Sunday, January 31, 2016

C. S. Lewis








Allow me to introduce you to my absolute favorite writer! (Alongside Chuck Black.)
Clive Staples Lewis was born in 1898, and was called Jack by his friends. I just call him Lewis. I always thought it ironic that in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader he write, "There was a boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it." When Lewis' own name wasn't exactly catchy.

Here I want to share you some super interesting facts I've learned about Lewis. Along with my favorite quotes from his book and from the man himself. Because not only did Lewis write the fictional Narnia - he wrote Screwtape Letters, the Great Divorce, Mere Christianity and others.

Facts about the book!
  • At 15 Lewis was sent to England to study with a private tutor named W. T. Kirkpatrick. Lewis honored his tutor by naming a character Professor Kirk.
  • Lewis formed a club with a group of his friends, who all shared an interest in writing, called The Inklings. It was in this group that he met J. R.R. Tolkien.
  • Lewis got some of his inspiration for Aslan from his favorite book The Place of the Lion by Charles Williams.
  •  In 1939 Lewis began writing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. But ideas had been forming in his mind long before then. He was inspired by the myths his Irish nurse told him when he was little. The idea of a fawn carrying parcels was first concocted at the age of 16, and during World War II he had four children stay with him at his country house - stirring his imagination even more.
  • The Pevensies original names were to be Ann, Martin, Rose, and Peter. Instead of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. (That seems to hard to imagine) 
  • 10 years later, in 1949, Lewis completes The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. 
  • In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The island where nightmares come true was based off of Lewis' lifelong struggle against nightmares. 
  • Lewis did all his writing with a pen because he never learned to type. One reason was because of the clumsiness caused by Lewis’s only having one joint in his thumbs’ preventing him from using a typewriter properly. Yet, it wasn’t just his thumbs keeping him from the typewriter, he chose not to type. “This mechanical mode of writing”, he believed, “interfered with the creative process in that the incessant clacking of the typewriter keys dulled the writer’s appreciation of the rhythms and cadences of the English language.”
  • Aslan is Turkish for Lion
 Now, I'm hoping I'm not alone in saying I LOVED the Narnia movies as well as the books. So there are a few funny facts about the movies I thought I'd share.
  •  alt tag goes here During the production on the LtWatW, Edmund's voice was cracking. His older sister actually had to do some voice over work to make up for her brother's puberty troubles.
  • Did you know that this is actually Georgie's older sister playing the adult version of Lucy? The older version of Queen Lucy is actually played by Georgie's (Lucy) older sister.
  •  Most awesome part of this movie. I instantly noticed he did this because it's called Horse Vaulting. And since I did the same thing I decided I must be Narnian! Peter completes a perfect Vaulting mount. (Not something to take lightly.) Caspian later says in the behind the scenes, "I tried to do it and....I just can't." Peter insisted on doing all his own stunt work.
  • Aw. Ben's looking after the little guys. Warwick (Nickabrick) Would continually get lost because he was so short. So Ben (Caspian) took it upon himself to watch over his little buddy.
  • I was just watching Prince Caspian and realized that in the first scene in Prince Caspian, Caspian escapes his home in the castle through a WARDROBE. This shot is exactly the same as the one of Lucy in LWW. The Narnia nerd in me loves this.: When Caspian goes through his wardrobe, following his tutor, he stops and peeks back out to watch what happens. This is the exact same thing Lucy does as she's watching the door to see if Peter comes in. Peter also does it when all four of the Pevensies go into the wardrobe.
  • Aslan e LĂșcia *-*: In the scenes where Lucy his hugging/petting Aslan, she was fondling either a stuffed animal of the directors elbow.
  •  
  • ....Did not know that....creepy.......:  
  • Lucy sees Mr.Tumnus for the first time…funny fact: I read in an interview with Georgie Henley where she said that this scene was the really the first time she had seen James McAvoy in costume and it genuinely startled her.: When Lucy is exploring the lamppost Tumnus comes upon her. This was the first time Lucy had seen him in costume so she actually shrieked in terror.
  •  Narnia Lucy was brought onto the set of the lamppost blindfolded. So the wonder on her face as she looks around is completely genuine. She is exploring Narnia here for the first time.
  • The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian I know it strayed from the book, but I loved this movie! :D: Around this time and when they are all talking at the edge of the River Rush, Edmund turns a corner and runs into a metal pole. He get's a good fat lip from it, which you can see him trying to suck in whenever they are doing a close up.
  •  Lucy Pevensie and Trumpkin: The scowl on Trumpkin's face was prosthetic. But because it looked so real it would trip the director out. "I couldn't understand why he was frowning at me." The director said. "Finally I asked him if something was wrong. He just waves his hand over his face and says, 'it's not real.' "
Favorite Quotes!!

