Breakfast For Your Soul

Friday, March 5, 2010

 “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.

{John 3:16-17 New Living Translation}

THE GREATEST LOVE STORY IN THE WORLD

Good Afternoon Beloved,

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! What a blessing those words are!  God “so loved the world”… the world… wait a minute.. the world?  Yes.  Lest we forget, the mission of the Son of God has always been salvation.  Why?  Because God loved the little human entities He created and put on planet earth.  That kind of love is incomprehensible to us.  We sing about it, we write about it, we muse about it.  There are television broadcasts that try to explain it, and others that try to disprove it.  We are finite beings.  We only know, what we know.  Our knowledge is not all inclusive and there is always a margin for error in our judgment.  Our God.  The Almighty God and the Lover of our souls… is not like that.  His love is based on past, present and future knowledge.  He knows what we’ve done (everything), what we didn’t do that we should have done, and what was done to us.  There is nothing that we can ever do to make Him love us more or less.  While we were completely ignorant of His love, He loved us… and He loves them …the people who thumb their noses at Him on a daily basis. Those who curse and vilify Him. Those who steal, kill and destroy without mercy.  Murmurers, complainers, mockers, blasphemers… my God!  What an awesome God … so powerful and yet so merciful.  What is worldliness?  Is it a style of clothes? A genre of music?  A television show or movie?  I have been pondering on this all week.  I believe it is so much more.  The clothes, music, shows may be by-products, but the real spirit of “The world” is something some much deeper and even more subtle.  It is a shift in mindset away from the holiness and truth of the Living God to another god.  There was a time when the saints could not dance because it was deemed “worldly”.  Yet, in biblical times the people of God have always danced.  Musical instruments were considered unGodly in the not so distant past, but in the Bible there were musicians who played and the Glory of God appeared.  Young David chased away the evil spirit from Saul, by playing his harp (1 Samuel 16:23) .  I believe I understand why the concentration on the externals.  The saints were so conscious of the blessedness of Heaven and the horrors of hell that they did not want anyone to miss Heaven. They drew the line in the sand, so to speak, as far away from possible backsliding and everlasting torment as possible.  For most of them, they were coming from a place of love and concern.  The bible tells us that “all things are lawful, but not all things are expedient (1 Corinthians 6:12 & 1 Corinthians10:23) ()”.  I know that scares a lot of well meaning  saints of the Most High ().  They see that as “license” for people to live raggedy lives (as if they really needed a license) that could cause them to be lost forever.  So what do we do?  Well, Go has sent His Spirit to dwell in us.  One of the Holy Spirit’s roles is that our ”Teacher”.  He will lead and guide us into all Truth so that we never need to live a lie.  We can’t go wrong listening to Him.  If something feels ”wrong” in your spirit, don’t do it.  There are saints who drink wine, and those of us who don’t.  That may shock you… but they may love Jesus just as much as you do.  The wine itself is not the problem… excess is.  There are cultures where wine is a part of their meals and they have no problems drinking whatsoever.  The bible is very clear on what sin is.  God does not have a problem telling us what is displeasing in His eyes.  He wrote it so that there would be no confusion.  In spite of all of this, there will be those who turn their backs on that love and refuse to give their lives to God.  God still loves them, but if they have made their choice, He will honor that choice, and they will face an existence separated from Him in a place that He never intended for them to go… hell.  But, LOVE … not a wishy-washy, flimsy, flippant type of love, but a steadfast, faithful, strong, never-changing but ever-evolving type of love… (I say ever-evolving because, though He never changes, we do and at ever stage in our development we are introduced to another level of Gods’ love) that’s what our God has for us…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend

Regina

  “He Reigns”, Kevin LeVar and One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUvrKIRtY

“Like Never Before”, Shekinah Glory, w/William Murphy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aNRxUDxfsI

“I Desire More”, Crystal Aiken

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3nWrD2nF9o

“All I Need”, Brian Courtney Wilson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_SKO_pCn1A

“Days of Elijah”, Judy Jacobs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUIa674GGCo

“I Have A Friend”, Clint Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i3GMSY6Dp4

