Realizing Your Need For Redemption

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  

The enemy tempted Jesus, but he did NOT give into the temptations.  He lived a life among us WITHOUT sin.   

We are all sinners.  If a single one of us was not, we would not need the cross, and Jesus death would have been in vain.  Jesus was the perfect lamb whose blood was shed for us so that we may spend eternity with Him.  When we come to the realization of just how big, how deep and how wide His love is; how great the sacrifice, we realize our need for Jesus and His mercy, grace and redemption.  Jesus calls His followers to lay down their own lives to follow Him.  He asks us to die to ourselves, or our earthly ways, and live a righteous lifestyle that reflects Jesus himself.  Now do not be discouraged, sin may seem inevitable, but anything with God IS POSSIBLE.  If we sin, we can confess to our Lord, and he will again wash us white as snow saying, "Go, and sin no more." (John 8:11) What becomes harmful is when we contemplate sin, knowing we are going to sin and go through with it. This is a STRUGGLE for us, because we are SO afraid of what our peers will think of us.  We are afraid to take a stand, living for Christ because we do not want to face (minor) persecution.  My friends, when the time comes, Jesus will weed out the true believers from the fakes.  We WILL know persecution.  Do you love your Lord and Savior enough to trust in Him and withstand?  God promises numerous times throughout the Bible spiritual protection for believers.  Revelation 7:3 Do not harm the sea of the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.  This is why we should give up-living in the ways of the world that are not Christ-like, if we TRULY seek Him. God warns the church in Revelations 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  What He is saying here, is it is better to disown Him completely, than to claim we know Him and live a worldly lifestyle. This is a misrepresentation of what being a Christian and living for God looks like. If you want to live for God, be ON FIRE for Him! Lay down your life completely, Be a light in the darkness.  Let Jesus be your ultimate goal, striving EVERYDAY to live a lifestyle that reflects Him, sin free.  Trust in Him. 

Now I know we all know this song, Amazing Grace, but today really LISTEN to the words.  God is good! 

  

70 Spectacular Thanksgiving Sides

Pslam 100

1	Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2	Serve the LORD with gladness;
	Come before His presence with singing.
3	Know that the LORD, He is God;
	It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
	We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4	Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
	And into His courts with praise.
	Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5	For the LORD is good;
	His mercy is everlasting,
	And His truth endures to all generations. This Thanksgiving remember to give thanks to the Lord who is good, and whose love endures forever.  Give thanks for all the blessings in your life, because all that is good is of our God.  What are you thankful for?   Looking for a great dish to pass at your holiday party? Today I have a link for you from Southern Living.  Here are 70 spectacular side dishes.  Hope you find one you like, and I would love to hear back from anyone who tries any of the recipes on your thoughts and feedback.   http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/thanksgiving-dinner-side-dishes-00400000055576/page46.html

Exercise: Taking a Hike

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

Elizabeth Lawrence

Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn.

Emily Dickinson

One of the best ways to get your exercise this fall is to take a hike.  You can go on this excursion by yourself, or with others.  If you choose to go on your own, it is an excellent opportunity for you to connect with God, when you are surrounded by the beauty of autumn-leaves turned, blue skies, crisp fresh air.  It will nourish your soul as well as being physically good for you.  If you go with your spouse, or a friend, it can be a very inexpensive bonding experience for the two of you.  So figure out where in your area there are state parks and or hiking trails and make a day of it! Take a Saturday to enjoy the breath taking views this season.  And remember to thank God for the wonderful world he has created for us to live in.   

Fall and Winter 2012 Wardrobe Essentials

Colors and Prints are essential this season! Just because winter can be cold, dull and drab does not mean your wardrobe needs to reflect it.  Today I am going to share with you a few essential items to add to your wardrobe to spice up your look, while staying warm this season.  

1.  A bold colored fashion jacket such as a pea coat.  This is an item you will really get your money's worth out of.  It is something you can wear daily, and will hopefully get a couple years wear out of.  Find this look for less at Jc Penny or Old Navy.

2.  Incorporate animal print into your look by adding it as an accessory such at a scarf, wrap, handbag or shoes.    

3. Baroque is in.  The dramatic is stylish.  Metallic,  feminine lace and sparkle! You can try H&M to achieve this look, or another affordable option is Forever 21.

Fall and Winter Nail color Trends 2012

Matthew 20:80 Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

You may be thinking, how does she link nail trends with serving God?  Well, it is not a direct connection.  But we should always be thinking about how everything we do affects who we are in Christ.  So here is why I picked this verse to accompany our Beauty and Wellness topic today:  We use (or should use) our hands to serve others, just as Jesus came to the Earth to serve us.  God gives each of us blessings, and because he loves us so much, and does bestow his love and blessings upon us, we need to do the same for others, and serve those around us.  Maybe it's volunteering with the financially less fortunate.  maybe you donate your time to teach children about Christ.  But whatever we do, in the presence of God, we want to present ourselves AT OUR BEST to honor and glorify Him.  So, I think he adores your new mani, when your hands are used for His Great works. =]

My absolute Favorite Fall and Winter nail color collections  the Germany Collection, and the Skyfall Collection by OPI.   This season, across the board, we are seeing lots of deep puprles and plums, light and royal blues, oranges, reds of course, and even light greens.  Also, lots of neutrals including nudes, taupes, silver and charcoals.  

The Skyfall Collection is OPI's holiday Collection.  It  has some really fun shimmery polishes, metallics, and a confetti polish.  Most of the same Polish Design trends are the same as we saw during the summer months (see Summer Nail Color Trends, July 27, 2012).  However, this time of year, nail bling is a hot trend.  All the shimmer, glitz, and glam.  This is why the confetti polishes are so popular.  

Here are a few ways Confetti Polishes are used.  They can be applied to the whole nail, or you can use them to create an ombre french tip.  

Gems are another great way to add a little bling to your mani. 

Affordable and Trendy Boots for Fall and Winter 2012

This time of year we are all looking for a great pair of boots! A couple basics every girl needs are a dressier pair of (black) boots with a heel, and a casual pair of flat bottom boots for everyday wear.  I think for an every day pair a khaki color is nice because it matches anything. 

  I have found numerous different colors and styles (including booties)  at great prices to share with you, from one of my very own favorite online places to shop: 

http://www.gojane.com/shop-by-category-shoes-boots.html?sorttype=0&size=0&page=404

Enjoy! 

Remember to spray your boots with a waterproof treatment after purchase to protect against the wet winter climate.  You will get many more years out of your boots by doing this. 

Test of Fire: Election 2012

It is critical that Christians pray for the coming presidential election. There is amazing power in united prayer. Pray with others whenever possible. The power of prayer can overcome any obstacle or ungodly influence and, indeed, do great things!

This is an amazing commercial brought to you by the catholic church.  This is powerful!  As Christians, we all share the same core beliefs and should not let denominations segregate us.  This is addressing ALL Christians.  Will your faith affect your vote?