I am in a season of rebuilding. If I am being completely honest with myself I am meeting this new season with some reservations. I am not quite sure how to navigate it or even where to begin.  I had become comfortable with the routine that I had developed for myself and begun settling into a life that I thought I wanted, but God is doing something right now that is calling me away from what had become my norm.   I was scared to be back in a place where I didn't feel like I had a handle on my own life.  However, what I am learning is that when life is unsure,  there is a peace I found in the deepest parts of me that whispers, "Everything is going to be alright." even when I can't see how that can be in the natural. Every day I am choosing to trust that peace.

Faith is a powerful thing and so are the words we speak over ourselves and to others. One of the ways that I am maneuvering through this valley is by beginning my day in worship.  Worship removes us out of the equation and puts focus and reverence on Who God is. It extols His many beautiful characteristics and causes us to posture ourselves in humility.  Worship for me has always been my safe place, when the circumstances of life seem to be heavily weighing on my shoulders. The presence of the Lord is the best place that I know and worship is the avenue that I most often take to tangibly reach Heaven.  With different seasons there are different songs that  really minister into my situations.  Right now my playlist consists of a lot of different artists but the common thread in each of the songs touches on the characteristic of the Lord as a restorer of those things that are lost and a mender of the things that are broken. Lately, that overarching message has been such a comfort to me.

Ari's Worship Playlist:

1. Travis Greene- Worship Rise
2. Matthew West- Mended
3. Cory Asbury-Reckless Love
4. Hillsong Worship- What a Beautiful Name It Is 
5. The Walls Group- And You Don't Stop
6. Tori Kelly- Never Alone
7. Jonathan McReynolds- Make Room
8. The Walls Group- Satisfied 
9. Johnny Diaz- Breathe
10. Marvin Sapp- My Testimony

What helps you get through your valley seasons? Write in. I'd love to hear from you!
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I started wearing makeup during my last two years of high school. In that time, I learned a few important lessons. One, color can be fun, two, every feature on your face cannot have a moment, and three, makeup should only accentuate your natural beauty, not make you look like someone else.  Now as an adult, I am on a journey to find makeup products that make me feel the most like myself and achieve a seemingly effortless look.  Over the summer, I had a lot of fun shopping around for products that were healthy for my body and gentle on my skin. Through a lot of trial and error, I have found what I like to call my "holy grail" system that helps me achieve my beauty goals.  

For My Skin: 
I have always had really sensitive skin so I have to be very particular about the type of products I put on my face. For me, natural products work best.  Below is a list of the soaps cleansers scrubs and moisturizers that I use to keep my skin supple, clear, soft and beautiful.

1. Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap [Unscented]
   
2. Burt's Bees Orange Essence Face Cleanser
   
3. Burt's Bees Peach and Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub
   
4. Burt's Bees Daily Moisturizing Cream [Sensitive] 

Makeup:
I am so pleased with the makeup products I am currently using. They are a great base for any occasion and the best part is that they are inexpensive! Beauty on a budget is the key. 

1. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer- Medium Beige  
2. Dual Ended Contour & Highlight Stick- Medium 
   
3. BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation- Heavenly Honey and Truly Topaz
   
4. Black Radiance Eye Appeal Lasting Mascara [Argan Oil-Infused]- Black
   
5. Black Radiance Soft Focus Finishing Powder- Golden Almond 
   
6. Origins Cosmetics Pinch Your Cheeks Powder Blush- Sugar Cookie
   
7. Essence Pure Nude Sunlighter- Be My Sunlight
   
8. MAC Lip Pencil- Whirl
   
9. Milani Color Statement Lipstick- Teddy Bare, Red Label, Cabaret Blend
   

What are your favorite beauty products and helpful tips? Be sure to share them in the comment section. I want to hear from you!
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