John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Plan of Salvation in the foot notes

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12 Homemade Alternatives Better than Store-Bought

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Living self-sufficiently doesn’t mean giving up your favorite conveniences; it means finding creative, budget-friendly ways to make them yourself. Replacing store-bought products with homemade alternatives is not only satisfying, but it’s also better for your wallet, your health, and the planet. Whether you’re new to DIY or a seasoned maker, these easy projects will inspire you to ditch the commercial versions and create something truly your own.

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1. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Step-by-Step:

  1. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
  2. Add 10–20 drops of your favorite essential oil (like lemon or tea tree) for fragrance and extra cleaning power.
  3. Shake well before each use.

Picture This:

Imagine a sparkling kitchen counter that smells like a fresh lemon grove, all without harsh chemicals or a hefty price tag.

2. Homemade Laundry Detergent

Step-by-Step:

  1. Grate a bar of pure soap (like Castile or Fels-Naptha) into fine shavings.
  2. Mix with 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of borax.
  3. Store in an airtight container and use 1 tablespoon per load.

Picture This:

Your laundry comes out fresh, clean, and chemical-free, with no synthetic fragrances overpowering your senses.

3. DIY Lip Balm

Step-by-Step:

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a double boiler.
  2. Stir in 5–10 drops of essential oil (peppermint or vanilla are great options).
  3. Pour into small tins or tubes and let cool.

Picture This:

Smooth, hydrated lips with a hint of shine, tucked into a chic tin that fits perfectly in your pocket.

4. Natural Deodorant

Step-by-Step:

  1. Mix 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder.
  2. Add 10 drops of essential oil (lavender or tea tree work well).
  3. Store in a jar and apply with your fingertips.

Picture This:

Feel fresh and confident all day, knowing your deodorant is as kind to your skin as it is to the planet.

5. Homemade Bread

Step-by-Step:

  1. Combine 3 cups of flour, 1 packet of yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/4 cups of warm water.
  2. Knead the dough for 10 minutes and let it rise for 1 hour.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.

Picture This:

Your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread, and the first warm, buttery slice melts in your mouth.

6. DIY Body Scrub

Step-by-Step:

  1. Mix 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of coconut oil until it forms a paste.
  2. Add 10 drops of essential oil (try orange or eucalyptus).
  3. Store in a jar and use in the shower for soft, glowing skin.

Picture This:

Luxurious, silky-smooth skin that feels pampered and rejuvenated, like a spa day at home.

7. Homemade Candle

Step-by-Step:

  1. Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler.
  2. Add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.
  3. Pour the wax into a jar with a wick secured at the bottom and let it set.

Picture This:

A warm, flickering glow fills your room, and the subtle scent of lavender or vanilla soothes your senses.

8. DIY Toothpaste

Step-by-Step:

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
  2. Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil for flavor.
  3. Store in a small jar and apply with a toothbrush.

Picture This:

A fresh, clean mouth without the artificial ingredients, leaving you smiling bright and proud.

9. Natural Fabric Softener

Step-by-Step:

  1. Combine 2 cups of white vinegar with 10 drops of essential oil.
  2. Store in a bottle and add 1/4 cup to the rinse cycle of your laundry.

Picture This:

Soft, cozy clothes with a hint of lavender or citrus, without the synthetic residue of commercial softeners.

10. Homemade Granola

Step-by-Step:

  1. Mix 3 cups of oats with 1/2 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of coconut oil.
  2. Add nuts, dried fruit, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  3. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Picture This:

A crunchy, golden granola that’s perfect with yogurt or as a snack, and tastes like it came from a gourmet cafe.

11. DIY Foaming Hand Soap

Step-by-Step:

  1. Fill a foaming soap dispenser with 3/4 cup of water.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap and 1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil.
  3. Stir in 10 drops of essential oil (lemon or eucalyptus works well).

Picture This:

Every pump delivers a rich, fragrant lather that makes washing your hands feel like a little luxury.

12. Natural Hair Conditioner

Step-by-Step:

  1. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
  2. Add 5 drops of rosemary essential oil.
  3. Pour into a spray bottle and use after shampooing.

Picture This:

Shiny, soft hair that feels light and healthy, without a hint of residue.

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🌿 The Plan of Salvation 1. God’s Love and Purpose for You God created you to be in relationship with Him and to have eternal life. John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” 2. The Problem: Our Sin Separates Us from God All people have sinned, and sin causes spiritual death—separation from God. Romans 3:23 (KJV) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 (KJV) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 3. The Solution: Jesus Paid the Price for Our Sin Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and died in our place. He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. Romans 5:8 (KJV) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 4. Our Response: Receive Jesus by Faith We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. We must personally receive Christ into our hearts. Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Romans 10:9–10 (KJV) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 5. The Result: A New Life in Christ When you accept Jesus, you are made new and begin a lifelong relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” John 1:12 (KJV) “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” ✨ Would You Like to Pray? If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Savior, you can do it right now. A simple prayer from the heart might sound like this: “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I trust You as my Savior and invite You into my heart and life. Help me to turn from my sin and follow You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”
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