Dog bones and baking pans

The title does not barely do what I am about to show you any justice. I think the fact that I found those two items is more hilarious than anything but somehow I found a small piece of a life lesson to ponder.
I decided to clean my purse. I usually do this every couple months. I hate to admit it takes that long but it does. So I began to empty the contents all over the counter and this is some of what I discovered. I found among the treasures of my every day life that I also had 2 dog bones, a mini baking sheet (from my daughters easy bake oven), and a bottle of bug spray from the fourth of July fireworks that I had been carting around for a couple months and since we are the week before Thanksgiving... I would say that is pretty bad.
I did not intentionally mean to carry this stuff around for months with me, I just didn't think it was that big of deal and left it there. Days turned into weeks and weeks months...
Now that I had the time to rid my purse of extras... I can see how we also do this in our own lives.
Have you ever known a "stuffer"? A stuffer is someone who never really deals with things at hand and just stuffs it away until later living then in constant avoidance.
I think the purse illustration is a candid display of stuffing and one I wanted to share because honestly who finds dog bones in their purse with a baking sheet? This busy mom does and I am sure a lot of the moms out there can relate even with some fun stuffing stories of their own. However, there are big things...huge things...deep things that people end of "stuffing" away into their inner souls.
I think its time to clean the clutter. Clutter only makes it hard to see your way through and it's easier to stuff things away. It takes very little effort to just keeping stuff hidden...its the time and effort put into the "cleaning" that makes for a fresh start and a new way of thinking and living.
In my case with the purse, it really is a lot lighter of a weight to carry. And I know when we let go of things that we have been avoiding or confront something that makes us uncomfortable, it is then you really can be free to live without hindrance.
I knew those dog bones were in there somewhere because at some point I put them there! Same with that mini baking sheet, it fell out of  box when we moved and I knew it was important so I put it where any good mom would; in my purse!  But over time, I just left it... no big deal... I would get to it. And today I did get to it but when there are bigger issues we start to "stuff away" that is not a good thing.
Avoidance only delays the actually outcome. Don't do that to yourself! So for all of those other moms out there who are pulling diapers, underwear, and maybe even a sandwich out of that bag... I get it! I really do, just let it stop at the purse and as women let us be more real about things and stop living with an avoidance mindset. Take on today with confidence in cleaning out your "stuff!" xo- laura

BananaCoco- NUT Oat Protein Muffins

These have been a hit to satisfy breakfast movers and shakers or to curb those snacking times of the day... Enjoy! Healthy Protein muffin recipe

In a mixer bowl blend the following:
5 bananas
2 scoops vanilla vegan protein powder
1 cup almond milk
1/4 coconut sugar
2 1/2 cups oat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamon
1 teaspoon organic coconut extract
1/4 cup finely shredded organic coconut flakes
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 eggs


then add the topping

Mix Topping:
1/4 cup raw oatmeal
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut flakes
mix well... top the muffins before baking

Makes 20 muffins

After mixing place batter in greased muffin tins and bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

I need your vote! ZOUP! recipe contest....

I am just so excited I have to share that I entered one of my raw and ultra healthy soup recipes in a national contest with the restaurant chain, ZOUP. I actually made it to the top four!! They are holding one week for friends and family to cast votes. There is nothing required of you as far as entering information. Just one click.

If I win, they will give me a $1,000 Williams Sonoma Card and feature my healthy soup on the menu!!

I am really excited.

Please just take a moment, and vote by clicking below and my recipe is the on the top and labeled. Peach Melon Gazpacho by Laura Parker. 

If you want to share please feel free to share with as many as you can. I would be so happy to win this contest and see more people getting to enjoy healthy food while out!!

Here is the link-

Vote daily for the next week... please... Thanks so much!!! 

http://www.zouprecipecontest.com/?post_id=943672642340682_943672629007350#_=_

Blueberry Bliss Power Bars

I love these bars. I think you will too. They are hearty and packed full of protein! A healthy recipe for the entire family. Great way to start the day off right with a balanced breakfast or snack on the go!

Berry Bliss POWER Bar

First Step: BAR BASE

In a blender mix the following-

4 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon

2 bananas

1 1/2 teaspoons of Vanilla

1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder

BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH

Pour into a bowl and add the following:

2 Cups raw Organic Oats

1 Cup slivered almonds

1 teaspoon of flax seed

Stir together until well blended

PREHEAT OVEN: 350 degrees- spray a piece of parchment paper with coconut oil and lay on a cookie sheet or 9x9 baking pan. Pour the mixture on the parchment paper and shape into a square about 9x9 if using a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. 

