Why I love Mary Kay Cosmetics (and a discount for you!)

http://www.marykay.com/heidischick

Remember this website. You will want it later. Read on.

I teach with Mary Kay. Did you know that? I've been a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant since May of 2006. My business has had its ups and downs, but I love it. Why? I love the products. In fact, opening boxes of new product is like opening little Christmas presents all year long! Mary Kay, Inc. pays such close attention to detail that I love sharing the product with people.

How did I get started with Mary Kay? Good question; I'm glad you asked. My first contact with Mary Kay Cosmetics was in 1997--I was in the play at school and had to put on stage makeup. Unfortunately, my school was small and didn't have a big budget, so someone graciously donated a lot of Mary Kay products. However, I think they donated the lot a few years beforehand. The make up was crusty and really irritated my face. Students were the makeup artists and though they may have known how to apply their own makeup, they did not know the first thing about applying makeup to others. My first impression of Mary Kay Cosmetics was that it was outdated trends that made my face break out.

Fast forward nine years. I was a sophomore at Clearwater Christian College. One night, a friend of mine held a Mary Kay skin care class in the common area of her unit. Given my negative experience with Mary Kay, I was very hesitant to go. But I went, figuring I'd just try the products, get some tips, and go on with my night. But the consultant, Debbie, was different. She was enthusiastic about the products and spoke eloquently. She helped me see this was a new, cleaner, trendier Mary Kay. I loved what I saw. Debbie gave me some information about starting a Mary Kay business. After mulling it over for six months, I called her to join her team and start my own Mary Kay experience.

Since then, Mary Kay has been a growing experience--in a good way! I've learned tips on running my own business; I have constant access to wonderful skin and beautiful color products (and my face loves me for it!); best of all I've met wonderful women who've overcome great obstacles to work their businesses and are inspiring. Mary Kay is like a family--you reach out to your customers to help find skin care solutions, meet fellow consultants who encourage you to reach your goals, and develop lasting, meaningful relationships with both groups of women.

I love the Mary Kay brand because it is quality--inside and out. Inside, the people are seeking honest methods to run the company; scientists are seeking better, more natural formulas to keep customers looking and feeling their best. Out, the products are excellent value for the price. Drugstore cosmetics are inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. I've had countless shadows, glosses, and lotions break or spill, and then I was out the money. With Mary Kay, not only is it unlikely that your product will break, but if it does, return it! Get a new product! Wrong shade? Exchange it for a new one! Plus, you can feel the quality in the product. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!

So why this gushing post all of sudden? After a slow year business-wise, getting used to a new home and new job, my husband inspired me to pick the business back up and see where I could go. I was contemplating the limits, and we were both getting very excited. Therefore, I re-launched my personal web site and stocked back up on samples and goodies for my customers. In celebration of my re-launch, I'm offering anyone (even my current, wonderful customers) who registers on my web site before midnight on Wednesday, July 20, 20% off her first order!

You may use any form of payment. Pay me with cash or check when I deliver your product, or if you pay with credit card on the site, you'll have to pay the full price initially, but I'll send you that 20% back in the form of a check or extra product. Cash/Check people can choose to spend that 20% on product as well.

Plus, when you spend $40 retail before tax and after discount, you get a free gift with purchase! See the website for details. When you order from me, you'll always get an extra bonus with your order--always.

The site is totally worth your while. See the latest interactive Look catalog, create a virtual makeover, see what's new at the company, and find products to best solve your skincare aggravations.

What are you waiting for?! Go to http://www.marykay.com/heidischick and take advantage of the discount!

Worship While Waiting

There's a song, I'm not sure by whom, that goes, "While I'm waiting / I will worship / While I'm waiting / I will worship / I will serve you while I'm waiting / I will trust you while I'm waiting..."

How many times does the Bible promise good to those who wait on the Lord, or instruct us to wait on the Lord? How many times have I been called to wait on the Lord? So many, I cannot count. But through every time of waiting, God has brought about His perfect in His perfect timing.

My friend, Trisha Priebe, and her husband, Luke, have been waiting for over 2 years to adopt a Thai boy named Peerpot. God's brought them through struggle after struggle, and we all cannot wait until Peer is finally in Trisha and Luke's home. Until that time, they've written a book about the lessons God has taught them while they wait. The book, Trust Hope Pray, is 365 devotional readings. Click here to learn how to purchase the book. Profits go directly to Luke and Trisha's adoption fund.

Catch the Gratitude Attitude

Ron Hamilton developed a child's Bible story series called "Patch the Pirate" many, many moons ago. I grew up listening (and ultimately memorizing because my siblings and I would play them over and over and over again) to adventures like "Once Upon a Starry Knight" (Jeffrey's favorite), "The Great American Time Machine" (my favorite), "Patch the Pirate Goes to the Jungle" (Lindsay's favorite), "Patch the Pirate Goes West," and the list goes on and on. Patch and his crew went on adventures to exotic places and times and taught Bible principles along the way. The songs in these stories have been forever burned into my memory, and one such song keeps coming to mind.

