Product of the Day- Walking Through Christian T-Shirts

Hello Everyone!

    I hope that everyone's day is pleasant. I recently had to pleasure of receiving a Christian T-Shirt from a up and coming company "Walking Through". I love the really comfortable yet stylish look of the shirts.  To visit Walking Through, go to their website HERE. I hope that you all enjoy their different looks! Look below for a few of their styles!

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal

What Made Her Strong

"What made her strong was her faith in God because despite the downs, she knew that she would soon rise."


   This quote came to me recently and I was so amazed at how powerful a strong woman of God can be. I look at all of the things going on in this world. Women are being raped and abused, have zero self esteem, and feel as if all of their strength is gone. I know how it feels because I have been in that dark and lonely place before. I had been living a life of seclusion, hurt, pain, sickness, and worthlessness. and it was not until I began to live my life for God that I completely understood that all of my help, all of my strength, my love, my health, my self esteem came from God. I think about one of my favorite scriptures:

I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help, My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

                                                                                -Psalm 121:1-2
 
    I think about this scripture because the only way you can lift your eyes to the hills is if you are below the hill. If you are in your valley moments. God can be your help! You have to want God for yourself, seek God for yourself. I was so grateful to have a praying mother and father, however, in order to be in the place that God wanted me to be, I had to learn to seek God for myself. When I talk about where God has brought be from, I just weep because God didn't have to do it but he did. God allowed me to experience the things that I did so that I may be the person that I am today trying to encourage others with my personal testimony. God doesn't care what you have done in your past and where you are in your present. God cares what you are going to do from here on out. We have all done things that we are not necessarily proud of, I raise my hand high regarding that statement. But what everyone doesn't know but should is that God can bring you out. "What made her strong was her faith in God because despite the downs she knew that she wold soon rise, She was a Church Girl and that Church Girl was me!"


If you have not heard my testimony click the link below:
My Testimony




Much Love and God Bless
~Crystal

Chic Product of the Week: Color Me Foundation Applicator

I recently ran across a product that I am sure any woman who wears makeup will love! The Color Me Foundation Applicator is a pulsating applicator that mimics finger tapping which provides the look of a more smooth and even toned foundation. The kit is sold exclusively at ULTA Beauty HERE and includes:

• 1 Applicator Device
• 1 Disposable Sponge for Liquid Foundation
• 1 Disposable Sponge for Powder Foundation
• 1 CR2032 Battery

If you are one that wants a simple foundation technique that gives you professional results, this may be the product for you! 

Enjoy!

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

2015 Nail Trend: Negative Space Nails

Photo Credit: Pinterest 

Have you ever loved a nice cutout but wanted to remain modest while wearing it? Well, this nail trend won't give you the look of that cutout dress, but has been called the cutout dress for the nails. The negative space manicure doesn't require a base color, giving the illusion of nail lacquer floating across your nails. This is a trend that I am definitely trying soon! 

Checkout a couple more examples:

Photo Credit:From Head to Toe

Photo Credit and Tutorial:Nailicious

I hope this is something that you all would like to try!

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal

The Church Girl's Guide to the Life She Wants

A few years ago, I was in a place of darkness and felt as if there would be no escape. God came in and turned everything around for me and since then, I am not only living the life that I want, but the life that God wants for me. So many women that I have met are so surprised with my testimony, which you can read HERE. I am asked all of the time about the steps that I am taking to live the best life that I can live. I am not Oprah and I do not have billions of dollars, however, I have the Lord God Almighty who has and will always move me into his direction. Do you want to live the life that you want? Do you want to know how to connect with God to live the life that God desires for you? Well keep reading to find out!

