A Gift to Jesus, A Vow To Jesus

With the New Year comes many, many, and many New Year's Resolutions. We all vow to eat healthy, workout more, maybe be a little nicer. These things are definitely worth an effort, of course, but what if we did something a little bit different this year, something I feel a little bit more bold, a little bit more worth our efforts, a little bit more meaningful. I know this year my New Year's Resolution took a bit of a turn, and I know for the better.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. --
James 1:17

 
Before Christmas, our pastor had set up a manger for the children's Christmas program. He stated to the congregation and to the children that it was to be used for the children to come and present a gift to Jesus, it was His birthday after all, in hopes to make it more apparent to the children that Christmas is not about all the gifts WE receive, but that it is Jesus' birthday, and the gifts should be given to Him. But, of course, Jesus didn't need another pair of socks. So really, what would be a worthy gift to give such a worthy gift, since Jesus was a gift to us from God.

                        A vow, our gift to Jesus.

 “The man who would truly know God must give time to Him.” -- A.W. Tozer

The ending of a year usually finds us reflecting on the year, the choices we made, the good, the bad, and with that a certain gratefulness to God for what He has given us. With this, it makes it a perfect time for us to considering making a vow to Jesus. It is a perfect time to consider a vow from us, that in addition to our many New Year's Resolutions that we know most of them will we break within a week or two, a vow that will last the whole year, a vow that will help us fill in any gaps that exist between what we are and what we should be, a vow for us to commit to something that will help us grow spiritually, closer to God, closer to being more like Him, Jesus. God wants a relationship with us. He doesn't care if you lose those 15 pounds you resolved to lose, or if you ran that 1/2 marathon, He wants us, our heart, our time. Let it be something that inspires you to a greater godliness.

Depending where you are in your walk with God, take a minute to think about what your want to vow to Jesus. Maybe you want to continue something good, stop something bad, or change something for the better. Maybe it is to spend more time in the word, maybe to help others, to go to church regularly on Sundays. It can be anything, big or small. Nothing is worthless, no matter how small, if it brings you closer to Him.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. -- Romans 8:1-2

Peace out folks. What are going to vow?

Cookie Dough Dip

Cookie Dough Dip Recipe

I found this wonderful recipe a few years ago and when I get together with friends, this is my go to. I love it. I found it at Add A Pinch.Check her site out for more wonderful recipes.

Cookie Dough Dip Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 8-oz cream cheese
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1-1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 c. chocolate chips
• 1 c. toffee bits

Cream together cream cheese and butter. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combines. Serve with graham crackers or apple.

Of note, do not use reduced fat cream cheese as it may cause your dip to have the wrong consistency.

I ate it all before I took a picture of it. It was oh soooo good. 

All Natural Face Wash

I have slowly been getting rid of all things toxic - if that is possible. Between all the processed food and chemically laden items we use in our lives, no wonder this world is in the state it is in. Yes, I am blaming all of that to how ugly this world is now a days - I can blame something can't I - so I will believe it is this, and not the fact that people choose to be ugly.

I have made my own shampoo, which I love, but combined with Ava Conditioner (which I also love) it makes my hair extremely weighed down and oily looking. So, I have to use one or the other. This is a work in progress. I have made my own body soap, which needs improvement but good enough to use up what I have (the scent is blah). I have also made my own deodorant, which does the trick. So, the next one on my list was face wash. Unfortunately, I have been blessed with acne prone skin at the age of 40... something, so I have not wanted to stray too far from the store bought acne wash for fear of looking more like a 15 year old (yeah right). As if the wrinkles and sagging skin weren't enough, pile on the pimples to make a woman feel beautiful.

Because of this lovely skin condition I have, I have never wanted to try the oil wash that is out there. How can oil clean skin? But, after searching the web I could not find something worth making and so I broke down, hoped for the best, and lathered up my face with oil.

All I can say - OH MY GOSH!!!! I have been using it now for a couple of weeks and you know what - it works. The acne that has been infesting my neck and jaw line for a long time now are almost, not completely, but almost gone. My face feels great. Hallelujah!!!!

So how could I not share this with the other 40 something women out there trying to find something to make their skin - better. And what better way than to eliminate all chemicals and use all natural oils. YUP - try it. Let me know how it works for you.

All Natural Oil Face Wash:
1/3 Cup Castor Oil
2/3 Olive or Sunflower Oil (I used sunflower oil)

I also added in Vitamin E, Tee Tree (good for acne), and lavender - a few drops of each.

Directions: Rub onto face, place hot wash cloth over face for a few seconds, and then clean off oil. That's it!!! Easy.

God Bless and Peace Out!!!