Leave It.

      The unknown can come off as pretty unfriendly, if you're anything like me. I'm a creature of habit and anything that seems as if it would throw my plans off course, shows itself as an automatic threat.

      However, time after time, God has shown me that His plans are better than my best laid out plans. There has never been a moment that I have regretted following Jesus, and the truth is that wherever  He places me, I am at my safest.

      So why should it be hard for me to give everything that I know to Him, when I know that He is the one and only God that multiplies, blesses, and covers everything that I lay in His hands. Knowing this makes it easier every single day to lay all of my burdens and thoughts at His feet because I know that He goes before me and that all of my battles have been both fought and won.

       The battle is His and He is the one and only Abba Father. Don't ever let the enemy fool you into thinking that your plans are better than his and that your blessings are safer in your keeping.

      Put all of your burdens, worries, thanks, anything in the hands of Jesus Christ. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Anything that you give to Jesus will be blessed and you will see it come to fruition as He promised- and His promises are sacred.

       "Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand."

stay blessed,

rebecca. 

It's Worth It.

    Then at last everyone will say, "There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth." -Psalm 58:11
   
      Is there a point in living for God? Yes. Not only because it is what He commands but because it is in our best interest. Wherever you go in this life, as long as the Lord led you there, you are at the safest place you will ever be.

That's one reward itself, not to mention that God will avenge you and defeat your enemies and that at the end of it all, there is the great reward of Heaven. No more tears, no more worries, no more sickness, no more pain, no more fighting- just the pure and untouched Glory of Jesus Christ.

So keep fighting the good fight!

stay blessed,

rebecca.

This is Love

Agape (Ancient Greek ἀγάπη, agápē) is "love: the highest form of love, charity; the love of God for man and of man for God." 

To some, it might sound like a cliche, but I promise you the following statement is everything but that. Jesus loves you.

What greater love is there than the love of Jesus Christ? None, absolutely none. Whether you believe it or not, the fact alone that Jesus listened to His father, prayed, and went to die the worst death possible, is enough to make you ready to give your own life.

That's just the thing though, Jesus just asked for our fellowship. Jesus died for a relationship with you and I. All He asks of us is obedience and our love. "Who can fathom this exchange?" I can't.

Even if Jesus just left His death and our salvation there and was done, that would be sufficiently more than enough. However, He does so much more. Daily grace, daily mercies, daily forgiveness, daily fellowship, listening to us daily, fighting our battles daily, interceding for us to the father- daily. So much passion, so much agape love. All of this is for out taking, all of this is for free.

So where does this leave us? In a sea of free, and unending mercy. Encaptured by an unconditional love that casts out all fear. Loved by a Savior who would move mountains for us. Held in the hands of the eternal God. Saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Pursued by the one and only Champion of Heaven.

Now that's something to lift up a shout of praise about.

 stay blessed,

rebecca.

Why Worry?

     It's been a month! I'm happy to say I'm back though. With the second semester wrapping up and my extra curriculars, I haven't had too much time to sit down and write. However, I do want to share something that's been laid on my heart.

     In some eyes, it seems that there is so much to worry about in this life. Whether it's school, work, relationships, friendships or anything, really- Satan has a way of rearing his head and magnifying life's situations. However, recently I have realized that I have a choice. By the grace of God, every single morning that God gives me breath, I have the choice to have a good day and smile in my circumstances.

     There is nothing that the enemy loves more than worry. Worry is a very slick form of blasphemy that most people aren't able to automatically detect, therefore making it an easy shot for the Devil to start up a spiritual battle. Worrying can cause you to stray away from God, bring sickness to your body, affect others around you and overall take over your life.

     Worry is a binding vice that only the blood of Jesus can take away. When I worry, as much as I'd like to tell myself that I'm unbothered or not worrying, the freedom of worrying only comes after I fully immerse myself in God's presence and ask for Him to take it- as His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

     I will give you an entire list as to why ultimately and wholeheartedly putting your trust in Jesus Christ is the only way to go about it. Who cares about you more than the lover of your soul? Who watched over more than the one and only who died for you? Who cares more about your future than the Champion of Heaven? No one. No if and's or but's about it!

     Ultimately, as long as you are living in the ordained and blessed steps that Jesus has set ahead for you, you're set. No matter what your circumstances look like, no matter what you're feeling, no matter what everyone is saying around you, no matter what is going on around you, God is a wall of fire around you and wherever He dwells, you are at your safest there. Stay close to him.

stay blessed,

rebecca. 