 alt tag goes here      CS Lewis, Narnia Quote on 12x12 ceramic tile with wall mount
 alt tag goes here         Petite Modern Life // Aslan Quote// Free Printable
alt tag goes here          Since it is so likely children will meet cruel enemies... #quotes #authors #writers:
alt tag goes here
 OK..That's a little gross.           The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader is one of my favorites.
How many times have we cried for Him and He gave us strength?:       
 Love this quote...I just had to repin it! And I love Reepicheep too!:
Aslan.:         OH MY GOSH!! I love this speech so much. Puddleglum from the Silver Chair says it to the witch when she's trying to enchant them. It's always stuck with me! *grins*:
This is why CS Lewis and Tolkien were friends... they saw the same Truth.:               Yes. I would take tea with Lucy and Tumnus:
~The magician's nephew~:            Anna Beane - Google+ @Anna's Narnia Edits:
alt tag goes here         oh. my. goodness! this is the ending to the chronicles of narnia! it is in the last battle! i LOVE this ending!!



Thursday, January 28, 2016

Biblical burger







Sorry for the picture. But I need it to illustrate my point. :) This is a topic that has held me captive and attentive in all my bible reading.
Have you ever heard of the word Chiasm? Yeah, I hadn't either.

A Chiastic structure is something that can be found throughout the bible, spanning through just one verse or all the way through several chapters!
Chiasm: A Chaism is a repetition of similar ideas in a reverse sequence.
Sooo, why the burger? Think about it this way. There are two verses on the top and bottom that correspond with each other. Those are the buns of the burger. Now lets say two more verses in the center correspond with each other. They are the Cheese. Finally you get to the meat. This is the part that the other verses are leading up to. It is the main point that the bible is trying to get at.
Let me give you an example.
In Matthew 23:12


Parts A are the bun and parts B are the meat. The main point is that we must humble ourselves. Pride never got anybody anywhere good. Matthew 20:16.
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

But that would be a small burger. Here's one I found during my bible reading. In John 20:19-21 it says,
19:Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."
20: When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21:So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." 

Think you can find the Chiasm? I'll give you a little tip. Look for things that are the same....The point that caught my eye was the two times Jesus says, "Peace." Suddenly is popped out.

19:Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, A:"Peace be with you."
   B: When He had said this, 
      C: He showed them His hands and His side.
          D: Then the disciples were glad
      C: When they saw the Lord. 

    B: Then Jesus said to them again,
A: Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
       
Do you see the build up here. The main point is the joy the disciples felt when they saw that this really was their Master, Teacher and Lord before them! Imagine somebody you love, who has died, coming back from the dead. I would be overjoyed if my grandpa came back. These Chiasm things can be found almost anywhere in the bible. Once you are familiar with them, they will pop out at you! 
Here are a few places where you can test your skills.
Col 3:3-4
Luke 16:13
 Gen 11:1-9
1 Peter 3:16 - 4:5
Gen 24: 46-54


Good luck!!

Friday, January 22, 2016

Peanut Butter Cups!!



Who doesn't love an amazing Peanut Butter Cup? Ff you said "me" then you can stop reading now...
Ok so here is another great recipe to get off the sweet craving. I make a big batch of these, pop them in freezer, and eat one whenever I get the pull for something sugary. Plus this is ridiculously easy and fast.

Skinny Chocolate.
The first part of the recipe is making some skinny chocolate.
1/4 c cocoa powder.
1/2 c coconut oil, melted.
sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or stevia if you have it. I prefer Honey of Maple syrup because stevia tends to give it a weird twang. But if you are used to that then by all means use it.
Now mix all the ingredients together and you have skinny chocolate.

Peanut Butter filling.
1/2 c peanut butter. (Try to get a kind that doesn't have sugar already in it.)
1/2 c coconut oil.
1/2 tsp vanilla.
Now a little honey to taste.
Throw the ingredients in a bowl and mix.

