#3Fashion/Beauty--face and body care

Maintaining a youthful look is important if we moisturise with good skin care products and use cleansers that are gentle to our skin type.

Many years ago I found a good product that most would not consider which cleanses the skin without drying it out. The skin ages faster when products that cause dryness are used. Soap for example dries the skin.

[Maybe some day I will share my secret product].

However, there are many things we can do to look youthful into old age without cosmetic surgery. The state of our hearts is important as it affects our facial expression. For example a regular hearty laughter and a lifestyle of prayers and thankfulness keep the wrinkles away, because a joyful soul comes from God.

There are things we take for granted and never think beauty could be found there. A happy and contented heart that loves God does not only keep one looking younger, but ensures good mental health. Knowing that you have One who is able to answer life's questions, meet your needs and carry everyday burden lifts the spirit and gives peace.

Here are some good practices:

• Learn to listen to your body, for it has a way of sending warning signals when all is not as it should.

• Keep a clear conscience with all people so that no one makes you feel intimidated with the need to put up false appearance which robs you of the confidence to be you. A confident person is beautiful. But remember confidence is not arrogance or pridefulness.

• Make a habit of waking up early and keeping a disciplined lifestyle committed to prayer and good hygiene.

• Keep yourself hydrated, avoid too much salt and sugar in your diet because like smoking they make you age quickly.

• Ensure that your body eliminates waste daily including wind. Something we are not taught is the importance of getting rid of wind. If we monitor our body, we can pickup signs of negative spiritual influences early, because the body has means of giving out messages to warn. Negative spirits give off bad offensive wind--spirit being air or wind.

• Learn to place your hand on your body, stomach, back and shoulders and pray to maintain a healthy body and mind.

• Anoint yourself regularly with olive oil as you pray.

• Never overload your days, have time to rest and keep a daily schedule with the LORD.

• Don't entertain laziness as it causes heaviness of the heart which affects our physical appearance.

• Don't allow strongholds to be set up in your mind. Deal with strange thoughts as soon as you become aware. Take such thoughts to the LORD in prayer and ask help from the Holy Spirit.

• Enjoy your own company and have a hobby that keeps you occupied.

• Lastly, learn the language of the mind. Know what causes you to feel anxious and refuse to entertain it by placing Christ at the centre of your life. Cast down every imagination that causes you to be fearful and have a song or hymn you hum to relax.

When things don't go the way you hoped, instead of responding in fear, praise Jesus and know He is there with you.

Good health and beauty is achievable through self-discipline and intimacy with our Maker. He bought us with a high price--His blood.

Copyright--Ofonmbuk Ufot--2024