Skin Deep

This last year, I have begun to start paying close attention to what I've been eating and every day products I've been using. Maybe it's because of documentaries that have been released that are informing our nation of the health crisis we're in. Documentaries like Food Inc. and Forks Over Knives are a must-see in my opinion.

But also realizing that our skin is our largest organ. Therefore, soaking up everything that we put on it. A couple of our close friends recommended this website to search your products.

It's called EWG.org/skindeep. And it's such a brilliant concept.

This search engine is great because it does the "research" for you, and already has your products rated on the following scale:

0-2 Low Hazard-- Green light (Go ahead, use it)
3-6 Moderate Hazard-- Yellow light (Wait a sec, you might want to reconsider)
7-10 High Hazard-- Red light (DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!)

I love it! And have already searched all of our products. It's shocking at what you'll find!

Stomach bug.

Last weekend the Melton household was sick, and we haven't been this sick in a long time. But the worst part about it was we couldn't just crawl into bed, draw the shades, and get some much needed rest.

Any parent might chuckle at this thought.

Of course, someone needed to take care of Sam. You almost forget this when it's the first time you're sick while you're a parent. Though the memory of this weekend is quite foggy, I do remember being so sick that all I wanted to do was cry, but even that required too much energy.

While in and out of sleep, I revisited childhood memories of my dear grandmother caring for me. She would often rub my head, pray for me, make me soup or tea, and simply love on me. She was the best at taking care of sick kiddos. Perhaps it was a consequence of raising two sets of children? Maybe. Or maybe it was because she has that much compassion and love for people? I think so. Oh, how I wished she could come over to take care of me.

Next to my compassionate grandmother is my selfless husband. Since he wasn't as sick during the weekend, (the bug got him early the next week) he was able to take care of both of us. He made me soup (and it did the trick), cleaned the house, and let me sleep while he played with Sam. And not to mention that Samuel was as sweet as he could be this weekend. He played contently with his toys and had a blast with daddy.

Why is it we take for granted the health the Lord gives us? But it isn't until it's gone do we realize how much we lost, and how we would do anything to have it back.

Valuable lesson: Start each day with a grateful attitude. Thank the Lord for your health and all the blessings of this life. You never know when it will be taken from you.