Image courtesy of the volunteer photographers for Pixabay.
Scripture Reference - Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 28:18 Politics is another one of those touchy issues that we tend to avoid, but it needs to be talked about. The current headlines in the news have many of us wondering where God is in all of this, but I can assure you, He knows and He is in charge. Paul reminds us in the book of Romans that no matter who is in your nation's political headquarters, God is the one who put them there. They are there for a reason. As we have seen countless times in the Bible, many politicians and leaders fulfilled prophecy. Some led God's people righteously. Regardless, we should never question what God has set up. There are two things that we can do to be involved with our politicians: 1) Stand behind godly leaders. King David said in the Psalms, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"; I really feel like this can definitely apply to us today. Leaders that follow biblical guidance will always bring us to a better way. 2) Pray for the corrupt leaders. It's very important that we do not give up on praying for them. Pray that they will have a divine experience like that of Paul on the road to Damascus, that their eyes may be opened. It's never, ever too late for anyone until their last breath. We may not like what's going on or what kind of laws they're trying to pass. But God has said in His Word that we are to obey the laws of the land. If it goes against His Word, always do what God says first. Jesus told us, in Matthew's Gospel account, that he ultimately has all authority. It doesn't matter who the president is, who the monarch is, or who the prime minister is; Jesus Christ is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He's the one we will answer to when He comes again. This is the last post in the "What The Bible Says About..." series. I truly hope you learned something from it, and I pray you'll continue to grow in the Word of God, even when the lessons are difficult to swallow.
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Above image courtesy of the volunteer photographers for Pixabay.
Scripture Reference - Leviticus 19:34 Author's Note: This was a very hard post to write. I had to speak out on behalf of those who are being wrongfully hurt. I believe that everyone should be mindful of how they treat foreigners and strangers. The past few months have been heart-wrenching for me. Images on the news force me to watch as innocent people are being kicked out of what is supposed to be a welcoming nation. Children are being ripped from their mothers' arms as "punishment" for wanting to make safe passage. We treat foreigners worse than our own criminals! What does God have to say about all this? Our verse in the Old Testament very much applies to us today. We are to treat foreigners the same as we would our neighbor across the street. They do not deserve the violence and ill-treatment. How are we, as Christians, supposed to teach these poor people the loving Gospel of Christ when we want to send them back to a place they are more than likely trying to escape? How many of us are willing to cross our own border, go to these impoverished places, and sit down with these people with a Bible? Yes, there are those who want a hand-out. Yes there are those who want to be here for free. Yes there may be a string of violent men that only mean harm. But our Bible clearly teaches us that they are human just as we are. They deserve as much of a chance at freedom as anyone. How dare we think of ourselves as better than they are? How dare we trample them with our "holier-than-thou" feet? Reader, we are supposed to love our fellow man. That's all that Jesus asks of us is to love one another. He died for ALL of us; not for a specific group of people. We will never see true unity in our world until we put aside our preconceptions about certain people. God looks down on humanity right now and pleads with us to just simply love one another and to have compassion on then. He ends today's verse with a powerful statement, "I am the LORD your God." Do we really believe that? Do we really trust Him as our Lord and our God? Then quit being afraid of strangers and show them Jesus! Above image courtesy of the volunteer photographers for Pixabay.
