Another birthday, another year…

I had a birthday this week.  I realized that looking at 33 is much like looking at 23, but with more wisdom.  I imagine that hitting 43 and 53 will be higher benchmarks in the wisdom department.  I wouldn’t hope for anything less.

My prayer: “Lord, may I glorify you in all that I do this year.  May each birthday that rolls around every year remind me to celebrate Your wisdom, as You graciously give me a piece of it.  Lord, I long for You, Your ways, and Your Truth.  Direct my path.  Help me to make wiser choices this year than I did the last, and help me to always seek You out in every corner of my life.  Sweep clean every cobweb hanging around from yesteryear that doesn’t bring glory to You, and may I seek YOUR face, YOUR will, YOUR ways, and YOUR wisdom in my 33rd year of life.  In the name of Jesus, Yeshua, my Messiah.  Amen.”

Wonderfully Made – sung and recorded by Demetria Zinga

This song was originally written and performed by Bryan Wilson, and has been instrumental in encouraging me over the years with self esteem and security.  I took out my keyboard and my recording equipment one evening and decided to sit down to record my own home spun version of Bryan’s wonderful song.

I pray that you enjoy this song as much as it has been helpful to me.

 

 Wonderfully Made. Bryan Wilson: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

What is a truly beautiful woman?

What makes a woman beautiful?

In this podcast episode I recorded in 2006, I discussed the following subtopics:

• God’s beauty isn’t measured by the world’s standards
• The world’s beauty is a sickening distortion of God’s perfect will…not about sex appeal or prosperity or vanity of any kind
• True Beauty is measured by the spirit of a woman

What would you say to those who don’t feel they are special in God’s eyes?

• Scripture says you are uniquely and wonderfully made

How can a woman continue the legacy of beauty God meant for her?

• Read God’s word and study what He has to say about her
• Get close to the Lord and develop a thirst for Him
• Don’t let the fire and passion for time with your savior be quenched
• Be around other beautiful Godly women (all women pursuing holiness are beautiful in God’s standards).  Seek to be around such people

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Reflections on attitude…

Today was lovely.  I am learning how to appreciate my children more.

Baby Z (my toddler) has a cold, and despite the fact that she isn’t feeling well, her sunny disposition makes me smile.

And my oldest daughter, my little princess, is forever amazing me with her intelligence and willingness to help out her dear mama whenever possible.  For example, today we shopped for an hour at our local Winn Dixie (I was crossing my fingers for a few coupons at the checkout counter, which never happened…but I digress)…and the whole time NyGirl (as I like to call her) strolled her baby sister around for me as I pushed the shopping cart.  Baby Z had been sleeping for some time and (thankfully) slept throughout the entire shopping trip…but she isn’t so light any more, so after about 30 minutes of pushing the stroller I volunteered to help NyGirl, but she responded, “No, mom…I can do it.  I’ll help.”  Her answers for me all week have been “Sure, anything else you need?”   And, as is her character, I never have to worry about a hidden agenda up her sleeve, like “okay…now can I have five bucks?”  It just never happens.  At least so far.  I hope it will remain that way.  And needless to say, after observing her actions I had to look at my own.  Truly, this is what inner beauty is all about.

My heart has melted.

I begin to wonder how God, our Heavenly Father, must feel when we remain sunny and cheerful as my dear BabyZ, despite our physical ailments or emotional pain.

I wonder how Jesus must feel when we, like NyGirl, respond to His requests with “Sure, is there anything else you would like for me to do?”

Must it brighten His day?  Cause a smile to light His countenance?  Assure Him of our faith in Him?  Cause His face to shine upon us?  Cause Him to work on behalf for our requests even sooner than we had expected (though He is always on time!)?  Does He rise up on our behalf, determined to ensure that we have not only what we need, but exceedingly, abundantly above what we even dare ask or think?

All because of attitude…

Attitude.

Lord, help me to have your attitude.