You Are Beautiful by Nicole Johnson
Posted October 27th, 2009 by Women of Faith
There is no beauty in makeup. Expensive clothes will not make you beautiful. The secret lies in being an alive, awake woman with something to offer the world. Namely, yourself. Beauty is less about your face and more about your smile. Less about the shape of your eyebrows, more about the light in your eyes. Less about the length of your legs, more about the bounce in your step. Real beauty is being a viable, vital human being. As you participate in your life with a warm smile and a generous spirit, you are beautiful.
Living your life will bring out the beauty in you because it is uncovering you. It is revealing more of the authentic you that is beautiful. Because life is a living, breathing work of art, you are a painting as you go. Be a masterpiece. Drink in life. Laugh too loud. Compliment others constantly.
Cultivate beauty all around you. Plant a garden. Embrace beauty wherever you find it—in the fall leaves, in the spring flowers. This will help you embrace it in yourself. When you appreciate a sunset or your child’s clay candlestick or a beautiful piece of music, you are saying yes to beauty. You are saying yes to God.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” –Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Excerpted from Fresh-Brewed Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul, © 1999 by Nicole Johnson. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Purchase a copy of Fresh-Brewed Life here.
Tags: Nicole Johnson
65 Responses to “You Are Beautiful by Nicole Johnson”
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:55 am
This really sounds lovely but…I’ve lost my smile, and how do you be a “viable” - vital human being? How do you bounce when all you want to do is hide? How do you smile when you are alone and lonely and it rains day after day?
A garden in the winter? How does one really cultivate beauty?
Do you have any advice I could apply to my life today?
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Look and it will be found. Remember to knock and the door will open. Yes, you have to knock you have to look and open the door. God brought beauty in the smallest in the very littlest way and when you find it because you have to search it will be there somewhere and you will smile. A little smile or big smile will come it will come. Look in the mirror and pray to God thru your littlest gleam left. Winter has a very beautiful garden . Go out early on a sunny or fresh snowy morning and see the glimmer the trees filled with warmth. The colors are there you have to look. Listen for the birds they will sing for you.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
I recommend signing up for a great daily devotional call Stepping Stones. You can sign up for it at http://www.lighthousenetwork.org.
I highly recommend it becuause it gives alot of good advice. I hope you feel better. God loves you, Love, Martine
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Nikki, It is hard to hold your head up and put one foot in front of the other at times but remember that your Heavenly Father loves you with an unconditional love. Our responsibility is to honor Him with our life. Look in the Bible for the reassurance of how much He loves you and has a plan for you. Listen to Christian music. Think on any good thing that you can. Phillipians 4:8. And then when you can, reach out to someone else and share God’s love with them.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Our eyes are the lamp to our body. If we take in darkness… we see darkness. Make a choice to see light… to see beauty. Praise God when life is hard… praise him when you don’t feel like it… then your attention is turned to Him and soon you will not remember what it was that was hindering you.. put your focus on him… sing praises to him out loud…speak out loud what the lord has done… read the Psalms… He will lift you up… He delights in you. You are a precious child to Him… You are the apple of His eye.. He wants nothing more than for you to be set free.. that’s why He came… to set the captives free… Set your thought on Him… you can’t help but smile when you realize you are the Kings Daughter!
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
If you believe in God, then you can find beauty in God. The rest will come.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
First you must sometimes get out of the comfort zone.
When you can bring a smile to someone else, you have accomplished a great thing for that day. Little steps. Lend someone a hand perhaps a stranger that is struggling with finding something in the grocery store. Ask if you can help. Ask a cashier what is her favorite candy bar and after you have paid for it, give it to her. Call an elderly person you know. That will always bring a smile to their face.
Plant some seeds and watch them germinate for planting in the spring.Get up every day and say “Lord, this is the day you have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it”.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I truely believe BEAUTY is in the eye of the beholder!
