147 | Simple Swaps, Sacred Impact: A Christian Guide to Cleaner Living

Find the full episode here: LivingOnPurposeInChrist.com/blog

Plastic is so normal that we barely see it, until our bodies and emotions start sending signals we can't ignore. Today we talk about how everyday plastic exposure can quietly affect hormone health, fertility, and overall wellbeing, and why a gentle plastic detox matters for Christians who want to steward their bodies with wisdom and peace. This isn't fear-based health talk. It is a grounded, faith-filled look at what we can change, one simple choice at a time, offering biblical encouragement along the way.

We walk through practical swaps you can make right away. Small steps add up, so we look at moving from plastic water bottles to glass or stainless steel, choosing a real mug instead of disposable cups, and avoiding heating food in plastic containers. We also explore grocery and kitchen habits that reduce plastic packaging, plus how personal care and cleaning products can add to your toxic load through what you breathe in and put on your skin. If you are feeling overwhelmed by how everywhere plastic is, give yourself room to breathe. You will leave this episode with a step-by-step mindset built on progress, not perfection, helping you navigate those heavy feelings with grace.

Then we go deeper into God's design in creation. We explore plant-based support through essential oils and the role aromatherapy can play in calming our minds and supporting emotional and physical wellness. We also unpack the New Testament word sōzō (σῴζω), a beautiful picture of salvation that includes healing, protection, and wholeness for mind, body, and spirit. Lowering the physical noise and toxic load in your home can actually make more room to discern God's voice during your daily devotions. Make it doable today and start experiencing a quieter heart.

If you are struggling to hear Him through the daily mental clutter, I want to invite you to grab my Prompt Cards: How to Hear God's Voice Again - PaulaBehrens.com/prompt-cards. They are a simple, practical tool to help you reconnect and settle safely into His presence. 

Subscribe for more faith and wellness conversations, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review so more women can find practical help. 