While the base is cooking away....

SECOND STEP: BAR TOPPING

In a bowl mix the following:

1/2 cup raw oats

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon 

1 teaspoon of chia seed

MIX WELL then --add 1 cup fresh blueberries mix gently to combine. 

After the 8 minutes is up from the base baking pull that pan out of the oven and spread the topping on top and press down gently to set and replace back into the oven for another 15-17 minutes. 

Allow to cool and slice into bars. 

What is the cause of poor church leadership?

A question that all of us ask ourselves at some point or another. The one aspect of this that is especially hard is when you have been hurt within a circle of people in which you should have been safe. A general assumption would be that a church leader could lead with integrity and strength, but when church leadership lets you down, where do you turn? It is so easy to be angry and confused. All of which are completely justified emotions.

In the church the leaders appointed should lead to a higher standard, but we live in a fallen world and unless those leaders are really called to be leaders and supposed to be in those positions... they will hurt people along the way because of several reasons. 

- The title they were given was based upon desperation/ seniority versus real qualifications. 
- There is a lack of real training.
- They are filling a position and that's it, they are not really called to be in it.
- Complacency, jealousy or stagnation set in. 
-Terrible accountability such as appointing board who pay the salaries and are their buddies , it is a I will pat your back if you pat mine...mentality. 

Whatever the reason don't underestimate the damage a poor leader can have on people. A leader that is allowed to operate in this way will be driven with selfish ambition and will most likely sabatoge anyone or anything that could get in their own way or agenda that will change their culture and what makes them feel comfortable.

What to do if you have been hurt by poor leadership?
Seek some counseling to heal from the hurt and betrayel.
Stay far away from those people who have hurt you.
Seek truth and know that God wants you to be in church and staying away from them because you have been hurt is just a way for you to be aliented from real friends.

Pumpkin Puppy Treats

Maybe it is the bitter freezing weather or maybe I wanted to try something new. So looked up something yummy for my puppies and while I am a busy mom and business owner, I thought if they came out well, I can serve them up as kid snack too. (multitasking?!) Well I am kind of serious about that last part. But mostly for the pups. It is healthy and packed full of goodness for their bodies.
So a friend gave me a recipe and I went for it. Here is the recipe and it honestly is pretty quick and easy.

 

Needed:

2 eggs

1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin

1/2 cup applesauce

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 1/2 cups brown rice flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk the eggs and pumpkin together- then add in the salt, applesauce, and flour.

Mix well. Spread on a floured surface ( can use the rice flour) roll out and then cut into shapes and place on a cookie sheet. 

Bake for 20 minutes then take them out and turn them- put them back in for 20 more minutes.

Allow to cool completely before giving treats out to your furry friends. 

** (note if you want to try them or let your kids try them they are not that bad, pretty hearty actually. I had some with honey for lunch!)  But my sweet pups love them so HUGE plus for all of us!

INSPIRE- Book Release- Order it on AMAZON

I was so excited to be part of this beautiful journey in authoring a book with 20 other women this past year. This inspirational book is full of joy, heartbreak, victories, and overcoming life's obstacles. It is a sure way to motivate anyone that has felt down and needed to know that HOPE exists. Check it out on AMAZON today- http://www.amazon.com/Inspire-Stories-Accomplishment-Encouragement-Influence/dp/0692234241/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404269268&sr=1-1

Grilling up some banana and peanut butter smiles

I am trying to come up with healthy new ways to give the kids some fun meals. This one happened by accident when we did not have much around and this is what we came up with. It's actually quite delicious and the warm banana really was a hit!! I always use organic ingredients but use what you have on hand.

Peanut Butter and Banana Grilled Sandwiches 
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Peanut butter, a banana, honey, (flax seed optional), bread,butter, or coconut oil!

Prepare just like a grilled "cheese" I added flax seed because it is extra Omega 3 and they do not even know it. Spread the peanut butter/flax/and honey on a buttered slice of bread.