Disclaimer: I am a professional skincare therapist and practicing makeup artist. I am fully licensed to give you this advice. Choosing the right foundation can be daunting, but it's super easy once you figure out the key factors that will influence your decision. For some people, it's all about trial and error, and that's where these tips will come in handy. Ask yourself these questions as you are considering your options. 1) What kind of finish do I want? This means that you're either going to want a dewy look, a matte look, or something somewhere in between. A dewy foundation will give you a healthy glow (the wrong one will make you look like a greasy hot mess). The matte looks do not give off any shine and are perfect for oily skin. Matte foundations also lean towards the more full coverage spectrum. There are also finishes that are neither of these; usually they are categorized as a satin finish. Satin finishes are popular right now because they are comfortable to wear and last a little longer than a regular formula. 2) What's my skin type? In order to choose the right foundation, you should also be considering your skin type. The four skin types are: - oily - dry - combination - mature/aging Here are a few pointers when looking at your skin type: - If you are oily, you are more than likely going to want a matte or satin finish. These formulas will reduce the appearance of pores and soak up any excess oil that your skin may be producing. Some formulas have skincare benefits that will actually tackle the root of the issue. - People with dry skin may want to look at dewy foundations. Although dewy formulas are often light to medium coverage, they still provide you with a healthy appearance. Full coverage formulas are out there; you may just have to dig a little deeper and do some research. - Combination skin types are pretty tricky. Since I personally have combo skin, I like to mix my foundations; little bit of matte and a little bit of dewy or satin, and I still have a perfectly healthy glow without looking weird. - Mature or aging skin will most definitely require a hydrating formula because this type will not retain moisture as well as it used to. Try to choose something with skincare benefits such as hydration and anti-aging; hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient these days. 3) What is my skin tone? Most cosmetic companies categorize their shades into fair, medium, and deep shades. They are also categorized into undertones such as yellow, pink, or neutral. Looking at your personal shade and undertone can either make or break your entire makeup look, so look at it very carefully. If you have the cash to spare, you can go to a makeup counter where they can shade match for you. Places such as Ulta, Sephora, and Target will allow you to swatch products as well. 4) What is my price range? Believe it or not, how much money you are willing to spend plays an important role. You can find a quality foundation anywhere, but make sure your wallet agrees with your purchase. If you've got a car payment coming up, I'd advise against buying that $150 formula. Spend your money wisely and splurge where you can. Question of the day: What is your favorite foundation? I hope these tips were helpful and I hope you'll come back for more beauty and lifestyle tips very soon! Don't forget that I post on Thursdays at 10am and Sundays at 2pm. Image courtesy of the volunteer photographers for Pixabay.
Scripture References - 1 Timothy 6:10; Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9 Yikes, you may be saying. You also may be thinking, "Hey I thought this blog was about being uplifting and inspiring!" Of course it is, but it's also about putting the truth out there. Money is a touchy subject to discuss amongst Christians nowadays, but we need to be reminded of what the Bible says about how we are to handle what we are blessed with monetarily. The verse in 1 Timothy is often misquoted by saying that money itself is the root of all evil. If that were the case, how are we supposed to survive? It is the LOVE of money that gets us all fouled up. When we start worshiping that dollar bill, God calls it an idol. When we start with-holding ten percent of our paycheck, Malachi sternly warns us that we are actually stealing from God. The writer of Proverbs commands us to make sure we give God our very best; not just the leftovers. If you are one of those fortunate people with a job, no matter how meager the pay or how terrible management is, I hope you are thanking God by giving back a small portion of what you make. One excuse that people make all the time is, "Well I can't afford to give this week. I've got a bill that needs to be paid." Understandable, but you can't afford to not give either. I've seen firsthand what happens when you stop giving what God requires of us and it's not very pretty. Remember that your money is not yours. People say, "That money is mine; I earned it and I'll do whatever I want with it". That's a really bad mindset. God gave you that job; God gave you that money. He trusts you to make wise decisions. Don't waste it on meaningless things like the prodigal son. Always make sure you give God your very best, and you'll get a blessing every time. The blessing may not be another paycheck, but you can always be sure you'll be recompensed. Today I am going to share with you four of my favorite devotionals that I have been enjoying. Let me know some of your favorites and I may check them out! Disclaimer: This is not sponsored or recognized by any author or brand. All images were taken by me from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Hope For Each Day by Billy Graham was my very first devotional. I received it at a very young age as a gift from my grandmother, and I've grown to love the Lord through its pages. Billy Graham beautifully writes a short message for each day to strengthen our walk with God. It's great for when you are in a pinch for time, but you still have to get the Word of God in your system before starting the day. InTouch magazine is a daily devotional mailed out every month from the ministry of Charles Stanley. You've probably seen and/or heard me talk about this many times. Pastor Stanley goes into great detail in his devotionals as to what God says in His Word. The devotionals are accompanied by a space underneath where you are encouraged to take notes. An in-depth Bible study is included at the end of the magazine, usually dated for the 18th of every month. It also has encouraging stories from people who were influenced by the ministry. The messages are practical and relevant for anyone who wants to know God more. These devotionals are also available online, and both mailed and online options are free. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw Jesus Calling featured recently. It is a gorgeous daily devotional that gives the impression that Jesus Himself is speaking to you. Christ gives you a loving word to keep you going for the rest of the day. This devotional is unique because it seems as though He is personally reaching out, and all you have to do is heed His Word. Jesus Calling has other publications made for different audiences, including children and those that enjoy devotionals morning and evening. If you are tech savvy, you are in for a real treat because it is available as an app on many devices. A chapter a day in this book will surely change the way you serve the Lord. A Faith That Is Real is a Bible study in the book of James. The author gives real and practical advice for the Christian that doubts his or her faith is genuine. It constantly asks you to examine every area of your life and to repent of anything that you're doing that goes against God's Word. This book, funny enough, was one of my textbooks when I was homeschooled. We were encouraged to read this as well as other material and I've been blessed to be able to share what I've learned from it.
What are some of your favorite devotionals? How do you spend your quiet time with God? Let me know! Above image courtesy of the volunteer photographers for Pixabay.
Scripture References - 3 John1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 12:2 Common sense should tell us that taking care of our bodies physically and mentally is important for our well-being, but how many of us actually prioritize it? The Bible tells us that we cannot do the work of God if we are not taking care of ourselves. Neglecting it can cause us to get cranky, feel horrible, and forget that we are God's children; who else has woken up with no time to spend in the Bible first thing? I have! The point that I just made about waking up with no time is only one of the terrible outcomes of neglecting our physical health. Making sure we get enough sleep is vital; of course you have your coffee to perk you up, but let's not completely rely on it. God blessed us with the night hours to recharge so that we can be energetic about His work the next day. Another way to care for our physical health is to take advantage of healthy eating. This doesn't mean you are to restrict yourself to lettuce and water or the latest edition of the Daniel Diet. Reward yourself when you've reached a goal! Keep in mind that the garden of Eden did not have the luxury of fast food or a stove. Adam and Eve reached out for fresh fruits and vegetables, and so should we! One other important aspect of physical health is to make sure we get enough exercise. Sure, we get up and stretch in the mornings but do we make an effort to do something extra? Rest assured, a gym membership is not required. Sometimes all we need is a pair of running shoes and a sunny day! Just make sure you get that exercise in. My personal favorite way to stay active is weight training and yoga. Moving on to mental health, we must understand that this is not talked about enough. There's become a stigma surrounding mental health that those who suffer from disorders are afraid to come out about it. Recent events in the celebrity world tell us that nobody is immune to these things. As Christians, we are to show people that Christ can help carry that heavy load. We can point them to the hope that shines in Scripture all the way from Genesis to Revelation. With that being said, how can we stay on top of our mental health? Disclaimer: I am not a therapist or specialist. These are my tips that have personally helped me, and God has led me to share them with you. Journal. Utilizing a journal will help ground your thoughts and once you have pinned what you feel, you may be able to think clearer and find a pattern or root. Let me share a tiny secret: a journaling Bible would be great for the Christian struggling with mental health. Get creative. Find something that involves your mind and your hands. Distracting yourself from destructive thoughts is the best thing you can do; I recently took up crochet; I am also a musician, beauty geek, and a freelance writer. Find whatever sparks your creativity and flow with it. Study the Scriptures. When it comes to mental health, the Bible is full of answers and support. Take King David for example; even he "journaled" his thoughts in the book of Psalms. After carefully considering what the Bible says about it, pray and ask God to help you apply it to your life and to protect you from the lies of the devil. I know this was a rather long post; I generally try to stay short and sweet but this really needed to be talked about. If you struggle with mental illness, please know there is a God that loves you and He cares. Know that I care as well, and I am praying for you. Never hesitate to send a note my way if you'd like prayer or a kind word. As one of my role models always says, "Always Keep Fighting". Above image taken from a Baptist Hymnal that I personally own. If you'd like more information about it, feel free to contact me.
