The Natural Texan - Winter 2024

LIFE IN THE PINES

WINTER 2024

FIND INSIDE: Learning how to juggle all the hats

w w w.t h e n a t u ra l te xa n .c om

table of

CONTENTS PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gabrielle West

Pg. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L e t t e r t o t h e E d i t o r

C OV E R F E AT U R E

Texas Waterfowl

GR APHIC DESIGNER Elizabeth Austin

By Ra nd y McB r ay e r

Pg . 4-7

EDITOR Colleen Doggett

COVER PHOTOGR APHER Stephanie Snell

Jacob a nd Jack son Gr i f f in Son of Jason a nd Hol ly Gr i f f in

Lifestyle

Health + Wellness

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenna Johnson, Mama bear living Lauren Bonner

Le a r ning how to jug g le a ll the ha ts

Randy McBrayer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGR APHER Red Bun Photography

Pg. 8-12

Toxin F ree F a ce & Bod y Moisturiz e r s

Pg . 1 4 - 1 7

P g . 1 6- 1 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F i n a n c i a l F o c u s

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a letter from the

EDITOR rowing up as a child, I didn’t like the winter very much. There just always seemed like so much to do. But it was continuously so cold,rainy, and miserable. My dad was forever out tending to the animals, the garden, and keeping lots of firewood ready to go. My mom was always in the kitchen keeping us fed and keeping the house spotless.

Well, I am an adult and mother now, and let's just say, "I STILL DON'T WINTER WELL!" Only now the time has turned, and my little ones pray that anytime it gets cold that it snows, while I am praying that it doesn’t. My husband and I are tending to animals, and the garden while they live their best life. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.

It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round.

If you are a duck hunter then you must love the cold, haha! If you are a farmer/rancher you may not love the cold but you have to deal with it any way it comes.

I hope that you enjoy this winter whether it's being snuggled up watching Netflix, or reading a Colleen Hoover book. Perhaps you are that 4 am duck hunter wading in the 5 below zero temperature water.

May your winter be wintery, however you enjoy it!

xo,

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TEX AS WA T ER FOW L

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he 2024 Waterfowl season has been one of an abnormal nature. Warmer temps and the lack of major weather movements in the North and Midwest have lead to a slowed migration, meaning the normal large number of birds seen in late December for the Southern states is almost non existent.

Added on top of Texas’s below average rainfall for the year and low water levels on the larger bodies that typically hold birds, the waterfowl hunters of the state have found themselves having to work a little harder to find their targeted game.

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January is showing great promise to finish out the 2023/2024 season however. East Texas is seeing consistent days in the 30’s and have already had several fronts that have swept the migration routes, pushing new birds in to play. Post Christmas reports from Arkansas and Oklahoma are showing great successes in birds being harvested, and Northern Texas and Panhandle areas are already beginning to see numbers on the rise. The Coastal regions of the state which have been stale with the same birds, more than likely bouncing back and forth with the constant inversion of North and South winds, should have a treat in weeks to come with a fresh push arriving in the first week of January.

In the Eastern part of the state, we’ve seen an abnormally high number of green wing

But the biggest conversation you’ll see amongst

and blue wing teal still hanging around. These

social media platforms and avid hunters are,

species are typical farther south by now. Large

”Where are the mallards”? Though we have

number of pintails have been steady moving in

seen a good number on the properties we’ve

since Christmas and the Gadwall numbers have

frequented this season, I have good reason

been fairly steady in my personal observations.

to believe that the coveted greenheads are moving in as I type this article. So, keep your eyes in the sky, and be ready to hunt in front of these weather movements. I always suggest keep your calling to a minimum this time of year. Focus on movement in your decoys but be careful not to make your spreads to large. By the time birds arrive in Texas they have seen and heard it all, so less is typically more. Here’s hoping to an outstanding end of the hunting season for my waterfowl friends. Be safe, shoot straight, and remember that every sunrise is a blessing. You’ll never see another one like the one you just witnessed.

Randy McBrayer

Cole Rig gs son of Just in and Brandi Rig gs.

He w as hunt ing at A lan Ray Farm.

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Winter 2024 | www.thenaturaltexan.com | 6

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LEARNING HOW TO JUGGLE ALL THE HATS Living a life with more intention @INTENTIONALLIVINGLB

“How...how am I supposed to do all the things, let alone be intentional with all the things....”