Too much emphasis is put on being perfect in socities eye. The only EYE I want to impress is God’s. He has created so much beauty for us to behold. I enjoy watching the rain because it makes the Fall colors so much more vibrant and the snow puts a glisten of pure white on our already beautiful world. Positive thinking will make a bigger impact on life than negative thinking which causes wrinkles>>>
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Nikki - You’re right, it’s tough to see beauty when it seems like there is no “life” around you. But, in this moment, try to search for those things that give you hope and focus on the things that bring all kinds of new feelings with each passing season. In the fall/winter, you can see the beauty in the changing colors of the leaves, the gathering of a harvest, taking the opportunity to curl up with a cozy blanket and read an uplifting story, and knowing that those days of rain will bring an array of plants and flowers to life in the spring. Ultimately, attitude is everything, and when you think positively it helps you see the good all around you. There are days when we all struggle to put a smile on our faces — but the next day is God’s way of telling us that we have another chance to make it better than the last. Let your faith fill that void in your life and guide you to what makes you happy.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
That’s a good question Nikki but you were born equipped with an internal garden. God planted seeds of talent, gifts and joy deep within your sould and spirit and now you must search for their growth and help them to flourish. Do you write? or sing? Maybe you are artistically inclined….or just maybe you have a gift of seeing the beauty in others. They need a lift too. In lifting them with an enouraging word or a thoughtful little card saying what you love about them or that you see the good they offer others, you will find yourself fulfilled with a joy you never knew. God uses us when we think we are useless. My prayers are with you Nikki - love, Holli
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Everyone’s life story is different. I know I once lived a life where all I wanted to do is hide and every day was rainy because of the situation I was in. I think because of it, because I know what it feels like to not have my smile, I now cherish it even more so. You start with actions first then the emotions will follow. Appreciate the laughter of a child…watch how they get a kick out swinging, try it yourself, even if you have to wait when no one is watching, and just enjoy. Take the action and allow the emotion to follow. A smile will follow…cherish it and move to another action…walk in the rain, move with it, and the best the best thing to do is to find others who you can share how you feel and they can help you along the way.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Nikki,
I don’t know your circumstance, but I do know what it is like to feel like there is no tomorrow. I lost a child to SIDS and I never thought I would be able to happy again, but trust me when I tell you…..YOU CAN DO IT! Try to remember the last time you were happy and what made you happy. Whether it be friends, or children. Figure it out and surround yourself. I lost my son, but I adore my daughter. I surround myself with her, my friends and my friends kids. They make me smile and happy. That is where I put my focus. They saved me from the depths of hell. If I can do it, so can you. Big Hugs and Lots of Encouragement!
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Nikki - Beauty is cultivated in Christ and Christ alone. Sounds like a bad time in your life. Wouldn’t it be nice to “be a masterpiece…to bounce along and smile even in winter”? Nice but not realistic, especially in hard times. No sweet, nice suggestions about planting gardens and smelling flowers and the such. Hold on to Christ and His Word for dear life and don’t let go. He loves you and will see you through.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Nikki- Your post has prompted me to respond, something I have NEVER done. By focusing on God and others it can take the pressures off of what you feel on the inside. At first you may have to fight to fake a smile, but by surrounding yourself with the beauty of God’s beautiful world, from the awesome way He built our earth, the complexities of how nature grows (which need rain) the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, even the beauty of a perfect storm cloud, the varing degrees of green in God’s perfect world. By truly getting into His word and looking for how you can serve our Lord, you will find the peace and beauty you seek. Even in the midst of depression when you seek outside your self you can again see joy. Eventually the fake smile will somehow become real. Helping others really does help you. Seek God’s word, and take time to pray and work on your relationship with Him, by serving others you will draw closer to the Lord, i will be praying for your smile to turn from faking it to making it!
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Love it - want to post it on my Facebook as a note!!! Nikki - you remember through the darkest day someone loves you - God - I’ve been in the hole and its hard to dig out - but knowing you are feeling anything means you are alive - which means you are surviving -you can fight back - you can take hold of your life and make it whatever you want/need it to be - all feelings are good - even the bad ones!
(Or as I tell my daughter in jest - put your big girl pants on and deal with it - we are women - we are strong!)
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I live, love and laugh because He has done an awesome work in me and therefore, I no longer have any bondage holding me down and when the World seems like it is tumbling down, I do not hesitate to look up. Enjoy life with no regrets and you will have a life to live.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Nikki, just know that there is something God has for you to do that is only for you. Talk to Him about it and in that purpose, you will find beauty and vitality. I just went through a bout with breast cancer and was feeling like there was nothing else for me to look forward to. But God has lead me to a local ministry that needs my help and I feel useful, vital and joyous again. Hang in there–your sisters out there love you.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I have felt that way in the past. But I have decided not to think that way anymore. I had to change my thinking. I am allowing God to renew my mind. I am not perfect at it yet but God is changing me day by day. First stop putting yourself down. Dont focus on your shortcomings, look at your positives. God has put special giftings in you, acknowledge what you are good at, dont focus on what you are not. AND get involved in something that uses your gifts. Get into the word and read. I have a daily devotional that is full of encouragement. Find one and read it daily. Find people to surround yourself with that see in you good things. If you don’t go to a church find one and talk to the pastor, they can get you involved with groups that fit your needs/talents. Allow God to prune you and shape you into what he wants, be ready for change. You can do it, He loves you and He is for you. And I want to hear how things are going.