Directions.
Using an ice cube tray, pour in a 1/2 inch layer of skinny chocolate into all the containers. Freeze until solid. While it's freezing you can prepare the Peanut Butter filling.
Once the chocolate is frozen, pour in the Peanut Butter filling. Depending on your taste, I love TONS of peanut butter in mine,but some may not like that. Add as much as you want or as little was you want. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze until the Peanut Butter is hard.
Add another layer of chocolate on top, freeze till hard, and eat!

Lazy Day Way.
There will be a day when you just want to make these and eat them. I totally get it. For that, you just freeze a good layer of chocolate in the bottom of your ice cube tray. Once that's hard you add the Peanut Butter and freeze. Aaaannnnddd.....Done!
 
 

Monday, January 18, 2016

Thin Mints






Paleo Thin Mints - Oh my goodness!:
I promised I would post some of my favorite recipes. This is my top favorite!!!!
Who can resist the amazing Girl Scout cookies? Let's be honest. Nothing beats a good Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie. In fact....Nothing beats a good BOX of Girl Scout Thin Mint CookieS. (Add that S there.)
Now, don't let the word Paleo scare you off. Because without the grain in these you wont have gut wrench laying on the couch for the rest of the day. And it has the fabulous Coconut Oil! (Two thumbs up!)
P.S Some of the ingredients may sound weird, but you can find them at any grocery store.

Yeilds: 60 cookies.
Dry Ingredients
 1 1/4 c almond flour.
1/2 c coconut flour, sifted. (It's easier if you just whisk it to remove any lumps.)
2 TBSP arrowroot starch.
1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder. (Who decided there would be an A at the end of that word?)
1/4 tsp salt.

Wet Ingredients
1/2 c maple syrup.
1 large egg
1/2 tsp peppermint extract.
1/4 c coconut oil, melted.

Coating
1 c dark chocolate chips.
1/2 tsp peppermint extract.

Ingredients

  1. Place the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
  2. Add the wet ingredients, except the coconut oil, to the dry. Blend with a hand mixer.
  3. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the coconut oil. Mix well.
  4. Place the dough on a large sheet of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap as a guide, shape the dough into a 1¾-inch diameter log. (You can divide the dough into thirds to make it easier.) Wrap tightly and freeze until very firm, about 2 hours.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  6. Remove dough from the freezer and slice into ¼-inch-thick rounds.
  7. Place the rounds on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 12-14 minutes, rotating trays part way, or until centers are firm to the touch and the edges start to brown slightly.
  8. Remove trays from oven. Remove cookies from trays and cool completely on wire racks.
  9. Meanwhile, melt the coating ingredients in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
  10. Using 2 forks, dip each cookie in the chocolate coating, scraping off any excess along the edge of the bowl. (If there is such a thing as excess chocolate!)
  11. Return cookies to the parchment-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until chocolate sets, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days, or in the freezer up to 3 months.
 Now cram as many cookies in your mouth and say Delicious!










Saturday, January 16, 2016

Wow is too long. Beautiful is too short.








What's the first thing you say when you see something like this? "Wow"? "Beautiful"? "Amazing"?
Honestly I just stand there with my mouth open like a silly doofes. Because words simply can't express how outstanding this is to me. It's just stunning! (nope doesn't cut it.) Check this video out.

Now how do you feel? For me I felt pretty.....small......just tiny. I suddenly realized just how small I was in this huge universe. And God is bigger than all of this! Why would such a magnificent God be concerned about such a insignificant person such as I?
But that's not the case. God created me. He created everything about me. He decided my dark, thick brown hair, nearly black eyes, pixie nose, and even the birthmark on my shoulder. He decided my talents for music, drawing, crafts and animals. And He chose everything about you. He decided what kinds of foods you would like, the way you laugh, what skin color you have, all the way down to how many hairs you have on your head. He took the time and love to make a unique person called, you.
What he can't decide, is what you do with your life. 
God didn't create us to be puppets on a string. He made us with freewill. We need to choose what to do with our life. 
I try to stay connected to God by praying and reading my bible. Some days I'm more into it than others. Some days I don't even want to read my bible at all. I have other things I need to do. God will understand right? But what does God say?
Matthew 6:33 
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
No matter what God must come first. He created us and gave us everything we have. The very least we can do is spend time learning about him.  Check this out. It sent me spinning.
 
