Accepting Unjust Criticism with Grace

Originally posted at Keturah's Korner 

How can one use criticism to grow instead of break down and feel condemned? How can you master pride yet keep your self-worth, even if you are right?

Impossible it seems.

It's a very hard thing… It's easier if you are actually wrong – or at least the answer is easier to give. Haha.

Just get over yourself. Accept the correction. Just change.

But when you aren't wrong?

(And when you are truly not in denial)

I think most of us will find ourselves facing this one time or another. But not often – because normally, let's face it. We are wrong. We deserve the criticism. And even if there is wrong on the other side, there is usually just as much fault if not more on our side.

But there will be those few times when this is not the case. And this can be very hurtful, and even discouraging if the people accusing are very close, yet not open to what's true.

Still we need to remember a few things, so we don't join the wrong side. Because it's very easy to start out innocent and become truly guilty.

Here are my tips for keeping from drowning in a place where condemning words seem to be crashing all around you, pulling you in, so that all you want to do is scream out in frustration and beat some sense into EVERYONE.

1. No matter what, do not allow what has happened affect you or your beliefs. Individuals do not define God, but most are imperfect broken shards of His reflection trying to glue themselves back together to be more like Yeshua (Jesus), but failing miserably. Including you.


2. Remember that you AREN'T perfect. Try and see what you may have done wrong. Admit that, and work on fixing THAT and CHANGING.

But he gives more grace. Therefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. ~ James 4:6

3. Apologize – even if you don't need to.
I'm not saying lie. I'm saying being a peace-maker.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord ~ Hebrews 12:14. See also Romans 12:18.

Don't add to the tension by holding on to pride. Just be sorry. “I'm sorry that I (-). I didn't mean to do that to you.”
Don't be haughty when apologizing. Be sincere.


4. It's OK to be right.
Many will respect you for being humble – most know how hard it is ;b. And even if they know that you think you were still in the right, if they see that you are sorry for offending them most will not be so upset.
Or maybe even feel a little convicted. Though don't count on that too much. LOL.
So, don't try to make peace by giving in and admitting something that isn't true.

It might not always work. What then?

Don't become bitter. Don't hate. And don't return the evil by harshly criticizing the person in return.

Yes, you may be right, the other wrong. But sometimes some things just won't and can't ever be proved in this world.

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. ~ Matthew 5:48

But you don't have to become ugly with hate or bitterness. You don't have to allow anything to change you or your beliefs in God. And you don't have to join the hypocrisy by allowing what they said to be just like them – closed to the truth of God's love, truth, and righteousness.

Remember that, and even when people tear you down, you can still be whole and full.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ~ Psalm 136:1

I Have a Confession...

 So, I have a confession to make. I'm not perfect. Far from it, in fact. I'm totally not the best qualified to give anyone advice. But thankfully God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. In case you're wondering why I've brought this up, I want to tell you a little story.

 When I was younger I always said I wasn't going to get involved with boys until I was ready for marriage. And I stuck by this... for the most part. You see, I thought it was okay to like boys, and talk about them. I'm not just talking about mentioning that a boy is cute, but I'm talking about seriously /liking/ them.

 When I was younger I had this problem... maybe two times. And I think I might have been happier if I hadn't cared so much about liking boys. I'll just talk about one specific episode that happened a couple of years ago.

 I had outgrown the "Oh he's so cute, I like him" stage, but somehow I was still liking guys. At least... one guy.

 There was this guy. A lot of people probably wouldn't have guessed I liked him. Most didn't consider the handsomest or anything of that nature, but I really liked him because of his personality. He liked some of the same stuff I liked, and he was nice.

 I went so far as to try to become his friend because I liked him. To me, friendship should be an honest desire for friendship, nothing more. But I liked him, so I tried to spend more time with him and have the opportunity to talk to him more.

 I knew that I wouldn't be more than friends with him, because I had already decided to court, but I figured things would be fine anyway, since I heard he wanted to take that route as well.

 But it was as I was trying to get closer to him in friendship that I realized something.

 I was a third wheel. You know, when they talk about third wheels in movies and stuff... that person that's the odd one out. That was me. Somehow I was trying to ignore the fact that this guy was smitten with another girl. An older, sweet girl, who all the guys seemed to be smitten with.