Prepare.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." - Luke 21:28

     You can call me a Bible thumper, a preacher or whatever. However, the topic I'm about to write about has been weighing on me and I have been praying for the right words to say about it. The Rapture. Whether you believe it happens before the apocalypse or after, or even if you don't believe in it at all- it's going to happen. 

     A lot of things have been happening lately and they are all signs that Jesus is one bus stop away. This is nothing to be scared of- unless you're not saved. Now I know that a lot of people say "Oh, well, bad things have been happening for thousands of years and they said God was coming forever ago." Well, think of it this way- you're thousands of years closer than you were- and obviously that's a lot of time. The Rapture is nothing to play with because what comes after is no playground. I'm not going to get into details on that, but you can always check out the book of Revelation. 

     Jesus promised that as long as His children try and obey Him and believe in Him, that they are saved. I personally don't listen to anyone who makes it more complicated than that because what I just stated is an inevitable truth that God said Himself in His Word. If you'd like to get saved, say the following and mean it and you have been saved through the power of Jesus Christ. When I got saved, I went by ABC. A- Admit to God that you sin and you are ready to turn away from it and try your hardest. B- Believe Jesus is God's son and that He died on a Cross to save everyone. C- Confess your faith in Jesus. 

     So, don't be upset or scared when things start to get messy, for this only means Jesus is almost here. Pray up, worship and trust in God and you'll always be safe. God has scripturally promised to "be a wall of fire around us" and that we don't ever have to fear. 

stay blessed,

rebecca. 

The Beauty of Brokenness

  "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit." - Isaiah 53:5

 

     There are few things in this life, that are more beautiful than being broken by God. If you're new to this term, and aren't sure what it entails, this might sound awful to you. However, there is so much goodness in being broken by the Spirit and it is a true blessing. Why? For many reasons. God says in Matthew 19:24 that "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." Does that mean that the richest man in the world won't inherit God's promises? No. However, it does mean that a rich man is more prone to not have a relationship with God. He might see all his riches and never be needy, hence he never looks to God. This is a poor mans blessing. The poor man looks to God daily and seeks his face, and that is all apart of the relationship between God and the poor man.

     Another example is pride. Sometimes our pride can get so much in the way that we feel that we don't need God. This causes problems beyond measure. God breaks His children for their good and not His. It's not like Jesus sits on this massive throne and says "I'm really about to hurt Suzanne today because it would just so humour me!" No, God is breaking Suzanne today so she will return to Him and seek His face more than anything in her day. In the grand plan of it all, this is refining Suzanne, so her life may be a testimony, her life refined and her life lived for the Glory of God. If you are being broken, lift up a shout of praise, God has not forgotten you- and He never will.

Stay blessed,

rebecca. 

#RandRGoBTS Week 4: Dear Underclassmen

 

  Dear Underclassmen, it's a quick two years, I promise. Filled with books, projects, quizzes and a possibly some tears, I promise you can do it. Plan. Buy a cute agenda, fill it with your to-do's and stay on top of things- your grades depend on it. Take time for yourself. Dim the lights, set flame to a candle wick, put on a face mask, drop a bath bomb and take a moment to love yourself. These are your foundation years. Try your hardest, and let God do the rest. Study, focus on your goals, smash them and clap for yourself and never wait for someone else's clout. At the end, it's only God's view and your view of yourself that matters- humans often speak through emotion and not truth. Look out for yourself. If you think something is sketchy, watch out and take heed. When it comes to friendships choose wisely, don't try to hang with a particular group simply because they might seem better than the group you have now. Know your worth. Never sell yourself short- you're worth much, much more than you can comprehend. Worship often, even when life looks a little tough. Pray. A lot. Before a test, before you eat, before class- pray and be led to act in God's steps. Your steps can only make your life 10x messier. Never listen to someone who says "follow your heart". The heart is foolish and flies and runs behind whatever you think is the right move in the moment. Always ask for God to ordain your moves. Also, don't tell people your moves if you know they can alter them- your friends can often not be who you think they are. Go to games. Go to dances. Join a club. Join a sport. Bottom line, don't let four years pass you by and you spent them watching life on the sidelines. Be nice to your teachers. Don't be that kid who gives a teacher sheer hell to "amuse" your peers. Compliment someone. Compliment yourself. Take time to celebrate every small victory. Drink water. Always pack a granola bar- trust me, a quick snack in the hall can make a world of difference. Lastly, don't forget to always put your best foot forward. Get up, pray up, dress up and do the thing!!! You have this and God has you, I promise.

stay blessed,

rebecca. 

#RandRGoBTS Week 3: Study Resources + Apps

stud·y

ˈstədē/

noun

     1. 

  the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, especially by means of books.