Terrie
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
My husband left my children and I last week. He had an affair with a younger, thinner woman six months ago. I am now picking up the pieces of my life. I’m clinging to God and living each day on His promises of hope. Thank you for your wisdom. My esteem is battered and I don’t feel beautiful. I do, however, belong to an amazing Creator! His purpose for my life is beyond my understanding. I am thankful for Christian sisters and a supportive family. I am going to embrace beauty in myself. I am going to continue to love and encourage others. I am going to thank God daily for His perspective on beauty! Thanks Nicole!
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
You sound just like me–I think I need a mentor to help me get back my smile and bounce. HELP!
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Wrap your arms around Jesus & let him into your life & into your heart. Knowing Jesus brings beauty into your life. Having a relationship with him, let’s you know that you are never alone & let’s you know that there is nothing that you can’t handle, because he is always there with you. Jesus will be the sunshine in your life even if it is raining. Read his Words & let them fill you because there is nothing, nothing that God can not do. Ask him into your life & he will always, always be there for you!!!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I have been where you are Nikki. For me healing has come through connection at church and with people who love the Lord and love me unconditionally-even when I don’t feel loveable. “A friend sticks closer than a brother” the scripture is so true. Volunteer to help out in Sunday school or nursery even if it’s out of your comfort zone and sometimes painfully tough. Let God use your pain to mold you and create a life that is glorious! When we allow God to use our pain it is never wasted! Give yours to God and do the next right thing. I will pray for you.
Love in Christ.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
“The most Beautiful people…..are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. They have an appreciation of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE DO NOT JUST HAPPEN” Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.
STRENGTH AND BEAUTY ARE IN YOUR SANCTUARY.
The song, “BEAUTIFUL based on 1Cor.6:11……
BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, JESUS IS BEAUTIFUL, AND JESUS MAKES BEAUTIFUL THINGS OF MY LIFE. CAREFULLY TOUCHING ME, CAUSING MY EYES TO SEE, JESUS MAKES BEAUTIFUL THINKGS OF MY LIFE.” Draw close to God & Listen; He has a message for you! Be with your pain.
Learn that all the humanness we’re tolerating is what makes ourselves and others BEAUTIFUL!
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
nikki,my heart breaks for you our GOD is so big he knows your needs,fears,worries he wants us to lean on him he wants us to leave all our fears at his feet it does start in getting plugged in at your church nikki keep your eyes on christ he will put that smile in your heart and the bounce in our walk only in christ not of this world i will pray for you
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Dear Nikki,
My heart is so heavy for you and I am praying for you. You have no idea how precious and how beautiful you are in God’s eyes! Because if you did, you couldn’t help but smile and be filled with joy. There are so many scriptures that talk about how God feels about you…too many to list all of them but here are a few of my favorites…Psalm 139 (the whole chapter)-You are fearfully & wonderfully made!; Luke 12:6-7; Ephesians 3:14-20. God created you and He takes great pride in His masterpieces. You are so precious to Him that He even sent His Son to die so that He could spend eternity with YOU in heaven! How awesome is that? You can’t tell me that doesn’t make you smile! And that, my dear friend, is beautiful!
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Dear Nikki, I have been where you are and in alot of ways I am there now. I have never been lucky but blessed by our church. It is a small congreation of about 350 people but with Christ and out faith family I can always smile. Look for Christ in everything, from bananas to balloons. Put you hand out to him and he will take hold. That is the truth. I received a blessing today. YOU
Love in Christ
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Nikki, I’ve been there, too. I was there ALL my life until my early 40’s when someone finally convinced me to see a doctor. I would advise that, as well. You may have clinical depression, and for that there is real help. I am not discounting church connection at all, but God has also given us the gift of the medical sciences. Look into it. I pray you find the relief you need.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Focus on the poitives and keep a praise journal. Write down at least 5 things as you go throughout your day. Find those God moments all around you even when you feel there is nothing to smile about. Read inspirational, uplifting books or quotes and meditate on those. You are beautiful, Nikki, and your smile comes from within and learning to love yourself. Take baby steps daily. It won’t happen overnight, but you can find that vitality again through prayer and study.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I have dealt for years with similar feelings! It has been up and down for me but I have learned that the worse I feel about myself, the more I need to spend time in The Word - find all the verses you can about how much love our Father has for us. Zep 3:17 changed my view of how our Father sees me… I also have a couple of good friends to pray for me. I have been in counseling to deal with the ‘root’ of the issue. Through all these things I have become stronger and have found the ‘joy of the Lord’. I have learned that Satan’s lies are just that - lies. When he fills your head with the negative thoughts, speak The Truth. Speak it out loud. Do not allow Satan to win. You have the power of the Holy Spirit - the same Holy Spirit that was and is in Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 10:5 - hold your thoughts captive. Your thoughts + feelings = behaviour. We need to choose to believe the Truth and once we do, our feelings about ourselves will change, which will then change our behaviour. We can walk with a bounce
It’s hard work and exhausting, but the end reward is worth it. Choose to believe you are beautiful - God does not make junk. He created you exactly the way He wanted to - how can you argue with the Creator? I pray right now that you will KNOW how amazing you are, how much the Father loves you and you are worth everything to Him! You are loved and precious in His sight!
