Top 3 Non-Toxic Sunscreens

Is Your Sunscreen Killing You? 

Yes, it's possible that the very thing you're using to protect yourself to some degree could also be harming you. 

Some sunscreens contain toxic ingredients that break down into harmful compounds when applied. 

A few of the toxic ingredients you want to avoid are:

• Oxybenzone 
• Methoxycinnamate
• Avobenzone
• "Fragrance" as listed on labels

More details about these chemicals are listed in the video here. 

Ok, now, let's get to the "good" non-toxic sunscreens. Note that these brands are listed as the top because they're highly rated on the Yuka app and don't contain any of the toxic ingredients listed above.

Top 3 Non-toxic Sunscreen Brands 

Caudalie Vinosun Protect SPF 50

https://amzn.to/3P7Cgg2

Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

https://amzn.to/42C2GK9

  Thinkkids Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50

https://amzn.to/4uvnQVU

 

Hopefully, these brands are helpful for you! Grab them for a discounted rate, using the links listed! 

Here's a Homemade sunscreen recipe for all the Team DIY readers . . .

Top 5 Healthiest Hand Soaps

 Is your hand soap killing you? 

Here's how it started: I bought a lovely-smelling hand soap from the Dollar Store, since it was from a Baking Soda brand, I figured it couldn't be that bad. While the smell was beautiful, I started to get a slight headache after washing my hands with it. I ran it through the Yuka App and found ingredients that were considered "high risk". 

As pollen counts outside rise, we wash our hands more. There should be no reason that hand soap becomes the enemy. I put together a list of the healthiest hand soaps based on ratings by the Yuka app. Turns out the top-rated one is less than five dollars online, and three dollars in store. 

365 Whole Food Markets Fragrance Free Liquid Hand Soap rated 100/100 for no risk chemical use in it's product. 

Hands, pockets, and health don't have to be compromised in hand washing, that's something to rejoice about. 

Top 5 Healthiest Hand Soaps: 

5. Baylis & Harding Liquid Hand Soap 

 https://amzn.to/3QrQ6de

4. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Hand Soap

 https://amzn.to/3NPIqkr

3. ACURE Avocado Oil & Lavender Hand Wash 

 https://amzn.to/48BQNXJ

2. EO French Lavender Hand Soap 

 https://amzn.to/48ognPV

1. 365 Whole Food Markets Fragrance Free Liquid Hand Soap 

 https://amzn.to/4skAl5i

Self-Care Starts In The Kitchen - Red Table Talk Recap

Have you seen the latest episode of Red Table Talk? Honestly, this is maybe like the second episode of the show that I've watched all the way through, but it was definitely awesome that food and health were at the forefront of the latest episode.

The ways and things that what we eat can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other illnesses in us that we sometimes only blame trauma and negative experiences for. 

Food is Medicine. Food is also information. What we consume is such an important part of our lives. If you haven't seen the latest episode of Red Table Talk, I would strongly advise you to do so. It definitely opened my eyes and re-lit the health conscious fire under me. 

Check out the latest full episode below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) on Dec 16, 2019 at 8:15pm PST

What were your takeaways from this episode about health and food? Leave a comment below or connect with us @BOLDJournal online to follow the conversation. 

Top 5 Health Benefits of Echinacea

What is Echinacea?

Echinacea is a perennial plant native to the American prairie that is now cultivated in gardens over most of the continental United States. It resembles a large pink daisy with a briskly, raised center.

There are two types of Echinacea: Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea. The variety that is said to have the most potent benefits is Echinacea angustifolia. A few health benefits of Echinacea are listed below:

Helps Heal Acne and Skin Conditions
Echinacea is a classic remedy for eczema, acne and boils. Echinacea supports a normal complexion by helping to discourage blemishes and irritation. Other studies found that it helps hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Good For Immune System
Echinacea is known as an Immune Booster. Echinacea can have a powerful impact on the immune system; over 14 clinical trials have confirmed its ability to encourage good health all year long. Other studies show echinacea to be among the most effective supplements for seasonal wellness.


Works As An Anti-Inflammatory
Because of its clinically demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea has been suggested as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions that are caused or worsened by inflammation. The biologically active compounds in Echinacea work with your body to keep its inflammation response down. This contributes to healing and relief for many inflammation-related issues. If you're a female that has bad cramps during your menstruation period, echinacea may be a good fit for you.

