Crown Him with Every Crown

So crown Him in your mourning

And crown Him in your laughter

And crown Him when it all turns dark

Crown Him when you bury

And crown Him when you marry

And crown Him when your faith finds a spark

Crown Him for He's faithful

And crown Him for He's worthy

And crown Him for He is good

Crown Him for His promises.

- Time, John Lucas

You're the only one worthy of Your crown

-Design, Upperroom

I'm layin' every crown before

The King upon the throne

-Into Your Hands, SongLab

We crown you king of kings

-To the One, Upperroom

That you would leave a throne just to be close to us, that’s the kind of king you are

- So In Awe of You, Dwell Songs

Where the elders bow down and cast all their crowns down at your feet, take me there, where your angels never cease to cry, Holy.

-Take Me There, Anna Golden

Crown him with many crowns.

He calls me beloved daughter of the most high King. Crowns me with His righteousness. Calls me royal priesthood, saint, I am His worthy and glorious inheritance and

I lay my crown down here at your feet, Jesus. I crown you with every crown. 

Crown Playlist, Listen on Apple Music or Spotify

Washing Dishes

I’m insecure about my slowness.

It’s stood out my whole life.

Noticing how it trickles into every corner

Procrastinator.

We’d laugh because I was always the last to get up from the dinner table

My cousins and I would have competitions

my milk would be room temperature  by the end of each glass.

I’d smile and say that’s how you enjoy things.

Treating a glass of milk as if it’s the finest bottle of wine.

I walked slow

I’d be late for school

Well late for everything

I still am.

When I went to Italy, how at home I felt when it was offensive to get up from your meal too quickly. 

No time limit, hours on end, just savoring every bite.

rushed conversations give me anxiety.

I can sense it so fast and I immediately shut down.

I don’t want to be hurried.

I feel it in my body.

Won’t you slow down and walk with me. Breathe with me. Stay in step. Wait for me. 

And how as an adult, I struggle to keep up.

Most of all, with myself.

Photo by Elisa Fay

I understand now that it’s a part of the “disease” I’ve lived with my whole life. That the medicine doctors decided on for a little girl tried to cover up but didn’t. 

I saw a post awhile back talking about Hashimoto’s Disease and how it’s okay to grieve the days before you were sick.

I asked myself, what if you don’t know those days because you were too young to remember? I’m unsure if I’ve ever lived a day without, honestly. I’ll never know.

Those days without medicine are now.

Is it okay to grieve the days, the years, the life you lived on medicine? 

This season is a lot of things, but maybe there’s space for that too. to grieve the medicine. Grieve what the medicine stole, what it taught my body,  the toxins it allowed.

These days, my body tells me every time I’m too fast. Slower, Elizabeth. Be gentle with yourself. Breathe into it. Be intentional with every movement.

My legs give out, or worse- they seize up. The blood forgetting where to go. 

We live in a society that’s trying to escape pain so fast when maybe the real way to erase it is to work through it, feel it, look it in the eye, and deal with it instead of suppress, numb and run from it.

Maybe it’s trying to tell you something of importance.

Maybe it wants you to live truly healed and full and free, not absent of pain. 

My body isn’t wrong. It’s just reminding me to slow down.

It doesn’t mean I need medicine. I could choose it if I wanted to. But it wouldn’t fix the issues. It doesn’t even cover them up well. Just complicates things more.

I never knew I could be this in tune with my body. How many sensations I’ve missed out on. One of this season’s greatest gifts. Learning a whole new facet of God making his home in me and honoring what He’s created. What he’s building.

My brain doesn’t process things as quickly. I swear, I was much smarter when I was younger. It scares me because I know how young I still am. It’s okay if things take time. Isn’t that way meditating is? Thinking, abiding, soaking.

Slowly, merrily, slowly.

Life is but a dream.

It’s okay to be slow. 

It’s all yoga. Slow flow. Flow, slower still.

Photo by Elisa Fay

The Father tells me He likes my slowness. Isn’t that just like him? Pouring love and gentleness and kindness into all the things we don’t like about ourselves if we acknowledge them long enough to let him.

It’s uncomfortable, requires you to be vulnerable. All the places where shame and guilt and fear want to say otherwise. O Lord, give us your eyes to see ourselves the way you see us. You get the final word. 

My mother calls, asks me what I’m doing.

I tell her I’m standing over my sink, writing a poem, procrastinating washing dishes.

She’s asks if that’s what the poem’s called.

Let the Crewnecks Drop!

I think it’s about time for some new sweatshirts. Here’s the deal: 5 sweatshirts available to order for 1 week. These are special to me. I’ve been wanting embroidery Oily Stable sweatshirts for a very long time. I’ve wanted sweatshirts guys want to rep, and I’ve wanted sweatshirts that say “beloved”. So here we go: we’ve got all 3!!

The Oily Stable is not just for girls. Yoga isn’t just for girls. The best thing is that loving your body, taking care of yourself, living a life of empowered health, and journey of healing isn’t just for equestrians, or just for young people or a certain “market group”. It’s for everyone. That’s what The Oily Stable is all about.