 Top with banana slices and cover with last piece of bread. (make sure you are putting coconut oil or butter on your bread..you want the "grilled" texture)
Cover and cook over medium heat- (flip once)

Hope you guys enjoy it!!! - Laura

Why teaching your kids about healthy food is vital for them to make healthy choices!

"It's time to take action! We need every child to understand where food comes from, how to cook it, and how it affects their body. This is about setting kids up with the knowledge they need to make better food choices for life! Jamie Oliver
I get the critics believe me, those who feel I am being "picky" about choosing to give my kids organic, or buying foods that are organic. As if choosing health is some sort of "curse" upon you that you should feel weird about. Also, I get the comments about price, "organic is so expensive etc." I will say this, yes it is more then other generic brand food. However, have you seen the price of junk food, chips, cigarettes, and cancer lately? The other day I walked down the "chip" aisle, and I actually could not believe the price of chips. Some of the family size bags are almost $5.00 for a bag of chips!! I have a choice, you have a choice. I could buy a bag of chips with little or no nutritional value for $5.00 or I can buy a bag of organic apples. It really is about trade offs. Making different choices.  Those who "put down" for choosing to be healthy just spend their money on different things than you do...that really is it!  It is a thought process. For me it is a pay now or pay later mentality. Now can I totally avoid cancer causing elements in this lifetime? Probably not, we are surrounded by it, the computer I am typing on, no doubt it probably giving me some sort of vibe. We all have cancer cells in our bodies, but what we feed our bodies helps keep us alkaline or acidic. Disease can not thrive in alkaline bodies.

We are teaching the future generations how to eat by what we make available for them. If you are the one making the food purchases, you are the one responsible. I get it's staggering and you can serve up some guilt trip to as to why we don't have time to make healthy options. But we do! We all do! We all have the same amount of time actually, we just choose to spend it differently. I am not saying every item in my pantry is 100% organic and I live off the land, I cant possibly do that where I reside. But I encourage you to look for local organic farms that you can support and buy your food from, where it is fresh and has more LIVE nutrients. There are money saving tips even when buying organic food.
You can stay along the outside edges of the grocery store to keep you from spending money on things that are not necessary. Purchase fruits for smoothies in the organic frozen aisle. It is cheaper and lasts longer! Try to have a meal plan and elliminate having a meat type dish every night. Organic meats and poultry can be expensixve if you buy for every night of the week. Limit the meat you consume weekly, it will keep you healthier , save you money, and you can get just as much proetin from plant sources.
I love my girls, I know that I can not keep them protected from everything. I do know that their health will be very important to them as they get older. Right now, I can not teach my kids at their young age of all the chemicals and how to read words they can not pronounce on the back of labels. But what I can do is SHOW them what is good and healthy! I can make food fun for them, I can make a green smoothie delicious enough for even a two year old to slurp down and that is what matters. Our bodies crave what we give it. To this day, my five year old does not drink soda. I do not buy it and I do not offer it. Someone offered her one and she took one sip and said it was TOO sweet and she did not like it. If you give kids healthy options they will not want crave the bad ones. Will they have stuff when we are visiting friends, probably! I am not going to circle over them and demand all my friends and family abide to our standards of eating. But I do know it is important to us when we are home. WE need to set the standard for our eating habits! Kids are depending on us.

Spa Gift Set- Pampering Gifts for Mother's Day or ANY day!

A beautiful gift set that is ideal for Mother's day or special days in general. It includes
What the set includes:
1- 1/2 pint size of our decadent sugar scrub made with sunflower/grapeseed oil and essential oil.
2- Gorgeous square handmade all natural soaps with shea butter and coconut oil individually wrapped and tied with an adorable bow.
1- 2 oz. "Everything" spray that is essential aromatherapy and overall perfect for refreshing the air,skin,or linens!
1- Body serum infused with all natural oils, shea butter, essential oils, and Vitamin E to provide all over moisture to any skin type.
2- Vanilla organic lip balms!
******************************************************

This set is gorgeous!! A perfect gift for anyone or a treat for yourself.
This is a set which comes packaged in a beautiful basket ready to go!!

What are people saying?
Reviews
"Love the INSPIRE scent- "-Rebecca
"This set is all around an amazing purchase!"- Robin
"My skin is soft for days after using these scrubs!"- Melissa

If you want to order 2 or more please contact me so I can help you save on shipping fees!
PLEASE NOTE: Some essential oils in the" Everything " spray can stain white linens. Spray accordingly.
Check it out HERE!

