My answer to 60 tips that will change a Girl's Life

One small step for girls, one giant leap for womankind.  My response to this blog post entitled 60 tips that can change a girls life.  

http://herrickalexisc1.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/60-little-tips-that-can-change-a-girls-life/

1. Download a banking app, better yet, download a budget app. (See budget options here) 
2. Drink more herbal tea. Agreed, it certainly relaxes you and is so healthy.  
3. Making your own coffee/tea instead of buying it will make you a rich woman. Most definitely.
4. Always have at least 2 open chapsticks, and one closed at home (too many tend to waste)
5. Check out thrift stores. Ah! I buy so many of my skirt at thrift shops. (See thrift shopping here)
6. Buy good jeans at a good price.  While cheaply made jeans wear out, you don't need to pay alot for jeans.  (See Cool places to shop) 
7. Buy cheap sunglasses instead.  So true, as long as they are UV protected.
8. Don’t chase boys!!!!!!!!!  
9. Wear slippers when you have to drive in heels, a pair of soft slippers in a slipper bag is a good idea.
10. Wear layers! i.e., carry a sweater or hoodie if you are wearing a t-shirt, and layer winter clothes, so you can remove your sweater if it gets to warm in a room. ( Even in summer? You could fill a novella with the times I ended up at a bonfire in the summer wanting my hoodie and not having it. )
11. Not so big on slippers so:  Smile wherever you go
12. Say a kind word whenever you possibly can (without being akward :P )
13. "Spend a little extra money on your make up?" well, I do and don't.  I buy any eye makeup at the dollar store, because I both rarely use it and find it works fine.  But, I spend money on good concealer and blush, my sensitive skin loves it. 
14. Get running sneakers that are actually effective and not just cute.
15. NEVER go to bed with your make up on.
16. "Get like a thousand packs of make up wipes, because they work the best." Haha, very true, but 1,000? really?  A couple packs from the dollar store is usually good.
17. Have a bottle of water on hand, a water bottle is 
18. Don't always be listening to music, take time to walk and think, or if you have the earphones, listen to the audio Bible - You Version App for android is really good!
19. Don't choose girls vs guys, its way more fun to mingle.  Girl time is good, boyfriend time is good, but as Christians we should fellowship with each other. Besides, why are you dating a guy that you figure will be gone in a bit?!
20. Get a bra that fits well, and maybe a bra butterfly to tie back the straps.  
21. Wash your face.
22. THE DOLLAR TREE is ABSOLUTELY great.  So is Dollar Tree - know your merchandise.
23. Never feel you have to paint your nails to feel beautiful, clean nails are nice nails.  If you paint, be sure its for fun, not a crutch. 
24. Eat something healthy for breakfast - example a smoothie or an apple or a orange....best yet half of a grapefruit :) 
25. Make a summer playlist for when you need to walk in the cold and start actually getting depressed. Hymns are wonderful anti-depressants :)
26. Get a super awesome coffee mug. :D
27. Realize that you don't need any lipstick.  You are beautiful
28. Don't even date a guy who doesn't know better than to take you such places as a dingy resturant or bar - Seriously!
29. Never try dieting pills or fads. It’s all a bunch of garbage, just be healthy, or better yet, "moderation in all things".
30. Call your mom when you need help. Yes indeed. 
31. Forget name brands. No one really cares, and you will have three times the wardrobe to choose from if you shop at Tj Maxx and Marshalls first. - Actually, try Target, the second hand store, and Outlet stores - they often beat both TJMaxx and Marshalls. 
32. Your friends don't need to like your favorite TV show - friends should be friends because you care about them and they about you!
33. See Above, your friends are individuals and one of my best friends is gluten intolerant and I love bread.  See?  would be ridiculous to have to have a friend who ate what you eat
34. There is this amazing invention called “boob tape” to wear with strapless dresses ... ah yes, apparently it works great most of the time - wear straps?  Modesty and comfort are more valuable
35. Ask for a white coat underneath the color when you get your nails done and the color you wanted looks so much more vibrant. hmmm interesting....not sure as I haven't tried it.  
36. Never spend too much time crying over a boy.  Definitely, God is in control, take comfort that He knows best and wants to save you from making the wrong decision.
37. Order the dressing or sauce on the side ladies. You’d be amazed at the difference.
38. Always try clothing on before you buy it. Don’t even try to reason with yourself, “Well I don’t need to try this on”, yes you do.
39. Drink as much water as humanly possible.
40. One foundation does not fit all. Your skin is unique; so spend the time to get a foundation that doesn’t look like you just smudged your face with paint.
41. Use your iCalendar or google calendar on your phone for reminders. It sends you emails and will give you instant organization.
42. Get a microwaveable heat pad. Your cramps and back will thank you for the rest of your days. Or take a warm bath with Epsom salts :)
43. The best remedy for a broken heart is taking it to the Lord.  He is the healer of broken hearts Psalms 147:3
44. Stock your car, desk, and bags with hand sanitizer.
45. Keep Advil in your purse for your every day headaches.
46. Band-Aids too, heels are beautiful little monsters.
47. Befriend store associates because they actually will help you. Most of the time. But don't buy it if you are feeling unsure - they also work on commission. 
48. Just go with butter popcorn .... 
49. Exercise when you’re stressed out.
50. You can and will never have too many pairs of underwear. Welll.... we get the point, but ah, yes, you can have too many.
51. Find the perfect moisturizer.
52. Accessories are great fun.
53. Take bubble baths with Epsom salts, but only take the bubbles if you can handle standard soap in delicate regions.
54. Have a granola bar on hand at all times.
55. Read as much as you can for your own enjoyment. And don't forget to read your Bible.
56. Look natural in photos and smile with your teeth. Don’t do that weird grimace smile; your teeth are perfect just the way they are.
57. If you are sick you need a doctor or dentist. It’s incredibly important to take care of your body and to know the difference of when you need help and when you don't.
58. Get your beauty sleep.
59. Use hand lotion.
60. Make chocolate chip pancakes when ever possible.  haha or muffins ;)