• Before you start moving forward, you must first learn to forgive yourself of past mistakes.
• I have learned in order to move forward the only reason to look back is to see how far you have come. We may grow up in the church or some women are just beginning their spiritual journey and although God is now the center of our lives, at some point he was on the back burner.  You may have went left when God specifically told you to go right. You may have dated the wrong person, committed a sin, dropped out of school, etc. and you may have asked God for forgiveness but you have not forgiven yourself. I have fornicated when I knew I wasn't suppose to and that was something that I knew that I had to be delivered from. I thought because I was no longer a "virgin" I was unclean, used and worthless. But then I remembered 2 Corinthians 5:17
• "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"
• New- unused, fresh, novel. New is used in regard to form or quality, than new in reference to time. 
• Remember God is the only person that can judge us, not even you can judge you. God has wiped your slate clean so that you may live for him brand new.
• Understand that all things work together
• Sometimes in life we question God. I know that I have had many times while I was in my suffering and sickness. I did not understand why God had me, a good person, a person that has never wronged anyone, going through the things that I was going through. I want you to know that we all have those moments of weaknesses.  We have to remember that we live in flesh. Jesus who was the son of God questioned God while on the cross (Matthew 27:46) with his cry of dereliction (abandonment). This was a man who had never sinned and he ended up paying the price for humanity's sin while on the cross. We are human and because we are human we may not completely understand God's plan for our lives. We are going to get to that point a little later, however, we first need to understand that God always has a plan no matter how ugly, uncomfortable, unbearable your current situation is, know that God has a plan! Romans 8:28 displays this idea which may allow you to understand this point a little better.
• "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."
• Purpose- This word suggest a deliberate path, a proposition, an advance plan, an intention, a design. 
• Remember some of the best things that can happen to us may begin with some of the worst things that can happen to us. Continue to stay encourage and allow God to lead you into the right direction. 
• Discover you PASSION which may reveal your PURPOSE!
• For so many years I would ask God "What is my purpose?" "Lord why did you bring me here on this earth?" I never realized until recently that my purpose would be found in my passion.  Now a lot of people may say, " I really don't have a passion Crystal" and I have one thing to say,"It is OK". One thing I have realized is that I was lead to my purpose by following the lead of the Holy Spirit. I love fashion and beauty so much! I love playing in clothes and makeup, however, my true passion is to help other people. I would wonder why did I go through the things that I went through, only to find that God needs to get the glory out of my life! I am able to testify to people who may be going through their own situation and that brings so much joy to my heart! God knows the plans that he has for us. Sometimes we go to God for money, jobs, cars, husbands, etc., however, we do not seek the Lord for his purpose. This is so important because Purpose is the deepest place we find meaning and satisfaction in life. I do not care if only one person reads this blog, if I am able to touch that one person, my purpose is being fulfilled. 
• Remember that your purpose will never go against God!
• Never Lose Sight of What is Important
• Your purpose will never go against God. That was the key to the last point. You have to continue to be the woman that God is molding you to be. As God begins to bring you out of your suffering, you can never forget to continue living for God. We are nothing without God. We should be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We are blessed to be a blessing. If you want to live a better life, remember to always keep God first! 
• Never get comfortable starting over!
• I am on a weight loss journey through this Mind, Body and Spiritual Journey that I am on and I have started over so many times. I would workout for a couple of weeks and start over 6 months later. This became a recurring thing that I would always do. I told myself that this is the body that God has allowed me to borrow. I wouldn't ruin a car that someone allowed me to borrow, so why allow this body. I set a goal, and I am abiding by this goal in order to become healthy. Here are a couple of tips to goal setting:
• Make the goal attainable
• Remind yourself of your goal
• Never get comfortable with the thought of starting over.
• Anything that you are trying to do, whether it is losing weight like me, going back to school, starting a new career, buying a car, buying a house, etc., remember to set a goal and never want to start over again! 

You can have the life that God has intended for you to have but you have to remember that just because you are "saved" now doesn't mean that life will become easy. We all have trials and tribulations but remember to continue to have faith in God. I have so much to say and I may do a Part 2 if you all would like. Just let me know in the comments. But I did not want to make the post too long. I do not know who you all are but I love you all so much with the love of the Lord! If you have any personal questions you can always email me @churchgirl8819@hotmail.com

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Devotional

“Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God I trust in thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

                                                                            -Psalm 25:1-2

Every time I think about how good God has been to me, I smile because I know that he is not finished with me yet. God has a way of proving to you what he has always told you. Learn to trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. Lift up your soul to the Lord and know that your enemies will never win! The Bible never stated that we wouldn't have weapons formed against us, however, the Bible does say that those weapons will never prosper. Keep saying to yourself, “For I know that you favor me Lord because you wouldn't let my enemy triumph over me.”

