The World's Most Beautiful Women

“Your adornment must not be merely external, braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” - I Peter 3:3 & 4

People magazine came out this week with their issue titled, “World’s Most Beautiful Women”.  I will admit it ... I skimmed through the pages of said issue while waiting in the grocery store line.  I was at once both amazed and sickened ...  concerned and insecure ... incredulous and disappointed.

I stared at page after page after page of beauty as defined by the world and by the standards of our culture.  Although I don’t know any of the women personally who were identified as “The World’s Most Beautiful” by People Magazine, I do know enough about them to know that their lives are not nearly as pretty as their sculpted faces and the inner workings of these very beautiful women break my heart.

Can I share with you who would be on my list of “The World’s Most Beautiful Women”? 

Now ... I am sure that none of you have ever met the unknown beauties that I am choosing to honor ... but I can tell you this ... they exhibit a beauty and a radiance that Hollywood could only hope to emulate.  Their ravishing beauty was not crafted by the hands of a world-renown plastic surgeon, by a famous personal trainer or with an airbrush.  Their beauty has been honed by day after day of choosing to serve Jesus when their lives fell apart.

The women who are featured on my list of “Breathtakingly Beautiful Lives” are living well and strong for the Kingdom of God at this time in history.  Although you might not know their names, you must come in contact with their hearts.

            1 - “Natalie” is a young woman who was married shortly after graduating from Bible College.  She and her pastor husband were unable to have children and for years prayed that God would enlarge their family.  When 2 precious foster children arrived into their home and into their hearts, Natalie was overjoyed.  Natalie and her husband were only days away from adopting this brother and sister dynamic preschool duo when Natalie’s husband decided he didn’t want to be a father. He left Natalie to adopt them as a single mom and to raise them alone.  Natalie is filled with joy knowing that she is making a difference in the lives of these abandoned children.  Natalie is my definition of beautiful.

            2 - “Shannon” is my friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 24.  She had a double mastectomy followed by months of chemo and radiation which caused early menopause.  It was worth it, though, because Shannon was declared cured of the horrific disease. Shannon married her college sweetheart and they adopted 2 beautiful children who filled their home with noise and joy.  3 years ago, at age 37, Shannon was diagnosed with stage 4 bone cancer.  She continues to lead 2 Bible Studies a week, disciples middle school girls and exemplifies a heart attitude that is nothing short of miraculous.  Shannon is one in a million ... truly breathtakingly beautiful!

            3 - I went to high school with “Nancy”.  We were cheerleaders together, studied Algebra together and had so many slumber parties that my parents wondered if they would ever reclaim their living room floor again.  Although I didn’t know it at the time, Nancy was being raised in an abusive environment with an alcoholic father.  Although the angry father never abused Nancy, he beat her brothers and mother and often mistreated them verbally.  Nancy came to school every single day with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.  She was so well-loved that she was voted “Best Personality” and “Underclassmen’s Favorite” in our senior class.  Since graduation, Nancy has met Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  She raised her 3 children in a loving and healthy environment and now serves as my traveling companion in ministry.  Nancy is one of those rare individuals who sparkles from the inside out.  She is living a beautiful life free from the wounds of her childhood.

            4 - “Gretchen” is a gorgeous grandmother approaching 8 decades of living.  She escaped from Poland after WWII with her sister, never to see their parents again.  Gretchen and her sister walked almost 500 miles across the European continent and nearly starved to death on the journey.  Their father had made arrangements with an American shipping boat to take his daughters to America.  Gretchen married the son of an old country family friend.  This horrible groom beat her on their wedding night and then came home drunk nearly every night for 4 decades.  Gretchen lovingly raised her only child, a daughter, in freedom and cheered the day that she graduated from an American university.  Gretchen now finds purpose and joy in loving her 2 grandsons and in serving at church as a greeter.  The smile on her face is etched in true beauty and her heart reaches out in mercy in love to everyone she meets.

Sorry, People magazine.  You didn’t get it right ... but then ... you rarely do.  I hope that some day you will understand what true beauty actually is and then find women who live it out every day of their lives.  If you need some suggestions, I would love to nominate Natalie, Shannon, Nancy and Gretchen.  Trust me on this ... the world is more beautiful because they are in it.

What is your definition of the word “beauty”?  Who is on your list of “Breathtakingly Beautiful Lives!”?