Early Morning Thoughts

Some days, my waking moments are hazy, befuddled, and generally nonsensical.  I wander around as I get ready.  I can't find anything - I'm generally lost in the morning fog.  

But other days, like this morning are clear, crystal clear.  A checklist is formulated immediately, and excuted forth efficiently.  Check, check, check and out into the peaceful morning air.  

Well sort of - today was raining.  Rain has been falling for several days.  I must confess the rain is a welcome change from snow, and the smell of fresh air is exhilarating.  Looking down at my brown leather riding boots stepping along the submerged stone pathway, I realize how much I am blest.  

Warm feet, clean air, much water, and lovely boots are just a shadow of the true blessings.  Freedom to be yourself and friendships trusted-true, now those are blessings.  A life guided by the Saviour, our Saviour, is more precious than anything. 

I think all these rambling thoughts came of thinking about coming changes in my life.  Recently, there came into my life one of the nicest surprises, my best friend asked me to share his life with him.  The wedding is scheduled for May, for which there is much anticipation. 

Now my absence is explained, and this is a wedding announcement of sorts.  In some near future, I hope to post a picture.  In any case, as the final count down begins, you will find me scurrying about, trying not to follow rabbit trails.... but  then again, adventures only take a moment, perhaps a rabbit trail is calling.

45 days and counting down....

~As a golden-hearted rose~

"Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one’s life with pomp and blare,

like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one’s side

like an old friend through quiet ways;perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose,

until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm

and the music; perhaps . . . perhaps . . . love unfolded naturally out of

a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath."

— L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Avonlea)

~

Evening Thoughts

You know, I have been sitting here for about an hour, trying to organize my very scattered thoughts. I have so much I would love to write about, and yet in the same moment, I have nothing to say. I enjoyed the ministry this past weekend very much, so real, so powerful, and relaxing. Yes, this conference was most relaxing. I suppose this seems strange, are not conferences to stir the audience? I was stirred, no doubt about that, but well, strengthened perhaps? Calmed?

I am enjoying having so much to think about again!

I am pasting the link to the ministry online. Do check it out! http://www.starkrdgospelhall.com/media/?p=archive&cat=2010_conference

(The chronological order of messages begins at the bottom of the page.)

The Measure of A Man

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments

of comfort and convenience, but where he stands

at times of challenge and controversy."

