GIRL TALK: VAGINAL HYGIENE

 

                              

Girl Talk: Feminine Hygiene

It is without a doubt that when God created the woman he made no mistakes.
The female body is a beautiful and curvaceous sculpted art. However, like some beautiful work of art, it must be dusted and varnish to maintain its beauty, the same applies to the human body, more importantly, the female body. In this article, I will give a brief synopsis of common personal hygiene tips every woman should know and what products I personally recommend for the vaginal area.

The Vagina

 The vagina is a tube of muscle inside a woman’s body that runs from the cervix to the vaginal opening. The external sex organs, which are called the vulva, surround the vaginal opening. One of the functions of the vagina is, it cleans its self.  Yes, believe it or not! However, they are ways that you can keep your vagina clean and healthy.

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Although, some Gynaecologist dismisses the use of Soap, stating that it is very aggressive for the gentle, sensitive skin of the intimate area. I would recommend a pH-balance cleanser or a 100% natural intimate wash that doesn’t contain soap, fragrances or dyes.

 

Summers Eve Cleansing Wash. (I personally use this product)

Vaginal Care Tips

1. Always wipe front to back.
2. Always keep the vaginal area dry
3.  Pat your vagina dry instead of rubbing
4. Wear cotton underwear 
5. Visit a gynaecologist for a check-up.
6. Keep hydrated.
7. Be mindful of what you eat. (Cranberry Juice, Yoghurt, Garlic, Pineapple to name a few should be incorporated in your daily diet)

The Menstrual Cycle

Every month the lady in the red dress, as I like to call her, greets every female whether they like it or not. She’s known as the menstrual cycle. Having a period is very important for the female body. Every month, females who have gone through puberty will experience menstrual bleeding. This occurs when the lining of the uterus becomes thicker to prepare for a fertilized egg if the woman becomes pregnant. However, if the egg isn’t fertilized, that lining is then released from the body as blood. So in other words, your menstrual cycle is part of your body’s way of preparing for a possible pregnancy each month.

Menstrual Cycle Tips and Advice

1. Keep track of your menstrual cycle. You can easily download an app or mark your calendar to keep track.
2. Always be prepared. (I personally always carry a pouch with Sanitary napkins and an extra underwear in my bag)
3. Five days before your period be sure to wear panty liners and five days after.
4. Purchase the best sanitary napkins that make you feel comfortable.
5. Bathe twice a day to keep the vaginal area clean and to dismiss any odours.
6. Change sanitary pads and tampons regularly during your period.
7. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated

 

If you remember to take these tips into consideration and do what is necessary to maintain a clean and healthy vagina you should be all set. Don’t forget, that a clean vagina is always a good vagina!

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Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31: 10-31 gives a sound guide and goals of a Christian woman. The bible passage is told by King Lemuel recounting advice his mother had given him. It speaks about the virtuous wife, her power, strength and worth.

 

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

¹¹ The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil.

¹² She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

 

A virtuous woman/wife is greater and precious than rubies. She is a desirous woman who is sought after by a Christian man. She is a blessing to a man for she is trusting and supportive.  The heart of her husband is safe to trust her for her character is rear and valuable. Her genuineness and purity are guaranteed to rain bountiful rewards all the days of her life. 

 

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 ¹³ She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

¹⁵ She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

¹⁶ She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

¹⁸ She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

  She is not afraid to work, she is able and willing to seek all things that are needed for her family. She is not vain and prideful for she willingly works with her hands to provide food for her family and home. She is recognised for her strength, wisdom and experience. She is knowledgeable through experience, her wisdom teaches her when to buy oil for her lamp.

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¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

²¹ She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

A virtuous wife knows how to use the tools to manage her home. She gets up in the morning and gets things done. She reaches out to those who are in need and give willingly to the poor and needy. She adheres to her needs both physically and spiritually. She makes sure her appearance is reflected upon the position she holds. Wisdom is her greatest strength for she is willing to share her wisdom with others.