Can I tell you why “beloved” is so important to me? I grew up loving Jesus. But a couple years ago I had an encounter with the Lord where I became so confident in my identity in Christ. So confident that in my dirtiest, most embarrassing, “weakest” moment, I yelled “I’m the beloved daughter of the most high King”. And you know what, the grace of God covered me that night. Showed up in ways I don’t think I could explain to you.

There’s this song called Inheritance where the pastor Graham Cooke tells you over and over that it is your job to be outrageously loved by God for about 9 minutes. It’ll wreck you, I dare you to look it up and take a listen.

After years of following Christ, I came to a point of brokenness where I believed the words of that song to be true for others, but not for me. I felt like God was using me as a casualty in his love pursuit for others and I felt unsafe. Another amazing quality of God: He’s big enough, kind enough that he can handle that accusation and turn it into the most beautiful story to prove you wrong. In the most loving kind of way. So I accused him, and you know what? I had another crazy encounter in the middle of the Cincinnati airport at 3 am and He said to me: “now watch and see the miracles I’m about to perform, this is how I outrageously love you.” 3 years after that, I can say God is true to his word. He told the truth in that parking lot. He has ravished my heart with extravagant love and healed those parts of my soul that needed healing. He’s taken me to so many places in history where it hurt, where I was angry with him and showed me how He was there, how He loved me and preserved my life. It is a refining process that’s for sure. Not always pleasant, but oh so worth it.

It was in Holy Yoga instructor training where I laid bare in savasana and that song came on again. Instructors talked about how God calls us by name, and He calls us Beloved. How we can walk into a room and introduce ourselves as beloved daughter or son, and it doesn’t take away from anyone else’s belovedness. Choosing to surrender and live from an identity as Beloved has literally been life changing.

So, just like how The Oily Stable is for everyone, so is Beloved. You don’t have to come to one of my yoga classes or even do yoga. But, I do believe that Jesus has a way of encountering us in one-of-a-kind ways when we get on our yoga mats. I pray that everyone who wears these sweatshirts doesn’t just wear the word “beloved” but may the meaning of that word soak into your whole being. May it be a reminder that you, no matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, what you haven’t done, are beloved. I pray you wouldn’t shrink or perform, or listen to who the world says you are. Just be, beloved. That is who you are.

One of my favorite moments of downtown living was when I was standing on Walnut St with one of my friends. They were asking who this “new Elizabeth” was, this confident Elizabeth. I told them “it’s me, the beloved daughter of the most high King.” They smiled and yelled “I’m a beloved child of the most high King too.” Yeah you are. You know what happened next? Someone walking by who had just bought drugs from someone on the corner of the street yelled, “I’m a beloved child of the most high King.” That right there, is power. Declaring out loud identity into others, empowering them. It’s a domino effect. The power of life and death is in our tongues. Our words matter.

When you wear this sweatshirt, I hope people ask what it means or where you got it. I hope you tell them “I’m Beloved and so are you.” Let it be a ripple effect. When people ask what the Oily Stable is, I hope you’ll tell them about how awesome it is to love your body and take care of it well and how you want that kind of wellness for them too.

I had my favorite photographer, Alayna Mackin, and her husband take some really rad photos in these sweatshirts. I hope you’ll wear them. They’re available to order here- only for a week!

“how bold one gets when one is sure of being loved ”

— sigmund freud

Ash Wednesday Nakedness

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. It always sneaks up on me. I never used to celebrate it, growing up in a nondenominational church.

I remember getting ashes for the first time in college- it felt so strange.
The last 2 years I’ve spent it at Worthy yoga studio. I took this photo afterwards to mark the date.

That place became sacred, holy ground. I always picture Jesus as a boy in the temple, his family looking for him. Of course they found him in his father’s House. That’s how I want to be, when you can’t find me. I want people to look in the temple and say something like “I knew this is where you’d be.” That’s how I felt about Worthy. It’s closed now. As tears stream down my cheek in the Nordstrom parking lot today, I grieve that I won’t be there tonight. How strange it feels to grieve locations. The Holy Spirit whispers gracefully, this is worship too, everything you do is worship. I ask Him what He means.

I think about the dressing room I just came out of. My mom got me a gift card for Christmas and I need new jeans. Jean shopping is historically an emotional and vulnerable event for me. I turn into a bit of a drama queen.

Growing up I would never consider myself to have struggled much with self image. And I’m thankful for that. But you put me in a dressing room with jeans and all these emotions come up. Critique about my shortness and my thighs, my belly. I remember one year just walking out with a pair on to show my mom with tears running down my cheeks, silent. No explanation needed. Blaming hashimotos disease. Stressing over how I want them to fit and somehow linking it to wanting to be loved by a man. 

