In honor of the Lent season, I decided to replace the time that I would typically spend putting on make-up with studying the Bible/praying/meditating on various passages of scripture. In other words, I decided to give up wearing make-up for (roughly) 45 days.

It has only been a little over a week so far, but that week has already made a huge difference in the way that I perceive myself. Seriously. I relied on make-up way too much. It was a huge source of confidence. That has been the hardest thing for me to let go of. In order to truly believe that I am beautiful regardless of whether or not I have make-up on, I have had to learn how to be confident in who I am - with or without a "flawless" appearance.

1 Peter 3:3-4 has been such a great reminder for me...

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment; instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

I am excited for the journey that lies ahead. My hope is that in "giving up" wearing make-up, I will learn to rely more on God as my true source of confidence, and to seek the type of beauty that honors Him. The journey never really ends, I think. It takes constant reminders from scripture, encouragement from friends, and the strength that only comes through Christ. The combination of these things offers peace for the moment and joy for the journey.

In other news... I am officially DONE with my 8-week history class!!! I just finished writing my final (it was essay format) and it was so very liberating to attach it in an email and press "send"! It will be even more liberating when I come back from Spring Break and have absolutely nothing to do on Wednesday nights!

Tomorrow morning I'm off to Kansas City for a much-needed week of relaxation! I'll be in KC until Wednesday, then I will fly to Jacksonville, FL for the rest of break to visit my friend, Sarah! I can't wait!!! :)

*Photo caption: Hope and I both decided to give up wearing make-up for Lent; this was our first Friday night without make-up.