Prayer

Lord, I pray for whoever reads this post today. Touch them in a might way father. Give them the peace in their heart that they will need in the time of their storms. Lead the in the right direction and guide them to their destiny. Allow them to know that you are on their side that you will be faithful to them. Open up door of opportunities for them Lord that no enemy can shut. Allow them to always lift up their souls unto you and allow you to guide them along the way!

Black Opal Color Splurge Luxe Creme Lipstick: Wine Not "My New Fall Fav!

    Lately I have been obsessed with lipsticks and I had to share this particular one with you all because this is a new fall favorite of mine. The lipstick is called "Wine Not" by Black Opal. The color is apart of the Color Splurge Luxe Creme Lipstick collection. In the picture I added a liner to make it a little darker for a different look, but I will add a swatch below: 

    The color is creamy and glides onto the lips very smoothly. It is very moisturizing and is said to smooth and restore fullness to lips with it's moisture biding ingredient. It lasts all day long and will only set you back about $8.00 (depending on where you purchase it could be a little less). I bought this lipstick with my own money so this is a very honest review from a very happy customer. I would recommend this lipstick to anyone looking for a bold look for fall. You can purchase this lipstick HERE  on the Black Opal website or your local drug store.

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 10: How Fasting can change your life forever!

Hello Hello Hello Everyone!
   I hope your day is going as well as mine! God is simply amazing and I am so happy that I have a chance to serve him every day! Throughout this series, I have done more reading and research on fasting than I have ever done! God had opened my eyes to a new way of life and I am so grateful for that. I realized that spiritual fasting is something that can benefit me in so many ways:

• Spiritually
• Learning to sacrifice
• Opening to heart to God
• Resisting temptation
• Learning to hear God with a spiritual ear
• Physically
• Health
• Weight
• Appetite
• Emotionally

    It is important that we continue to fast in order to reap the benefits of fasting. God wants us to resist temptation, he wants us to hear from him, he wants us to be in good health, but in order to do this God wants us to realize that feeding our spiritual man is more important than feeding our bodies. Fasting says, "God you are more important than anything my body loves!" Fasting can change your life forever! You just have to realize that God is important!

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal

The Church Girls Guide To Fasting Day 9: My Testimony "I was considered for this"

    

     It was not until recently when I realized just how amazing God is when he worked miracles in my own life. I was the person that I hated the most. I couldn't stand the view in my mirror. After High School, I went to college with the same issues and feelings toward myself. The first semester of my freshman year, I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I began having grand mal seizures. I was have grand mal seizures 3 or 4 times a day when I had them. This pain added to the pain that I was already experiencing. It gave me one more reason to hate myself. I had to drop out of college, I gained over 100 pounds due to side effects of my medication, and I became suicidal. I felt as if nothing or no one could help me out of the place I was in. I started cutting my skin to mask the emotional pain that I was feeling. This was the darkest place I had ever been in throughout my young life. 

    I had been raised in church my entire life and I realized that God was the only person that I could turn to. I remembered a scripture, Psalm 121:1-2:

I will life up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth. 

                                                                                    -Psalm 121:1-2
 

     I knew that the only person who could bring me out of my dark place was the Lord. I began going to noon day prayer at my church as well as Monday night prayer. I would pray and seek God even  if I was the only person praying. I began fasting and mediating on the word of God. I started working out and making healthier food options. I made sure that I was getting enough sleep while also making sure that I wasn't sleeping too much. God only allowed me to have epilepsy for four years! My mind is healed, my body is healed of a sickness that many people have their entire lives. When we have faith in God we will learn to understand that we are considered for the trials and tribulations God has allowed us to endure because he knew that although it may not be good to us, it is good for us. I have experienced more growth in a few years that many people twice my age may not have because I was considered for this.
     I encourage all of you to be strong and know that God is always with you no matter what you going through. He is telling you "I'll be with you always", you just have to want to be with him too! The Victory is Yours!

