Experiment:: Apple Cider Vinegar

Last night i was frustrated with how much i have been breaking-out lately, and i was looking online for reviews on different cleanser products. On Yahoo Answers, someone suggested going all natural and using Apple Cider Vinegar on breakouts, claiming her son had horrible acne and the ACV helped him tremendously. That whole idea sparked my interest, so i spent an hour online researching ACV in relation to skin treatment.
Several people have said that ACV works very well- not only because it dries out breakout areas, kills bacteria, and balances your PH..... but it's supposed to be very good for your liver and kidneys.

Most testers say they dip a cotton ball in the ACV (those with more sensitive skin suggest diluting it with water) and use it on their faces, some claim to drink it, and interestingly enough, few have admitted that they pour some in their bath water.

Last night i retrieved some ACV from my kitchen and took it to my bathroom. I used it on my face- i did not feel like i needed to dilute it with water. It tingles a lot and obviously smells bad, but i just let it sit for a few minutes so my skin could soak it up. Afterwards, i rinsed it off with lukewarm water, pat-dried my face, and applied Shea Butter. It is vital to put on some sort of moisturizer post-ACV exposure because critics say it dries out your skin.

So far, when i woke up this morning my face was very soft and shiny. My breakout was not gone, but the intensity lowered- the zits were smaller. I am going to test ACV on my face for a week, and blog about the results. I'm sick of breaking out and wasting time along with my mom's money on ProActiv, Clearsil, and Clean & Clear. I'm really hoping this works.

I also looked up beverage recipes for ACV, and the best one i've found is this...

• 250 ml (8 oz) Water - warm enough to melt honey
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic recommended)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Honey 

(source: http://lifeevents.org/apple-cider-vinegar-with-honey.htm) 

  

Make sure you realize that it's TEASPOONS and not Tablespoons.. that was my first mistake (: Bleh.

I was not diggin the taste of it, so i added Crystal Light flavoring and it tasted like a Lemon Head- Very acidic. Take in small doses and do not force it on yourself.

I will keep my blog posted on how this experiment is going- that way if it works, readers can know so! Wish me luck.

QUESTION: Has anyone tried ACV before and what do you know about it? What face cleansers work the best for you?

Books, Books, Books.

There's something about reading that brings joy to my life. I remember learning how to read on my own when I was in 1st and 2nd grade and continually being frustrated. One time I even got grounded and then banned from watching the movie Home Alone because i yelled, "reading sucks!", at my mom- I mimicked some of Macaulay Culki's lines from that flick. However, since then i have come a long way. The Christian school i went to from 4th-7th grade had a program called AR where students were required to read several books by specified times and then do well on the computer tests over the books. The reward was either a field trip or party at the end of each quarter.

  In elementary school, Nancy Drew was my favorite series to read. I have collected 20+ of her books that i will once day pass down to my future daughter. I absolutely love Carolyn Keene's work and Nancy Drew really helped me learn to love to read.

Reading has helped me grow. There is so much wisdom that i have gained from reading. When i was 11 years old, i made the personal choice to start reading the Bible on my own, day-to-day. I remember starting right at Genesis, pushing forward to Numbers, and then deciding not to  read the books in order anymore- haha. 

At fourteen years old I needed to understand true femininity and longed for that Godly enlightenment. I bought the books, Every Young Woman's Battle (Ethridge & Arterburn) & And the Bride Wore White (Gresh). From then on i fell in love with purchasing books. Reading those two books and buying several other purity books after, has instilled important, biblical values in me that i will forever cherish.

Now, i take pride in my book collection. All i ask for my birthday is books, books, books. The majority of them are more "self-improvement" type of books or books about God. Besides my Nancy Drew collection, i only have 3 novels/stories. I have a difficult time reading one book at a time. I have to read at least one Christian "self-help" and one narrative. Currently, i'm reading 3 books and have started 6- i have a problem. Personally, i do not enjoy reading secular books. I want to get something out of what i instill in my brain; not waste my time.

*So tell me, readers (what few of you there are)- what are some of your favorite books, and why? 

Which do you most recommend? Share with me!

*images provided by We Heart It*

Equip Me (for Persecution).

Every afternoon I babysit for a single mom for a few hours. The whole experience is fun and often frustrating for several different reasons, but i am blessed to be able to do it. The other day i was thinking about how she doesn't pay me accurately.... lots of times she's sloppy at calculation. I was contemplating if i should bring it up to her or ignore it.
A few days later i was reading in 1 Peter and noticed how chapters 3-5 talk a lot about persecution.

"Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!" 

1 Peter 3:17

Reading through that scripture and those after, i immediately thought about how a lot of people complain about their jobs and that i need to keep 3:17 in mind when i am dissatisfied with the way work is going. People suffer through their jobs not necessarily for being Christ Followers, but because of unfair treatment. In that moment, God convicted me.

