Peace after Patience

Today I am struggling a little with being patient.  Is this something you ever find your self struggling with?  Feeling in content?  Let us find peace through God's word...   

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Corinthians 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Romans 2:6-7 He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life…

I have heard it said that you should never pray for patience, because when you do, God is sure to give you something to try your patience, or to be patient for.  Pray that God will help you to utilize the patience he has already given you.  We are all created in the image of the Father.  Therefore, we are all born able to be patient, to love, to trust, to serve.  We just need Jesus to help us put these things into motion.

 “Cast not away your confidence because God defers his performances. That which does not come in your time, will be hastened in his time, which is always the more convenient season. God will work when he pleases, how he pleases, and by what means he pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but he will perform his word, honor our faith, and reward them that diligently seek him.” ~ Matthew Henry

Why are we impatient?? It's because we are lacking trust in our God. If we trust in the Lord he will provide us the peace that gives us patience.  Are you putting your faith and trust in the Lord? Some people seem to trust God with their eternal salvation, but they have trouble trusting Him for their every-day life. 

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

May it give you peace to know and trust that our Father DOES have a plan for you.  You are unique and beautiful to Him.  If you seek Him, you will find Him, and He will show you the path He has made straight for you.  He will not lead you astray.  My prayer today is for peace after patience.  

Philippians 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Different Ways To Tie Your Scarves

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to You.  

Autumn is quickly approaching.  When I think of Autumn I think of hot apple cider, caramel apples, the beauty and the colors of the leaves as they change.  The crisp air has a slight bite and we begin to cozy up.  We begin to wear jackets, boots and scarves.  We feel warm and comforted wrapped by our scarves as they protect us from the cold, just as we should in the arms of our heavenly father.  Draw near to him, feel his peace, let his loving arms embrace you.  And when you wear your scarves this Autumn, let it be a gentle, friendly reminder of this.  

Many people want to rock this trend, but are afraid because they are uncertain of how to wear a scarf, or how to tie one.  Please take a moment to watch this video (from YouTube) that shows 25 different ways to tie your scarf.  And hopefully you will feel good about wearing one this Autumn.    

Tank Top Ready Arms

1Corinthians 19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Exercise is important not only so that we look and feel great, but because God has given us these bodies and we need to care for them the best we can.  Taking care of your own body, and being healthy gives you the energy and strength to properly love and serve others.  

These are the top 10 moves you can do for tank top ready, jiggle free arms:

1. Dumbbell Curl 

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand in front of your hips, palms facing out.
• To begin, bend your left arm 90 degrees so your left arm is parallel to the floor.
• Curl your right hand toward your shoulder. Then lower it back down to the start position while keeping your left arm in place.
• Do 8 curls with your right arm, keeping both elbows close to your ribs.
• Switch sides, doing 8 curls with your left arm.
• Once you've done both sides, curl both arms simultaneously toward your chest and then bring back toward start position. Do 8 reps of this double curl.

2. Forearm Plank

• Get into a push-up position.
• With your weight on your forearms and toes, align your elbows on the floor under your shoulders.
• Make a straight line from your head to your heels, then hold this position for 20 seconds while breathing gently.
• Rest for 30 seconds by placing your knees on the floor.
• Repeat 3 times, working your way up to a total of 6 reps.

3. Chair Dips (My favorite!!)

• Sit on the edge of the chair with your feet together.
• Place your hands on the seat on either side of your thighs and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Bend your elbows 90 degrees and lower yourself toward the floor.
• Straighten your arms, raising your body back to the start position.
• Do 8 reps.

4. Balanced Core Strengthener (Yes this works your arms.)

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
• Step forward with your left leg and lift your right leg behind you, bending forward slightly as you raise both arms over your head. Hold for 20 seconds, then relax for 30 seconds.
• Keep your hips squared and your arms close to your ears. Lift your back leg up to hip height, or as high as you can.
• Repeat 6-10 times, alternating legs in the lift.

