Q&A with Emily!

I’m thrilled to announce I have something different for you today! Allow me to introduce my wonderful friend, Emily Dellyn! Emily and I went to Ouachita together and have shared the stage on many occasions! We put our heads together and came up with 10 questions to ask one another and post on our blogs! Check out mine on her blog on Thursday, February 4th. 

A highschool drama teacher used to do an exercise with my class where we lined up one by one on the stage and went to center stage. She would tell us to “find our light.” We had to awkwardly shuffle around until we felt the warm light from above hit our skin. Emily and I came in together in 2016, and it’s been a joy watching her find her light over the past almost 5 years... I know you’ll enjoy getting acquainted as much as I have! Find all things Emily (and Flo!) at emilydellyn.com or reach her @EmilyDellyn

Photo by Kenzie Henderson

1. Where does your story begin, and on what course has COVID taken you? How are you handling quarantine?

My story pretty much starts at Ouachita. I grew up singing in church and then doing high school choir and our yearly musical, but I didn’t have any training or idea of doing this professionally until my senior year when I was accepted to OBU. From there, I’ve discovered several paths that I felt like I could take when I graduated. In May of 2020, I graduated with my BFA in Musical Theatre. Within a few months, the contract I had was cancelled due to COVID and the only thing to do was wait at home until the world opened up again. 

My plans have definitely changed, several times even in the past six months. I’ve had to be flexible and patient, which are two things that I really don’t enjoy. However, I’ve also been able to explore different interests and career paths during this time. I’ve started voice acting, which I found I LOVE, and I’ve also started learning to play the ukulele. (I found a uke at a thrift store for $6, I’ve named her Flo, and she has her own page on my website now)

2. How has the definition of being an artist changed for you?

I think one of the most inspiring things during this time is seeing how other artists are still creating. This is the hardest environment to be creative, so finding inspiration is truly a feat. I have a hard time accepting the fact that I’m not as creative right now. I equate Not Being Productive with Anti-Productivity, which is so not true. Just because I’m creating in smaller ways, be it playing my uke or breaking out my watercolors or writing this blog post, it doesn’t mean that my art is any less than. You can still be an artist even when you’re not currently making Art with a capital A.

3. How do you seek out opportunities right now?

My favorite professor who has since retired, Dr. Scott Holsclaw, would always talk about the importance of creating your own opportunities. That never made sense to me. I would feel like I could find auditions and prepare and do my best, but it would still be up to the casting team if I could have that opportunity. Now that I’m in a world where there are no auditions and there’s nothing to be cast in, I’ve had to find other ways to feel artistically fulfilled and productive. I’ve had to create my own opportunities. 

I’ve learned how to create a voiceover reel and I’ve been submitting for various VO gigs. I regularly check Backstage to see what places are slowly opening up and how the acting world is doing. I’ve cleaned up my website and recorded a new acting reel for when things do eventually open up. I’ve emailed companies I still hope to work for in the future, to check on them and see how they’re holding up. I’m also writing sketches and bits and one act plays, that I can hopefully get to perform / see performed one day.

4. Talk about a moment of beauty, goodness, or truth that you’ve seen.

I’m a lot better about noticing the beauty in the small things. A nice walk outside, a full breath of air, the colors of the clouds during a sunset. I also see, now that I’m much more isolated and secluded than I used to be, how much I took friendships and community for granted. Now each zoom call, coffee date, and reconnection is so special and valued.

5. What's a trend that intrigues you right now? What's a work of art that's inspired you recently? 

Honestly, Ratatouille the musical. WHO SAW THAT COMING. I also loved that it was used as a fundraiser for the Actors Fund. It’s incredible seeing the ways that artists are still being creative and supporting other artists during this time. 