If i can't handle working for a single mom who does pay me, just not accurately at times, and if i can't handle missing out on a few bucks that do not make a whole lot of a difference then how am i going to be equipped to handle true persecution for loving Jesus when that time comes?

I want to do good like God commands in 3:17, and not focus on what i may or may not be getting, but to focus on what i am doing to love instead. It's all God's money anyways, i do not deserve to have any if i am not honoring God in my work. "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." Ephesians 6:7.

"Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world."

1 Peter 4:12-13

I want to be a partner with Christ. He wants us to be ready to suffer and to be loving to those that persecute us in the midst of it all (Matt 5:44). God says that it is worthless to love your friend and not love your enemy. Where is the challenge in that? Where is the line that distinguishes the godly from the worldly? (Matt 5:47-48)

I want to be equipped and ready for the coming fiery that God speaks about. I need to pass the little tests life throws at us and strengthen my heart and soul through the smaller trials if i am going to one day live through real persecution and harder trials for what actually matters--- following Christ.

Do onto others.... (Let's talk about my pet peeve)

I write this so readers can take something away from what i say. Not to start drama or call anyone out.

And to be honest my rage comes from experience and past hurt.

I'm not sure if this is as big of a problem for guys as for girls... but i'm sure everyone can read and relate.

We all know of girls who have a few close friends, and when those girls get boyfriends.... their close friends are dropped. Sounds kind of middle school, doesn't it? It happens all of the time.

This doesn't happen to every girl with a boyfriend, but it sadly happens to a lot of girls with boyfriends.

I understand in a relationship.... your boyfriend is top priority.... there's more time spent together than with others... and that's fine and normal.

But all of your time does not need to be taken up by your man... in fact that's not even healthy.
Let me put this into perspective for you: you're not married. You know what i see? A relationship that fails and a girl who goes back to a bunch or angry friends... or you know what... enemies. Because trust me, they will not want to be around you anymore. It sounds harsh.. but it's true. Imagine the situation reversed. How would you feel?

And you know what's almost as awful? You may finally hang out with the friends who keep asking and asking to have time with you... but during that time... all you do is text and talk about your boyfriend.
There's a slap in the face. What a waste of time.

We all understand the excitement of a relationship. We are excited for you... but be considerate. It's hurtful to your friends when you don't care about them the way they care about you.

And you know they're constantly asking to spend time with you... and your excuses pile up, and it's a one-sided friendship. The only source of friendship you allow is from those who are willing to go on double dates with you and your boyfriend.... and that won't always count because he's there.

If you want nothing to do with your old friendships... please just tell them and save them from having to put energy into trying to be your friend.

The following bible verses related to these kind of situations:
 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31

The two greatest commandments are so easy to forget. We all get so caught up in what the world has to offer us, and how a boy makes us feel. Girls like when they get attention from boys. They like it so much that their friends soon become meaningless. God may even become meaningless. It's sad.

I can't help but want nothing to do with the people that act this way. I feel bad because i want to be loyal and loving. But i think there's a difference between having space from someone and shutting someone out.

A common trait i've noticed with people who act this way is when the subject is subtly brought up they get very offended, over-sensitive, and angry. So it's not worth the fight.
I don't want to put effort in what seems to be a "lost cause" ... i'm not saying a forever lost cause.... but only presently. There's so much maturing to be done, and when i see girls who act like that i can't help but get frustrated. I want to yell at them and hurt them like they've hurt me and so many other people. But it's not about what i want, and i need to practice what i preach.

If you're someone i know and you feel personally attacked as you read this... first of all, if you bring it up to me... i'm going to be blunt with you and you're not going to be happy, but i hope you know i'm not directing this blog entry at specifically you. Yes, i could think of 5 people off the bat that do this crap, but no, that's not why i'm posting.

I'm posting this for the girls who could be you one day. I'm posting this for the girls who want to abandon you one day. And i'm posting this for me because i'm sick of your behavior.

Please just stop and think: how would i feel?

Far More Than Rubies

I have decided to change the theme of my blog since i am entering into a different journey in life: college survival. (; The theme is based off one of my favorite bible passages, Proverbs 31:10-31 (i'm sure most Christian girls love it too). Though my blog has a lot of work ahead, for now.. it is what it is.... (: introducing.... "Far More Than Rubies". 

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." Proverbs 31:10.

xoxo, Erika

Don't Just Stop at 11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:11-14

One of my favorite verses in the bible is Jeremiah 29:11, and I'm sure most people can relate. Nothing is more reassuring in life than to know that God has a purpose for everyone's life and that each purpose is good and prosperous!