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

TIMING

Good Afternoon Beloved,

I love the Biblical account of David.  It is one of the greatest human redemption stories in the Old Testament.  Remember, this was before Jesus’ sacrifice.  God saw something in David so precious that He called him “a man after His own Heart”(Acts 13:22) … wow… that gets me every time!  What an honor.  David was no where near perfect, but he never let his issues separate him from his God.  Last night I saw a movie on television, that was a pretty accurate portrayal of the life of David.  It was saturated with David’s psalms and prayers to God, but did not gloss over his weaknesses and indiscretions.  It included terrible incidents in David’s life, such as when his son Amnon raped his daughter Tamar, incurring the wrath of his son Absalom who later killed Amnon, and years later took the kingdom from his father… briefly.  David’s love for his children (especially Absalom) is clearly seen throughout scripture. Not long after usurping the throne, Absalom meets his fate at the hands of David’s captain and David is put back on the throne.  So many happenings in one life!  All stemming from a young boy singing songs to God, while faithfully tending to his daddy’s sheep.  He could have never in his wildest dreams imagined that he would be God’s choice for King of Israel. Many years passed between the time Samuel anointed him as king and when he actually received the crown.  Timing.  We may never experience the level of drama in our lives some of the ”bible people” did, but we’ll have our own mountain-top/valley low experiences.  Realizing that perfect timing only comes from a perfect God will make our life so much more satisfying and productive.  I wish that I could have met my brother and his wife years ago.  I wish I could have met my sister and her husband years ago.  I wish I could have attended their weddings, sat in the hospital as their children were born, gone to the graduations, spent holidays together etc… etc.. etc.  They are all such wonderful people, and we would have really enjoyed each other.  However it did not work out like that.  They were all ’suddenlies’ in our life.  One day they were complete and total strangers, the next day we were family, feeling as though there was no separation.  I don’t know how or why 2009 became the year of “reconnection” but I’m grateful that it was.  Timing.  I don’t know what all The Father has in store for us, but His Word tells us that it is good.  The circumstances around us may be hard, but His promise is that He would not put any more on us than we are able to bear.  With every temptation, He has already provided a way of escape.  Every question has an answer.  We may not like the answer, but there is one nevertheless.  Some seasons in our life when we feel as though we’re getting cut left and right, it’s just God pruning us like a fruitful tree… that we will be able to bear even more fruit… healthy fruit… not corrupt, worm-laden, rotten fruit!  Each step we take towards God, we will find a new obstacle trying to block our path, but remember we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us.  The bottom line… no matter what….

“all things work together for the good of them who love GOD, to them who are the called according to His purpose”

(Romans 8:28)

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“Never Seen His Face”, The Williams Brothers w/K&K Mime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQwYnagGw1A

“I Give You Praise”, Darwin Hobbs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c48LkI0ZQTE

“Take Me In”, Kutless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0cuOawD_I8

“Breakthrough”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVbsab0j3vE

“For Every Mountain”, Jackson 2 Mime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRnVqQsmJuU

“Tomorrow”, King David Productions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZBCv7ChP38

“Be Grateful”, The Hawkins Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUEkRp69aIU

“Son of Man”, Tye Tribbett & GA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzQuwfoeTx8

Thursday, March 26, 2009

…Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

[Romans 2:4]

Good Morning Beloved,

God is so good.  The Bible says that in the presence of God is “fullness of joy and at His right hand pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11) …. I know that to be true.  It is not just something I heard about.  It isn’t something you can really describe to anyone who has not experienced it.  We are living epistles read by humanity. Like it or not, our God is judged by His children.  What is our first thought when we see a wild, rude, undisciplined child in public?  I don’t know about you, but I immediately wonder what kind of parents they have…if any.  You know the old say, “the apple does not fall far from the tree”. This can be an unfair assessment.  I’ve known great parents with crazy children and vice versa.  God is a great parent… the ultimate parent… and look at some of His kids. Being in His presence, is like being under a magnifying glass.  Our every flaw is revealed.  The truth is clear…there is no doubt.  This naked honesty may be too much for some, and could be why many avoid an actual encounter with the Living God.  I’d so much rather get that soul-examination now, when my stuff can be corrected, then to ignore God, and be unprepared to meet Him on my day.  Last night during rehearsal, after a day of corporate fasting and prayer, we took communion and allowed the presence of God to fill the temple.  It was absolutely indescribable.  In the production my character is a demon, ‘fear’.  Playing demonic, negative characters is very serious.  I know the importance of God first sanctioning a project, and then covering it with the Blood of Jesus.  It is not something to be taken lightly.  The adversary does his best work hiding under the cover of anonymity. He wants people to continue to doubt his existence, so that he can wreak havoc in their lives undetected.  Last night, as I was praying over the area deemed ‘hell’, I felt an over-whelming burden.  The Spirit of God was heavy over there, and I felt God’s Word in my spirit.  I felt that for some this will not just be a stage play, but a reality.  They will not be able to take off their costumes, wash their faces and grab some dinner.  Hell is a real place.  We are doing well in our presentation, but our best attempts to describe that terrible place fall helplessly short.  Jesus spoke of it often.  He knew the horrors it contains.  It was never intended for the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve.  It was created for satan and his followers… unfortunately, if the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve line up in the evil ones “entourage”, they will go where he is headed.   BUT GOD…