This was my tearful prayer as I drove away from my baby for the first time heading back to work from Maternity leave. This was my first baby, and leaving seemed like the

hardest thing I have ever had to do till that point. Although many would say it gets easier, for me, I now have two, and It still hurts leaving them behind every day.

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Working-Mom life is hard, but to be honest, all our lives are hard right now. We work to live but have no time. Society tells us we must have the newest and latest things. And if you watch the news, it seems like we are in crisis mode 24/7. We would be stressed out, overstimulated, and emotionally dysregulated. If we are in any crisis, it is a Mental Health crisis.

When I was younger, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and I see how it affects me daily. My struggles with attention became more prevalent postpartum. I became more selfaware of how much I longed for genuine relations and how much I needed structure in my day.

grow me and lead me. It was about taking each day as a lesson instead of focusing on all the hats at once. It was about being genuine and sharing my struggles with other struggling Christians. It was about letting go of my pride and being honest with myself and others to produce a more positive change.

So, I have concluded that if any hat is to represent this season in my life with a toddler, infant, and several different jobs, it would be the one that would represent the Wild West... better hold on tight! Somedays, though, I feel like a hard hat would be more appropriate. What about you? What hat do you feel like you are wearing?

One day as I was praying while driving to work, God gave me this visual of me holding multiple hats and attempting to put them all on at once; It was impossible. It was like God was trying to tell me that although it is a righteous desire to be intentional in all things, it is humanly impossible to be intentional. It is, however, not impossible for God, praise the Lord. It was at that moment that I realized it was not about doing it all but starting to build systems that helped me balance it all better each day. It was about allowing God to Winter 2024 | www.thenaturaltexan.com | 9

When you think of a motivational speaker, you assume that the individual has mastered the art and conquered whatever struggle they are speaking about. Not me; here I am sharing about becoming intentional while I question if I turned my lights off and you might be the victim of one of my nonresponded texts.

Although I see the value in gleaning from those who have overcome, I think there is still value in gleaning from those currently in the mess right alongside you.

Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” And that is what you get when you come to follow along with me.

I created Intentional Living with LB to share my little lessons along the way. I picture it as a long table with all my friends coming together to fellowship and encourage each other. One day maybe we will make it an event (I love parties!), but for now, we meet virtually through our Facebook to share moments of our lives, and you need to come join.

If you feel like you are struggling to hold it all together, know that you are not alone. God never meant for us to live life this way. He meant for us to be perfect and live in perfect harmony with creation. If you are not saved, please known that there is Someone that loves you more than anyone ever will here on earth.

He is real and He designed you with a specific purpose. If you get anything from this article, I pray it is that you know that God loves you and if you question where you are going for eternity, please reach out to me and I would love to talk to you. If you are saved, know that one day you will live in eternity with perfection. Until then, it is our job to do our best to shine our light.

One hat that I have always loved to talk about is the Tefillin.

The Tefillin was a set of black leather boxes with leather straps to tie them together. The adult Jews would put one on their head and one on their arm. The Tefillin would hold verses that would symbolize binding God’s Word in their hands and their minds. His Word is where we find understanding. It is where we find peace, hope, and healing. If we want to find some relief in this crazy world, we have to recognize that we need to devote more intentional time in our daily devotion.

I believe that the only way to start a journey of intention and peace is to first make sure that we are in God’s Word daily.

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Second, we must always be in prayer. I am talking in the car, at our desk, in the shower...you get the idea.

Having a spirit of prayer allows us to keep our eyes fixed and keep our hearts tender to where we should go next.

important. It is in those relationships we learn to become more real and know that others are fighting battles right along side us. We let our guard down and we come together to learn how to build better relationships without fear of judgement or shame.

Then, we need to make sure we are surrounding ourselves with other believers that can encourage us and build us up. Building relationships with other Christians of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds is so

Lastly, we learn how to share our stories with those around us toencourage others along the way.

My absolute favorite verse was given to meas my dad went through Brain Cancer.

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Lauren Bonner is a wife, mom of two, and Licensed Professional Therapist in Shelby and Panola County. You can follow her by scanning the QR code with your camera

2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Sometimes our most significant hurt can be the greatest blessing for those currently struggling.

If you feel stuck and do not know where to go next, do not be afraid to reach out to a professional. There are several professional therapists that are Christians in our community. As a therapist, I have seen how coming together to talk and weed through negative thoughts can be a pivotal part of the healing process. I hope you will continue to follow along.

Feel free to reach out ,and let’s join together to learn how to become more intentional tomorrow. It’s the small changes everyday that matter for eternity. We are in this together and together we will do great things for His glory.

