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Are you weary of never being in control, of never being good enough?
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6 Days

Oh the psalms, the psalms

Have you ever struggled with patience? with wanting something RIGHT now? with hoping for something and never getting it?

Here's the best solution I've found.

Psalm 62:5-8 (New King James Version)

5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah

I always loved "Where's Waldo?"

Can you find me?? :)

Beauty

I'm going to be perfectly honest. I have always struggled with the concept of being "beautiful". The idea that I am an attractive person has forever been something I've found ridiculously funny and definitely impossible. However, the most unfortunate fact of all is that I am certain that there are countless others who have been/are plagued with this destructive mindset.

If this is you, than you know what it feels like to look in the mirror. You know the sinking emotion to like someone, but lose all hope due to the lie that all you offer is a good personality. You probably hate trying on clothes, getting ready in the morning, social events, and the worst of all....PICTURES! Oh the devil created every camera in the world! [Or so we've declared in dramatic moments of self-hatred.]

Oh dear reader, I understand. I really know each of those slimy feelings. And wouldn't you agree that they're the absolute worst! They ruin your day, your self-esteem, and your attitude. No matter how hard you try those stupid self-help techniques, like telling yourself that you're beautiful when you look in the mirror [so awkward], you just never seem to get over the "you're-ugly" bug....like some bad case of the flu.

Firstly, I would like to help you recognize that all of those feelings are from the fiery pit of hell. The devil wants you to think that you're useless, ugly, unlovable; all of the things that will hold you back from growing into who God made you to be. With that said, I'd like to share a break-though story of mine. =]

I've really been struggling with the "you're-ugly" bug lately. I've found myself in the place with feelings for a person, and yet I've been weighed down with the much too familiar burden low self-esteem has. I must confess that I've allowed it to morph, on occasion, into jealousy for other girls' appearances; however, the Lord has finally broken through with truth! He gently reminded me of my origin. He broke it down nice and simple in an easily understood way:

1. Jesus Christ is absolutely beautiful. Human words fail to describe it fully. [Daniel 10:5-6] [Revelation 4:2-3]
2. I was created in His image. [Gen 1:27]
3. Therefore, God had to have created me with His beauty. [Song of Solomon 4:7]

WOAH! Hold up! I'm beautiful!? WHAT!? You're kidding right? ME...? This awkward, clumsy, confused girl could actually be beautiful...........................!?!?!

According to God and to His perfect Word: YES!

And it's not because of anything that I've done or can do. All of my features and attributes were designed by the Lord. [This is the most important application point.] All I have to do to be beautiful is allow myself to be who God created me to be.

And so my friend. Those three numbered statements apply to you as well. You were created by Him; therefore you truly, truly are beautiful.