Just Be Yourself. You Are Wonderful!

Just Be Yourself. You Are Wonderful! What a wonderful fortune to receive in a cookie. It definitely couldn't have come at a better time for me. Being on medication that alters my appearance has been difficult for me. I look into the mirror, and I do not recognize myself. The shape of my face has changed, my skin has changed, and I have gained weight in places I do not want to gain weight. I'm sure many of you have looked into a mirror and picked yourself a part like I have.

When I think about it though, it is really...well vain. After all, my health is more important than my looks. I should not be focusing on my appearance, but instead be focusing on the fact that I can live a more normal life now. I am getting stronger and healthier. Besides, looks are fleeting. People still love me, and they think I am a beautiful person regardless of how my medication has affected my appearance. That is what is important. I am loved for the person I am, not for what I look like. Those that only focus on looks...well they're missing out. So I encourage you the next time you feel less than beautiful to remember to just be yourself because YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!

Encouraging Words

What matters is not your outer appearance--the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes--but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. 1 Peter 3:3-4

We Have So Much

My friend just returned with her boyfriend who is a doctor. He just returned from Haiti where he was one of the few doctors helping the many in need. I cannot even fathom what it would be like to be in Haiti for mission work let alone be a Haitian during a time like this. I was allowed to look through a Time magazine that he picked up at the airport. This magazine contained photos with sub captions describing the horrific photos. Tens of thousands have lost their lives, and their bodies will never be identified. Nearly half of Haiti's population is now under 18 years old. They are left without sufficient supplies of fresh food, water, clothes, and many basic needs. This is a horrible tragedy that has fallen (no pun intended) on this country.

Despite this tragedy, survivors can be seen in this Time magazine attending a Sunday morning Mass outside a badly damaged National Cathedral. Other pictures portray the injured receiving treatment and survivors praying and thanking God for their lives. In this incredible time of sadness, the people are still praising the Lord! Everything they have has just been destroyed and buried. Yet they are still choosing to keep their faith in God and praise him! That amazes me!!

We all go through our own life's tragedies and sufferings. If there is one thing I have learned from these Haitians is that the Lord is always with us and we need to continue to praise him for the blessings we have... even if it is as simple as being alive.

If you are reading this, please take some time to count the many blessings you have and praise the Lord for placing them in your life.

There Will Be a Day

I was listening to Air1.com, and I heard the song “There will be a day” by Jeremy Camp. I love the lyrics of this song! It reminds us that our life here on earth is just temporary. All the pain and suffering we are going through will not last. There will be a day when we get to see JESUS face to face!! I find that so exciting!! I long for the day when I get to go to my real home in heaven and be in eternal peace. Until then, I will hold onto Jesus always!! I know that whatever tomorrow brings I am never alone because the Lord is with me, and he will carry my burdens.

Here is the link to the song with lyrics. It's very powerful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TipLsmZgjI

Encouraging Words:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30