Today, at Living By Grace, we’re talking about loving without an agenda and serving with the proper attitude. I gotta admit, I blew this one last night. The Bible tells us to do our good deeds–our tithing, our serving, our self-sacrificing–in secret, to the glory of the Father, letting Him reward us in His way and His time. Every time I seek praise from man, I’m loving on an agenda. A tick-for-tack kind of deal, which isn’t love–it’s self-love and it robs the moment of its value.
Last night while my husband helped lead an adult Bible study, I watched a large number kids, many of which came from what I’m learning to call “hard places.” Many of these children exhibited rage issues and I felt like I ran from one fire to the next, trying to keep everyone safe while attempting to deal loving and effectively with each child.
Up until eight o’clock, my love for these children was authentic, pure, and self-sacrificing.
But then my husband concluded his Bible study class, smiling and looking refreshed, and yep, I felt the “need” to tell him how hard my night had been. Which in and of itself wouldn’t have been bad, if it weren’t for my motives. What was I looking for? empathy. I wanted my husband to know what my night had been like. I wanted him to know that while he sat in a comfortable chair, conversing with adults, I struggled to catch my breath. I wanted praise. Accolades.
And in that moment, my love began to have an agenda. Like: I did this, so now you must….
Appreciate me
Help me
Empathize
Hopefully next Sunday I will love more like Jesus–motivated by pure love, self-sacrificing, seeking not my own.
Love without an agenda is love without any strings attached. Serving, giving, loving, expecting nothing in return. Giving even if no one notices.
Philippians 2:1-8 NIV
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very natureGod,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very natureof a servant,
being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Christ, Creator God, came to earth as a man, rejected by the men and women He created. He asks me to demonstrate the same kind of self-sacrficing, humble love.
Recently I read the novel, Demon, by Tosca Lee. It is an intriguing look at the fall of man and God’s redemptive death on the cross through the eyes of a demon.
In the novel, the demon took the main character to an elaborate house. His dream house. Then, while he stood there, the house crumbled before his eyes and he realized it’s all but an illusion, a smoke screen, distracting him from what really matters. This image stayed with him through the rest of the novel, causing him to look past the superficial, to dig deeper, to question the substance and importance of everything he did and saw.
About five years back, we were living in Louisiana in our “dream home.” My husband was a top executive for Kansas City Southern and everything appeared to be going according to plan. At least, on the surface level. Until my husband went through a period of unemployment, we had to rapidly sell our home, load our newly purchased furniture into storage where it accumulated cobwebs and heat damage, uncertain of what lay ahead.
It was a frightening time, and honestly, one that rocked my faith for many reasons. Those who I wanted to count on started to judge my husband, leaving me in isolation. As events appeared to mirror some painful moments experienced in my past, fears and wounds previously shoved down resurfaced, until God cut through the exterior, straight to my heart. And in an unexpected moment of clarity, I understood what it meant to allow God to be your all in all. I knew if my worst fears were to come true, our family would be okay. We would have God, and that was enough. For years I’d said that, prayed that, sang that, but I didn’t truly get it–own it, until God stripped all the other stuff away. In that moment, I realized when it’s all said and done, only those things done in faith will matter.
Not that the house was bad, nor my husband’s job. They were tools, to be used for God’s glory. But when our eyes turned from God to the gifts He gave, they lost their value. They tarnished, tarnishing our hearts as well. They clouded our vision and it took a bit of spiritual eye-salve for God to turn our focus back to the bigger picture.
Honestly, now that the “stuff” has returned, it’s easy to lose site of the ultimate reality–God and His saving message. It’s easy to focus on the gifts instead of the giver, to think it’s all about us, for our pleasure, for our glory. But it’s not about us. It’s about knowing Christ and making Him known. God is a God of love and mercy, and He loves to bless His children for sure. But ultimately, He blesses us so we can be a blessing. Join me on Edwina’s blog as we talk about part III of the trickle effect: Blessed to be a blessing–surrendering our gifts and talents to God to be used as He wills. Laying everything at the foot of the cross so God’s love can be exponentially expanded through us.
When Facebook first launched, articles saturated the web warning us of the dangers of internet relationships. Would society become more isolated? More selfish? Shallower? Would having a computer to hide behind teach us to create barriers or could the safe and constant access to others actually have a positive effect? Like most tools, the values of social networking depends on the user, but for me, a writer who spends countless hours each day shut inside my office, Facebook has provided a much needed window to the outside world. It’s allowed me to stay in contact with distant friends and has deepened many relationships I hold dear. Facebook has become a wonderful, vibrant, interactive community. What better place to launch a Christ-centered devo-group?
Living by Grace is a Facebook faith community where believers, seekers, and inquiring minds can pop in and out for a snippet of truth and a friendly chat. Each week, five other authors and I will post links to inspiring, challenging, or thought provoking articles which will serve as discussion launchers. It’s a time to connect and be renewed and we invite you to join us.
Living by Grace (LBG) co-host and inspirational fiction writer, Patty Wysong is excited to see how God will use our faith-based community. “For over a year I’ve had the idea of an online Bible study group in my mind and heart,” Patty says, “and Living by Grace is better than I’d hoped. Isn’t that just like God?! FB is a bit like the modern day well. It’s where people worldwide go to hang out and visit with friends.”
LBG co-host and inspy author Jessica R. Patch is looking forward to increased relationship building. “I’d love to see it become a place of sisterhood,” Jessica says. “A place, like Cheers, when you walk in you’re welcome and everyone knows your name. You’re important. You matter and you feel that way when you settle in. Okay, not the best analogy, but hey, you should feel more welcome at a devotional online community than a bar!”
LBG co-host, isnpy and devo author Maria Morgan expects our new faith community to create an atmosphere conducive to personal growth. “What an opportunity to see my own faith grow as I study God’s Word and rely on the still, small voice of the Lord to guide my writing,” Maria says. “And I look forward to being challenged by the posts of the other devotional writers. It’s a true honor to be part of a team of godly women who are seeking to make 2 Peter 3:18 a reality: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”
Co-host, faith and fiction writer, Joanne Sher, is a people-addict (in a good way). She’s looking forward to the faith-based interaction. “It’s easy to connect with folks on Facebook,” Joanne says. “You can have real conversations, and get to know others: their gifts, their needs. I’d love LBG to be a go-to place for folks looking to draw the Lord more into their lives—where we can examine our lives in connection to His Word, and learn from one another.”
Co-host, former missionary, and Bible-study-teacher extraordinaire, Lynda Schultz is looking forward to the opportunity to be stimulated challenged. “I want to meet new people who share my passion and rejoice in the journey they have taken to get to this “sweet spot” in their lives.”
Personally, I’m looking forward to getting to know some of my readers on a more personal level. I believe God’s love is exponential—the more you give it, the more you receive it. And I believe He never intended for us to go it alone. In fact, like a great grandparent who takes pleasure in seeing his children come together at family reunions, I believe God receives great joy when His children unite. And if God’s doing it, I want to be in it.
We hope you’ll join us Monday through Saturday for some great, Christ-centered posts and relationship building chats. Stop by today to meet me and my co-hosts, share your thoughts with us, maybe ask a question or two.