Carol McLeod of Just Joy! Ministries is a popular author and speaker at women's retreats and conferences across the globe.  She currently hosts a radio program call "Defiant Joy! Radio" in several cities, has written three books, "Defiant Joy", "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", and "Holy Estrogen!", and is the founder and CEO of Just Joy! Ministries.

With God Nothing Is Impossible!

For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37, NKJV)

"I'm sorry, but you'll never walk again or be able to bare a child." Those were the words Cheryl Salem heard when she was just a little girl. You see, this child had just been in a horrific car accident.


Her face had gone through a windshields. After she went through the windshield, the motor pushed her back through it breaking her leg and back. Her left leg was crushed in 32 different places. Not only that, but she had over 100 stitches in her face. Well, Cheryl prooved those doctors wrong! Not only did she walk again, but she had 3 children and she became Miss America 1980! 

Now, you tell me ladies, is there anything impossible with God? I think she can say without a doubt in her mind, "no there isn't!" Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today, God can do all things! He can restore a broken marriage. He can heal a terminal disease. He can bring a lost child back home. Are you facing something today that man is telling you you can't do? Let me tell you something greater! Ladies, if God calls you to it, then He will give you what you need to get it done! For He says that "nothing...let me say that again...nothing is impossible with Him!"

Father, thank You that nothing is impossible with You. Lord if You call us to something, we know You'll give us the tools to carry it out. I pray for each reader. Let her know that no matter what she's facing, it isn't an impossible situation with You. 
In Jesus Name,
Amen!

A Difference in Plans

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 
(Isaiah 55:8, NKJV)

The tears streamed down my face in a steady pool of frustration and pain. "Lord, why? Why again?" I had just received notification that for the second year in a row, I didn't receive a scholarship to a conference. "Was I not good enough?" Lord, what's going on? The same day that I was notified of this, I was also notified of something
else. I had received a scholarship to take a mission trip. You see, God had another plan for me for this year. Have you ever thought His plan was one thing only to discover something totally different was in the works? Ladies, let me encourage you to follow God's leading. You'll be amazed at what you find.

Father, thank You for being all-knowing...even when we may not understand. Thank You for your love for us. Help us all to trust in Your plan. We love You Lord. Amen.

Do you need a new perspective?

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42, New King James Version)

Ok, to say that Martha needed a new perspective was putting it mildly. When she couldn't get her sister to help her in the kitchen, she commenced to do what children do whenanother child does something to agravate them.   She tattled! There was an aspect here though that she wasn't seeing. With Mary ignoring her not-so-suttle hints to help her prepare the meal, she was missing the more important thing. She was missing the worship. She was missing the worship of the Savior. Mary knew what was important. Nothing, not even her sister's atempts for her assistance compelled in comparrison to the thing that the Lord seeks. He seeks worshipers, not busy little machines. I love what Jesus says in a later verse, "Martha, Martha, you are troubled and worried about many things. But Mary has done the right thing and it will not be taken away from her." I believe that Martha got a new perspective that day. Ladies, the next time you have a guest in your home, think of it as Jesus entering your home. Would you be more interested in preparing just the right meal, or would you bow on your knees in worship? Jesus would've been happy if Martha would've given him a hotdog on a bun, just as long as he could've had her worship. Let me encourage you, worship the Lord instead of making sure every little detail is perfect. He's not interested in a perfectionest,He's interested in a worshiper. So, let's worship before we work.

 Lord, help us to realize the importance of worship and not busyness. Help us get back to the worship of You. In Jesus Name Amen.

Who Do You Say He Is?

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 

Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29, NKJV)

Recently, our ladies group was given a chalenge. We were asked this question:

"Who do you worship, the Jesus of the Bible, or the Jesus we've made Him out to be?"

In essence, this is what Jesus was asking Peter. So ladies, who do you say that He is? Is He someone we worship with all the reverence He deserves, or is He someone we worship with the intent of our own making. With Easter upon us, ladies, let's really evaluate who He is.

Father, thank You for revealing yourself in such a powerful way. Thank You that even when we worship You the way we think You are in our minds, You still let us come. Help us all to worship You in spirit and truth.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Making Easter Personal, by Kathy Howard

I’m not a knowledgeable gardener, but I do like to putter around in the yard. The beauty of God’s natural creation amazes me, especially in the spring. New life comes from death. The bare, brown trees begin to bud and then soon their green leaves are blowing in the breeze. And here in the moderate climate of West Texas even some of my “annuals” are reappearing.

