My husband and I watched a old movie the other night called, "She Done Him Wrong." The film was in black and white, set in the 30's. Mea West played Lady Lou, a woman that every man in the movie seemed to desire. She knew how beautiful she was and used it to her advantage. What I noticed was that although she had a thin waist, she was very curvaceous. Her arms weren't toned and muscular and her body shape was a distinct hour glass. Her face was pretty but by today's standard, average. Nowadays, she would have been cast as the maid servant, not the leading role.
I watched a movie last night with a friend: Eat Pray Love. Although the main character made a few decisions I would disagree with morally, she gave another woman some amazing advice while eating pizza in Italy. The other woman was too afraid to eat the pizza because she'd already gained 10 pounds and had produced a "muffin top." The main character said that men aren't as critical as we think. Once naked, they really don't notice. We should enjoy what we eat without guilt.
Confession time: I obsess about my looks too much. This last week, my nose contained a massive zip. I was starting to think I had a nose tumor until it finally popped (gross, I know). I really didn't want to leave the house. I was self-conscience every time I looked in the mirror. It's silly since I've already won my guy. Jon isn't going to divorce me over a pimple. So who do I need to be physically beautiful for?
The answer to the question is not God. God does not care what I look like. That's a lie. He cares that I'm modest and he took great care and consideration when molding me. When I gaze at myself in the mirror, I insult God every time I make a face in disapproval. I'm criticizing God's creation. He crafted my short torso, my long(ish) legs, my oval face and short stature. He shaped my arms and waist and hips. When I'm discontent with my body, it's like going to a art show and curling my nose at a painting in front of the artist. How rude! The only thing the Bible tells us to do with our bodies is to make it pure and holy and use it as God's temple, a living sacrifice. Many interrupt these scriptures to say we must eat right and exercise and not smoke so we are healthy and fit for God's work. I agree with that, but healthy and gorgeous are not synonyms.
I, and those of you who are weak in this as well, need to focus on our inner beauty, not the outward shell.
I Peter 3:3-4 says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Timothy 2:10 tell us to adorn ourselves with good deeds.
Let's face it, 40 years down the road, without taking serious and costly meaures, my skin won't be firm. My face will have wrinkles. My makeup with look funny on my drooping eyelids. My body will ache. But 40 years from now, my good deeds will be just as good. The lives I touch will still be touched. The love I share will still be alive and flowing.
When (not if) you're down, listen to this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Oh, be careful little mouth what you say...
What can build and tear down a nation, bring life and death, start and end every relationship under the sun, create and destroy, please and displease God? The answer is, some would say, the strongest muscle in our bodies. It holds 50 percent of the bacteria in our mouth on its surface (makes you think again about kissing that certain someone...) By now, you should know the answer: THE TONGUE. Until the last two facts, you might have thought the answer was words. That's okay. To me, it's the same difference.
I was watching an episode of Doctor Who with my husband the other day (it's an awesome show by the way--cheesy but awesome!) and in it The Doctor told the prime minister of England that he could tear down her station with just six words. He then went over to her right-hand man and whispered in his ear these words (I hope I'm not misquoting this): "Don't you think she looks tired?" After that you see her on television defending her health because a rumor has spread that she's too sick and/or old to rule. This is the same woman several episodes before who used fine speeches and an amazing use of words to become the prime minister.
Warning: I'm about to get personal...my father has many loving qualities, but he has a inimical tongue. It's not so bad now, but growing up, I'd constantly hear him thrash my mom with his words when he was in a grumpy mood. Foul words too. I hated those times. When I got older, I started defending my mom more. However, sometimes I'd feel responsible when dad became mean because I'd started the grumbling (I didn't want to stop at the store) and dad would take my complaints as permission and attack. I swore to myself I would not imitate him in this manner. Yeah, well, that's like a foal swearing never to gallop like its mom. Most of you don't see this, but I have a fierce temper. My husband, bless his heart, is usually the victim of my tongue.
The Bible says a lot about the tongue. The first part of James 3 talks about the importance of taming our tongue, although only a perfect person can. It makes me feel a bit better knowing Jesus is THE ONLY person without this problem. James also says that for such a small thing, the tongue can do immense damage. It has both the power for good and for evil depending on how it is used. Proverbs 12:18 states, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." A promise even goes with using the tongue wisely. 1 Peter 3:10: "For the Scriptures say, 'If you want to enjoy life and see many days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.'" Our tongue is the biggest hypocrite. From it come both deceit and praise (Psalms 52:4 and Psalms 66:17). How we use our tongue determines who we are. Proverbs 15:2 states, "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." The tongue has great power with little force. Proverbs 25:15 states, "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone." Proverbs 18:21 states, "The tongue has the power of life and death..."
So, how do we do the impossible? How do we tame our tongues? Honestly, I haven't figured that out yet. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just shut up. Bite the tongue. Hold back the words. James 1:19 advises us to be slow to speak. Proverbs 17:28 states, "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." A reddened and swollen tongue, injured by my own teeth, is better than uttering some of the words I say.