~

I am not sure what originally brought the phrase to mind, but the phrase has haunted my mind for a few days now. The measure of a man. Was it a verse? Was it a quote? Where had I heard it? Why do I know there is more to the phrase? Thus it had been haunting me.

After pondering the phrase for quite awhile, I finally dropped it into google. (When in doubt --google, right?) Well, I really shouldn't have bothered with googling it. For the random selection from our favorite search engine was mind boggling and wasted much of my time. Of course, I strayed wayyyy off track. I did find one good quote (not the quote I seeking.)

The quote , attributed to Martin Luther King Jr., I have pasted above. I like this quote-- holds a lot of significance to it, especially, in view of who spoke the words. However, the part that struck me most was the phrase "at times of challenge".

I started to wonder on the "challenge". Specifically, challenge as in when one person's ideas are specifically challenged. I am not interested in "taking of a challenge", "the mountain hike was a challenge", or " I challenge you to a dual." I am merely interested in the following concept.

How do you react when who you are and your ideas are challenged?

Martin Luther King Jr declared the measure of a man to be where he stands at times of challenge. Perhaps, he is right. However, I was still not satisfied in my search. I think I would like to know the true "measure of a man." I think the concept would vary from person to person, or country to country. The media seems to portray the measure of a man by his strength or perhaps courage. Of course, in many aspects this appeals to us, and that is why the concept works so well for propaganda. But, no, not getting into propaganda at this point.

Some days passed before I searched the phrase in e-sword. (E-sword is an amazing program, if you are not familiar with the program, I heartily advise you to download it. Providing you have a relatively newer computer with enough memory space.)

Well, E-sword was successful. One verse. Correct number of beats/syllables. (I could only remember the rhythm.) And this was the verse:

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits,

according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

Rev 21:17

And what does it mean? I laughed when the realization dawned on me that all this pondering lead to a rather off beat little verse that was merely describing the length of a wall! Yes, technically, I understand what the verse is saying. But what I am still wondering is --why?

Why does God specify that the measurement was according to man's measurement system, then clarifying that in reference to the angel? Why the play on words, accidental, coincidence?

I suppose it's simple, if He had said "normal measurement", we's have asked what is normal? If He had said "according to the angel's measuring stick", we'd have said we don't have an angel measuring stick. If He had said according to a man's standard measurement, we have imperial and metric arguments.

Or would we? Maybe we wouldn't even notice.

God took the time to write it, I wonder why?

~

Reflections of the Master's Hand

I am certainly not the originator of this analogy, but somehow the reality of this sunk into my consciousness this time. I look at how little I am and how perfectly the trail of history behind me reflects His guidance.

Being held in the master's hand. I often revel in the pure security of being in His hand. God's hand. I can trust him, even when I don't trust him I am still in the security of the hand of God. How much greater is His plan than ours. I love looking back and seeing how what seemed to be so scary, perfectly fell into place, step by step. He has painted the picture that I can only see glimpses of... I can trust Him.

But perhaps you, like me, ask how can I trust others? God knows how I have struggled with trusting. Sometimes my fear has been so great it prompted instant and irrevocable decisions that hurt innocent people. "How can I trust others?" I ask."In light of what I know of Him, and his perfection and how little I trust Someone who deserves all my faith -- how can I trust others whom I know to be mere humans like myself?"

I do not have the answers, but this helped me understand...

The Memoirs of a Simple Violin

"I thought I felt like puddy in his hands. I realize now it is more like the feeling of being handled as a valuable violin in the hands of a musician taught by a master violinist. The musician's every motion was guided by the skill imparted to him by the Master. The Master who not only taught the musician , but the Master who made me --the simple violin that I am. How thankful I am that the musician is taught by the Master, for the Master loves me more than anyone.

The Master will always love this simple violin. He has a unique love for me because He made me--me the violin. The Master is teaching the musician to love me the way He loves me.

The musician sees the value of the violin, because it is the work of the Master. Any studied musician values a Stradivarius because of its sound, quality, beauty, and its name.

The Stradivarius bears the name of its maker, Antonio Stradivari. I am called my Master's name.

In the hands of the Master, I am formed and play, and move to my Master's music. In the hands of the Master I am completed and tried. I experience, through gentle, but sometimes painful, process. I don't always sing as I should. Sometimes I am out of tune.

