5 Reasons to Workout During the Holidays

 Admittedly I was not on track like I should have been around Thanksgiving and then I had a dream...one that I had gained 140 lbs over the holidays. Needless to say my booty has been back in the gym almost everyday since then! With the Christmas holiday quickly approaching, schedules filling up and the temperatures dropping workouts can be the first to go for me. But, I'm encouraging myself and you to stick with (or start) exercising through this bustling season for these reasons:

1. Reduce Your Stress For some of us, the holidays can be a stressful time of year and working out definitely helps to alleviate the stress and tensions. Even if I don't feel like going to the gym, by the time I am finished, I feel so much better! I have never regretted a workout but I have regretted not working out. Working out helps clear my mind and improve my mood a ton! I know one helpful tip for myself is to never miss a Monday at the gym. Mondays set the tone for my week.

2. Working Out Helps You Eat Healthier This is true for me, but I wonder is it true for you too? When I'm working out consistently, I tend to eat a lot better. I recognize that I worked hard at the gym and I don't want to blow it by eating terrible. If I'm not working out I tend to eat badly which leads me to indulging in way too may desserts, snacks and drinks. And I mean drinks of all kinds from hot chocolate, wine to cocktails especially at all the Christmas parties and happy hours. 

3. Finish Strong For me, I've worked really fairly hard at getting in shape and I want to maintain what I've accomplished. I have a long ways to go but I don't want to have to start from the beginning. If you've done the same, don't spoil it by quitting now!

4. Be Ahead of the Game for the New Year When the New Year comes and everyone is resolving to "get in shape" you'll already be ahead of the game! I look forward to this feeling every year!

5. No Guilt for Small Indulgences I try to watch what I eat most of the time, but I admit to having a small addiction this time of year to hot chocolate especially and other yummy holiday snacks! I don't think a total withdraw is a good thing (or fun at all) and knowing I workout helps remind me that it's alright to indulge during the holiday without feeling guilty. Just not so much to were I gain 140 lbs! Ah!! 

Putting this all in a post helps motivate me to continue my efforts at getting and staying fit...as well as the dang Victoria Secret Fashion Show! Those beautiful Angels get me every year, instant motivation! I hope post this is motivating to others as well. What are some helpful tips you have for staying active and healthy through the holiday?

 

15 Bible Verses For When You Don't Understand God's Plan

 

You don't have to know the plan to trust God's purpose. If only I could put this on repeat every 86,400 seconds a day in my mind...then I might fully grasp it.

"God I don’t always understand You, but I want to always trust You. Will You increase my faith and trust in You? Jesus, thank You for sharing in my pain on the cross. Amen."

15 Bible Verses For When You Don't Understand God's Plan

"Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You have little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31

"Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." Psalm 147:5

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" Psalm 8:3-4

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:21 

For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the LORD, and there is no other." Isaiah 45:18

"But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, oh you of little faith!" Luke 12:28

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9

"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." Psalm 48:14

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." Isaiah 40:28

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" Psalm 111:10 

Do you have a Bible verse you could share that helps you understand God’s plan when you can’t? Would love it if you’d leave it in the comments for me. 

   

Pumpkin Pecan Baked Brie

While in Trader Joes a couple months ago in Alabama I picked up a jar of their pumpkin butter and knew I needed to make something festive and delicious with it. I decided on making Pumpkin Pecan Baked Brie as an appetizer for Thanksgiving and it did not disappoint!

 It was simple and low maintenance appetizer but with a big flavor! It took all of five minutes to put together and twenty-five minutes to bake. Make sure you add this one to your Christmas menu or for any holiday party!

Pumpkin Pecan Baked Brie

Ingredients

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

2 Tbs pumpkin butter (I highly recommend Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter)

1/4 Tsp ground cinnamon

1 (8 ounce) wheel brie cheese, rind trimmed

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.

Place puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread pumpkin butter evenly over the top, leaving 1-inch border, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Set the cheese in the center of the sheet and top with pecans and cranberries.

Fold the puff pastry over the sides of the cheese, pleating the edges to fit snugly around the cheese. Pinch the dough together in the center to seal and brush evenly with the egg.

Place into oven and bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes

Serve warm with crackers.

