The True Meaning of Love

I'm sure most, if not all, of you heard about the United States Supreme Court ruling that gay marriage must be legal in all 50 states.  This saddens me immensely.  But it also saddens me to see the hashtag that has been trending all day...

#Lovewins

Now, just taking the hashtag at face value, yah, I believe that.  I believe the love wins because my God is the God of Love, and He will win.  He won when Christ rose, and He will win again when Christ returns.

But in the context of gay marriage; I heavily disagree.

Because gay marriage doesn't equal love.

I'm not saying non-Christians can't love.  All humans can love, deep down.  Why?  Because we are made in God's image.  God loves.  But He also is a Holy God. He wants to have a relationship with us, but sin destroyed that relationship.  God's Holiness cannot allow a sinner in His presence.  But God's love created a way for the sinner to lay the guilt on someone else.  And that someone else is Christ.

True love can only be found in Christ.  Apart from God, man will try and find love and fulfillment everywhere.  In people of the same gender, in people of opposite gender.  In changing genders.  In getting the fanciest car, or owning the biggest house, or having the best job.
Truth is only found in the LORD.  But when you try and take God out of the picture, suddenly there is no boundary of right and wrong.  Redefining marriage is suddenly right.  Switching genders is suddenly right.  Whatever each person feels is right in their own mind is "right."

But truth is not conditional.  Truth is absolute.  So the logic that each can do what he thinks is "right" doesn't make any sense.

Many Christians are trying to allow gay marriage merge with Christianity because God is a God of Love.  But God's love helps us escape from sin, not be okay with it.  Sin must be payed for.  Either we can accept Christ's sacrifice and go under His payment, or we can pay for it ourselves and face His judgement.

God clearly says that homosexuality is a sin.  God's Word is above any man's.  While the world crumbles and frantically searches for truth, I will stand and lean on The Truth.  As messed up as this world gets, I know He will still be there.

Because He is my Rock,
on whom I can trust.

~Jessica

Favorite Summer Clothing From eShakti

Hey Y'all!

I am currently in Charleston! *Whoop whoop*  The heat index got up to 118 degrees F. yesterday.  *Non-whoop whoop*

Anyway, eShakti recently had a refresh: new website look, new clothes, new variety.  So today I'm going to give you a little tour of some of my favorites on their new site!



This was the first new series that caught my eye.  I love flowey, cute summer clothes.  Perfect for hot weather. (Not like that is a problem...ha HA)

This shirt (and it's green-watercolor counterpart: here) reminds me of Japanese clothing and art.  Cool, huh?

Are these shorts not the cutest?  Extra bonus, you can also make them longer if you so desire. (The longer option seems to go down about halfway from where the shorts are now to the knee.)

Okay, this dress is adorable.  I love the simplicity of it (could easily be dressed up or down), but it is also beautiful on its own.

Be sure to check out this section; there are a ton of variations and designs!



Guys, these pants have smiley faces on them.  'Nuf said.


If you decide there is something on their store you like, here are some ways right now that you can lower your costs:

Some of their best-sellers are on sale right now

Free shipping!

If you are new to eShatki, you get a $35 gift-card and your first alteration is free!

And, if you use the code below, you get a $35 gift-card!*

GC CODE: HOMESCHOOLEDAUTHOR35
Valid till 06/30/2015
Enter this code in the 'Gift Coupon / Referral Code' box at checkout
Only one gift coupon can be used in an order
Not valid on previous purchases / purchase of gift cards.
This gift coupon cannot be transferred, re-issued or exchanged for cash.
Minimum order value of $30

*I do get a small commission if you use this code

Hurry though, some of these only last a few days!  However, eShakti almost always has sales and such going on, so be sure to check back often.

Have a great day, y'all!  Stay awesome.

~Jess 

3 Things You Can Do to Feel Better

I am busy, y'all.  My life is fuller than it has ever been.  School, driving, work, volunteering, camp, summer reading, visiting friends, roadtrips, loving on my dog, planning new school years, washing dishes...and I'm loving it.  I wouldn't trade this hectic, beautiful mess for anything.  Because it's mine.  I only have one day of being 16 years, 4 months, and 28 days.  And I'm going get everything last drop out of it.

But, sometimes my body can't exactly keep up as well as I'd hope.  My joints hurt.  Fatigue comes in.  I get cranky.  I get sick.  Last week I was tired before I went to camp, had an exhausting (but fun) week, had a late night Friday, worked Saturday, and by Sunday I woke up sick.  I still went to church but I came home early with my dad.  I immediately changed into pj's and watched Pirates of the Caribbean.  I then laid in bed, talked on the phone with a friend for 20 minutes, hung up, and fell asleep for a solid 14 hours.  My body wanted sleep, y'all.

That said, here are some things that are vital to helping your body keep up with you; whether you have a busy lifestyle or not.


1.} Drink Water
    This is one that I know you have heard before.  But it is true none-the-less.  While at camp I drank literally no water. (Who needs H2O when you have Pepsi and sweet tea?) Big mistake. My face broke out, I got tired quicker, and my muscles had a hard time keeping up.  After doing a little research, here are some things water helps with:

      Body Nutrition
          Keeps fluids in your body moving; aiding digestion, controlling body temperature, etc.
      Weight Loss
          Helps you feel fuller and want to snack less
       Muscle Fuel
          Muscles lose water when you sweat/exercise, so drinking water gives them more energy
       Clearer Skin
       Productivity
          Drinking water can help you focus and stay alert
       Fatigue
       Pain Prevention
           Joints and muscles can ache when dehydrated
       Helps Prevent Headaches  
       And more! 