Studying is an absolutely crucial act and can make or break your grades. Hence, this week Ruth and I will be letting you in on some top insider secrets on acing your assignments, tests and quizzes. The resources I'm about to share with you, will hopefully give you an amazing edge on your peers. Study up, and study well.

1. Crash Course

Ah, yes the Green brothers. I give a hefty chunk of clout and credit to Hank for making sure that I passed AP World. These videos are witty, quick and chock-full of information. They come in a wide variety and you can find any subject you're looking for. With any luck at all, you'll enjoy these videos as much as I do. You can find these super helpful videos here.

2. Do Not Disturb

If you are anything like me, you know it can be a little struggle to give studying your 100% focus when your phone is constantly vibrating or you want to check YouTube, Pinterest, or any social media. This app called Do Not Disturb, created for Macs, will cancel out that temptation for you. The program blocks any website that you type in, for however long you want it to. 10/10 would recommend. 

3. Studyign

No, I did not spell studying wrong! This YouTube channel is the absolute best. From organizational tips, motivation and study tips, this channel has it all. Check her out here! 

4. Pinterest

Now, don't get side-tracked on this app. The outfits can wait! Look on pinterest for study tips, printables + more!

5. Spark Notes

I'm an English lover. As much as I can say I enjoy novel studies, I can admit to mising a chapter or two before a chapter quiz. Reading up on a quick Spark Note can boost that quiz grade, rather than not knowing anything at all! It's also great for further insight and finding deeper meaning and symbolism. 

6. Quizlet

Take some time out, and make a deck. Quizlet makes it so easy to memorize vocabulary and key events. You can play games with the deck you made, study the cards, or turn them into a test! However, don't be stingy! Share your deck with your fellow peers and watch the success seethe.

Try these resources out sometime! They might just help you this year. Have a great school year! Also, don't forget to see Brains and Burberry's post this Friday, right here. 

#RandRGBTS Week 3: Agendas

  

   Agendas are crucial during the academic year. They keep you organized, your brain cleared and overall provides a piece of mind. I am a living testimony that agendas can bump your past test grades up. Writing down what you need to do ensures that you don't forget that you had that vocab quiz coming up, hence providing no fail! In this week's edition of #RandRGoBTS, Ruth and I talk about our favorite agenda(s). 

     My favorite agenda is the Lilly Pulitzer agenda. I buy the large version. It's spacious, has a nice side bar on the monthly view- which is rather useful as a to-do list, and it overall is a fantastic planner. At the price of $30, I think this agenda is absolutely worth the investment. It also has these cute little stickers in the front. They are mainly for social activities such as brunch and parties- however, they have nameless stickers that are good to just make your planning a little bit more adorable. 

     The agenda also has a section for writing down Holidays and birthdays! Make sure to add your teachers birthday and make their day by wishing them a good one! Also, if you're one of those people who run out of paper quickly, the agenda offers around eight pages for note taking! So, if you are not in reach of some paper, reach for your agenda and jot down some quick notes. 

     All in all, the Lilly Pulitzer agenda is a great investment and can completely help give your report card and sanity a boost! I hope you enjoyed this post and have an amazing week! Don't forget to tune into Ruth's site for her post on Friday!

stay blessed, 

rebecca.

     

Your Identity in Christ

 

     Hedonistic adaptation. Also known as the act of mainly noticing the bad in things versus the good. This tends to show some form of itself in most human beings. For example, someone claims your unattractive while 15 other people say you're gorgeous. Chances are that your instinct is to be more attentive to the person that thinks you don't look that great. This is not how Jesus wants us to live. Satan is pro- hedonistic adaptation and doesn't want you to know who you are in Jesus Christ.

     I know it can be so hard to scroll through social media and not think you're good enough. However, understanding and claiming God's view on you makes a world of difference and the spirit of envy, hatred and lack of confidence must flee. I promise you it does not matter what anyone, and I mean anyone has to say about you. If it's good, then great! Claim it! However, if it's negative, be prepared and know what God's word says about who you are and the power encompassed in you.