I feel like I’ve experienced a whole mess of art right now, but I don’t know much really stuck with me. Like how much I've congested compared to how much I’ve digested. One thing that did create a lot of enjoyment and laughter was Mischief Movie Night, an improv show done over zoom by the Mischief Co. I could feel the creative sector of my brain gearing up and I laughed so hard I peed a little. I think they’re continuing doing shows into 2021, so if you want to have an afternoon (evening for them bc of the time difference) of laughs and fun and some of the best improv storytelling, look them up.

6. What’s a self-care habit you’ve formed?

I’ve started doing some yoga and listening more to my body lately. I’ve noticed a big change in how I feel from that. I also really love lighting a nice smelling candle and listening to music. It’s a really small thing, but that helps me reset a bit. 

7. Does vulnerability look different as an artist when you can't stand in front of an audience?

Okay, this is something I’ve really noticed when I started doing voiceover work. I have a set up in my closet where I record: my wall of clothes on one side, a comforter draped on the other, my microphone in the middle, with just enough space to squeeze in and close the door behind me. It’s just me, the mic, and probably some cockroaches in the walls.

But there’s a moment right before I take a breath, where I feel a catch in my chest, just like if this were a live performance and I’m about to walk out on stage. Keeping in mind, I can record this as many times as I need, if I mess up I can just start over and cut that part when I edit. But I still have those same nerves, that same feeling that what I’m saying has to feel true. I have to be honest and vulnerable to let that carry into my voice. Even when it’s just me recording a sentence or two in my closet at home. 

An audience is so important to live theatre. I think there’s a true connection and trust that’s vital. However, being vulnerable and honest should always be the goal of an artist, whether the audience is there or not.

8. Have you picked up a new hobby?

Florence the Ukulele! Honestly, best $6 I ever spent. I would also like to take an art class or a dance class when it’s safe to do so. 

9. If you had a magic wand, what show/role would you do next? What’s a miscast role you’d love to play?

I would give a kidney to play Scuttle in The Little Mermaid. He is such a fun and high energy character, and his song “Positoovity” is not only both a bop and an inspiration, but it also has a TAP BREAK.

I guess that would technically be a miscast role, since Scuttle is traditionally played by a gentleman actor, but if I had to pick another, I would love to play Vivian in Pretty Woman. Very much not my type, but I think there’s so much truth and depth in her character, I’d love to walk a stage in her shoes.

10. What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon?

Definitely lighting a nice candle, doing some yoga, making a cup of tea, listening to music, and giving myself permission to be still. Not much beats a lazy, peaceful afternoon.

Photo by Kenzie Henderson

*Photos by Kenzie Henderson

2021 Intentions

Hannah Midkiff Photography

Myself like so many of us, choose to use the first few weeks of January as a new start and take some time to line up our intentions or as my little friend would say “revolutions” for the New Year! By the 25th of the month I’ve pretty much decided what things I intend to keep around and what I’d like to reform this year. I’ve preferred to think of intentions instead of resolutions because intentions require a little more planning and purpose behind them. I prefer to keep things simple, so I only have 5 to begin with.

1. Engage

I wasn’t sure if I should go with the Merriam-Webster dictionary for this definition. Typically, when you hear the word you may think of proposals or commitments. I choose to think of the definition, to hold the attention of or engross oneself in. I want to fully embrace what comes every day and engage in the little things and the big things. The word has a French origin but by 1946 English speakers adopted the word when speaking of art and then became generally used to mean “any passionate commitment to a cause.” I want to be more engaged and present. Simply speaking, I want to engage in conversation, while singing a song, or even just enjoying a combination at the ballet barre and not “checking out” so to speak. I also want to engage by becoming a better listener, to not merely have open ears to my friends and family, but engage in what they are communicating. I want those I love to know I’m not just there physically but that they “feel” heard. A good listener cares to understand and the speaker will then feel understood.