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

Michelle Williams "Journey to Freedom":CD Review

Hey Everyone!

   I have been hearing so many great things about Michelle Williams most recent album "Journey to Freedom" and I could not help but want to listen to it! The CD was released September 9, 2014 by Light Records and include amazing songs like; "Say Yes" , "Free", "Need Your Help" and many more! I listened to the CD in its entirety today and I fell deeply in love! If I had to give this record a rating I would give it 5 stars out of 5. I hope Michelle continues to give us music like this from here on out! 

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 8: Prayer

    Father today I pray for the strength of the women and supporters of Church Girl Chic. I pray that the weak may say that they are strong. With every step that they take give them the strength to know that you support each step that is taken. Strengthen their minds to know understand that rejection from man is not greater than acceptance from you. Whatever they may be going through, give them the strength to overcome. Your words says that we are more than conquerors, so father give us a conquering spirit. A Conquering spirit that may allow us to continue life no matter what comes our way. We thank you for open doors. We thank you for paved journeys. Father we thank you for this new found strength that you have bestowed on us. Lord we love and thank you.  In Jesus name we pray. Thank God.

~Amen

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 7: God Are you There?

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."- Psalms 46:1

    Over the past few days life has really been showing me how life can happen. Even throughout the fast, I asked God, "are you really there?". When we have those thoughts and those feelings, we must step back and really seek God not to fix the problem but to understand his will for our lives. I began to realize that God is my strength and my fortress. He is my redeemer and has always been faithful to me! He has always provided for me and had created doors for me that could not be shut my man or the devil himself! 

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" -Psalm 18:2

    We may have those times when we feel alone and unwanted. But God is always there. In your time of depression or feelings of loneliness remember that God will never leave your nor forsake you. Remember that God may have wanted you alone to avoid distractions or even remove people from your life that you would not have let go if it were not for God himself. You may be alone but with God you will never be lonely!

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

-Deuteronomy 31:8

God Bless


Prayer

Father today I pray for the person who feels lonely. I ask you today to touch their hearts and give them an understanding of  what your will is for them. Guard their hearts Lord and allow them to know with your they will never be lonely. Father I thank you for the deliverance of depression or doubt in their lives because you are a God of help and deliverance. Open the eyes of their hearts Lord so that they may live in your purpose. 

Amen

Fall Into a Leather Jacket This Season: Guest Post by Samantha Godette

By: Samantha Godette

Faithful Fashionable Diva

    

   Fall is here and winter is around the corner. There are many items that divas such as ourselves should have in our closet this year. 
   One item that is hot this fall is the leather jacket. The leather jacket is popping up everywhere this season. It is being paired with jeans and sneakers as well as skirts and boots. You can't go wrong with a cute leather jacket on. If an outfit needs that extra pop...it will do just that. Make it Pop!

Many get intimidated by leather.  They either think it is too pricey to invest in or they have images of Michael Jackson dancing in Thriller flashing in their heads. 

    Leather jackets are very affordable and many jackets that aren't genuine leather look great too. Faux leather jackets are affordable and look just as good. Yes, we all know that leather was popular in the 80's but a new era means a new style. Most trends return years later but are updated to fit the current time.

Here are a few jackets that are affordable and will accent any outfit.

Want More from Samantha? Check her blog out HERE  or follow the links below:

Blog

http://www.faithfulfashionablediva.com/

Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/faithfulfashionablediva

Pinterest

https://m.facebook.com/faithfulfashionablediva

The Church Girl's Guide To Fasting Day 6: Why Should we add fasting into our lives?

 

   Fasting is not just an act that has just surfaced as some sort of phenomenal in the Christian world. Fasting is has been an outward expression of a person's desire to have a closeness with God. It has been the key to breaking yokes and the pulling down of strongholds. I said in an earlier post that some demons are a little more resistant than others. This is displayed in the 17th Chapter of Matthew:

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

                                                                                               -Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
 
   Fasting should not be something that we do on occasion but something that we should add to our lifestyle. I know this because I only fasted every blue moon. I fasted like I was playing the lottery (only when I wanted something from God). Although, God wants to bless us we have to seek God first before blessings start pouring down (like our number was picked from the lottery). It should not only be a God I want tool. It should be a God I need you tool. A tool that invites God into our daily lives showing that we care more about his wants, his will and desires for our lives. I pray that this series has been a blessing to you.