     So, what does this mean for the girl who's jealous of Jane Doe at school? Or the girl with low self-esteem? The girl who never feels she's good enough? The girl who doesn't know her identity in Jesus Christ? This girl should know that because she has Jesus in her, she cannot fail (Pslam 46:5). She should know that charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but because she fears the Lord, she is worthy to be praised (Proverbs 31:30). She should know the power of god is not only invested in her, but surrounds her daily. The Holy Spirit is "A wall of fire around her" (Zechariah 2:5). She should know that she lacks nothing and her Holy father's love is sufficient for her and her needs (Psalm 23).  She should know that though the mountains around her crumble, she will not (Isaiah 4:10). She should know that, whatever situation God allows, nothing is without purpose and it's for her good (Isaiah 66:9). She should know that, she has a purpose and it is within the Lord's ultimate will to fulfill it, and He will (Psalm 138:8). She should know that, the Lord is with her every step and leads her in her walk (Psalm 143:8). She should know that, she has no reason to ever be fearful and she can confidently trust the Lord, (Psalm 112:7). She should know that she is gifted, and no one can do anything like she can (Romans 12:6-8). She should know that, she is valuable (Psalm 17:8). She should know that, in everything she does, God will me the glory in her midst (Zechariah 2:5). She should know that, the Lord's love is steadfast and sufficient and that His faithfulness is great (Lamentations 3:22-23). She should know that, she can have high self esteem in anything she does because the Lord allows her to step as "sure footed as a deer" and she can climb the heights (Habakkuk 3:19). She should know that, she can praise the Lord, because she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). She should know that, every morning she has the opportunity to rise up and pray (Luke 22:46). She should know that, patience is a virtue and everything God does is in perfect timing (James 1:12). She should know that, she is created for a special purpose in her life and the time to fulfill it is soon coming (Esther 4:14). She should know that, her soul is beautiful and whatever fills her heart, she speaks (Luke 6:45). She should know that, when she is fearful she can trust in the Lord to take care of her and that He will, (Psalm 56:3). She should know that, the creator of the Universe chases after her heart with such a fervency (Hosea 6:6). She should know that,  the Lord promised to be her strength and her song in her time of trouble (Psalm 118:14). She should know that, God is her peace at all times (Micah 5:5). She should know that, she is more loved than she will ever know and that the King of all Kings died to win her heart (Romans 5:8).

     Overall, Jesus never intended for us to live with a lack of confidence, as our identities are found in Him. As God's daughter's there is no reason to ever feel inferior. As aforementioned, the power of the Almighty lives within us, and that's quite to reason to rejoice and live well esteemed.

stay blessed, 

rebecca, 

The Power of Speech

    

      As you may or may not know, your tongue has a lot of power. Not only physically, as it is the strongest muscle in your entire being- but it also has the power to change both your life and others. This is why Jesus speaks so strongly on watching what you say. I know personally, as little miss chatterbox, it's very hard for me to keep my mouth closed and to not speak at inappropriate times or say the wrong things. Of recent, I have been trying to only say things that are beneficial to the receiver and pleasing in God's sight.

     However, keeping an eye on your tongue is not solely about being nice to others, (as that is a very major deal), but you can also benefit yourself. You have the power invested in you by Jesus Christ, to change your life for the better. You can speak things into existence. No, I'm not speaking on some Houdini ritual, I mean you can get that promotion you want or that spot on the team you want, simply by speaking it. Now, this is not some magical chant where you can say " I want a Benz." and *poof*, have it come into existence. I mean that God's will shall always be done. So, if you ask for something and it is within God's ultimate will, you're in luck. It's going to happen, and vice versa. Praying and fasting open so, so many doors for Jesus to work in your life. "You do not have because you do not ask God." James 4:2

     If the severity of the power of speech is still not resonating with you, let's take a look at some verses to change your point of view.  There are 76 verses on the tongue in the Bible, but these are most profound to me! 

1. Proverbs 18:21- Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruits,

2. 1 Peter 3:10- For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 

3. Proverbs 15:1- A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

4. Ephesians 4:29- Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

5. Psalm 118:5- Out of my distress, I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helps you!

stay blessed, 

rebecca.

Back to School Style Staples: #RandRGoBTS Week 2

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was fantastic and that your upcoming week is productive and beneficial. As you now know, Ruth and I have been fervently working to bring you our back to school series! I hope you enjoyed the last two posts about back to school essentials. You can find my post here and Ruth's rendition here. This week, we are sharing our back to school style staples!

1.  T- Shirt Dress

I absolutely love t-shirt dresses during the school year. Scratch that- all year. They are comfortable, chic and à la mode. At five 'o clock in the morning, draping myself with a simple dress is a lot more enthralling than prying myself into my favorite pair of skinnies. Old navy is the legitimate spot to grab these gems. For a rather reasonable price you can snag one of the most wearable cloths in life. 

2. Pearl Earrings

One of my most genuine style staples are pearl earrings. I say 'genuine' because I honestly wear them daily. Pearl earrings are a favorite of mine because they are so versatile. From a brimming day of school, to a Girl's Night Out- pear earrings are the ultimate go-to. 

