Biblical Womanhood: Beauty on a Budget

Monday, April 16, 2007

Beauty on a Budget - Part 1: Inner Beauty

I have a feeling that starting a series like "Beauty on a Budget" is going to be a rather lengthy endeavor. There's so much to say on the subject. I'm no expert, so this will just be sharing what I've learned thus far.

I want to start out today with the least expensive beauty treatment. In fact, it doesn't cost you a dime. What is that? Inner beauty! There is no point in beautifying our outward body, if our inner self is rotting. True beauty starts in the heart.

Cultivate a meek and quiet spirit. Instead of being a harried, rushed, stressed out woman, live a life of peace - no matter what your surrounding circumstances - by keeping your eyes on the Lord. Commit each day to the Lord when you wake up. Accept each interruption, each difficulty, from His hand. Keep your eyes on Him. And experience true peace.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:3-4

Be content where God has placed you. Bloom where God plants you - no matter where that is. Find your contentment in Christ. A contented spirit will not only beautify you, but it will bring blessing to those around you. Chuck the negativity and focus on the positive. And remember, true contentment can only be found in an abiding trust in the sovereignty and goodness of the Lord.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

Be cheerful! A smile is one of the most beautiful things you can wear. It is not only good for your health, it is contagious! Give the gift of a smile to all those around you and you will immediately become a more beautiful woman.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

These simple three things might seem so inconsequential, but practicing them could change your life and bless everyone you come in contact with in the process, too!

So, start right now and do a "beauty check" by evaluating your attitude and outlook on life:

Are you easily frustrated and stressed by things? Do you spend a lot of time worrying?

Would others describe you as a contented person? Or are you constantly complaining about things - little or big?

How often do you smile?

Ask your husband and/or family for their input on this, too. It might surprise you!

"And let the beauty of our God be upon us..."

21 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Thank you for this Crystal. I so enjoy your blog and reading about the wonderful relationship you share with your husband. I am trying to accept now that my marriage will probably not survive, and accept that if it is His will, but I'm having a hard time. Anyhow, I just wanted to say thanks and that I enjoy your blog.; 5:20 PM
brietta said...: The Lord has recently been challenging me about smiling more. It seems so simple and not really spiritual at first glance, but I am increasingly amazed at how much influence I have on the atmosphere in our home! (I've always known this, but as my oldest is now able to communicate feelings and emotions, I am seeing firsthand what a difference I can make!) And while I don't think I'm generally upset, sad, etc., I know I am often so focused on what I am doing/accomplishing that I am not taking time to enjoy the work, my children, our home, little conversations, etc.

Thanks for the encouragement to keep on working on this!; 5:21 PM
Anonymous said...: I am looking forward to reading all your posts on this topic. Thank you!
Shari; 5:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Crystal,

Thank you for this blog. I recently ordered three books from your site and received them last week. (Thanks!) One book is HOME MAKING, and what a blessing. I was shocked at the year it was written because its message still applies today!

I've made many changes in my life since reading your blog and getting into the Word. God has lead me to dress more femine and weed out some areas that have cause stress and eaten up time that should have been spent with God and my family.

We are all works in progress. He is always working on me! I thank you, Crystal, for your words of wisdom and reminders of what we should be as Christian women. I appreciate you!
Ruth, PA; 5:50 PM
Anonymous said...: In a world where beauty is looked upon as anything other than "skin deep", this was quite a refreshing post and wonderful reminder of what true beauty is in God's sight! And just like 1 Peter says, inner beauty is something that will not fade with time. Blessings to you and your family.
Heather in Pa
p.s. I'm looking forward to your next podcast...when do you think you'll have another? =); 6:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Great words from and the Lord. He is so neat. The Lord has been dealing with me with this the last few weeks. Working on inner beauty. Thanks for the encouraging words.