Planting flowers and digging in the dirt always reminds me of the Creator. In addition to the obvious reason that God made it all, His natural world also gloriously demonstrates spiritual truth. For instance, every individual seed has potential for new life. One small seed can produce a multitude of other seeds. But first, the seed must die and be buried in the ground. Only through death is new life possible.

Just days before His arrest, Jesus used this very analogy to illustrate the purpose behind His own death. “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds (John 12:24).” Jesus’ death and burial provided new spiritual life for many. Jesus’ death was the payment our sins deserved. This “one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men (Romans 5:18).” Without His death we would still be dead in our sins. His death gave us life.

But Jesus’ death and burial did not complete His work of salvation. Jesus’ death paid the debt for sin, but the power to live a new life came through the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, sin and death no longer have power over Him. Jesus died once to sin and death. He cannot die again. These things have forever lost their mastery over Him (Romans 6:9-10).

Good Friday and Easter Sunday commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Christians remember and celebrate what Jesus did to make our salvation possible. But have you experienced Easter personally? In the book of Romans, Paul said we must follow Jesus’ example. We, too, should experience death, burial, and resurrection.

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness? Or course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with Him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised as He was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also share His new life.

Romans 6:1-8, NLT

Jesus’ death not only bought our eternal salvation. His resurrection provides us with the power to live victoriously in this life. We have no excuse to live as slaves to sin. Sin has no power over us. If we’ve died with Christ – surrendered our lives to Him – then we have been set free from sin’s power. We now have the power to live new lives, obediently following Jesus.

Jesus wants us to be like the seed. We die to ourselves – our own way, our own desires, our own will – so we can be raised to live a new life in Christ. Our life can then point others to the Giver of Life. Will you take Easter personally this year?

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 2:20, NIV

Written by Kathy Howard

Originally posted on www.kathyhoward.org

Kathy Howard helps women live an unshakeable faith for life by encouraging them to stand firm on our rock-solid God no matter the circumstances of life. Kathy, who has a Masters in Christians Education, has been teaching the Bible for over 25 years. Kathy served on a church staff in Midland, Texas for the five years until her family’s move to the Houston area. Kathy and her husband have three children, a son-in-law, and one precious grandbaby. Find out about her books and speaking ministry and get discipleship tools and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org.

Making Preparations

My precious readers,

I'm in preparation right now for the North Carolina Pilgrimage retreat weekend. This will be the first time for me to attend this spiritual weekend of refreshment, and I'd appreciate your prayers. As I spend so much time ministering and counseling others, it is much-needed that I get re-fueled so that I can come back and do more of what God has called me to do. So with that in mind, I will hopefully be back on my writing schedule on Monday.

May I pray for you?

Father, I pray for each of my readers. Hold her close to Your heart Lord. If her heart is broken, mend it as only You can. Hold her benieth the shadow of Your wing. I ask for Your sweet peace and comfort. In Jesus Name, Amen

Are You Making Comparisons?

For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? (Psalm 89:6, NKJV)

I had to wage the war between my brain and Satan. As this verse clearly states, noone or nothing can be compared to the Lord. In the same way, we can't compare ourselves to others. I was comparing myself to another writer by saying that she was better than I. She has more experience than I do. While that's true that she does have more experience, through a dear friend I was reminded that God is using me in ways that I don't even realize. Ladies, are you comparing yourself to someone today? Let me encourage you, don't listen to the enemy's lies!!

Lord, thank You for friends that point us to the truth. Thank You Lord that we don't have to compare ourselves to anyone else. You give us the talent, let us use it the way You desire. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

The Anointing That Saved Her Life

 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14, NKJV)

The phone rang, and the call would save her life. You see, my friend was about to take her own life. She thought that life wasn't worth living anymore. Her circumstances had so clouded her mind, that she had thoughts of ending it...and if not for the phone call, she would have done exactly that.

But...

Jesus was poured back into my friend. Through the anointing of oil, my friend was brought back to life...to full life. What situation in your life seems so hopeless that you've throught of ending it. Maybe not ending it with pills or a gun, but ending it with God. You've thought of walking away, and if not for dear friends, you would've done exactly that. Let me encourage you, don't give up.

Father, thank You for your fresh manna. Thank You for bringing us back when we feel likeup. Please help my reader see that she has life...the best life in You. Amen. giving    

Who Are You?

