Coffee & Conversations: She Took a Risk
In this episode of Coffee & Conversations, Brian sits down with Todd McVicker, Worship Leader at Victory Church. He shares a story from a time when he was in the Philippines working with the ministry, Wipe Every Tear, to rescue women, girls, and ladyboys out of the sex trafficking trade in Angeles City.
During this conversation, Todd explains how one girl chose to take a risk that led to her rescue and freedom from a life of trafficking.
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
Come Away With Me . . .
I’d had the morning perfectly planned out. I was going to a special church service about an hour away, but Bri needed to use my car, which meant my plans changed.
I immediately thought of all the things I could do in my now open day and began making a mental list. I ran to the grocery store before Brian needed to leave and as I drove home, I thought to myself, “I’ll get in my time with God once I help Bri get off to work, then I’ll get a ton done that I hadn’t expected to have the time to do today.”
God spoke to my heart in that moment and said, “You’d planned on spending most of today with Me. Have I changed that plan?”
In that instant, I let go of my to-do list – something that would have been nearly impossible for me to do not all that long ago. I left the house in disarray knowing it would still be there for me to address once I’d spent precious time with the Lover of My Soul who was pursuing me with the passion of His heart to simply spend time together.
It didn’t take a special prayer service to enter into His presence. It was the intimacy of the alone time with Him…no one else around. It was letting Him speak to me through His Word, through the birds outside my window, through a dream I’d had, through a word whispered to my heart as I fell asleep last night, and through abandonment to worship sung at the top of my lungs.
It was a love affair with Him and I was exactly where I was supposed to be this morning. The service I’d planned on attending will happen on another day and be perfect in His timing. I’ll get everything done in my house and the rest of my to-do list will be tackled. It’s still waiting for me, but He was waiting first and He’s so much more important. The rest just falls away in light of His presence and love.
“My Beloved spoke and said to me: ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away…’” (Song of Solomon 2:10)
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
The Power of a Blessing
The act of blessing has been on my heart recently – specifically, blessing others with my words, especially my husband, children and friends (but strangers aren’t exempt). It’s something I’ve been aware of, but recently it’s been as if God has been placing His finger on its importance.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” The Message translation states it even more clearly, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.” Yikes! I think I’ll choose life, thank you very much!
We’re certain to send our kids to school with a good breakfast and lunch, kisses and hugs, maybe a prayer, but do we intentionally BLESS them? When we kiss our spouse on the way out the door, do we help shape their day by the words we speak over them?
I remember a time when my middle son came to give me a hug before leaving for his day’s classes at KSU, I asked if he’d gotten the laundry folded that he’d promised he’d do and when he said he hadn’t, I launched into a mini discussion about fulfilling household responsibilities. That intended sweet goodbye initiated by my son became a huffy and swift departure. I don’t blame him!
It was in that moment that the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that I had just set the course for my son’s day with my words.
Words have tremendous power – much more than we often realize. Think back to a cutting remark made in high school or a critical word spoken to you by a parent and how that shaped you into adulthood. Then, think of a time when someone said exactly what you needed to hear, even if you hadn’t realized you’d needed to hear it – how it encouraged you, made the impossible seem possible, helped you to believe in yourself far more than you previously had.
“Winsome words spoken at just the right time are as appealing as apples gilded in gold and surrounded with silver.” (Prov. 25:11, TPT)
The Bible has a lot to say about the power of the tongue and the words that we speak. Think of it - all of creation was formed through the spoken word. That should give us an indication of the weight our words hold in the world around us, especially in the lives of those we love, as well as our own. Through our spoken words, we have the ability to CREATE. It doesn’t mean that we won’t face challenges, but through our words we can determine whether those challenges are going to result in victory or defeat.
In my mind, it all boils down to blessing – ourselves and others. In doing that, we set the atmosphere and determine the course of our day; not only ours, but our spouses, kids, and those we love. So much has been written about the effects of negative self-talk and how we can transform our lives by changing the way we speak and think. “…Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34b, NKJV) Our thoughts shape our words. Sometimes we can’t bless because we can’t think of anything good in the midst of our circumstances and relationships.
