared these with us as resources to help us while studying scripture. By studying scripture, we get a greater depth of knowledge, we remember more and we are able to grow in our convictions. The goal of studying the bible is to understand God’s intended meaning, not our own. The Bible is about God, not us.

Inductive Method

This method has been incredibly helpful for me and it’s something I still use today. This has helped me to better understand context, dive deeper and apply the scripture to my life. This method uses 3 different things: Observation, Interpretation and Application. This is intended to be used with smaller amounts of scripture. Typically 4-6 verses but you aren’t limited to that. This method works in a way that goes from specific to broad.

Observation

This is where you look at what the text says at face value. You should spend time dissecting the text. Look at the key connecting words in the sentences such as therefore, for, but, and. Look at who and what the pronouns are referring to and look at the subject of the text. See if there are any words you aren’t sure of the meaning and write them down. As you read, if you have questions about the text, write those down.

Some questions to ask during observation:

-Who is the author?

-Who is the audience?

-What is happening?

-Where is it happening?

-What is being communicated in the scripture?

-Are there any repeated words/phrases?

Would you describe the verses as a command, caution, comparison (like or as / Proverbs 25:26), contrast (but), covenant, cause and effect (Romans 6:23, John 3:16) and controversy?

Try to rewrite the main point of the verses using your own words. During observation, this is simply for you to read the text and take note of what you see…for you to simply observe.

Interpretation

This is where you are seeking to determine the meaning of what the scripture is saying. Interpretation is usually where you will spend most of your time. Knowing the context of the passage helps you to understand the author’s intended meaning. You may need to look at the verses before and afterwards to get a better understanding of the context. Spend time looking at the purpose of these verses. Ask yourself why. Why did the author choose those specific words, why was it said that way or said at all. Look at the culture of the time the verses are written. Now is when you can look through some of the questions you wrote down or thought about from your time in observation. Look at the repeated words and phrases and look at how you described the verses. Using cross references is helpful because scripture interprets scripture. Spend time looking at other verses that use the same phrases, words, places or ideas. This can help you to understand the verses you are studying more. This is where you can look up definitions of words or look into the history of what was happening when the scripture was written. It’s important to let scripture interpret scripture.

Application

James 1:19-25

This is where you spend time seeing how this scripture does or doesn’t apply itself to your

life. Why should we apply the word of God? For the goodness of our souls forever and for

the goodness of our souls now (Genesis 2:16-17 / Luke 11:28).

Here are some practical ways you can do this:

Prayer: Spend time praying for the Lord to open your heart to what the scripture is saying

and for your heart to change if it is hardened and that he would make it soft and moldable.

Measurable: When thinking of ways this can apply to your life, think of applications that

you can be held accountable to. State a specific change you want to implement where you

need help. This is a way you can ask a friend or mentor to come alongside you and help.

Achievable: These applications should be practical, doable but also be a step of faith

where you are trusting the Lord to do the work in you. Write down how you plan to

accomplish achieving the application you have set.

Timely: Think of applications that can be done in the coming days or weeks.

SPECK

SPECK is another helpful way to study scripture. I find this one to be helpful when I may

not have as much time to dedicate to scripture. You may not be able to answer every letter

but it helps you to do a deeper dive into the passage you are reading.

Sin to avoid

Promise to claim

Example to follow

Command to obey

Knowledge about God

“Let God use this tool in your life; this is not a self-effort project. Have confidence that

God is conforming you to Christ’s image and He will complete what He has started”

Helpful Resources

Blue Letter Bible app: This has different translations of the bible, commentaries, help

with cross references and more.

Desiring God: This website has many articles, books, and podcast episodes that are great

resources on studying scripture.

Bible Recap: This can be a great podcast resource for people who need to listen to

scripture and have a nice recap of what they read.

Books:

Knowing Scripture by R.C Sproul

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

How to get the most from God’s word by John MacArthur

Read this first by Gary Millar

Helpful Articles:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/bring-the-bible-home-to-your-heart

https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/seven-keys-to-understanding-scripture/

https://www.navigators.org/resource/the-word-hand/

https://www.navigators.org/resource/personally-apply-scripture/

https://www.navigators.org/resource/how-to-study-the-bible/

5 Things To Do With Your Wedding Dress…

Most of us got married in a beautiful wedding gown, which is great! We get to have our princess moment for a day, but after it is all over… what do we do with the dress? Reality is (mine included), you have it hanging up in your closet collecting dust. You may have considered the idea of selling it, but you can’t possibly do that because it was YOUR dress. Selling it is not an option.. right? It still has sentimental meaning to you! In this post, I am going to give you five ideas as to what to do with the wedding dress that is hanging in your closet!

#1- Getting Ready Robes

This is a nice way to keep your wedding dress in the family! You can have these robe made for your daughters or son’s wife for her to wear on her special day! It is made from your dress and is a beautiful way to keep the “something borrowed” tradition alive! You can take the dress to a trusted seamstress to have this done! This is a special way to keep your wedding dress in the family!

#2-Baby Photos

If you have a little one-especially a newborn, this is a great photo prop! You can lay your baby on top of the dress while they are sleeping/whatever position you prefer! Snap some super cute photos and maybe bring the dress out monthly to get more! It is a great way to include something meaningful with your precious little one.

Like this but your dress...not a blanket! 

#3- Burial Clothing for Babies

This is a tough one, but there are many women who lose their precious little ones too soon. Burial clothing is something they need and it is typically made from wedding dresses that people have donated. While it is something that seems sad, your dress is going to make many beautiful burial gowns for these sweet babies. This will be something their parents treasure and will always remember. Maybe before you donate it, pray over your dress and for the families who receive the burial gowns from it. Pray for strength and peace. You may even be able to write them a sweet note to go with it. This is truly something so meaningful and while it is tragic, it is a beautiful way to honor these sweet babies.

#4- Preservation

There are many places that will box your dress beautifully and preserve it for you! It will stay clean and it will be on display for you to look at on occasion! This is a good way to keep it in good condition if you want to use it later for your baby photos, donation, or even selling. Wedding dress preservation keeps everything beautiful and it is usually packaged in a cute box!

#5-Saving it For Your Daughter

Last but not least, we have saving it for your sweet daughter! While some young ladies want their own look, some would love to have their mother’s wedding gown as an option! They can also have it made into a gown that may fit their personality more or have it made into a reception gown. I think your daughter would love to have this as an option. This is why a lot of people will preserve their wedding gowns! They want to save them for their daughters when they are ready to be married! This is such a fun way to keep the dress in the family and start a new tradition!

So, what do you plan to do with your dress? Is it sitting in your closet? Let us know what you did or want to do with yours in the comments below!

-Isabel

Picture of my dress below just for fun!

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