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I am sure that we all have been there where we feel we just want to go under the covers and stay there. But what Donna said is so very true, when we reach out to others being a servent, even when we fill we aren’t worthy, that is when we can Bless someone. And God will use you to Bless someone! And you will be lifted up and you will smile brightly! Trust your Lord and let Him direct your pathway and even carry you! SMILE CAUSE HE LOVES YOU! I also will pray for U
Blessings and Love!
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I am where you are Nikki. I was in a horrific accident about 20 months prior. I am in constant pain. A level of 8-9/10. I have had 6 nerve surgeries thusfar. I have recompressed one of my nerves again. Several of my nerves have been clipped and denervated. I have no pulse in my left arm again. I still have torn rotator cuffs, etc. I am not working. When I get all healed according to God’s timing, I will have a career change becuase it will no longer be possible for me to continue my career as a surgeon due to both my arms being affected. I will keep you in my prayers Nikki for strength to smile through all circumstances.. I am going to keep looking for a new smile to put on my face each day because I am taking all of this in God’s time and Not my own. My healing is in the GREAT PHYSICIAN’S hands.
Donna
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Wake up tomorrow and choose a brighter day than yesterday. That’s all you can do. We can’t change yesterday, we don’t know tomorrow, today is the gift we’ve been given. Plant a mini-garden in your kitchen, grow some spices on a sill, buy fresh flowers for your table. Create your own bright day indoors. Then check out your church bulletin for ways to volunteer, and commit your energy to it. Seeking out the welfare of other people can help you feel useful, appreciated, needed, loved although sometimes challenging. Perhaps there are some local support groups or interest groups that you can become a part of. And trust me, you will have to step out in Faith because every part of your being is telling you no. Trust that He is faithful even when we don’t understand it.
Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He will direct your life.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I agree with Donna, Nikki. It’s hard to go on when you feel nothing. I live with it. My husband has had depression and other anxiety for over 12 yrs. I lock up medicine so he doesn’t overdue it. I trust God and learn to have him help me through it. God will use you in mighty ways if you are open to His Love in the midst of your darkness, a light will shine, and it will shine within you for others to see. God’s Love be with you, Mary Jo
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Thanks Nicole, this was exactly what I needed to hear today. I am in Hong Kong feeling huge, ungraceful and without manners; in reality I am none of those things but I had let my surroundings dictate my sense of beauty. Today I will concentrate on looking into others eyes and smiling deeply, allowing those around me to see who I am beneath the surface. Today I will walk with my shoulders back and head up, facing the day and not merely navigating through it.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Nikki, You start by having a personal relationship with Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Ask Him to live within you…in your heart. Ask Him to fill the emptiness within you with His joy, love, and peace. Then thank Him, for loving you enough to die on the Cross for your sins. Thank Him, for being your Savior. Thank Him for giving you life. As you begin a life of “thankfulness” you will find that your smile will return along with your laughter. Look for joy in small things…like a redbird sitting on a limb…like the brilliant colors of the fall leaves…like the smile on a baby’s face… and every time that you find that little bit of joy, remember to thank God for helping you to see the joy of just being alive in Him! It is impossible to be thankful and be depressed at the same time. Just give God your praise and thankfulness and you will see a tremendous difference in how you view life. God will open a whole new world to you…His world!