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV)

Over the last few weeks, I've struggled to know who I am. Because of some circumstances, I've felt like I have no value. I've felt as though my relationships mean nothing, that I'm not even worth having as a friend. But through some dear friends reassurances and through my Jesus, I've realized all those things are lies from the enemy. I do have worth. I do have value. You know what ladies? This verse tells me that I'm a royal daughter of the King. Not only am I royalty, I'm set apart. Because I'm all those things, I'm to praise Him for bringing me out of the darkness into His light. Do you feel devalued today? Do you feel like you're worthless? Let me say, you're not devalued. You're not worthless.

Father, thank You for giving us our worth. Thank You for letting us know that our value isn't in people; it's in You. Lord we love You and we praise You. Amen. 

You Are Mine

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine. (Isaiah 43:1, NKJV)

Over this week, this verse has been illuminated to me in a new way. Through some circumstances,  I'd taken my eyes off of the Lord. I'd taken my eyes off of the fact that "I am His and He is mine." This verse tells me that He has called me by my name. So no matter what another person think or doesn't think, I know who I belong. My friend Edie Melson made the statement, "I know longer fear who I am, because I know whose I am." Are you in a place today where you've taken your eyes off of the lover of your soul? Ladies, let me encourage you, refocus your heart and your life. Let Him envelop you in His peace and love.

Father, thank You for Your peace. Thank You that when we feel like we're alone, You so gently remind us of Your nearness. I pray for my reader today, that You'll just envelop her in Your peace and presence. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Going Through a Storm?

 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isaiah 43:2, NKJV)

This morning while listening to the sermon, our pastor encouraged each of us to claim a word from this prophecy. As I tthought about what the chalenge was, I thought about what I've gone through recently. I've been through the flood and through the water. But do you know what? I've not stepped in it, I've just gone through it. And when I come out on the other side of this storm; this verse says I won't even smell of smoke. So ladies, what are you going through? Let me encourage you, read the intire chapter and ask God to give you a word. What ever that word/phraise may be, claim it for you.

Father, thank You that when we're going through storms, we aren't scortched. Lord You promise to be with us through it all. Thank You Lord. We love You and praise You, amen.

Don't Grow Weary

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galitions 6:9, NKJV)

"You're doing an excelent job." Those were the words I heard from my dear friend, Edie Melson last weekend as she was critiquing my blog. That goes to show you that in whatever you're doing for the Lord, don't grow weary. In His time, you will be rewarded. It may not be here on earth, but the greatest reward will come when we get home. The greatest reward will come when we see the faces of  the people that through one word . . . one deed, a life was changed. So what are you doing for the Lord that you feel isn't producing any results? Let me assure you, your reward is coming!

Lord, thank You for giving us a heart to work for You. Father sometimes, we feel as though what we're doing doesn't matter. Help us to see that in Your eyes, it does matter. It matters for eternity. Amen.

God's Amazing Plan

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV)

The excitement in the room was palpable. You could've heard a pin drop as we all awaited the news. And then it happened! The winner is...Nan Jones! My friend Nan had just won a publishing contract! Her dream had come true. I'm sure she didn't know this was God's plan for her life. But you know what? He knew it would be her time to be published on Febuary 2nd, 2013 even before her birth. Ladies, let me tell you God has some awesome plans for you. What are the plans you've been waiting to come to fruition in your life?

Father, thank You for always knowing the plans for our lives. Lord I praise You for even when we can't see it, you're the master planner. You know our future. Lord we love You and we praise You. In Jesus Name, amen. 

The Great Love of God

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 ESV

Have you ever had the feeling that you woke up one morning and someone stole the life you were living? That’s how I felt a year and a half ago when my husband came home and announced he was given a pink slip that day. I knew it was coming. I had tried to prepare myself for it. But I could not have predicted the blow to my gut when the day finally arrived. It was surreal.

There are so many feelings that David and I have experienced as we are going through the process of loss and faith and trust. Though our world has fallen apart, God's love remains constant. We have had low times, and we have had days of celebration! I recently graduated with my Master’s Degree in Psychological Counseling and was invited to be part of a private practice. David continues to look for a full time position.

Through it all, we have turned toward one another and the Lord to sustain us. Jesus is amazing. He does not prevent bad things from happening, but His comfort and love are real.

David and I are grateful to know Him and to experience His love for us. We have truly discovered that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We are a product of His love. We can lift our hands and say Glory to God in the highest!

Have you encountered hard times recently? I hope you will be encouraged to know that He is with you. He carries you. And His love for you is infinite. Take some time today to thank Him for holding you and sustaining you with His unconditional love.