Beauty

Beauty: Is it defined by the curve of my lips, the length of my hair, the way my eyes twinkle when I laugh, or is it the way I dress? Is it the way I stand? The thickness of my thighs? The round plumpness about my chest?

Beauty.

I am not defined by neither the materialistic things of this world or the structure of my body. I stand tall and firm, but not by the way the world defines. I stand tall and firm on His word. That is my true beauty. Beauty does not define how I look from the outside. I know that physical beauty does not last. My beauty is the things that dwell within. The strength that I gained from the pain I endured. The scars from my battle wounds that show me that I am victorious. The strength of my spirit that once was fragile. The wisdom and knowledge that I have attained from the tests that I have passed. The selflessness that I have that I would rather help someone other than myself. The prayers that I make that aren't about helping me become more pleasing to man, but to God. The beauty that goes more than skin deep that is shown not through physical features but can be seen with the naked eye. We must realize that we are more than what meets the eye. We are more than physical and material things. We are created in His image. God has instilled more in us than what is outside of us. Let your beauty shine and speak for itself. For you are beautiful.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—  rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Feeling a little down?

Have you been feeling a little down lately? Like all hope is lost? Like you don’t have a way out?


You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

Even when you think your circumstance is hopeless, it is not impossible for God. Our heavenly Father can meet your needs regardless of your present or past position. God can achieve far more than we can ever ask or imagine. He wants us to lean on and put our trust in Him.

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

When you think the odds are against you, God will intervene on your behalf. 

Now is that Love or what! Our God can do the unthinkable!
  

³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. ⁴ He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ⁵ For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ⁶ Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 (NLT)

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations are in order for one of Sisters of Honor's Team Members. 

This past weekend my family and I had the pleasure of attending my middle daughter's College Graduation. Needless to say, I am an extremely proud mom! She has worked extremely hard the last four years to maintain her grades while working as a lab assistant, a Research Analyst and also while tutoring others. Although there were times when it wasn't easy, it confirms with God all things are truly indeed possible! 

Words cannot express how delighted we are. Continue to follow the path God has for you. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
 

Ignite a Fire Within

Psalm 63 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
² So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

³ Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
⁴ Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
⁵ My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

⁶ When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
⁷ Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
⁸ My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.

Do you desire to have the burning on the inside for Christ?

In order to pursue God, you must give Him some attention which is the foundation. Just like when you are pursuing a physical relationship. You give the person your undivided attention because you want to gain a sufficient amount of information in regards to this specific individual. You are so excited and eager to find out all the details about their life, character, likes and dislikes, etc. You must be the same way with seeking a relationship with God so He can reveal Himself to you.

When you ignite a genuine passion for Christ, you are aware of His presence and power each and every day.  Authentic passion for God comes from having a yearning for it and expressing that yearning through prayer. Begin to set aside some one on one time to spend with God and meditate on His word daily. Trust in the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you on your journey because you are not capable of doing it in your own power. Your passion for Christ should be the motivating strength of your life.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. Mark 12:30 (NKJV)

Free yourself of any distractions which stands to hinder your enthusiasm for Christ. You either have passion for the world or passion for God but you most definitely cannot have both. There is no room for lukewarm relationships. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 (NKJV) The love of the world will take precedent and drain you of your desire for God. Society has the ability to influence your behavior, bargain with your faith and in turn demolish your life.

How can you light a fire amongst the earth, if you are not burning eagerly within? It’s time to get the fire started.

Regardless of what your relationship with God has been in the past, begin today to encounter more of His presence.

I had the privilege of writing this article in Proverbs 31 Mama Ministries Signature Woman Magazine. Please take some time and go preview this issue for FREE.