Okay, so I think all of us have trouble with our self-image at one point time or another. Maybe it's not so much the inner beauty as it is the outer beauty that we struggle with. I went to a family reunion this week, and I found myself comparing myself to all of these really thin and pretty female relatives I have. Yes, the effects did last for a few hours, and on top of that, I was struggling with confusion on other people's opinion of me. I asked God to help me see myself the way He sees me, to help me with these destructive feelings.
Yes, He did help me with these feelings. He helped me to see that I shouldn't compare myself to others, when He made me in His image. Mandisa put it this way:
"I am a sixteen year old daughter, lost in a mirror with no self esteem, but God made me in His image, and that makes me a beauty queen."
She was completely right about this. God did make us in His image, right? So why should we be ashamed if we have red hair when we want blonde? Or when we want to be 120 pounds, but we're 140. We don't have to let society's view of beauty affect our view of beauty. We don't have to let Hollywood tell us that we need to be stick thin and anorexic to be pretty. We don't have to cake on makeup, dye our hair, or wear skin tight clothing to be attractive. You are beautiful just the way you are!
So, if you struggle with these feelings, just know that you are made in God's image, and you don't have to let anyone tell you what you need to look like to be beautiful. You are what you say you are, and if you say you're beautiful, you are most definitely beautiful.
Proverbs 31:30
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Inadequacy
Yes, I admit that I may not be as pretty or as smart as the next girl, but I also admit that I am of some importance, for God chose to make me. I struggle greatly with feelings of inadequacy. In fact, it may be one of the hardest things I have ever had to overcome, but God has helped me, and will help me, with all those feelings that may rise to the surface.
I felt I needed to broach this subject, for I am positive there are many others feeling the same thing I do right now. Know that you are NOT alone on this.
Feelings of inadequacy often arise after heartbreaks and insults. When a guy breaks up with you; when your friend betrays you or walks out of your life; even when somebody gets a higher score on a test than you. All these things can bring feelings of inadequacy. These feelings can tear you apart one by one, until you have no self-esteem whatsoever.
However, you need to know that you are precious in the eyes of God. He made you in His image. He is carefully guiding you with His mighty hand, even when it doesn't feel like it. You DO NOT have to feel inferior to those around you. God made you special and He loves you so much more than you can comprehend. I am pleading with you that you bring these feelings to God, and allow Him to change your self-image. You are beautiful, no matter what the world says. You are special! You are lovely and God loves you so, so much! Don't allow others to ruin your self-esteem, for we are not what the world thinks, only what we see and think of ourselves are we. Keep your faith in God, or, if you don't have any, pray that He will show you how to trust in Him, and follow Him. Don't let this world try to shake you and give up your principles, values, and beliefs.
2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
I felt I needed to broach this subject, for I am positive there are many others feeling the same thing I do right now. Know that you are NOT alone on this.
Feelings of inadequacy often arise after heartbreaks and insults. When a guy breaks up with you; when your friend betrays you or walks out of your life; even when somebody gets a higher score on a test than you. All these things can bring feelings of inadequacy. These feelings can tear you apart one by one, until you have no self-esteem whatsoever.
However, you need to know that you are precious in the eyes of God. He made you in His image. He is carefully guiding you with His mighty hand, even when it doesn't feel like it. You DO NOT have to feel inferior to those around you. God made you special and He loves you so much more than you can comprehend. I am pleading with you that you bring these feelings to God, and allow Him to change your self-image. You are beautiful, no matter what the world says. You are special! You are lovely and God loves you so, so much! Don't allow others to ruin your self-esteem, for we are not what the world thinks, only what we see and think of ourselves are we. Keep your faith in God, or, if you don't have any, pray that He will show you how to trust in Him, and follow Him. Don't let this world try to shake you and give up your principles, values, and beliefs.
2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Together
I used to be the type of person that constantly wanted to be alone (mainly stemming from the rejection I felt from others). I would sit in my room for hours reading, writing, and thinking. Sometimes it would consume my day. Eventually, I realized that I was pretty much a loner, and my life was a very forlorn life.
I know enjoy the company of others, and I treasure each and every moment with family. I find beauty and splendor in the togetherness of people. With friends and family you find laughter and life. You suddenly no longer feel loneliness wrapping its claws around you. God knew what He was talking about when he gave the inspiration for these verses in Ecclesiastes 4.
9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Now I just have to ask you one thing. Do you live a lonely life? Do you often find yourself alone and wishing somebody, anybody would come and talk to you or acknowledge you? But then again, have you ever tried to talk to somebody else. Don't deprive yourself of companionship because of fear, pride, or past hurts. You NEED somebody in your life. You can't go on living without anyone forever.
Just remember this post when you find yourself sitting alone. Yes, a little alone time is good. You don't need to be around people constantly. However, don't allow yourself to live a lonely life. Strive to live a life filled with laughter, friends, and family. God wants you to live that kind of life. He wants the very best for you. Just remember that.