 
I love this guy! He makes it so clear. If you haven't read his book Crazy Love, than you should. I love it!!!!
Your relationship with God depends on your attitude towards Him. And....for the longest time I didn't get that. Yes I prayed, sure I read my bible, and yes I love God with my heart.
                                                                       That changed.
I've read through the bible 8 times in the last 4 years. I never thought I would be able to do that. What changed? How did I get into this? Well....it's partially because I got challenged by my mom to do a 90 day bible challenge. My mom didn't think I could do it and I was out to prove her wrong. What started as a pride issue, ended with something totally different. When I finished the bible I thought, "Wow. That was cool. But reading through that fast, I'm sure I missed some stuff. I'll read it again slower so I can glean out as much as I can." That's when I did a Chronological plan over the next 6 months. After that it was a part of me. I was used to waking up and reading my bible first thing. It became a habit, setting my mood for the rest of the day. And you know what. I find something new ever single time I read the bible. I find myself realizing how important God treats His Word. He wants us to live by it. But we can only live by it if we know it.
Reading the bible so many times also gave me a new perspective on prayer. For me prayer used to be that little way to ask God for the things I needed. And throw in a few "thank you's" so make Him happy.
Have you ever read the prayers in the bible? Just check out Psalms. The very last Psalm, Psalm 150 goes,
 Praise the Lord.[a]
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
It's like poetry. When David composes those Psalms, he's trying his best to express his wonder and joy at the Creator. His relationship is so intimate, that he praises God with everything he has. His soul is singing out. That's why the angels sang, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty." Because just one Holy isn't enough. If you were to say Holy 100,000,000 times it wouldn't be enough! God's magnificence can't be exaggerated. That's when I got it. Suddenly I wanted to sing out praises to God. The feeling was so overwhelming that simply saying, "You are wonderful God." didn't do a thing. I wanted to praise God like David did. After reading the Psalms so many times I knew how he did that. So I started praising God like David did. And it felt so good. I praised God until I couldn't find anymore words. I was left with a feeling of love and felt truly close to God. After that I wanted more. I wanted more of God.
 I'll never be perfect. Only Jesus can be that. But I wanted to please God. If I died right now I want to hear God say, "Well done."
                   And I'm going to live my life for those two words.
What are you going to live for?

















Tuesday, January 12, 2016

"I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts, dedili dedili."


Please tell me you know that song!!!!! :)
What do you imagine when you hear Coconut? Probably a sunny Hawaiian beach with crystal blue waters and tall palm trees. (OK time to exit happy place.)

Coconut has more than one way to be eaten.
#1You can eat it just as it is.
#2 Just drinking the milk.
#3 The cream.
#4 using the oil. And that is what I want to talk about.

Coconut oil is 90% saturated fat. Now, that would be enough to make nearly any teen start screaming. But these aren't the same fats that you mostly consume from other foods. Those are long chain fatty acids that must be broken down before they can be absorbed. Coconut oil is high in short and medium chain fatty acids(MCFA's), which are easily digested and sent right to the liver for energy production. No fat added to the body!

 MCFAs can help increase metabolism since they are sent directly to the liver and give the body an instant source of energy. Most of the MCFAs  in coconut oil are the highly beneficial Lauric Acid.

Lauric Acid is extremely helpful in fighting viruses and disease. It has also been shown to to be preventative against some cancers. Because what you eat now affects what happens down the road. It's better to eat healthy now, before the trouble starts. Rather than after and then have the problem. 
 
Saturated fats in foods such as butter, meats, avocados, and coconut oil are absolutely needed to help your body function. Combine this with a low grain diet and you will find that your skin will tan better, acne will get better, Sugar cravings will go down, and you will sleep much better!
Coconut oil can be used in many recipes. And because it's so nutrient dense it will fill you up super fast! Be really sure you don't eat too much because you will regret it later.

Now, most recipes you find with coconut oil won't be the sugery cookies that you might be used to eating. But because it has all the nutrients your body needs, it will help stop that craving for cookies. It takes several days to ease off the sweet tooth and get used to natural candy like fruit and honey.
It's really good to have at least a tablespoon of coconut oil a day. Now, I don't like eating coconut oil by itself. So I usually make something that has coconut oil in it. I'll follow this post up with some of my favorite recipes!
And don't forget. The coconut oil needs to be organic!