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I am where you are at Nikki. I have been for a number of years. I tried buying love by giving money to family and what I thought were friends to help me run errands take care of my home, clean, yard work, etc. Things that due to some serious health issues I could no longer do. But when the money started running out so did the people. So then I just went further into my hole and decided I didn’t need anyone. But I know that is not true. I want to love and be loved back. I want to hug and be hugged back. I want to be happy and I have to work very very hard on that. I will pray for you and ask your pray for me. Thank you
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Thank you for such a blessing of an article. It was a great reminder I needed today… It was so poetic.. I also really loved the email poem by Fanny Levin:
Are violets jealous of gardenias?
Do maple trees compete with eucalyptus trees,
or redwoods with oak trees?
What do they know of jealousy or competition?
We are all magnificent expressions
of God’s exquisite garden.
We are extraordinary
just the way we are.
“I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well.” –Psalm 139:14 NASB
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I’m pondering on possibly dating again. It is surprising how much ‘bounce’ my steps lost after my divorce. I felt so much ‘prettier’ when I was married…now I wonder…if I’m still pretty enough to be noticed…at 49?
Your article reminds me of who I really am!
Thank you!
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:08 am
Nikki:
I understand your pain. I too am going through a season of deep emotional pain, financial hardship, and enemy attack. Some days, I struggle with despair that things will ever change. The important thing I am learning is that it really is a “season.” And as the psalmist said: “weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Our season has not ended yet, but it will. In God’s timing.
I will pray for you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:52 am
What a great article. If we could only believe it and live it! I try to teach this to my children every day. I need to work harder on believing it for myself, then and only then will my daughter begin to believe it for herself! Thanks for the reminder! To Nikki I say… I’m so sorry that you are hurting so deeply. As hard as it is, you need to reach out to someone for help out of that pit. (I speak from experience). Winter is an important season for the garden seeds to rest and when spring comes they bloom even more beautifully! Hang in there! Reach out to a friend who can walk through it with you and help you to your Spring! Praying for you!
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:55 am
This message was so timely for me…I have been having a hard time..but have sensed that God was trying to tell me to live my life and to start being the kind of person that I want to be…I thought it sounded too simple but you have encouraged me to listen to that still small voice…God Bless you!
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:14 am
Nikki, what automatically came to my mind is: Seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added unto you. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and do all things as unto the LORD. GOD Loves YOU…..always remember that….always….it is the most important thing to remember. Love in Christ.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:29 am
In every situation ,we should give thanks to God.I was crying,I hd no shoes,but when I saw,someone without legs,I said to myself oh!God really loves me,God is wonderfull,I must praise Him for ever more.
Love without seizing.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:42 am
Michele, thank you for sharing the poem. I often attempt to get the point across when teaching, that we each are one of a kind, created for God’s specific purpose.
Nikki, I have been where your are, and some days I return to wanting to hide from everyone. God, however, has called me to teach and to a ministry of speaking to women and there is no way I can do that and hide. Some days are difficult, but when I refocus on Him I forget myself and run with abandon into His arms and to the podium allowing Him to use me to minister to other hurting women.
Nicole, thank you for the article.
After all this life is not about me, but about the ONE who created me, “and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and died for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Yes, some days are better than others, but He is the same everyday! Praise God!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Nikki, I hear the words you speak and they ring so familiar in my ears. I am going thru a season of pruning as I like to call it. My husband of 20 years has left me after three years of adultery on his part. He also took with him my 14 year old daughter by promising her that she would have no rules and no responsibilities and could do whatever she wanted. He is letting our home go into foreclosure. My older daughter, who has a choronic medical condition, and I are looking at being homeless. For the past 15 years I have been a stay at home mom homeschooling my children and taking care of their medical needs so I have no income. The remainder of my family walked out on me because they didn’t understand why I couldn’t just get on with my life. I get where you are coming from. The only thing that gets me thru the day is God. His Word does not return void and He promises to work for good the things that are intended for evil as long as I believe. I have chosen to look at my situation as a reversal of my destiny. I don’t manage to do it every day. Some days I want to curl up and die. But when I hit those