I've been thinking a lot about self-perception lately. I'm going through a season when I just don't "feel" beautiful physically. I know the outward perception really starts with the inward heart and thought life, so I think it's more about where I'm allowing my mind to wander than about the actual outward changes of my body. I'm comparing myself to others (first mistake!) rather than finding contentment or yes even delight in what God has given me. I'm struggling with weight gain and acne and significant health issues and I'm letting it all get to me right now. So I'm looking for your creative tips on what you do to help yourself feel as beautiful as God made you to be. My starting point is:


Philippians 4:8-9 (MSG)

So what do you do to feel beautiful? Please share.

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Jenni, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ rep

Author, http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage & Adoption Loss

Currently writing about the Apostle Paul and Pain at http://www.GivenMeaThorn.blogspot.com

Thought provoking discussion.

I ask the Lord to change my perception and give me His perspective, because the truth is our value and beauty doesn't come from what the external looks like anyways, but our worth is that we are daughters of His. I ask Him for encouragement and His love to fill me anew.

On the physical realm, when all my eating right goes out the window, etc. I try to take it simply one step at a time. I'm beginning to discover that when I choose 1 workout, (and I normally don't go there first), it helps my eating habits and not the other way around for me. We're all different tho, so find the place of step one. I try to care for myself and realize that sometimes we need to be kind to ourselves, especially in those vulnerable areas. Usually those are the times we are in so much need of love, care and tenderness.

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The Comfortable Life
Earn Income At Home No Selling

Val, thank you so much for sharing. It's been a few weeks since I posted and God's got my heart and mind in a better place again. I like your advice about taking it one step at a time, starting with just one step, and that that first step is different for each of us. I also enjoyed visiting your beauty link and look forward to reading through more of it as I have time. Feel free to share some of those tips here as well!

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Jenni, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ rep

Author, http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage & Adoption Loss

Currently writing about the Apostle Paul and Pain at http://www.GivenMeaThorn.blogspot.com

Great topic!

Spiritually, I feel beautiful during prayer. Especially during Adoration. At home, I sometimes wrap up in a blanket, with it over my head, framing my face, like a headcovering. It is those moments, I feel like a beautiful holy woman of old.

Physically, a touch of perfume, makes me feel pretty and feminine.

Relationally, my husband makes me feel beautiful through his unconditional love. It doesn't hurt when my little girl says, "mommy, you're pretty", either.

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Bake Sale Recipes - yum!
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What beautiful word-pictures, Sarahe! Thank you.

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Jenni, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ rep

Author, http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage & Adoption Loss

Currently writing about the Apostle Paul and Pain at http://www.GivenMeaThorn.blogspot.com