2. Books

Thanks to quarantine, 2020 was actually a great year for me in the reading department! I fell even more in love with the works of Karin Tanabe and Katherine Reay. I read some classic plays this year as well as an old beloved novel Where the Red Fern Grows. Follow me on Goodreads as I endeavor to read 21 books in 2021! Have suggestions? Send me them here or on Insta @Belledanseuse3. I’ve already read two books, including Lilac Girls which I would absolutely recommend if you love Historical Fiction as much as I do! I always think “I’ll read more when I have the time,” but I’ve realized this year that I won’t read unless I make the time. In 2020 I had all the time in the world, but I still had to make the choice to read or I would spend all my afternoons binging Hulu instead! (Not that there’s anything wrong with rewatching Full House!) But I look forward to jumping into these titles! (Even if it means some late nights finishing the last 100 pages!!)

3. Trust

I find trust is a struggle for many of us. Trusting others will practice the values they profess, requires a great deal more vulnerability than you would think. We have all had that experience where you’ve shared something of consequence with someone you trusted, only to make it back to class or work the next day and find the whole room staring at you. Crap, they know my junk too. Trust is not easy or comfortable for me. My relationship with God is a dance of doubt and trust, a push and pull. Knowing He has my best interest, but then doubting his love for me in the circumstances. Trust is an intention for me this year because it takes being brave and present in the small moments. It takes full engagement and willingness to put the work in.  

4. Boldness

This is the hardest intention for me this year. It follows trust because I have to trust myself in order to be bold. To be bold with my voice means to believe my voice matters. I have loved joining the Beautycounter movement this year. Being a consultant has stretched me to stand up, advocate, and even be loud sometimes! I’ve received no’s and I’ve received yes’s. Just like in the arts, sometimes people aren’t ready to receive you, but that doesn’t mean what you have isn’t worth sharing with the world.  

5. Quiet

The quiet before the morning and the quiet after the battle is where the reforming begins. Riots themselves don’t produce the change, but the silence afterward in which small voices become big movements. I’m learning to pause in the quiet and choose to un-hurry myself instead of rushing to the next thing. I want to learn to quiet my mind and thoughts so I don’t run wild with those “what if’s” and “if not’s.” In the quiet, we have space to breathe and to reflect before we launch forward. It keeps us from becoming overcome with the “nexts.” What’s now is found only in the quiet of what is at this moment.

One more thought, having these goals or intentions, or even a whole list of “revolutions” isn’t supposed to change your life or make you a whole new person. It’s the drive behind the intention that makes it into an action. It’s knowing what matters, and what may not matter as much anymore. Some things I’ve thought I couldn’t live without, may not seem as important this year. So find what matters and grow toward that. You may find your life changes not overnight, but where you least expected it.

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Dress it up: Why I wear a dress everyday in December!

I decided to swear off pants for a whole month.

Photo by Hannah Midkiff Photography

For any other year, this may not seem like a big deal for me, but COVID19 has definitely impacted my fashion choices!! (ie. sweatpants, leggings, pajamas) My reason is more than just choosing to wear a dress every day of December. It’s about choosing to make a statement every day of December.  You don’t realize how little time it takes to choose an outfit in the morning until you realize the choice isn’t as simple. I’m making the choice to make a statement.

What I realized through doing this challenge two years ago, is that many women every day do not get the same choice. Not only on what they wear, but what they do each day, who they see, where they go, etc. Their days are not their own but decisions are made by someone who

owns them. Someone who has violated their personal freedom physically, mentally, emotionally, or maybe a combination of the three. This reality made me even more awake to the injustice of human trafficking and reminded me why I’m wearing a dress for December.

Let me take a minute to explain what the heck “Dressember” is and why I’m doing this! In 2005, the founder and CEO of Dressember began hearing about sex trafficking and was deeply affected by the injustice, but felt helpless to make a difference. She was sexually abused as a young girl and has suffered from the emotional trauma, guilt, and shame since then and was heartbroken for the millions of others in bondage to the same trauma she suffered.

“In 2009, Blythe challenged herself to wear a dress every day of December (hence: Dressember). The next year, a few friends joined in. By the third year, her friends’ friends began to participate, and it occurred to Blythe that there was more to this challenge than she originally thought. By 2013, the movement blossomed into something completely unexpected - an international campaign to aid the fight against sex trafficking.”