Recipe Also Found Here

This is the easiest baked brie ever! I will also say that I picked up my brie from Aldi and it was wonderful and a lot cheaper than other local grocery stores. I personally loved this dish and I think my family enjoyed it very much as well. Since I am a pumpkin lover at heart I could eat this year-round easily! I will say it was not so great leftover so make sure you eat it all! Enjoy!

 
     

Christmas Outfit: Featuring Kushyfoot

This weekend my mother-in-law invited me and my sister-in-laws to join her at their church's Women's Gala on Sunday evening. I was excited to accept the offer to get to wear a fun dress and have a great time with family. I picked up this gold and cream cocktail dress from Target during their Black Friday sale for only seventeen dollars! You can still get it half off with their bogo half off sale on clothes and accessories. It was pretty chilly last night so I wore a pair of the new Kushyfoot shaping tights, which were awesome because they have a massaging sole on them and this classic black Express blazer.

 Downtown Jenks is always such a beautiful area of town but I really adore it during Christmas time. The streets are lined with wreaths, each storefront window is lit up with beautiful lights and with fresh tree trimmings and Christmas lights draped over bustling Main Street. My sister-in-law Randi and I picked up Starbucks and enjoyed the festive scenery before heading to the Gala. 

By the end of the night was really thankful for the massaging soles on my Kushyfoot tights. I also loved that the tights aren't as thick as leggings but also aren't as thin as pantyhose so I wasn't afraid all night that they might snag. 

We had a wonderful time at the Gala. We enjoyed a great dinner, festive Christmas entertainment, wonderful company and lots of laughs. I'm thankful for each of these ladies!

 

My little sister also kindly informed me that this cocktail dress makes me look pregnant, thanks sis! So, I also received a pair of the Kushyfoot Fleece-lined tights that I will be pairing with a more slimming outfit, a long knit sweater and booties. I truly love these Kushyfoot products, I promise you wont regret checking them out!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

These products were sent to me by Kushyfoot in exchange for my honest feedback, all opinions are my own. 

 

Pecan Pie Cheesecake, A MUST Bake Holiday Dessert!

Y'all, I baked a pecan pie cheesecake for Thanksgiving last week and dare to say it might be the best thing I have ever baked! It is at least in the running for the number one spot, hands down!

Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts and I have to tell you, this pecan pie cheesecake is one of the best I've ever tasted. {Pat on the back} It's like a cheesecake and pecan pie in on dessert. How could anything be better?! Well besides adding pumpkin of course! This cake has a vanilla wafers crust, pecan pie filling, creamy cheesecake layer and buttery, caramel pecan topping. It's not insanely sweet like regular pie because the cheesecake layer perfectly cuts down the sweetness of pecan filling, and still you will get a rich amazing treat!

 Image via Lilluna...because I failed to take a picture of mine cut.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the Crust:
13/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter-melted

For the Pecan Filling:
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup unsalted butter-melted
2 large eggs-lightly beaten
11/2 cups pecans-chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 ounces cream cheese-softened
11/4 cups light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:
31/2 tablespoons unsalted butter-melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup toasted pecans-chopped 

Instructions

To make the Crust:
1. Line the bottom of 9 inch springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Combine vanilla wafer crumbs and brown sugar, stir in melted butter, then press the mixture evenly into bottom and halfway up the side of 9 inch springform pan. Set in the fridge to firm the crust while making the filling.

To make the Pecan Filling:
1. In a medium saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, pecans and vanilla and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer stirring constantly until thickened, 5-7 minutes. Pour into prepared crust and set aside.

To make the Cheesecake Filling:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Beat the cream cheese until creamy, then add brown sugar and flour and beat until fluffy.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Do not over beat it! Stir in heavy cream and vanilla, then pour cheesecake mixture over pecan filling.
4. Place springform pan on a cookie sheet, put it in the oven and reduce heat to 325 F. Bake the caek for 60-70 minutes (until toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean). Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in with oven door closed for one hour.
5. Run a knife around the edges of cheesecake but do not take it out of the pan until completely cooled. (I let mine cool overnight in the fridge).

To make the Topping:
1. In a small saucepan combine butter and brown sugar. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until very bubbly, then stir in cinnamon, heavy whipping cream and chopped pecans. Cool to room temperature.
2. Release the sides of springform pan and spoon the topping over cooled cheesecake.
3. Store the cake in the fridge.

Recipe also found here

I'll be completely honest and say it was a lot of work most because the number of steps but it was worth it. When I got done I said I am never making this again. THEN I took it to lunch at my sister's and everyone loved it! I took one bite and said it wasn't that hard to make...a few more bites, I am definitely making this again! Every last crumb was eaten, huge hit! If you have a cheesecake lovers in your family, I highly recommend trying this pecan pie cheesecake, it's now one of my for sure fall favorites. I will for sure be making this again!
 

Best Cyber Monday Sales + Adorable Pearl Statement Necklace Free!

Happy Monday y'all and more specifically, happy Cyber Monday. It's the best day to spend your lunch break at your desk or if you are lucky enough to be at home snuggled up on the couch to get all your Christmas shopping done right from your computer. I'm hoping to get a few gifts bought today for my family and friends. There are some really great deals out there, I rounded up the best I've seen below. 

But first, my favorite deal is this pearl statement necklace from Marley Lilly!You can get it today FREE with any fifty dollar purchase. I love mine and couldn't wait to wear it today to make a casual chambray shirt paired with black skinny pants and flats more of a statement for work.

Sales listed alphabetically by store:

AMERICAN EAGLE // 30% off everything + free shipping with code MERRYAEO 
ANN TAYLOR // 50% off everything + free shipping with code EVERYTHING

ANTHROPOLOGIE // 25% off all sale + free shipping with code XTRAGOOD

ASOS // 20% off everything with code CYBER
BANANA REPUBLIC // 40% off everything with code BESTCYBER
BAUBLEBAR // 25% off 1 item with code GOGIFT25, 35% off 2+ items with code GOGIFT35

EXPRESS // Up to 40% off everything, free shipping on orders of $50+
FOREVER 21 // 21% off your purchase + free shipping with code RSTYLE21

GAP // 40% off everything with code BESTCYBER
H&M // 30% off everything + free shipping with code 3030 
J.CREW // 40% off select items, 30% off everything else with code MONDAY

J.CREW FACTORY // 50% off everything + extra 15% off, free shipping with code TODAYONLY
KATE SPADE // 30% off everything with code SHINE
KENDRA SCOTT // 15% off everything with code SALE15
KOHL'S // 20% off everything with code DEALSEEKER
LOFT // 50% off everything with code CYBER50

MACY'S // Cyber Monday Specials + free shipping at $25
MARLEY LILLY // Free Pearl Statement Necklace with $50 purchase

NORDSTROM // Extra 25% off selected sale items, designer sales + double points day
OLD NAVY // 40% off everything with code BESTCYBER
POTTERY BARN // 20% off furniture + free shipping with code FREESHIP

REBECCA MINKOFF // 25% off all orders 

SHOPBOP // Spend more than $250 and save 15%, spend $500 and save 20%, spend $1,000 and save 25% with code GOBIG15

TARGET // 15% off everything + free shipping with code CYBER15 
TORY BURCH // Spend $250, receive 30% off with code THANKS
WEST ELM // Up to 25% off everything with code MOREISMORE

   

Snatch A FREE Blanket Scarf

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Did you y'all score any great Black Friday deals? I definitely took an advantage of some of the great deals this weekend and I am going for round two today. I can't help myself since a lot of the sales are extended to today as well. Gap is 50% off the whole store and that is my wheelhouse! However, I just placed my second order on Marley Lilly as well AND today is the last day you can get a FREE blanket scarf!

 

 

How cute are these? I'm slightly obsessed with blanket scarfs so I can not wait for mine to arrive! Since rain and ice have hit Oklahoma this weekend I am positive I will be wearing mine non-stop as soon as the mailman drops it off. You can choose from one of the three with any one hundred dollar purchase. Hurry because this great deal ends today!

 

 

I originally thought I would gift my scarf but you know...one gift for them, one for me! I just don't think I will be able to give it up, too cute! Now, go Christmas shop on Marley Lilly and its a win win! You can find some very cute monogrammed ML gift ideas on my post here if you missed it.

 

Happy shopping y'all, have a great rest of the weekend!

