I AM HIS BELOVED: AMBER

AMBER

from I Love You To The Moon

1.What is true beauty to God?

I am still amazed when I think about how I am beautiful in His eyes. I think he finds so many different qualities beautiful. A soft, open heart, eyes set on Him, a caring compassionate spirit. He created us so beautiful and just the way he wants us! He wouldn’t change one thing about me. Not one. Amazing.

2. How does the world’s definition of beauty and God's definition of beauty differ? The world’s definition of beauty is sad to think about for me. There are so many different opinions forced on us and are almost always impossible to achieve.  Thin body, long hair, fancy clothes, ect. There are so many conflicting opinions also. Almost always the world defines beauty in the outward sense of the word, but never really any deeper. God created us just the way He wants us and THAT is beautiful. God is beauty.  So since He is in me, I am beautiful. I have his spirit and I think that’s the most beautiful thing in the world. He manifests himself in us and that is such a beautiful thing to see.

3. As you've grown (both physically and spiritually) what have you learned about true beauty, and what advice would you give your younger self about it? Oh, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self all God has taught me about true beauty now. That would take the learning process out though, which I think is important. I love looking at where I’ve come and how much I’ve grown. At one point in my life I did not find myself beautiful in any sense of the word. I placed unreal expectations on myself and failed to live up to them miserably. I eventually broke down and just quit trying. I didn’t need to find my worth in anyone else. One day, as I was seeking God’s heart, he poured into me. I felt released from unreal expectations and so so beautiful in His eyes. He finds me beautiful, and that is an unbelievable thing. I know I’m so unworthy, but that makes it even sweeter. 

4. Who has been the best example in your life of what a woman of true beauty really is? Most definitely my mother. She is such an amazing woman of God with such a gentle, truth seeking, God loving spirit. She longs for wisdom from God and seeks hard after it. She intercedes on behalf of her children and family. She loves so selflessly. I can’t imagine a woman more beautiful than that. I’m so lucky to have that example of beauty in my life.

5. If there was one thing you could teach your daughter/sister/friend about being beautiful in Gods eyes, what would it be? I will read truth over my daughter. I’ll soak her in scriptures that tell her she is beautiful and blameless before God. I’ll make sure she knows she is lovely in His eyes.  That he delights in her. I can't wait to be able to share what God has taught me with her someday.  I try and speak truth into my friends and sisters lives. I know that words can hurt someone or breathe life into them. I will always try to breathe life with my words. They will be told many, many times just how beautiful they are.

6. What are your goals for "...the hidden person of your heart..." to become even more beautiful and more pleasing in the sight of the Lord? I make an effort to remind myself that I am beautiful. I am His beloved and there is nothing better. I write down things I want to work on in my life. Loving others deeper, seeking Him more, having a moldable heart. I think that makes Him happy and I love it.

7. Anything you want to add? A verse that absolutely floods my heart, and is the theme of my sleeve, is “Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride.” Song of Solomon 4:10

Something about knowing that I delight my God makes me want to dance. I am his treasure. He enjoys me, wants me, and finds me beautiful. Fills my heart all the way up



I AM HIS BELOVED:MANDY

MANDY

OF SHE BREATHES DEEPLY

1.What is true beauty to God?

I believe true beauty to God is when our hearts are fully exposed before Him in worship.  When we are in his presence we are changed.  We view ourselves, as well as beauty in a different light.  When we are truly embracing who God has made us as women; allowing His Spirit to work through our femininity to care and nurture others, we are showing our true beauty.

2. How does the worlds definition of beauty and God's definition of beauty differ?

Just turn on the t.v. and you will see how differently the world views beauty than Jesus does.  Women in our society constantly are pressured to be something they were never meant to be.  To live by the world's definition of beauty, we would find ourselves killing off our femininity to some extent.  We were made to embrace who we are, and use our beauty inside and out to glorify God.

3. As you've grown (both physically and spiritually) what have you learned about true beauty, and what advice would you give your younger self about it?

