To all you teenage girls ... you probably all struggle with something - whether it's self-esteem, friendships, staying "Christian" when you are around your non-Christian friends, obeying your parents, being nice to your siblings or perhaps even doing your chores like you're supposed to. We all have something. Today, I want to focus on modesty and self-image. When you like in the mirror - what do you see? Are you fine with the way you look, thankful for the way God created you or are you constantly looking at magazines, wishing you looked more like the models and actresses? Let me just say one thing if that is the case - STOP. I want you to go look in the mirror and see how beautiful you are. The creator of the Universe MADE YOU in His image! Doesn't that make you all giggly and joyful inside? It sure re-assures me on a daily basis! Genesis 1:27, "God created man in His image." Psalm 139:14, "For I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Every single piece of hair, every freckle, every birthmark - BEAUTIFUL!
Watch this video: http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Downloadable_Video_Illustrations/2718/Struggling_With_Modesty_and_Self-Image
This young girl struggles with trying to fit in - through clothes, friends and not having a boyfriend - her self-image and what people see when they look at her. I want to encourage you today - don't think that you need to wear tight clothes, be with the most popular group of girls or have a boyfriend just to be "COOL". What seems cool to our society may not be the standard that God has set for us, as Christians to act/do/wear. When you decide to hang with a certain group of friends or buy a particular top, I want to ask yourself WHY you want it. This may seem silly, but ask yourself is it because it defines who God created you to be as an individual, or is it to please someone else? Think about that. We are ALL tempted by trying to please people and want to fit in, but we weren't put on this earth for that reason - we were put here to make a difference for Jesus and tell others about Him. Sometimes we will stick out like a soar thumb and be labeled "different," but that's ok....
We all have different definitions of what Modesty is and I've had a few questions submitted asking how to know what is MODEST and what is NOT. Let me answer it this way ... does the outfit show more than it should? Does it draw attention to you in a negative way? If so, then it may not be the best option. Let your clothes show your individuality...you don't need to wear jumpers and turtlenecks .... clothes can be a lot of fun; it's just a challenge to shop modestly sometimes...especially in the junior section, trust me, I know! I believe in you! God created you for a very special purpose. Keep your eyes open and don't miss opportunities He puts in front of you to reach out to someone and make a difference! You're not too young to be used by God. Look up 1 Timothy 4:12. Live by that verse today and every day.
Listen to this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATNHf-Iqggw
This song is so true ... be careful what you listen to, wear and who you hang out with. Once you make it a habit, it may be hard to get away from it.
I love these lyrics in the song:
"I fill my mind with bad things.
So horrible, I feel ashamed they show.
I've taken sin so lightly.
That lately, oh, the darkness is all I know.
The time is now,
Oh, to leave the junk behind.
The moment has arrived,
Where I no longer am blind.
It's garbage in.
Garbage in, Garbage out.
What goes in is found out.
All can see what goes in me.
I pay the price.
Jesus.
Forgive me for leaving you to please myself.
Jesus.
I see the mistake in loving this world's wealth.
Oh lord, grab hold of this sin-filled child.
For now, 'cause the darkness is all around."
To sum it up - let Jesus Christ be the ruler of your heart, your life, your choices. We are here on this earth to please Him and only Him. We all make mistakes; but it's what we do with those mistakes. Give them to Christ. Call to Him. Live for HIM and Him alone.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? What defines you? Even if you haven't let Jesus Christ define you lately; it's not too late. Let Him be your first love today.
Are you doing Fall cleaning? Going through old clothes, cleaning out closets, getting rid of old appliances or items you never use? Think about donating items to a great organization who can use these items for people in need!
Check out the Salavation Army and donate your goods to help people in need! "One person's trash is another person's treasure." You can even schedule a pick-up instead of traveling to drop items off, if needed.
http://www.satruck.org/donate-goods
We serve a wonderful, caring, mighty and powerful God who cares for us and meets our needs on a daily basis, often without us realizing it (or acknowledging it, for that matter).
Today, our challenge is to acknowledge all Christ has done for us, is doing for us and HAS done and provided for us.
Read Genesis 22:1-14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&version=NIV) it's is a perfect example of how God provides for His people ... particularly, verse 14 stands out to me, "So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
"Jehovah Jireh"
"He is Jehovah Jireh
God who is my provider
The One who meets my needs
Whose Son for me intercedes
Provider of food and shelter,
A cool breeze in summer swelter
But much more, My God provides
To those in whom the Spirit resides
Strength for when I am weak
A light for the path I seek
Courage to face all my trials
Shelter against the devil’s wiles
Peace within the raging storm
Comfort when my heart is torn
Love for all, even ones I call enemy
And faith to follow His call for me
This and much more receive
My All and All does not deceive
Gifts to set your soul afire
To serve Him, Jehovah Jireh"
There are so many times God has provided for me ... my jaw has dropped countless times because God's timing is like no other...it's truly miraculous. Today, think about how God has provided for you and your family. Isn't His timing perfect and like nothing else you've ever experienced? Who is Jehovah Jireh to YOU? Reflect on that today, because we serve a great God - the one AND only, Jehovah Jireh.
End this reflection on a high note - listen to this song and get your praise on to, "Jehovah Jireh"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYlac9kB37k
It's Monday morning .... I bet coffee is in hand and you are back to work, routines, to do lists, after school activities, sports practices and so forth. I know most people dread getting back into their routines, but this week I challenge all of us to go beyond our normal routine and list of activities and things to do.
I recently came across this quote by James Mann, "Each day when I awake I know I have one more day to make a difference in someone's life"
Today - I'm thankful for a new day, a new opportunity, another chance to make the most of the life the Lord has blessed me with - another day to reach out to someone and show them the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Be a REBEL today and everyday this week - break out of your normal routine and seek new opportunities. Show the love of Jesus in the Starbucks line or in the Walmart checkout line.
Please listen to and ponder this song "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman. "I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me, did I choose to love, DID I POINT TO YOU ENOUGH? ..."
Legacy by Nicole Nordeman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3GxmLaaAwg
Next week is National Customer Service week, and as a token of appreciation to all of my customers and potential clients, I'm running some specials:
-"Customer of the Week" Drawing ... place any order via my Mary Kay website and you are instantly entered into the drawing for a $10 merchandise certificate.
Shop here: www.marykay.com/lizzychristian
-Free Samples & Catalog
If you are a potential client and would like more information -- I've got some goodies for YOU! Visit my Mary Kay website and request free samples, but I will also include a mini satin hands lotion AND the brand new Mary Kay catalog (complete with makeup tips and ideas)
-Online Sales
If you order at least $40 worth of Mary Kay merchandise, I will include a SURPRISE product in your order for you ... one of the Limited Edition products! Rare deals, ladies, so take ADVANTAGE!
This is just a small way for me to say ...