Although Jeremiah 29:11 is such a great verse that brings so much peace, this entire passage has convicted me. I feel like as Christians we are guilty of just looking at verse 11, "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, ....to give you hope and a future", and completely... stopping. As if this verse is enough to "fill us up" in times of despair or confusion. Being a Senior in High School, there have been quite a few stressful moments this year, and looking at this verse has comforted me. But why must i stop there?

A part of me feels selfish. "My life is on track and I feel good, so that's enough for me... that's all i need." Is this the attitude that we get sometimes? Are we that lazy? Do not get me wrong, God loves to comfort us and He loves when we come to Him and when we acknowledge Him for giving us peace... but there's so much more to this passage than "everything is okay... just sit back and let the future come."

God wants us to pray to Him because He wants to listen, to ask of Him because He wants to bless us, to thank Him for all He does (even what we cannot see), and to seek Him with everything we have. Seeking God means to follow God.... which means to LISTEN to God. He wants us to sacrifice our wants for Him.

Sometimes, the Lord may open doors in directions that may appear to be wrong to us. Usually, pathways look "wrong" because we are afraid and we are uncomfortable. We have that little nudge from the Holy Spirit but sometimes we want to fight against it because we do not want to commit to the unknown. We are insightful humans, we should never trust our own judgment.

Everyday I cling to this verse, please read it slowly and keep in mind where God is leading you right now,

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." Psalm 23:1-4

I constantly pray, "God, align my desires with yours... make me fearless and submissive to Your will". That prayer has given me strength and wisdom through big and little situations, and I encourage you to pray it too and watch the Lord change your mindset!

Everytime I read Jeremiah 29:11.. I am going to challenge myself to keep reading on. I want God to have all of me. I don't want to just look at His Word for the purpose of what i can get out of it.

I want to pursue Him. I want to submit. I want to listen... I know He has so much to say!

Scrambled Certainty

Lately.... as in the past few months... i have been so ready for a nice break. Actually, no, i'm ready to graduate and be free. I'm not at all looking forward to college just yet... i just want an open gap where i can relax and sleep. (: Sounds way to good to be true... but hey Spring break is around the corner!

My Senior year has been nothing but wonderful... i am so blessed. I feel myself becoming more introverted, which is how i was up until junior high where i started coming out of my shell more and more. I've always had a piece of "quiet girl" in me at appropriate times... but she's coming back for more. I'm not sure if she's back because she doesn't want to miss these next few months as my next chapter in life fast approaches. I'm not sure if she's coming back because the extroverted me is exhausted... but i like her being here.

I have a difficult time even updating this blog... honestly... i'm considering deleting this whole thing... i feel exposed. I'm learning more and more about boundaries.... and that not trusting everyone is wise. I'm trying to keep a firm line between being an example to others.... and saying to much. I trust that the Spirit will nudge me when i should open up at appropriate times of course. I'm clinging to James 1:19 right now, "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." There's so much in that verse that i have never put into practice- it's the sad truth that i am fighting to change.

I have been praying a lot for more wisdom... i think it's wise alone to add that to your prayer everyday and keep searching in the Word for a deeper understanding. I agree with Solomon when he says, "The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow." Ecclesiastes 1:18. Of course the Lord is the ultimate source of joy, but living in a world where humans constantly make wrong decisions.... and i make wrong decisions.... it can be depressing in the moment of realizing that i have messed up... or seeing someone constantly mess up who looks at his/her own actions as fun or worth the risk.

I am currently juggling a lot of books.... i'm not much of a reader when it comes to secular books... i think it's humorous because if i get a great Christian book... i'm addicted. The only thing i asked for on my birthday was books. I did the same thing for my 17th birthday and found the books very fulfilling. Right now i'm reading Love and Respect by Dr Emerson Eggerichs, The 5 Love Languages by Dr Gary Chapman, Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure, Boundaries in Dating by Dr Henry Cloud, and a little bit of Style by Lauren Conrad when I'm in the mood for mindless reading. If i get several great books at a time.. it is very difficult for me to focus on just one, as shown above.

You may notice that the pattern of the books that I got are on "love".. just the way most of my library is... yeah, i'm a girl... and that topic is my passion. Which again, makes me question my whole major in college. I feel that God will call me to reach out to girls and women somehow. I feel right with the major i have now... I just feel like God has more ideas for me for ministry which is great! I know on top of that... i plan to write a book. That's a goal of mine. I've been writing books since i was 5-6 years old... when i got into writing more serious books... i never finished. I have kept journals all of my life. Writing is a big part of who i am. I want this. God willing, of course.

I have shared enough. Sorry to my followers for not updating. My blog is becoming stale, but that is okay with me. (: