Are Looks Important???

When I began to seek God concerning the man He had created me for, I was very open and honest in my prayers. He knows everything anyway, so I figured no point in lying to myself. My prayer life really transformed a few years ago, and through His word and the Holy Spirit, He speaks to me very clearly. My prayers are no longer one-sided. We truly have conversation.

So, I made a very specific list of all the things I wanted in a man/relationship. When I say specific, I mean it. That list has more than 50 things on it, and it grows as I grow. He said that He would give me the desires of my heart, in accordance to His word. (Now, understanding "heart's desires" is another issue altogether. He taught me about that, too.)

But when I learned to really listen in prayer, I began to hear God speak. And He cannot lie. The more honest I was in talking to Him, the more He revealed to me. I referred to my list often to be sure that the things I was asking for were in line with His word and what He wanted for me.

Several things on my list have to do with physical appearance. I asked God if I was being superficial in my requests. Was it really the desire of my heart or the lust of my flesh? I'd be completely lying if I said looks weren't important to me. I knew it and He knew it. So He gave me a word to help me out.

"And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground -- trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food."
(Genesis 2:9a)

This scripture may seem simple and could easily go overlooked, but it meant the world to me! It says so much about how much God loves us, even from the beginning of creation. So many things are revealed in just that one sentence.

• He made all kinds of trees.

This means that He created man to have different likes and tastes. He likes us to have choices. The gift of choice is wonderful! He made sure to cater to our many various preferences. 
 

• He made trees that were pleasing to the eye.

This was may favorite part! This meant that God cared about what I thought was attractive or beautiful. Truly this was a perk. The trees provided food and nourishment; that's the only real requirement to sustain life. But He loves us so much that He cares that we have beautiful things to look at.

• He made trees that were good for food.

We can get caught up in things that are "pleasing to the eye", but as far as necessity goes, we NEED food. Physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, we need to be nourished for proper growth. To sustain abundant life and wholeness, to truly "prosper and be in good health even as our souls prosper” (3 John 1:2), none of these areas can go lacking.

When considering these things, remember this: God's will for us is perfect. God's creation of earth was perfect and remained so until sin entered (and that didn't come until Genesis chapter 3). In God's perfect will, He cares about what's important to us. He proved it by giving us variety, beauty, and necessity.

Don't feel bad about caring about looks or beauty. Know that God cares, too. He knows what you like and prefer, and He doesn't mind catering blessings to fit your taste. It's a wonderful form of favor! Remember that there is nothing too small or trivial or superficial to take to God. He cares about what we care about (1 Peter 5:7). He's just awesome like that!

"POSSIBLY BEAUTIFUL"

Today is the most beautiful day.

It’s the only one I have.

It’s the only one that’s mine.

I have everything today, and I want more tomorrow.

Today is always most beautiful -- Tomorrow’s Gateway.

Tomorrow never comes.

But Today flows with perfect beauty.

Perfect Possibilities.

Today, I see beauty.

I live in beauty.

Beauty is in me.

Beauty is me.

What do you see?

Instability? Poverty? Sadness? Ignorance? Foolishness? Insanity?

What you say…what you see, doesn’t much bother me.

Because I am beautiful.

Because beauty is me.

It’s all I see.

The Beauty of Possibility.

Am I strong?

Will I be wealthy?

Happy?

Can ignorance be enlightened?

Could crazy go sound?

At the very least -- possibly.

...I rather enjoy being beautiful.

It’s not something I’ve always known.

But it’s something I’ve always been.

My smile is beautiful; it is genuine.

My words are beautiful; they are true.

My mind is beautiful; it is without limit.

My eyes are beautiful; they see possibility.

My heart is beautiful; it loves deeply.

I am beautiful; I live beautifully.

Wherever I am is beautiful.

Wherever I go becomes beautiful.

Life is beautiful.

This life is so beautiful.

My life is the most beautiful…possibly.

~ ALA  

Willow Smith: 21st Century Girl

Just a few short months ago, a very confident Willow Smith burst onto the music scene with an undeniable smash hit. While the world "whipped their hair back and forth" (myself included), I wondered what the next move would be for the 10-year old overnight success. Not that any of Willow's talent or early stardom is a fluke; with Will and Jada as parents, her star quality would be difficult to dispute. And they were shrewd enough to get industry mogul, Jay-z and RocNation as a co-sign. Still, after "Whip My Hair" swept the nation (and the world for that matter), I wondered if the bar had been set too high, whether on purpose or unknowingly.

Well, after seeing the video for her sophomore single, "21st Century Girl", I'm thinking that Little Miss Smith may be in it to win. In this new anthem, she declares: "I am a rebel, but I do it with class!" And since she's chosen to open her music video with the legendary Cicely Tyson, I'm inclined to believe her. This video cuts no corners in the quality department, and she remains completely age-appropriate in everything from concept to attire. The video is a great one!

Also, being that the reality of many of our 21st century girls has taken a turn towards Too Much Too Soon, I'm hoping that Willow's career can help to set some new pop standards. She's obviously got a great team behind her. I'm with it! GO TEAM WILLOW!!!

Click here to check out the video for Willow new single, "21st Century Girl"!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfuHSJqqgAo

Check out Willow's webpage at the link below!
http://www.willowsmith.com/

The War Is On...

What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t get caught? Better yet, what would you do if you knew that you would suffer no consequences whatsoever? Go ahead, be completely and ridiculously honest. You don’t have to answer to anyone but you. Got it? Good. Now, really think about whatever your thing is. Have you ever stopped to wonder why you’re even drawn to something like that? Why it keeps crossing your mind? Why is seems so appealing? I know exactly what I’d do, and quite frankly, I’d never tell anyone ever! But guess what? I don’t feel bad or ashamed or embarrassed by it. I know that I’m comprised of two parts: flesh and spirit. They constantly war against each other. (And not to alarm you, but you should be fully aware that it is a fight to the death!) Still I wondered, of all the many things my flesh could long to see fulfilled, why this particular thing? As a Christian in a growing relationship with God, I know that it is entirely out of the question and I pray repentance and forgiveness at even the thought of it. But yet and still the issue taunts me; it actually seems to pick on me! I didn’t understand it and it was starting to make me annoyed and angry. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like having to go to God to ask for forgiveness or even help with the same struggle over and over again. But He’s so faithful and wise and never tires of me. He even tells me to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. In doing this, I find my prayers constantly filled with repentance for sins and requests to receive the desires of my heart according to His promises.

I thought back to the “war going on in my members”. I pondered again my plaguing issue. Then I thought of the very nature of Satan. He is a thief, a murderer, and a liar. He wants to keep me from all that God has for me and seeks to kill me in the process. While God is the Creator, he is nothing more than a cheap counterfeit and perverts all things good. I considered yet again the cadence of my prayers: Repentance of Sins and The Desires of My Heart…

“This is the war“, I realized. Though I had not actualized the lusts of my flesh in full potential, I’d opened the door with just my thoughts. And as I am brutally honest with myself, I see where I’ve made steps toward the fulfillment of these desires. I feel just as schizophrenic as Apostle Paul. “Why am I even doing this? Especially when I know what my heart’s desire is? It’s like a blatant contradiction?” Then I recalled a scripture that I was all too familiar with.

Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of your flesh.

My issue gains strength when I’m not walking in the spirit; and in those moments, I tend to get the desires of my heart confused with the lusts of my flesh. When my carnal man gets the upper hand in battle, my vision gets obscured and I even begin to justify my wrong doings. This is exactly what Satan wants. To get me to fall for a knockoff of the real merchandise God wants to give me. God delights in giving me my heart’s desires. He actually planted the desires there. They are all a part of His perfect will for me. But obtaining them in their fullness would bring glory to God, thus being a mighty blow to the kingdom of darkness.

Think back once more to whatever your issue is. (I must remind you: BE HONEST! It won’t benefit you if you‘re not!) Now think on your heart’s truest desire. I’d be willing to bet that you could find some similarities within the two. That’s why your thing is specific to you. That’s why it picks on you. It’s a strategic attack against your purpose in the Kingdom of God. Remember, Satan won’t tempt you with what you don’t want. It would be a waste of his time and truly his days are numbered. The war is on and he’s going right in for the kill. The contenders are Genuine vs. Counterfeit, The Desire’s of Your Heart vs. The Lusts of Your Flesh, God’s Will vs. Satan’s Way, Perfection vs. Perversion. Don’t get discouraged or dismayed when that thought or issue comes to tempt you again. It just means that you’re still in the fight. Thanks be to God who always gives us the victory in Christ Jesus!


Reference Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7-11
John 10:10
Romans 7:14-25
Galatians 5:16-26
Psalm 37:4
2 Corinthians 2:14

The Petite Model

Who said that all supermodels had to be super-tall? Well, the standards of "vanity society" have been saying it for years. And with some degree of just cause, I suppose. For the purposes of advertising (especially in fashion), designers, manufacturers, etc. want people who they believe can display their products and designs in the most visually appealing way. And I somewhat reluctantly agree that a lot of the features that advertisers look for seem prevalent among the long and lanky...thin frame, long limbs, defined muscles, chisled cheeks. But even if this particular gene pool seems like a convenient one-stop shop for beautiful people, does it mean that professional beauty doesn't exist outside of it?

I want to officially join those who dare to challenge the beauty status quo with resounding "NO!" Just a hair under 5'4'', Isobella Jade has created a lane for a growing trend, The Petite Model. Jade's book "Short Stuff" gives realistic tips and genuine inspiration to some of the world's most beautiful women...who just happen to be shorter than the average model.

One of the most naturally beautiful women I know, Shirletha Jordan, is one of many who has been inspired by Jade's work. And she is doing her part to continue growing the trend. Jordan, a New York resident by way of Atlanta, GA, has linked up with some talented photographers who share her visions. Her work is gaining recognition as she was recently featured on the blog: Isobella Jade's Petite Modeling Tips as "Petite of the Week." Shirletha's is definitely a beauty worth showcasing, and the Petite Model trend is certainly one worth supporting. I'm hoping it's here to stay! Way to go Ladies!!!

Check out Shirletha Jordan on Facebook, or click the links below to see Petite Modeling in action!

http://www.petitemodelingtips.com/2011/02/petite-of-week-is-shirletha.html

http://www.modelmayhem.com/1867449

INSENSITIVITY OR IGNORANCE?

The level of sensitivity you show someone in any given situation is largely contigent upon your life experiences.

I recently had a conversation with someone who, with a boldness worn proudly, shared an utter distain for people with unsightly teeth.

The Argument: They look at themselves everyday, so with all the resources available (i.e. a variety of toothpastes, cleansers, whiteners, dental professionals) why don't they just fix the problem?!

My Counter-Argument: If seemingly obvious solutions are so readily available, then perhaps the problem is deeper than meets the eye... or perhaps just your eye.

I firmly believe that most people want to (and will) present themselves publicly in the best manner possible. Now, there are your exceptions who truly don't care much. But we're going to ignore them for now. Those people who do care about there public appearance, whether physically, professionally, or even emotionally, do all they can to offer the best presentation. So that person with stained teeth, more than likely has attempted or is still working to solve the issue that so many people see as a quick fix. And having it called to their attention probably doesn't help any self-esteem issues that tend to inherently accompany those types of physical imperfections.

The guy with the "flawed" smile doesn't really want to hear advice from the guy flashing his pearly whites in a million dollar smile. The 20-year old girl with thinning hair doesn't want tips from the local Rapunzel. The young adult with adolescent-like acne isn't trying to hear that she should just drink more water. Basically, if both the problem and the solution seem equally obvious, more often than not, it's just not that simple. And people feel insulted when you approach them like a 20-second, quick fix, everyday maintenance advertisement. Especially when it's been an ongoing issue.

However, there are people who truly do empathize with another's plight. The defining difference, the fine line between insult and encouragement, is in the approach. Those people who really do know what it's like to struggle with glaring physical flaws, don't easily forget those feelings of insecurity. And out of that remembrance, they're able to approach people with respect, and ultimately the help and hope that they truly desire.

More times than I care to remember, I've offered unsolicited advice which stemmed solely from my limited observations. I'm learning that though most people mean well, they don't always come across well. And even some of the sharpest minds I know, haven't mastered the art of outwitting their tongues. We've got to learn to consider things from perspectives other than our own; and that in itself takes a commitment to exercising wisdom. In the meantime...

To those of us dishing it out: Imagine if you were on the other side of your view of another person's problem. What if you couldn't do anything about it? Let's try to be a bit more considerate. 

To those of us being served: Let's be more patient with those who probably mean well, but are insensitive due to ignorance.