Proverb 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
I know enjoy the company of others, and I treasure each and every moment with family. I find beauty and splendor in the togetherness of people. With friends and family you find laughter and life. You suddenly no longer feel loneliness wrapping its claws around you. God knew what He was talking about when he gave the inspiration for these verses in Ecclesiastes 4.
9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Now I just have to ask you one thing. Do you live a lonely life? Do you often find yourself alone and wishing somebody, anybody would come and talk to you or acknowledge you? But then again, have you ever tried to talk to somebody else. Don't deprive yourself of companionship because of fear, pride, or past hurts. You NEED somebody in your life. You can't go on living without anyone forever.
Just remember this post when you find yourself sitting alone. Yes, a little alone time is good. You don't need to be around people constantly. However, don't allow yourself to live a lonely life. Strive to live a life filled with laughter, friends, and family. God wants you to live that kind of life. He wants the very best for you. Just remember that.
Proverb 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Those Around Me
Oftimes the dumbest things upset me. I cry for a reason that I later realize is completely stupid. I often reason with myself that I am, obviously, a teenage girl and that teenage girls are supposed to be emotional. However, even I know that is no excuse for selfishness and self-pity.
Most times I try to move the focus off myself and on to those around me. After all, I could be hurting very badly on the inside, but I still have it better than the rest of this world. There are so many hurting people out there, how could I focus on the things that are so unimportant.
I was reading a book earlier, and one of the characters in it is a young girl back in the 1800s who was forced into prostitution after her husband died, leaving her without any family or friends. Three sisters live across the saloon that she works at, and they try to help her as best they can. She does eventually get freed from the man who claims to 'own' her, but my point is, there are people out there like that today.
How many people have I passed by that have hidden scars from past hurts? How many people have I ignored that may be abused and stuck in a hopeless situation? God is hope, so why didn't I show them that they aren't stuck in a completely hopeless situation? Are there people surrounding me right now that could be hurting just as must as that book character?
At one time or another we all have hurts that must heal. There will always be people in the world hurting, no matter how hard we try to stop it. Sometimes it is God's way of helping us grow. Sometimes we can grow by helping others through their hurts. I feel like I haven't helped anyone at all, but now it's time for that to change. I WILL help those around me. I WILL witness to those who have not yet heard the truth. I WILL show God to the hurting and broken. That is why I'm here, after all.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Most times I try to move the focus off myself and on to those around me. After all, I could be hurting very badly on the inside, but I still have it better than the rest of this world. There are so many hurting people out there, how could I focus on the things that are so unimportant.
I was reading a book earlier, and one of the characters in it is a young girl back in the 1800s who was forced into prostitution after her husband died, leaving her without any family or friends. Three sisters live across the saloon that she works at, and they try to help her as best they can. She does eventually get freed from the man who claims to 'own' her, but my point is, there are people out there like that today.
How many people have I passed by that have hidden scars from past hurts? How many people have I ignored that may be abused and stuck in a hopeless situation? God is hope, so why didn't I show them that they aren't stuck in a completely hopeless situation? Are there people surrounding me right now that could be hurting just as must as that book character?
At one time or another we all have hurts that must heal. There will always be people in the world hurting, no matter how hard we try to stop it. Sometimes it is God's way of helping us grow. Sometimes we can grow by helping others through their hurts. I feel like I haven't helped anyone at all, but now it's time for that to change. I WILL help those around me. I WILL witness to those who have not yet heard the truth. I WILL show God to the hurting and broken. That is why I'm here, after all.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Measuring Cup
The measuring cup...we all know what it is. "I wish I were as pretty as she is", "I don't have as much money as he does", the list goes on and on. What do I have to say about this? I ask what measuring cup are you using?
If you are using this world's measuring up, your focus is most likely on: appearance, money, material things. People that constantly try to be like another person according to these standards are usually miserable. Why should we try to be as pretty as someone else when God made each and every one of us in His image. Why should we try to obtain as much money and material things in life when all that really matters is what we obtain in eternity? We cannot keep trying to get all the money and things we can get and expect to be happy. It just won't happen.
When you use God's measuring cup, you find that you don't have to be the prettiest (or handsomest) person in the world, you don't have a big, overwhelming desire to get more and more money, and you find yourself wanting to obtain the eternal things instead of the earthly ones.
We cannot compare ourselves to this world, nor to the people in it. If you say you're not pretty enough, who are you comparing yourself to? If you don't have enough money, what amount are comparing your income to? Why are you trying to compare yourself and your life, when God has made you in his image, and He died to give you the most important thing on earth: Redemption.
If you find that you've been comparing yourself to other people and their lives, take a moment to think. God loves YOU for who YOU are, and He doesn't want to be anyone else or live anyone else's life.
2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
If you are using this world's measuring up, your focus is most likely on: appearance, money, material things. People that constantly try to be like another person according to these standards are usually miserable. Why should we try to be as pretty as someone else when God made each and every one of us in His image. Why should we try to obtain as much money and material things in life when all that really matters is what we obtain in eternity? We cannot keep trying to get all the money and things we can get and expect to be happy. It just won't happen.
When you use God's measuring cup, you find that you don't have to be the prettiest (or handsomest) person in the world, you don't have a big, overwhelming desire to get more and more money, and you find yourself wanting to obtain the eternal things instead of the earthly ones.
We cannot compare ourselves to this world, nor to the people in it. If you say you're not pretty enough, who are you comparing yourself to? If you don't have enough money, what amount are comparing your income to? Why are you trying to compare yourself and your life, when God has made you in his image, and He died to give you the most important thing on earth: Redemption.
If you find that you've been comparing yourself to other people and their lives, take a moment to think. God loves YOU for who YOU are, and He doesn't want to be anyone else or live anyone else's life.
2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Fallen Dreams and Broken Hearts
This blog post is dedicated to a dear friend of mine, who's husband walked out on her Saturday afternoon and declared he was divorcing her, yet she is being strong and looking at positive things instead of negative.
Although this man only thought about himself when leaving, it affects everyone around him. His best friend collapsed when he found out, not sure what happened. Another young lady cried when she found out what he did. I went mute for many minutes when I heard the words spoken. This was a man of whom everyone knew and loved, yet he left not only his wife, but he left everyone who cared about him.
I could not sleep last night because of this (I finally fell asleep at four in the morning), so I intercessed and cried out for this couple. I don't understand why this happened, nor does anyone else, but God does, and I believe He will take care of it.
Sometimes we have dreams that we are so sure will happen one day. Then, slowly, our life begins to fall apart, and, in order for God to give us new dreams, He must tear the old ones down. Unfortunately, this is a very painful and hard thing. This friend of mine, for example, must endure the emotional and physical pain of her husband leaving her. She has not eaten or slept much since she heard the news.
So, here is to God's perfect plan for our lives, that may hold on, and, one day, see that this was all about of His plan. Here is to fallen dreams and broken hearts!
Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Dedicated to LFR
Although this man only thought about himself when leaving, it affects everyone around him. His best friend collapsed when he found out, not sure what happened. Another young lady cried when she found out what he did. I went mute for many minutes when I heard the words spoken. This was a man of whom everyone knew and loved, yet he left not only his wife, but he left everyone who cared about him.
I could not sleep last night because of this (I finally fell asleep at four in the morning), so I intercessed and cried out for this couple. I don't understand why this happened, nor does anyone else, but God does, and I believe He will take care of it.
Sometimes we have dreams that we are so sure will happen one day. Then, slowly, our life begins to fall apart, and, in order for God to give us new dreams, He must tear the old ones down. Unfortunately, this is a very painful and hard thing. This friend of mine, for example, must endure the emotional and physical pain of her husband leaving her. She has not eaten or slept much since she heard the news.
So, here is to God's perfect plan for our lives, that may hold on, and, one day, see that this was all about of His plan. Here is to fallen dreams and broken hearts!
Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Dedicated to LFR
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Called
I felt the call when I was about twelve years old. I remember that I was at a youth rally when the preacher began naming off cities, villages, and countries that did not have an apostolic church in them. I got sidetracked by thinking I would one day be a youth pastor's wife. However, I lost the burden for youth, and I picked up right where I left off with those nations. It was confirmed later by my mother and pastor that they felt I was called to foreign missions.
Tonight we had a missionary couple visit our church from Bolivia. The things they said and the wondrous things God is doing in that country literally brought tears to my eyes. It made me realize just how blessed, yet selfish, this country truly is. I felt a heavy burden in my soul for this country, and I have decided that one I would like to go on a mission trip. Or at least help in some way.
I know that God has called me to do something wonderful in another country. I have been way too stubborn and I'm sick of it, and I have been self-centered for too long and I'm tired of myself. I will do whatever I can to win souls from now on, and hopefully, if the Lord tarries, I will one day win souls for another country (I only have prayer and fasting for right now).
Thank you, Lord, that I have been called!
Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 1:6
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Tonight we had a missionary couple visit our church from Bolivia. The things they said and the wondrous things God is doing in that country literally brought tears to my eyes. It made me realize just how blessed, yet selfish, this country truly is. I felt a heavy burden in my soul for this country, and I have decided that one I would like to go on a mission trip. Or at least help in some way.
I know that God has called me to do something wonderful in another country. I have been way too stubborn and I'm sick of it, and I have been self-centered for too long and I'm tired of myself. I will do whatever I can to win souls from now on, and hopefully, if the Lord tarries, I will one day win souls for another country (I only have prayer and fasting for right now).
Thank you, Lord, that I have been called!
Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 1:6
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
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