Beauty Tidbit #2

Natural...what is "natural"? We see it everywhere these days. Natural is...well natural, something that exhibits it's intended and original beauty. I say be natural! Use sun-kissed summer colors this season that are light and natural. Shimmers, glosses and soft petal colors are all complimentary on any skin type, especially in the summer. Try something different, daring, and natural by using a new shimmer gloss or a shear shadow! It may be different from your ordinary, but you can do it!

Diggin' Up the Dirt

Today as I weeded my garden and enjoyed the voices of my kids in the background, I pondered what weeds might be growing in my heart. What is it that the Lord wants to remove from the soil of my heart? How about you? Do you too, have weeds like mine that need to be pulled by the hand of our expert Gardener? In our efforts to hold on to things that appear beautiful from the outside, we become unaware of what the consequences of keeping something that was never meant to be trapped, trapped in our heart's soil. Discontentment, jealousy or the like, whatever your weed may be, be sure to give it up. Let it be pulled by our caring Gardener who wants to see us grow and flourish. We will grow and become that beautiful flower He intended us to become if we allow Him to keep the soil of our hearts tilled and weeded.

Lord, grab a hold of the weeds in our hearts that we may bloom for you and that others may see the beauty you intended for us.

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

Beauty Tidbit ...#1

I've always made it a habit of daily wearing a moisturizer with spf of 15 or higher, even when the sun is not shining. Adding foundations and powders that also have sun protection for added protection is great too! Even for the budget savvy there is moisturizer available. So, no excuses my friends!! Really, sun exposure adds up over time and you'll be glad you did.

Peering Through Beauty

Like the virtuous woman, if our desired value is to be above rubies, then we should consider ourselves as though arrayed for all to see. Christ's beauty shining in and through us is the beauty we desire. Really...when it comes down to it, are we truly beautiful? Are we representing Christ's beauty through our words, actions and physical appearance. Imagine coming across a beautiful stain glass window. As you walked closer, you realized it really wasn't as beautiful as you thought. It had cracks, chipping and even bugs stuck to it. Although the stain glass window could still shine it's beauty at night, the more cracked and dirty it was the less light you would see. Are others drawn to your beauty? As they walk closer are they still seeing the handy work and beauty of the Creator or are they distracted and unimpressed by the cracking, chipping, and bugs that block the light that was intended to shine through?

Lord, cleanse us and purify our imperfections that others may see your beauty shining through us.

Individuality as Intended

I once made matching dresses for my girls when they were toddlers. Although they are sixteen months apart in age I often dressed them alike. How sweet they looked, but even so they were completely different girls. We try to do the same as women. We have the tendency to compare or want to be similar. However, God created each of us not as clones, but as a piece of who He is. We each are a reflection of Him just as a child is a small reflection of its parent. Our gifts and talents though they may be few or many, are a talent our almighty God possesses; we've inherited that trait from Him. So if you experience a feeling of insecurity, or inadequacy be reminded that you are unique, unlike any other creation of God's. Know that He admires you like a beautiful one-of-a-kind piece of vintage pottery. We may be a little warn on the edges, but in His eyes we are so beautiful and UNIQUE!

Be encouraged today by Psalm 64:8, "And yet, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand."

Watermelon and Rubies

Today as I enjoyed watermelon slices with my kids I remembered how much I love the color RED. Red flowers, red jewelry and red decor all make me smile. Proverbs 31:10 reminds me, "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies." Not only did God create the color red, He made jewels such as rubies red. Red rubies are something of such value to Him that he used them in describing the value of wisdom and a virtuous woman. Although rubies are beautiful, we can know that wisdom and virtue exceed their beauty. So if Red isn't your color yet, it should be! Try it on both spiritually and physically. Try red polish, red earrings, or a red scarf, and make it your new mission to be as Proverbs 31:10 describes a virtuous woman and capable wife.

The Sun is Shining!

Although our days can be filled with lots of "to-dos" it's important to stop and realize the sun is shining, His Son, is shining in our lives. If we'll stop and pay attention we can feel His warm embrace even through the rays of the sunshine. May we as women radiate that warm embrace to those around us, those God has put into our lives. We may at times feel as cold as the night sky, but even in the night we can still reflect Him just as the moon does.

Bring a little sunshine into your space today, paint a wall or something that seems a little drab, with a punch of color to remind you of His love. Every time you walk by it you'll smile and remember,"He Loves Me."

Welcome - be wise and virtuous

I begin with Proverbs 14:1...a wise woman builds her home. Are you wise, am I wise? Are we building our homes or are we frantically whirling through life like a tornado slowing dismembering our homes. Let us be wise together, let us build our homes. We will do this through Christ's strength, while striving to become the Proverbs 31 woman. She was clothed in beauty, worked hard and nurtured her family while yet utilizing her gifts and talents. Although a tricky balance in an already speedy life, we know that all things are possible. Join me as I encourage and discuss all areas of womanhood...beauty, decor, home, family and purpose in Christ.