 It wasn't till later that I realized how silly I was being. You see, he was (and is) a nice guy. But I shouldn't have ever been thinking that way. For one thing, I have no idea who God has planned for him to marry, and there I was trying to needle my way in... for what? Things couldn't progress past friendship.

 I've somehow gotten to the place, with the Lord's help, where liking guys is something I try not to consider anymore. When someone asks if I like someone, I say something along the fact of... "I'm not really into guys right now." Sometimes I explain my reasoning for avoiding the dating pool.

 Does this mean I never think of a guy as being nice, or think he's nice looking? Of course not. It just means that I've solidified my desire to wait for that one guy... That special person that God designed specifically for me. And even though I know the road could be long and tiring, I know he's out there somewhere.

 God is always faithful. So don't be discouraged. And maybe learn a little lesson from my experience in the matter... which isn't much. But remember that God has a plan for you, and it is more exciting than anything you could decide for yourself! (Update: This post is not meant to say you can't like guys. That was not my intent. But you can like guys /too/ much and that was the point I was trying to make. I didn't go too far in my liking of this fellow, but I think it could have, and I maybe shouldn't have even liked him as much as I did. Maybe I should have prayed for him instead.)

Encouragement

Alright, well first off apologies for not getting this posted earlier today. Things have been quite out of control over in my little corner of the world. I've been studying for my second round with the SAT and I've been over all stressed about my scores and how they will effect my scholarships. It seems like every time that much needed money comes into view and then all of a sudden another mountain rises up out of nowhere to cut me off. This past week I realized that this constant battle between what I need, what I have, and what I want was pulling me away from God. Then I realized that I'd become so stressed that I'd failed to even rely on God. There was a reason I wasn't getting anywhere. I had been so focused on me getting things right, so focused on me getting ahead, so focused on my own strength that I'd completely pushed aside the power of Jesus. Obviously realizing this was a good thing, but it also made me feel even worse about myself. I'd wasted time, I'd been foolish thinking this was something I could do on my own. In my eyes I'd already failed and let everyone down. Of course this was silly. Jesus, wasn't mad, he wasn't standing there shouting at me for being so stubborn. No, that was all me. He was patiently waiting, ready to give me the strength I so desperately needed. Since then I've been making it a priority everyday to put aside the math books, the vocabulary flash cards, and practice tests to spend some much needed time in the Word. Some verses spoke specifically to me these past few days, encouraging me, and renewing me. I want to share some of those verses with you.

Matthew 6:31-34

 "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Isaiah 41:9-11 

"I took you from the ends of the earth

from its farthest corners I called you

I said, ‘You are my servant’;

I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;  

will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All who rage against you

will surely be ashamed and disgraced;

those who oppose you

will be as nothing and perish."

James 1:3-9

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

Timothy 1:6-7 

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."


I pray these verses that speak of worry, fear, patience, and love are as encouraging to you as they were to me. Prayers for myself would be much appreciated as well. I'll be taking my SAT test next Saturday and Lord willing my score will be high enough to

get me a wonderful scholarship. Until then all I can do is place my trust and hope in His hands.

 

More on Modesty

 More and more often I see a problem with Christian young people (and older folks too!)  I've probably already posted on this before, but with some recent things that have affected me personally, I see the need to talk about it again.
 Sometimes it seems there are two groups of Christians. There are those who dress very conservatively, and those who dress less so. For clarity I'm going to use the term "modest" for one group, and "not-so-modest" for the other, meaning nothing in particular, but to keep my thoughts straight.

These two groups are constantly in a silent, (and sometimes less than silent) battle.
 Of course, I know there can be exceptions. Some girls may not take "modesty" to the extent of the more conservative people, and vice versa.

 And I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. Modesty cannot be defined by any one person or opinion. If we base modesty on opinion alone, then we are drifting into our own mindset, our own decisions, and that is not where we need to be.

 The two groups of modest, and not-so-modest people both have a problem.

 The modest look at the not-so-modest, and immediately seem to judge. "Look at them! They aren't representing Christ very well. We're sooo much more holy then them. They're liberal. They really need to pray about that." (Of course, these may not be the precise words used.)