I was watching an episode of Doctor Who with my husband the other day (it's an awesome show by the way--cheesy but awesome!) and in it The Doctor told the prime minister of England that he could tear down her station with just six words. He then went over to her right-hand man and whispered in his ear these words (I hope I'm not misquoting this): "Don't you think she looks tired?" After that you see her on television defending her health because a rumor has spread that she's too sick and/or old to rule. This is the same woman several episodes before who used fine speeches and an amazing use of words to become the prime minister.
Warning: I'm about to get personal...my father has many loving qualities, but he has a inimical tongue. It's not so bad now, but growing up, I'd constantly hear him thrash my mom with his words when he was in a grumpy mood. Foul words too. I hated those times. When I got older, I started defending my mom more. However, sometimes I'd feel responsible when dad became mean because I'd started the grumbling (I didn't want to stop at the store) and dad would take my complaints as permission and attack. I swore to myself I would not imitate him in this manner. Yeah, well, that's like a foal swearing never to gallop like its mom. Most of you don't see this, but I have a fierce temper. My husband, bless his heart, is usually the victim of my tongue.
The Bible says a lot about the tongue. The first part of James 3 talks about the importance of taming our tongue, although only a perfect person can. It makes me feel a bit better knowing Jesus is THE ONLY person without this problem. James also says that for such a small thing, the tongue can do immense damage. It has both the power for good and for evil depending on how it is used. Proverbs 12:18 states, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." A promise even goes with using the tongue wisely. 1 Peter 3:10: "For the Scriptures say, 'If you want to enjoy life and see many days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.'" Our tongue is the biggest hypocrite. From it come both deceit and praise (Psalms 52:4 and Psalms 66:17). How we use our tongue determines who we are. Proverbs 15:2 states, "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." The tongue has great power with little force. Proverbs 25:15 states, "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone." Proverbs 18:21 states, "The tongue has the power of life and death..."
So, how do we do the impossible? How do we tame our tongues? Honestly, I haven't figured that out yet. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just shut up. Bite the tongue. Hold back the words. James 1:19 advises us to be slow to speak. Proverbs 17:28 states, "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." A reddened and swollen tongue, injured by my own teeth, is better than uttering some of the words I say.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Actions Speak Louder than Words
My friend and I were watching a show the other night, and in it, a mother was crying to her son. She said things like, "I understand if you hate me, but I will always love you." The boy was leaving. He'd had enough of her abuse and neglect. She might have the words and emotions down, but her actions betrayed her. If she truly loved him, she would stop abusing him. She would get her boy out of their situation.
Ever heard the express, "Actions speak louder than words?"
Last Sunday night, my pastor did an amazing sermon on James 2:14-26. These verses tell us that faith without works is dead. That you can't just think, feel and say faith, you must put it into action. I believe the same thing applies to love.
In 1 Corinthians 13, we receive a long list of what love is: patient; kind; not jealous, boastful, proud or rude; selfless; slow to anger; keeps no record of wrong; rejoices in truth; always trusts. Can we be patient or kind without action? NO. Love is action and/or restraint of action (sometimes patience means biting your tongue). It's not enough to just say it or feel it. The warm, fuzzy sensation I have for my husband is wonderful, but unless it inspires me to give him a hug or do his laundry, it's empty emotion. Jesus said that if we love him, we'll obey his commandments (John 14:15). He excepts our deeds to reflect our love. We can't claim to love Jesus while we steal or lie or covet or do any of the sins we commit as fallible humans. Even when the feelings aren't there, we are still instructed to act in love. Love goes beyond sentiment. Love is choice.
The harsh truth is that in the moments we sin or do something unkind to our loved ones, we are not loving them at all. We are loving something else more--usually ourselves. That's why the Bible instructs us to put others before ourselves (Romans 12:10). We simply can't achieve love without this vital ingredient. It'd be like forgetting the sugar in cookie batter. Yuck!
When we love God with all of ourselves, God's love will shine through us for others. How do we love God? We must love others. See? It's a beautiful circle. Yes, our own selfish ambitions and issues will get in the way sometimes. That's what forgiveness is for. It's God loving us. Notice I didn't say back. God loved us first, not back (1 John 4:19). We respond to him by loving back. Think about how Jesus loves us. He didn't say, "You know guys, I have this warm, fuzzy feeling right here. (points to heart) But you know what? I don't think I'm going to do any healings today. And that dying-on-the-cross thing? Not my cup of tea." No, he washed his disciples feet. He hung on a cross and took the punishment for every selfish turn we take. He acted, and we should too.
Ever heard the express, "Actions speak louder than words?"
Last Sunday night, my pastor did an amazing sermon on James 2:14-26. These verses tell us that faith without works is dead. That you can't just think, feel and say faith, you must put it into action. I believe the same thing applies to love.