5. The Cobra

• Lie face down on the floor with your palms near your chest.
• Lift your head, shoulders, and chest off the floor, pulling your shoulder blades down and together. Stay here for two counts and then lower down.
• Repeat 8-10 times. 

6. Pull-overs with Dumbbells

• Lying on an exercise bench or large couch cushion, hold a 5- or 8-pound dumbbell in both hands with your arms extended over your chest.
• Slowly lower the weight behind your head and return the weight back.
• Do 15 reps.

7. Push-up on a Ball

Or just do regular push-ups if you do not have access to a ball

• Lie with your abdomen on an exercise ball and walk your hands forward on the floor until the ball rests under your thighs.
• Pull your belly button in toward your spine, bending your elbows.
• Lower your upper body to the floor. Hold this position for three seconds, and then push up so your elbows are straight, but not locked. Keep your head in line with your spine and your abs engaged.
• Start with 5 reps, working up to 15. Once you've mastered 15 reps, rest for one minute and then do a second set.

8. Hover Rotation

• Start by lying face up, leaning on your elbows with your legs extended and your knees slightly bent.
• Lift your hips toward the ceiling, forming a straight line from your head to your heels. Stay for 8 counts. (backwards plank)
• Roll to your side, hips lifted with your right elbow and forearm on the floor to support your weight and help you balance. Maintain a straight line again, head to heels, holding for 8 counts.
• Now roll into a plank position with your forearms on the floor and your elbows by your sides, knees lifted.
• Hold for 8 counts.
• Lastly, roll to your left side, supporting your body with your left forearm and elbow. Lift your hips in a straight line between your head and your heels, holding for 8 counts.
• Repeat the sequence 8 times.

9. Traveling Power Squats

• Stand holding a 5- or 8-pound dumbbell horizontally in front of your ribcage with both hands.
• Lower your hips into a squat and hold for two seconds.
• Then jump, explosively.   As you jump, lift the dumbbell over your head, fully extending your arms.
• Return the weight immediately back to your ribcage at the bottom of the jump.
• Beginners, start with 30 seconds. Intermediates, shoot for 60 seconds.  This works your entire body! 

10. Shoulder Press with Rotation

• Stand with feet hip-width apart, elbows bent 90 degrees at shoulder height with palms forward, holding dumbbells.
• Exhaling, press hands overhead just slightly in front of body.  As you come up, rotate arms so palms face each other (move from your shoulders, not your wrists).
• Lower, then lift again, this time rotating arms from shoulders so palms face outward.
• Do 8 to 12 rep

Follow up on Denim/Pants Trends

Earlier in August I wrote about how the new denim/pants trends are all about color and print this fall (2012). So I just wanted to show you a few of the ways I like to rock this trend.

My 16 year old sister, Danika, made me these pants.  She is super talented, and makes a lot of her own clothing.  We went out to Jo Ann's Fabric, picked out the pattern and fabric and wah-la! My new pair of pants!! Custom made for me.

High waist-ed pants are really making a come back.  I love this trend-inspired by the 80's and early 90's.  We are seeing a lot of these decades coming back or inspiring modern clothing today.

My red skinny jeans are my absolute favorite.  I feel like they just instantly spice up my look.

  

Lipstick

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth

Proverbs 23:16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

 Many varieties of lipstick exist. As with most other types of makeup. The use of lipstick dates back to ancient times.

It's a struggle for women to find the perfect lipstick because there are so many colors that seem like they could be right for you. And unless you know how to test a lipstick, you can end up with a color that's all wrong.

Figure Out Your Skin's Undertone:

Though 80 percent of women fall into the cool category, don't assume you do. Try this little test to help you find out which color options are right for you: 

Look at the veins on your inner wrists in natural light. If they appear bluish, you have cool undertones. More green? You're warm.

Flattering colors for fair skin are light brown and pinkish beige brighten a pale complexion. I also love candy apple reds on fair complected women. If you have cool undertones, nudes, light mocha, light mauves work nicely.  If you have warm undertones, maybe try a peach.