Sunday, January 10, 2016

Negative x Negative = Posative?



Uh oh. I think we all know what this is. Depending on how good you are with numbers, Algebra can be a thorn in the side. The thing that always threw me off the map was when it came to Negatives and Positives. Why would a Negative X a Negative = a Positive!?
One thing I know, that sure doesn't happen in real life. It's a lot easier to find negative things to say when you're feeling grumpy. And when one person starts ringing the Sour Alarm, more people get sucked down. Hence the saying, "One bad apple spoils the whole barrel."
Have you ever had somebody come up to you and show something they worked on and asked for your opinion? Let's say you had a frustrating time with Algebra today.(Perfectly realistic thing.) There was just that one problem that you could not figure out and it just made you mad. What do you think your response is going to be to anybody? You'll probably say something negative, or you may not reply at all - because those frustrating numbers are still taunting you in your mind. You'll just shrug and pretend to be busy with something else. What will that do to the sibling? It will put them down.  A Negative X a Positive = a Negative. Algebra got it there.
Now you've just infected that person with the Negative bug. So now that crushed sibling goes off and the pain festers. Sibling #1 is now walking around with the Negative bug. But here comes skipping little sibling #2. She's just seen the coolest butterfly and she can't wait to tell sibling #1 about it. When sibling #2 excitedly tells Sibling #1 about the butterfly, he's not really in the mood to talk about that. So he brushes her off, leaving a heavy does of Negative behind, infecting sibling #2. What's started now? A massive Negative break out!!
But it doesn't have to be this way. There is a way to stop this. That's where Ephesians 4:29 comes in.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
It's important to realize that everything we say has an affect upon the person we say it too.Your words can be a huge game changer for the whole day. It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. :)
So what about that argument you have with your sibling? How do you go about solving that? Your sibling is just driving you crazy! Pushing every one of your buttons and you are standing toe to toe with them, eyes blazing and words flying.
What if Jesus was standing right behind you sibling, listening to everything you said? His eyes are filled with tears and their pleading with you to be kind. Do you think that might change something?  Why? 
Sometimes it's easy to think, "Jesus you don't understand! He's driving my crazy! There's no other way to deal with him." What do you think Jesus would say? 
Proverbs 15:1 would probably be the first thing that He would bring up.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I challenge you to try this. It takes a two people to start an argument. You can't argue with yourself. And when you get to a point where you don't know what to do....Just don't sin.
Jesus wants us to be like Him in all that we do. So the next time you get in an argument, it might help to think of Jesus standing behind your sibling. He wants us to build each other up, not tear each other down.
This wont help you with Algebra. (I suggest a calculator for that.) But it can help change the flow of an argument.

P.S Here's a cool fact. Anger and stress can majorly affect your sleep. (And for a teenager, that affects a lot.)
Cool fact #2. Laughing releases toxins that build up in your body. This helps boost your immune system and health! 
Go figure right? The very thing Jesus wants us to do is beneficial, not only to our relationship with Him and our family, but also for our own health!










Saturday, January 9, 2016

Honey Bucket.


If you are a teen then you have memorized the word Acne. Ooooh yes. Those little painful dots that pop out just when you don't want them too! Here are a few fast facts on that dreaded teenager dilemma, and how to actually conquer it!

Acne is a disease that affects the skin’s oil glands. The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows. And yes they hurt!

I recently discovered my Acne weapon, and it's sweet! (Pun intended) The best thing I've discovered is Honey. Now I'm not talking about the honey in the bear. This has to be raw/ unfiltered/ unpasteurized honey. Any of those titles work. But All-Natural means ziltch, nada, nothing!!! Here's why.
When they say All-Natural, that just means the bees haven't been fed a bunch of artificial junk food. But when is says Raw, that means is hasn't been heated. All-Natural honey is heated to make sure it remains in its liquidy form and it kills anything that might be in it, including anything good. Raw honey still has all that good stuff in it.