The ladies in my Sunday school class have been studying the book Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and the Patch song, "The Gratitude Attitude," keeps popping into my mind. The chorus goes, "Just catch the gratitude attitude, gratitude attitude/ Give thanks in everything./ Catch the gratitude attitude, gratitude attitude/ Lift your voice and sing. / Always thank the Lord each day/ For everything He brings your way./ Catch the gratitude attitude, gratitude attitude/ Catch it everyday." Such simple lyrics and such a simple song, but it has such a big message!

"Give thanks in everything." From I Thessalonians 5:18: "In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Like DeMoss points out, give thanks in everything. So even when my great-uncle had major leg surgery yesterday and may even lose his leg as a result, and he's not saved, I have to give thanks. Even when my students whine and complain and don't obey, I have to give thanks. Even when my bank account is at $0 and I still have some bills to pay, I have to give thanks.

Jen Whitcomb, one of the women at the most recent study, mentioned that we always look for people who are worse off then us. Most of the time it's to justify a sinful attitude/action we're having, but sometimes it's a good thing. For example, my husband left his socks all over this floor again, left his dirty dishes in the sink, unrinsed, again, and even left his kitchen chair pulled out from the table again so I accidentally hit my baby toe on it and think the toe might be broken. But I have my husband, unlike some women who've lost their husbands. My kitchen has about three feet of usable counter space. But I have a kitchen, unlike the women in the shanty towns I saw in South Africa. My grandma criticized a choice my husband and I made. But I have my grandparents, and they are strong Christians who want me to live that testimony, unlike people without Christian family. I dinged my six-month-old car on the fence creating a big scratch and dent. But God provided the money for me to purchase this vehicle, and it runs smoothly, unlike people who can't afford a car or have many difficulties with the car they have. My friend criticized something about my faith. But he/she knows I'm a Christian, and I can freely express my faith to them unlike people in China or other closed countries.

A recent example that brings that song to mind as well is when I stood in line at the pet store on Friday of last week and listened to a man complain over and over about Rick Snyder, the governor of Michigan, and his new budget plan. "Apparently government employees make a lot of money. I didn't know I made a lot of money. Did you know government employees make a lot of money? He's taxing my retirement! He has no right to do that! I can't even afford to take my girls to McDonald's anymore! It's just wrong!" He kept going on, so I couldn't stop him, but if he would've stopped for breath, I could've asked him, "Sir, are you healthy? Can you still work? Are you girls healthy? Can you still feed them? Do you still have your house? Can you still pay your bills?" If he could say "yes" to any of these questions, he's still doing better than any of deserve. Michigan had to change. Our government has been bleeding money for years and years to cater to unions, special-interest groups, government employees, etc. The government couldn't sustain itself much longer. No one has stood up and demanded change like Snyder has. He said he was going to balance Michigan's budget when he ran. He said he was going to change Michigan. Why was this man at the pet store so upset? Michigan voters knew what they were getting. Tough times have fallen on everyone in this state. But as Dave Ramsey says, "Tough times will come. How are you planning for it?" [This paragraph brings up a host of other issues like government's reach, responsible spending, or mooching off the government, but those are other topics for other posts.]

A 'gratitude attitude' would've said, "Unfortunately, my pay has been reduced. Unfortunately, I cannot take my kids out to dinner as I'd like. But I'm still healthy to work and make money. I'm still providing a roof over my family's head and food on the table. We'll come back from this. We always do." And I'm sure his heart and stomach would've thanked him for that attitude! I know I and the other people in the store would've.

My point is, that little song keeps reminding me of the truths of Scripture--"in everything give thanks" or "rejoice always." No matter what has come, what is my attitude? A gratitude attitude shows Christ to others and builds up my family. It saves my health, both physically and spiritually. I wish more Christians consistently chose this 'gratitude attitude.' Our light for Christ would certainly burn brighter in this dark world.

2010 was a God-given adventure

2010 was certainly an adventure in following God. I compiled a list like this last year, and I wanted to do one again to track the rollercoaster God brought Brad and I through this year.

January--rung in the new year with friends from First Baptist of Lake Orion.

February--unexpectedly contacted Dr. Hubbard, administrator at Inter-City Baptist, about teaching at IC in the fall

March--was offered the job at IC, took more time to pray about the decision, and accepted the position, completely stepping out on faith that God would provide for the details

April--traveled to Florida for spring break with my family. Sunshine and vacation are always blessings. :-) Had to inform administration/teachers/students about our decision to leave Genesee. Saying goodbye was extremely difficult.

May--continued teaching at Genesee Christian and enjoying the last weeks I had with my kiddos and fellow teachers.

June--officially left Genesee Christian as a teacher. Brad was offered a job at Mercedes-Benz Bloomfield (not in music, but it paid the bills). We also adopted our cute little 7-week-old blue pit bull, Padawan. (She's now 71 pounds, but who's keeping track?)

July--house offers fell through left and right in Lincoln Park, but God provided a bungalow in Southgate for us to rent. He also brought a local pastor and his family to rent our Ortonville house. Huge double blessings. I began packing--again.