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J E N N A JOH NSON | M A M A BE A R

Tox in Free Face & Body Moisturizers Reach for a bottle of facial moisturizer or body lotion from the store shelf, and you will be shocked to find ingredients such as phenoxyethanol, fragrance, and even cocamidopropyl betaine.

The amount of preservatives and toxins within personal care and beauty products has reached a new level. The European Union has already taken extensive steps to ban chemicals from beauty products.

However, the United States still has a long way to go, since standards are not as strict.

Since the FDA does not regulate products as they should, this often leads consumers to end up purchasing greenwashed brands they think are clean. Instead, they are tricked into false marketing and

think cruelty free or paraben free means toxin free. This is far from the truth.

There is an overwhelming amount of toxic beauty and personal care products in stores, and often the purity of ingredients is overlooked.

Below is a list of common harmful ingredients to be on the lookout for: • Formaldehyde, Methylene Glycol & Paraformaldehyde - known carcinogens • Quaternium 15 - a chemical that releases formaldehyde • Mercury- a heavy metal that has been shown to damage the kidneys and the nervous system • Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system

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L I V I NG • Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.

• Long-chain perand polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which have been linked to cancer • M-and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, which irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA and can cause cancer • Fragrance • Cocamidopropyl Betaine • Sodium Benzoate • Potassium Sorbate • Butylene Glycol • Phenoxyethanol

JENNA'S SAFE LAUNDRY GUIDE Follow me on Instagram: @nontoxicmamabear

The list above is Join our Facebook Community: Organic Mamas in a Toxic World not exhaustive, as a safe laundry detergent? toxin free living, there are many there are still many concerningWhat makes toxic fragrance, allergens, or chemicals!

Look for: apps that can help support yourHypoallergen ingredients to No avoid.

Learning USDA Organic Certification, Natural fragrance from essential oils introduction to reading labels. That to decipher labels is going to be Biodegradable or compostable ingredients being said, some apps are much your best bet. If you are new to

MY SAFE RECOMMENDATIONS

Winter 2024 | www.thenaturaltexan.com | 15 Stouderhouse

more strict than others. Often apps do not acknowledge the harm of preservatives, so these ingredients will not be flagged. Clearya, the Yuka app, Think Dirty, and Switch Natural are all good resources to begin utilizing for ingredient safety.

Ultimately, reading journal articles on specific ingredient toxicity will lead you to knowing if they are truly safe or not. But apps are a good place

• Zaaina Skincare Heel & Hand Balm • Earthley Whipped Body Butter

to begin.

online and are not yet sold in stores. Although brands like Carina Organics, Earthley, and Zaaina Skincare are making their way onto Amazon. As time goes on, these brands are becoming increasingly more popular for their clean ingredients and transparent labels.

No preservatives, glycols, or words you can’t pronounce. This list will take the guesswork out of what is considered safe.

Below you will find an approved list of brands that contain nothing but clean ingredients.

Facial Moisturizers & Makeup • 100% Pure Tinted BB Cream • Pure Haven Tinted Moisturizer • Stouderhouse Tinted Barrier Balm • Piper Blue Organic Makeup • Purity Woods Dream Cream • Nature’s Beauty Face Oil • Loil Life Herbal Facial Lotion • Zaaina Skincare Vegan Face Balm

Baby Safe Brands • Carina Organics Baby Lotion • Earth Mama Angel Baby Lotion • Pure Haven Baby Cream • Andy Pandy Organics • Pleni Naturals Baby Oil Many of these brands are sold

Happy Shopping!

Body Moisturizers • Bubble & Bee Organics Body Butter • Carina Organics Citrus Daily Hydrating Lotion • Denise’s Botanicals Body Lotion • Pure Haven Body Lotion • Loil Life Body Lotion • Tallow & Tansy Body Balm Winter 2024 | www.thenaturaltexan.com | 16

Follow me on Instagram: @nontoxicmamabear Join our Facebook Community: Organic Mamas in a Toxic World

What makes a safe laundry detergent?

No toxic fragrance, allergens, or chemicals! Look for: Hypoallergenic, USDA Organic Certification, Natural fragrance from essential oils and Biodegradable orfragrance, compostable What makes a safe laundry detergent? allergens, oringredients chemicals! Look for: Hypoallergenic.

