soap nuts

Who doesn’t love a white elephant exchange at a family Christmas? This year, our family received some funny things. One was Soap Nuts. Laughs abounded when this gift was opened by my 13-year-old son. His bewildered look was priceless and then his response, “Soap Nuts? What are these?” And, I bet some of you just CACKLED and asked the same question.

At the end of the family gathering, we threw all of our goofy gifts in a bag and headed home. Next day, I pulled everything out and set it on the table. I was intrigued by the little brown nuts in the recycled bag, with the “how to use” instructions, which were purchased from a Christian mission organization.

After checking them out, I must admit I was pretty skeptical about throwing out my Tide and being sold out on using Soap Nuts for my detergent. I began to Google, research and learn about Soap Nuts. To my amazement, there were many sites about these little nuts and there multiple uses. I watched a couple of videos, while my husband murmured something like, “not real and won’t work.” These little coated nuts could be used for detergent, shampoo, housecleaners and more. They were said to be hypoallergenic, natural and organic. After the research, I was less skeptical, and more willing to try them in a load. I must admit, I love (really love) the smell of Tide and that was a con of Soap Nuts. All sites said “your clothes will not have that fresh smell.” Despite that and my still skeptic thinking, I followed the directions, threw a few nuts in the mesh bag and hit start on my washing machine. My willingness turned into action and my clothes actually appeared to be clean.

I am becoming a believer in the power of Soap Nuts. I have washed many loads since and periodically grab some Tide for a load just to enjoy that smell. And, I still use Downey and that appeases my senses…“april fresh” clothes, sheets and towels! Aaaahhhh….
I can’t just run to Meijer or that W-place and grab Soap Nuts, so don’t know how long I will use them. But for now, you will find my little mesh back packed and ready for the next cycle.

My 3 ah-ha moments from the Soap Nuts: Learning transforms my skeptical thinking/mindset; trying new things can be fun and empowering; and, I will be buying Soap Nuts for the next white elephant exchange!

And, final thought…there is a spiritual lesson for me too. At times, I have been skeptical and unwilling in my faith journey. But when I finally acted or stepped or obeyed into the “new thing,” it has been fun and empowering; AND, I have experienced God in a new way…just as He intended.

Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Questions: What new thing can you do or try in the next 30 days? Is there something that you want to learn? Are you being nudged to step or act? Don’t allow skepticism to hold you back. Have courage, and act…new things are part of living well!