3. A Solid Pair of Denim Jeans

Whether it's with riding boots, sandals, Bean Boots or whatever shoes are of your liking- jeans pair with it. A good pair of jeans covers a multitude of sins. Find your favorite pair of skinnies and claim this school year! My favorite place to grab a set is American Eagle.

4. Alex and Ani// Charm Bracelets

A quick way to spice up any outfit is by adding some arm candy. My staple is Alex and Ani bracelets and my Brighton charm bracelet. Stack em' and go!

5. Patagonia

My school's classrooms are cold year-round. I beat the freeze by layering up one level with my Patagonia. As I previously mentioned in my last post, this warm layer of blessings keeps me warm, focused and ready to tackle whatever lesson is hurled my way. I highly recommend investing in one this year!

6. Riding Boots

Riding boots are my go to shoes in the fall. They add class to almost any outfit! T- shirt dresses, shift dresses, jeans and a tee... you see where I'm going with this. I strongly want to fund a pair of Tory Burch boots this year! However, whatever brand of boot you opt for- it's a grand decision in my opinion. 

That's my style staples for this upcoming school year! I hope you enjoyed.

stay blessed,

rebecca.

Are You a Fellow Coffee Addict?

Back to School Essentials: #RandRGoBTS Week 1

     Happy August! I hope you had a fantastic July and that your August is fabulous. For me, this month means, ending summer, going back to school, and my birthday! Another addition to my thoughts during August is #RandRGoBTS. One of the most talented, intelligent and absolutely stunning writers on my list is Ruth Samuel! Ruth is the founder and writer of Brains and Burberry- "Where academia meets style". Ruth and I have teamed up to bring you all a month long series on going back to school. You can find Ruth's take on Back to School essentials here on Friday!
     The inspiration for this collab is because Ruth and I both understand going back to class can often be very hectic. We hope this collab provides clarity, help, advice and whatever you just so happen to be looking for this upcoming year. Our hopes are that you completely "Rule the School" and that this is your best school year yet. So, to follow up this memo- without further ado; I present: Back to School Essentials.

1. A Makeup Bag

A huge must for me is a small makeup case. I, personally get super oily on my nose so I always carry blotting paper and/or setting powder to maintain a matte look throughout the day. A makeup bag is great for small touch ups throughout the day. This also happens to be a lifesaver after gym class! Throw in some hair ties, chapstick, mascara or whatever little things you need to stay primped during a frantic school day. 

2. Chapstick

I can't stress chapstick enough! I am obsessed with the Original Chapstick. I'm not too much of a lip stain or lipstick gal during the school year because that means constant reapplications.  I tend to focus more on different aspects of my face and go for a bare lip. My lips stay moisturized and I can spend my 5 minute grace period in between classes, actually going to the bathroom and not evening out my lipstick!

3. Wallet Lanyard

I started carrying a lanyard my freshman year. I have my house key on it and I have my student ID and cash inside of the wallet portion. It's always good to keep on hand if I want a drink from the vending machine or if I need my student ID for some reason. It is also is such a help during AP exam week, because plenty of people forget to bring their ID's!

4. An Agenda

I use the Lilly Pulitzer Agenda. It's spacial, functional and has a to-do list on the side bar which is very helpful to jot down long term assignments. I used to just cram projects and test dates into my head, but a lot has improved since my agenda.  I highly recommend purchasing one for this year!

5. Patagonia

I have two Patagonias. When I tell you it's worth the money, it's worth the money. If your school is anything like mine, it's cold. Throwing a Patagonia in your backpack is super helpful in the school year to keep yourself warm and focused. 

6.Riding Boots

Riding boots are an absolute staple for me during the fall. They look great with almost everything. They maintain and classy and sleek-rustic (oxymoron?) look and complete any outfit. Pair them with some knee socks and watch your outfit transform. 

7. Camelbak

WATER. WATER. WATER. Staying hydrated in the school year is an absolute must. I am a living testimony that drinking water can save quite a grade or two. I maintain information more efficiently,  I function more fluently and I have an insurmountable amount of patience when learning about a new topic. If you're like me and you usually don't enjoy drinking water, try a Camelbak, I can refill mine up to 6 times in an hour. Camelbaks are spill proof and make water drinking much easier. Bonus: You won't be that girl who faints in the hallway due to dehydration. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and want to try something listed! 

 stay blessed,

rebecca. 

Beauty Trends to Try this Summer

Girl, it's hot outside.

With all of this heat radiating around, my beauty regimen has definitely been tweaked. Seasons change, as do the trends. In this post, I want to inspire you to go try something new! Stray away from the norm, sometimes, change can be good.