— Dressember.org/whyadress

Since then, every year in December, advocates of all ages make a statement with a dress or bow tie every day. What does this do you may ask? Exactly that! Raises questions and promotes global awareness of modern day slavery. It’s a conversation piece that educates our community. The initiative has raised millions of dollars through Dressember advocates and their commitment to fighting injustice with a dress.

Let me start with saying that COVID-19 has tremendously affected the human trafficking trade in the world. With many more doors closed due to lockdowns and social distancing. Many more women and children are forced into violent situations or exploited. Traffickers are taking advantage of the pandemic for financial reasons as well.

As a result of economic shutdowns, many survivors of trafficking are finding themselves in a position of financial instability, leaving them vulnerable to be trafficked again. 

One part of Dressember’s Campaign is Restore NYC. Dressember was able to provide emergency funding with Restore NYC through the COVID-19 campaign. Women like Carmen who was almost forced back into the massage parlour where she “worked” since moving to NYC at 19, was able to receive emergency funding. Because of donations and the work of organizations like Dressember and those in the Dressember Network women are given help and safe employment during such a challenging time.

(For more info read https://www.dressember.org/blog/covid-and-survivors)

Why is this so important to me and countless others? Let me share a few facts and statistics regarding human trafficking in our world today.

1. Globally, the average cost of a slave is $90.

2.  Trafficking primarily involves exploitation which comes in many forms, including: forcing victims into prostitution, subjecting victims to slavery or involuntary servitude and compelling victims to commit sex acts for the purpose of creating pornography.

3. According to some estimates, approximately 80% of trafficking involves sexual exploitation, and 19% involves labor exploitation.

4. There are approximately 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today.

5. According to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are female and half are children.

6. The average age a teen enters the sex trade in the U.S. is 12 to 14-year-old. Many victims are runaway girls who were sexually abused as children.

7. California harbors 3 of the FBI’s 13 highest child sex trafficking areas on the nation: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

8. The National Human Trafficking Hotline receives more calls from Texas than any other state in the US. 15% of those calls are from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

9. Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry (behind illegal drugs and arms trafficking). It reportedly generates a profit of $32 billion every year. Of that number, $15.5 billion is made in industrialized countries.

10. The International Labour Organization estimates that women and girls represent the largest share of forced labor victims with 11.4 million trafficked victims (55%) compared to 9.5 million (45%) men.

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-human-trafficking 

Now you may be asking, “What can I do?” If so, I have a couple suggestions. First of all,

raise awareness. Any time of year can be a time to have a conversation about slavery. Wearing a dress or bowtie in December is a simple way to make it into a conversation topic. But raising awareness is definitely the first step. Join my Team of women who are making a stand to wear a dress every day this December! I would love to have you join me! (Or wear a tie, guys!)

Second, consider taking a minute to give monetarily to the effort of raising global

awareness and eradicating slavery and the sex trafficking trade. I’ll attach my campaign to this post or you can find it on my Linktree from any social media account. Any amount helps. The money raised goes toward the urgent needs of a labor or sex trafficking survivor (therapy, food, medical care, etc.), aftercare would include counseling for a survivor who has undergone years of drama which may take years of mental as well as physical care before they can experience wholeness, or a rescue operation conducted by law enforcement who investigate a case and then go in and rescue victims.

Thirdly, supporting those who have survived and are attempting to make their way.

Many programs are out there that allow women and children to make their way after being rescued. In building their lives again, they often struggle to find work and make a living.