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²³ Her husband is known in the gates when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

²⁵ Strength and honour are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Due to her love, virtue, wisdom and fear of God her husband is respected by the elders. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She not only provides for her family but she makes and sells her what she makes to the merchants. Her strength, virtues and love are shown and worn outwardly as her clothing and she shall rejoice not only in the present day but also in time to come.

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²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

 

A virtuous woman speaks with wisdom and kindness. when she speaks it is to help instead of gossiping and slandering the character of others. Her wisdom instructed her children. Her family is found and cherish her unselfishness, love, and care that she has for all of them. she manages her home well and her family are thankful for her presence and unconditional love.

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²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

³⁰ Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman who feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

She has excelled in every way of being a virtuous wife. A woman who fears the Lord has the beauty that does not pass and charm that does not deceive. She fears God and keeps His commandments; and because of such, she will have all that she deserves and more. She has earned her praises from God for he is pleased with her because she has done His will in her life.

One Month Anniversary

Thank you thus far for the continuous support and encouragement. I am thankful and very humble for the love and well wishes. God is so good and I am forever thankful for his continuous grace and blessings. Look out for new upcoming content coming your way shortly.

Yours Truly,

@Asplashofconfidence

FROM SELF-DOUBT TO HAVING CONFIDENCE: MY PERSONAL STORY.

When I think about the word confident, I believe it personifies strength, courage and elevated levels of self-esteem. However, the Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word confident as: full of conviction, having or showing assurance and self-reliance. Nevertheless, I believe that confidence blooms from the tree of self-love. When one truly loves themselves, confidence, then begins to amplify from within onto the outside.

I would be a hypocrite to say I am 100% confident and give you a list of tips on how to be confident, however; that’s not the case here. My purpose here is to share my stories with you and walk you through the steps that I am taking or plan to take to become a confident person. A month ago, I logged out of my personal Instagram account. I can say I think I have done one of the best things. When I was an active member of Instagram I experienced high levels of jealousy, anger and rage, but why?  (When most of these Instagram famous individuals are usually living a lie. They are giving us an illusion that they are happy and have a perfect life, but most of them are unhappy and bitter behind their devices.) So, I began to realize this was not the place I should be, nothing there was positive, (even though I could control who I choose to follow, negativity would still pop up in my Newsfeed), so I logged out of that superficial world. I no longer wanted to be that person spending 18hrs of the day comparing my life to others and comparing how I look to other women. It was time for me to be my own superwoman.

Undoubtedly, I  have been an active participant in the roller coaster of happiness and sadness, trials and tribulations for quite some time. I have been battling with low-self-esteem and self-confidence. I complained daily about my life and my appearance. You can say I was my worst enemy. I began to be so toxic to myself (can you believe that?) that I would fall short of the goals I had planned, I accepted mediocre from people, and even from myself. I was just failing myself over and over. I knew I had to change my thought process and accept the things I can’t change and change the things that I know I can change. I began to read self-development books. The first book I read “You Are A Bad Ass” by Jen Sincero opened my eyes, one quote that stood out for me was “If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.” I was serious about changing my thought process, I began to view my life with a different perspective, but I wanted more for myself, so I sought the love of Jesus. Yes, I am still seeking him, for I know at times I do fall short of his mercies. Nevertheless, I began to take control of my life.

I also noticed I was not the chief of my ship of life, I knew I needed to be the captain and take back full control. So, when I say to you take control of your life I honestly mean that. When you begin to take control of your life, you no longer look for validation from others, you begin to release yourself from the bondage of what is holding you back. Far too long I’ve allowed persons to dictate how I should feel, look, act and dress. I have allowed the negativity, thoughts and opinions of others to dictate how I should feel and how I should live my life. I wanted to be the captain and anchor of my life. It was a must.

As specified before, I needed to change my thought process. Thinking positive is definitely a gruelling task! I am still going at it. I strongly believe in the manifestation of what you put in you shall reap its rewards. I would constantly, tell myself I am enough, and I have accomplished so much thus far. I’ve thought of the milestones of my life and successes. I can say that I’m not where I was 3 years ago after completing University.