Isn't that amazing?  So do yourself a favor, and drink a glass of water.  Carry a water bottle around and drink when you're bored, or working.  Make it a habit, not a chore.

2.} Sleep
    Another one you've heard a lot.  But seriously, sleep in when your body relaxes.  Your heart, brain, and other organs are working 24/7 to keep you alive.  Let them have a rest.  Getting proper sleep can help:
      
       Avoid Serious Diseases 
          Links have been found between insufficient sleep and serious health problems like heart disease, heart attacks, and diabetes
       Less Chronic Pain
       Feel Happier
           Happy is a relative term, but you just feel better after a good nights sleep
       Statistically Lower Risk of Injury
           Your brain works better when you are getting enough sleep, which makes you more alert when driving, handling machinery, and other things which cause a lot of accidents.
       Weight Loss
            Behaviorally, you are more likely to just eat junk food or skip your run if you are tired, resulting in weight gain.  But there is also a hormone that controls how hungry you feel, and it drops when you lose sleep, making you hungrier.
        Clearer Thinking/Better Memory
             Your brain got proper rest = works better.  Duh. 
         Stronger Immune System
         And More!
   
Your sleep is really important.  Don't let other things get in the way.  Also, turning off your electronics half an hour or so before you go to bed helps your body relax and get ready for sleep; verses being exposed to the bright lights and colors of the screen until right before bed.

Similar Post: Tips and Tricks for Getting Sleep


3.} Compliment Someone
      Nobody likes a grouch.  And yet a compliment from anyone; friend or stranger, can instantly brighten a day.  Smile at the boy you pass on the sidewalk.  Tell the cashier you like her earrings.  Tell your friend one thing you love about them.  You will feel better, they will feel better, and the world will be one smile friendlier.  Win-Win-WIN.

Go into the world with your new-found knowledge, and have a good day! =)

~Jess

*Btw, I LOOOVE your shirt.  ;)
        
        
    

Random Things I Love

Well, I finally got online with grand plans and then remembered that our internet has run out so I can't upload any pictures.  So you all get words...yay!! XP

I present to you a lovely list of random things I love.  The end.
(ps. In no order whatsoever besides whatever came to my mind first.)

1.} Origami Cranes
     I read a little chapter book quite a while ago about a little girl in Japan; she died from the radiation left by atomic bombs dropped in WW2.  While she was in the hospital she set out on a goal to fold 1,000 paper cranes; believing they would save her.  She died before completing them, but her classmates folding the remaining few hundred birds and buried all 1,000 with her.  Her name escapes me at the moment, but she has a statue memorial to her in Japan.  After I read that I learned how to make cranes and have since made over 100 of them.  I started hanging them from my ceiling but never got around to hanging the rest.  I have a couple buckets filled with them sitting around my room.

2.} Planners, Notebooks, etc.
     If you take me too an office supply store, I will be your bestie forever.  I walk into an isle with notebooks and I don't care if I have absolutely no reason for another notebook...I want one.  Or a million.  The feeling of starting over with a fresh, clean, blank notebook will neeever get old.  Never.

3.}  The steamed-milk chocolate latte at the local coffee shop.
      Okay, so there is this coffee shop that is, actually, in the lobby of a rug warehouse, BUT regardless of it's location, it has DA BEST coffee EVER.  Organic coffee shots mixed with steamed milk and chocolate flavoring....Mama mia. (Mama mia: is actually Italian for "my Mother," deprived from latin's, "Mamma mea."  How it because a saying I don't know...)  Anyway, the coffee is amazing.  You know how coffee or hot chocolate is always the best in those first couple sips through the whipped cream? Like, the whip cream mixes with it?  But then it's usually all gone and you have to drink the rest whipped cream less?  Well, the steamed milk makes this latte all creamy and wonderful THE ENTIRE CUP.  Like, imagine a new layer of whipped cream constantly.  Yah.  It's totally awesome.


4.} Converse Sneakers & High Heels
      I know you are only supposed to be one or the other; a high heel girl or a sneaker girl. Well, unfortunately for society, I disagree with them about just everything; including this.  Haha.  Anyway, I love my sneakers because they are comfortable, durable, and adorable.  No matter what the weather, what the occasion, what activity; whatever.  They got my covered.  High heels because;
1- They made me taller. *Short girl victory dance*
2- Instantly make any dress/outfit fancier.
3- I just like dressing up and looking pretty.  I love me some red lipstick.

5.} I Love Lucy
    I have actually asked a good number of teenagers and only a couple have even heard of Lucille Ball, or I Love Lucy!  I find that unbelievable....it's like, not ever have heard of Superman, or Shakespeare or something.  Anyway, I love I Love Lucy.  From the 50's styles, to the humor, to seeing how much and how little life has changed.  Do yourself a favor and get a hold of some I Love Lucy.  You will not regret it.



Well, I hope you all enjoyed this rambling, picture-less post.  I'm sorry to be abandoning you so much this summer, but life is soo busy and I am going to be out there enjoying it.  I am going to camp next week, then I'm home for a week, and then I go to my bestie's house for 5 days!  =D  Whoop!  Then I'm helping with VBS, then we are traveling to my grandparents to possible get another dog...long story. Plus summer reading programs, work, school, chores... Summer "break" for sure. lol
Then August will be upon us.

Life goes oh so quickly, darlings.  Don't waste it.

<3 Jess