I haven’t had a full length mirror for almost 2 years and it’s disorienting. Like I don’t know my body anymore. I know it seems like an easy problem to fix. Currently I don’t have room for the one I want, so I guess I just keep holding out. They don’t seem like a necessary item. It’s an odd feeling standing in front of one. Seeing my own body with fresh eyes. There’s smiles, ways my body has changed since going off medicine. Learning to love the body God gave me in its natural form is harder than one would think sometimes. I am an image bearer of the most high king. He tells me I’m without flaw and I don’t know if I believe him as I look at a different angle. Yes, image bearer. Royal daughter.

This is how I want to live. Instead of thinking to myself “I don’t really need to be shopping right now, you were just in the area, you should have other priorities.” That time in front of the mirror, alone with God, that’s worship too, if I let it be. 

Next is an appointment at 3. Another part that’s been hard to love since going off medicine is my skin. I remember in college, lathering up every day with lotion. My hallmates and best friends would always come in and joke with me to put clothes on, and I’d tell them how I was going to be married one day and it’s important to keep your skin moisturized and soft to prepare. Silly. How I wish for that discipline now. It was such a simple task and now it seems so hard to love myself in that way. I booked an organic spray tan as a last resort. I’ve only had one before- a couple years ago before my best friend’s wedding.

I want to love the skin I’m in. I want it to feel hydrated and I thought maybe this would help. And it might seem ridiculous to compare it to Aaron holding Moses’ arms up in the Bible but when you can’t love yourself sometimes you just need someone else to stand in the gap a little and that’s what the spray tan was going to be.

This is your spiritual act of worship.

I decided in the Nordstrom parking lot, looking across the street at a church that isn’t having an in-person Ash Wednesday service because of covid but instead an online service. I’m so tired of online services. I have never wanted those fingers of a stranger to Mark a cross on my forehead so bad. I want to do a sun salutation to the Lord’s Prayer in the middle of Worthy yoga gathered with others close by. Embodied worship.

That tan, letting a stranger see me naked and spray me with an aloe/walnut shell whatever-it-is mix to make me look tan would be my embodied worship today. Vulnerability. Grieving. Standing in front of a full length mirror. Celebrating. How christians love to make grieving a celebration also. A both and kind of thing. This upside kingdom we’re living in. So different than the world we reside in.

I think of Lent. And how the first Ash Wednesday 2 years ago at Worthy was when the Holy Spirit really started to set a fire in my life. Today is significant. Everything is worship. Intentionally pressing in for 40 days. Walking to the cross with Jesus. I see heavy muddy feet and chains walking step in step with him to the cross. To resurrection. Everything we base our faith on.

Lord, I’m ready. I’ll walk with you. It’s long. Patience. Impatience. Waiting. It’s translated to the word “long suffering”. But also dancing, and wrestling. Day by day. Moment by moment. The house of the Lord is those church buildings Jesus was found in. The ones that aren’t gathering in-person to celebrate today. But they are also our bodies. The ones in front of the full length mirrors. The one getting spray tans. Of course that’s where you’ll find me. In my father’s house. Embodied faith. Embodied worship. Holy, Sacred, lovely, beautiful, pure, and righteous. The way we love each other; worship. The way we love ourselves; worship. The way we choose to look at our days, spend our days; worship.

A 2020 Small Business Saturday

The day before Christmas Eve 2019, my procrastination queen kicked in and I had to get papers notarized to update my Young Living account name to match The Oily Stable. My eyes were set on a particular Chase but for some reason I couldn’t find it, and neither could my GPS. So I drove to the nearest bank I could find, a PNC.

The banker up front told me he couldn’t help me, but insisted I talk to their business banker. I didn’t want to, didn’t see the need. But something told me to stay, he was so persistent, he didn’t really give me a choice. Some may say it was a banker just being a banker and trying to get some business. But something was telling me this was spiritual. Something was telling me it was my Heavenly Father guiding his naive daughter toward what was best, what was wise. Setting me up for something greater.

Maybe I’ll tell that whole story another time, but the short of it was I needed to set a business bank account before the end of the year. So I did my research and came back on Christmas Eve. With barely enough money to open one, the very gracious and patient banker helped me. It felt way bigger to me, like success was on the way. I walked out of PNC and could see the Chase Bank I was originally looking for across the parking lot. I laughed to myself, God had something up his sleeves- I just knew it.

Then, 2020 hit. I felt the Lord tell me to “cease striving”.

Image by Katie Jump

Very firmly. He was serious, but I didn’t listen. Didn’t he see the dreams I had for The Oily Stable? Didn’t he see that I could barely pay for rent or groceries? Why would he have me set up a bank account to have nothing enter it? I even had a dream of how to redesign my website so it would better represent my skills and services.

Covid happened, and like most of the world, I got scared. I rushed to redesign my website, I offered online yoga. My oil business started to grow again. And then my heart started to hurt and my legs started to swell at the slightest amount of exertion. I was too tired.

I needed to rest. I needed to listen to my body. Even more important, I needed to listen and obey my Heavenly Father. This must be why He told me to “cease striving”. Because He knew better than me, He always does. He knew that Covid would happen. He knew there would be financial relief. God knew that I needed to take to heart what my business preaches to the world- love yourself. Love your horse, love your body.

Love your neighbor, love yourself. Love yourself just as much as you love your horse. Love yourself, just as much as you love your neighbor. Love yourself, or you won’t be able to love your horse. You won’t be able to love your neighbor.

Today, I’ve been wrestling with not posting anything for Small Business Saturday. But what does this day look like when God asked you to stop striving? I honestly don’t know. I want to tell y’all how grateful I am for you. I want to share with you my services and products. They’re still here, still for sale. The essential oils I love selling because they’ve changed my life, they opened up the door to pursue this lifestyle of healing and wellness. I want to give raindrops, because I love them and because they work. I want to do yoga with you and flow to my favorite playlists.

Image by Charuk Studios

Ceasing to strive doesn’t mean I’m quitting. I’m still here. My small business is still here. I still want to serve you. I still need and want your support. I’m just being obedient. Maybe it looks like writing on this platform more. We shall see.

Show Them the Good Parts

I went back to counseling yesterday. Something I wish everyone in the world had access too. And as soon as my session was over I had a release that gave me the ability to articulate my thoughts easier than I have in months. I get these releases often, but it’s frustrating while I struggle through and wait for them to come to fruition:

Show them the good parts.

Choosing to treat Hashimoto’s along with other autoimmune conditions naturally and holistically after a lifetime of not has been extremely hard. It comes with a lot of challenges. But I get to choose and I wouldn’t choose it any other way. I ping pong back and forth and remind myself I don’t have to defend, prove or explain my choices to anyone- but most days I feel completely misunderstood. And it’s nobody’s fault- we all have different world views, opinions, and sometimes we just don’t get it. That’s okay. But I know we all long to be understood. I know I do.

I long for someone to see what I’m going through, love me despite it and keep letting me choose it. Because I’m going to. I’ll be sassy bout it, I’ll be stubborn, and I’m going to love the process but also be real about it. I’m not going to deny my reality and needs, but it wouldn’t be fair to not share the delight and all the good parts. My why.

So, I’ll start here. I asked Elisa Fay to photograph me.

When I was 3 my parents noticed that I wasn’t growing; that’s why I started to receive testing and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. In 5th grade I think I finally arrived on the growth charts. I remember 7th grade we measured ourselves the first and last days of the year. I grew like 1-2 cm that year. 4’11 and 3/4 to this day and proud of it. 2 solid years of “normal” growth. I remember my endocrinologist telling me I’d always need to watch my weight, that once I started gaining it would be hard for me to loose it. That I could easily become overweight for the rest of my life. I’m thankful for her, but now I look back and notice how many things she said to me that have made me hyper-aware and self-conscious.

Me loving my body, getting to know my body- has been a whole new adventure. My shortness, my body, how Hashimoto’s has crafted those two things- more powerfully and importantly, how God created and designed those two things. In this process of going off medicine, my body is ever-changing. It’s always been a part of my story and my identity.

I asked Elisa to capture my growing confidence and to be kind with my shyness. She’s got talent and passion and a wonderfully skilled eye. I know the Lord made me beautiful, know it full well. But living in that truth daily- ugh, that’s a hard one. I can tell you, Beloved, how you are without flaw. But to remind myself- ain’t it a struggle. I look at these photos and say that: Beloved, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Elisa, I can’t thank you enough, you made me feel stunning!

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The Story Behind the Prices

I’ve been a dreamer about businesses since the first day I hopped on a horse. I looked at my instructor and said something along the lines of “is there a way you can go to college for this? I want to be like you when I grow up.” She told me about Equine Studies, and from that day forward, I was sold. I would go to college for Equine Studies. I was 8 years old.

I ended up going to school at Otterbein University and getting a BA in Equine Science Business Management. While I was at Otterbein, I found a business with a really awesome story, The Peach Truck. I love story, and I love culture and creating experiences and atmospheres for people. Did I mention Peaches have always been my favorite fruit? I moved to Nashville 4 days after graduation and had a summer job slinging peaches for The Peach Truck.

I keep a journal of random business thoughts over the years. Little bits of culture and ideas I want to implement in every business I create. The pricing of the new services, are just one of them.

I hold onto dates and numbers- I believe they have meaning and purpose too.

As a new entrepreneur- one who values ministry more than money but also starting a business- this is all new to me. My heart is to gift you these classes, no matter what price that they would be a blessing to you and nourish your soul and lead you to Healing. I want to walk alongside of you in your healing journey- I believe healing involves your whole life, including relationships. I want this to be a relationship- not a business transaction. So, I’m super thankful for your patience and grace while I navigate this.

4.44

You know when you keep looking at a clock at the same time? 11:11, make a wish type thing? For the last few months it’s been 4:44. At first, I just thought it was a coincidence and that maybe I should pull out Jay-Z’s album that I haven’t listened to in awhile. Then, when I started to notice it more and more, waking up in the middle of the night at exactly that time too- I decided to look it up. “A message from your guardian angel about change, truth, and character.” Jesus’ ministry lasted 44 months and 4 days. It represents changes and relationships.

That couldn’t be more true in my life right now. I’m learning my new identity in Christ now more than ever. I have a completely new life- healing from lifelong illness, new kittens, my own apartment, new jobs and businesses, changing relationships and new boundaries, a new ministry unfolding. I’m encouraged that God is still working every time I look and notice 4:44. Angels are protecting me.

8

8 is the number for Resurrection in the bible. It’s the number on my new apartment building. It’s been showing up all over the place. I’ve been praying resurrection power for over a year now and believe that now more than ever, resurrection is happening and is about to happen. How powerful it is when we realize we have Jesus’ resurrection power flowing through our veins and when we breathe, abide with Him- we can carry that resurrection power in any circumstance, situation, relationship, and hardship.

My Prices

For livestream yoga, you have some options. I would love for you to join- even if paying isn’t an option for you.

What an amazing opportunity to share my heart for yoga with people that normally wouldn’t get to come to one of my yoga classes. I’m pumped- seriously.

If you are able and have the desire to pay- please consider the $4.44 or $8 option.

After class, I will also send you the playlist and any meditations used during class.

You can purchase a ticket here! I’ll send you a link to class once you receive your ticket. I CANNOT wait to flow with y’all.

With love,

ebeth

Thieves Vitality Horse Treats

Ready to spoil your favorite horse? These Young Living essential oil-infused homemade horse treats are super easy to make and are a crowd-pleaser with all the horses! Boost their immune system and make them happy at the same time!

Thieves Vitality

Horse Treats

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups grated carrots

• 1 cup oats

• 1 cup flax seed

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1 tsp salt

• 8 - 15 drops Thieves Vitality

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add essential oils to vegetable oil and stir. Can use more drops of oil if you’d like them to be stronger. (I taste tested the treats and it’s a pretty subtle taste with about 10 drops.) Mix together carrots, molasses, and oil until well combined. Add salt, oats, flax seed until dough-like. Use a spoon to make cookie size treats and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake around 25 minutes or until golden-brown.

• YIELD: 12 Treats

Why Self Care Matters: The Heart Behind Yoga & The Oily Stable

We love horses. We love riding them, too. That’s the whole reason why The Oily Stable exists.  We are for the equestrian and for the horse. We want to be in your corner, cheering you on toward your best self. Giving you resources, education, and community needed for living lives full of abundance, wellness and purpose.  

We love horses for more than just the blue ribbon, although it’s a pretty nice feeling when we earn one! The bond between horse and rider is like no other; horses bring freedom, love, responsibility, self-awareness and challenge. We could go on and on. Our horses are so much of who we are as people. Responsible for the character-building, the hard work and the passion inside us.  

Photo: Becca Tapert

Here’s the tricky thing about loving horses: they make us tired.  We strive and we strive and we care for these 1,000 pound beings often more than we take care of ourselves.  And so many of us start this lifestyle when we are as young as 4 or 5 years old. It’s ingrained in us. We sacrifice so much for horses. Each of us sacrifices different things than the equestrian beside us.  Maybe it’s your health, your family, relationships, your body, time, work, finances or even other hobbies. Do one of those words strike a chord with you?

Striving isn’t wrong; it’s something beautiful that horses produce in us.  But sometimes, because we are so used to working hard and waking up at 4 am for horse shows, we forget how to rest.  It takes everything in us to stop, take a deep breath and let our minds and bodies take a break. Often, we don’t even listen to our bodies until we are sick, or hurt-- which is our bodies’ way of begging us to stop.  

That’s where The Oily Stable comes in, right alongside you without judgment, pressure, or competition (there’s enough of that in the show ring).  We provide you with the encouragement, education, and resources needed for self-care. Self-care is self-initiated habits for well-being. Two of our favorite habits are essential oils and yoga.  We want self-care to become a lifestyle, just like being an equestrian.

Our goal is that self-care and equestrianism wouldn’t be this either/or concept.  You’re either an equestrian or you practice self-care. Not anymore. We want to be equestrians that practice self-care, inspiring a movement among equestrians world-wide.

The benefits of yoga and essential oils are endless.  Combine them with horses and equestrians and you get a match made in heaven. Seriously.  Yoga creates the flexibility and muscle strength needed for the equestrian to keep improving their riding skills.  It clears the mind, relieves anxiety and provides protection from injury. Have you ever heard an equestrian say, “clear minds, full hearts, can’t lose”? Yep, yoga makes that possible.  

Photo: Jazmin Quaynor

Essential oils used in tandem with yoga or horseback riding support mental clarity and influence whatever atmosphere you’re trying to create.  Maybe you and your horse would benefit from more energy, or maybe relaxation. Essential oils are for you. Essential oils aren’t just for emotions though, they support every system in you and your horse’s bodies. In order to experience life-changing effects, we have to be educated users of essential oils, using only the safest and purest essential oils. That can be overwhelming for most of us. Where do you start?  How do you know where to buy oils, how to use them, which oils to use?