The reason I use Raw honey is because it washes off any dirt or impurities without taking away the natural and protective oils your skin creates on it's own. Soaps and cleansers do clean your face, but they strip the skin of it's oils, which causes your skin to burst out and make more oil. And that, we all know, creates Zits!
Raw honey also as natural antibacterial and probiotic properties which effectively reduce breakout and prevent new acne from forming. Those properties are lost in All-Natural honey because it gets heated.
Raw honey moisturizes dry skin and balances oily skin, so it's perfect for anybody. Not to mention that one bottle will last you forever! So it's cheaper too!

To use this powerful weapon, simply take a finger-size glob of honey and smear it on your face. (I suggest pinning your hair out of the way because it can get messy.) If that isn't enough to cover your face than just get more! It doesn't have to be a thick coat, if you do than you'll have honey running down your neck. Not fun! Leave on the honey mask for 10-20 minutes. (Just smile and let people laugh. I offered to let my little brother lick my nose! And I quickly got the nick name Honey Bucket.) Gently wash off with a soft towel and warm water, patting dry. I've been using this for a week and haven't gotten a new zit!

Here are a few other Acne tips that I do.
Acne can be fought internally as much as externally. By changing your diet you can really make a difference. Check out this website to learn more.
I try to shower every three days. (Any more and my hair dries out.) So when I shower I take some Redmond Clay Facial Mud and rub it in between my eyes and all over my nose. Click here to see where I get it. This stuff helps draw out the gunk that get's stuck in open pores. (Black heads. Another teenager enemy.) Now for some people they shower everyday and that's great for them, more power to ya. I was never a big shower person so that's just me. But for the everyday shower people, I do NOT suggest using this everyday. There is such a thing as to-much-of-a-good-thing. Just do it every-other day, or every three days.
Another huge thing is coconut oil. I LOVE this stuff!!!! It is a great moisturizer and can heal any acne scars you might have. It also prevents acne from breaking out, like honey. Check Here for more ways to use it. But the same thing applies here. I don't suggest using it every day because To-much-of-a-good-thing is a bad thing. It can start making your skin over oily, having the opposite affect and causing acne. So I use this after I use the facial mud and just leave it on till it rubs off. (Usually overnight.)
Good luck with the acne battle! ;)









Thursday, January 7, 2016

Having A Successful Life


Chokmah: pronounced Holk-Ma. The Hebrew word for Wisdom.
In the Psalms Wisdom was the art of living life skillfully. So what does that mean? What does it mean to live life skillfully?
Kishron: Pronounced like it looks - Kish- Ron. The Hebrew word for Skill.
Skill was otherwise known as success. To have skill was to have success. Just like a guitar player needs skill in order to play a song successfully.

Wisdom helps us live our lives successfully. What does success mean to you? Having a big house? Lots of money? Comfort? What about  having an ultimate relationship with God and doing everything you can to please Him? Is that on your list?
When God asked Solomon what he wanted in 1 Kings 3:4-15, Solomon could have asked for anything. This wasn't a game of Gene in the bottle- where there were some limitations. This was a question from God, the creator of the universe, for ANYTHING! What was Solomon's reaction? Did He say, "Oooo boy. That's a tough one God. Let me sleep on it and I'll get back to you. There's just so many I can't choose." Or "Well do I only get one? What about two, can we go with two?" No. He instantly knew what he wanted. He wanted to be a successful king. To be a successful king he would need Wisdom. That request pleased God and he gave Solomon more than just Wisdom.(see 2 Chronicles 9:13-29) Solomon used his wisdom to follow God and lead his people in the paths of righteousness, bringing success to his kingdom.
Our desire should be to have Wisdom so that we may please God in everything we do. All of our actions should be pleasing to Him. If all we strive to do is please God than when we accomplish that we are living a successful life.
In the bible and through the teachings of other Christians we can learn Wisdom. The whole Proverbs is Solomon teaching his son - telling him to heed Wisdom in everything. 
I learn so many things from my mom about cooking, house keeping, and nutrition. Now how do these things please God? Well, I'm learning how to use the food that God gave me to feed my family. I'm learning how to care for the things that God put in my life. And I'm learning how to take care of the body God gave me. All those things are pleasing to God.
So how can you please God in your everyday life? Honestly, it can be as easy as not grumbling when your mom tells you to take out the trash. Because God says we should do all things as unto Him.

With this blog I want to share the Wisdom and Skill that I've learned through the bible and the things my mom has taught me. Cool bible facts, yummy recipes, beauty tips, and encouraging talks are just some of the things I'll be writing about!