Universally flattering colors for a medium/olive skin tone are plums and raspberries.  Light brown and dark berry will give you a sun-kissed look.   They will play up pink undertones and create an overall glow. If you have cool undertones, try a rosy pink, pomegranate, cranberry, or brick red.  If You Have Warm Undertones Select a bronze, copper, or cinnamon. All medium skin tones should avoid nudes—they're too close to your natural skin color and have a tendency to leave you looking washed out.  Olive skin tones are a combination of both cool and warm skin tones.  If you fall into this category, you can wear just about any color and or shade.  However, olive skin tones should avoid orange-reds because they give your skin a sallow, I-just-stepped-off-the-spinning-teacups-ride tint.

Dark red with a hint of blue and deep plum illuminate darker skin tones.  Cool undertones go for raisin, wine, and ruby reds.  Warm undertones should look for honey, ginger, or coppers.  

Lip glosses can be worn over a lipstick to create a fun twist.  It is appropriate to apply a sheen over your lip color for events that are a little more casual.  Or for a daytime look you can wear a gloss by itself.  

The Eyes: Windows to our Souls

Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light

For beautiful eyes look for the good in others.  Audrey Hepburn. 

The eyes: The windows to our souls.  What do your eyes reflect?

Bold eye makeup is super hot trend. Here are a few of my favorites: 

For a casual everyday look, or of you are not into all the bright colors or heavy eye makeup, You could just coat your lashes with mascara.  This is my FAVORITE look on myself! I love to go free of all other makeups, so my face can breathe, and just wear mascara (as seen left).  Or for a night out I will just pair this simple eye with a bold lip.  I use Cover Girl  Lash Blast Volume mascara (waterproof) in very black.  I do 2-3 coats.  

Just apply a few coats of mascara and red lipstick to look great in just seconds!

The most popular bold eye makeup trend clients ask for is the smokey eye.  I have a couple examples pictured here of a black/charcoal smokey eye-one using white as the highlighter and the other gold.  When doing a smokey eye, you want to first cover the entire lid and inner corner with the highlight color.  then use your dark color, black here, to cover the lid.  You want the light color, or highlighter, to surround because it helps to open your eye up and really make them "pop".  This is a look that works with any eye color.   

Me on my wedding day

 Here are three    examples of a purple smokey eye, and this is the look I chose for my very own wedding day. Colors other than neutrals and naturals are really taking center stage right now, and this is a way to still go for that smoldering smokey eye while adding a little twist.  Any eye color can try the purple smokey eye, but the best results are usually on brown and green eye colors. The purple compliments these eye colors really helping them to stand out. When wearing a smokey eye I would suggest to use either a silver or a light shimmery pink/purple as the highlight color.  Or maybe using the pink/purple on the upper lid and brow bone, and silver in the corners and on the lower lash line to make eyes stand out.  

   

The bronze, brown, copper smokey eye is one of my favorites.  It is a look that is more natural, and when you wear it you look sun-kissed.  You can use a white, ivory, copper or gold highlighter with a brown shadow.  This is also a look that works for any eye color but works best with blues, grays and hazel eye colors.   

Colors are popping up everywhere! Rainbow eye makeup is a new and exciting trend to rock if you be so bold.  You can mix and match different colors and shades, or wear super bright colors.  Bright blues, aquas, yellows, purples, pinks, and even orange!!  

 A more subtle way to rock the rainbow trend is to try a colored liner

Shimmer and glitter on the lids is a great way to make an eye popping statement.  

Beauty-More than Skin Deep

Genesis 1:26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Psalm 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb

Good Morning! Yes, this is a picture of me-raw and unedited just as I am.  Woke up this morning-right out of bed; ZERO makeup on.  Do I feel vulnerable sharing this with you? Yes.  But I felt I needed to share it with you to so maybe you could hear me a little clearer today, as it is a slightly heavier subject.  