This post was a sponsored review by Marley Lilly, however all opinions were 100% my own.  
You can follow Marley Lilly on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Bloglovin. 

     

Marley Lilly Feature - Perfect Thanksgiving Day Outfit

One of my favorite things in life is monogrammed accessories so it comes as no surprise that one of my favorite online boutiques is Marley Lilly. They have a huge line of adorable monogrammed apparel and accessories, every southern girl's dream! It's not very often that you don't find me wearing some accessory with my monogram on it. Whether it be my classic monogrammed gold necklace that is a staple in my wardrobe or even just my Marley Lilly monogrammed tassel key chain. 

 

 

So I was very excited when I found the cutest Marley Lilly package waiting on my front porch last week. I tore into the perfectly green and pink package to find two more great accessories to add to my monogrammed collection. ML sent me this classic black leather cross body clutch with a tan monogram and a gold monogrammed ball bracelet. I have to say both are perfectly my style, thank you Marley Lilly! I already own two of the leather cross body Marley clutches and I'm excited to have black as I wear black more than another other color and with tan tied in it is perfect! The clutches are my go to bag to carry for all football games and concerts. So easy to throw on for a small tote but yet so fashionable to finish off any outfit. 

I paired both with a simple mustard colored dress and light cardigan for a casual thanksgiving work lunch this week. As you can see I picked the windiest day in Oklahoma to wear a dress and a hat and it was somewhat difficult to get these snaps in before the lunch but that is a typical Oklahoma day for you. I love wearing mustard yellow in the fall and I'm wondering how far I can push it into December...what do you guys think? I'm thinking not too far, bummer!

I plan on wearing the gold ball bracelet tomorrow to accessorize my Thanksgiving outfit which includes this poncho (similar here) which I am very excited about! It is so comfy and will hide the one too many pieces of pumpkin pie I plan on having.

 

  

You guys are in luck because if you are obsessed with blanket scarfs like me you can score one now for FREE with any one hundred dollar purchase on Marley Lilly until Saturday! Their products are very durable and great quality. I have never had an issue with any of my Marley Lilly products and have always been completely satisfied. So get to Christmas shopping and snatch a free blanket scarf for yourself or as another gift!

 

I wish you all the happiest, most fun Thanksgiving holiday! I am so very thankful for all of you, for reading my blog and for all of your sweet comments. Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

This post was a sponsored review by Marley Lilly, however all opinions were 100% my own.  
You can follow Marley Lilly on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Bloglovin.

      

The Time Is Now

This week at Life.Church we began a new series on a study of the book of Haggai. I absolutely loved it with all of my heart and could not wait to jump back on this space of mine to share with y'all. I might be a little partial but my pastor Craig Groeschel brings it every week but this week he was really right on point, thanks God for that timing!

The Hard Right... 

Craig started the message out with a little background on Haggai. In 587 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar and his army crushed the Southern kingdom of Judah destroying the temple. The Jews were then taken into captivity for decades. Then in 538 BC, about 50,000 people were allowed to travel back to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, to rebuild the temple. However these people said the time wasn't right. This is what our Lord says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house." Haggai 1:2 I mean excuse me?! These people just decided that it wasn't the right time for them despite it being the Lord's house and isn't it about his timing not "these people's"? These were my first thoughts then the more I thought about it my thoughts turned into...this is exactly how I can be. I am one of "these people". I really must realize that it's not about my timing its about God's.

"Choose the hard right over the easy wrong." This is definitely a statement that is weighing heavy on my mind and heart this week. As soon as Craig said it I thought I knew exactly what it meant for my life then the more I thought about it I'm afraid I am interrupting it wrongly. I'm praying for specific clarification from God. I find this happens more often than not...God can I please just get a flowchart of some sort?! Wouldn't that be wonderful? 

Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Now this is what the Lord says "Give careful thought to your ways." Haggai 1:3-5 (apparently a paneled house is a very expensive, the best of the best of houses then.)

Are you putting your own comfort ahead of his calling? I know personally I can think of specific situations where I felt the nudge from God to take a lead in an area of my own life and I chalk it up to be nerves and have decided "It just isn't the right time". When I know God is calling me and I'm letting the phone ring and ring...hoping it goes to voicemail or maybe he'll just send a text. (Maybe the text will include the flowchart!) I'm not talking about a call to be a full time missionary in a third world country. God has reassured me that I just will go on trips but I'm not to go full time. Man, it's like he knows me or something...as if I won't survive. All jokes aside...