Strobing

That.glow.girl. Strobing is basically the same as highlighting, but the product for it usually comes in a cream formula that is applied before foundation, BB cream etc. I love, love, love the MAC strobing cream. I apply on my cheek bones/apples, the tip of my nose, my brow bone and chin. It gives a nice dewy summer glow, that most of us are oh-so-craving. 

Summer Shadows

I am a very neutral person when it comes to shadows. I like matte, skin-tone shades. However, I recently picked up the Tartelette in Bloom palette and needless to say, I am hooked. My go to look is "rebel" on my lids and a mixture of "activist" and "leader" in my crease. Sometimes, if I feel a little dazzled, I'll add "funny girl" in the corner/tear duct. So, if you haven't already looked into peaches and subtle pinks, now is a great time.

Brown Lips

When I first thought of buying a brown lip in the summer, the whole idea felt a little bit off to me. My intrapersonal communication wondered if it was more of a fall/winter look... Whatever, I still went for it and I love the look. Like I said, I'm neutral, so this color of course was right up my alley. 

Prioritize the Moistuize

I cannot stress this enough. Moisturizing skin makes such a difference. I moisturize twice a day. In the AM, I use the LUSH Ultrablend cleanser. That leaves my skin supple and ready for makeup application. Then, when the night falls and I'm ready to shut the day down, I apply Pacifica's "Wake up Beautiful" moisturizer. It legit does not come off, I wake up as moisturized as I went to bed. 

Beauty Blender

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like my makeup breathes so much better whenever I apply foundation with a sponge. Brushes make me feel cakey for some reason. I highly, and I mean highly, recommend trying out a beauty blender! It's worth the buy and has plenty of other uses. You can find those uses in one of my previous blog posts, if you click here.

Overall, summer is a great time to try new things. You have more time to experiment with looks and to figure out what will work for you in the upcoming school year. I hope you try some of these ideas out!

stay blessed,

rebecca. 

Devotions// How to?

Talking to God and dwelling in His presence is such an essential to life. Trust me, I'd know because I've been there. There's a false sense of happiness you get without it, but don't trust it. Give time with God a try, you won't regret it. 

Jesus calls us to talk to Him. How fair would it be if you started ignoring your friends all day and prioritizing anything but them? Not fair at all. So why pass up on God's offer to talk to Him? Thus being said, the purpose of this post is to give an idea of how to do devotions. This isn't a step by step guide, but more of a brainstorm post. If you don't know where to start, here is how I do mine!

ACTS//Lord's Prayer

I started my prayer life with ACTS and stuck to it. It's the most simple template and never leaves you at a loss for words or stuck in an awkward position. ACTS stands for- Adoration, Confession, 

Thanksgiving and Supplication. The adoration portion is basically you just giving God praise. Confession is the daily asking for forgiveness of sin. Thanksgiving is exactly what it sounds like, giving God thanks for everything He does and all that He is. Lastly, supplication is asking God for the things you want and need in life. That's the easiest prayer template.  Also, don't forget the Lord's Prayer. It is the official prayer and it's not that long either. Jesus told the disciples to pray exactly that way. It leaves nothing out and legitimately covers every necessary thing.

Worship//

I usually listen to Bethel Music and Hillsong Young & Free for my worship. There's no certain amount of songs I do, just however many I feel need to be sung or whatever theme I really need to think about. 

Prayer Journal// 

I love to write out my prayers. For me, it makes them more fluent and it's helpful to look back and see how God has moved and how things have changed. I write mine in a letter format. There's no particular reason for that, I just think it works well for me.

Bible Study//

Lastly, I read my Bible and take notes in my prayer journal. It's scientifically proven that writing things down helps you to remember them better. So, when it comes to Bible verses, if you need help memorizing them, I 10/10 recommend this.

So that's usually how my morning devotions go. It's so much more manageable in the summer, because I have time galore. I hope this helps you!

   stay blessed,

rebecca. 

Devotions// July 20th

Good morning! I hope you've had a pleasant morning and you woke up on the right side of bed. If not, you can always start having a good day now. It's your choice!

Today I dwelled within Ezekiel and Jeremiah and also enjoyed two certain songs. So, without further ado, here are my devotions from today!

I always start my devotions with a prayer on one page and then the following page has notes and such. So, my prayer today was for the Holy Spirit's fulfillment. So there's that and other little details. The next page that has my notes, as aforesaid, started with song devotion.