The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

[2 Peter 3:9 New Living Translation]

… and that Beloved child of God is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

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“You Are The Living Word”, Fred Hammond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agdw4UnCH2o

“God Is Good”, Regina Belle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy4dwdJKiy4

“Ancient of Days”, Ron Kenoly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOe5GpqFJrE

“Worship You”, Antwaun Stanley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRYsGYB7nGo

“Teach Me”, Antwaun Stanley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlcUS7FaCPI

1 of 5   Our God is a God of justice, but also a God of mercy. Through the blood of Jesus, God’s mercy is available to us now. It is up to us to decide to accept it. We don’t want to be camping out in “Sin Forest” when judgment time comes.

Bread of Life -2 Corinthians 2:14 2 of 116   Jesus said in John 6:36 “I am the bread of life”. It is up to the believers to take the Bread of Life (Jesus) out of the Bakery (the church building), to where the hungry people are. After eating “Satan’s Garbage”, the aroma of the Bread of Life will certainly smell good. January 1, 2007

Grace Cafe -2 Corinthians 1:20 3 of 116   All of God’s promises throughout the Bible are fulfilled in Jesus. The grace of God has been made freely available to us through the blood of Jesus. January 1, 2007

Lion of Judah -Deuteronomy 28:7 7 of 116   In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Like a lion, our Lord is powerful and strong, and able to protect us from the enemy. January 1, 2007

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?  Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself.  Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For Your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”)  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[Romans 8:26-39]

When God Kisses You… for no particular reason

Good Morning Beloved,

I am excited this morning.  Ever had one of those days where you just ‘feel’ blessed.  Blessed just to wake up.  Blessed to be able to clothe, dress and feed yourself.  Blessed to be able to hop in your car, or the bus and go to your good-God-given job!   Blessed to have a career that allows you to work from home. Glory!  Blessed to have people in your life who love you unconditionally.  Blessed.. blessed… blessed.  I learned living with my Grandmother in the country, not to take anything for granted. Looking at the snow this morning, I was reminded of a time, 1982 I think, when Grandma and I were “snowbound” in the trailer for a couple of weeks.  The snow was so deep, it drifted half-way up the door.  Grandma brought all of her critters in… all of them.  Four chickens, the dog “Smutt”, the cat “OJ”, and my mallard duck “Boo” who was already a resident of the house.  There we were… all of us… stuck in the house.  Chickens cackling, duck quacking, the bully cat harrassing the dog.  It seemed to stretch on forever. We didn’t have many visitors, except the occasional cousin who would drop by.  We didn’t have much, but we always had what we needed.  Grandma knew the Lord and she knew how to pray.  In those days, children were not as privy to household issues as they are today.  I knew we were not rich, but I never felt poor.  Mind you, we had no running water until I was about 14 or 15… but Grandma made it seem like no big deal.  She was tough, but sweet and God took care of her.  During our winter ’shut-in’, I looked out of the window one day, and saw a lady named Carol, her husband and their son, walking the long trek from the road to our trailer… in their bare feet.  My grandmother used to work for Carol’s family, and practically raised Carol.  They no longer lived in our county, but they made the journey to check on my grandmother, and bring her some needed items.  We were not expecting it.  The Lord touched their hearts. That was not the first time God used them, and another family she used to work for, to show His love for my Grandmother, when her own family seemed to forget her.  God is like that.  What He does may seem small in the broad scheme of things.  The thing may not mean anything to anyone else, but to us, it is priceless.  I have determined in my heart never to take even the ’smallest’ blessing for granted.  As I look back over my life, I am so grateful for every ‘kiss’ that I’ve received from On High, and it makes me love God even more.  We can’t see God with our eyes, but if we’re paying attention… we can ’see’ the effects of His Spirit moving in us, our family and all around us …