 The not-so-modest may look at the modest and... "They think they're so holy. I'm tired of all their  'holier then thou' looks they keep sending over here. They're trying to dress like that just to make themselves seem better then us."

 Etc. Etc. Etc.

 It goes on and on. I'm telling you. Sometimes neither of these groups seem to understand the one simple little fact that should change their whole viewpoint on everything.

 Yes, modestly is so, so important. But opinions on modesty can be different. It is not our job to dictate modesty to another person. That is one of the things that falls to God. And God may use an older woman to explain some things to others.

 But maybe you're a not-so-modest person. Maybe you wear jeans instead of skirts, and think you aren't being treated right for it. Maybe you aren't sure if you should change how you dress. I'm not saying being not-so-modest in this sense is wrong. Because here's another important thing. God will show you the answer. 

 Strange as it may seem, modesty isn't always the same for each individual person. Modesty is something that must be cleansed in the heart before it can make it's way to the outward appearance. Because if a person's heart isn't modest, even if they dress with every inch of their body covered, their immodesty will eventually show. 

. I'm not saying if you feel like it's okay to go running around town with nothing on.  God always wants us to have a certain standard of modesty. To understand God's standard we need to be in constant prayer, asking Him to show us His plan. God knows what is in our heart. And if we wear those cute jeans just because they outline our shape juuuusssttt right... there's a good chance God will convict us about that. I've heard the story many times.

 No, I am not the expert on modesty, and I never will be. I'm learning along with everyone else. But I know that this issue is one that God's people must work out before we can be unified.

 The modest people need to see... maybe God hasn't spoken to those not-so-modest people yet. Or maybe He doesn't have the same expectation as he has for them. 

 The not-so-modest people need to know that the modest people have a personal conviction, and this desire to serve the Lord is why they dress the way they do. Or at least it should be.

 Instead of constantly judging those around us, making the gap grow wider between our brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to pray for others, and desire God's will. Because in God's plan, all will be revealed.

 If we trust God, He will show us the way. 

 God bless!

Lies We've Been Told

Marriage is not a reward.  It is not something that you can earn or work a certain formula and then just watch it happen.  It's not a guarantee no matter how beautiful and godly and vivacious you are.

I used to think it depended on me.  That if I could lose weight, I would be pretty enough to get married...but then I saw girls larger than my 125lb frame, happily married and living my dream.

I used to think that if I could just get my daily quiet time together and make it a habit that I never skipped, then God would let me get married...and I saw girls that didn't have it together as much as I did planning their weddings.  I thought that if I could just learn to be more outgoing, then I could actually hang out with the type of man I want to marry.  But every time I met him, it fell through.  I wasn't active enough, independent enough, submissive enough....I didn't debate enough to challenge him, I debated too well and he wanted to always be right....I didn't believe the right things, wear the right things, listen to the right music....or maybe, we were just "very different".

I've tried everything and yet, they keep telling me that all I have to do is trust God and He will work it out.  Put Christ first, fall in love with Him....other women have done that and within just a short time God brought along a man and they lived happily ever after.  Don't focus on getting married, go after other goals and then your husband will miraculously appear.

The truth is, there is no formula.  There is no guarantee.  No matter how hard we work at being the perfect woman, it does not depend on us.

My life has not been strewn with roses.  I have visited heartbreak hotel like so many others before me.  I know what it's like to ache inside because no matter what you do, nothing good ever seems to last.  I know how hard it is when you love someone and they leave you.  I've been there, cried out loud from the pain and then got up and gone to work the next day as if life is wonderful.

I don't have all the answers.  In fact, I really have no answers.  There is only one thing that I know will never change, one person who will never leave and one relationship that will always satisfy and you don't have to wait on him to act because He already did.  My Jesus, my Yeshua, the King of kings, Lord of lords...no matter how many times I slip away and try other things to satisfy and fix myself, He is still there through it all.  He's the only one who can heal a broken heart, turn your tears into laughter, your ugliness into beauty, your pain into something He can use to help others and with Him, there will always be a happy ending. 



Amazing Grace

{source}

This is one of my all time favorite hymns.  Probably one of the more popular ones that we've all memorized since childhood =)

Amazing Grace was written by John Newton in 1779 with inspiration from his own life.  In a way, I think we can all relate to this hymn.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

The last verse gives me chills every time I hear it.  Just imagine praising God for eternity with no end in sight!  

