Be Set Apart

(Found this in my notes on my Facebook page)

Say you're at a slumber party and the next morning everyone is still in their pjs and you all decide to go out for a walk. Everyone goes as they are but you decide to get washed but put the same clothes back on (same underwear and all). You go outside and everyone that walks past you all pinch their noses because they smell you all but you try to convince them that you got washed but they don't believe you because everyone's smell is blending in with yours plus you're dressed like them so they can't tell the difference. 

Can you see where I am going with this? 

When you are in Christ you have to be totally set apart from the world. We are in this world but we are not of it. Others should see that you are set apart by your lifestyle. Live for Christ and like Christ.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda Journey!!!

Okay, So about two months ago I had a dream that I used Apple Cider Vinegar on my hair to wash it. When I rinsed it out, my hair was 5 times the length that it really was and really shiny and straight. At this time I had no clue about the ACV rinse that people are using instead of conditioner. So when i woke up I "Googled" it and lo and behold, there it was. I know it was the Lord showing me to use it. I was kind of hesitant at first because of the smell but then I did more research and found out that the smell doesn't linger on your hair. So I told my mom and sister and we went out and bought some....still didn't use it. Now the bottle is about a quarter of the way empty and now I just tried it out. I did more research on it as to what the ratio is. Then I found out that you can use Baking soda a a shampoo instead of the regular shampoo. It will lock in moister rather than stripping it away with all of those chemicals. I love to find natural alternatives for the everyday use. And since i am now going back to being natural (yup, I'm going back) this will be a great way to transition!!

Okay, So yesterday I finally decided to use this new shampoo and conditioner method. I wasn't so sure how it would turn out. BUT!! I LOVE IT!!! My hair feels a lot better than when I use the regular stuff. It's light and fluffy and shinier. My scalp feels a lot cleaner. I just have to find a better moisturizer hair lotion (a natural one).

Here's what I did:
I mixed 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a medium sized sports bottle (that's what I had a the time) and filled it with water. Shake well.
Then I mixed 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar into a large cup (once again, that's what I had a the time) and filled it up with water and mixed it well.

I then washed my hair with the baking soda and water, making sure that I got my scalp and used my finger tips to massage it in and let it sit for about 3 minutes. Then rinsed it out and conditioned my hair with the ACV and then rinsed it out. I towel tried my hair and then put coconut oil and olive oil in my hair. I combed it out in sections with a wide tooth comb and then braided each section as I went along.

This method may not work for you with the coconut oil and olive oil but go on ahead and try it if you would like to. Remember, there are tons of health care tips for all types of hair on the internet. Don't be afraid to look at some new hair tips but use discernment on who to follow and listen to. Okay now have a blessed day!! love you all!!!

*Find What Works For You*

Time To Stop Procrastinating

For a few years now, I have had a desire to blog. But i was making a ton of excuses like, I don't know how to sign up for one, nobody will want to read my blogs, I'm not that good of a blogger like other people (haven't even started yet) and of course, I don't even have anything to write about. Well, the desire kept getting stronger and stronger and the Lord kept telling me that I need to start one. I still kept putting it off even though my excuses kept going away. Google made it easy to start one and I'm already on Facebook where i basically do mini blogs that people like to read. And the Lord took away my excuse of not being able to write like other people when He told me to start writing poetry and plays. He said that I can't compare myself to other people when HE'S the one that called me to do it. I had to stop trying to fit in with the crowed when God called me to stand out. People may not like whatever the Lord told you to do but who cares?!! Don't allow people to bring you down because of their opinions when you already have God's approval. So.....here it is. My blog. And I dedicate this to glorify God because He's the One that told me to do this and He will give me things to write. So whatever the Lord is calling you to do, stop procrastinating and go do it. He wont take you somewhere and then abandon you. Whatever God tells you to do, be encouraged that He knows what He's doing and He will never let you down. Also, some people make the mistake that when they hear from God on an idea that He gives them, they go running to someone to see how they can make it happen instead of asking God how does He want it to be done. If the plan if from God, allow God to show you what the next steps are and who you need to talk to. And remember, you can't go telling everyone the things that God has told you. When He tells you to keep your mouth shut, keep your mouth shut. He knows exactly who's for you and who's against you. Always be sensitive to the voice of the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

So whatever plans the Lord has for you, know that it's for a great purpose because you are here for a great purpose. Your plans are in the best of hands. :)

God knows who you are more than you do.

Depression is a real serious thing and it's a spiritual thing as well. It can not be treated with natural things, only the word of God.

 For the longest time growing up, i used to be in a really deep depression. I used to get hurt a lot, and I know I'm not the only one that has gone through that. Some of you may still be going through it and that's why I want to tell my testimony. When I was younger I used to get made fun of because I have a gap, I was overweight, I wasn't pretty enough (to them), I wore glasses, didn't always have the best clothes and lastly because I talk fast and I used to stumble over my words.

These things have played a huge part in my life growing up. I was always afraid to stand up in front of the classroom and talk. I was afraid to talk to people face to face because I didn't want them to stare at my teeth and I wore really baggy clothing. And most of you know that being talked about will bring your self-esteem low. I wouldn't even laugh without covering my mouth. It was so bad that I would walk home from school with my head down. And I was always quiet.  I used to use the whole "I'm just shy" thing so people would leave me alone and accept me for who I thought I was. Didn't know that shyness was just another name for fear. The Devil really had me bound. I used to always see myself the way people saw me instead of how God made me. I was going to church and all but i wasn't in the world like i should have been. And that's how i allowed the enemy to attack me.
As I got older, I used to always want a job that was in stocking because I didn't want to deal with people. But the Lord had other plans. Now how many of you know that what the enemy would try to put you down with, the Lord will build you up with? So after applying for various jobs I finally got one in the deli department where I had to deal one on one with customers and make announcements over the intercom. God really used that to break me out of that "trying to hide" thing.  But my God!! Come to think of it, every job or volunteer work I did, I had to deal with people face to face. LOL!! God You are so awesome.

I thank God for getting me out of that bondage. It kept me shy and not wanting to do the things that He called me to do. I hated it so much!! I couldn't be myself. I used to end up making jokes about myself before someone else did or hurt someone else's feelings before they hurt mine. I didn't know what it was at the time what I was doing. I was in a really bad situation and I really needed saving. That was nothing but fear and torment to try and stop me from following the plan that God has for me. I would do my hardest to please people just so they would like me. I hated being the odd one in the bunch. But how many of you know that there is no end to pleasing someone. I had to learn to stop trying to figure out who I was through what people though about me and just listen and receive what God says about me. He knows me more than I know myself. You can't try to please people and God. You have to choose who you will serve. And let me tell you, it is so much easier to please God.

God will open doors for you if you let Him in and heal you. And if the enemy tries to put thoughts of doubt in your mind telling you that you're no good because of this or you're ugly because of that. Tell that little scum bag to shut his ugly face up. Every time the enemy would try to put thoughts of doubt in my mind, I just come back him with the Word of God. Just like Jesus did when He was being tempted. See I didn't really know then when I was going through all of that stuff that I could do that. But now that I know what to do, Satan can't stand a chance!! Once you start to learn who God really is, He will

start to reveal who you really are to yourself. Nobody knows you more than God knows you. So next time you are in worship/prayer time with God, ask Him to show you you and He will.