Organic, vegan, skincare, health and beauty!

After years of looking for quality skin care for me and my family with healthy ingredients, I started making my own. I have been doing this for years and now want to share this with other people. Please check out the online store. I have soap, all natural and organic air freshener,sugar scrubs, and lip balm. Everything I use is all natural, organic, and beneficial for overall health and beauty. Most of our soaps are vegan as well. Every order can be customized to suit your needs.

ETSY STORE!! ORDER TODAY!

Contact me if you want to order in bulk so I can save you some shipping costs!!

New! Handmade Products. All Natural Soap

These beautiful custom made soap bars can be ordered now from my online store. Please check out the site for other products too like sugar scrubs and lip balm!! https://www.etsy.com/shop/JuniperTreeNaturals
All the products are made with organic and natural ingredients. Your skin is your largest organ so whatever you put on your body gets into your system. Make sure you are choosing healthy options even for bath and body products and skin care.  Most of the soaps are vegan as well. Any order can be customized if you do not see a scent you like, just ask!

Mini Spa Set

I recently added a line of all natural healthy and beauty products to my wellness industry. I am excited about this so much! It is so important to use safe and healthy ingredients on your skin.
Our skin absorbs everything and is our largest organ. We need to put safe products on our skin!
Check out this beautiful new gift set. This one features a handmade soap and sugar scrub. Order here and we can customize. 

Become all you were meant to be!

Do you feel like you constantly are up against a wall? Discouragement and sadness can come in like a flood and overwhelm. There are so many things that can come against us from day to day that can feel like everything is gone, you will never be happy, your life will never turn around. But it can! Reclaim your life...reclaim what negative things have tried to take from you. God wants you to soar and be all you were created to be.
In this FREE ebook which downloads automatically you can experience renewed perspective and hope.
Download today!!

The Myth of Multi-tasking

Though, the hallmark of the twenty-first century has been multitasking. In reality, it isn't a good policy. When you do several things at once, you don't focus on any one task. Mistakes are made and everything becomes combined and messy. Also, when we multitask, we often aren’t giving another human being our full attention. We half-listen and then carry on with our tasks. This does nothing to foster team building at work or personal relationships at home. It's best to do just one thing at a time and focus on one person at a time.

When you do, you can accomplish more, feel more in control, and be a lot more pleasant to be around. You also can greatly reduce your stress levels. 

The "smart" device age has caused an increasing level of distraction as well. Set clear boundaries so you can have balance, you need to know when to shut it off and put it away. 

No one wants to be labeled a jack of all trades and a master of none! Let us all seek to pursue the best possible life we can give ourselves and families!

Green Goodness

Green smoothies are a way to get in a large dose of fruits and veggies in your diet, and they taste yummy so it's worth it!! You can make all kinds of green smoothies. This one is our families favorite. You can add all kinds of fruit but make sure you have a large helping of greens rich in vitamins.

NEEDED:
6 cups fresh organic spinach
1 cup organic strawberries- can be frozen
1 cup organic peaches-can be frozen
2 bananas
2 cups organic orange juice
1 TBSP of chia seed
1 TBSP flax seed
1 TBSP raw honey

Blend in vita mix or blender. Serves 4

Kale Chips

There are many variations of kale chips. I have made mine in a dehydrator as well as the oven. Both come out well. This one is done quickly in the oven. It makes a quick and healthy snack that is addicting. A wonderful way to get more greens.

Needed:
As shown above- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
Kale pieces spread out on cookie sheet
Nutritional Yeast
Directions-
Spread kale pieces on baking sheet and pour coconut oil on top. Mix to coat evenly. Sprinkle with Nutritional yeast. This gives it the cheesy flavor. Mix well and spread out kale evenly before baking.
Bake 10-15 minutes at 300 degrees.
** can add other spices to your preference before baking to add different flavors.

Questions to ask and consider before joining a church.

Alarming that even in churches today there can be a lack of integrity and accountability. When flesh gets in the way and people are then overtaken with jealousy, slander, and insecurities there is no end to what can happen. Never underestimate the power of insecurity in people and organizations. Insecurity is a bad friend that makes people believe things about others that aren't even true.
A strong leader will not be affected by positive change. A fearful leader will always self sabotage growth even on a small scale.
Establish healthy boundaries and know that no one is above failing you- God is your source and strength.
If you are getting involved with a church look for healthy signs: Ask questions and get involved- know that you need answers before you get involved with an unhealthy place.