The Starfish Project sells jewelry handcrafted by women who are regaining dignity and self-worth after years in the sex industry. Check out their website and gift shop to buy some beautiful pieces made for a purpose.

https://starfishproject.com/

A 21 is another organization committed to abolishing slavery everywhere. You can commit to giving monthly or make a purchase that benefits the aftercare of a survivor.

https://www.a21.org/content/shop/gnw66w?permcode=gnw66w

For my readers in Arkansas, PATH (Partners Against Trafficking Humans) is a missions based organization that “advocates for those victimized by the sex-industry by providing a safe environment where healing can occur, making success possible and dreams achievable.” They integrate faith, learning, and healing into the aftercare of victims. Go to their website to give or purchase a prayer bracelet made by women and children who have been rescued.

http://pathsaves.org/shop-gifts/

Finally, commit to prayer for those enslaved. What a time to remember those in captivity as we celebrate and remember the sacrifice Christ made in humbling himself and taking on flesh to bring us out of captivity! In his death, He not only defeated death and crushed Satan’s head, he delivered us from the bondage of sin and allowed for all who call upon His name to have eternal life! We no longer walk in darkness though the darkness surrounds us because of His glorious light he sent into the world IN US through His Holy Spirit. In remembering those in bondage we praise Him for the deliverance coming and also pray for their deliverance from the physical bondage of slavery. There is power in our prayers.

I’ll close with a quote I’ve read outside the door of a professor’s office. “You’ll never look into the face of someone God doesn’t unconditionally love.” He deeply loves every man, woman, and child and even their offenders. And He has called His people to be His hands and feet to a world in darkness.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post all the way through. Let’s use our freedom to stand for those who cannot this year. God bless you!

Crime and Pregnancies: What I Watched During Quarantine

My Covid-19 Watchlist!

For at least 3 months, most of us were locked in our homes, some for even longer. Even with daily zoom calls, I saw very little of the outside world until school started in August. In the meantime, I picked up a few TV shows since I had the time. Before I fully launch into my binge of cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, I wanted to review my Lockdown binge must-sees!

NICS agents Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo

1. NCIS

Nope, not the actual Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the fictional TV show. Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs leads a group of colorful personalities in investigating crimes -- ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism -- that have evidence connected to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.

This is a tried and true show for me! I love Abby Sciuto, Tony, Mcgee, and of course the beloved Gibbs. I’ve recently introduced my little brother and found he loves it just as much as I do! I don’t know what first got me wrapped up in the investigative crime narrative. But it gets downright addicting for me, so it was perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons with the family! It’s also jumpstarted my love of true crime and podcasts, so more to come on that!

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist on Hulu

2. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

I started watching the TV show Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist on NBC during this quarantine. It is the story of an introverted coder who finds herself transformed during an MRI in an earthquake. The impact of the earthquake results in songs from all the playlists on the technician’s computer entering her subconscious, as a result she hears people’s thoughts through song. The “superpower” allows her to hear coworkers, family members, and stranger’s deepest desires or concerns as ballads or elaborate dance numbers! She is able to communicate with her father who was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, supranuclear palsy (PSP), less than a year before. Though he doesn’t speak, he can sing to her and she sees how he still feels about his family. Her friend and music enthusiast Moe, tells Zoey, “songs are all just an expression of our deepest wants and desires… Joy, pain, heartbreak, yearning, forgiveness, revenge.

The musician in me LOVES this concept, as well as the communicative value her “powers” gave her to empathize with other people. It’s not often you can watch a TV show that obviously has an unrealistic plot but still so far suspend your disbelief enough to still be captivated by the storytelling. The choreography by Mandy Moore, may have been my favorite part because of the way the movements naturally come out of everyday motions.

Aang the Avatar

3. Avatar the Last Airbender

I truly had never watched Avatar the Last Airbender before quarantine! If you don’t know, here is a brief synopsis. The world is divided into four nations -- the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation and the Air Nomads -- each represented by a natural element for which the nation is named. Benders have the ability to control and manipulate the element from their nation. Only the Avatar is the master of all four elements. The ruthless Fire Nation wants to conquer the world but the only bender who has enough power, the Avatar, has disappeared ... until now. Katara and Sokka discover that Aang is the long-lost Avatar. Now they must safeguard Aang on his journey to master all four elements and save the world from the Fire Nation.