So, how do we bless? Look at the definition of blessing for some clues. A blessing is God’s favor and protection. It’s a thing conducive to happiness and welfare. What do you want to shape and form that’s good? Declare that.
It can be something as simple as, “You are loved and I’m so thankful for you. I think you’re amazing! Today is an awesome day marked by success!”
You can also use God’s words by speaking and praying blessings and promises from the Bible. Not sure where to begin? Search online for words of blessing found in the Bible, then turn them into prayers and prophetic declarations as you speak them out over yourself and others. I often pray over my family that they’re “well favored by God and by man” (1) and that they “have the mind of Christ and can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.” (2) I thank God that He surrounds each of them with His angels to “protect and uplift them so that they don’t even strike their foot against a stone” (3) and I declare that the plans that God has for them are “for good and not for evil, for a future and a hope.” (4)
This morning, I sent this as a text to my husband, “I bless you in all that you do and in the work of your hands and I decree success over you. I love you! Your angels go with you and work on your behalf and protect you! Your God fights for you. He chose YOU!” That was very different than my son’s send off!
Our Old Testament forefathers understood the power of a blessing and how it was a prophetic declaration spoken over generations to come. Look at the blessings spoken over their children by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and how devastated Esau was to realize that the blessing that was to be his had been stolen by his younger brother. Blessings are important – not only at the end of a person’s life, but every day.
There are so many times throughout our day that we can bless others and ourselves, beginning with words of gratitude. The small and simple things can transform a marriage and the atmosphere in a family. Noticing when something has been done and thanking them for it – even if it’s for taking the garbage out, letting them know that they’re appreciated, are words of blessing. Don’t wait for them to do it. Let it begin with you and see the difference that it makes.
What would it look like for you to dedicate 21 days to intentionally blessing your spouse, your kids, your friends, yourself??? What could happen if you did?
“May He give you the desire of your heart and make your plans succeed.” (Ps. 20:4)
1. Prov. 3:4
2. I Cor. 2:16 & Phil. 4:13
3. Ps. 91:12
4. Jer. 29:11
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
Happy May!
I can hardly believe it's already May! Summer will be here before we know it, but first, we get to celebrate all the beautiful mothers in our lives with Mother’s Day happening in just a few days!
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
~ Cardinal Mermillod
I have some great tips & recipes to share with you to help you make Mother’s Day ~ and the gorgeous spring season ~ the best they can be! You'll want to star or flag this message so you can refer back to it all month long!
Inside, you’ll also hear all about…
I have some great tips & recipes to share with you to help you make Mother’s Day ~ and the gorgeous spring season ~ the best they can be! You'll want to star or flag this message so you can refer back to it all month long!
Inside, you’ll also hear all about…
- Important Announcements
- Upcoming Events
- Special Promotion on the stunning Lucia & Lustre diffusers and more!
- Plus, May's Gifts With Purchase
Let's start things off with some garden-inspired diffuser blends!
So much more fun awaits!
Keep Scrolling . . .
EXCITING NEWS!
Young Living has some exciting changes coming to the US this year, let’s take a look at what you can expect to see…
- New YL terms like Customer & Brand Partner
- Improved website & shopping experience
- Updated enrollment process
- Refreshed Loyalty Rewards program
- Flexible subscription options
- Improved compensation plan
For all the details, check out this easy-to-read-through SWAY by clicking the link:
SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY OFFERS
Celebrate Mother Nature and the nurturers you cherish most with these special offers. These value-packed bundles - with the addition of two gorgeous handcrafted diffusers at 25% off - make it easy to share your love of Young Living!