Now dont get me wrong, I'm not trying to confuse you with my message today.  I love makeup-I love fashion.  It is my career.  But they are merely tools to help us express our personalities and to enhance our natural beauty.  All Too often we hide behind them.  And it's not just hair, makeup, clothing we hide behind.  What do YOU hide behind? 

Beauty is NOT only skin deep.  God looks at the heart: 

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.


Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

We need to learn to love ourselves RAW, just as we are.  Just as our Father created us and just as he loves us. We need to be confident that our inner beauty will shine through.  Confident in our own skin.

Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Song of Songs 4:7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling, And there is no blemish in you.

Do you see yourself, and love what you see? Love who you are?  Do you know your worth? That your Heavenly Father the King of Kings created YOU in his image and when he looks upon you he LOVES what he sees? I can honestly say I do.  I am confident with or without makeup on.  I feel beautiful.  I feel confident that my heart and my soul shine through.  And then I know that with THIS understanding it is ok for me to wear makeup and trendy clothes, because I DONT need them to hide behind.  It is fine for us to have fun and talk about fashion and trends-in fact God wants us to delight in these things, and it is very important to care for the earthly bodies God has given us.  But we need to take care of the beauty of our hearts as well. 

PsaIm 139:14 praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

And when it comes to relationships.  Do you allow yourself to be vulnerable with those you love? Your family, your friends, your spouse? I feel so blessed in knowing that my husband knows my heart, he sees me for who I am, raw, with all my flaws and still loves me.  Because he is a Godly man and he values me for who I am in Christ.  

I challenge you to confront your "Cover" your "Defense"-whatever it is YOU hide behind.  Go all natural today! Love the skin your in! Will it be difficult? Yes.  But worth it.  

Please take the time to reread this post, really let the words be heard.  This is a message from God.  He loves you.  And thank you for taking the time and reading this through.

Fall 2012 Denim/Pants Trends

Fall is almost here! In just a few weeks school will already be in session! This fall the hottest denims/pants trends are all about colors and prints.  Also lots of earth tones, metallics, and shades of grey.  As far as prints go some of my favorites are the florals, tribal and animal prints. I love reds, mustard yellows and emerald greens for fall.  

This look can be super casual, paired with a solid tee and a flat or you can really dress it up for special occasion with a trendy blazer and heel or I really love booties for fall.  

I have done a little research and found that some of the best buys for this trend are at Wetseal, where they are featuring "legs gone wild" and also target and Jc Penneys. You can find Pants for as little as $10 and at most expensive no more than $40.  

For those going back to school this fall I feel a pair of "wild" pants are a must have! 

I love that this trend allows us to express our individuality through our choices in patterns and colors.  this Fall be bold and express yourself with Denim!  

What is your favorite denim/pant trend to rock?

The Beauty of Creation

Genesis 1:1, 31 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Nehemiah 9:6 You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

I was at the beach yesterday, out on lake Michigan, and was overcome with awe of the beauty of nature and the earth OUR GOD has created for us; our home.  I felt a complete peace wash over me as I took in all the beauty that surrounded me.  How Great is our God? That he placed the stars in the sky and he knows them by name? What an awesome God we serve! So I snapped a few photos and I just wanted to share them with you.  Let's praise our creator; the creator of heaven and earth for all he has given us.  And let us try our best to take care of the home he has provided us.  

Fitness: Jumping Rope

Taking care of your own body gives you the strength to help care for others in the body of Christ. 

 5 Steps to Jump Rope Like a Pro

One of my favorite means of exercise is Jumping Rope.  It's fun and convenient.  I turn on a movie or one of my favorite tv shows and jump rope right in my own living room.  I hardly even realize Im exercising.  Jumping rope delivers fast, great results.

Rope skipping is one of the best cardio, fat-burning, leg-shaping, cross-training exercises there is. Almost every major sport utilizes it as an integral part of training due to its ability to enhance agility and foot speed. It's ultra portable, doesn't require any expensive equipment.