First of all, I don’t know why I hadn’t watched this TV show before now! The storytelling is the best I’ve seen from a cartoon I think. The dialogue is still a mix of levity and drama, but with enough action in every scene to keep you hooked. There is also a rich depth of back story that makes this show stand head and shoulders above other cartoons.

Lily Collins in Emily in Paris on Netflix

4. Emily in Paris

Ok but, Lily Collins. I love her, love her and Ashley Park! (But did I mention it features Lily Collins??) I fell in love with this TV show and binged it in a matter of two days!!!

Chicago marketing executive Emily Cooper is hired to provide an American perspective at a marketing firm in Paris. What follows is a series of hilarious struggles as she tries to succeed in a complicated workplace, while searching for love in Paris!

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s plenty cheesy! But the plot makes up for that with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. As well as the gorgeous fashion and picturesque views of Paris! 

BBC’s Call the Midwife

5. Call the Midwife

Introduced to me by my sister in law, I fell head first into the tumultuous and beautiful story of Poplar. Call the Midwife is a BBC period drama series about Nonnatus House nuns and a group of nurse midwives working in the East End of London in the Late 1950s and 60s.

The first series, set in early 1957, tackles the "Baby Boom", issues of poverty and post-war immigration. The second series (set in 1958) shows us the introduction of gas and air as a form of pain relief. The third series, which includes several changes to the set and cast, depicts cystic fibrosis, caring for the terminally ill and midwifery in a prison context. The Child Migrants Programme and the threat of nuclear warfare (including emergency response guidelines issued by local Civil Defence Corps) are depicted in the fourth series, and the effects of thalidomide as well as the introduction of the contraceptive pill are shown in the fifth series. The sixth series touches upon domestic violence, an explosion at the local docks and interracial marriage. The seventh series introduces the first major character of colour, Nurse Lucille Anderson. Dementia, racial abuse, abortion, and meningitis feature in storylines.

I love the way this series uses character growth in the main characters to parallel the struggles of expectant mothers in Poplar. The stories are stirring (I cry almost every episode, just to warn you!) The young midwives navigating life and love are surrounded by nuns including Sister Monica-Joan (Judy Parfitt), an original midwife whose slide into old age is marked by poetic yet shrewd observations and a love of sweets. She is probably my favorite character, and I can’t get one of her quotes from an episode the other day out of my head. She was helping a young midwife who had almost lost a baby, out of her “haze.” She told her that while they may disagree on the existence of God, she finds that often “The hands of God are found at the end of our own arms.” That simple quote has remained forefront in my mind. I recall it while working with the children I nanny, as well as when I’m teaching. Funny how these shows can really teach you something beyond distracting you from the anxieties of our world.

Pride and Prejudice

Photo by Liesl Claire Photography

  As humans we are most often governed by our pride.

I could easily forgive his pride, had he not mortified mine.

-Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I have never once seen someone swayed in their political opinions by a single comment on Facebook or Twitter. It frustrates me to see the division in our nation and mostly among believers. How far have we come that we allow ourselves to be so divided and hateful toward our brothers and sisters? Pride. It’s a universally acknowledged hubris that can be the final straw. We defend it. We nurse it. We assert it. We fight for it. We never once surrender it.

Pride comes from the belief that we are in control. That we reign. This pride can lead us to hostility and frustration when what we defend is in question. Another favorite quote of mine from Pride and Prejudice.

Angry people are not always wise.

This isn’t to be confused with righteous anger of an injustice or something we must act on, like ungodliness or the suffering of the innocent. But to be angry because of injured pride is foolish.

We can be prideful in many different ways, several of which I am guilty of! But of the most common, is the arrogance of false control. Control is counterfeit peace. Peace is not dependent on human action. This world is broken and only Jesus can bind and bring justice.