 

Spiritual Highs and Lows

So, Spiritual Highs and Spiritual Lows.  Most Christians know what those are.  For those of you that don't I'll give an example.

A mountain.  It looks pretty hard to climb, huh?  It takes a lot of effort to get to the top.  This is an example of a spiritual high.  A spiritual high is when we're walking right along side of God, feeling his power all the time.

 And this, a valley.  It doesn't look like it would be too bad to live in.  This is an example of a spiritual low.  When we can't seem to find God anywhere, and we're just stuck.  We've been having trouble in life, and everything is depressing.

Our whole christian lives we will be climbing up and down, going from mountain to valley, mountain to valley.  Why can't we just stay on top of the mountain, talking with God and hearing him talk back?  Well, we can try.  But I can almost guarantee you won't be able to.  Let me give you another example.

A heart monitor.  Yup, that's what I said.  That picture looks crazy, right?  The line is going everywhere.  If you didn't know what a heart monitor was, that line wouldn't make any sense.  But picture it like mountains and valleys.  See it?  Our Christian lives are just like that, being so close to God at times, sometimes lower, and a lot of times just . . . nowhere.  Stuck halfway up the mountain.

Now, imagine if that line wasn't going up and down.

Yup.  That's what it would look like.  We all know what a flat heart monitor line means.  Death.  Your heart isn't pumping.  We need the highs to realize God and his awesomeness.  And we need the lows to remember what life is like without him.  To want to be up high.

Many of you may have heard the heart monitor theory before, and maybe some of you don't agree with it.  I just came out of a sadly long spiritual low, so I just wanted to share this with everyone.  Thanks for reading!

5 Ways to STAY Motivated To Exercise! {+ product review}

 

 

So, on my last post, (Tuesday's) I talked about some relatively easy ways for just about anyone to get a good work out in., and one of our lovely readers asked for a post on exercise motivation.

 

So here we are!

 

Now, before I go any further, you're probably wondering why I am posting when it's Abigail's day to post, and my day is Tuesday. Wellllllllll....I'm gonna be on vacation at the beach (ohhhh yeah!) for a week starting this Monday, so won't be doing any blogging. (I'll miss you guys!)

 

So. I'm gonna see if hopefully she (or one of the other sweet APOC ladies I work with) can post for me then, and I'm getting in my post today so I won't miss anything.

 

And before I get to the motivation tips in written form, I wanted to share a couple Pinterest graphics I found.

 

(Haha, so I thought this one was cute. Of course you knew that exercise is far better than any plastic surgery, didn't you? *wink*)

 

 So. You've found out some practical ways that you can get moving and burn calories. But now...you're lacking motivation to actually go DO it. You'd rather just go flop on the couch and read, or do something else which doesn't require sweating.

 

Unfortunately, reading doesn't burn fat molecules, and it never will, as awesome as it may be.

If you're lacking motivation than most likely you need to take a look at the whole thing from a different perspective.

 

So here are a few things you can do to find motivation to exercise, and STAY motivated!

 

 

1. This is the simplest of all, but for many women it works better than anything else. Look at yourself in the mirror. Close the bathroom door and look at your entire body...without any clothing. (Yes, this would be weird to do for no reason, but if you're about to get a shower, well, you're already getting undressed, right?) Most gals in today's society will look at themselves in disdain. I'll admit, *I* do sometimes, too.

Basically every girl has something about her body which she doesn't like, and she's probably not being completely honest if she says that's not true. (Obviously, this isn't really ideal - we're supposed to be thankful for the way God fashioned us - no matter how we look.) You know your body better than anyone else here on earth. Therefore, you'll be the first to notice progress you make physically, with your fitness. Now, I'm not saying you should spend hours in front of the mirror, loathing your appearance (or admiring, for that matter) but as painful as it might be to do sometimes, to just take a quick glance, it might possibly spur you to go take that run or jump on the treadmill. And like I said - you'll be the first to notice your body changing for the better, when you actually start working out! The mirror is your best friend when it comes to accountability; it never lies about what it sees.