Education is the key to almost every area of life, the more you know and understand something, the more lifelong change is produced. When education is at the center, self-care isn’t just a quick and cool fad, it sticks.

We’ve got you covered.  We’ll be your guide and your friend.  Like we said earlier, we’re in this journey with you, walking side by side, learning from each other and encouraging each other.  

We’d love for you to join us.  Whether if it’s for one of our Yoga + Oils events, The Oily Stable Club, or our Community Challenges, you’re always invited! Take a look around our website, Facebook and Instagram and send us a message with your thoughts!  You can book us for your next event, or if you’d like a special class online or in person for you and your friends we can set that up as well. We are so excited to meet you and cheer you on towards wellness, purpose and abundance!

Fruit Salad & Cinnamon Vitality Fruit Dip Recipes

There's nothing like Summertime Fresh Fruit.  Check out these Young Living recipes for a delicious fruit salad and a Cinnamon Fruit Dip. 

FRESH FRUIT SALAD

Ingredients

• 16 ounces strawberries, washed and cut
• 1 pint red raspberries
• 1 pint blackberries
• 1 pint blueberries
• 4 bananas, sliced in thick chunks
• ¼ cup blue agave or honey
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 4 drops Lime Vitality™ essential oil
• 2 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality™ essential oil

Instructions

• Spray fruit with Thieves® Fruit & Veggie Spray, then rinse with water.

• Cut all fruit and combine in a bowl.

• In a small bowl, mix the Blue Agave, hot water, and oils until thoroughly mixed.

• Drizzle the agave oil glaze over the fruit and stir together until all the fruit is coated equally.

• Enjoy!

CINNAMON VITALITY FRUIT DIP

Ingredients

•  ½ cup nut butter of your choice
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1–2 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality™ essential oil

Instructions

•  Mix the honey and nut butter together in a small bowl.

• Add the yogurt and Cinnamon Bark Vitality and whisk to combine.

• Dip your favorite fruits and enjoy!!

Trust: The Bond Between Horse and Rider

There are many reasons that the equestrian sport is beautiful; the beauty of the horse, a majestic yet graceful animal, for instance. Or how seamless and effortless riding can look once practiced and performed.

One reason stands out among the others: the bond between horse and rider.

It seems almost unexplainable- the unity you feel while you are riding your horse, the connection on and off the horse.  

This bond between horse and rider creates a deep trust that both the horse and the rider develop and experience. The amount of bravery it takes to ride an unpredictable animal would not be possible without this trust.  

The fascinating thing is, it’s actually not unexplainable.  There have been several studies on the human-animal bond, especially between horses and humans.  

Norwegian and American researchers have found that a unique inter-species connection happens between humans and their horses called “co-being”. “Co-being refers to a state of relationship in which each partner evolves to “fit” better with each other, both physically and mentally” (Lesté-Lasserre).  Horses and riders cease being viewed as individuals and instead as one.  

This is how riders can distinguish between different personalities among horses. There is a deeply engaged connection that continues to grow the longer the horse and rider interact.  

“‘(Humans) are balancing according to a feel of the other, the horse, attuning their bodies to sensations of the horse bodies,” Maurstad and colleagues stated in their study. “Action and response between the species bring about riding as a collaborative practice, where bodies become in sync. And sync is a product of intra-action in that both are changed through a process of training from the meeting between the two—literally flesh to flesh’” (Lesté-Lasserre). 

Horses and riders build trust because both are balancing, collaborating, becoming attuned, and in-sync with each other.  

Because of this connection, as humans, we care for our horses- mentally and physically. That’s why our horses are usually more pampered than we are! 

Using essential oils fits right into the trust that is birthed from this bond. By incorporating Young Living essential oils into your horse’s care and wellness routine, you are giving your horse the best in purity and quality, and getting rid of as many chemicals as possible. Your horse will trust you more because you are taking the time, energy and care to give him the best care possible.

There are stories of riders using the same combination of oils on themselves as their horses before their ride- deepening the connection and unity between them even more!

We would love to hear your stories of how Young Living Essential Oils are strengthening you and your horse’s relationship!  Share below or send us an email with stories, questions and comments!

To Be Brave

By Hannah Burchfield, The Oily Stable

Bravery is super important for equestrians because you're riding a 1,000 pound animal that could take off or do anything in a second. We can train them all we want, but horses are innately unpredictable.  

I was in a car wreck in February and I didn't want ride my horse after because I was scared a noise or something he did would scare me and make me panic. When I first got on, I had to be brave so my horse wouldn't react in fear, it was hard but every time I got back on, it got better.  My increasing bravery helped my horse be brave, so that we were both calm and able to perform well together.

Sometimes we have things we are scared to do but we have to do anyway to move up and move on.
 

Bravery isn't the lack of fear, it's deciding to keep trying, moving, and trusting in the presence of fear. Bravery allows us to grow and become the best versions of ourselves we can be, bringing us closer to our horses at the same time. 

I have grown a lot in my life and with horses this year. Overcoming obstacles have helped me grow. To be brave it takes making that mental switch of not giving up and moving on.