days I realize that I am looking at my situation and not my God. He is bigger than any situation or circumstance in our lives. If we focus on the problem, we will not be able to survive. If we we put our hope in God, He will restore us. The catch is it happens in His timing so look for the lessons in the journey and just be willing to go where He takes you. I heard a quote once that said, when God closes a door He opens a window but it is Hell in the hallway. It has a sick humor to it because it is so true. We grow in the difficult times and the deeper our trials the greater our blessings when we stay faithful to Him. You are loved Nikki. You are seen. You are valuable. Don’t ever forget that. I will pray for you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Nikki: I like Donna have been where you are as well. There have been days where I didn’t think the hurt or pain would ever end. The one thing I did not do was stop crying out to the God I loved. Even in the midst of my doubt I continued to pray that God would grant me peace and joy. I had to learn to wait on God and his perfect timing. God has answered my prayers and the prayers of those who love me most. You will know joy again. Just keep praying and waiting on God. At times the wait nor the things that happen may make sense to you but the joy you will experience when God answers will be like nothing you have ever known in this life!! I live each day with such love for this God of ours. It is a comfort to know that He loves us even when we lack the ability to love ourselves. You are in my prayers. Just remember that God sees and knows. Some glorious day it will all make sense!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 am
Nikki - Wow, I felt like I was reading my own journal. I do not know your situation, but feel I have been very close to where you are. Things got to a point that I was so very tired of “painting on” that fake smile and that “Oh, I’m fine” attitude. I can tell you that you must be very careful. As women, we tend to put everything else ahead of ourselves on our list. Again, I do not know what you are going through. We, as a family, had been under tremendous stress for many years; then, suffered a huge loss. I immediately went into “take care of others” - “Everything’s fine” - mode. Listen to your body, and pray for God’s guidance. If you don’t, you will break. I finally (after 2+ years) checked myself into a hotel for three days and went on a personal retreat with our dear Saviour. I took my journals, books, bible, comfy p.j.s, favorite bath oils, etc. NOONE knew where I was. I had my phone in case of emergencies. My oldest daughter, now 29, helped me realize I had to have this “me” time and it was o.k. I had never allowed myself to go through the “greiving” process. God gives us these times as a normal healing process. I fell to my knees, asked the dear Lord for His presence, guidance, comfort, and wisdom during this time. WOW! What a great weekend. I wept, laughed,…..most importantly, began to heal. The Holy Spirit led me to scriptures and I grew in knowing Christ’s love again. Be very careful, I am not by any means a professional, and am not telling you to leave your job, family, etc. Take some “you” time and do not feel guilty for it. There is a fine line between feeling down, lonely and depression. Be patient with yourself and seek God’s guidance. What can you do today? - Run out to Wal-Mart and splurge on a $5 bouquet of flowers for yourself! Put them on some “center point” of your home. Everytime you see them, thank God for His amazing creation - yes, even if you don’t feel like it. Praise Him. Even if it’s just Thank you Father, for the yellow in this flower. Be sincere, He knows your heart and your hurts. He is teaching you something, even in this lonely time, because He loves and adores you, His child. Things will become easier. Seek Him. Reach out to Him. As your sister in Christ, I will be lifting you up in prayer.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 am
Dear Nikki, I would love to tell you that getting your smile back is easy and quick but it is not. It takes time and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. It takes pouring the Word of God into you 24/7 through music and yes reading Scripture a little each day as your mind will allow. It takes time to learn to concentrate on it again. And Donna is right, take a step, even a tiny one to do something for someone else. Walk as much as you can. I’ve heard and I have experienced it: walk a mile and you are still thinking about your problems, walk two miles and they are still with you but walk that third mile and they disappear.
Nikki, you are not alone and there is hope. Been there, done that. Jesus rescued me and He is ready to do the same for you. He used a fine Christian Counselor to help me. It was a 6 month investment worth every minute and every penny. It’s been 13 years and I’m still whole; I don’t smile all day, every day, but at some point in every day I chuckle about something. Lord Jesus, rescue Nikki even as You did me. Amen and amen.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 am
i have been in the valley you speak of, and have to fight the descent every day. You really have to submerge yourself in God’s word. Listen to sermons, read the bible. Take your focus off your feelings, because they can be deceptive. Force yourself to smile everyday, even if you don’t feel like it. sometimes you have to live the mantra “fake ti til you make it!” Blessings to you!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Nikki needs to tell her physician how she is feeling.
Even a devout Christian, active in their church can suffer from depression. A clinical depression is sometimes caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain.
