Does your soap have lye in it?

Want to know more about Good Fortune Soap? Just ask. Here is a recent question I want to share with you.
"I found your soap and would love to get some for myself and know they will make great Christmas presents for family and friends. Though I've been reading about all natural soap and am a little confused...does this soap contain lye? In some places I read that it is impossible to make soap without lye, and then others say lye free soap. Please help me understand this if you can." Thanks, Nicole

Natural is the best, and although lye is used to make soap, it is not in the final product. Briefly, when the fat and acid combine it creates a chemical reaction called saponification, which changes the make up of both ingredients. The result is neither an oil or an acid, it is soap. Our ingredients are veggie based, gluten free, super luxurious, and made for sensitive skin. I hope this helps clear up your concerns, and you’ll feel the difference for yourself!

My Soap Angel

Meet my employee Teona, she is Good Fortune's Soap Angel. No really, it is her official job title, and she is a real blessing. Here is our story of faith and hope.

Teona and her husband stopped by the studio to shop one Saturday morning. Curiously they sampled the edible lip scrub, and were pleasantly surprised because her son had chapped lips. Before leaving, they signed up for our newsletter to stay in touch.

Later that week I sent out a newsletter with a prayer request for a part time helper, but feared it impossible to find someone capable in my location. Within 24 hours of sending my newsletter, Teona emailed me back and said she had just been laid off and had also been praying. Perfect timing!

On Teona's first day, we worked an incredibly long day and made hundreds of bars of soap. I had never trained anyone to make my secret recipes, but I had no option, and we went for it. This woman is a power house and claims making soap is easier than her last job! She kept up with me, followed directions, offered new suggestions, and blew me away. She is the soap angel.

Another cool thing is her generous spirit and huge heart for God. She decided to work partially for trade since she loved our products so much and knew I had a limited budget. Grateful for her generosity, I told her that I would donate soap in her honor for the hours she traded. Together, we have been able to donate 20 bars of soap for her church's mission trip.

One of my favorite verses is Mathew 7:7. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Are you needing help, but don't see how it is possible?

I suggest you pray first, then ask for help, delegate, and have faith. The right doors will open when the time is right!

Free 2010 calendar with love from Christy & Vicki

Who doesn't love free handcrafted goodies? I sure do, so I am happy to share two beautiful blogs with you today.

First, Vicki Dvorak is an artist and color consultant, who is inspired by beauty and color. I love her style and how she supports so many female artist. She asked my friend Christy to guest blog today. Follow the link to Vicki's blog, Simply Hue, to learn more and receive the free download instructions.

My very dear friend (and talented designer), Christy Eggert, designed a free 2010 calendar you can download, print, and display. Christy's blog, my wings are made of faith, is a beautiful example of God's love and grace.

Just FYI: September's photo comes from the Good Fortune farm. I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009 and even better 2010!

Good Morning Sunshine!

Thank God for each new day! My days seem to be getting longer and harder, but when I wake up to this view, I can not deny that I am blessed. I draw strength from Him, Creator of all the earth!

The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
New Living Translation, Isaiah 40:23-31

Want more pictures of the farm? Check out our Facebook album.

a born entrepreneur

Before launching into Good Fortune and Soap for Hope, let me introduce a 10-year old girl named Jennifer.

I was a clever and adventurous girl who passed the time inventing, crafting, and annoying my brother. My family was never certain if I would spring out of bed as an Indian, comedian, or zoo keeper—whoever I was, each day was an exciting journey. I was dedicated to living life to the full. Fearlessly I took (still take) risks!

As I matured, so did my business skills, and by 12 I started my first business called “Jennifer Fantistics.” Not a great speller, I was a born entrepreneur. Jennifer Fantistics, a handcrafted bracelet corporation, was known for its customer service. Each order was carefully packaged with a handwritten note explaining the history of the company, a detailed invoice, a generous discount for new customers, and a lovely fortune. Business ideas continued to flow, and I was excited to grow up, go to college, and someday have a real job (and maybe even own my own business)...

Click here to finish reading my story, and learn exactly how Good Fortune got its start.

Spreading Love, Helping Girls, and Inspiring Others

This is why I was put on this earth. This is why I wake up everyday. This is the focus of my business, ministry, and free time. In order to figure out my life's purpose I pray, and I read inspirational books. Jack Canfield, author of my current favorite book The Success Principles, explains my life's purpose exactly: "To humbly serve the Lord by being a loving, playful, powerful, and passionate example of the absolute joy that is available to us the moment we rejoice in God's gifts and sincere love and serve all of his creations."

I believe each person has a gift and a purpose in life (some have many). I love seeing people step out of their comfort zones and go for what they've been called to do! I especially love to see people use their lives to help people! I believe there is no better joy than to follow God's will and serve others. People used to think I was crazy for quitting my job and selling my house, but now they see how powerful the Lord is to have worked in me, and through me. It is not easy, but this is the most exciting journey I've ever been on!

Girls. Girls. Girls. They will change the future! I don't watch television, but luckily, I got to see a special episode of Oprah, on empowering women. I was completely moved and re-energized to stay focused on working to change lives. She told stories of several women who came from nothing, worked hard, believed, and made their dreams come true. She also featured the authors of a book called Half the Sky , which I'm planning on reading next. The book helps educate you to set goals and make a difference in the next big movement of our generation, empowering girls. Just one person can make a difference.

Why girls? It is the answer to global health. Many poor girls are forced to marry at young ages, extremely vulnerable to HIV, sexual violence, and physical exploitation. Many girls are seen as unworthy of investment or protection by their families. Isolated and unsupported, these girls have little voice to demand their rights. According to the Center For Global Development, women reinvest 90% of their income into their families and communities, so investing in girls equals investing in families and global change.

I suggest you do the research for yourself. Read the amazing websites I've listed here, and get inspired by joining the girleffect.org. I've been inspired and moved so much that I've created my own ministry called Soap for Hope. Our goals are to inspire and empower disadvantaged girls by teaching them life skills, entrepreneurship training, and offering them hope for a college education. We want to make a difference locally and globally, and believe ALL things are possible through Christ. I hope you will take the time to pray about sponsoring a woman, help fund micro loans, mentor someone in your community, buy a bar of soap, and empower yourself.

Love, hope, and peace to you all!