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 5: Prayer

Lord, I pray that you continue to encourage and strengthen the readers and supporters of Church Girl Chic. I not only fast for me but I am fasting for them. Open doors of opportunities for them that no man can shut. Allow them to walk in your purpose and continue to be the light that you have created us to be Open our hearts to want to please you. Move our hands lord to do your work. Allow blessings to flow into their lives like never before. Continue to allow the dreamers to dream. Allow the visionaries to open their eyes to the vision that you have given them. Touch their families and their personal lives. Only you know what they need Lord. Let your will be done in the lives of the Church Girl Chic supporters. Lord as they seek you allow shackles to be broken. Deliver them from the things that is not like you. Live in their hearts Lord, so that they may continue to love you. Thank you Lord!

Amen

My Apologies

Hello Everyone,

   I wanted to apologize in the delay in the posts over the past couple of days. I went out of town this past weekend and forgot my computer and all of my other materials. I will have day 4-7 posted tonight so that everyone may continue to follow along. I love you all with the Love of God! 

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 4: Devotional

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God 
-Matthew 4:4 (NIV)


    Matthew 4;4 not only reveals to us what Jesus said to the tempting devil, this scripture reveals to us that our bodies not only require physical food, but the word of God to feed our spirits. Matthew 4 is a chapter that I meditate on regularly while fasting because it encourages me to speak the word of God while in tempting situations.
   Fasting allows us to train our flesh to be a little stronger while dealing with temptation. The flesh is trained to deny what it wants because your mind and spirit wants what God wants. It is not as easy as it seems because I have given in to temptation a lot in the past. However, the more I fast, the better I am able to stand against temptation.
    I know how it is, you really want to please God but you have your friends telling you to do the opposite of what will please God. You have your boyfriend insisting you to give in to what he wants and knows your flesh wants. We are human, everyone goes through this. In the 14th Chapter of Mark it states:

  Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

       -Mark 14:38 (NIV)
 
 Continue to seek God and pray for yourself. The flesh wants what it wants but so does the spirit! Exercise your faith through fasting and praying and watch how your life will change.

Prayer
Father, Thank you for giving us the strength to fight against temptation. Father we ask you to continue to strengthen our spirit so that we can continue live holy lives. Thank you for allowing us to connect with you. Thank you for a purpose driven life and thank you for the will to live the life you have designed for us. Open the eyes of our hearts so that we may be able to see you Father. We are strong women of God because that is who you say we are. We Love you Lord.

Amen


Much Love and God Bless!
~Crystal

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting Day 3: Scriptures and Bible Study

    As I progress into Day 3 of this fasting series, I have found myself reading more and cutting out all of social media that has nothing to do with the blog and all TV. My desire to see God and develop a closer relationship with him has grown stronger! I find myself wanting to me more Christ-Like and wanting to push myself further in a fast than I have ever gone. My main primary focus is God and not me because everything I need is in God, everything I want is in God. My purpose is in God, my will is in God. As I seek God, I know that is where my blessing lies.
   I am so excited about the place that God is taking me and I take it as an honor to be able to share with you all my insights on such an amazing subject. Today we are going to look at some scripture references about fasting and really understand why fasting is an act that is imperative for our mind, body and spirit during our walk with Christ. We are not going to touch on every scripture, however, we are going to get an understanding of fasting through the word of God.

Daniel
   In the book of Daniel, the "Daniel Fast" was introduced to us. As stated in the last post, Daniel a palace assistant was taken into captivity to and trained for service. Daniel refused to eat of the kings table because he did not want to lose sight of God. Daniel and "his three friends" took part in eating nothing but fruits and vegetables. Daniel was faithful to his fast and because of this he was blessed by God.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.

