My thoughts on MLM Essential Oils

A little history on me, first.

Years ago, I had hosted a "party" in my home, selling some goods, what it is, doesn't matter.  Well, afterwards, I just didn't feel right about it.  I really thought that I had taken advantage of my friends.  I mean, I've been to parties, that you just feel uncomfortable, and feel pressured into buying stuff to "help your friend out."  So, I called each of my friends soon after the party.  I told them that I was sorry to take advantage of their friendship like that, and if they wanted, they could cancel their order.  Let's just say, I had a very good party.  So, each one had the chance to cancel their order.  Do you know, every single one of them canceled their order!  Their comments were: "We were just trying to help you get the stuff you wanted", and, "it was fun, but I really didn't need any of that."  I made a commitment not to get involved in a MLM system again.  So, no, I have not hosted any parties.  I have on occasion, gone to some, and, on occasion I have purchased some items (I  LOVE Sol-U-Mel!!  That stuff is AMAZING!!--no, I am not paid to say that).  But, recently, I went to a class to teach you about Essential Oils.

The class was good--however, I did have some questions.  They tout their products as being 100% pure therapeutic oils, and the only place you can buy 100% pure products (not true!).  They also (almost) claim that EO's will cure any ailment you may have.  They tell you that the essential oils are so strong, that if you are going to add them to water and drink them, only buy a glass drinking bottle, because the EO will break down the plastic.  Then, just a bit later, they tell you that you can make your own cleaning products--just put water in a plastic spray bottle and add in your EO.  So--my question is--why will it break down one plastic bottle, but not another??  Why can you use it for cleaning, but not for drinking?  They had no answer.  :)  Next question, please??

So, sad to say, I did buy into their program.  I mean--look at all the benefits I would get.  Let me interject here--I did buy into the program--with the intent of never adding people under me.  I was going to stay the bottom rung forever.  I made a commitment years ago, remember?   And, I was desperate.  The children were dealing with some nasty stuff, and we were making hospital runs, and I was tired of them being sick.  PLUS!  Look at all the stuff you get!!  You get a diffuser (I do have to admit, I do like it, although the lid did break by just wiping it, which I am trying to contact the company about), 10 main essential oils, plus a reference guide.  Woo hoo!    Look at the money you are saving, right??  Well. . .  I'll get into that later.

So--Why am I so against the MLM Essential Oils??

 I do not like the New Age teaching you get from it.  i.e. the blend "Forgiveness" (this is from their catalog), "Forgiveness enhances the ability to forgive yourself and others while letting go of negative emotions, which is an important part of personal growth."  I'm sorry, but as a Christian, you do not need an Essential Oil to help you forgive!!!!  You need the help of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I will quote only 1 more from their catalog.  This is "Inner Child--stimulates memory response to help you connect with your authentic self and take steps toward finding emotional balance."  Excuse me??  As a Christian--this is the work of the Holy Spirit--NOT an Essential Oil.

If you read in the reference guide--it's even  WORSE  than the main catalog!!!  In the first few dozen pages, it goes into "Auricular Emotional Therapy Points".  I have a big problem with this!  Quoted from the book, "Bearing burdens of the world use release and valor".  This is on the ear.  Let me say, that, as a Christian, Jesus is the burden bearer, and we are to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.  And also, in Galatians, we are to bear one another's burdens.  And, if you are feeling guilty??  Use an oil!!  Let me repeat--as a Christian, if we are feeling guilty, the thing we need to do is repent!  Enough said.  I could go on and on. Ok.  I just have to do 1 more.  The reference guide says under depression, "Cleansing the flesh and blood of evil deities, use these oils Cedarwood, Myrrh."  Then it gives a history ""Breaking the lineage of iniquity.'  The ancient Egyptians believed that if they didn't clear the body and mind of negative influences before dying, they could not progress into the next life and return to this world to take up the body they had left in the tomb (resurrection)."  Do I really need to comment on this one???

Now, don't get me wrong--I do feel that Essential Oils are beneficial (when you drop off all the New Age - and some places say it is witchcraft - mumbo jumo).  I mean, look--when the high priests anointed people, it was with holy anointing oils.  And, when the children of Israel went into battle--they didn't bring a doctor along, I've heard they brought along herbal remedies.  So, if they were to just deal with physical problems, I would have no problem with it--just tell me what oil to use, if we have a sinus infection, or whatever.  BUT--when you are dealing with emotional problems--you either need to talk to Jesus, or in some cases, a counselor.

Also--I have seen Christians, who use EO's,  when they have an illness--rather than turning to our Lord Jesus, the Healer, turn to their essential oils, or to the reference manual, first.  We need to remember  He is more than able to heal, and we need to go to Him first!!  There is a place for doctors, and for essential oils--but Jesus should be our first go-to when something is wrong. Some people are using essential oils to replace Jesus in the healing business.