I will pray for Nikki and her physician.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Hi Nikki, I was so blessed by your truthful heartfelt longing. I have something precious to offer you. First my favorite bible verse, Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, Nikki, He is mighty to save. He has taken great delight in you Nikki, He is quieting you with His love, He has come to you Nikki and is rejoicing over you with singing!!! The creator has made you, provided you with a savior, will fill you deeply and fully with His love, and so desires to be close to you that He rejoices over you with singing. Let that thought flow deep into your heart and replace negative emotions. Let resurrection power so enable you that you walk courageous, your smile returns and you can be fruitful again. Push through what you are going through, buy yourself a small flowering plant to enjoy in a window and give out to others your new life that now dwells inside you. Focus on God’s word and not your circumstances. Receive peace and become comfortable expressing your new found joy. I am praying for you that even now as you read this, you can feel God’s love and know the depth of His commitment to you. He sent His son for you. Sing back praises. You are now singing a duet with your Father. Keep singing. Love and blessings, Linda
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
It is so neat that I read this today, because we were talking about this in bible study today.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Life is so short and most people put their outer beauty in front of their inner beauty. Just as Nicole says let the inner beauty out. My life has been such a mess, I have put God our savior as number one and seen the changes that can happen. Read, spend time with Godly people, and know that there is happiness waiting for everyone.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Nikki, listen to these wonderful beautiful women of God. They are encouraging you in the most precious of ways. It is always darkest before the dawn, and your dawn is coming dear. As I sat here and read all of their replies it put the biggest smile on my face. These are women who don’t know you from a hole in the ground, yet they are loving on you. That my dear is God! We as people are not naturally inclined to love on others in that way, only God showing through us is when do we do things like that.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Nikki,
There is only one Nikki, you are “unique”, precious and beautiful in God’s eye. You are His masterpiece, lovely and adored without flaws. Man and society will always judge you and see you from the outside but God sees the beauty of your heart in the inside. Our beauty definitely begins within and exzooms and radiates outwardly. Even the most beautiful people can portray outside beauty but inside are ugly. Life is full of challenges, disappointments and heartache but God is in control. He has a plan and purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Everything in life is but a season and in His timing. We must go through the valley’s in order for us to grow, blossom and be more like Him. It is in the valley where we experience God’s grace, mercy and love. There is no greater love than Him. My heart beams and smiles in how amazing His love is for us. His grace is what has sustained me through all my trials, challenges, disappointments and short comings. We are not perfect and as His daughters, we will continue to be a “work in progress” until we go home with Him. Each day is a new beginning and we must put on the armor of God. The battle is already won, already paid on the cross by the blood of Jesus. We must renew our minds, transform our thinking daily. Satan lures, wiggles himself in trying to make us feel less, think less and be less. He wants us to feel and be totally defeated in all areas of our lives, including our beauty. He will do anything and everything possible to detour you from your focus on God. We must keep our focus on Him, place Him in the center of our lives. When we take our focus off of Him and concentrate on our circumstances it opens the door for satan to do his dirty work. We have the victory in all things as we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We have the power to rebuke those feelings, thoughts, negativity in the name of Jesus. I do understand your feelings as I have experienced them myself. I choose to believe and trust in Him. Why, because many people live behind masks. We are not transparent and it is in being transparent where we are “free”. Many of us live in bondage, we never get to the root of why we act or feel the way we do. Until we begin to unpeel the layers (like an onion) in our lives we will never be able to truly see ourselves like God sees us. Do not compare yourself as God gives each of us what we need. He has supplied you with gifts and talents specifically designed for you. Ask God to reveal His plan and purpose for your life. Ask Him to cultivate your dreary winter garden and refresh it with the beauty and life of Spring. Our body truly is only a shell, a shell which fades in time but our innerself expands, develops, and blossoms. Inhale the “Fragrance and Beauty” of God. He is your true source of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. Life is like a vapor and we must shine His light with the love, compassion and yes even a smile. Remember, you Nikki may be the only Bible that others see. Allow God to work in you and through you. You are His beautiful daughter. Blessings, Your Sis In Christ JuJu
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:35 pm
It begins with praise! Praise Him! Thank Him for what is good! Thank him for taking care of your needs. We all have feelings like yours from time to time but you can shift this discomfort by focusing your mind and heart on positives. Look at all the people who read your note and wanted to reach out to you! That’s Gods love. He promises he will stick close and never leave you–this is living proof. XOXO
November 4th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Thank you for that very encouraging, inspiring word! I really needed it because i am 55 years old, overweight and self conscience of getting wrinkles. I’m not unsightly fat or extremely wrinkled, just enough to bother me! I’ve tried diets, working out, but I still struggle. I’ve been a plus size for over 10 years. Your word confirmed what another friend told me just yesterday. She said you are who God made you! You are who you are at this time in life. Don’t try to change yourself, let God work through you. Amen! Thank you again for uplifting my spirit through your words. God bless you. Roxie Lehtinen
November 4th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Anita, I am 50 and engaged to a wonderful man I met at church. I was like you,48 with a 6 yr old daughter and feeling not pretty at all, but God intervenes, He knew who needed to be with whom, keep the faith because if the Lord decides to give you another partner more worthy of you you have to be ready to hear him. The Lord told me as I shook hands with him the first time we met “He’s the one” I thought I was crazy he was the last person on my mind. Slowly, “circumstances” kept bringing us together and love grew. We trusted God and he gave us His blessing. PTL!