August--we moved from Ortonville to Southgate (fourth move in two years), and I began working at Inter-City Baptist School, my alma mater. The blessing of this month is that God brought us smoothly into the house and that the school year began well.

September--traveled to Oxford for school camp with the Sr. Highers. Getting to know them was so much fun. Our school finally got into full swing once we got back. God has really opened some of these kids' hearts to Him, and these students are huge encouragements to me every day.

October--This was a rough month financially, with some unexpected expenses. But God provided for us every step of the way.

November--Brad was offered a position with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in corporate fundraising. He accepted and moved back into a "musical" field. Having a husband who loves his job makes our home so much happier.

December--We celebrated our first Christmas in the new house. Being closer to my family was a blessing this year so that I could spend more time with my out-of-town family. I love them.

Like 2009, 2010 brought us closer to God in realizing He provides for us if we follow Him in faith. I've had the opportunity to step out in faith and point many of my family members to God's provision when plans fall into place. Both Brad and I love where we are, and I'm thankful for the God who has good plans for us.

Happiness is...

There's a song I learned long, long ago that goes something like this: "Happiness is to know the Savior, living a life that's in His favor, showing His love with my behavior, Happiness is the Lord."

I thought of that tonight while I was reading the January issue of Real Simple magazine. These authors were waxing eloquent about feeling happiness, the science behind happiness, and the psychology of happiness. Their definitions of happiness were about feelings and fun and "being all you can be." All were vain, empty definitions and methods of finding happiness.

Then I was reminded of Solomon. That man looked at everything for happiness--women, riches, kingdoms, etc. And how does he sum up everything? "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." Solomon tried it all--he could truly say, "Been there; done that."-- and he came back to God every time.

This has been a rough week, so I'm glad God brought this article across my path. He reminded me that circumstances will not determine my happiness. I can only truly be happy when I am living the life He wants me to live. Only God can grant true happiness. As I go into Christmas break, I'm praying I don't get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas (though I do love it) but rather focus on the true happiness He has for me--the message that Jesus traded the glories of heaven for a humble life on earth just so He could die for sinners. But He didn't stay dead. He rose and intercedes for me in heaven.

A living God who beat death and hell and has good things planned for me if I follow Him--now that's happiness.

Taste and See that the Lord is Good

Wow. I am in awe at my God right now. This last week can be summed up in one verse--"To Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). In just a few short days, He's answered every part of my prayers above and beyond what I thought possible.

1. He provided a cute house in a pitbull-tolerant city. This house is in excellent shape, is incredibly clean, and has abundant room for our little family.

2. He provided renters for our Ortonville house. I prayed for long-term, responsible renters, and God gave us a local pastor and his family who want a 2-year lease. I never would've imagined that our renters would be fellow believers. What an incredible blessing that is.

3. He provided perfect timing. We'll move out mid-August, they'll move in Sept. 1. That gives us plenty of time to fix the things we need to in the house with no stuff cluttering the way. Plus, we have a 2-year lease, and they have a 2-year lease. Our first-time homebuyer penalty ends in 2 years.

My God worked out every single detail, and I cannot do anything but praise Him for providing yet again.

"Be Still And Know..."

Psalm 46 was an incredible encouragement to me today and completely fits the "dust" that is swirling around my life right now.

¹God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
²Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
³Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
⁴There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
⁵God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
⁶The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
⁷The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
⁸Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
⁹He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
¹⁰"Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
¹¹The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

At first, I was looking for the verse "Be still and know that I am God," and then I looked at the context. I love how this chapter is describing God as our refuge--the world could fall apart, but then God calls me to "cease striving and know that I am God."

Let me explain the situation. In April, I accepted a history teaching position at Inter-City Baptist, my alma mater. At the time, Brad and I stepped out on faith--we had just bought a house in Ortonville so we had to figure out housing and Brad had no job. Since then, God provided a job for Brad, and it seemed like a house in Lincoln Park (we're renting out our house and then renting from my parents). The bank had accepted the offer my parents put forth, but then the house appraised for less than the offer. So my parents adjusted the offer (a whole $3K less than the original offer) and the bank said no. My parents offered $1.5K more, and the bank still said no. So the bank put the house back on the market, and we're left waiting--with about 8-ish weeks before the start of school.

So the past few days, I've been struggling with worry--will we find a renter for our house, but more importantly, will we find a house Downriver before then so we're not homeless? God's provided jobs for both Brad and me, so I know He'll work out housing--but waiting is so hard. Today, I was sitting on my couch watching my sleeping puppies and enjoying the sunshine coming through my living room's bay window, when the verse "Be still and know that I am God" popped into my head. I'm certainly not facing the end of the world, but the worry for my housing is constantly in my mind. I think God placed this chapter on my heart today to remind me of what I already knew--cut out the worry, be faithful to what He has for me today, and let Him work out the details. God will work out a house for Brad and me and a renter for our house up north, so in the meantime, I'll "cease striving and know that [He is] God."