These limited-time Mother’s Day offers are available from May 1 at 12 midnight, MT, until May 31 at 11:59 p.m., MT, while supplies last. Use these bundles and this unique diffuser sale to enroll new members, send a gift to a loved one, or treat yourself to Mother Nature-approved premium products.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND CLASSES
During the Discover YL event, you’ll learn the roots of Young Living’s Seed to Seal® story and unearth the difference quality products make. You’ll take a virtual tour of the Finca Botanica Farm and Distillery in Guayaquil, Ecuador; hear from inspiring speakers; and attend clean-living workshops to help you on your journey. Join us Saturday, May 22, from 9–11 a.m., MT, for an event about cultivating a clean lifestyle with the power of pure essential oils. For more details and to register for this event, CLICK BELOW:
During the Discover YL event, you’ll learn the roots of Young Living’s Seed to Seal® story and unearth the difference quality products make. You’ll take a virtual tour of the Finca Botanica Farm and Distillery in Guayaquil, Ecuador; hear from inspiring speakers; and attend clean-living workshops to help you on your journey. Join us Saturday, May 22, from 9–11 a.m., MT, for an event about cultivating a clean lifestyle with the power of pure essential oils. For more details and to register for this event, CLICK BELOW: 
2021 INTERNATIONAL GRAND CONVENTION
Have you registered for our Virtual International Grand Convention yet? You need to by June 1, 2021. Don’t wait!
Although restrictions once again prevent us from gathering in person, YL’s far-reaching global platform makes it possible to connect with hundreds of thousands for our second official VIGC taking place June 16–19, 2021. For more info and to register, CLICK BELOW:
WE'RE BACK!!!
Are you an essential oil lover? Got a penchant for living life WELL?
Join us the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 p.m. EST for our wildly popular Live & Unscripted event! This isn't your average boring Zoom call! You have the freedom to talk with us about what's important to YOU and we get to answer your questions as if we're sitting together having a favorite cuppa whatever we choose!
We laugh, sometimes we even cry, as we help each other through all sorts of . . . well . . . life. And we always, always learn something new! Take a chance and join us for the first time - we regulars would love to see your face!
Register to receive the Zoom link and password.
TAKE SUMMER ENTERTAINING TO A NEW LEVEL!
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and it's even sweeter when you invite friends to join in the fun! On this FREE webinar, you’ll discover cool summer secrets for your next event and your summer adventures using Young Living products.
IMAGINE, enhancing your summer experiences while loving on your Digestive, Immune, Respiratory, Hormonal, Cardiovascular and Nervous Systems as well as promoting Healthy Skin . . . all at the same time!
Recipes and instructions for carefree and healthy entertaining will be provided to all participants. Register for the login information and join in the fun!
MAY'S MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS WITH PURCHASE
May's gifts with purchase will have you conquering the world and grabbing hold of those dreams in your heart!
You can learn more about each of these amazing oils and WHY they're so special by clicking below!
BATH SOAK, ROLLER BLEND, & DIFFUSER RECIPES: EACH USING MAY'S GIFTS WITH PURCHASE
WOW!!! There are so many great things for us this month and beyond!
If you have any questions, need any help, or would like suggestions on ways you can work toward your health and wellness goals, please reach out! In the meantime, Happy Oiling!
P.S. This is a brand new way for us to share our newsletters and blogs. If any links are broken, please forgive us and let us know. We're so excited to be taking this to the next level as we journey together! We'd love for you to check out our updated website and come back often as we continue to grow and add even more!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
May's Motivation Is Here With GREAT Gifts with Purchase!
Spring is so motivating to me! The idea of fresh starts, new goals, big dreams, and all of them growing as this season unfolds . . . I love it! These promos are perfect for all of us, no matter what season in life we're in - for our goals, our family, anything we're going to do. These will help us flourish during this season! Let me fill you in . . . .
Here's the full breakdown of the US May 2021 Gift With Purchase:
100 PV
Free Shipping
190 PV
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
250 PV
Valor 5-ml
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
300 PV
Highest Potential 5-ml
Valor 5-ml
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
400 PV
Motivation 5-ml*
Highest Potential 5-ml
Valor 5-ml
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
*Remember, in order to get the Rewards Exclusive Envision 5-ml and Motivation 5-ml, you have to be enrolled in Essential (Loyalty) Rewards (ER) and have an order that meets the PV requirements for those items. The extra bonus of meeting all these PV amounts with your ER order is that you get even more ER points to spend later!