I would tell my younger self that the pursuit of perfect looks leaves you empty and lonely.  I chased after this ideal of my "perfect self" for years, and it never got me anywhere.  I have found so much beauty in myself through becoming a wife and mother and follower of Christ.  I find beauty in myself when I learn to put my daughter and husband before myself.  I would tell my younger self to get lost in the desires that the Lord has written in the deepest corners of my heart... That is where my beauty is best expressed.  

4. Who has been the best example in your life of what a woman of true beauty really is?

I am really blessed to surrounded by many women among my friends and family who are incredible examples of what true beauty is.  I am new mother, so I look up so much to the women around me who are mother's as well.  These women are beautiful to me, inside and out by the way they give themselves selflessly to their families, and love with out reserve.  

5. If there was one thing you could teach your daughter/sister/friend about being beautiful in Gods eyes, what would it be?

This question I have rolled around in my mind constantly since I found out I was having a little girl.  I hope to teach my daughter how when she delights herself in Jesus, she can follow all the dreams of her little heart, and that to me is simply inspired beauty.  

6. What are your goals for "...the hidden person of your heart..." to become even more beautiful and more pleasing in the sight of the Lord?

I feel lately I am in a constant tension and release of my life being less about me, and more about those around me.  I believe this is truly honoring and pleasing to Jesus when we learn how to let go of our selfishness, and love without reserve.  The ironic thing is, the more I let go of myself, the more I am happy with who I am and the more I understand who I am, and who God has made me to be.  Honoring the Lord with your beauty has a ripple effect in all areas of your life and your circle of influence.

 Anything you want to add?

Finding your beauty and identity in Jesus is priceless.  When you embrace your beauty- inside and out- you will inspire countless women and young girls around you.  Do not underestimate the influence of you beauty.  Nothing is ever just about one person.  When you accept and honor who God has made you to be- in effect you will be changing lives all around you for the rest of your life.



I AM HIS BELOVED: ANNALEA

ANNALEA
of annaleahart

Gia walked out her closet wearing the third outfit of the day. "Mama, do I look boootiful?" she asked with wide eyes. I smile and kneel down, smooshing her little face with tired and world-weary hands. "Oh sweetie, I love that skirt. But you don't need new clothes to know that answer. You always look beautiful." With a slight roll of her eyes, I see she just wanted an appraisal of her clothing choices. I feel a tightness in my chest and whisper a desperate wordless prayer that she understands this. But then she looks me in the eyes, putting her two chubby hands over mine, and responds with truth and loveliness. "I know, mama. I am Gia. God made me. And He made me boootiful. I am His princess." Be still my heart. Girl-child is teaching this mama and I, again desperately, pray to understand this too.

1.What is true beauty to God?

 

God is the source of all beauty.  All beautiful things are simply reflections of Him.

2. How does the worlds definition of beauty and God's definition of beauty differ?

 

The world tends to attribute beauty to that which is aesthetically pleasing.  But how often do our definitions of what is visually appealing change?  People are fickle.  God is unchanging.  True beauty is not in the eye of the beholder.  Truly beautiful things are always beautiful.  They may be difficult for us to recognize, because we are comprised.  We are comprised by the fall and all beauty is but a shadow of what it would have been.  But these shadows still give us a glimpse of Our Father.

3. As you've grown (both physically and spiritually) what have you learned about true beauty, and what advice would you give your younger self about it?

Over the years, I have learned to be more intentional about finding beauty.  I try to make sure my lens is set to see beauty in goodness.  These are the things that remind me of something bigger and stir something deeper.  I would tell the younger me that Beauty found in Hope brings Joy.

4. Who has been the best example in your life of what a woman of true beauty really is?

The best and most lasting examples of true beauty are women who have embraced how God has made them and the life He has given them.  They're the ones who bring their brokenness to Jesus.  They are more concerned with loving their King and His people.

5. If there was one thing you could teach your daughter/sister/friend about being beautiful in Gods eyes, what would it be?

We have been fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of a God who is beauty!!! 

6. What are your goals for "...the hidden person of your heart..." to become even more beautiful and more pleasing in the sight of the Lord?

I keep coming back to the part in 1 Peter 3:4 where we are told not to be concerned with the outward appearance, but instead "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."  I don't think I would describe myself as gentle and quiet.  Yikes!  So, yeah, I think I have some growing and stretching ahead of me. 