Reading Isaiah 9:6-7 today in light of Election Day.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV

What does it mean “the government will be upon his shoulder?” Jesus is not an earthly king, He is not president or king of any mortal country here. But instead He is the future, past and present ruler. It’s a future promise-that Christ will rule (Revelation 20:4-6). There are two “governments” referenced here, I believe. (Always check for yourself if you find my argument conflicts with what is written Biblically!) The first being the one to come and the second is the nation of believers in the now, governed by Christ. Here’s a quote I came across while studying a few commentaries on this passage.

What might such a government look like? First of all, it would look like its king. Politicians of this day look for what they can get from you. Jesus looks for what He can do for you.

Leaders of this day surround themselves with servants. Jesus surrounds us with His servanthood.

Leaders of this day use their power to build their empire. Jesus uses his power to wash our feet and make us clean and comfortable.

Leaders of this day trade their influence for money. God so loved that he gave …

Generals of this day need regular wars to keep their weapons and skills up to date and insure their own advancement. Jesus brings peace and rest to hearts.

The higher the plane of importance one reaches in this world, the more inaccessible he becomes. Jesus was Emanuel, "God with us."

Leaders of this day are desperate to be seen and heard. Jesus sought anonymity so He could be useful.

Obviously, Jesus is not in charge of the halls of Washington, London, Moscow, Baghdad, Paris or Bonn. So, how can we ever believe the "government will be upon His shoulders"?

Actually, His government shows its workings in wonderful ways. Whenever I see someone who miraculously leaves a life of drugs or alcohol and is restored to his family and work, I can see that he is now governed by God.

Whenever I see loving Christians gently caring for orphans and those rejected by family, I know I am watching people governed by God.

Whenever I see people eagerly learning the Bible and joyously praising, I know who the governor is.

Whenever I see people give up lucrative careers simply to go and share the Good News of Jesus, I know they are governed by God.

When I see pastors carefully teach and lead the flock God has given them, I know they are getting signals from the great King.

When I see people leave family to live and teach in distant lands because they love the people who have not heard, I know they are governed by God.

So, indeed, the government is alive and working. Often silently, mostly unseen. We can be and are, by choice, governed by God. Hope and joy and peace and rest cover its subjects. Justice, mercy and grace, amazingly coexist. I like this Kingdom. The borders are open. Come on in.

 -Gayle Erwin

Are we walking as a people governed by Christ, or governing our own lives and inserting Christ where we think he belongs? Do we call Him by His name? Wonderful. Do we look to Him with reverent awe and worship Him as our Lord and Savior? Counselor. Do we seek His wisdom and go to the source of truth when seeking advice? Mighty God. Where do we search for strength, in power and authorities of earth to bring security? Or do we go to the Prince of Peace? There will be no end to His peace (Isa 9:7). It surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). For he is not a God of confusion but of order (1 Cor 14:33). He is our peace and breaks down the dividing wall of separation (Eph 2:14).

As believers, let’s spend this day and week in prayer, but walk knowing He is still the God of peace no matter who is elected President. Let’s strive to be more understanding and to put love forward and not pride.

How to: Beautycounter on a Budget

I love clean beauty but how do I make the switch to Beautycounter without cleaning out my wallet too?

Since Joining Beautycounter, I’ve talked to a lot of people who really want to try clean beauty products but are concerned about the price. I love Beautycounter, but I’ll be the first to say it’s not cheap. It’s comparable to department store and Sephora prices, but not Target. It’s a process, and there’s no need to throw everything out right now! So whether you’re like me and just graduated college or you are trying to make healthy choices for a young family, I’m going to tell you my suggestions for making the switch to clean beauty on a budget!