Who we are:
Patty Wysong is an ordinary girl living the good life, the life God gave her. A home executive with over 20 years of experience, she homeschools three of her five children, but don’t let that fool you. Much of her time is spent working on what God has placed in her hand: her keyboard. From the corner of her living room she writes inspirational fiction, devotionals, blog posts, and teaches online blogging workshops. You’ll also find her drinking kool aid from her china cup, preparing for the ladies Bible study she leads, and helping at their church. Through her writing, Patty has found the extraordinary God in her ordinary life.http://www.pattywysong.com/
Joanne Sher is a Jew by birth, a Christian by rebirth, and a writer by gift. A native Southern Californian, she now lives happily in West Michigan with her husband and two school-aged children. She is a blogger and writer, of both true-life stories and fiction, attempting to ride God’s grace over rough roads. http://www.joannesher.com
Jessica R. Patch grew up in southern Illinois before attending Central Bible College, where she majored in Missions and Bible. She is devoted to her local church, having served as a Biblical Studies teacher, Women’s Ministry leader, Regional Women’s Representative, and volunteer co-pastor with her husband of the Young Adult Ministry. She’s taught workshops and frequently spoken to Women’s ministry groups. Her heart is to help women step out into deeper waters of intimacy with Jesus Christ. http://jessicarpatch.blogspot.com/
Maria I. Morgan is an inspirational/devotional writer, whose passion is to share the truths of God’s Word with today’s generation. She is a regular contributor to Around About Cumming, and Cumming Patch. You can visit her on the web Mondays and Wednesdays for a life lesson you can relate to. Maria resides in Georgia with her husband, Steve, daughter, Riley, their 2 dogs and 1 cat. http://www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com
Lynda Schultz is a “never-married.” She has served in church ministry as Director of Christian Education in several Canadian churches. For the past thirty years or so, she has been a missionary with a Canadian Baptist mission and has served in Colombia and Venezuela, as well as on home staff. She is currently Director of Christian Education/Spiritual Formation in Timmins, Ontario and still works part-time with the mission in the area of communications. Lou Lou Belle and Abby are her Venezuelan cats who have returned to Canada with her. She likes reading, writing, but definitely not arithmetic, as well as cooking and plants. http://web.mac.com/lyndalee1, http://lyndasgrainsofsand.blogspot.com and http://web.me.com/lyndalee1/Northern_Breezes
Although you already know me…
I write for Christ to the World Ministries, the Christian Pulse, and Samie Sisters. I love seeing people experience the life-changing love of Christ. I believes no sin is too sinful for forgiveness, no heart to dark to be cleansed, no wound too deep for healing, when placed in pierced hands of Christ and I pray daily that my writing provides a glimpse of God’s all-consuming love.
To my subscribers, I apologize for the double-posting the other day. One of those “pre-scheduling” issues. As an update, however, our penpal ministry has grown, which is exciting. You may remember when I talked about the jewelry the orphan girls from San Miguel, El Salvador made. I’m still waiting to hear back from a couple of organizations who I hope will partner with us as we seek ways to help these girls finds ways to be self-sustaining, but in the meantime, our church sold their jewelry to its members and sent the money to Remar San Miguel. Antonio, the orphanage “father” sent pictures via FB showing these girls in wonderful new school uniforms purchased with the jewelry proceeds. It’s amazing how far money goes down in El Salvador! We’re gearing up to go again in January. This time one of our team members wondered if we might want to teach the girls to crochet knapsacks. So, we’re thinking about it. Of course, we team members need to learn how to crochet first. What’s that they say about the blind leading the blind? Oy! But where there’s a will, there’s a way, right?
In the meantime, I’m on chapter seven of a new novel centered around El Salvador. The research is intense, on a heart level. But even as much of it breaks my heart, I’m also very encouraged because I believe long-term positive change is possible. As I mentioned before, I’m not trying to change the world, but I would like to drastically change life for someone. As the saying goes, each one reach one, right? On Friday our family’s meeting with a group from our church’s orphan ministry to discuss ways in which we can do just that.
I’d also like to invite you to join me at Laura Kurk’s blog where I share a short story very near and dear to my heart. About ten years back, while having a very rough day (uh, rough month, perhaps?), a friend called out of the blue. Another friend sent me a card with Scripture that spoke specifically to what I was dealing with. As I thought about God’s tender mercies and how He often loves us through others, I wondered…what if the friend who called decided not to call that night? What if my other friend never tucked the card in the mail?
Now, I believe God’s Sovereign and would’ve reached out to me in some other way, but I still consider the question whenever I feel God nudging me to make a phone call, write a letter, send an email, or make a visit. What if the person God is sending me to is crying out to Him right at that moment? This story, posted on Laura Kurk’s blog, asks that very question.
Before I go, I’d like you to join me and five other ladies for a modern-day, “meet at the well” experience on Facebook. At Living by Grace, each day we’ll post devotions that will be used to launch into discussions. Our vision is that this Facebook community would become a faith-focused, “Cheers” experience. You remember the theme song? “Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came….”
Before you read this story, one that brings me tears even now, stop by Under the Cover of Prayer to read about another time when God showed me His tremendous love for His children. There is nothing He won’t do to show His love and to draw His children to Him.
The following is based on a true story, shared with me by a dear friend fighting brain cancer. (The actual account is provided at the end of the story, but I wanted to put it in story form so you could perhaps understand what a beautiful experience this was for her.)