Follow me No ontoxic Instagram: @nontoxicmamabear

JENNA'S SAFE LAUNDRY GUIDE

Join ourNatural Facebook Community: Organic in a Toxic World USDA Organic Certifi cation. fragrance from essential oilsMamas and Biodegradable or compostable ingredients

MY SAFE RECOMMENDATIONS

What makes a safe laundry detergent?

No toxic fragrance, allergens, or chemicals! Look for: Hypoallergenic, Stouderhouse USDA Organic Certification, Natural fragrance from essential oils and Earthley Biodegradable or compostable ingredients Baking Soda & Castile Soap Vinegar Meliora Molly’s Suds Stouderhouse Pure Haven Earthley Branch Basics Baking Soda & Castile Soap Soap Nuts Vinegar Milantrix Meliora OurMolly’s Simple Homes Suds Pure Haven Attitude Little One, Fragrance Free

MY SAFE RECOMMENDATIONS

Branch Basics Soap Nuts Milantrix Our Simple Homes Attitude Little One, Fragrance Free PEG’s

COMMON CHEMICALS TO AVOID Optical Brighteners Fragrance & Perfumes

Ethoxylated Ingredients Preservatives Glycols Hue Dyes PEG’s Petroleum Distillates Ethoxylated Ingredients Phenols Preservatives

COMMON CHEMICALS TO AVOID

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Surfactants

Optical Brighteners 1, 4 - Dioxane Fragrance & Perfumes Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Ethylene-diamond-tetra-acetate Surfactants Linalool

1, 4 - Dioxane Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach Alcohols Ethylene-diamond-tetra-acetate

Enzymes

Glycols Hue Dyes Petroleum Distillates Phenols

Limonene Linalool

Enzymes Alcohols Limonene

LAUNDRY ROOM CHECKLIST LAUNDRY ROOM CHECKLIST

Organic Wool Balls Pure Essential Oils

DIY Fabric Refresher Spray Organic Wool Balls

Preservative Free Castile Soap Pure Essential Oils Baking SodaRefresher Spray DIY Fabric

Nontoxic Stain Remover Preservative Free Castile Soap BakingWhite Soda Vinegar Organic NontoxicLaundry Stain Remover Nontoxic Detergent Organic Whitefrom Vinegar Scent Booster Our Simple Homes Nontoxic Laundry Detergent Scent Booster from Our Simple Homes

Winter 2024 | www.thenaturaltexan.com | 17

FINANCIAL FOCUS W hen can you c h o o s e r e t i r e m e n t?

If you’re like most people, your work has been a central part of your life. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have the flexibility to decide when you no longer want to work?

Many people of retirement age have achieved this type of control. In fact, two-thirds of workers ages 65 and older say they work primarily because they want to, not because they have to, according to a 2021 study by Edward Jones and Age Wave. But that means that one-third of workers in this age group feel financially compelled to work. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the work they do — but it’s probably fair to say they would have liked the option of not working. How can you give yourself this choice?

You can start by asking yourself these questions: • When do I want to retire?

You’ll want to identify the age at which you wish to retire. You may change your mind later and move this date up or back, but it’s a good idea to have a target in mind.

• What sort of retirement lifestyle do I want?

When you retire, do you anticipate staying close to home and pursuing your hobbies, or do you hope to travel the world? Would you like to spend your time volunteering? Open your own business or do some consulting? Clearly, some of these choices will require more resources

than others, so you’ll want to follow a financial strategy that aligns with the retirement lifestyle you intend to pursue.

• Am I saving and investing enough?

As you chart your course toward your retirement journey, you’ll want to assess the sources of income you’ll have available. If you think you may be falling short of achieving your retirement goals, you may need to consider saving more.

• When should I start taking Social Security?

You can begin collecting Social Security benefits as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be much bigger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. Your decision about when to take Social Security will depend on several factors, including your other sources of income and your family history of longevity. Of course, as you’re probably aware, the Social Security system is facing significant financial stress, so it’s possible that we may see changes to Social Security, based on actions Congress could take. In any case, you might want to be fairly conservative in estimating how much Social Security can contribute to your retirement income.

By addressing the above questions, you can get a clearer sense of when you might reach the point at which work is optional. But you’ll

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Half Page Program(5.5”x4.25”) also need to consider other factors, too, such as how much you enjoy working or when your spouse or partner is planning to retire. In any case, the sooner you start planning for this next phase of your life, the better position you’ll be in when it’s time to make the transition.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for you, call or visit a financial advisor today.

Vicky R Hudson, AAMS® Financial Advisor

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

.

IRT-1848D-A

This article was written

by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor

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