Helps Purify The Blood
Echinacea may improve oxygen levels in the blood. Echinacea increases erythropoietin production in the bone marrow, this, in turn, promotes red blood cell production and increases the capacity of the blood to transport oxygen.

Good for Oral Health
Echinacea has been evaluated in combination with other herbs like sage and lavender and found to reduce bad breath. It's believed this effect is partly due to echinacea's ability to neutralized the harmful organisms that cause bad breath.

Ways to Consume/Prepare Echinacea

Echinacea can be drank as a tea.

1. Heat 8-16 ounces of distilled or filtered water over medium to high heat.
2. Add a mixture of flowers, roots, and leaves.
3. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Strain and enjoy hot or cold!

Add local honey if you would like some flavor.

It can also be used on your skin to help with acne.

Article Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23455214

https://www.healthline.com/health/echinacea-tea-benefits

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-impressive-echinacea-benefits-support-health/

Have you tried Echinacea? Tell us your thoughts in the comments and connect with us @BOLDJournal on all social media outlets.

Christian Entrepreneurs, Vision Boards, and The Law of Attraction.

by: Nicole Huffman Hollins

"Write the Vision and Make it Plain"

I was recently conducting some unrelated, online research when I happened upon a message board asking whether vision boards were demonic.  Given what I have observed among Christian entrepreneurs lately, I was surprised that there were people on both sides of this issue.  I thought everyone was in love with attracting and envisioning material wealth.  After reading the message board and reading other articles on this topic, I have concluded that the problem is not the vision board.  The problem is what people put on the vision board and the Scriptures they use to back-up the activity.

My primary concern is whether people are actually reading these Scriptures they are quoting to support what they are doing.  If they are reading them, are they reading the entire verse?  Are they reading the verses around it?  Have they read other Scriptures addressing the topic, because Scripture verifies Scripture?  In other words, are they studying the Scriptures are merely proof-texting and taking verses out of context to justify their choices?   Moreover, if they have read the Scripture, did they seek the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding?  If you are going to make a vision board or follow the Law of Attraction, that is your free will choice, just do not misuse Scripture to support it.

The following are a few of the most popular verses I have heard used by Christian entrepreneurs regarding this issue.

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Habakkuk 2:2

The vision (prophesy) was first and foremost about Jesus.  It was not about a Ferrari, exotic vacation or a McMansion.  Secondly, a simple reading of the Scripture shows that the vision that was to be written was not meant for the prophet but was meant as a warning to others.  Third, were verses one, three, and four read before deciding this was Scripture to use to support creating a vision board with visions of everything but Jesus?  Is your vision board about warning others of what’s to come or is it only about what you want or think you need?  If it’s the latter, you should not be using Habakkuk to support your position.  Moreover, all prophetic books are about telling people what is to come- Jesus- so they may repent.  The vision in Habakkuk was about warning people so they could repent.  It is problematic when this Scripture is watered down to say that the vision entails putting glossy pictures of material items on a piece of cardboard.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalm 37:4

This Scripture says that God will give us the desires He wants us to have.  It does not say He will give us our heart's desire.  These are two very different things.  The desires we receive are God’s, they are not our own.  In light of  Jeremiah 17:9 telling us, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?," we should be glad that He does not give us everything our heart wants.

...and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

-Romans 4:17

First, the beginning of this verse is often left out.  In its entirety, it reads, “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”  This verse is about God and how He is the creator of all who spoke things into existence.  It is not about man being the creator.

We are not little gods and therein lies the issue with most vision boards and The Law of Attraction.

People are being led to believe that we are co-creators, and in some forums that we are the creators.  This is simply false.  He is the potter.  We are the clay.  We will never be on His level, and this was the thinking held by Adam and Eve that led to them eating the forbidden fruit.  Do not be led astray by the smooth words.  Test the spirit by the Spirit so that in your quest to be super entrepreneur you do not fall prey to the same heart that caused Adam and Eve to fall.  If your vision board is about anything other than your Christian walk, it is time to re-evaluate your heart.  An alternative you may want to consider is to do a "Scripture Board" that has Scriptures upon which you meditate that are in line with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Part two of this topic will look at Scriptures addressing the attitude followers of Christ should have regarding material matters.

