TRUE BEAUTY: Part Two

I apologize for the delay in this post. Thank you for your grace as I am experiencing an extremely hectic schedule at the moment. All to soon calm down next week ;) I hope.

As we continue our discussion on how we view and evaluate true beauty, we are learning to shift from our conditioned perceptions to seeing things from the Lord's perspective. Let's delve into the rest of the chapter shall we?

We pick up with Colossians 3:1-5

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."

According to Mahaney this a natural progression from self-absorption and self-focus to that of Christ. We must focus on the Lord before we are able to change. Change can not come from us but only from the Lord.

I really like the action of looking at Christ after we look at ourselves. "Every time we are tempted to be discouraged by our own disappointing performance, we must look to our Savior whose perfect performance has been credited to us." (p.40) This is something I most certainly would benefit from. I don't know about you but for how much I focus on myself (which is quite a bit if I am being honest) I would spend a WHOLE LOT of time getting to know the Lord.

The section on practical changes (p.40-41) gives us some things to consider when it comes to our personal appearance. We are to consider first the Lord and then our husbands. There is good insight into how to find the balance. "The Bible does not condemn wearing and using these things. It is wearing them for the wrong reasons that God's word forbids," (my emphasis added).

It is important for us to be appreciative of the body that God gave us. We need to respect it and care for it. "Anything less than a heart filled with gratitude and praise to God for our physical appearance is sinful and grieves the Lord." (p.42) That is a tough truth isn't it?

A few more excerpts:

"In the same way , your body is not your own - it belongs to God. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit- you house the Holy Spirit in your body! that should make all the difference in how you treat i. This new understand of our bodies can change not only what we do,but why we do it.

...

We should be self-controlled in what we eat not merely to maintain a certain weight, but because self-control is a fruit of the Spirit." (p.43)

I also like the story of Sarah. I did not know the history of Sarah and I found it very encouraging. I would like to leave you with this quote from the book:

"It is a mystery how the beauty that we cultivate inwardly can be evident outwardly. But Scripture promises us that the more we adorn our inner self, the lovelier we will become." (p.45)

Discussion:

1. What did you think?

2. Do you know any women who are not particularly stunning, but who radiate a beauty that comes from within, making them lovely?

3. What changes can you make to seek the Lord in these matters?

Deliciousness

Is that a word? - Probably not, but I wanted to share a wonderful recipe I found for homemade pizza sauce! It is super EASY! And beats anything that could possibly come out of a can or jar! I PROMISE!

INGREDIENTS:

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
6 fluid ounces warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt to taste (this makes or breaks this sauce)

Add ingredients together in a small pot and put on LOW heat. Allow to "warm" for about half an hour to blend flavors. Spread on your pizza and eat it up!!

Really this is soooo GOOD!

Valentine's Day

Starting last year we began our tradition of dating the kids for Valentine's day. Hubby and my birthdays are both in February so we have enough celebrating together.
The kids were invited to "fancy dinner" - we had homemade mini-pizzas, they were allowed to drink out of glass cups and use adult plates. As we ate we started with the youngest and went through the family, each of us giving a reason why we loved the person whose turn it was. It was wonderful to watch L and J just beam while they listened to what a special and valued member of the family they are.
After we loved on each person in the family we all took turns talking about the Lord, and what we loved about him.

When dinner was over we danced our hearts out in the living room. Then we changed into pajamas, put on a new movie for the kids (Madagascar 2) and gave them each a box of candy hearts. I hope my children will remember these moments that I treasure when they are grown.

***As an added bonus Hubby rented us a movie and brought home a bottle of wine. So we watched Mama Mia! (Yipes - I am so not into girl movies - although I had said I wanted to see it). It was fun alone time and very thoughtful of my sweet husband***

I'm Around

Ever feel like life is a whirlwind? I'm there right now. We have a million things going on at once. One being that I am finishing up a class that I am taking for the 4th time (Apparently World History is not my strongest subject). Anyway, for those of you who are part of the book club I won't be posting until Sunday. My apologies. I also have a fun blog about our Valentine's day in the works and a delicious recipe for homemade Pizza!

This is super old pic.. but I love him and wanted to put a picture on here! :)

I'm alive.. I promise.

Does Love Equal Obedience?

This was shared from True Woman Blog Click on the Title below to follow the link there. :)

Does Love Equal Obedience?
posted on 02.09.09 by Kimberly Wagner

Early in our marriage, my husband and I took his younger brother, Daniel, out to eat pizza. While we were ordering, I noticed that Daniel had brought a small toy car and was rolling it along the table. Gradually the car's “road trips” moved farther along the table's borders. When I noticed Daniel on all fours, driving the car across the restaurant's rather unsanitary floor, I instructed him to get up off the floor. He looked at me in wide-eyed amazement, and with total sincerity replied, “I'm not on the floor!”

My husband and I often laugh as we recall that scene of childish obstinacy. It reminds us of our own behavior many times. How often I say the words, “I love You, Lord” while my actions deny that statement. Words have meaning. When my actions contradict my words, it invalidates my speech.

Jesus gave us the prescription for demonstrating our love for God when He told us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Love for God is directly linked with obedience to Him. I’ve found that obedience, although difficult at times, comes far more easily when I focus on His love for me. When I focus on His enormous love and gracious mercy toward me, it compels me to respond in obedience. This is how Paul described it,
“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Out of gratitude for His substitutionary death and His great demonstration of love toward me, I desire to return His love by walking in obedience to Him.
What do you think? Does love equal obedience? How is God asking you to obey Him out of love today?