Although I pray for miraculous healing, my greatest prayer is that this radiant daughter of Christ would know, moment-by-moment, God’s incomprehensible love for her. When she told me how God is demonstrating His love to her night after night, I was reminded of God’s tender mercies. There’s a song I love, it says, “With the strength of no other, and the heart of a Father.” Think about that phrase for a moment–God is all-powerful. He created every star in the heavens and each star blazes with an enourmous amount of energy. The source of all things is always greater than that which it created. But behind that power, or more accurately, coupled with it, is a heart that bleeds for His creation. That sees us when we are at our weakest moments and goes to the ends of the earth to show us we are not alone. He Himself has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
When God Lights Up the Sky
Terry pushed up from the dinner table, staggering as the plates blurred before her. She gripped the back of her chair until the dizziness subsided.
“Momma, are you okay?” Tiffany, her oldest, froze, tears brimming in her eyes.
Swallowing down a wave of nasuea that threatened to expel her recently eaten dinner, Terry forced a smile and pulled her daughter close. “I’m great, sweetie. Now, where’s that picture you wanted to show me? The one you drew in art class?”
Tiffany studied her mother for a moment longer before turning on her heels and dashing up the stairs. Terry glanced at the clock on the far wall. 7:15. She kneaded her temples as if doing so would fight off the fatigue. One more hour to connect with her children, to instill memories, to show them the depths of her love. Then she could collapse for eight hours, maybe nine, before doing it all again.
Lord, give me energy to be here for my kids–really here. Clear the fussiness in my head. Please. And give me one more day.
“Zzzzrrrrrreeeea!” Her youngest child, Dennis, a chubby-faced boy with sky blue eyes and dimples on both cheeks, swirled an airplane in the sky. “Wanna pway with me, Momma?” He held a Match Box car in his other hand. “You can be the cops and I’ll be the cimimals.”
Terry glanced into the living room where Legos scattered the floor and a handful of other vehicles lined the couch. Maybe sitting would ease her nausea and clear her head. The least she could do was give him ten minutes.
Less than a year ago she would’ve whisked her son in the air like an airplane, filling the house with his high-pitched giggles. Now it took all her energy to make it through the day. And yet, no matter how difficult, each day was precious. Priceless. Cherished.
She turned back to her son. “I’d love to.”
The phone rang. She cringed and her husband bolted to his feet. A moment later, he called out to her. “It’s Linda from church.”
The fifth call in the last hour.
“She wants to know if she can stop by later.”
“Zoooooomzzzzeeeeeerrrrr!” Her son crashed his plane into a wall of Legos. “Momma, you gotta awwest me. I bwoke the waw. I had an akkident.”
“Hold on, sweetie.” She ruffled his hair then called out to her husband. “Can you ask her if I can take a rain check?” Grabbing a police car with chipped paint, she wove it through the “streets” of carpet town, toward her son’s plane.
“Not like that! You need to make the siwen noises.”
A wave of nausea swept over her and she leaned against the couch, double images flashing before her. Her brain pulsated, swollen from radiation-saturation, and for a moment, she feared she’d pass out.
“Honey? Honey? Are you okay?” A hand touched her shoulder and an image of her husband blurred before her.
The room went silent and her son dropped his plane. “Momma no feel well?”
She pinched the bridge of her nose and squeezed her eyes shut. Lord, please give me Your strength made perfect in weakness. For my children and husband’s sake.
“How about I put in a movie?” Her husband poked their son in the ribs until he rolled on the floor with laughter, then he cupped his wife’s chin and lifted her face until their gaze met. “Love you.” He kissed her cheek, then her mouth.
***
Terry lingered in the door of her children’s bedroom, listening to the steady rhythm of their breathing. If only she could capture this moment. Her husband draped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her close, resting his chin on top of her head.
She closed her eyes and inhaled his citrus cologne, laying her cheek against his chest. The steady pounding of his heart soothed her and for a moment, peace washed over her.
But then the phone rang again. She sighed; her shoulders caving forward. Her husband tensed.
“I’ll get it. You go relax.”