. . .

Nicole Huffman Hollins is a Speaker, Writer, and Attorney. For more insight from Nicole visit her website NowWithNicole.com and connect with her on Twitter: @NowWithNicole

10 Steps To Help You Enjoy This Journey Called Life

by: Shaprecious McGruder

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

So you’re just not ready to  go on your  journey? We’ve all been on plenty of trips, but can we honestly say that is was God driven….or did He even make it to riding shot gun? This time you’re looking for a better ride. A less bumpy one, less confusion, and fewer roadblocks. There are a few steps that you need to take to make sure you can fully complete the Journey (and especially with God.) That’s a major part so often we begin the trip with Him, but somewhere along the way we lose sight of Him.

• Deciding where to go…When deciding which direction to go in with your life. You can call your momma, your sister, girlfriends, and even your Pastor, but if you haven’t spoken with God about it then you’re already going in the wrong direction and you haven’t even pulled out the yard.

Pray 

Psalm 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. 

Ask, Seek, Knock 

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks.  

Plan  

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. 

Go! 

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord. He said, “Who will I send? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me!”

• Packing- when getting ready to go on your new journey it’s best to leave some things behind. You can’t take everything with you and to be honest it’s best you don’t. Save some room for you to pick up new things this world has to offer.

  (Matthew 11:28-29) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

  Don’t get caught up on the luggage.  It doesn’t matter if you pack it in a paper, Ziploc, or hefty bag! We all come with some sort of baggage, some more visible than others. Control the issues you can and the others toss in a backpack and go! Remember the lame man in (John 5:8) Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”  

  Traveling- So you’re finally on the path you want to be on and you're traveling. Don’t forget who is riding with you. Could you imagine going even on a small road trip and the person utters not one single word to you? Not a "thank you" for joining me or anything? Picking up old habits like that is usually when we get off course, but it’s ok God is the official GPS and He will place you all the way back to the starting point if you get too far off target just to humble you and get your attention. When approaching turns, roadblocks, pit stops, and even hitch hikers always consult Him because whether we acknowledge Him or not He is involved in everything we do.

• John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just because I seek not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”

• Traffic Sometimes on your journey it will feel like you’re right in the middle of a traffic jam and are not going anywhere. That’s when you take a deep breath and reflect on how far you have come. It’s still a long road ahead, but God has been faithful in bringing you along this far on your journey. So be patient and know that your exit is coming.

• Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

• Are we there yet? Like children on the way to Grandma’s house, we can get very impatient and antsy... especially waiting for God’s timing. Maybe you have to find another route or in some cases routes. You may feel like you’re going in circles or running out of gas.  

• Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

• Ecclesiastes 3

• You Have Arrived at Your Destination!

• Rejoice- So many times we pray to God asking for safety and guidance. Going to Him for deliverance and doors to open, but when He does we forget to give Him the proper thanks.  

  Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

  Share your journey – God didn’t bring you out of everything you went through on the way just for you to keep it to yourself. Spread how good God is to you and how He was impacted your life. Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world. Preach the good news to everyone." Share your trials and triumphs, encourage, and even mentor; Just don’t set up residency.

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

"The Alto Adjustment" DVD Giveaway Winner Announcement

Congratulations to everyone who entered The Alto Adjustment DVD giveaway sponsored by BOLD Journal!!

Even if you didn't win, It's still a great film to invest in if you're a strong believer in the power of overcoming, what can be accomplished when we set our minds to greater, and moving in the right direction.

Dainhen's story serves as an excellent example for youth and adults alike to never give up. We can face the consequences of our actions, but also learn from them, grow, and turn our gifts around for the better. The Alto Adjustment can be purchased here on fn2sspeaking.com . "The Alto Adjustment" can also be booked for screenings at events, colleges, non-profits, and universities. 

This DVD is important especially given the climate of the justice system in today's society. It's a resource for individuals to witness overcoming and see that there can be triumph after, and in the middle our trials.

Breath Of Life Daily will continue hosting giveaways throughout the year. Subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily  for the latest giveaways and inspirational updates.

The official winner is announced in the video below:

Congrats!! please e-mail boldimpactnetwork@gmail.com to claim your  copy of The Alto Adjustment. Thanks to everyone who participated. More giveaways to come. 

Subscribe to BOLDJournal for the latest updates.