-Are they open to including and reaching out community?
-Are the finances being accounted for accurately?
- Is there protocol and systems in place for organization and safety?
-Is the pastor getting accountability or does he have friends on his board? Yes people are not accountability.
-Is there an openness to getting involved and working with other churches for the greater good of God's kingdom?
-Is there a clear vision for where the church is going?
-Are leadership tasks delegated and not much being done by the leader himself? Delegation only works when the leader is working too.
-Are children and youth valued and seen as the future of church and nation?
-Is personal growth and progress encouraged?
-Is progress welcomed when it is positive change or is it sabotaged and seen as threatening?
-Is the pastor disrespectful?
-Have you seen others gossiping about members?
-Does the leadership staff have a small mindset and inward way of thinking?
-Has the church been thriving or surviving?
-Ask around, see if the church has a positive history before you came on the scene?
-Is the church just existing by a handful of people who adore their long term friends?
-Is there a lack of caring for the overall building and God's house?
-Is a sense of stewardship and ownership encouraged as a standard?

Churches are part of our lives and should be a positive place encouraging growth. However, there are many teachers standing in the place of pastors. Many people have been hurt by "hirelings" with their own agenda's and complacent ways. It is sad, heartbreaking, and nothing can make the enemy more happy then to see churches failing and families hurt.
If you are in this situation- get out! If you feel you are not being appreciated, valued, or growing spiritually it is not the place God wants you in. If you have seen your leadership handle things improperly, ask questions! The integrity of a man or woman always will trump the image you have of them. 

_

Why taking ownership is so hard!

So many people want to know the secrets to success. What makes a business strong? What does it take to grow a church? What makes a great marriage? How can I be a good parent? Is it possible to be healthy and fit even when I am so busy? Can a mother really balance work and kids? Can a dad really be the leader he needs to be for his family? Is it possible to ever love again? Will I ever really get out of debt?
These are questions many of us have asked ourselves. Maybe even worked at from time to time. Anything worth it in life is going to require work, and lots of it. I am in the middle ground generation right now where the ones after me feel "entitled" to it all without the work, and the older ones have given up or are still working when they should be enjoying life. So here I am sitting here observing two opposite ways of thinking. I see it everywhere. I see a total lack of ownership over the situations and lives people find themselves living.
Most of us drown in our stress or drown out our circumstances by avoiding what it will take to change it. We have turned to work, ministries, addictions, relationships, social networking and every other possible thing to keep us "moving" along so we don't have to deal with the ROOT problems.
The root issue when things are not progressing in a positive way is lack of ownership.
We all have done this from time to time. We believe in a lie we heard or have developed a belief system that is really way too small.
It is never too late to start, and start small if you must..but please DO START! Falling down is part of life but getting back up is living it! Take personal responsibility for how you want to change things in your life. Taking ownership is hard because it puts you in a place where you stand face to face with your fear, insecurities, self doubt, and baggage all wrapped up in one and you push through it anyway. You stand there and wonder what in the world do you do with all of it and how do I change living this way? And then you take one step! One painful and uncomfortable step and then another and then another.Stop living the life you do not want to live and make choices towards a better tomorrow.
Is it going to be tough? Of course it is, its going to be a major pain in the rear some day's. Some times you may feel like you just want to give up,  believe that your not qualified, or rich enough, you may feel you don't deserve it, or you just have been dealt a bad deal you need to live with as punishment. It is not true.  It is really not true!! You have a huge battle in your mind. Jim Rohn said it best when he quoted, "forget about the thief waiting around the corner, what about the one in your mind!! " Your mind is where it all lays waiting dormant- are you going to allow your mind to sabotage your way of thinking or are you going to get out of your own way? The choice is yours and it is yours to make right now!! Today! Take ownership. Pull up the big girl pants or big boy pants your meant to be wearing- throw away the diapers and get out there and make your mark on the world. Life is passing by- don't get to the end of your own with regret and wonder.

New Store- Selling all natural products

Handmade soap and scrubs.

Please check it out. I am really excited to now offer- https://www.etsy.com/listing/173195164/a-luxurious-natural-sugar-scrub-perfect?