Sometimes I squeak or grate in awkward sharp notes. My Master fine tunes me, tightens my strings, stretching my strings -- its uncomfortable. The Master made me for a purpose. Then the Master shows the musician, whom he made me for, how to tune and play the violin, so that I will sing for him too.....

....Sometimes, the musican makes mistakes and I vibrate with hurt. Pain. But I bravely quiver as the musican's bow catches on the stings. A loud I complain. "I AM not supposed to be played this way! This is not how my Master's music sounds!" .....

....I always marvel when my Master steps in. He gently takes the bow from the musician, and lifting me in His arms: He plays. Sweet the song of the Master.

I have seen many violins thrown or given away. A squeaky violin is not appreciated by a musician. I am always amazed when my complaints are graciously forgiven.

Cast off violins are often given to children to play with. A disobedient violin is of no use to the musician. The musician looks for one of greater value. But the Master always love the violin. Sometimes, although the Master loves the violin, He must put the stubborn violin in a different place. A stubborn violin can be of no use to the musician.

But a well-tuned violin is a beautiful and useful instrument. The Master places a fined tuned violin into the hands of a loving musician. The violin is loved by the Master and the musician alike....

...the orchestra, the conductor, and the audience love a violin made by the Master, played the the Master-taught musician. The violin cannot play itself. The violin must depend upon another.

We need others in our life. The Master made us. Can we not trust the Master to care for us even in the hands of others? The Master's love and wisdom is not limited. We can trust Him with the others in our lives. "

***

I really enjoyed the little picture of the violin. There was more to the story, which I didn't included. But the part that struck me in this story was this: I can not control what others do, but I can trust the God who made me.

"She shall not be moved"

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,-- though the earth be removed,

and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,

though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

Selah.

There is a river,

the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God,

the holy place

of the tabernacles of the most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:

God shall help her, and that right early.

The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth. "

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 46

The Little Man of the Eye

"The eyes are the gateway to the Soul." This quote is often attributed to Herman Melville, author of Moby-Dick and other novels. Herman Melville is now well known in the literature world, however when he died in 1891 his works were largely unknown. Strange how fame has a way of showing up AFTER one dies... Herman Melville was friends with Nathaniel Hawthorne, who is predominately famous for The Scarlett Letter. Now, that's just a little blurb on who said it. :)

However, regardless of the quote being attributed to Melville, the concept is much older. Ancient peoples believed the eyes to be the gateway of the soul. If you have ever watched Mongol, (and be forewarned: there are more heads coming off in that movie than anything else) you may have caught a slight cultural reference to the same concept. In Mongol, Genghis Kan seeks to choose a wife. He is just a little boy, traveling with his father, when he sees the girl he wants. His father's words were to the audience and to little Genghis (whose real name is something else)--choose a bride with narrow eyes as wide eyes are too often invaded by spirits. (By referencing Mongol, I mean only to illustrate the presence of the concept in ancient cultures.)

Many missionary books mention various cultures of having the impression of the eyes as windows or openings to the soul. I keep thinking Peace Child mentioned something along those lines, although, I can't find the book to check. Anyhow, I could go on and on, but I won't.... see, as a kid, I was constantly wondering about things: this being one of them.

I wondered: Why did people say the eye was the gateway to the soul? and Was it true? and Where did they get the idea? Well, :) , I found a verse....

I was reading about apples --back awhile-- and I noticed that where our KJV reads "apples" there were two different Hebrew words used. So, I looked them up.

Whenever it was talking about the "apple of my eye" or along those lines , the Hebrew was really refering to the pupil of the eye --- ok. not exactly earth shattering --- BUT looking into what the Hebrew word was literally showed that it was saying "the little man of the eye"

(My Newberry reference Bible also made reference to this)

The little man of the eye.

I laughed aloud. What a great way to describe it. Not so much as a gateway or a window to the soul, as romantic as both those sound, it was the "little man of the eye." The "real" you looks out your eyes.

So I did a search on the Hebrew word (how I love e-sword!) and the word is used 5 times in the old testament. Three times as the "apple of the eye" .

Deu 32:10 He found him in a desert land,

and in the waste howling wilderness;

he led him about, he instructed him,

he kept him as the apple of his eye.