                                                                                                             -Daniel 1:8-14 ESV

Jesus
   Jesus. Our Lord, Our Savior, My Homeboy. (haha). Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights being tempted my Satan and prevailing through it all. (Matthew 4:4; 4:5-7 and also Matthew 4:8-11). Jesus teaches us here in these scriptures that we should know and stand on the word of God during temptation. This chapter really taught me so much about fasting. We find ourselves being tempted like Jesus but some of us cannot react the way Jesus reacted because we either (Do not read and study our Bible, we do not pray, or we do not fast to resist fleshly desires. ) Now I am not saying I am not perfect. I have partaken in a sin, but I am forgiven and God has allowed me to realize that some things you have to pray and fast about.

..this kind goes out not but by prayer and fasting.

                                                                        -Matthew 17:21 KJV

Let's take a look into what else Jesus says about fasting

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

                                                                                                                    -Matthew 6:16-18 ESV

Praying for God's Will
    Here in the chapter of Acts we find Paul at the, beginning of his ministry, fasting for the will of God.

 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

                                                                                                                          -Acts 13:1-3
I hope this helps you all understand the idea of fasting and praying. Here are a few more scriptures for your studying.

Scriptures
Psalm 35:13
Luke 9:23-35
Matthew 26:41 (Why we have to strengthen our spirit) 
Ezra 8;21


Much Love and God Bless
~Crystal

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: Day 2

Today is day two of the fasting series and I can already feel a change in myself. I woke up before my alarm clock rang and knew that it was time for me to pray. I am so excited about what God has in store for me and all of you! Today we will focus on the types of fast, and when to fast. 

I read Radical Fasting by Dave Williams when I was a teenager and his book gave me so much insight on fasting. I mentioned in a previous post that I was brought up in a church that believed heavily on fasting and praying. I can not say that I am an expert on fasting, however, I have fasted long enough to know that it is life changing. I also read Fasting by Jentezen Franklin and I can honestly say that the two books really gave great insight on the types of fasts. 

Types of Fasts

• Corporate Fast- This is when the leader of a church or family calls a fast for the cleansing of the "body" (Not the physical body but the body of Christ). I remember my pastor would establish a corporate fast at the beginning of every year and I would always stuff myself with whatever I could because I knew for 21 days my favorites would be out of the question. This was before I was educated on what fasting was really about.
• Individual Fasts- This is a fast that can be declared for personal reasons
• Total "Full" Fast- To go without liquids or water for an established amount of days.
• Partial Fast- To fast a certain period of the day. Jentezen Franklin says from about 6:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m but because I know that I am a late night or early morning eater I chose to fast from midnight until noon because I know that this is when I would be the most challenged. 
• Daniels Fast- The prophet Daniel was put into captivity Babylon, he chose not to eat the pleasant foods of the Kings table. He went without breads, wine, and meats for three weeks ( Daniel 10:3)  This fast calls for a person to give up certain foods like meats, sweets and breads only being able to consume fruits, vegetables, water and juice. 

It is important to choose a fast that will not be necessarily "easy" for you. Learning to consecrate your flesh and bring it into submission is an important part of resisting temptation and the breaking of yokes. 

I pray that what ever fast that you choose throughout your life allows you to experience breakthroughs that you have never experienced before.

Scripture References and added readings

Daniel 10:3

Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew 9:14-15

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: Day 1

     As I prepared myself for this series, I asked God to not only allow me to be closer to him but for anyone who desired a closer relationship with him. I remember when I did not even completely understand the biblical principle of fasting. I wanted to share with you all what I have learned over the past few years. I need to hear from God in this point of my life more so now than ever and fasting has allowed me to consecrate my flesh so that I may be able to listen with my spiritual ears, rather than my fleshly being. A person may ask, "Crystal, what exactly is fasting?"

    Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food and drinks or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or several days (Wikipedia). Isaiah 58:6-7 explains the acceptable form of fasting: 

Isaiah 58:6-New International Version (NIV)

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice    and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free    and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them,    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

    I wrote in the last post the fasting is not only about giving up food for the sake of a fast. It is much deeper than going without food. It is about breaking the yokes in your life, developing a closer relationship with God and setting the oppressed free. If you are feeling oppressed in your life, if you feel as if all hope is gone, a fast is something that will aid in your freedom (Mark 9:29).  If you ONLY fast to lose weight, it is indeed a fast, however, there will be no spiritual benefits to that fast. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and I completely believe that fasting aided in my healing from God. I will talk more about this on Day 9.
   Now I am not saying that fasting and praying should be done to ONLY change an unfortunate circumstance to get a  positive outcome. Fasting and praying is a Bible based principle which allows us to experience breakthroughs, gain a better control of our flesh and develop a spiritual connection to God. I am a person that doesn't oppose of fasting to lose weight and lower health risks. Fasting is a great way to aid in a healthier lifestyle, however, again it should not be the only reason. There are many physical benefits of fasting. Studies have shown that fasting:

• Aids in weight loss
• Controls appetite
• Reduces the risk of cancer
• Controls blood sugar
• Increased metabolic rate

   Of course one should be aware of food allergies and health risks before starting. Which brings me back to the point of fasting not being just to stop eating food (Isaiah 58:6-7) but because the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Once we learn to bring our flesh into submission, we will find a lot of things a little less tempting which would help in our spiritual walk with Christ. 

Scripture References

Isiah 58:6-7

Mark 9:29

Matthew 26:41

Much Love and God Bless

~Crystal 

What is "The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting?"

    When you think of fasting, what comes to your mind? Giving up your noon day lunches with your friends? Passing on the pizza that you eat with your family on the weekends, For the longest time, I believed that fasting was simply giving up food because the pastor organized a corporate fast for our church. However, as I have matured in my faith I have come to realize the importance of praying and fasting in my own walk with God. When a person engages in prayer and fasting, they are engaging in spiritual warfare. Some demons are more resistant than others. When we add prayer and fasting into our lives we are adequately preparing ourselves to engage in that spiritual warfare. 

    This 10 day fast is something that God put on my heart to share with the readers of Church Girl Chic. I believe that fasting is not something that a lot of people engage in or even know anything about. I believe that God is going to do something great in the lives of each and every person that joins in on this fast. From 12 midnight until 12 noon, I will be doing a total fast ( no food or water). I will do a Daniel's Fast in between ( only fruit and veggies for food. Water for your beverage.) If you want to add fish, I believe that it will be fine. *Remember it is not just about the food but the consecration of our flesh. 

Day 1: Will explain the biblical principal of fasting outlaying the spiritual as well as the physical benefits of fasting.

Day 2: Fasting Journal Entry 2. Will also explain the types of fasts

Day 3: Fasting Journal Entry 3. Day three will give biblical examples about fasting.

Day 4: Fasting Journal Entry 4. Devotional

Day 5: Fasting Journal Entry 5. Prayer,

Day 6: Fasting Journal Entry 6. Why should we add fasting into our lives.

Day 7: Fasting Journal Entry 7. Devotional

Day 8: Fasting Journal Entry 8. Prayer

Day 9: Fasting Journal Entry 9. Fasting Testimony

Day 10:Fasting Journal Entry 10. How Fasting will impact you life forever! 

Tips:

• Try to refrain from anything that will distract you ( Certain types of music, tv shows, etc.)
• Have a Journal handy to write down your feelings and experiences each day. You will find it easier to search for scriptures each day doing this because you are reading about the things that you endured that day.
• Choose a fast that will challenge you. Remember we are consecrating our flesh!  I will be doing a total fast from 12 midnight to 12 noon each day while doing a Daniels fast in between. 
• Remember to add prayer and scripture reading into your day to day activities. 
• Keep it focused on your relationship with God and watch God work! 

Remember if you have any prayer request email me at churchgirl8819@hotmail.com

Much Love and God Bless!!

~Crystal 

The Church Girl's Guide to Fasting: You Are Invited!