Ok.  Now to deal with the financial part of it.  I am not talking about my initial start up kit.  I will only talk about purchasing some of the oils that I do like, and use.  There is a blend of  Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Rosemary, Lemon, and Eucalyptus.  I really like that oil!!  But, my cost, in the catalog is over $30 for a 15 ml bottle.  I can get the same size bottle, 100% pure, therapeutic oil for $15 - from a Christian company!  Remember--the MLM company states that they have 100% pure EO.  Well, they are NOT the only ones.  There are other companies out there that have really good products, too, just less cost.  With the MLM company--I am providing income for all my upline (people above me).

So, it comes down to this--do I purchase over-priced products, from a company who pushes a LOT of New Age teaching; or am I to be a good steward of God's money, and buy a product, that is just as good, and only half the cost, from a Christian company??  I guess the ball is now in your court.  Which company would you support??

Blessings!

Why I homeschool

I was asked recently, "Why do you homeschool?"  I was shocked, as I haven't been asked that question in a LONG time!  LOL  And, I probably mumbled some unintelligible reply.  But, I have been musing over the question--why do we homeschool?  It's been 25 years ago, since Pastor and I decided to home educate the children.  No, it's not been easy.  Yes, there were days I wondered if I was doing the right thing.  But, with 7 children graduated, and seeing the fruit--it has been worth it all.  All the blood, sweat, and tears!!  And, only 3 children to go!

Home educating is a LOT of work--I mean really!!!  We have to do all the planning, preparation, grading, teaching, testing, and the list goes on. And on top of all the school work--we have all the housework, too--cooking, cleaning, and don't forget Mount Never Rest (aka laundry).  But--what else is more rewarding??  I LOVE teaching new readers--really!  It is so exciting for me, to see them learn how to read.  I have successfully taught 9 of the children how to read -- and it was a thrill each and every time.  I am still working with my son with Down Syndrome.  And--for the first time, he started to read words.  That was a thrill multiplied to an exponential degree!!!  Lots of work with him, but it is beginning to pay off.

Back to why do we home educate.  I guess what it really boils down to, is: We feel it is directed by God.  Deuteronomy 6:7 says, "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."  How else can you teach the things of God diligently in these 4 times in the day (when you get up, sitting in your house, on the way, and at night time), unless you are home educating?

I want my children to learn Godly character.  It seems to be lacking in this day and age.  I also want our children to be like Psalms 144:12 "That our sons may be as plants gown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace."

I want my children to learn science the right way-- I want them  to know that God made the world (and all that is therein), and it didn't just happen by chance, or evolution.

I want my children to learn history the correct way--that history is really His Story.  And, yes, the Holocaust really did happen.  And, yes, our Founding Fathers had it right when they penned the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

I want my children to learn the ways of God--to be able to bring their Bible to school (LOL), and to pray in school.  To learn why they are here (do you think they teach THAT in public school??).  That there is a loving God, who loved them so much, to give His only Son for each of us.

So, we are taking this time, of home education, to sharpen the arrows (Psalm 127:4) that He has given us--so that we can shoot them out into the world, and they would be straight, and hit their mark.  I want them to do great things for God.


Now, Home educating is NOT for everyone!!  LOL  And I know some people who home school,  who should NOT be home schooling.  :)  It is a lot of work.  Did I say that already??  But, it is amazing.  To see a child unlock the reading code, or understands a new math principle--it is so thrilling.  But, not only am I a teacher--I am a learner.  I am learning so many new things--things about my children, things about myself, as well as things in history (or science, or. . .) that I may have forgotten, or it wasn't taught.

Who knows my children, and their abilities, better than me?  I know their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles better than anyone.  And, the children are NOT cookie cutter children!  One program of math, or phonics (or fill in the blank), may work well for one child, but, for another child--it may be sheer torture! Not only for that child, but also for me!!  I can not remember how many different math programs we have used through the years.  It's a lot.  Probably almost as many programs as I have children.  hee hee.  Would they get this flexibility from a public school?  Definitely not. I don't even think they would get it from a Christian school.   I can see what appeals to each child, and what would be the best way to go about getting them to understand each concept.  

I love to take Bible verses, and apply them to daily living.  What can we learn from 4 words in the Sermon on the Mount, "And seeing the multitudes"?  Well, we can learn about eyesight--myopia, and hyperopia.  Now--apply myopia to ourselves--myopia is nearsightedness, then it would be a me-vision, only concerned with myself.  And hyperopia is farsightedness, so that would be overlooking the needs of those around me.  Do I see as God sees?  How did Jesus see people?  How should I see people?  This is just a start.

Is home educating for you?  It is a calling.  If God has called you, He will equip you.

Blessings!