 

2. Set up fitness goals, and reward yourself when you accomplish them! Start small, so you won't disappoint yourself by not finishing things because they were too much for you at that present time. (Of course, if you're like me, are overly ambitious and like going BIG, than maybe you'll want to challenge yourself a bit more by setting higher goals - however, unless you're SUPER ambitious and are okay with dumping hours into your exercise routine I'd not recommend this) The rewards can be just as simple as the goals - or, they can be a big deal! I'm not a big fan of food rewards, unless they're healthy ones. But I do know some people who will reward themselves with a bar of chocolate, or maybe some ice cream, once in a while. *grins*

 

3. Stay accountable. Find a sibling, parent or friend who will be your work-out pal and keep you accountable. You can help each other in a reciprocal relationship of encouraging and edifying one another in your fitness endeavors. On most days, it's usually a lot more enjoyable to go exercise with a friend. Take walking for example - you can have a lot of awesome discussions when taking walks/hikes! Once, my best friend and I walked around our driveway...dozens upon dozens of times. We didn't intend to do so JUST for the sake of exercising; but we figured that if we were gonna have a long chat, it'd be better to get some body movement in at the same time!

Having somebody keep you focused can make all the difference - and spur you to keep going, even when you don't feel like it. Not to mention, you can be a help equally to the other person, too!

 

 

4.  Ask yourself: Why are you exercising? Are you trying to get in shape for an upcoming event? Do you want to lose weight, sleep better, increase your energy, gain strength, add muscle tone and flexibility, or do you just want to feel better about yourself?

Always keep in mind 1 Corinthians 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" Our bodies are gifts from the Heavenly Father, and not to be treated carelessly! If you are follower and child of the King of Kings, than you need to act like one - and yes, taking care of your body is one of the ways we can do this!

My greatest, and sole reason to work out and stay in shape is because I pray that I honor YHWH with my physical body. When somebody asks me why I love to run so much, why I only eat things which are healthful to my system, I respond, "Because I want to take care of the temple God gave me." Since it's not even mine to begin with, only a loaned vessel, and housing the Holy Ghost, it's my duty to make sure it reflects its Owner! I want to be able to do anything that He might want me to do; and what if His will includes mission work or some other task which will require sufficient physical strength? I guarantee you, Jesus was not physically weak or flabby!

 

 

5. Get pinning - again. Now, I'll warn you - with the area of exercise motivation comes some immodest imagery, on Pinterest and Google. (probably most other sites, too) I searched "exercise motivation" on Pinterest and found the graphics I included in this post. There are numerous other inspiring quotes to do with this topic, and some of them can really get you wanting to work out - this very instant, wherever you might be. Just be forewarned, with the good comes some bad sprinkled here and there, and please know that I am in no way endorsing any photos of bikini-clad women in running shoes! (ew!)

 

 

I could go on with more things that inspire and motivate me personally on working out, but I think these should be sufficient for now. Do y'all have a need for MORE motivation? If so, I'd be okay doing a "part two" post; but personally I think there's a treasure chest full of motivation right in these five tips. If you're having a rough day, and not feeling up to getting outside and taking a jog, or doing anything physical for that matter, just try dwelling on 1 Cor. 6:19 for a bit. That should get you thinking - and hopefully, doing!

 

Oh yeah. And turning on some of your favorite energetic music usually helps.

-

 

 

 

Now once again on to the other half of today's post.

 

I was sent this set of sample perfumes from Bajmy some time ago and I'd never gotten to doing the review here.

 

The all-natural perfume oils came adorably packaged, and very professional looking. I thought the little cardboard fold-box was a great idea!

 

Oh, and the little green bag - perf.

 

 

Of course, the best thing was what was in the little green bag!

 

 

I was sent the Prim set. This featured samples of Bajmy's La Lu, Padma, and Natural Mystic perfume oils. I like how each was marked clearly - I'm sure I'd get them mixed up right away otherwise.

 

The scents are all very similar to each other, but if you really get a whiff of each, there is a slight difference.

La Lu is more light and flowery, even though it doesn't remind me of any flower in particular that I can think of.

Natural Mystic is probably my favorite of the three; with its deep, spicy, incense-y, almost woodsy scent. It's the most potent of the three I think.