She nodded and shuffled down the stairs, outside, and to the porch swing. A cool breeze swept over her, carrying with it the faint scent of freshly cut grass. A crescent moon blazed in a clear night sky, thousands of stars twinkling all around her. She searched the constellations, naming each one in turn. For years, she’d wanted to see a falling star. As a kid, she’d spent hours searching the night sky. She’s seen many things–air planes glistening in the night, Venus blazing bright. But not once a shooting star. But one day she’d be with the bright and morning star. Even as He stayed with her now.
She leaned her head back and inhaled the cool night air, a deep warmth filling her heart, as she turned to God in prayer.
A flash of light caught her attention and she sat aright. In that moment, her vision cleared and above her, a star fell like a miniature Fourth of July firecracker.
“Oh, Father! Oh, Holy Father.”
Tears flooded her cheeks and laughter bubbled in her chest as another star followed.
***
About two months ago, my friend started to sit on her back porch talking to God. Something about looking up at the sky, under the stars, brought her peace. One night as she poured out her heart to Him, she saw a shooting star. She was so excited but didn’t connect it to God- not that time. Since that night, she has seen at least 6 – 10 shooting stars, always when she’s talking to Him. Just typing this story to me overwhelmed her with emotion.
Her words: It’s a simple thing, but for me it reminds me of His love and how He delights in showing it- to ME. Just for me. Just because He wants me to know He’s with me and hears me.
When she told me the story, I, too, was overwhelmed with emotion. A song called Light up the Sky by the Afters is one of my favorites. I listen to it often and love the chorus, “Light, light, light up the sky to show me You are with me.” I never understood why I loved that phrase so much until my friend shared her story. I believe God drew me to that song so I would understand what He’d done for my dear friend, because the song rushed to my mind the minute she told me.
With the strength like no other and the heart of a Father, He lights up the sky to show us He is with us.
Pause and listen to this song and rest in the presence of your loving Father. (And to my dear, radiant, beautiful friend–you are dearly loved! And you shine brighter than those stars God uses to show you His love.)
Today Kimberly Zweygardt talks about the balance between being God’s hands and feet and sitting at His feet. For me, this is a daily struggle and one I’ll likely never master. In my life, the answer comes from awareness and intentional living.
Learning to Be-Do by Kimberly Zweygardt
For many, the lazy, hazy crazy days of summer are over and life is back to schedules. School schedules and homework and sporting events and did someone just send me a message with a countdown clock to Christmas? Can it be?
I wanted a summer where I kicked back in the recliner while the ceiling fan rifled the pages of a really good book. Instead my hubby injured his shoulder at the beginning of May. Our summer consisted of doctor’s visits and him being busier than a one-armed paper hanger in a wall paper factory trying to get everything done before his surgery on August 15th. Not what I’d envisioned for the lazy days of summer.
And then there was the ever-changing Kansas weather. We had unprecedented rain causing a prolonged harvest and muggy temperatures clinging doggedly to the 100 degree mark for weeks. My dreams of frosty iced tea sipping and lazily flipping pages disappeared like the cool morning in the 100 degree heat as my hubby and I worked together to keep up with our very busy lives.
No time for reading a good book! And there are some great Christian fiction selections out there. So many books…..so little time for someone who loves to read, yet knows there are other more important things to do in life. It’s just all so serious, you know.
So how did you spend your summer? Are you someone who has a summer “to do” list of keeping up the house and summer projects or do you hit vacation mode as soon as the thermometer creeps up and you flip the calendar page to June?
I’m a little of both and this summer more than ever I struggled to find the balance between all I wanted to do and all I needed to do. As usual, I struggled with the “should’s”–all the things that a woman like me should do. I should schedule date nights with my husband. I should have a spotless house. I should set aside a time to connect with friends. I should lose 10 or 20 or 30 lbs and eat right and exercise every day. I should read my Bible at least 30 minutes a day and pray 30 minutes a day and ……you get the picture.
The common denominator in those things is they’re all about the doing and less about the being.
Have you asked yourself about that lately? What is it that Christ asks of us? Is it running around doing, doing, doing? Or is He calling us to come away to just be with Him?
Don’t get me wrong. I know we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are to go and do likewise. So what was it that Jesus did?