Psa 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye,

hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Pro 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live;

and my law as the apple of thine eye.

The Hebrew word used is ee-shone אישׁון ( "eesh" אישׁ is Hebrew for "man")

So next time you look someone in the eye, think about how the Hebrew says it -

The Little Man of the Eye

Evening Meditations

With Nicole's wedding behind me, I am hoping to be more regular in both my studies and blog. Life can change so quickly, and mine has flown by so fast these past 3 months that it seems like one long day. I will post pictured of the wedding, when I have a moment next week.

Tonight I was reading 1 Chronicles 21:15. I found it interesting it is yet another time when the Lord decided to destroy and "repented him". In this case, He had the angel stop destroying.

I like the verse because you see a little glimpse into the Lord's thoughts.

"And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite."

Two things struck me. 1. The Lord was standing watching. 2. the angle didn't destroy everything in an instant, it was a movement.

The Thoughts of the Heart , p2

I haven't posted in a while, life is very busy. However, I have continued to ponder the previous topic.....

I was reading in Psalms a few days ago (yes, as many know, that means I wasn't really reading much this week --not a good thing to say the least, but I love how God speaks straight to our souls even when we weren't really listening.), so while reading in Psalms this verse popped out at me.

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever,

the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Psa 33:11

the thoughts of his heart to all generations... we really have no grasp of how God loves us, do we?

How He loves us! He loved us generations prior to our existence. Who would love filthy little arrogant creatures so intent on willfully sinning, generations before they are born, with the exact knowledge of the hideous sin they will commit?

According as He hath chosen us in Him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him in love: Eph 1:4

We love to rationalize love, we bring His love down to our level, but in reality --we have no clue. No clue, how much He loves us --and how much we pain Him.

I remember as a very little girl, my mom would crouch down beside me when I had a tantrum, or wouldn't share . She would say "Ashley. That is very bad. That is sin." Her voice would be stern and hard, but her face was gentle. Her eyes were sad. "And it hurt God's heart sooo much, it makes God very very sad." Somehow, when she said that you could almost see God crying, so heavy hearted, so disappointed --but with eyes so full of love that it made my child's heart want to throw my arms around His neck, in contrite repentance.

So, I was reading today, in random places, when I read Hebrews 9:26.

For then must he often have suffered

since the foundation of the world:

but now once in the end of the world

hath he appeared to put away sin

by the sacrifice of himself.

For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world....

The previous verses center on the difference between Christ's sacrifice and the old sacrifices of bulls and of goats, emphasising how the sacrifices of old could never put away sin forever and then comes this verse. "For then must He often have suffered". So he came to deal with the problem of sin once and for all "now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."

I believe I will always be amazed that the God of Heaven infinitely loves me forever.

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying,

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Jeremiah 31:3

***

Lord Jesus I love thee, I know Thou art mine,

My rock and my fortress, my surety divine,

My gracious redeemer, song shall be now,

Tis Thou who art worthy, Lord Jesus, tis Thou.

The Thoughts of the Heart

The heart has always been interesting study. Mankind devotes much time to studying the heart: other's hearts, their own heart, and even the heart of God. But although much study is made, seldom do the conclusions vary. Aristotle declared the heart to be the "seat and source of sensation", Plato a place of songs and whispers, while renown poet Lord Byron stated simply "There is no instinct like that of the heart." But recent reading in Deuteronomy called to attention the stark contrast of the world's conclusions on the heart and God's portrayal of the heart.

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might. Deut 6:5

I found it interesting that the very first time the Hebrew word for heart is in Genesis 6:5 " every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." How true we know this to be. But even more interesting was the second reference to the heart, in the very next verse we read of the Lord's heart and the sensitiveness of His heart. "And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

How little we realize how tender the heart of God is... His is the pattern...we should keep our hearts to be more like His. We love to complain, cry, and pity the hurt we feel in our hearts, but do we ever think how He feels?

Here are a few of the verses I found that gave me a bit of a glimpse as to how God's heart feels.

"And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, ...." Gen 8:21

"...the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart..." 1 Sam 13:14

"And the LORD said unto him...I have hallowed this house...and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually." 1 Kings 9:3

***