Motivation 5-ml (Bonus Essential Rewards 400 PV tier)
We all need a little help getting or staying motivated and this blend is the kick in the metaphorical pants we need to get moving and get to the business of hitting our goals. Floral and woodsy, this is a grounding, centering, get you ready to tackle everything in your way blend. For a bit more mood control and uplifting, bright scent, pair it with Orange in the diffuser! My go-to "work blend" is pairing Motivation with Clarity. I can conquer the world with that duo in the diffuser!
Here's the full breakdown of the US May 2021 Gift With Purchase:
100 PV
Free Shipping
190 PV
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
250 PV
Valor 5-ml
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
300 PV
Highest Potential 5-ml
Valor 5-ml
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
400 PV
Motivation 5-ml*
Highest Potential 5-ml
Valor 5-ml
Acceptance 5-ml
Envision 5-ml*
Free shipping
*Remember, in order to get the Rewards Exclusive Envision 5-ml and Motivation 5-ml, you have to be enrolled in Essential (Loyalty) Rewards (ER) and have an order that meets the PV requirements for those items. The extra bonus of meeting all these PV amounts with your ER order is that you get even more ER points to spend later!
Motivation 5-ml (Bonus Essential Rewards 400 PV tier)
We all need a little help getting or staying motivated and this blend is the kick in the metaphorical pants we need to get moving and get to the business of hitting our goals. Floral and woodsy, this is a grounding, centering, get you ready to tackle everything in your way blend. For a bit more mood control and uplifting, bright scent, pair it with Orange in the diffuser! My go-to "work blend" is pairing Motivation with Clarity. I can conquer the world with that duo in the diffuser!
NOTE: This is a special, Essential Rewards EXCLUSIVE oil! So, stock up on your monthly items - get some NingXia, Thieves, supplements, and all the things you love. When you do, you'll get this free bottle of liquid gold motivation with your order!
• Climb every mountain. Whether your bucket list has metaphorical mountains or real ones, dab a drop of Motivation behind your ears at the start of any endeavor, big or small.
• Take note. Keep track of when you procrastinate—in the afternoon, as the weekend draws near, when you’re intimidated by a task—and diffuse this sidekick scent while you cross off your next steps.
Highest Potential 5-ml (300 PV tier)
You're going to see how all of these oils in May's Gift WithPurchase work so well together, you'll wonder why you haven't had each of them in your oil routine already! Highest Potential will help you break through a lot of the barriers in your mind that are holding you back from what you can really do and be. This is inspiration to the max!
• Soar to new heights. No matter where you dare to dream, take Highest Potential with you. Add an AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment so you can swipe it on whenever you need inspiration.
• Keep on keepin’ on. Infuse your daily body moisturizer with the floral scent of Highest Potential as you continue to reach for the stars.
Valor 5-ml (250 PV tier) - In my opinion...this is the world's BEST oil!!!
Chasing your goals takes courage, and if there's one blend we know helps with that, it's Valor. Courage in a bottle. It calms the mind and body, encourages the soul, and simultaneously centers and uplifts you to the point where you know you can do what you need to do. Courage. Confidence. You'll be ready to take life by storm!
• Put the “you” in unique. As you’re crafting your personal brand, wear fresh, woodsy Valor as a personal cologne or perfume to remind yourself of how capable you are.
• Keep up your courage. At the end of a long day of giving your all, add Valor to Young Living’s Bath and Shower Gel Base as you brainstorm new ideas for tomorrow.
Acceptance 5-ml (190 PV tier)
When we accept all aspects of life - that things happen that are out of our control or not always exactly ideal, it's much easier to not get stuck. Acceptance helps you accept the things you cannot change and be ready to make your plan to keep moving forward.
• Take the highs with the lows. Add a drop of this blend to a washcloth, place it right outside the stream of water as you shower, and let this inviting aroma inspire feelings of acceptance.