The Wonder of the Horse

By Elizabeth Ector, Community Coordinator for The Oily Stable

Horses have influenced the world and have been significant to humans for more than 6,000 years. That in itself is impressive and worthy of honor. Horses have been food, soldiers, transportation, machines, athletes, the spirit of the West, and incredible companions.  Few animals have been quite a resource as horses throughout civilization.  Horses were necessary in developing the United States of America and have shaped so many societies all over the world. Horses have become symbols of freedom, hard work, strength, grace and power.   

In the equestrian sport, I find it very easy to get so caught up in ribbons and the brand on your show breeches and forget why we love the sport so much. Isn’t it the animal that gives us so much to be thankful for?

Here are some fascinating facts about horses:

• Researchers have found that horses have 17 distinct facial expressions (three more than the chimpanzee)! (University of Sussex)

• Horses can read human facial expressions and emotions and respond accordingly. (University of Sussex)

• Horses’ laterally placed eyes allow them to have almost 360 degree vision. (Larson, thehorse.com)

• The horse’s memory is second to the Elephant’s in the Animal Kingdom.  (Larson, thehorse.com)

These are just a few of the many wonderful things about horses! And I’m sure every horse lover could share their favorite things about the the animal that means so much to us all.  Doesn’t this make you thankful?

I often think of my favorite childhood horse and how spending time with her would make headaches and stomachaches go away.  When I was sad, riding her made the tears stop.

I am so thankful for her.

I’m thankful that horses have taught me how to work hard for my dreams and goals.

I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met because of horses.  

The definition of gratitude is expression of warm or deep appreciation of kindness or benefits received. 

Did you know that research has shown expressing gratitude can make you happier and positively impact others around you?  (Brooks, NY Times)

Make a gratitude list this week, and make sure to include the reasons why you’re thankful for horses!  Then share this list with the people in your life and spend some extra time loving on the horses around you. They are so special, my friend, and we are incredibly blessed to be called equestrians.

Why Quality Matters

By Elizabeth Ector, The Oily Stable Community Coordinator

One of my favorite quotes has always been, “wherever you are, be all there,” spoken by the brave missionary, Jim Elliot.  When I think of what “quality” means to me I think of this quote. Whatever I’m doing, I want to do it well. Not just well, I want to put my everything into it. I don’t want to be thinking about what I’m supposed to be doing tomorrow, or where I wish I could be right now- I want to sink my whole self in- into the activity, ride, book, piece of work, or conversation- whatever it is, my entire being is going to be there.  

That’s how we can give our best, right? We could mess up- but if we know deep in our hearts that we tried our best, put our all into it, gave whatever we’re doing all our attention- then we know we didn’t actually fail, because we gave it our best shot and now know more to do better next time. 

Let me tell you the story of one of the most embarrassing and trying horseback riding lessons I had while I was in college. 

I was riding a pony named Rocky. He was adorable, don’t get me wrong, but we all know how ornery ponies can be. Rocky’s bad habit was never wanting to stop. He was like the energizer bunny that you can’t figure out how to turn off!

So, my coach put a trot pole a few strides after a cross-rail and told me that I had to get him to stop before the trot pole. Sounds simple enough, huh?  

Rocky and I jumped over that cross-rail more than 15 times, and each time- he just got faster and faster. Feeling defeated, my coach called me over to talk. 

“I want you to give me a step-by-step plan of how you are going to get Rocky to stop before the pole. He knows what he’s getting away with.” 

“I’m going to canter around the first turn-” I started.

“Where are you going to start to turn? When are you going to transition to trot? I need more detail. If you’re going to accomplish this, you can’t skip ahead. You have one shot, all or nothing- million dollars or zero- one chance to do it right. Be confident, get frustrated, do whatever you have to do,” my coach lectured.

I got serious real quick. I should be able to complete a simple task.  Wherever you are, be all there. I gave her detail by detail of my plan and gave the exercise my all, tears included. 

You know what? Rocky stopped about 3 steps after the pole, but I didn’t walk away from the lesson still defeated. I learned what it takes to have confidence; what it takes to complete something with excellence and quality. 

No matter how small the lesson, exercise or task is, take the time to be all there and to strive for excellence, not perfection. Even if it takes you 17 times to achieve the outcome you’re looking for, don’t rush through it and just keep trying your best.

If you cannot get a horse to stop well and correctly in a small exercise, there's no way you're going to be able to enter a show ring and feel satisfied with your performance, let alone have a well-behaved and accurate athlete underneath you.  

That flawless, consistent round is because you practiced each step thoroughly. It's the little choices every day to be present that help shape the beautiful masterpieces in our lives.

If you skip ahead or rush through tasks and day-to-day details, you’ll miss out on so much in life. The value of your experience is determined by the quality of your experience.

There's promise involved, not compromise when you act with quality.