Padma is more in-between, not as light as La Lu and not as heavy as Natural Mystic. It has a pleasant smell too, and almost has tinges of citrus to it...almost. I can't distinguish what other scents are combined, in this one. Maybe some sort of spice oil like with Natural Mystic.

 

Overall, all of the perfumes are pretty long-lasting and they apply well. As stated previously, I can't distinguish actual notes of fragrance within them, for the most part. I do know that they smell nice, so I really don't care if I can't tell what exact different fragrance oils were added.

 

Each perfume is composed of jojoba oil and other natural ingredients, and is crafted by hand by Trish, owner of Bajmy's shop.

 

 

Check out the shop here if you've not yet - you can get the same sample packet I was sent here for just $12! Three different luscious oils, and in sample sizes so that even if you don't care for one, you didn't purchase a whole lot of it to begin with so it's not much of a loss! There are also other bath and body products and different varieties of perfumes besides just this set. So go give the shop a look!

 

Hope y'all are having a very blessed summer so far - I am! And thank you Trish for letting me review these lovely fragrances!

 

Note: I was sent these products from Bajmy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions remain mine and mine alone.

5 Ways to Exercise + The Scent of Magnolia & Rose {review}

 

So, we all know the importance of exercise in our lives, right? Of course we do. In this day and age, it's almost impossible not to know.

 

But, just knowing doesn't burn calories or build stamina! You have to get up and move - and sometimes, it can be hard to find ways to work exercise into your daily schedule. So that's what we're going to look at today: 5 ways to get your heart pumping, and blood flowing - in a way that's practical for even the utmost beginner athlete.

 

I know many of you ladies live in the suburbs, or in the city - you might live in places where it may not be very safe to go running by yourself or just take a stroll down the block alone. Maybe where you live do don't have a big yard, and doing laps around the perimeter isn't very appealing to you.

 

The question plagues you every day when you look at yourself in the mirror, or see somebody else working out. What can you do?

 

Have no fear, the ideas are here! Hopefully these tips will benefit both the city girl and country maiden alike.

 

 

1. Get pinning! If you haven't checked out the myriads of exercise pins on Pinterest, you should. I have found lots of great ideas for short work-outs I can do in the privacy of my own bedroom- you don't hardly need any space at all, which is awesome! Want to tone those abs? Or what about your arms, legs? When I was recovering from a running injury, I found out some great quad work-outs which helped to strengthen my knees even when I wasn't running.

 

2. Help out the family!  If you are still living at home with your siblings and parents, then most likely there are chores to accomplish. Even if you have a small yard, you could make an extra effort to help keep it clean and orderly. Mow the grass during the summer, (and don't use the riding kind, either! Where's the exercise in THAT?) rake leaves in the fall, and if you live in an area where it's cold enough, shovel snow in wintertime. Yard work, at my house, is a great way for us kids to honor our parents, especially my dad, who appreciates a tidy living place! Even vacuuming the living room can burn calories, if you want it to.

 

3. Get involved! If you live in a community with lots of neighbors nearby

, than take a walk with some of your family members or friends/church members and see if you can serve by helping with other peoples' yard work. Knock on doors, ask if there's anything they need help with! Maybe you know somebody who has an old wreck for a house and they could use some assistance renovating it. Recently, my family helped a local lady fix up a house she owned. Not only were we blessing her and showing the love of Christ, but it wasn't that shabby of a work-out!

 

4. LIFT! So, you don't need a full weight set and all the hardware to lift weights. You can find old weights at yard sales, or even be creative and find other things to lift without spending a dime. Weight-lifting is excellent for building muscle and retaining it. Not to mention, when you lift weights, the calories will continue to burn long after you've finished a lifting session, as the muscles recover. Isn't that awesome? You can start by lifting smaller weights - 5 pound dumbbells for example - and gradually build up as you feel ready. Just be careful not to overdo it. Go slow!

 

5. Dance! Zumba classes or ballet shoes are not required! You can simply turn on some of your favorite tunes, and get those limbs moving! I have learned different routines by watching YouTube videos and also, my aunt's shown me a few Zumba moves, which helps. But this isn't necessary for you to have fun and get into it. I usually do it in my bedroom where I don't have to worry about anyone seeing me, haha. This is more for modesty reasons, as I think that dancing can be a potential stumbling block to the opposite gender, and I have 5 other male people in my house. Plus, well, my routines aren't exactly anywhere near professional or polished, to put it mildly. *snickers*

 

 So, there you go! I will hopefully be doing more posts on fitness and exercise in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled, and tell me what you think so far!

