This suits me

"Boston looks like it suits you". 

This comment was said to me today and I couldn't agree more. As much as I try to deny it, I really do love the northeast! It's beautiful, full of adventure and the culture is stretching. 

I am refreshed by the people here. They tend to be true to themselves, to the point and painstakingly honest. I find it incredibly wonderful. Texans can be flowery and will candy-coat every word -- who has time for that? It's like pulling teeth to get someone to express how they truly feel or what they really think. I am prone to be honest myself, so it's a breath of fresh air to receive honesty right back up here.

If you've never experienced four seasons, I encourage you to do so! The beauty in every month is breathtaking and you see the hand of God everywhere you walk. Praise the Lord for creating more than one season - what would life be like in 105 degree weather everyday? Miserable. But He had better plans! 

The rich history up here is a breeding ground of knowledge and curiosity. When I step off the train to walk into Boston, I sometimes have to fight the tears welling up in my eyes because I'm just so thankful and happy to be here! I've always dreamed of being a "city girl" and I'm getting to live this adventure. Thank you, Lord, for letting me experience this time. 

My Favorites in Skin Health

For the past couple months, I've taken a heightened interest in my skin care and what products I use to cleanse and hydrate my face and body during these dry winter months. The cold wind can easily whip against me leaving my hands cracked, lips chapped and hair brittle.

The way I see it, the more I invest in taking care of my skin and hair now, the more thankful I will be in 20 years! Just because I'm still relatively young doesn't mean I can slack off and use harsh chemical products that are quick and do the trick! Rather, starting healthy skincare habits now will benefit me greatly in the long haul.

Here is a quick list of my favorite products I've incorporated into my daily regiment:

1. Enfuselle's Hydrating Cleansing Lotion

Enfuselle, a Shaklee brand, has a fantastic hydrating cleansing lotion. It doesn't dry out your skin and leaves it still feeling clean! My mom has been using it for years and I finally hopped on the Enfuselle bandwagon. 

2. Aesop's Fabulous Face Oil

My brother got me this for Christmas and it is simply miraculous. I apply this oil (just a few drops) before bed and it keeps my face hydrated but not oily. It has a nice scent, too!

3. Enfuselle's Moisturizing Cream

Whether it's overcast or sunny outside, I love to apply this moisturizer cream to my face before heading out the door. 

3.  Biolage's Fortifying Leave-In Treatment

This leave-in treatment is perfect for protecting and strengthening my hair against the cold winter wind. It smells clean and fresh, and helps to untangle my hair, too! 

4. Aesop's Aromatique Hand Balm

Aesop's hand balm hydrates wonderfully and doesn't leave my hands slimy or sticky. It has a woodsy, earthy scent, and a little goes a long way.

5. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Moisturizer

Since we all know the winter months bring on chapped lips, why not keep them protected and looking nice? This lip moisturizer is perfect and very practical, giving my lips just the right amount of color for a complete look.

6. Bath and Body Works' Stress Relief Sugar Scrub

This fantastic sugar scrub exfoliates gently while leaving my skin moisturized. I prefer the minty and natural smell of Eucalyptus Spearmint!

Hope you've enjoyed a list of my favorite products! I'm always in search of new ways products to try out; let me know some of your favorites! 

In Him,

Emily

No Longer a Slave

Friends,

My heart is burdened this morning for those who feel they must constantly be striving to become the perfect person and Christian they think they should be and for their heartache that comes when they realize they will always be struggling with one thing or another. Let Paul's words to Galatia comfort your souls. You are no longer enslaved by the law so that we might be adopted as sons and daughters, and as heirs of His kingdom through God. Yes, our calling is to be the hands and feet, salt and light, fishers of men here on this earth, yet this is borne from a heart of thankfulness and obedience to our Savior, Jesus. Echoing Paul's words in Philippians 1, "and I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

"In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God...For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

- Galatians 4:3-7, 5:1 - 

If you are wrestling with the sadness or frustration of seeing yourself fail time and time again (or that life's not getting 'easier'), Jesus loves you, accepts you and has died for you knowing full well you won't and can't live this life perfectly. This world is never where we can find our satisfaction and comfort - ultimately, it is when we'll be united with our Father in heaven. 

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." - Edward Mote  

In Him,
Emily