That is what I love about Young Living. Their company values quality.  An example of this is their Seed to Seal commitment.  They have promised that every step of the process- from the seed of the best plant to the seal of your essential oil- will be completed, tested, and proven with quality. Quality is their standard, they do not rush or skip ahead, you’re receiving the best of the best- and you can count on it.  If you’d like to read more about Young Living’s Seed to Seal commitment, visit seedtoseal.com.  

How is quality integrated into your life?  Are their opportunities you’ve missed out on because you rushed through?  Or are there moments and experiences in your life that are marked with excellence and quality?  

The Importance of Goal-Setting

From atop the horse, my eight-year-old self felt completely free.  I knew I had found a lifelong love at a very young age: horses.  Even better, my horseback instructor told me this could be a career if I worked very hard at it.  

My big goal, my dream, was to own a horse barn and teach riding lessons to kids.  I wanted to be the type of influence on others that my horseback instructor had on me and I wanted to share this love of horses and the feeling that riding gave me with others.  I wanted to grow up and work doing something I loved, every step of the way.  To get started, my first goal was to go to college for an equine degree (a long way off, about ten years away actually).

This was going to be something that needed lots of planning and goal-setting.  So, my eight-year-old self got started.  I compared college programs based on what I thought I wanted to learn and would help me achieve my goal.  I didn’t end up going to the college that I thought I would when I was little, but the steps I took to research colleges helped me in my decision-making process when it was time to pick the right college.  

Goals have the ability to motivate you and create a work-ethic that overflows into every part of your life.  

I’m a week shy of twenty-three and my eight-year-old dream is still my dream.  And I have completed that first goal, I graduated from Otterbein University with a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science Business Management in May.  Looking back, there were steps I took to get to that goal, and there were others that would’ve helped me if I would’ve taken the time to write out and pursue those as well.  Now, I need to figure out what the next steps so that I can own a horse farm and create the business that I want.  One of my steps is working with essential oils.  This is important for my main goal because I want to be the equestrian that is always learning new things, cultivating a healthy lifestyle for myself and the horses I ride and take care of, and incorporating this education and lifestyle into my business practices, now and in the future.

It’s one thing to be visionary and have a beautiful dream and another to actually have goals, specific and measurable goals that help you achieve that desired dream.  

So, what goals do you have for your life?

My guess is that if you are an equestrian, you have some pretty big and wonderful dreams.  

Take the time to find smaller goals to align with your big dreams.  

Effective goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound).  

Write these down, and give yourself grace because they will change and that’s okay!  Date your piece of paper and keep it somewhere special so that you can look at it often, adjust your goals, and celebrate your accomplishments!

- Elizabeth, Community Coordinator for The Oily Stable

Citrus Sunshine Smoothies!

Can't wait to try out this new recipe from Young Living Essential Oils. Orange and vanilla taste so good together! 🍊🌿

Ingredients: 
+ 1 clementine or tangerine, peeled and seeds removed
+ 1 orange, peeled and seeds removed
+ ½ tablespoon orange blossom honey
+ 2 drops Orange Vitality™ essential oil
+ 2 drops Tangerine Vitality essential oil
+ 1 scoop Slique Shake(optional)
+ 4 ounces plain Greek yogurt
+ 4 ounces crushed ice

Instructions:
1. Place everything in a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth.
2. Serve immediately.

Helping Your Horse Adapt To New Surroundings

Our Hannah Burchfield wrote this guest blog on The Preppy Equestrian Blog recently.

It’s hard getting a horse to adapt to new water, barns and weather, so here’s a few tips that can help with all three things. 

When I first bought Phippen I had to trailer him across many states and I was worried he would be upset, rowdy and sore. My Mom suggested we could use Sacred Mountain Oil Blend and let him smell it whenever we stopped. It was such a calm and easy trip. Phippen was excellent the whole trailer ride home and we continue to use both Sacred Mountain and Copaiba oil to help him remain calm during transitions, traveling, and even storms.

Here’s a tip on using one of my favorite oils to help a horse adapt to new water.

On a long trailer ride you have to stop and refill your water buckets, but that doesn’t always mean the horse is going to drink it. When I was hauling Phippen home I used two to three drops of Young Living Peppermint Vitality Oil and it helped him to get used to the new water source. Anybody can use it for horse shows, switching barns, and long trailer trips.

Looking for luster and shine?

If you want a lustrous, shiny coat you can use Young Living’s Lavender Essential Oil and Coconut Oil on your horse. I’ve been using this on Phippen for a few months and I have noticed a huge change in his coloring and hair.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope this gives you some ideas how to use essential oils for your horse this show season.

Here are the oils I shared about:

Young Living Sacred Mountain Essential Oil

Young Living Copaiba Essential Oil

Young Living Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil

Young Living Lavender Essential Oil

Banana Berry Vanilla Smoothie

The perfect snack for after riding.

Add these ingredients in your blender:

• One frozen banana (without peel)
• Handful of strawberries (or your favorite berries)
• Two spoonfuls of sugar free Greek yogurt
• One scoop of Young Living Vanilla Protein Powder
• Ice
• Dab of almond or coconut milk

Then blend and enjoy!

We're Giving Away a Premium Starter Kit

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