I AM HIS BELOVED: BEKA

BEKA

from Hold on...love

1.What is true beauty to God?In short: methinks it’s heart stuff. In long: He loves to see lives that are finding their e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. in Him, little things and huge things. Direction, and love. Actually, both those are huge things. ;) but I’m just sayin’. Beauty: a heart and life that lives to please Him, worship Him, take joy in Him, for love of Him. Not only for what He can give me, but really really for who He is. and to start to learn about that and realize things—that straightens out puzzle pieces in my heart, I’ve seen. Small pieces to some, maybe, but huge in the influence of everything else.
He made us to want to be beautiful. He made us beautiful. I have, lately, been seeing that more and more…
And to seek Him, to be amazed by Him, to find shelter in Him…

2. How does the worlds definition of beauty and God's definition of beauty differ?
For the world, what you have to offer and your worth as a person, and moreso as a woman, starts with your outsides. Of course, some people even happen to value what’s in your brain, also… ;) but firstly it’s the body. It’s who you match up with; it’s an ever-changing list of “perfections” as they’ve come to be known to most ladies and girls. Beauty is this. Beauty is that. Let’s just forget about being a kind person or being healthy.
God created you and I. He loves what He made, and to fill ourselves with the knowledge of that and what His Word says and actually letting that shape us through the valleys and mountains of this beautiful life is what’s going to make a good difference in us, and in others. Looking put-together and made-up is going to matter squat if our heart is an ugly room filled with not-good things.

3. As you've grown (both physically and spiritually) what have you learned about true beauty, and what advice would you give your younger self about it?
Um. Yeah. This is funny, actually, because going through the mid-teens I (don’t think) I had the totally normal problems in one’s head that on normally has? And, since I was homeschooled, I didn’t have all the peer pressure around me to conform to a certain thing, get tan, wear certain clothes, diss or cling to certain people, etcetera, what have you. I, in fact, had the issue of . . . er . . . thinking myself too slender. No curves, no charm. Too white. Amongst other things I might not name.
A few things I’ve learned: there’s beauty in learning patience. There’s beauty in taking joy in beautiful things! There’s beauty in caring for others; there’s beauty in compassion. Above all, including and in every detail, beauty starts in the heart. I don’t know how many times I heard things like that when I was younger, and I never got it. not until the past couple years, and mostly in the last how many months.
What advice? Hmmm…..it’s going to be okay. You’re lovely just the way you are. He loves you the way you are, and that’s the most important thing. It’s okay to be awkward. You’ll grow out of it if you don’t obsess over it. (not that I did;)
Eh, I don’t have so many years behind me like some of the women guesting for this series…so I can’t exactly say, from my 30 or maybe 40 year old self (not saying these ladies are that age, just saying a random wonderful number) I’m not talking to myself after the whole mandatory growing-up, growing into yourself stage. That was only a few years ago. Hah.

4. Who has been the best example in your life of what a woman of true beauty really is?
There’s this lady at church. She was nearly a nun, was was a nurse in Vietnam, she’s a wife, a mom, a grandma, a friend, a mentor to whomever. She’s got the sweetest spirit. Most beautiful heart. And of course, humans are not perfect. We all know that. She’s funny. Quiet. Really really beautiful. I want to look that good when I’m that old. (she’s not that old; but I mean, there are women around that age who aren’t in that good of shape.) and I want to be as close to God and have that willing, gentle heart.

5. If there was one thing you could teach your daughter/sister/friend about being beautiful in God’s eyes, what would it be?
As you grow up, talk to and listen to God. Look around at the women who are (grateful, and therefore) joyful, in love with Jesus, and seeking His will and cherishing life. That’s beautiful. Love God. Seek His heart. there’s nothing like spending time with Him in quiet or chaos (mostly, I prefer quiet;) and coming to focus feeling Him even nearer, or just bringing peace into your heart.
There's nothing like a soft heart towards Him. And to ask Him to help you receive love, as well as learn to give it.