 I am so happy to be writing this post. I have been having a roller coaster experience the past couple of months that has allowed me to experience highs and lows. I have a lot of big decisions to make soon and I  do not want to make those decisions based on emotions. I want to make these decisions after consulting with the Lord. I was always raised to not only pray but fast. The Lord has put on my heart to go on a 10 day fast starting October 6, 2014. I am inviting each and every one of you to join me on this journey! This journey will reveal what God has revealed to me about fasting and praying. There will be scriptures, prayers, fasting insight and more each day of the blog series. I am so excited about what is to come! 

 An introduction and details will be posted Sunday October 5th! 

Much Love and God Bless!

~Crystal 

Chic Style: Mina

 Hello Everyone,
    I have been talking about style features for a while and I am pleased to announce Church Girl Chic's first style feature Mina. 

" I'd describe my style as old school glamour mixed with a bit of modern moxie. It is always my endeavor to conduct myself like a lady in style, conversation and demeanor"

 "I draw inspiration from so many different places. It could be someone I see on the street, in a magazine or one of my siblings. However, I'm obsessed with all things vintage so most of my style inspiration is drawn directly from the fierce mistresses of the silver screen. I watch all sorts of old movies and television shows from "How to Marry a Millionaire" and "Stormy Weather" to 'Dick Van Dyke'. Women like Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable along with Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe are so fascinating to watch and their wardrobes were simply stunning. Sometimes I even watch with the t.v. muted so I can study the style of what I'm watching and drink it in."






"Modesty is actually one of the reasons I've always been so attracted to old school glamour. I loved that these women could be perceived as beautiful even when they had no skin exposed. In my opinion, modesty should come from within. Modesty shows those around us that we are so comfortable in our own skin that we care enough to cover it and trust that our true beauty will shine through"











 "I'd like to add that style isn't what you wear that's new or current. Style should be a reflection of who you are and contain unique elements that are undeniably you. Your style is your greeting and your signature: the first thing others see when they encounter you, and the last thing they see when you leave. What does your style say about you? You should always be satisfied with your answer :)"




Isn't Mina's style lovely?  If you want more of her wonderful looks you can check her out on 


Facebook and Instagram!


Contact info: 

Facebook: Mina Thomas 


Instagram: @glamourous_1


Much Love and God Bless!


Crystal 

Don't Find Yourself Being Someone Else's Footstool

How do you feel when you are hated, lied on, mistreated and abused? Do you feel Defeated? Sad? Do you want to give up? Most people do. Sometimes it seems very hard to love our enemies, the same exact people that treated us unfairly, deceived and lied on us. However, when you have the love of Christ in your heart, loving your enemies seems a lot easier said and done! I am reminded of two scriptures: 

 "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Matthew 5:44 ESV

 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do nVot demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." Luke 6:27-36 ESV

It is tough to be hated, however, if you are a child of God it is even tougher to be the hater hating on the child of God. Imagine kneeling on all fours in front of the person you mistreated with their feet rested on the back of your neck. Elevating their legs aiding in their comfort while you are being humbled in such a position. Not a good image is it?  I am also reminded of Psalm 110:1

  “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Psalm 110:1 ESV

We as Christians have to realize that we must show love. We must not show hatred, envy, jealousy or mistreatment or you will not find yourself at the right hand of the Lord but as a footstool. Choose to love and not be the footstool under someone's feet. 

Much Love and God Bless

Crystal 

 

Life Hurts but God Heals! "Scars"

   

     When you think about scars, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the scar you have on your knee from falling off of your bicycle as a child? Is it the scar on your heart from past abuse or pain? Scars come in many forms as a reminder of a lesson learned, or an experience that will most likely never be forgotten. I know for a fact that I can tell the story of  every scar that I have on my body. And I know many people who can do the same. My scars prove to me that God can heal all pain, and injury emotional or physical. My scars prove that life hurts but God heals. 

     I am reminded of Isiah 53:4-5:

"Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed." (NKJV).

     I think about my past when I cut myself with a razor cotinuosly because of emotional pain. I look down at the scars and continue to remind myself not of my past hurt but of God's healing virtue. It amazes me how wonderful God is. We must always remember that although we may experience the pain of life, if we remain focused on God, he will continue to heal, deliver and set free! 

Much love and God Bless

~Crystal