I just want to stare at it.
What's that song....?
"I feel pretty, so pretty..."
Before I get all carried away with myself, or you think that I am some beauty queen, I would like to bring some reality to the scene.
Beauty Queen Land:
Reality Land:
It is fun to play "dress up" and bask in all the girliness, but the truth is, I wouldn't trade my life with that of the beauty queen. The wrinkles show a life being lived, the stretch marks are a reminder of how amazing God created my body to give life, and the chin hair...well, we all know what that does!
So, while I sit here and stare at myself in black and white, indulging in just a wee bit of vanity, know this: it is my heart that I hope Jesus will one day stare at and see a most beautiful woman pleasing to Him.
"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." 1 Peter 3:3,4
35 comments:
Thanks for straightening us all out! (Or making us feel better about ourselves.) The fun of blogging is we can be our ideal selves to some degree...
I think BOTH of your pictures are lovely! There is nothing prettier than a woman snuggling a sweet child! :) Thanks for the reminder of where our true beauty lies...
You're a natural beauty in both pics! You are admiring the beauty that God gave you....don't beat yourself up, He sees your heart. He knows the inner stuggle, that you so very much want to please Him! It's all good, my friend!
Hugs and Smooches,
Melissa
Sarah Mae, I can not see you having an once of vanity. That picture is beautiful but the neat thing is, I think you are as beautiful inside as out. You truly seek the Lord. My favorite verse along these lines are 1 Samuel 16:7b.
I was going to say something about that gorgeous pic I swear I was!!
I once got tons of compliments on a facebook picture I posted..I felt so guilty because I had used photoshop to smooth my skin out. dontcha just love technology :P
but you are so right it is not the beauty on the outside that counts..but it is nice when it shines through!
Ok so have you heard the song "I'm So Much Cooler Online?"
You are so pretty. I think the picture just enhances how very beautiful you are.
BOTH pics of you are gorgeous!!!! ;) Carisa
You have such a precious heart! I don't think any of us would think you are vain at all!
Besides, you look beautiful in your "reality" photo as well!
LOL So I'm not the only one with this problem? Good to know. lol You ARE beautiful. Inside and out.
I agree with Lauren... both pics are lovely. And even though we shouldnt be vain, we should remember that we are created in the image of God, so we shine his glory... how can that not be beautiful??
There's a great new book out by Gina Loehr called "Choosing Beauty". She gave up her make-up for Lent one year and discovered that what was on the inside was even more beautiful than what her make-up tried to hide. I love your blog-its awesome!
What a great blog and post! You look great in both pics...
I agree with others - you are beautiful in both pictures and inside and out :) You have such encouraging and challenging words for us!
Your beauty is obviously more than skin deep :)
That picture is wonderful and so is your reality picture. The truth is that Jesus shining through us is what makes us truly beautiful. You are beautiful inside and out :-)
you are so silly, sometimes! You are so beautiful in your reality pic, too! But I know what you're saying!
so silly, sarah mae...
Sarah Mae,
I don't think you even have a hint of vanity. Because you shared this thought with us expresses a pure heart.
This post also shows your breathtaking beauty from the inside which spills over to the outside.
Good of you Sarah Mae, I love and richly enjoy visiting you!
Luke 6:45, Your heart is full of good.
smooches,
Larie
Well, it is a stunning picture, but also a great perspective on beauty. Thanks for that, and for being open and being yourself on here. You always have a refreshing perspective to bring!
Great post...I love it when I get a good picture that doesn't show my wrinkles, any extra chins, poochy tummy or the tired look on my face that I tend to see when I look in the mirror! Love your perspective of we hope how God will see us someday.
Blessings!
PS. You are beautiful in BOTH photos!
You look absolutely beautiful in both - and it is because you have a beautiful heart. Blessings to you and your family, Fiona
Just to let you know - I think both pictures are great! While I may want to look pretty on the outside, the inner beauty is what's most important. Thanks for that reminder! Hope you have a great day!
"This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine" When we allow the Light on the inside to shine, we begin to glow on the outside. That's true beauty.When people can sense that glow they don't see anything else, even the chin hairs! Great reminder of what's important.Thanks
Amen! Amen! and Amen!! As my body shows signs of maturing, I pray my heart shows even greater signs!
Beautiful post and reminder of what the goal really is!!
By the way, both pictures are lovely!
Couldn't agree with you more Sarah....and trust me I have lots more wrinkles than you. :)
It's a great perspective too. I posted something along the same lines recently....but it involved buying a hairbrush for $14.99! :)
http://samismom22.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/the-14-99-hairbrush/
I love both photos!! It's always nice to see photos- dressed up and all natural.
This morning I had to get the trash can to the curb (hubby forgot and was in the shower early). I ran to the curb with a towel on my head!! When I came back in the house, my hair had dried- as it's 90+ at 6 am in Phoenix with no humidity! So my hair is BLAH! for the world to see today. Life, you just gotta laugh some days :)
Kudos to Allison. She is a wonderful photographer!
Allie
I LOVE your new pic Sarah Mae, and honestly (not that I normally lie), but I don't see a difference b/w the "vanity" and "normal" in your pics. They are both gorgeous because they both depict the same godly woman. Sarah Mae.
It's always nice to get a GREAT picture of yourself..
I always have trouble getting a good pic.. glad you found one..
Good pictures are gifts from photographers:) I always love it when I can take an awesome picture of a person and it helps boost their self esteem a little bit:) You are beautiful, inside and out:) Don't you forget it!
Sarah Mae - you are absolutely beautiful inside and out!!
There's a reason almost every picture I ever post of myself is taken from an angle above me.
No. Double. Chin.
You're welcome to join me over here on the vanity couch anytime. I have cookies. Hence, the chin issue.
Anne, you have me LOL! :)
I DID notice the new profile pic and I have to say, the 2 pictures in this post don't look all that different. Maybe that's the SAHM in me getting all defensive that you don't wear make up and earrings when you play on the floor with the kids...
Your beauty shines in every way, Sarah Mae---your smile, your words, your faith. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. What a wonderful Creator we have!
Sarah Mae,
Both of your photos are very similar, the black and white just adds some glamour. You know that old picture of me that keeps popping up..well, let me tell you..it took several, okay a lot, okay a ton of shots and Emily's "magic" fingers before I was okay with it. How is that for vanity? My new picture with my husband, well that was a surprise and well lets just say you don't see my hair standing up from the wind do you?
You know what is sweet in both pictures? You look truly happy!
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