Obedience is my responsibility and the outcome is God's. Do you feel like you are suppose to reach 

out to someone that hurt you? But what if they hurt you again? You are not responsible for the outcome just the obedience. I have no idea what the blessings of God are or how amazing they will be on the other side of obedience but I'm ready to find out! 

"You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. you earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." Haggai 1:6

Did you just get a raise or pay off a large amount of debt but yet you still feel like you don't have enough? What about switching out our summer wardrobes for our winter ones? I mean, we have enough clothes to SWITCH out our wardrobes but yet we don't have enough...hits home for me. Maybe I'm not receiving my flowchart because God is wanting to send me a blank spreadsheet with the single word contentment on it instead. 

Are you consumed with yourself instead of with God? "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored." says the Lord. Haggai 1:7-8

The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing. Are you putting your house above God's house? I know God told me to choose the hard right over the easy wrong on Sunday and the time is now. So, this week I am praying no longer for that flowchart but for unfinished business in my life and that I will honor God and his timing rather than my own understanding...the hard right.

I'm telling y'all this was a great message and if you are interested in listening you can find it here at Life.Church. Please let me know if there is a way I can pray for you, shoot me an email or leave a comment.

 

Jump, Jump, Jump Around Featuring: TKO Sports

The summer months are so brutal in Oklahoma especially with the temperatures at their peak in August. Mix in the high humidity and it makes for very hot days around here. Which makes it extremely hard for me to be motivated to get my workouts in after work. Stopping at the gym is the last thing I've been wanting to do but the scale puts some pressure on me making my butt get in the gym.

Thankfully we have received a break and the humidity is down and temps are back out of the triple digits making things a lot more bearable this week. Since we aren't all melting as soon as we walk outside I have been spending the evenings outside enjoying the break. Last night my sister-in-law Randi and my new two nephews were in town so after my workout I stopped by in-law's house to see them all.  My nephews were playing outside and since Randi and I were already in workout clothes we decided to have a fun workout together.

We pulled out the TKO jump ropes and burned a few calories while having a little fun outside. Randi's favorite workout is jumping rope and I honestly hadn't used a jump rope in my workout in quite some time so it was so fun to change it up. We pulled out another rope to use and it was much more light weight than the TKO soft grip rope. After trying both ropes I definitely preferred the TKO rope. I started out with the other and couldn't figure out why I couldn't get the hang of jumping and after switching to the TKO rope I felt much better about myself. Whew, I thought I had lost my touch! The TKO soft grip jump rope is light weight but still weighted making it much easier to get more reps in. The handles are soft and ribbed for easy gripping making the rope not slip.

 Since I was still wearing my Polar watch I tracked that I burned a quick 75 calories in 15 minutes of jumping. Add that to the calories I had already burned that evening at the gym I quickly decided that I will be adding jump roping to my workout daily. It will be a great way to spend some time on the patio or in the backyard, add a few more burned calories and a great at home workout when I cant get to the gym for a workout.

Brecken had a great time "jump roping" with us. He couldn't quite get down how to jump through the rope but he was too cute trying. He just jumped and shook the rope, hey that works buddy! We had a little cool down yoga session together afterwards. And working out in your underwear is always a great idea y'all!

You can find the TKO soft grip rope and other TKO Sport products at Macy's. I like that the line is affordable and others different styles of each product. 

   

This TKO jump rope was sent to me by TKO Sports in exchange for my honest feedback, all opinions are my own. 

Always A Way Out

This past Sunday we began a new sermon series, "A Way Out",  at LifeChurch. The series is broken down into four weeks and this week was titled Always a Way Out. The sermon was focused around temptations of all types. Whether it be a food, work, porn, social media or anything else they can all become a temptation. 

I will be honest and say I'm not completely sure why I've been led to share but God has put it on my heart to post about temptation and addictions. So of course I am...

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Temptation is anything that promises sanctification at the cost of obedience to God. 

