Lesson of the day:

This will be a short one.

Though I have always believed and said this on occasion, never build people up beyond what they can be. Never put people on a pedestal. They will, with out fail, end up only being what any of us are. Which is human. Sometimes we make mistakes that affect others in a way that we wish it never would.

Something New -- Miracle Mask

Well I'm trying something new... I will be the first to admit that I am obsessed with Pinterest. Sometimes I try new things like recipes, makeup techniques and beauty/spa treatments. When I try something that I feel is note worthy I will share with you.

First up: Miracle Mask

It's simple, smells wonderful and works like... well a miracle!

The mix:

Two teaspoons of honey (I used a crystallized honey which gave a great scrub texture)

One teaspoon ground cinnamon

One teaspoon ground nutmeg

Mix well, spread over face, and relax for 30 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water while rubbing in small circles.

The why: Honey softens your skin by moisturizing. Honey also helps reduce acne scars and calms your face by reducing redness. Cinnamon Is actually an antiseptic. Meaning it will kill the pesky bacteria causing pimples and acne. The texture of the cinnamon adds some texture that will help scrub out and cleanse your pores. Lastly, nutmeg is an anti-inflammatory. Also, nutmeg helps in reducing acne scars.

The outcome:

Smooth, soft, clean skin!! Even after applying my daily tinting of foundation, powder and eye color my face doesn't feel heavy. I will definitely be doing this one again. My skin can be sensitive, but the honey worked great at soothing and cleaning my face. I didn't even feel the need to use a moisturizer afterwords.

The look:

Recommendations:

I would test the underside of your wrist first. Just incase you have an adverse reaction to the cinnamon or nutmeg.

LoveDay EveryDay

Today is a day (Valentines Day) of either expressing your love for your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/fiance

oorrrr, it is a day of remembering how lame you feel for being (what seems like the only one for 100 miles), dare I say it...... single.

Usually I am the latter... OK every year of my life I have been the latter.

BUT this year (in a sudden epiphany at lunch today) I have decided to spend the day appreciating the One who has provided an endless love for me (and anyone else who chooses to accept it).  The One of course being God.

One of my favorite verses is

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a Mighty One who will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness;

He will quiet you by His love;

He will exult over you with loud singing.

Reading this verse reminds me of God's love and un-dieing devotion to always be with us, to always use His

strength to save us, He will use His love to calm us, and to (by His voice) raise us up and make us better than

we could ever actually be.

God is so loving (the only One who can honestly say that His love is unconditional), His promises will

never fail, He gives an endless supply of flowers, sends birds to fill our days with music, has given the

ultimate gift (the only true Knight in Shining Armor), He made the sky twinkle better than any diamond

(which He made also, but we don't have to pay for the stars), He has written a book full of love letters, with

all of that (and so much more that I could never actually have time and space to write out) who needs any

other Valentine???

Becoming Debt Free

God has laid it on my heart to be a good steward of my money. Although I haven't racked up millions or even thousands in debt, I can be better at managing my finances. To many times we hear on the news, or in our personal life (and especially when one works at a bank) about peoples financial problems. I want to take an active step in making sure that I plan smartly for my future. With that said, I do think some people 'over' plan or save to the point that they are consumed with the idea of money.  In order to become debt free, being a better planner for future finances and budgeting money one first must seek God's advice. Below you will find some verses that I find fitting to this outrageously growing problem call debt.

Philippians 4:19   
~ First and for most, we must not look to ourselves or 'our' money for a security only God can provide.

Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
   
~ Secondly but just as important as #1. God commands us to give a tithe from the top. I can assure you, not only by my experience but also by testaments of others that God not only will provide your needs, but He is pretty awesome and provides more.

Proverbs 25:28He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a broken down city without a wall.
 
~In other words, if you can't control yourself (spending) you are hurting yourself and potentially those closest to you.

Luke 14:28-30For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it; lest perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all those seeing begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish.

  ~ Budget, Budget, Budget!! I can not claim to be the know it all of finances, but this one seems like it's pretty basic knowledge. Granted I haven't chosen to utilize this knowledge at its best recently, but the knowledge is still there nonetheless. If you like many have never been taught how to budget I would suggest doing a web search. There are plenty of sites that not only provide wonderful info, but also offer budgeting tools. I would be cautious though for anything that requires payment, that might be an unnecessary cost.


Well I didn't have the intentions of giving a finance lesson. More so I just wanted to let anyone in on what has been going on with me as of late. I was pretty excited just now paying down size able amounts on some credit cards. Mostly I am excited to be getting myself to a place that is wholly focused on God, and what He wants for my life. I can not claim to have all the answers, but what I do have I give freely.


   

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Seeking Character

         Dictionary.com defines character as: The qualities that form the individual nature of a person or thing. Tommy Nelson describes character as 'things etched as deeply into a persons soul that they are lasting marks, not easily changed.'

         We all have character, some traits being more desirable than others. Meaning, we all can better ourselves. In the past year or so I have tried to make positive changes in myself. Some of those changes are in my character.

         I wouldn't want to give myself a false sense of self (character), or award myself with traits I don't actually possess. So I asked a few close friends to give me their top three character traits they can see in me. The first responded with determination, silliness, and positivity. The second: creativity, loyalty and determination. The third answered with: giving, forgiving and funny.

        I learned a little about myself. For one I didn't really see that I had determination. But if others (at least two people) can see it then I will own it! =) I know I am silly and I tend to think I am funny, but it is always a good feeling when others can appreciate those qualities. Like anyone I can get overwhelmed or frustrated, but I try to make the best of a situation, or see the best in people. I actively try to be positive. I have to say though my heart got joyful when I read that people see me as loyal, giving and forgiving.

       Forgiveness is something I have had to work on. Perhaps you've noticed in my prior posts. Forgiving is not something that comes easily for me.I do believe that forgiveness is probably the most important character trait anyone could ever have. Reason being; 1 John1:19 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." and Mark 11:25 "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins." - How can I expect (or even want) a God so Holy and perfect to forgive me when I, un-spotless/unclean/undeserving, can't/chooses not to forgive someone else?

       Loyalty just about as important. With loyalty comes trust and the respect. How can anyone trust someone who doesn't stick my their word? When you can't trust someone you'll never be able to respect them. In turn, if people can't trust you, you will never truly be respected.

       Lastly but not least, giving. I don't know many people (if any) who want to be known only as takers. Just like forgiveness, God first gave then we give. Giving comes in may forms; time, care, monetary, ect. Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words The Lord Himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

        I really rather like this list, but hope it doesn't end there. I don't think anyone could ever have to many good quality character traits on their list.

        All of this said I am currently in a life group that will be studying 'The Book of Romance' by Tommy Nelson. Tommy says (not verbatim) it is a requirement (for a happy and healthy relationship) that you must find someone who possesses good character traits. However, before we can expect it in others, we must first expect it ourselves.     So what are your character traits? What can I (any of us) better in my(our)selves?


          Seek your character, once you find it I hope it was worth looking for.

                                                   (Girl at Mirror by Norman Rockwell)