Finding Love and Acceptance

I think this blog is going to be a little different than the others because it is more of a recently-acquired soap box issue for me. I have found that a lot of my friends are struggling with self-image issues - for a variety of reasons - and I want to offer a word of encouragement to everyone out there who might have low self esteem.

We were ALL created in God's image. Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." While I don't think this statement was made in the context of looks, it is true. We were made to be beautiful humans on the inside, and that holds higher esteem than any "modelesque" looks. If we hold true to God's image and become beautiful people on the inside then physical beauty become obsolete. 

God doesn't pick favorites on looks. I am going to use myself as an example here. I know God loves me, and no other favor matters because I have the highest love. Now here is where the self esteem comes in: I have been fat, short, freckled, skinny and lanky. When I was pregnant my face swelled up and looked like one of those little watermelons. Now, pregnancy may be an excuse to some but I truly considered myself ugly. Now that I have had a child, my body isn't as pretty as it used to be. I can leave my house and hold my head high, though, because I have found someone who loves me unconditionally: God.

I know everyone says inner beauty is all that counts, but it really is true. Yes, people unconsciously judge outer appearances, but that shouldn't deter anyone. 

Matthew 10:30-31 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." God loves everyone. He isn't picky and I can't stress enough how only God's opinion matters. Everything of this world will fade and not matter, his approval and love is eternal. All you have to do is accept it.

God show us you love and mercy, which we don't deserve. We want to find you favor and we want to dwell eternally in you love and acceptance. Make us strong to withstand the hardships this world presents and give us the confidence to love life. Thank you for all you do for us. Help us be less judgmental as we ask for no judgment from others. Show us how to spread love and end scorn. God we love you too. Amen.

Happiness

Did you know that the word rejoice is mentioned in the Bible 84 times? (Or at least that is how many times it is referenced mine). It must be a pretty significant word to be mentioned so much. 

I actually began thinking of it yesterday on my way home. I was mentally grumbling about the weather. In Arkansas, the day can change from sunny to gloomy, and back again, in a matter of hours. It was looking like one of those days, and I wasn't happy about it. I stopped myself and decided that I shouldn't let the weather ruin my day. After all, God created weather, right? He must have a reason for it. That is when I remembered one of my favorite verses from my childhood. Psalm 118: 24 "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." 

This verse spoke to me. It doesn't say "Gladness will come to me" but it says I will choose to be glad and rejoice. Notice that "be" in front of glad. Those are verbs. We must take action and make ourselves glad. With  84 references, it must be something God wants us to have, but he expects us to work for it. 

Lord we are choosing to rejoice in you and in the world you have made for us. Gently remind us of how much we have to be glad about, from all of your blessings. Give us strength to stand against and reject gloom and despair that Satan would have us give in to. We claim contentment and love in you. Thank you for all you have done for us. Praise you name for your mercy on those who don't deserve it. Amen.

Generating Peace

I want to start right off with my verse for today. "The Lord is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh Him." Lamentations 3:25. I was struck by this verse after beginning a study of Lamentations a few months ago and I have kept referring back to it. I am not a patient person. I quickly get moody and irritable when I do not immediately get my way (just ask my husband). I've always been told that patience is a virtue, and that must be true. It does, though, seem to put it just out of reach for people when it is held to such high esteem. I can't help but wonder if some think they cannot achieve patience and just quit trying. This verse has helped me realize that God wants everyone to master patience, and if he expects it of us, then everyone can do it. 

I have been waiting on God to provide for my family since my husband lost his job in January, and I have not waited patiently. Typically when I begin to get impatient I lash out at those around me. God has shown me, through this verse, that when my patience is wearing think I should lean on him and seek his peace and counsel. 

Lord thank you for allowing us to lean on you in our times of need. Teach us patience as you are the greatest example when you tolerate our sinful human behaviors. Show us mercy as we continue to learn your will and follow your teachings. Thank you for sending us the greatest example in your Son, Jesus. Bless our days as we dwell in you. Amen.

God's Day

This will be my last post for the weekend. I'm following in God's example and not working on Sunday. I've spent a glorious day with my son and husband, and I intend to do the same tomorrow. I hope everyone goes to church and gets a little dose of God's grace. 

God, thank you for setting such a great example for us. Bless our preachers and fill them with your spirit and word. Let us all learn something new from you that we can draw that much closer to you. Amen.

Surrendering

I don't like to give up control. I very much like to be in charge of every moment, and that became evident once again today.

My husband and I got into an argument today about - what else - money. We just received our tax refund and we were deciding how to split up the money. It wasn't going well. He had specific plans and I had mine that pulled us in different directions. As we verbally wrestled, trying to tug the other into the pit of compliance, I realized that we weren't working together. 

We were both trying to lead when we only have one Leader, and neither of us qualify for that position. He is gone now and we haven't come to a conclusion, however, I am going to back up and suggest we pray about it. We need to give God control, because he is much wiser than the both of us. Provebs 3:6 says, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." I am fighting my husband, and as we circle each other, we go nowhere. If we give God control, he will lead us to His glory.

God be with us today and give us insight as to your will. Show us how you want us to live and how we are to act in your example. Give us the power not to act instinctively with harsh words and snide remarks, but let us turn to you and ask you advice at every turn. Thank you for all of you grace and blessings. Forgive us for our sins. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Finding Inspiration

I've been listening to K-Love a lot lately, and I was especially interested in their "uncommon heroes" contest. I began thinking of who my hero is, and I couldn't think of anything offhand, but then I pictured my son. I am 22 and my son is 13 months. My husband recently lost his job and we have been struggling. My son is my motivation and my life. I can come home at night, and all he wants to do is cuddle or throw his ball. It never crosses his mind that he hasn't received a new toy in weeks, or that we buy the cheaper brands of diapers. He is content. Happy. 

He has shown me a new way to live. Philippians 4:11 says, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." My son is a living example of God's grace and mercy to us. He teaches us from the beginning to be content, and it is only our own self-seeking weakness that leads us away from that.

God bless a child who can teach its teacher. God I pray for love and contentment for all who read this and those who need it most. Thank you, Father for you provisions, even those we take for granted. Your gifts we do not deserve, but let us be grateful for them always. Amen.