Planning Yet Abiding

In preparation for our flight to South Africa last summer, our pastor told us a joke: "How do you make God laugh? You make a plan." He was simply trying to say, go with the flow and don't get stressed out when things happen, because God is sovereign.

Now more than ever, plans seem to be an important part of life. Self employment means you have to be, do, talk, make, drive, or communicate practically 24/7. People look at me like I have all my ducks in a row and all the answers. Truthfully, all I have is faith that some how it will all get done, the clients will keep coming, and the checks will clear. Hardly ever do I freak out, because I have faith that God has a plan for me, and I'm walking the path He has set before me. But still, there is the dreaded 5 year plan people keep asking me about.

Humm...Will I still be making soap? Will I be married? Will I live in Tennessee? Will I have children (scary!) I don't know the answers, but I have big beautiful dreams of how it will look. Dreams have been good enough for me, but plans are important to the world, so God gave me a verse to hold on to. Proverbs 16 has many wise words, but here are the two most relevant. (16:3) "Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."
(16:8) "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

Pretty cool right? I'm still a little confused, but I believe we can determine our own destiny! The future holds everything sweet and pure for those who are willing to abide in the Lord. I say bring it on! I like good things!

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether you are a dreamer or a planner. As long as you love what you are doing, you will be successful!

50 Uses For Faucet Soap

I was in the lathering up in the shower earlier today, and I realized how amazing Faucet Soap truly is. I know...I invented it and I use it every day, but today was different. After seeing people's faces light up and hearing them go on-and-on, I'm finally convinced! Faucet Soap just might revolutionize the way we bathe! Starting today, I'm going to list a new way faucet soap can rock your world every day! It might get silly, after all, finding 101 ways to use soap takes creativity! Your suggestions are appreciated!
1. I like the big fluffy bubbles
2. The bag it is packaged in is waterproof
3. I can stuff all of my little pieces of soap down in the bag
4. You can leave it outside year round
5. It's portable
6. Men love it too
7. The peppermint tea tree is great to shave with
8. Once you are done shaving, you can exfoliate for an even smoother shave
9. It lasts a long time
10. It makes your skin soft
11. The nylon bag is re-useable
12. The peppermint is tingly
13. Kids can use it and hang it up to dry
14. Perfect for camping
15. It is great to scrub feet
16. Earth friendly recipe
17. People keep coming back for more
18. I get messages from people who say they smell apple jacked up
19. It is a really great idea
20. They make great gifts
21. The Red Apple Lavender may make you scream because it smells like the soap your mom bought as a kid
22. The plastic bag is re-useable for your various storage needs
23. It is great to scrub poison ivy
24. They look really cool

Have you ever had your check engine light come on?

Yeah, me too! It is frustrating, confusing, and a huge pain to most of us. But this week I met Jarrett Langley, a mechanic who started his own business near Chattanooga, called Mobile Diagnostics. He specializes in fixing the dreaded "Check Engine Light" on "96" and newer cars and trucks, and you don't even need to leave your house!! What an unbelievable deal! Jarret will come to you, diagnose your issue for a flat rate of $35 (50% less than the dealership), and then he may be able to fix it for a much less rate than the dealerships. I am such a sucker for a good deal, but more than that, I love dealing with good people. Call the man! 423-504-3709

A New Chapter

May is a very exciting month for Good Fortune. I just got back from a week long adventure in New York and Vermont. I enjoyed hiking, skiing, and the 2008 Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in Burlington. The conference inspired me to start a blog to share pieces of my life, my business, and my heart with you all. This should be fun!

Things are always crazy around here, but especially right now, as I'm packing and getting ready for the big move. My production studio is moving from Cleveland, TN to Athens, TN. I love change but can't stand moving! I am sad to be leaving my soap princess behind (baby AJ), but I'm excited to expand my business and make more fantastic products!

Be sure to keep checking back. I'll be posting photos from my trip, the new studio, and other interesting things for you all to see. Also, be on the look out for improvements to our newsletter, website, and products in the coming weeks.