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Transcript

Coaching Offer And Review Request

Infertility And Plastic Exposure

Simple Swaps To Cut Plastics

Essential Oils And Plant-Based Support

God Created Natural Aromas for Healing

Therapeutic Aromas Detoxify the Body

Sōzō (σῴζω) And Whole-Person Restoration

Avoid Overwhelm With Small Steps

Free Prompt Cards And Closing Prayer

Small Steps and Prayer for Wisdom

Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Paula Behrens 0:01

Hey friend, welcome back. Today's episode is one that might stir your heart, challenge your habits, and awaken a deeper sense of stewardship over the life God has entrusted to you. If you've ever wondered how your daily choices, what you eat, what you use in your home, what you drink from, how you store your food, even what touches your skin, might be affecting not only your health, but your ability to fully live out your calling in Christ, then stay with me. We're going to talk about something that doesn't always get discussed in Christian spaces, but absolutely should. The growing concern of toxins in our environment, especially plastics, and how they may be quietly impacting fertility, hormones, and overall well-being. We're also going to get very practical today, not overwhelming, but practical. We're going to talk about how to begin removing harmful plastics from your daily life in simple, doable ways, step by step, choice by choice, so that you can walk in greater freedom and stewardship. We'll also explore how God, in his perfect wisdom, created plants, not just for beauty, but for healing, support, and restoration, and how essential oils can play a role in that. And before we finish today, I'll share how you can begin hearing God's voice more clearly again with a simple, powerful resource I've created just for you. So stay with me until the end. You won't want to miss this one. Are you finding it difficult to figure out where God is leading you through the whirlwind of daily life? Perhaps, like me, you had moments of doubt, surprise encounters, and maybe even a bit of overwhelm along the way. Well, if that resonates with you and you're yearning for clarity, peace, and faith-focused encouragement, this podcast is for you. Friend, have you ever sat down with your Bible, a cup of tea in high hopes for a quiet moment with the Lord, only to find your mind racing with to-do lists, your spirit distracted or your heart dry? I remember a season when my spiritual life felt more like a checklist than a connection. I had a book of prayers, a seminary degree, and even my favorite kneeling rail in my office. But truthfully, I was just going through the motions at that time. I was hungry for more, more peace, more presence, more of God. I was showing up with all the right tools, but none of the soul satisfying stillness I craved. My time with God became something I did, not something I delighted in. Then the Lord gently reminded me, He never asked me for polished prayers or perfect discipline. He just wanted my presence. And from that moment on, I began creating a space to simply be with him. I built a new rhythm, one that was deeply rooted in grace, filled with scripture, and supported by the soothing presence of his creation that helped me slow down and breathe in deeply. That sacred rhythm is what I now share in the aroma of Christ coaching hour. Whether you're spiritually weary, stuck in a routine, or longing for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit, this hour is your invitation to begin again with grace. Before our coaching call, you'll receive an essential oil sampler to use during our online session to enhance this fun spiritual journey. Together, we'll craft a practice that helps you feel grounded, nourished, and deeply connected to God, mind, body, and spirit. You don't have to keep trying to figure it out all on your own. There's a simple way to grow in faith and draw near to God, and I'd be honored to help you find it. Book your Aroma of Christ coaching hour at PaulaBehrens.com/coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H R E N S .com/coaching (no spaces). Before we dive in, I have a quick favor to ask. If this podcast has been a blessing to you or helped you grow in your walk with Christ, would you take a moment to leave a review? It only takes a minute, and your words help more women discover this space and be encouraged in their faith as well. Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your support. All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal, and cozy up to your favorite beverage, and let's dive in. There's something deeply sacred about life. From the very beginning, in Genesis, we see God as the author of life, the one who breathes life into humanity. Life is not random. It is intentional. It is designed. It is holy. And yet, in the world we are living in today, we are surrounded by things that quietly work against that life. One of the most concerning issues in recent years is the rise in infertility. Couples who long to have children are finding it increasingly difficult. Women are struggling with hormonal imbalances. Men are experiencing declining fertility rates. And while there are many factors involved, one that continues to surface in research and discussion is the impact of toxins, especially those found in plastics. Now I want to approach this gently and truthfully, without fear, but also without ignoring reality. Plastics are everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean woven into the rhythm of our daily lives in ways we often don't even notice. Plastic water bottles, food storage containers, plastic wrap, takeout containers, coffee cup lids, grocery packaging, shampoo bottles, lotion containers, cleaning product bottles, even the lining inside canned foods. Many of these plastics contain chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system, which is a system in our bodies responsible for regulating hormones. When hormones are disrupted, it can affect everything from mood to metabolism to reproductive health. For couples trying to conceive, this becomes more than just a health issue. It becomes an emotional and spiritual burden. It becomes a place where faith is tested, where hope can feel fragile. And this is where we as Christians are invited into a deeper understanding of stewardship. God did not create our bodies to be constantly bombarded with synthetic toxins, but we live in a fallen world, and part of living wisely is learning how to navigate that world with discernment. This is not about fear, it's about awareness. It's about asking the question, Lord, how can I honor you with this body you have given me? Because Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. That truth alone should shift how we think about what we allow into our lives. So let's walk through your day gently, simply, and with grace. When you wake up in the morning, one of the first things many people do is drink water. If that water is coming from a plastic bottle, especially one that's been sitting in heat or reused multiple times, it may be leaching unwanted chemicals. A simple shift is moving to glass or stainless steel water bottles. It's not complicated, but it is powerful. When you make your coffee or tea, consider what you're drinking from. Many disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic. Switching to a ceramic or glass mug is a small act of stewardship that adds up over time. When you prepare meals, this is one of the biggest opportunities for change. Heating food in plastic containers is one of the primary ways chemicals can transfer into your food. So instead of microwaving leftovers in plastic, begin transferring them into glass or cardboard containers. If that feels like too much all at once, start with just one container, replace one, then another, then another. Progress, not perfection. When you go grocery shopping, begin to notice how much food is packaged in plastic. Fresh produce, when possible, is often a better choice, not just nutritionally, but also in reducing plastic exposure. Bringing reusable bags is another simple step. Even something as small as choosing loose fruits and vegetables instead of prepackaged ones can make a difference. In your kitchen, consider switching from plastic wrap to alternatives like beeswax wraps or glass containers with lids. In your bathroom, many personal care products come in plastic bottles filled with synthetic ingredients. This is where being intentional really matters. What goes on your body is absorbed by your body. Gradually replacing products with cleaner options, ones that are more aligned with God's natural design, can reduce your overall toxic load. And this is where essential oil-based products can become a beautiful part of your routine. In your cleaning routine, many conventional cleaners come in plastic containers and contain harsh chemicals. Not