Spiritual & Physical Discipline

This isn't the ordinary kind of blog post I usually write on here, but hey, it's my blog and I'll write what I want to (in the tune of "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To"). 

This week God has used other people and situations to make me realize why weight loss and spiritual maturity goals haven't lasted, faltered or quite bluntly, failed.  Here are the two things I have come to terms with that I really believe are confirmation that this year, 2013, is my year to conquer this physical weight issue and spiritual slump. Now, I am fully aware that everyone goes through seasons of suffering and struggles.  I am also aware that there will be days where I don't feel like reading the Bible or going to the gym, but I hope that reading this blog post in those moments will bring me back to terms with my mission. 

1.  Yes, working out, eating well, reading the Bible, not giving into worldly desires, all these things are sacrifices.  You know what else was a sacrifice?  God sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to DIE for you to live this life; and not just live a mundane life, but one knowing and living for God in close relationship.  Yeah, I think I can manage to get off my butt and walk the track for 30 minutes or choose grilled instead of crispy... at least nine times out of ten.  And yes, it's a sacrifice to read a chapter in the Bible while YouTube and Netflix await.  It's a sacrifice to not drink, to not swear (working on this one), to not dress provocatively or remain abstinent until marriage.  BUT, it's a sacrifice you will NEVER regret.  It's a form of discipline that can only benefit you and bring glory to God.  And after all, isn't that what our lives are all about?

2.  Spiritual and physical discipline go hand in hand.  When you are taking care of your body, your mind is sharper and more apt to focusing on the Word.  You can analyze it wiser, focus longer and take the inspiration of what God's teaching you to be on fire during your workout.  When you are reading about Jesus and get excited about what he's teaching you through the Bible, you are just that more excited to tune his temple, also known as your body.  And of course, exercise give your endorphins, and endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't kill their husbands (a possible place of temptation for some people, similar to other previously state struggles).

Read the Word daily.  Just one chapter.  Just 5 minutes.  Whatever you can do, do it with a highlight in hand.  STUDY the Word.  Take notes of things that God reveals to you.  PRAY before and after your read.  PRAY in the car, while you're walking to class/work, when you see someone who looks like they could use it, and when you see someone who doesn't look like they could use it. When you sing songs about God, mean it. 

Work out 4 days a week, and add in a fun exercise a 5th day of the week.  Hey, that's two days free.  You're welcome. 

You CAN do this.  But, you CAN'T do it alone. Seek God daily.  And you will SUCCEED. <3

-jh

March Favorites! Spring scents, skincare, music & more.

Hair & Makeup
This month I spent probably two weeks straight without wearing any makeup, but when I did it was simple basics that are now staples in my collection.  As for hair, it's been all about the lazy, but ever-classic sock bun.
Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm in Pink Punch
// A sheer hot pink balm with a smooth & natural finish.
Rimmel London Stay Matte powde
// I'm not one for face make-up, but for days I need to avoid shine at all costs, this is a perfect light powder that lasts all day long.
Claire's Mini Hair Donut
// This little plastic donut is brown, so there's no way people can notice it peaking out in my hair. Plus, it's really tight so it makes it super easy to fold hair into and stays on top of my head without bobby pins!

Body & Skincare
Like I said, makeup this month has been minimal, and that's thanks to my all-time favorite face cleansers that I finally got around to repurchasing.
Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover face wash 
// Nothing leaves my skin feeling softer, clearer and looking brighter. I can't believe I went so long without repurchasing this.
Clearasil Daily Pore Cleansing Pads 
// These have been a favorite since middle school.  The perfect afternoon pick-me-up to leave my skin feeling clean and lightly exfoliated without needing to rinse with water.
Victoria's Secret Sheer Love Fragrance Mist 
// White cotton & pink lily result in a fresh, light scent that's perfect for a casual day of class and work.

Life: Home, Health, Music & Moments
This month has been long, but it's been a time where I feel like I've really grown as a person and have renewed an excitement for life.
Slatkin & Co. Cranberry Pear Bellini candle from Bath & Body Works 
// "Bubbly and delicious" are used on the packaging description, and that pretty much says it all.  It's fresh and tart, which was a nice reminder that it's spring, despite the snow we had.
Tazo Passion Tea 
// This month I have gotten into having a cup of unsweetened hot tea before bed to relax at the end of the day.  Passion Tea has been a favorite at Starbucks for years, and the boxes of tea bags are way cheaper.  It's a really flavorful herbal tea.
Parachute 
// My favorite band this month is hands-down Parachute.  They have been a favorite for years and in preparation for their concert this month, I was listening to their The Way It Was and Losing Sleep albums constantly, as well as their latest single, "Hearts Go Crazy."  Their concert was amazing and meeting them was wonderful.  Parachute's music ranges from pop-rock, soul with some bluesy feels.  My favorite songs from this month would be "Ghost" and "What I Know." Check them out!
Clean Eating 
// For the last two weeks I have been fasting from sweets and enjoying eating "clean." Cutting out processed foods has been fun and instantly rewarding.  I've already seen weight loss and feel great putting natural, nutritious food in my body.
Favorite pictures of the month  
// My sorority's Kentucky Derby themed semi-formal with my Big Sister & Twin Sister ++ Meeting one of my favorite bands, Parachute.

Ready for April to finish up classes, enjoy warmer weather and likely some neon lipstick and sundresses. Yep, sounds like a good plan to me. Goodbye March, Hello April!
-jh