Just Keep Running On..

Hello loves.

I've recently started running as a form of exercise. For the past month I had been going running every morning. Since I went out-of-town and had family to visit here at my home before then, it had been about three weeks since I ran. I knew that my body was out of shape but I refused to give up on my goals so I pressed through my feelings and FINALLY made it to the track today. And my body feels AMAZING. So worth it. I just want to encourage you, just keep running, keep pushing through. You may be going through a dead season where you don't FEEL like it, but don't give up on your goals; your second wind is coming, your strength is coming.

Just GO. There will be tons of things you need to do, tons of thoughts will cross your mind to keep you from exercising and meeting your goals. But you have to just put those things aside and GO. Make it a priority to get your temple into shape. We are vessels that God uses to spread His Word, and if we are unhealthy then it makes it that much more difficult to do what He wishes for us to. Our body is our temple, therefore we must keep it clean and tidy, in every way, inside and out.

The natural types the spiritual. When you feel weary like you can't take another step and you feel like you are completely surrounded by darkness, just keep running, keep pushing through. You cannot go by your FEELINGS, they deceive on a daily basis. Your second wind is coming, your strength is coming. Don't give up, God is right there.

Much love.
xo Rita

Today's Hair: 07/12/12

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hello beautiful people.

It's a rainy day out so I wanted something cute but simple and out of my face. So I went to the trusty old Puff. My puff is not yet mature so it  may look a little different than yours but once my hair gets longer then my puff will continue to shape and evolve.

Pretty woven-type flower!

This is an old twist-out. I re-twisted the night before last so there's a little bit of definition going on. I love it though.

Products I used:
- water (spritzed from a spray bottle for moisture)
- Beautiful Textures' Whipped Curl Creme
- Elasta QP Smooth as Silk gel

Very simple but cute look. If you want to see more pictures, keep reading!

Seven.Nine.TwentyTwelve.

Always be true to yourself.

Speak. You may think that you have nothing to say but you will never know until you try. Someone may need to hear exactly the thing that comes from your mouth. When you do, make sure you speak with an open heart, always.

Love. I am an advocate for love. If you know me, then you know this. I always say "Give love. Always." It may seem difficult but there are many ways to give love. A gentle touch, a kind word, a silent smile to a stranger. It doesn't have to be big but you never know what a person is going through. You could be the vessel that God uses to save a person's life. I've experienced this and it is real. Love has power, utilize it.

Let God use you. We are nothing but vessels that God works through to reach other people. If God puts it on your heart to do something, do it. Don't feel as though you are not big enough to do this thing. Just do it. In your small, feeble, and finite way. The Father covers small things with His love; and once you are surrounded with Him, then that is what people see when you are fulfilling your purpose.

This was on my heart to share with you all this morning. Be blessed and give love, always.

xoxo, Rita

Pentecostal Naturals!

I am so excited about this post!

I just created a social network for Pentecostal naturals of the same name and I think it's so awesome! For those who may not want to create their own blog or who want more interaction in the Pentecostal natural hair community, I decided to create this network. I don't know what God is going to do with this but the idea came to me a few hours ago. I was sitting here wanting to interact more with the natural hair community, specifically Pentecostal and Apostolic ladies but not knowing how to do it. Then I thought about this! Thank you Jesus. So, if you are interested or anyone you know may be interested, please check out the site and JOIN. It's free and it will be nothing without you all! So please tell all of your friends and join me over at Pentecostal Naturals!!! See you on the site! :)

Love and Peace,
xoxo Rita

Song of the Week: I've Anchored in Jesus

Hey y'all!!

A beautiful view of the sun on our way to Indiana.

So, you may have been wondering where I've been. Well, for the past week I've been in Jeffersonville, Indiana for my church's annual July International Convention. It was AMAZING, the best yet. Every year we say that it was the best convention ever, but that's because it's true. It gets better and better as time goes on. I didn't take many pictures, hardly any at all because time was precious, and so was energy. The convention was five days of services, both morning and night, with on average about three hours between the two.

The Word was out of this world, I may be able to share some things that I learned later down the line. If you like, you can go to my church's website christgospel.org and view each of the messages from the July Convention in the video library. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail me.

A view of one of the bridges we passed. I love bridges!

Now, on to the song of the week. The theme of the convention was being anchored in Jesus so we sang a song each service called "I've Anchored in Jesus". It's a little out of my comfort zone, a country hymn, but the more I listened to it as well as the lyrics, the more I loved it. Once we make Jesus the core of our lives and anchor ourselves in Him, then we don't have to worry about being overtaken by the waves of trials that we face. We know that Jesus will take care of it all if we lean on Him.

This past week has been life-changing and I am so excited about what God is doing in my as well as the rest of my church family's life. I am forever grateful.

The beautiful view from our hotel room.

Love and Peace,
xoxo Rita