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" This fit be hard because when our pastor Craig began I thought to myself I don't really have an addiction or temptation that is tempting beyond my control. I don't overeat donuts, not hooked on drugs or don't work way too many hours...but then God saying be careful that you don't fall! I realized I am not exempt and anything that I enjoy now can easily become an addiction and temptation that is unhealthy. I'm a very black and white person with not much grey in my life. I usually either passionately love or hate something. Not usually a middle of the line passion. Lets be honest, shopping is easily a temptation for me which could lead at any time to over spending. I don't feel like in anyway does shopping control my life or put my life in jeopardy. I'm not spending money that is used to pay bills on shoes instead, how I would love to do so, but I am not. BUT "be careful not to fall!"

Four Truths About Temptation

It's not a sin to be tempted. "For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4:15

God understands our temptations, he has been tempted in every way. However, no matter what the temptation is there is always going to be a way out. 

You are never above temptation. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" 1 Corinthians 10:12

Like I mentioned above, I started out by thinking oh I don't have any harmful temptations when God quickly let me know I need to be careful not to fall and I am in no way exempt. This is when the devil is sneaky enough to invade on my life and I could end up with the darkest of the worst temptation if I am not careful. Keeping a check on my shoe addiction right about now...

God will never tempt you. "And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death" James 1:13-15

God does not tempt us but he does test us. He may lead us to a situation where he is testing to see if we fall into that temptation...did I buy that pair of shoes when really I should be saving more this month?

There is always a way out. "...And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

So, I know for me when I'm tempted to shop and should be spending that time and money elsewhere that I will now recognize that nudge more. I will close the shopping websites and not make that stop at the mall. Maybe for you its you have to close your eyes as you walk past the break room with donuts or delete the Facebook app on your phone because you find yourself checking in everywhere or you are addicted to seeing what everyone else is doing. Lets not fall into the temptations that could be controlling us. 

To be close to God you need:

Prayer- Time talking to God

Meditation - Time listening to God

Temptation - Learning to depend on God

Every temptation is an invitation to depend on Christ. God is faithful, even when we are faithless. 

Pictures source: LifeChurch.TV

If you are interested in listening to this sermon or the rest of the series to come visit LifeChurch.Tv

Target's Beauty Box

 

What girl doesn't love fun beauty products coming to her door?! Even better cheap and fun products! Every once in awhile Target puts out a Beauty Box for only five dollars, yes FIVE dollars! I recently received my box of goodies and could not be more pleased.

 

 

When you order your Beauty Box it is a little different than many other subscription boxes out there right now. It is not a subscription and it is first come first serve. So, once you spot one available snatch it up ladies! What I really love about the Target Beauty Box is you get to see what you will be receiving in your box before you put in your order. Even though I do love surprises I love even more knowing I'm not wasting my money on items I wont like or use...yes, I'm cheap.

I'm mildly obsessed with NXY's butter gloss so once I spotted the gloss in the box I was sold. I mean how could I not be? The butter gloss retails for $4.99 so of course that alone pays for the entire box. Everything else included was just a bonus for me, but I do love it all!

My Beauty Box contained:  Bathery delicate loofa // John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-Day Treatment // Olay White Strawberry Body Wash // NYX Butter Glass Strawberry Parfait // Goody Ouchless Elastics // CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Primer & Burt's Bees White Tea Facial Wipes

I really do love all the products that were sent but I'm extra pleased with the value of the box. All products retail for a total of just over $40.00 and again I paid five dollars! With free shipping because I have the Target Red Card! Score!!

The CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Primer has proven to be a winner when I'm now wiping off my makeup before my workout after work. This says a lot when it is one hundred plus degrees here in Oklahoma so I'm still not sweating off all my makeup while using this primer. I also threw the Burt's Bee Facial Cleansing Towelettes in my gym bag and they have been a great help between work and the gym.

BUT of course, my favorite from the box which is a given is still the  NYX Butter Gloss. It stays on, isn't waxy and provides nice coverage. It is easily compared to a department store brand. It has been my lip color almost everyday since the box arrived. Thanks Target, I will be ordering the Beauty Box again next month! Ladies, be on the lookout for the fall must haves Beauty Box coming in September!

 

This post was not sponsored by Target, I just have a mad love for both Target and their Beauty Box...but how awesome would that be? Target I'm open to a sponsorship!