only are these chemicals unnecessary, but they can also affect your breathing, your skin, and your overall environment. Switching to natural cleaning solutions, especially those that incorporate essential oils, can transform your home into a place that supports life rather than working against it. And again, this is not about doing everything overnight. It's about becoming aware. It's about making one better choice at a time. And over time, those choices create a completely different environment, one that supports the body God has given you. Now let's talk about something beautiful. God has already provided what we need. From the very beginning in Genesis, we see that God created plants and declared them good. He designed them with purpose. He placed within them properties that nourish, restore, and support the human body. Plants are not accidental, they are intentional creations of a loving God. And within these plants are tiny, powerful compounds known as aromatic molecules. These are the components that give plants their scent. The fragrance of lavender, the crispness of peppermint, the grounding aroma of frankincense. But these aromas are not just pleasant, they are functional. When we use these therapeutic grade essential oils like those from Young Living, we are interacting with these natural compounds in a highly concentrated and intentional form. And these oils can be used in three primary ways aromatically, topically, and when properly labeled and used as directed internally. And here is where it becomes both fascinating and deeply encouraging. When you inhale an essential oil, those aromatic molecules travel through the nose and directly affect the limbic system of the brain. And beyond the emotional and neurological support, these plant-based compounds can also support the body physically. When used topically, essential oils can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream. When used internally in a safe and appropriate way, they can support internal systems such as digestion and overall wellness. What many people don't realize is that the body is constantly working to process and eliminate toxins. This is where supporting the body becomes so important. Therapeutic essential oils can assist the body's natural processes by helping to support systems that are already designed to detoxify and cleanse. They don't force the body, but rather come alongside it, supporting balance, encouraging proper function, and helping the body begin to release what does not belong. In simple terms, as you begin to reduce incoming toxins like plastics, and at the same time support your body with God-created plant compounds, you are creating an environment where the body can begin to let go of what has been stored. You are not just removing the problem, you are supporting the solution. And there's something deeply powerful about that, because it reflects the heart of God, not just to remove what harms us, but to restore what was designed to function in wholeness. So as you breathe in these aromas, apply them to your skin, or use them in safe and intentional ways internally, you are partnering with what God has already placed in creation. You are stepping into a rhythm of stewardship, restoration, and care. And that truly is something beautiful. Now let's connect this to something even deeper. There's a powerful Greek word in the New Testament that I want to share with you today. It's the word sōzō (σῴζω). Sōzō (σῴζω) is often translated as saved. At its core, sōzō (σῴζω) speaks to salvation, the act of being rescued, redeemed, and brought into right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is the kind of salvation that reaches into eternity. It is the assurance that through Christ we are forgiven, restored, and made new. This is the foundation of everything we believe as Christians. But sōzō (σῴζω) does not stop at salvation in the eternal sense. It also carries the meaning of being healed, delivered, protected, and made whole. It is a full, comprehensive restoration of the entire person, mind, body, and spirit. When Jesus walked the earth and spoke healing over individuals, the word sōzō (σῴζω) was often used. This shows us something powerful. The salvation Jesus offers is not limited to one part of our lives. It's not just about getting to heaven one day, it's about living in his restoring power now. It's about bringing every part of our lives, our thoughts, our bodies, our environments into alignment with his truth and his design. So when we talk about reducing toxins, caring for our bodies, and creating healthier environments, we are not stepping outside of our faith. We are living it out. We are participating in a small but meaningful way in the wholeness that sōzō (σῴζω) represents. Okay, you might be thinking, that sounds good, but I feel overwhelmed. There's plastic everywhere. How can I possibly avoid it all? Well, that is a very real and honest question. The truth is, we may not be able to eliminate every exposure, but we can reduce it significantly. Think of it like this: every time you choose glass over plastic, every time you avoid heating food in plastic, every time you swap out product for a cleaner option, you are lowering the overall burden on your body. You are giving your body a better chance to function as it was designed. You are creating space for healing, and that matters. This is not about fear. It's about faithful stewardship. It's about saying, Lord, I will do what I can with what you have given me. Why does all this matter for Christians? Well, because we are called to be faithful stewards. We are called to live with wisdom. We are called to care for the life God has given us, not just for our own benefit, but so that we can be fully available for his purposes. When our bodies are overwhelmed with toxins, when our environments are working against us, when our minds are weighed down with stress, it becomes harder to hear God's voice clearly. It becomes harder to step into what he is calling us to do. But when we begin to clear out the noise physically, mentally, and spiritually, we create space, space to hear, space to respond, space to live on purpose. And as you begin making these changes, something else happens. You begin to stand out, not in a louder, forceful way, but in a peaceful, intentional way. People begin to notice, they notice your calm, they notice your clarity, they notice your choices, and they begin to ask questions. And that is your opportunity, not to preach, but to share, to share what God is teaching you, to share how he's leading you, to share how he is restoring you. And in that you become a light for him. If you've been longing to hear God's voice more clearly again, if you feel like the noise of life, physical, emotional, and spiritual, has made it difficult to discern his leading, if you are ready to step into a deeper level of intimacy with God, I have created something just for you. It's called Prompt Cards, How to Hear God's Voice Again. These are simple, powerful prompts designed to help you quiet your mind, tune your heart, and reconnect with the voice of your Heavenly Father. They are especially powerful when paired with intentional moments, moments where you have stepped away from distraction, where your environment supports peace, and even the scents around you are calming rather than overwhelming. You can grab them for free at PaulaBehrens.com/prompt-cards. That's Paula Behrens B E H R E N S .com/prompt-cards (no spaces). As you begin to use them, I believe you will start to notice something shift. You will begin to recognize God's voice more easily. You'll begin to feel more confident in his leading, and you'll begin to live with a greater sense of purpose and peace. Okay, before we close, I want to remind you of something important. You don't have to do everything at once. You don't have to throw everything out today. You don't have to live in fear of every piece of plastic. But you can begin. You can notice, you can choose differently one step at a time. And those steps matter because they are acts of obedience, they are acts of stewardship, they are acts of worship. Father, I thank you for the woman listening today. I thank you that you created her with intention, with purpose, and with love. I pray that you would give her wisdom as she navigates the choices in her life. Show her how to steward her body well. Help her not to feel overwhelmed, but empowered. Lead her step by step. Help her to hear your voice more clearly as she creates space in her life for you. And Lord, use her life as a light to others that they may come to know you in a deep and personal way. It is in Jesus' name that we ask these things. Amen. Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more listeners like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live with purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His Wisdom. See you next time.