A Beautiful Beginning

Last night, I was honored to read a dear friends testimony to a large group of people. My friend lives in California and the meeting was in Oklahoma so I asked her if I could share her amazing 30 day journey with those seeking a change. I thought I would simply read the words on the page, like I've done many times, but this was different. I got choked up and I had to pause and fight back the tears twice because this is such an amazing story of change. I've known this friend for 15-20 years and I've always known her as a strong woman of God, very confident, and always willing to serve others. Here is her story and her before and after photo...

"Before I started the 30 Days to Healthy Living, I suffered with severe redness and swelling in my face. When I think back on that time, I guess you could call me the lady with the red mask. It was painful and also caused a lot of negative attention from people. People would say things to me like, "What's wrong with your face? Did you know your face is really red? Did you forget your sunscreen?" Over time I began to try to limit the amount of time I spent out of my house for fear that another person would comment on my face. I became recluse and shut the world out. I felt unattractive and ugly.

I thought that I was eating healthy. I stayed away from as many processed foods as I could....we drank Almond milk, I read labels. But nothing seemed to change with my face. Then I began to really examine my food intake and evaluated my relationship with food. I saw that food was a big issue. I would eat well for a period of time, but then in a matter of 5 minutes a whole sleeve of Girl Scout cookies disappeared. The shame and pain of my condition drove me to habits that were really out of control. I realized that something had to change.

I had tried the Arbonne protein in the past and Kristy really encouraged me to give the challenge a try. I really feel that God brought her back to me again because He wanted something better for me. He wanted me to know the value that I had in this world. He wanted me to be healthy, happy, and whole and the only way I could do that was to change my eating. So, I said ok. This was also my last resort before heading to a Dermatologist to get help, and with the fear that I would be put on pills for the rest of my life.

I began the challenge in March with the focus that 'with God, this IS possible!' I decided that I would have my son do this as well as he suffers from Sensory Processing Issues. Within the first 3 days I saw a change in him. He was more focused at (home)school, more obedient, less antsy when we sat down to dinner.....he was doing amazing. This encouraged me to keep going, because, I had not seen a change in myself yet.....but I wasn't going to give up. I promised God I would work the program. At about day 7 I was feeling a bit more energized, less foggy headed, and more focused. The naps that we normally took every day, were no longer needed because we weren't tired. My son began asking for healthy snacks instead of the processed foods we would normally eat. 

Things took a turn when I REALLY looked in the mirror at day 14. Prior to the challenge, the mirror and I were enemies. I would look in it and I would hear those people saying things, and I began to believe them. I began to tell myself horrible and ugly things. It affected my relationship with my husband, son, friends, but more importantly, God. He didn't want me to be this way. He loved me and thought that I was his beautiful daughter. Day 14, I actually saw with God's eyes what he had been telling me for so long. I noticed a significant change in the redness on my face. It was almost gone. I felt those voices, my voice included, fading into a memory. It encouraged me and I continued with the challenge and I had to share it with everyone.

By day 24, I was a new woman! I was able to look in the mirror and truly believe there was beauty. I began to love myself again. I have realized there are better food choices out there for me. It hasn't been easy and people question my decisions, but I KNOW this is best for me. I know that I can enjoy food and have a healthier life by using the Arbonne supplements. I still have a long way to go. It took 40 years for me to get where I am today....it's not going to change overnight. This is a life-style change, NOT A DIET. I begin my 2nd round of the 30 day challenge and anxiously await the results. 

I praise God for my friend Kristy who loved me so much she wanted to share this with me. I too have decided that I want to share this with others because it works. I praise God that He loves me so much that He helped get me out of the way. I look forward to being able to reach my full God-given potential through my Arbonne business. If you're considering this challenge....do it. I guarantee you will be blessed. Don't walk away from this....the only thing you will have is regret if you never try. May God bless you as you begin your journey to a healthier and happier you!!!"

This is why I said Yes to Arbonne, and why Christy has joined my team. When we say that this opportunity is "Bigger Than Me" this is what we mean. Had I not stepped out of my comfort zone and started my business, then I could not have shared in this life changing journey. Had God not prompted me to reach out to Christy then I wouldn't be able to share in her journey. This business is a gift, and it's available to everyone. If you know of someone dealing with skin irritation, then please give them my info. Myself or Christy would love to talk with them about the 30 Day Healthy Living Challenge to see if it's a fit for them.