November 4th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Start with finding one thing of beauty and then focus one thing at a time. When we feeling down is it sometimes difficult to focus on the beauty in and around us, but if we keep God our creator in mind as we notice these simple things of beauty, it can be a gentle reminder of all the ways that He cares for us and provides for us. You can be encouraged by simply noting:
The color in the last remaining leaves on a tree
or the remnants of a bird’s nest that provided the protection for a mother bird’s little ones.
The way that the suns rays find their way through the gray fall clouds or the fullness of a harvest moon that often signaled the end to a bountiful harvest.
When you catch yourself humming or hearing your favorite worship tune, focus on the lyrics and the passion the songwriter and his/her love of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Focus on one thing of beauty at a time and remember to thank God and give him praise for all he is and does. Every time we praise God it is like we are giving him a great big hug - and I promise you, he will always hug you back. Praying for you Nikki - God knows your inner beauty. Ask him and he will help you find it!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
This was just wanted I need to hear at the right time in my life. Thanks!
November 5th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Even during the darkest storms e can step back and see the woder and majesty of our Heavenly King. The lightning flashing, the rolling thunder. In winter the delicate and intrecate detail of every snow flake, not a single one the same. we all at some point will face hardtimes, down right tragic-gut renching circumstances that will threaten to knock the life right out of us, How ever when we surrender to God and choose to trust in Him, to not lean on our own understanding but know that He can (and will !!! ) work all things together for our good. Our situations may stay the same but God will change our hearts. As we learn to rely on and trust in who He is and His Living Word, Jesus, he creates that iner beauty that will radiat from a heart that has been fashioned into the image of His Son. It can be a painful, lonely and trying process but it is worth it ! Why? Because once you grasp the strenght God offers you, once you reach the peek of that monsturous mountian that stands before you you have the best view to watch the sunrise !!!
November 6th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I remember feeling so anxious and depressed, crying all the time and wondering if I’d ever be “normal” again. Then I read somewhere that practicing to smile (the physical act of forming a smile with your lips) will automatically make you feel better. I decided to give it a go. I’d sit on the bus, tears rolling down behind my sunglasses and forcing my lips to smile. Then I decided to look for small things to be thankful for. Instead of dreading the fear, I’d thank God for every moment the fear subsided. I’d stop and look at the sky and thank God for the beauty of the sky. Slowly, I learned to even thank him for the pain and whatever it was he wanted me to learn through it. I am well now. The funny thing is, when I was going through that time I lost over 25 lbs in short order. However, looking at photos of my thin self, I’d much rather have a bit of a belly and flab on my arms and a glow in my eyes than that slim “deer in the headlight” look that gave away my anxiety. 35 lbs heavier I now feel beautiful, because I know my Lord Jesus loves me…and that is truly something to smile about.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Nikki, I’m so sorry you’re going through this time. I have been there, and it is very hard. I hope you can talk to a Christian therapist (or at least read some of Marilyn Meberg’s books) and that you will go to the doctor to find out if medication will help you. Also spend time around people who are positive and lift you up. Don’t accept any condemnation or ‘tough love’ talks from well meaning people who think depression is something you can just snap out of. Remember Job’s friends. He did nothing to bring on his situations and God gave him so much more after his trial was over. And even though you may not feel like your prayers are getting anywhere at times, the Bible says differently. The Lord sees it all and loves you. There are just sometimes things in life that are hard to get through. Hang in there. This time hasn’t come to stay, it has come to pass.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I hope Nikki reads the responses to her cry for help. I too have been there and the pain is real but so is God’s healing. Just look at all of these people who God has sent to show you His love. Rest in God’s love and He will bring you healing. You have asked, continue to seek His healing, and keep knockin…this will likely included counseling and maybe some medication to help you heal but it is all from God. Trust Him. He loves you so much.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
There is never a day that I cannot find something that makes me smile when I look at all the beauty that surrounds us all each day. God is good when I can get out of bed each morning with pain and know that sometime during the day He will ease that pain whether it physical or spiritual. The footprints are there even some days when I fail to acknowledge what He has done for me and my family. And I have been blessed with wonderful friends whether near or far.
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