Outsider

From Halloween to elections; Night outs to music selections...I have, and will always be an outsider.

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.  Before you were born I set you apart..."
Jeremiah 1:5 NLT

My life has been one of a misfit...I never quite fit in.  Don't get me wrong, I have friends and I'm not a exactly a loner but I always found myself wanting to be someone other than who I am.  Who am I?  I am a Christian who has Holy Spirit inside me, constantly challenging me to come up to His standards and perspective.  When you have that constant nudging and knowing, it's hard to do wrong...but I found a way, even if it meant doing it with my stomach in knots.  I've tried alcohol, relationships, pledging and seeking"professional" jobs, all of which had me more confused than when I started.  I did what everyone else was doing because I wanted to be like everyone else...but I'm not everyone else, and eventually I woke up.

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think..."
Romans 12:1 NLT

Over the years, I have become more serious about my Christianity and as a result, other things fell by the wayside.  Alcohol was the first to go, then sexual sin and the music, then my credit cards.  The music cut me off cold turkey from the world because I no longer could go out and blend in...I didn't know the songs playing and as I began to zone in on the words I quickly became disgusted.  I had changed.

I'm now the person that has "kingdom music" bumping during my workouts and closes her eyes when there's sex in the movie..."what a square" is what the enemy will sometimes pop in my head when I think about what my husband and I do for fun: workout, superhero movies, eat, and church LOL (it even makes me laugh typing it) But truth be told, I'm happier than I've ever been because I'm starting to accept what it truly means to be set apart...who I am.

Some of you may be thinking, "I'm a Christian and I still go out or listen to what I want to listen to and have an office job".  Great, we're all set apart for different purposes so you have to follow your own convictions.  I believe the Lord has shown me things to incorporate in and reject out of my life because I asked; I gave Him permission to challenge me.  There are things that God has revealed to others that I haven't had the revelation of yet...that's great too because we serve a merciful and loving God who requires us only to live up to what we've already attained. Phillippians 3:15-16  It's when you can truthfully answer the question below that will prep you for growth.

Does your lifestyle reflect your current spiritual knowledge?

Selah
-His Millennial Housewife

Natural, No More

10/18/16 

As my 30's rapidly approached, I began reflecting on my hair.  For the last few months, I noticed that my twist-outs weren't quite right and I became more frustrated with the task of doing my natural hair.  After trying more hairstyles in the span of 3 years than I have in my whole life, I decided to revert back to a relaxer.  Here are the reasons why this was the best choice...for me :)

1. My hair is very dense 

Last Blowout as a Natural

2. I got bored with my go to styles

3. I was putting too much stress on my edges to get the look I wanted

4. I started straightening my hair more often, however it would revert quickly

5. My workout schedule -I need to wash my hair at least once a week and it takes hours that I would prefer doing something else

6. I don't like going to bed in twists or rollers

7. My husband likes my hair straight

8. I like my hair straight

Relaxed

Of course, I know many women out there have some of the same issues, if not all the reasons that I listed and still rock their natural hair like a boss.  Relaxing my hair was a personal choice and after considering the pros and cons of both keeping my curls and going straight, it is one that I am comfortable with.  I have never appreciated my natural texture as much as I do now, AND it came to a point where I was holding on to being natural even though it was no longer conducive to my lifestyle.  

I would like to encourage you to do what's best for you. If you're on the verge of making a change, do your research and remember that your hair is a matter of preference...it doesn't define you.

-His Millennial Housewife

Daily Bread: meditate on his word today

Psalm 1

10/18/2016

Blessed are those who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on his law day and night. 

I like to focus on what to do, rather than what not to do.  Just like with health, it can be easier to think about what you need to add into your diet, rather than what you can't eat; once you do and eat what you should, there's often times no room for the junk.

Likewise, if we mediate on the instructions of God and desire His way, we automatically avoid the steps of the wicked, the way of sinners and company of mockers.  We don't have time for these things, they become drains and distract us from our renewed mind.

So what do we focus on?  Romans 13:8-10 talks about the law and how love is complete fulfillment of the law.  Think about what, and ultimately Who love is...God.  Love doesn't delight when evil prevails but rejoices with the truth.  It doesn't dishonor others by participating with mockers but chooses to believe the best of every person.  Walk in love and meditate on His way, and he will watch over you.

Selah: What would your day be like if you literally only meditated on the word of God?

Be a doer: Read Psalm 1, let Holy Spirit lead you to a verse that you need to meditate (to think on, say repeatedly, to ponder) on. Do it today.

Prayer: Lord, I thank  you for your word.  You said that all scripture is from you and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness; I give you permission to do that today with the scripture you have shown me.  Bring it to my remembrance as I go through  my day.  Nudge my spirit when other thoughts, cares or distractions try to overtake my thought life.  I thank you that you have heard my prayer and answered it.  I expect your revelation as my mind is renewed by your word.  Amen is Jesus' name.