6. What are your goals for "...the hidden person of your heart..." to become even more beautiful and more pleasing in the sight of the Lord?
I want to grow into a person who cares even more about God’s heart, God’s love, His purposes, His ideas of things and people, and less about what people may think about me. I want to show more kindnesses to people. Because kindness, to strangers, to siblings, to friends, to anyone, can change lives. I want to, somehow, show people that beauty originates from Him. Every amazing, simple, detailed, stunning, heart-touching thing . . . it started with Him.

7.Anything you want to add?
Hmm. Not really. But I did get contacted by someone in Ireland tonight about a *beautiful* canvas of mine—featuring a page from Pride and Prejudice by Austen. I’m too excited about that. :)

I AM HIS BELOVED: CASEY

 CASEY

of The Wiegands

This is an area I struggle in. I guess maybe a lot of girls do.

"Little boys want to know, Do I have what it takes? Little Girls want to know, Am I lovely?"

What is it about us girls? I will be the first to admit I have countless insecurities. Somewhere along the way I convinced myself that if you were beautiful then you were special & loved. It's everywhere...we get it from media, movies, magazines, dolls.... the list goes on. And it is getting worse by the minute. How do we protect our littles, ourselves?

How do we value their beauty but also their own identities in Christ?

I wish I could go back and talk to a younger Casey. Desperately, I wish I could sit her down...tell her she is beautiful and that God designed her just the way He wanted. I wish I could tell her that what people think doesn't matter...and that the more beautiful your heart is, the more beautiful you will become.

I wish I had spent more time working on making "my insides" pretty.

A book that was really great for me to read in college when I was still "figuring this all out"... was Do You Think I am beautiful? by Angela Thomas. 

It is such a lovely book.

"You were made to be seen and known and loved deeply. And it's okay to want what you were made for."

I still struggle though, I have in no way "arrived". I guess I am more aware now that I have a little girl, because when I am hard on myself....she will be watching.

I know now that a beautiful heart is the most beautiful thing in the world.

"the king is enthralled by your beauty." psalm 45:11

I AM HIS BELOVED: COLE

COLE
of Letters From Coco

Hi I’m Cole visiting from lettersfromcoco. Alyssa asked if I would write a little something while she is off spending time with her family.

 I love that she’s posting a series on what being a beautiful woman means to the Lord. I know living in today’s society it’s easy to become conditioned into believing that beauty is found in what you wear, or the number on the scale. How great is it to know that God, our creator, the one who defined beauty see’s right through our outward appearance and straight to our heart. He sets the standard for beauty and tells us what that is, in His word.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Prov 31:30

He doesn’t look at this outward, temporary flesh. He looks at the spiritual, eternal being. Did you ever hear the Sunday school song, “I am a spirit, I have a soul, I live in a body?” The world’s definition of beauty centers everything on body, just our shells. When you think of it that way it seems almost silly that we focus so much energy and worry on things that are not made to last. The spirit is what lives forever.

It’s so important for us to resolve in our hearts that we don’t allow ourselves to adjust to the culture’s idea of what being beautiful means. Instead we need to saturate ourselves in the truth-His word. When you change your focus from what the world says to what God says, that’s when you’re changed from the inside out.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”Psalm 19:1

When you start to feel down on yourself, like you aren’t beautiful, focus on how great He is and how He sees you. He measures His wealth by His children. You are His treasure! His masterpiece!

Write it on your heart: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14.

When His word remains in us, it transforms us and makes us beautiful.

I AM HIS BELOVED:LINE UP

I am proud to announce the line up for next week blog series.  Each of these woman will be giving their opinions and heart on what being beautiful in God's eyes really means. 

We will talk about the worlds warped view of beauty and how it effects woman and girls in this day and age.

Most importantly, we will talk about how important, yet difficult, it is to live our lives by God's definition. Growing and beautifying our inward person, having a beautiful heart

I hope you will stop by and read some goodness!

  

I am His beloved: a peek

I am very pleased to announce that starting next week, Bittywings Baby will be hosting a lovely little blog series called

 I am His beloved: beauty through the eyes of a king. 

 To sum it up, we will be talking about real beauty...being the kind of beautiful God would have us be.

Still working on the line up!  And I will post more about it later.

But I thought you needed to know!

Can't wait!