I honestly didn’t pay attention to my skincare until college. I think I honestly used hand soap and body lotion for a bit… cringe-y I know. In college I started trying a couple products from a family member’s MLM she was selling, but the products were way too harsh or didn’t work at all. Around the same time, I was diagnosed and being treated for endometriosis, an illness related to the body’s immune and endocrine system. My body was reacting to everything from laundry detergent to candle fragrances. Not to mention what I was putting directly onto my skin like lotions and soaps. I tried some products that marketed “clean” ingredients or “hypoallergenic” promises. As I started doing research into women’s reproductive illnesses, I realized the link to ingredients with endocrine disruptors in beauty products! I was horrified when I learned about the toxic ingredients in my bathroom from my mascara to my period products!

It wasn’t until my senior year that I got gifted some Beautycounter makeup and miraculously, I didn’t react. So in April they had a 20% off promo for new clients so I took the plunge, but a little bit at a time. Here’s some tips for making the switch without breaking the bank!

Switch out 1 (or 2) products at a time

Start with one of your products you may be running low on, and run it through EWG or compare the ingredients yourself with our Never List. It’s a good rule of thumb to start with a product you can’t live without, like a cleanser or your concealer, or a product you’re running out of. Buy just one or two products at a time over the course of a few months. You’ll build yourself a safer collection without spending a ton of money.

Take advantage of sales and promos

I made my first skincare switch during an offer like our current one-20% off for new clients. Some products can drop almost $10 making it more affordable for a college grad! Keep an eye out for after holiday sale or a Black Friday offer as well, there was also a sale of Holiday sets this summer before the new sets were released where some products were up to 25% off original price. Timing is everything and this week is no exception! Enter your email through this link and get an offer code to your inbox.

Buy collections or regimens

A great way to save money when purchasing at Beautycounter is by buying a collection and saving 10-20%. Check out this skincare quiz that will recommend a regimen for you along with 2 addition products to try for your skincare needs. I used the 20% off code to purchase the Countermatch regimen for myself and never looked back! I love love love the moisturizer and remember when one of my best friends noticed the difference in my skin during a Marco Polo. “Bonnie, your skin is GLOWING!”

Some sets worth taking note of:

1. Flawless in Five-6 makeup products for a beautiful, natural look complete in 5 minutes!

2. A Holiday set (limited time) like the Bright Side Duo or the Good Glow Body Duo

3. Get the Look-4 safer, high performing makeup products including an eye shadow palette with ethically sourced Mica.

 Become a member

Want to get the best bang for your buck? Then the Band of Beauty membership is the way to go! It’s $29 for the year and you get free shipping on orders $100+, 15% product credit for every dollar you spend, and a free gift when you sign up and spend $50 (right now receive the Think Clean Welcome Set with the Overnight Resurfacing Peel and our Charcoal Facial Mask) receive member-only exclusive offers year round without a monthly fee or auto ship.

Become an advocate

The best saving in my mind is to join the mission of Beautycounter and become an advocate (that’s really what consultants are). As a consultant, you save 25% on products and earn 25-35% of what you sell. Plus, you’re helping bring about change in the beauty industry! Right now I’m using my earnings to pay off my college debt so I can keep doing what I love-storytelling! Beautycounter has provided me with the means to do what I love while making an impact in an area I’m passionate about-education and product safety!

If you’re curious about the business opportunity fill out this quick form! I’d love to help you achieve your goals!

If you have any more questions about Beautycounter/or really anything, leave a comment or email me!

Pumpkin spice and everything nice!

What’s on your holiday wish list?

Selections from our Holiday sets released on October 6th!

I don’t know about you but I haven’t been wearing too much makeup these days (like none oops) but when I do you can bet I know it’s #cleanbeauty And I feel better knowing that I KNOW what’s in my beauty products and that I’m advocating for better beauty in the US. @beautycounter dropped new holiday sets for the fall (Skincare and body sets too!) Check them out directly here or read about my journey to clean beauty here. Read my “why” for becoming a consultant before you see some of my favorite holiday sets! I’m loving this Golden Hour all in one palette and the Beyond Gloss Trio, here I’m wearing Wildberry!

Here’s an unboxing video of my cute bun and I unboxing the holiday collection! See the sets up close as I show and tell some of my favorite items and why!