When you believe that you have crashed and there’s no hope say to yourself, I am enough, the road ahead is bright and promising with the love of God. Understand that Negative thoughts and feelings are the enemies of self-confidence. When you become aware of your true value you start to have a powerful sense of what should and shouldn’t be in your life. Know your value and feel proud and grateful to be the person you are. When you begin to know your value and generate self-love negativity from others does not affect you. You begin to carry yourself with dignity.

I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me,  but he has told me, “My grace is all you need because my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah’s power may rest on me.

So I say to you my friends, love yourself, trust yourself and continue to work hard. For we know not what tomorrow will bring, life will give no promises or possibilities. However, when you give good, positive energy, you shall receive exactly what you have given out. Miracles happen to persons who keep their hopes alive, even if it is hoping against hope. Challenge yourself, face your fears and do things that are most dreadful and out of the box to you.

The Story of Lazarus

GOSPEL OF JOHN CHAPTER 11

The Story of Lazarus.

A PROMISE OR A SYMBOL OF PRIDE? THE TRUE MEANING OF THE RAINBOW.

The search for the truth in a vast sea of lies and deception has caused many to drown in its falsehoods. As the former president of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy once said: “No matter how big the lie; repeat it often enough and the masses will regard it as the truth”.  How accurate can this quote be? Today, social issues and biblical doctrines are either doctored or disregarded as irrelevant. One such topic today is the Rainbow and what it truly represents.

As scary as it sounds, generations to come will completely believe that the rainbow is a true symbol and representation of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Community. Today, man has imposed their own symbolism on the covenant sign that God has set in the sky. Many persons are not aware that the rainbow is a covenant between God and all living things. It is an important symbol of the Bible, representing a promise of peace from God to Noah.  The rainbow symbolizes God’s glory, his holiness, perfection and most of all his promise to us. When God went into the covenant with Noah after destroying the sinful world with a flood, God promised that he will never destroy the world in that way again.

Genesis 9:12-17 King James Version (KJV)

¹² And God said this is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

¹³ I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

¹⁴ And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:

¹⁵ And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

¹⁶ And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

¹⁷ And God said unto Noah, this is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

To this very day, the rainbow signifies that promise God made to us. According to Genesis 9, as long as the rainbow hangs in the sky, God will compassionately and graciously restrain his rage towards humanity. Other scriptures also symbolize God’s grace, beauty, and radiance as described in Ezekiel 1:28.  The prophet Ezekiel was given a tremendous vision. In the vision he saw the appearance of God stating “Like the appearance of the bow (Rainbow) that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face.

Each day we are blessed to see the magnificent works and wonders of God but many of us choose to disobey his laws and commands. We make fun of him, mock and steal his righteous and holy symbols to use in our own accord to represent something that God himself condemns.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10

⁹ Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:  neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

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1 Timothy 1:8-11 NIV

8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.

9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

10for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine

11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

In no way am I saying one sin is greater than the other, that’s not the point I’m trying make here as everyone will be judged accordingly on judgment day. However, the question in mind is. Are we that selfish, inconsiderate and blind to see how patient God is? He is patiently waiting for us all repent of our sins. Let’s not be too hasty to think, just because God has refrained from sending another flood to destroy this world does not mean he’s not angry with us or accepts the practices we are engaging in. One day as promised the Messiah will return to defeat his enemies and all wrongdoers.

So, whenever you see the rainbow remember the glory of God and his amazing love to us. Let us remember to pray for those who use his name and promises in vain. God tells us in Romans 6:23  (NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. He also tells us in Romans 5:8 New (NIV) that he demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Sex before Marriage. Is it a sin?

 

Nowadays, it is very challenging for a person to discover what is the correct thing to do about sex before marriage. Persons are finding it hard to adhere to the words of God. The temptations now are greater than ever as the standards of society are constantly changing. However, the words of God remains the same.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, sex is a physical activity between (two) people involving sexual organs. Sex is deemed as a beautiful activity that God has given to humans as a wonderful gift for a man and woman and for bringing children into the world. By the same token, sex is to be used in marriage to bring intimate union and fellowship. Therefore, Sex is intrinsically tied to marriage according to the scriptures. God unquestionably says “no” to any sex before marriage. The Bible proclaims that sex outside of, or before marriage is called fornication, and it is sin. The dictionary defines fornication as “human sexual intercourse other than between a man and his wife: sexual intercourse between unmarried people.”