• Work hard, play hard. Work isn’t everything. Diffuse the bouquet-like scent of Acceptance, then take a break and rush outside to enjoy the sunlight.
Envision 5-ml (Bonus Essential Rewards 190 PV tier)
This is the one you'll want to start with. When you're making your plan and you're working out all the details. Diffuse Envision and see all of the incredible possibilities in front of you! Everything you want and need is there waiting for you. Clear your mind and envision the future YOU want to have!
• Make scents of your to-dos. Write out each task required to accomplish your goals. Place a drop of Envision at the top of the page to breathe in every time you review your next steps.
• Dream big. Add Envision to a cotton ball and place it in your car vent so any time you inhale this scent, you’ll visualize your dreams coming true.
Free Shipping (100 PV tier)
Free is always a good price to go with goal planning and world domination. It never hurts to save a little money!
• Ship, ship, hooray! Reach our 100 PV tier and we’ll ship your order for free.
• Dream project step one: Get Young Living products shipped. Oh wait, we’ve got you covered— for free!
What's one goal you know you need to make a plan for and which of these oils are you most excited to use to help you get there?
• Take note. Keep track of when you procrastinate—in the afternoon, as the weekend draws near, when you’re intimidated by a task—and diffuse this sidekick scent while you cross off your next steps.
Highest Potential 5-ml (300 PV tier)
You're going to see how all of these oils in May's Gift WithPurchase work so well together, you'll wonder why you haven't had each of them in your oil routine already! Highest Potential will help you break through a lot of the barriers in your mind that are holding you back from what you can really do and be. This is inspiration to the max!
• Soar to new heights. No matter where you dare to dream, take Highest Potential with you. Add an AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment so you can swipe it on whenever you need inspiration.
• Keep on keepin’ on. Infuse your daily body moisturizer with the floral scent of Highest Potential as you continue to reach for the stars.
Valor 5-ml (250 PV tier) - In my opinion...this is the world's BEST oil!!!
Chasing your goals takes courage, and if there's one blend we know helps with that, it's Valor. Courage in a bottle. It calms the mind and body, encourages the soul, and simultaneously centers and uplifts you to the point where you know you can do what you need to do. Courage. Confidence. You'll be ready to take life by storm!
• Put the “you” in unique. As you’re crafting your personal brand, wear fresh, woodsy Valor as a personal cologne or perfume to remind yourself of how capable you are.
• Keep up your courage. At the end of a long day of giving your all, add Valor to Young Living’s Bath and Shower Gel Base as you brainstorm new ideas for tomorrow.
Acceptance 5-ml (190 PV tier)
When we accept all aspects of life - that things happen that are out of our control or not always exactly ideal, it's much easier to not get stuck. Acceptance helps you accept the things you cannot change and be ready to make your plan to keep moving forward.
• Take the highs with the lows. Add a drop of this blend to a washcloth, place it right outside the stream of water as you shower, and let this inviting aroma inspire feelings of acceptance.
• Work hard, play hard. Work isn’t everything. Diffuse the bouquet-like scent of Acceptance, then take a break and rush outside to enjoy the sunlight.
Envision 5-ml (Bonus Essential Rewards 190 PV tier)
This is the one you'll want to start with. When you're making your plan and you're working out all the details. Diffuse Envision and see all of the incredible possibilities in front of you! Everything you want and need is there waiting for you. Clear your mind and envision the future YOU want to have!
• Make scents of your to-dos. Write out each task required to accomplish your goals. Place a drop of Envision at the top of the page to breathe in every time you review your next steps.
• Dream big. Add Envision to a cotton ball and place it in your car vent so any time you inhale this scent, you’ll visualize your dreams coming true.
Free Shipping (100 PV tier)
Free is always a good price to go with goal planning and world domination. It never hurts to save a little money!
• Ship, ship, hooray! Reach our 100 PV tier and we’ll ship your order for free.
• Dream project step one: Get Young Living products shipped. Oh wait, we’ve got you covered— for free!
What's one goal you know you need to make a plan for and which of these oils are you most excited to use to help you get there?
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