 

Now, to the other half of today's post.

 

So you worked out. You got a shower, and combined with the endorphins running through your brain, you feel ah-mazing. Now, what would top this bliss off to perfection?

 

A splash or two, of this.

 

 

Perfume from Passion Moon Potions!

 

Sooo you've already seen me do one review post here on natural, homemade perfumes.

Well, this isn't just another natural, homemade perfume!

 

I was told by somebody that my reviews are mainly just a bunch of raves - me "oohing and ahhing" over stuff people send me.

Well, to the person who told me that, you are right - it may look like that, from a first glance.

BUT. I'll remind y'all that every review I do is an honest one - I don't take honesty lightly. If I say I'm being honest, you can count on me to be honest. 100%.

I promise you that none of my reviews flatter in vain or against my opinion. If I don't like something, I'll tell you guys! It just so happens that most of the things I've been sent to review, I liked a lot - hence the apparent "oohing and ahhing". (Just wanted to clear that up.)

 

 

 

I was sent a rose petals perfume and a white gardenia one.

Both scents are delightful - honestly. I kid you not when I say they are my favorite perfumes right now. Especially the rose petals one. (I have always adored the scent of roses - they're one of my favorite flowers, as are gardenias.)

 

 

I have been wearing this one everyyyywhere. It's potent, and that's how I like my perfume. The gardenia perfume is also just as strong in scent.

Both perfumes are oily in consistency, which I like because it's easier to massage it into your skin, and it seems to remain there well...it's not a light type of perfume for body misting.

 

I have already begun considering purchasing another rose petals perfume from this business when this current one is finished. Wait. Scratch the "considering" part. I'm certain that if I buy perfume, this will be the next one I get.

 

Hence, we have the bottom line: YOU MUST GET THIS.  Well, at least try it. If you love flower-scented perfumes, I guarantee you'll enjoy these two. There are also a variety of other lovely scents available in the shop....go check it out now!

 

Many thanks to Passion Moon Potions for providing these excellent products!

 

 

Note: I was provided these items from Passion Moon Potions in exchange for my honest review. All opinions remain mine and mine alone.

 

God's Amazing Plans

I struggled to decide on what to post today. I want everything I post to be helpful and uplifting to all of you girls, but sometimes it's hard to know just what to say.

 Today, I decided to take you into a little trip into the past.

 About four years ago I started my own website, Precious Jewels. The origin of Precious Jewels was a magazine I had tried to make before that. The website felt easier, and that I would reach a broader audience of girls. Not long after, I changed my website to God's Precious Jewels. It was my desire that this website could be used to help girls draw closer to God. I was hoping it could be my outreach.

 The site went pretty well, for a while. I had girls volunteer to help with different aspects of the site, but slowly, almost all of them stopped helping, or were unable to. Running a website is a hard endeavor on your own. I've tried to keep it up, but recently, in the last year or so especially, I've been very busy, and the site fell into disuse. But once in a while, a girl will pop up on the chatbox, wondering just what's going on. I feel bad when I see this, but until I get some more help, the website will probably sit there for a while more.

 But that's not the point of this post. It was while I was moderating and working on GPJ, that I met Leah. Or sort of met her. I found her website somehow, and followed it, and she left a comment in my guest book.

 I always had it on my heart to reach out to girls in some way. God works in so many amazing and mysterious ways. Who knew, long ago, that Leah and I, who didn't even know a thing about the other besides what our sites said, would someday be working on the same blog, and that it would be inspiration for young ladies? God truly blows my mind sometimes. He is magnificent. Leah and I met up again on the Go Teen Writer's facebook page, another hobby God gave to both of us, and that's when I figured out who she was.

 I don't know what all of you think of this story, but I just think about the way God works. How something that happens in your life, can be part of God's plan for your future, before you ever know it. So even though GPJ might not be going strong, God was able to use it to help me be a part of this blog, three years later.

 Think of what God can do in your life.