Chrissy T.; 6:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Crystal, Random question - where do you find such pretty pictures to post with your blog?; 7:08 PM
Doug and Terrye said...: Thank you for the reminder of starting with inner beauty as a beauty regiment. Some of the most beautiful women I know would never win a Mrs. America contest, yet their love for Christ shines through so brightly that they are absolutely radiant. Your post was not only edifying, it was also encouraging.; 7:28 PM
Vicki said...: Thanks for reminding us of where TRUE beauty comes from! I think of the times I am cross with my children, and am thankful that I am not being videotaped, although, that would probably cure me!
I need to stop and consider Philippians 4:8: "...Whatsoever things are true... honest... just...pure... lovely...and of good report, think on these things."
I've had to ask my children to forgive my attitude towards them...a humbling experience! It helps me to pause and think twice before I do it again!; 9:10 PM
megmarc said...: Yep, I needed this today! My 1 mo. old was very fussy all day and at the height of her crying, her 21 mo. old brother threw up on me. Thanks for the reminder to take these sorts of things in stride. And, of course, the VA Tech. story reminded me that I should be glad my children are there to throw up on me in the first place. How easy it is to forget how precious each moment w/loved ones is. I am often guilty of taking my little family for granted.; 9:31 PM
Jordin said...: What a great start to what I know will be a wonderful series! :)

When my four-year-old brother was just starting to say words, he would always point at a lady in my church and say "pretty". We were so confused, because--by the world's standards--she's not that beautiful. But he would just stare at her! Then, one day we saw a gorgeous woman in a store who was treating her children badly. Thomas pointed at her, shook his head, and said "not pretty". We finally figured it out! He thought the lady at church was pretty because she was very kind and was always wearing a smile! His little words were a tremendous reminder of how God views beauty. It is truly found in a meek, quiet, and kind spirit--not in makeup, clothes, or the latest hairstyle. Thanks, Crystal!; 9:59 PM
Katie said...: I LOVED this blog, Crystal! I am "new" to your site.. but I am growing to appreciate it more and more. For so long, my gender was just a fact of life, but lately, Jesus has been teaching me the "art" of being a woman. I have learned to revel in the beauty that come from being a beautiful feminine spirit in this female body. Thank you so much for letting God speak through you! Sometimes the art of being a woman is to completely submit to God, and that is a very hard lesson. Keep 'em coming! :)

P.s.- Jordin, I was so touched by your comment! I can only pray that when the Lord decides to give me children, they will be that wise and sweet.; 11:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Wow Jordin!!!! I lovvvvvvve your little brother!!!! He must be very "pretty"!!!

And Crystal, great post... made me realize that my inner beauty needs some improvement... :)

J; 2:04 AM
pfg blogmatron said...: Lovely and Amen.

Give unto the LORD the glory [due] unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:29; 6:02 AM
Anonymous said...: Thanks again for the timely reminder..i look forward to this series and thank you for taking the time in this season of your life to share with us...we are honoured..

I deal with depression, and am medicated for it, which was a blessing to let go and know I needed help and these two points...are what i work on daily..

Bloom where you are planted, strikes such a chord with me...

Celina in Canada; 7:28 AM
Anonymous said...: In a world where physical appearances are everything, it was nice to be reminded about what true beauty is! I may not always have time to put on makeup or fuss with my hair as a mom of two little ones, but if I can make sure my attitude and actions are beautiful, complete with a smile, that will override anything! :-) Thanks for the remdinders. I'll be looking forward to reading more ideas.; 7:51 AM
Mermade said...: Hey Crystal, I just listened to your podcast while I was eating my breakfast. I just wanted to tell you how enlightened I was after listening to it. I recently wrote a post about submission on my blog, and how it is not a bad thing. (Indeed, it can be a wonderful thing). You helped clear up the definition for me by discussing the difference between obedience and submission. Thanks a lot!

PS. I am going to put a link to your podcast so that my readers can listen to it -- we had a really heated discussion about submission the other day, and I think they would be interested.; 11:47 AM
Anna S said...: Thank you for writing this, Crystal. For some, contentment comes naturally. Others, like me, need to nourish and nurture their inner feeling of contentment. It's a challenge. And it pays off!; 11:51 AM
Crystal said...: Mermade: I'm grateful it helped clear some things up for you and was helpful! Submission is a "sticky subject," I know, and it's easy to get hung up on the word itself thinking it means something completely different than what the Bible has to say about it. It's definitely not the doormat mentality!; 1:07 PM
Mandy Grace said...: Hi Crystal,
I just gave you an award. Check out my blog for the details!; 8:06 PM
Coffee Wife said...: I have a strange beauty on a budget idea that I use: head veils from "Wendy's Modest Dress." They are PERFECT for bad hair days when I want to look tidy but my wild thick curly (yet also frizzy) hair has other plans... *Grin*

GOD BLESS!!; 4:59 AM

Monday, April 16, 2007

Beauty on a Budget - Part 1: Inner Beauty

21 Comments:

Excitedly Anticipating Blessing #3!

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