Many people are aware that committing adultery within a marriage is wrong, yet, they don’t realize that God considers pre-marital sex just as serious and wrongful.  However, more people today are sexually active before marriage than ever before. But why? Is it because of the changing morals of society, sexual gratification or is it due to pressures from society and friends.

On the contrary, many persons are of the assumption or make it seem that God is not found of sex, such assumptions are not true. How could it be, when he has encouraged us to be fruitful and multiply. Notwithstanding popular beliefs, He specifically states who we should have sex with. In 1 Corinthians 7:2 the word of God states: Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. However, to have a clearer understanding of the bible verse we must read the entire scripture to understand what God is saying. So, I recommend you to read 1 Corinthians 7:1-40. God wants men and women to have sex within the confines of marriage. sex within marriage is gratifying, and God has intended it to be that way. With the understanding, the couple must understand that God’s intent for sex includes producing children.

The Bible consistently teaches self-control rather than self-indulgence and we see this mention in Galatians 5:19-24 :

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

²⁴ And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

 

Many of us have already been involved with fornication and realizing the seriousness of the matter and without a doubt would like to erase it out of our lives and start over with a clean slate. This is possible; God’s plan of redemption will do just that. The apostle Paul realizing that some were already guilty of such sins writes, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God ” (I Cor. 6:11). Paul is telling us that if we repent of all our sins and believe with our hearts that Jesus Christ has died for our sins and we can ask for forgiveness and receive Him as our Lord and Saviour we then can have complete forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

We all should take the time to know that  God has many beautiful and wonderful plans for each of us. As I take the time to read the bible and discover the plans, the rules and the guidance Jesus Christ has for us, I believe it is my duty to share it with you. In order to be followers of Christ we must follow his commands.

Ephesians 5:1-33

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Our Deepest Fear and How We Can Over Come Our Fears.

According to psychology today  “Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger.” It consumes an individual by preventing them from spreading their wings. It is sad to say that many of us has/have already succumbed to fear and is allowing it to run our daily lives. To overcome fear we must consciously work to keep negative influences, words and emotions at bay or completely out of our lives.

Our Heavenly father has also told us not be fearful for he is always with us. In the book of Isaiah 35:4 KJV states  “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.“  Fear no man or any situation because God is more powerful. Constantly, The enemy wants to derail our lives from the plans and purposes of God by instilling fear in our lives.

Below I have shared with you one of my favourite poems which implies that when we eliminate the common denominator – Fear. we can see our full and true potential.

Daniel was not fearful in the lion’s den because he knew God was with him.

POEM

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson

from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our 

presence automatically liberates others.

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Note: This inspiring quote is taken from Marianne Williamson’s book A Return to Love. Though often quoted as part of Nelson Mandela’s moving inaugural speech, “Our Deepest Fear” does not appear in the speech. Marianne Williamson herself has commented on this mistaken attribution

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My Personal Take.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure”

As human beings we reach a certain point in our lives where we tend to believe and fear that we are not enough, we are not adequate and most of us are afraid to fail. Then we begin to accept these perceptions of ourselves, hindering ourselves from going after our goals. In many circumstancences we have become too comfortable of living a life of regret and sadness.

What is stopping us from going after what we really want?

The answer is FEAR! We are afraid to come into contact with our  POWER to create a life of success and abundance. So we hide behind a mis-conception of fear… a fear we are not enough.

When we start to eliminate the fear of accomplishing our greatness we can then begin to accept our true potential and by embracing such greatness we then can inhale confidence and exhale high levels of self-esteem. Then we begin to live in your own purpose and live righteously in God’s eyes for You are a child of God.

 

Trust in God, trust in his promises, in his hope, in his goodness and in his love. Allow Him to work in you and through you. Facing fear never ends, but being propelled by fear can end.