1. The Rope
   The right rope doesn't need to be expensive. There are great ropes available for as little as $2-$3. I personally like the Gold's Gym jump ropes.  I bought mine at Walmart. The main thing to look for is whether the rope turns freely inside the handle. If it gets caught up easily it will make jumping very difficult. Try to avoid cloth ropes as since they're usually too lightweight and don't rotate well. The best ropes are made of either straight plastic (commonly called a speed rope) or plastic beads. The other thing to check is the length. When you stand on the middle of the rope with both feet, the handles should reach to just under your arm pits. Jumping with a rope that is too short will trip you up faster than anything.
2. Bounce
   The most common mistakes people make when trying to jump rope are usually rooted in bad jumping form. If you're jumping properly, you should be on the balls of your feet (if you stand on your tip toes the 2-4 inch area still on the ground is the ball of the foot) and your knees should be slightly bent. While jumping, your heels should never touch the ground. Jumping flat footed is really bad on your knees and should be avoided, plus it wears you out fast. Don't lock your knees and remember to relax, jumping should become a very fluid motion in time.
3. Start Simple
   Everyone wants to jump in and impress their peers the first time out, but if you skimp on the fundamentals, you'll always look like an amateur. The most important skill to master is the single bounce. Every skill in rope skipping is built off of this. To properly execute the single bounce, you should only be jumping about 1/4 - 1/2 an inch off the ground, and you should be landing softly on the balls of your feet. Your elbows should be near your side and the rope should be turned by your wrists, not your arms.
4. Contact Zone
   What type of surface are you jumping on? Sometimes you'll be missing constantly and it's not your fault, it's the contact zone. Thick carpet will make your rope bounce, there's no way around it, you have to jump higher than normal. Each surface type has it's own characteristics and you should be aware of them.  If you have a choice in surfaces, a suspended wood floor is the best for your joints, plus it can give you some extra bounce in case you want to hit a multiple under and get up really high. Since most of us live in the real world and don't have a choice in premium surfaces, your next best bet is to find a flat surface that has some give to it. Try to avoid concrete if possible since it will wear you out faster, it's not good for your knees and it will eat your rope up. Try a few jumps out on whatever your surface is and pay attention to how the rope bounces and slides across the floor. Once you've tried out a few different places, you'll start to notice similarities and the adjustments you'll need to make for each location.  Also I like to workout barefoot, I think it is a little easier because I jump rope on a thin carpet.  Try tennis and barefoot to see what works best for you. 
5. Practice Makes Permanent
   Focus on the mechanics of each skill so that you're doing them properly from the get-go. Some skills may feel unnatural at first, but if you practice them properly, your body will input that into muscle memory and it will become second nature in no time. The longer you practice something with bad form, the longer it will take to unlearn that motion. Lots of jump rope skills will take time to master, take it slow and focus on the mechanics. If you don't know how to do something, watch/ask someone who does or pick up a video. 

Jumping rope for just 10 minutes burns up to 135 calories. So if you are looking for something that is quick-jumping rope just might be the way to go for you. 

Me and Some of My Summer Fashion Favs

Psalm 139:13-16  For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Amen for individuality!  I wanted to share with you some of my individual fashion choices for summer!

One of my favorite summer trends are the big floppy beach hats.  Also love my pink aviator sunglasses from H&M-great beach look

My one MUST HAVE for makeup is my mascara.  In the summer it's such a pain to be doing makeup all the time, but my mascara makes my look flawless.  I love Covergirl Lash Blast Volume in very black. I use the waterproof, and even if Im swimming it wont budge. 

Red hot Lips are in! I love rocking a bold lip on a night out.

Also love the pink pout which is a super fun trend for summer and can be a daytime or night time look. 

White on bottom for summer and a high waisted pencil skirt with a loose floral print top tucked in. Nude heels are also on trend this year.  They help to elongate your legs.