"In Your Eyes" by Hillsong Young & Free, has a great message and is such a bump! A lyric that really stood out to me was "When I look in your eyes, I find the clarity to life." I really cherish that statement because, life can often be very confusing and sometimes things happen in life that a "skip" button would be helpful for. However, whenever we don't understand the physical, we have to comprehend the unseen manifestation working in our favor. Jesus provides clarity in life and that is one of His potent promises, that will be kept. Why? Because the God I serve stands by His promises, because His promises are sacred.

Another song I really liked this morning was "Even When the Fight Calls" also by Hillsong Young & Free. "You made my fight your own." This is such a powerful lyric because it goes to show that the champion and creator of all, takes up our battles, fought them and already won them. It can be so easy to become discouraged in our "fight" but we have got to be still and know God is God and we need to stop fighting when the fight has been won. Another lyric is " I know you are greater, forever you are Savior. I will sing your praise, with all that I have, with all that I am Lord." As well as "I'll stare down the waves, for You own the tide." So powerful and such evident truths.

As for my Bible portion, I leaned more into Ezekiel and Jerimiah. Ezekiel 28:22 says " I will be glorified in your midst; and they shall know that I am the Lord." I love, love, love this verse because it reminds me that God always shows himself and in all things, and in all our life, He WILL be glorified and we can be still and know he is Lord. I went on reading Ezekiel 28:26 and that goes on to say, "They will dwell safely and securely." God is a good father, the ultimate dad. If our own parents want to protect us, how much more could our creator? I then moved on reading Jerimiah 39:18. This verse states "For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you; because you have put your trust in me, says the Lord." God once again, assures that we are safe in His grace and that our lives are worth it and overall a prize to us, because we follow Jesus and believe in Him.

With all of that being said, it seems as if my theme for today's devotions is God's promise of safety. It's an amazing thing to know we have a God who unconditionally loves us and looks out for us. I hope you enjoyed reading this and take something away from it!

stay blessed, 

rebecca.

Scared to Minister?

"Lack" of qualification, "Lack" of knowledge. Fear. These are all reasons that the enemy tries to place in God's children to hinder them from fulfilling their purpose and call to ministry. Well, let me be the one to break that barrier for you. You.Lack.Nothing. God has given you everything you need to minister. Your testimony could be you opening your eyes this morning. God has blessed you and the enemy wants you to forget your power and purpose. 

Ministering can be fun, or it can be frustrating. Not everyone welcomes Jesus with open arms and surrender. Some people really just hate Jesus for seemingly no reason. A question that often comes to me is, what did Jesus to them? A matter of fact, what didn't He do for them? Keep in mind, when you're telling someone about the love of God, and they retaliate in a manner you'd much rather not deal with- just know it's not you. Jesus said the world doesn't love his children. We aren't of this world, it's just a phase. 

Also, don't think you always have to verbally share Jesus. That's the prime and epitome of ministry- BUT, often times you can give a better sermon with your life than your lips. 

Don't be scared to minister.  Jesus goes with you wherever, whenever and He's been where you haven't He's experienced every emotion you have and faced every fear. He's won the battle and your task is to share that everlasting truth with others.

stay blessed,

rebecca.  

Trusting in God's Timing

     

Jesus is perfect. His ways are perfect, his aspects are perfect and His timing is perfect. Do you think the Champion of Heaven can't handle your earthly worries? Matthew 6:26 assures that God looks out for us and tends to us daily even when we can't sense it. The verse states,  "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" 

     Often times in life we want things- we want them then and there, at that. However, God does not operate on our schedule! We operate on His. When He moves, we move. Waiting on Jesus for our wants is a necessity and if we try to move without God, the entire operation falls apart; because anything without God cannot stand. Note how I said wants. God takes care of our needs! We don't have to beg on our knees and be anxious for God to put clothes on our backs. Jesus has an entire plan for our life- the ultimate blueprint (Jeremiah 29:11) . That plan is flawless. Even when our earthly eyes don't see it and we think God has forsaken us, He hasn't! God won't change the roadmap to spare Himself from our "disappointment" or "anger". What is for you, is for you. "All things work out for those who love Jesus, to them who are the called according to His purpose- Romans 8:28" 

     However, never forget that some things, just.won't.happen. Just know that even when it doesn't happen, it's because Jesus knows it's not good for us. It's not because God wants to steal an experience from us or rob us of some "fun". Be still and know his ways are perfect and that overall he is God and He is good. Trust in the timing. Trust in God's timing.

Stay blessed,

rebecca. 

     

it is well.

