Inside Out

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

   In today's world, people are so focused on how they look on the outside, until they forget about how they look on the inside (metaphorically). Dorothy West said, "Beauty is skin deep, ugly to the bone. And when beauty fades away, ugly claims its own." There are beautiful people who display ugly actions, and these ugly actions will remain well after their physical beauty has faded. Our actions begin with our hearts.  How beautiful is your heart? 

     I long ago said to myself that "I want my insides to reflect my true beauty."  I knew then my physical beauty would fade, but God's beauty would remain in me.  A person's true beauty does not rest in the outward appearance, but the inward condition of their heart. Characteristics of a Beautiful Heart include:

• Kindness
• Patience
• Selflessness
• Humility

  As I write this message, I am reminded of a recent experience in the grocery store, right before the snow storm Blair came through our area. Everyone was rushing through the store as if the sky was falling, and I remember saying to myself, "slow down, it is just snow. Be patient." I remained patient and took my time shopping for the items on my short list. When I got in line, for the self-check out counters, there was a woman waiting for the next checkout counter to open up, she looked at me and saw that I had very few items, and she said, "go ahead, you have fewer things than me and I am in no rush." I thanked the lady and we both laughed and shared a few funny comments while at the check-out counters. This woman’s beauty showed from inside out; her heart was filled with kindness and laughter.  

    We all should strive to develop beautiful hearts and let our beauty flow from the inside out.  We can begin with displaying small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for the next person, or sharing words of encouragement to someone experiencing hardship.  Don't let your beauty fade. 

Where is your true beauty? Inside or Outside? 

Hope

 

”For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

I have a pillow sitting in my chair in my prayer room with the quote, “ Hope is an anchor for the soul.”(Hebrews 6:19, NIV). This pillow has reminded me on several occasions to remain hopeful and continue trusting God.

In today’s challenging times and uncertain world, we need Gods’ “Anchor of Hope” to keep our souls at peace. Optimism is a form of hope. For example, optimists see the glass as half full, while pessimists see the glass as half empty (these are your Negative Nancies or Nathans). Optimists hope for a better tomorrow; no matter how dark their days get, optimists will find the bright side or the light in any dark situation.

Gods’ plans for our lives “is to give us a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) When the storm clouds roll into our lives, know that God is with us through the storms of life. Let your Hope in God be your anchor during life’s storms. Don’t give up or give in.

Without Hope in the Lord all is lost.

Kindness is Key

 

"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Colossians 3:12

           

       Colossians 3:12 speaks about how we are to interact with each other.  Kindness is one of the characteristics that God's children should possess and share with the world.  Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate (New Oxford American Dictionary). 

          I am a middle level educator and many of my scholars come from harsh home environments and some have experienced trauma during the early parts of their lives.  As a result of these negative experiences, these young teens are very angry and do not trust adults.  These young adolescents sometimes struggle with being kind to one another because they cannot see past their own hurts and just want to lash out and hurt others.  

        One thing God has taught me as I work with young people and older people, is that being kind to everyone will help them and you heal.  See, you don't know what another person is experiencing in their life, and sharing a kind word or smile can brighten up someone's day, and believe it or not, it will help to brighten up your day as well. So heal someone today through a kind word or deed.  

"Kindness is key to healing."  

        

Is Your Integrity Intact?

 

"Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." 

Proverbs 13:6

    What do you do when no one is watching?  What types of decisions do you make?  Remember, God is always watching.  God watches everything and everyone.  Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles (New Oxford American Dictionary).  Keeping your integrity intact means not allowing the world to corrupt you.  Do what's right in Gods' eyes, not people.

    I learned a long time ago that when I lie to myself, I am also lying to God.  Maintaining my integrity means to always tell the truth and be honest with myself and others, even when it is difficult.  I know my flaws and that was a very difficult lesson to learn, but one thing that helped me was knowing that I am not a finished product, that God is still "smoothing my rough edges."  

So remember, keep your integrity intact. 

Know God

Do you know God? “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

Trust God

https://odbm.org/devotionals/devotional-category/the-hand-of-god2

A Time For Peace

And let the Peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

Colossians 3:15