He healed the sick. Gave to the poor. Touched the lepers. Hugged the children. Spent time with His Father so He knew what the Father would have Him do at every moment. And He rested. His life was filled with love and laughter. He didn’t strive. He lived in the moment. He loved the Father and He loved people. He calls us to do likewise.
Quite different from my “to do” list where it is all about a religious life check list instead of time with the Father. God may want me to do some of the things on my list, but I’ll never know that if I don’t spend time with Him.
In my quiet time, He brought me back to Matthew 6:25: “This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?”
I realized this summer that I spend a lot of time thinking about those things….”What should I fix for supper? What should we eat? Is it good for me? Is it fattening? Do these pants make me look fat?”
Wow. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Jesus goes on to say that idolaters seek those things even though the Father knows we need them. Instead He calls us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then all these things will be provided for us.
It’s an upside down Kingdom. He wants us to be His followers. He wants us to be holy. He wants us to be in His Kingdom. But we don’t get that through the doing of good works. We get it through being adopted into the family of God through Jesus.
And then comes the doing. Out of the overflow of His love, we love others. Out of our gratitude for all He has done, we do for those He loves.
It is the perfect counterpoint for feeling like I didn’t get enough done during the not-so-lazy days of summer. So this fall, I’ve decided not to be a good Do-Be as Miss Fran asked us to be on Romper Room. Instead, I’m going to look for ways to love God and love people. I’ll be a Be-Do instead! Being His Beloved. Being His Child. And out of the overflow of that love where He first loved me, I’ll do some things that are good for me and my hubby and those He has given me to love in my world.
How about it? Want to Be-Do with me?
Blessings,
Kim
BIO: Kimberly Zweygardt is a Christ follower, wife, mother, writer, blogger, dramatist, worship leader, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, a fused glass artist and a taker of naps. She has been published in The Rocking Chair Reader anthology, the Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series on Heart Disease, and Rural Roads magazine as well as numerous blogs and Web-zines. She is the author of Stories from the Well and Ashes to Beauty: The Real Cinderella Story. For more information: www.kimzweygardt.com
BIO: Kimberly Zweygardt is founder of Lamplight Ministries whose purpose is to “illuminate Scripture through drama.” She has performed her first person accounts of the women who met Jesus throughout the United States. Kim is the author of Stories from the Well: Splashes of Living Water in the Desert of Life and Ashes to Beauty: The Real Cinderella Story. She has been published in The Rocking Chair Reader anthology, the Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series on Heart Disease, and Rural Roads magazine as well as numerous blogs and Web-zines. For more information: www.kimzweygardt.com
What about you? How do you find that balance between offering your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2) and abiding in Christ (John 15:4)?
Today I’m at my dear friend, Fay Lamb’s, sharing the not-so-glamorous side of writing. It’s almost comical that she posted my piece today, considering my dentist appointment yesterday. Going in for what I thought was a routine capping (to finish a root canal) I left with a long list of “necessaries.” My dentist’s conclusion? I’m “gummy, no offense,” and in need of a gumscoptomy (ouch!), oh, and my teeth are small–tiny actually, and in need of lengthening. Which then means my bite needs extending to make room for my bigger teeth, which she’ll give me after three year’s worth of visits. A previous dentist told me I had a protruding jaw line, which would “diminish” if I were to quit chewing gum. My daughter’s solution? Sit with my cheeks puffed out to soften the lines on my face.
When my husband got home, I asked him if there was any chance he and I could slip away to some remote island where I could hide behind my computer. To which he responded by wrapping me in a mammoth, face-smooshing hug. (Gotta love those strong, silent men. wink)
So, so glad that regardless of what happens on the outside, my forever-love husband calls me beautiful. (Yes, I do realize eye-sight wanes after 40, and for that I am very grateful!) But I know that he looks beyond the wrinkles, extra padding, and facial imperfections to a heart madly in love with him.
Gladder still that God looks at my heart and calls me a child of the King, redeemed and even now being transformed to ever-increasing glory, regardless of my Neanderthal brow, graying hair, gummy teeth, and protruding jaw. 🙂
In a world that zeroes in on the outside, it takes a bit of determined thinking to take our thoughts captive, fighting against the appearance-tide, focusing instead on matters of the heart, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
(When you’re done reading about my horrific experience with my headshot, stop by the Bible Advocate to see the end result and read my article.)