All throughout the Old Testament, God emphasized the importance of the blood sacrifice. Can you imagine how many animals were slaughtered to appease a seemingly distant, wrathful God? But there was a reason; these animals...these sacrifices...were a shadow of the Ultimate Sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. He became a lamb and gave Himself so that we would no longer be bound by the law. Our song for this week reminds us that no matter how much good we've done, no matter how many prayers we pray, and no matter how righteous we think we are, only the blood can save us. So many people think that church membership and tithing will save them. Too many people are sitting in pews every Sunday bound for a terrible place called hell. I know that isn't a popular subject nowadays, but if you want to get biblical...if you want the truth...there you have it. We need to get back to the basic truth that the blood of Jesus is our "hope and peace". We need to hear more people praying "For my pardon this I plea...nothing but the blood!" Once we get back to the cross...once we get back to the Bible...we will never, ever see a change in our world. Nothing but the blood folks. Nothing. But. The. Blood. Above image courtesy of the volunteer photographers for Pixabay.
We are all familiar with the term "signature look". Kim Kardashian is known for her "signature" nude smokey eye, beauty guru Jaclyn Hill is known for her "signature" warm looks, and the list goes on. So how can you come up with your own? How can you be the inspiration instead of constantly looking for inspiration (which by the way there is absolutely nothing wrong with)? - Funny enough, my very first tip is to get inspired. There is no rule that says you can't take inspiration from your favorite models or beautubers. Recently, some of my looks come from some of the no-makeup makeup tutorials that are abundant on YouTube right now. Find yourself two or three people that you'd like to recreate and roll with it. - Choose your favorite colors. Often, our signature looks stem from favorite colors such as the classic black. Make it pop with your favorite blue or pink. A simple dash of color on the lower lash line can make a world of a difference, and can turn a boring day-time look into something that every makeup lover will enjoy. - Experiment. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut with the same ol' "oh I'm just going to define the crease and add a lipgloss", but we forget that we have so many more options to play around with. Last year, I was half-way successful with a cut-crease on my hooded lids. But I never would have improved on it if I didn't experiment to begin with. All it takes is trying one time and you never know, you might end up creating the next trend! Got any tips? Do you have a signature look? Tell me all about it either in the comments below or on Facebook! Above image was taken from a Baptist Hymnal that I own. If you'd like more information, feel free to contact me.
Oftentimes we enjoy sitting back and thinking about God as our loving Father and Savior. We love to ponder His tender love and mercy. But do we ever stop to think that He is holy and all-powerful? Today's hymn delights in proclaiming the holiness and sovereignty of God. It paints a beautiful picture of heavenly beings bowing around the throne. One may wonder if the writer of the hymn wanted to echo the words of the saints in the book of Revelation. How wonderful it is that one day, if you are saved and washed in the blood of the Lamb, you will experience heaven for yourself. You will be in the very presence of God Himself, and you will see Him face to face. Part of the salvation plan is recognizing the fact that sinful creatures such as ourselves cannot dwell in unity with the holiness of God. We must become holy as He is holy, as the Bible puts it. We must see God for who He truly is. I challenge you this week to meditate on this attribute. It will be a blessing, and perhaps you can share what you've learned with someone else. |
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