you are special – Trading Paper Crowns

Did you know that Jesus says to us every single day, ‘I love you – just for being you?’ I don’t think that I dwell on this concept enough. I am too busy focusing on my flaws to fixate on my Creator who absolutely loves the person he has formed.

I look in the mirror and see those smile lines in the corners of my eyes and gasp with horror. Or hone in on those little white hairs mixed in with my red locks. But, you know what, I may see flaws, but my Maker sees perfection.

He smiles with a big toothy grin at his magnificent creation. Just like when we were children in art class – we were proud of our clay creations or watercolor paintings hanging on the wall. God is so proud of you! He looks at his masterpiece and says, ‘it is good!’

We are his art projects, his canvases if you will. I don’t know about you, but I sure am happy to be carved into something wonderful from the master craftsman! He does not mess up. He draws with a sharpie and does not need to worry about erasing a mistake – because he does not make them!

He may have to use an eraser on our blunders from time to time, when we decide to color outside the lines of his perfection! But, Dear One – he looks at you and says, ‘beautiful!’ What a joy to know that this artist is prolific and profound. This artist sees beauty in the work of his heavenly hands.

Look at yourself in the mirror today and observe God’s handiwork. Thank him for the uniqueness of you. No one has your face, your hands, and your eyes. Isn’t that grand!?

I love this statement, ‘You were born an original. Don’t die a carbon copy.’ Be you. Jesus loves and adores YOU.

You look in the mirror every morning – and you don’t just stare blankly at your reflection. You say words, whether in your head or aloud to yourself. These words are either positive or negative, and they really set the tone on how you are going to feel the rest of the day.

A Glamour issue notes, “…on average, women have 13 negative body thoughts daily—nearly one for every waking hour. And a disturbing number of women confess to having 35, 50 or even 100 hateful thoughts about their own shapes each day.” What? This is awful.

The average woman is not a super model. I can’t say this more plainly – we (yes, I am including myself) need to change the negative, harsh thoughts we think about our body/being. You are beautiful – because you are YOU (and there is no one else like you in the world!) Obviously, there is need to be healthy – for medical reasons. But, you should not desire to be that toothpick model or hardcore ripped athlete. That is not realistic.

I am a Christian – this should be apparent from my blog. I happen to believe that God crafted us with a heavenly paintbrush and created us all in his image. Don’t you think God is beautiful? Then, you are as well, dear one!

Let’s practice celebrating our beauty every morning! My mother always used to tell me, ‘God does not make junk!’ That is so true!

Here are some uplifting things to say to yourself in the mirror each morning. Say them aloud or in your head. It will make a difference. This is a challenge to myself as well. Let’s get started.

I am BEAUTIFUL.

Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead. – Song of Solomon 4:1

I am the APPLE OF GOD’S EYE.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:8

I am RADIANT.

Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. – Psalm 34:5

I am a CROWN OF SPLENDOR in God’s Hand

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. – Isaiah 62:3

I am DEARLY LOVED.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12

I LACK NO GOOD THING.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. – Psalm 84:11

I Am So BLESSED.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11