"When life hits you by surprise, let a song arise". Those are some of the most profound words I gathered at Forward Conference 2K16. Spoken by Peter Toggs, those words spoke to me. Life can throw some really down casting surprises that are most definitely far from enthralling. However, even though the trial might not be over, you can capture plenty of victories during whatever rough patch you're going through. The best victory during life's trials is defying the devil. Satan wants us to turn from Jesus during our issues and make ourselves more vulnerable to his plans. (Those obviously are no fun). Releasing praise + worship whenever life decides to contrive something you'd rather not go through, is 10/10 something to do. It's a win-win. You leave Satan stupefied, God proud, and ultimately better your soul by lifting a praise, as your blessings come down. Call that a win-win-win! 

Overall, not to sound cliche- but we serve a great, astonishing and loving God. Even when we can't feel his presence, we should always know that he is there and carries us. In scripture, God promises us that He "will never leave us or forsake us. " Deuteronomy 31:6. Be still and know that he is present and that he is our God. All we have to do is cast out cares upon him and He will surely carry our burdens- as His burdens are light.

Stay encouraged, stay blessed. 

rebecca. 

  

DIY Curling Wand- Three Steps

That awkward little crimp from curling your hair is so pesky and something that nobody wants. I personally prefer wands and that's what I buy now- but why let my old curling irons go to waste? In order to be savvy with my cents I renovated one of my curling irons. If you want to learn a super simple way to make a curling wand, keep reading!

STEP 1

Pry out the kickstand on your wand. It may seem like it won't come out at first, but trust and believe it will. 

STEP 2

With your screwdriver (handheld or electronic) detach the screws out of the side of the iron and then the little screw at the front. 

STEP 3

There you have it ladies and gentlemen. Voila! Your brand new crimpless curling wand for sultry, soft and beachy waves. 

Thank you so much for reading,

 rebecca. 

Rainy Days + Seattle Vibes

Charlotte has never felt more like the rainy, serene scene Seattle (Alliteration queen- clearly). All jokes aside, the Queen City has been lacking sunnier days and I'm actually quite okay with that. To take advantage of this weather, I decided to do a OOTD post.

 Outfit Details

Rain Jacket// J. Crew

 Leggings// American Eagle

Rain Boots// Leebos

T- Shirt// H&M

Thank you so much for reading!

rebecca. 

THREE STEP SMOReS DIP

Every now and then I get a super intense craving. Whether the source is twitter food accounts, Pinterest craving boards or a Food Network show, they're bound to appear. If you don't satisfy that craving somehow, they will come back stronger. It's a good excuse to give in the first time! I recently was scrolling through Pinterest and suddenly I saw a smores dip. Later on I saw it on Twitter. *GASP* This must be fate amirite? So, I bought three tasty and trusty ingredients today, (catch my alliteration). From there the dip was made. If you want to learn how to make it, keep reading!

First things first, grab your ingredients! All you need is 

//Semi- Sweet Chocolate Chips//

//Marshmallows//

//Grahm Crackers//

Also is you're efficient and want to save yourself the hassle of cleaning the pan after the chocolate melts on it, just put foil in the pan so you can throw it away after.

Preset your oven to 450 and bake for 8-10 minutes

Step 1// Apply foil, spray with cooking spray and add, chocolate chips and marshmallows

Step 2//  Put it in the oven!

Step 3// Enjoy!

I hope you all enjoyed this quick, delicious treat! Try making it! 

rebecca. 

FRI- YAY LINKS

Happy Friday! Needless to say, it has been quite a week. I've been so busy- let me tell you, wrapping up a semester is so much work. I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining; I've really been working on that. However... I HAVE BEEN GIVEN SO MUCH WORK, FUNCTIONING IS NO LONGER AND OPTION AND I AM TYPING THIS LINE WITH A SWIFTNESS AND UNBELIEVABLE GOD SPEED. I AM PRAYING WITH ALL MY HEART TO GET THROUGH THIS SEMESTER WITHOUT FALLING APART. Sorry,  I had to get that off of my chest. More importantly, I have put together some Fri- yay links!!! I hope you all enjoy these as much as I did. See you on the flip side!

making your wallet smile: Classy Cathleen gives you major deals

#relatable Caralina's blogger bloopers

totally important instagram short cuts!

your ultimate guide to prom dresses

are you a blogger or want to start? here's 75 resources to help out

too cute tech designs

obsessed with stripes? me too girly.

don't know what to get for your mom this mothers day? I got you.

how to use snapchat to promote your blog (thanks Rach)

8 amazing fashion ted talks

how to get the most out of high school

Alison's April Faves!

I know this one is a little short- but I hope you all enjoyed! Have a fabulous Friday.

Love you lots,

rebecca.