In 1 Corinthians 13, we receive a long list of what love is: patient; kind; not jealous, boastful, proud or rude; selfless; slow to anger; keeps no record of wrong; rejoices in truth; always trusts. Can we be patient or kind without action? NO. Love is action and/or restraint of action (sometimes patience means biting your tongue). It's not enough to just say it or feel it. The warm, fuzzy sensation I have for my husband is wonderful, but unless it inspires me to give him a hug or do his laundry, it's empty emotion. Jesus said that if we love him, we'll obey his commandments (John 14:15). He excepts our deeds to reflect our love. We can't claim to love Jesus while we steal or lie or covet or do any of the sins we commit as fallible humans. Even when the feelings aren't there, we are still instructed to act in love. Love goes beyond sentiment. Love is choice.
The harsh truth is that in the moments we sin or do something unkind to our loved ones, we are not loving them at all. We are loving something else more--usually ourselves. That's why the Bible instructs us to put others before ourselves (Romans 12:10). We simply can't achieve love without this vital ingredient. It'd be like forgetting the sugar in cookie batter. Yuck!
When we love God with all of ourselves, God's love will shine through us for others. How do we love God? We must love others. See? It's a beautiful circle. Yes, our own selfish ambitions and issues will get in the way sometimes. That's what forgiveness is for. It's God loving us. Notice I didn't say back. God loved us first, not back (1 John 4:19). We respond to him by loving back. Think about how Jesus loves us. He didn't say, "You know guys, I have this warm, fuzzy feeling right here. (points to heart) But you know what? I don't think I'm going to do any healings today. And that dying-on-the-cross thing? Not my cup of tea." No, he washed his disciples feet. He hung on a cross and took the punishment for every selfish turn we take. He acted, and we should too.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Knowledge
I learned A LOT last week at camp. For starters, I learned that teenage boys like to do stupid things. Don't ask. I learned that when you sing on stage in front of a couple hundred preteens, you are automatically famous. All week long I was asked in awed little voices, "Are you the girl who sings?" or told "You have a really pretty voice." By the end of the week, I think they were just being polite because my voice got more and more raspy as time progressed. By Friday, I sounded like I'd been smoking all my life. Thanks, by the way, for all your prayers. They are the reason I had any voice at all. Praise God he can use anyone for his glory!!
Let's see...I was reminded by the sermons that anyone can get trapped in sin (1 Corinthians 10:12-13), that sin is addictive and that our only hope is through the power of our advocate, Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). One evening I couldn't stop crying during worship and not only because so many souls found Christ that night. The joy of my salvation was so clear to me. I was so grateful to God for his mercy and love.
I also learned things I wish weren't true. Some of the children are in horrible situations. They need our prayer and a whole lot of support.
Knowledge is important. Only the wise seek it. Proverbs 1:5 states, "let the wise listen and add to their learning..." Scripture makes it clear that knowledge is vital and the lack of which is fatal. Hosea 4:6 states,
"my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children."
All knowledge is helpful, even random facts that certain people I know tend to collect like grandmas collect knickknacks (at least mine did). These random facts are useful for trivia games or just sounding smart at the dinner table. However, the MOST beneficial knowledge is that of God. Spiritual knowledge is one of the steps to godliness (2 Peters 1:4-6). In his second letter, Peter encouraged his readers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (3:18)
So, how do we gain knowledge? We read his word; we listen to the Holy Spirit. Yes, it really is that simple. All we must give up is some time and effort. We do ourselves a disservice by not learning. How can we teach what we don't know? Believe me, I understand how hard it is to follow this simple truth. I'm very selfish with my time...
I'll end with this verse:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. (Phil 1:9-10)
Let's see...I was reminded by the sermons that anyone can get trapped in sin (1 Corinthians 10:12-13), that sin is addictive and that our only hope is through the power of our advocate, Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). One evening I couldn't stop crying during worship and not only because so many souls found Christ that night. The joy of my salvation was so clear to me. I was so grateful to God for his mercy and love.
I also learned things I wish weren't true. Some of the children are in horrible situations. They need our prayer and a whole lot of support.
Knowledge is important. Only the wise seek it. Proverbs 1:5 states, "let the wise listen and add to their learning..." Scripture makes it clear that knowledge is vital and the lack of which is fatal. Hosea 4:6 states,
"my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children."
All knowledge is helpful, even random facts that certain people I know tend to collect like grandmas collect knickknacks (at least mine did). These random facts are useful for trivia games or just sounding smart at the dinner table. However, the MOST beneficial knowledge is that of God. Spiritual knowledge is one of the steps to godliness (2 Peters 1:4-6). In his second letter, Peter encouraged his readers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (3:18)
So, how do we gain knowledge? We read his word; we listen to the Holy Spirit. Yes, it really is that simple. All we must give up is some time and effort. We do ourselves a disservice by not learning. How can we teach what we don't know? Believe me, I understand how hard it is to follow this simple truth. I'm very selfish with my time...
I'll end with this verse:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. (Phil 1:9-10)
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