Green Pastures

Last Monday I talked about The Temple of the Holy Spirit. Today's post is sort of a follow-up to that one. Remember, I told you about watching Oprah, which I never watch, and how I felt it was the Lord leading me to watch it and let Him speak to me thru some of the things she spoke about?

Well...it happened again.

I spent a large part of my Saturday sewing (yes, the curtains are finished, except for the hand work...2 pair....YAY!!!). There is a small TV in my "sewing room", and I had it on TLC (The Learning Channel)....only because I didn't like what was on HGTV!!!! The show that I watched, actually a couple of back-to-back episodes....was "What Not to Wear". I somewhat like that show, except for some of the language, but here's what I consider the gist of the show, in case you've never seen it. There's this woman....who for whatever reason....has just quit taking any interest in her body, or even in her life....so she's pretty much given up on her appearance. She has friends, or family, who intercede and try to get her some "help", and by the end of the show, they look like a different person. But...the change that I see in these ladies that touches my heart...isn't on the outside...it's on the inside. They all finally come to the conclusion that "I'm worth it".

Listen ladies...we all have so much on us...we have families, children, grandchildren, church family, jobs, obligations...this list could go on forever. When do we stop and take any time at all for ourselves? Most of us are so very "busy"....but is our busy- worth it? Are we doing anything worthwhile that will be to God's glory in the long run? And...in the middle of all our busy-ness are we taking the time for somebody else who is very important to God....ourselves? I shared with you all on Wise Old Owl that I'm not too fond of my feet...I've always been so embarrassed by them that for years and years I wouldn't wear sandals. So....just for me....I've stared lathering my feet up with cream, or lotion, before I go to bed and putting on socks....and polishing my toenails....and just that little act of kindness toward myself....has made a world of difference. I got a compliment on my toes the other day...and it made my day!!! Some of you have shared with me some of the things that you all do to pamper yourself, or that your husband does for you.....just to make you feel special.

LADIES.....we all need to WAKE UP....and this very much includes ME!!!

I've always had low self esteem. I didn't want Jess to grow up being that way so she received lots of praise and compliments. But...she learned from a Mom who put herself down all the time. I was reprimanded by a friend after my post last Monday....in a sweet kind way....but I appreciate her telling me that I need to stop that!!! There's a song that I dearly love (imagine that...a song I love!!!).....anyway.....it's "Everything Glorious" by the David Crowder Band. Here are the lyrics that speak to my heart:

You make everything glorious....and I am yours....what does that make me?

I AM GLORIOUS!!!!

Nobody can take me away from Jesus.....I am His. And...if everything that He made is glorious...that certainly includes me.

Can a 54 year old lady change?

Can it become, somehow, instilled in her....that she is worthy?

Why, as a Christian, hasn't she always felt that way?

Can any of you relate to this? If you can....then, here's a few things that I want to share with you:

1. First of all....as daughters of Christ....we are SO WORTHY!!!! Don't let anybody convince you otherwise....and that includes YOU!!!

2. When you catch yourself saying something negative about yourself....stop it....immediately say "get thee behind me, Satan".....because that is Satan trying to convince you of something that is a BIG FAT LIE.

3. If you have young children at home....especially daughters.....NEVER put yourself down in front of her. Please, learn from my own mistake!!!

4. Do something kind for yourself....every single day. Even if it's something as simple as greasing up your feet and wearing socks to bed and polishing your toenails....just something that will help boost your self-esteem!!!

5. Thank God for who you are. I heard a preacher speak against emotions one time, and I realize that sometimes, depending on our mood, we don't need to make any major decisions (my rule of thumb....wait 3 hours...or 3 days...and see if you still feel the same way). But, God gave us our emotions....and, especially us girls...part of our make-up....or emotions....is our "woman's intuition". I firmly believe in it. I've experienced it way too many times in my own life for it not to be something that is God-given!!!

There are others I could list...but the main thing is....don't be so hard on yourself. Most of the time, we're our own worse enemy!!!!

Psalm 139:14 (KJV)
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!