…and that family is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“Your Love Is All Around”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmP7R93Aga4

“Breathe Into Me”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJJEWF49y2k

“Here I Am To Worship”, Isreal & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkkhhlKrrkc

Grace Cafe - 2 Corinthians 1:20 3 of 109   All of God’s promises throughout the Bible are fulfilled in Jesus. The grace of God has been made freely available to us through the blood of Jesus.

Desert Oasis -Isaiah 55:2 9 of 109   The Kingdom of God, the Church, is an oasis in the middle of the dry desert of the world. God invites those who are thirsty to come and partake of His bounteous table..

Tailor -Isaiah 61:10 20 of 109   Righteousness is not something we can attain through our own efforts. It is a free gift from God. Through Jesus, we can exchange our sin for His righteousness.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

“He Knows My Name” Israel & New Breed (‘Alive’ project)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSFaI3Mxomg

  *********

“I Am Not Forgotten” Israel & New Breed (‘Alive’ project)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmeHYS4k314

A good reminder.  God knows my name.  He knows me.  He knows how many hairs there are on my head.  He knows how many times I am going to hit the mark and do exploits.  He knows how many times I’m going to fall and say or do something dumb.  He knows my strengths…. He knows my weaknesses.  He knows my faults…. He knows my talents.  He knows my heart, mind and soul.  I can never, ever, ever do or say anything that can catch Him by surprise.  He knew my action before it even became a thought.  He is God.  He is Omnipotent and Omnipresent.  That fact that He knows me does not absolve me from living right.  “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).  It is a heart issue really.  Our goal is not to see how close we can get to the edge of sin-cliff before we fall off, but rather to see how close we can press into the heart of God.  God knows that as long as we are living in this ‘earth-suit’ we will battle something in our flesh.  For some it may be a surly temper, for others it may be over-eating, smoking, illicit relationships, or gossip.  Whatever it is, we can surrender that area to God.  He can cleanse us of all unrighteousness — He said He would.  I get nostalgic around this time of the year because my baby was born on Christmas night, 1988.  She seemed to keep an ear infection for her first 2 years.  I always kept several outfits and plastic bags in her diaper bag, because I knew she was going to mess up her clothes.  What if after soiling herself I told her, “well that’s a fine mess, now get your sorry self together or pack your bags and get out of my house!” Sounds crazy right?  She was a baby and it was my job and my honor to take care of her.  Now, at 20, she has long been able to take care of her own personal needs.  I believe as it is in the natural, so it goes in the spiritual.  We should be able to mark the areas where we’ve grown in our faith…. and out of our spiritual diapers.  God knows my name…. Regina… my mother named me after my father… Reginald Lee.  She said if she had been thinking she would have named me Regina Lee, but she thought Lee was a masculine name at the time.  I tend to think my name was ordained for me… Regina means “Queen”… and Lynn means “a babbling brook, or a beautiful waterfall”… so I guess I’m “Queen Babbling Brook”.  Those who know me realize truer words have never been spoken (I love to … shall we say “communicate”).  God knows your name too…

Wrong Turn -1 John 1:9 67 of 104   When we break God’s Command, we run head on into sin, which will leave us damaged. But God doesn’t want us to remain broken down on the side of the road. We should confess our sin to Him, receive His forgiveness, and get back on the road. February 17, 2008

Toy Repair -Psalm 147:3 58 of 104   Just like this toy repairman, Jesus can the broken hearted. December 9, 2007

Costruction Site -1 Peter 2:5 55 of 104   If we offer ourselves in service to the Lord, He already knows just the right place we are best suited for. November 18, 2007

 

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of the children of mankind!

{Psalm 31:19 ~ New Living Translation}

Beloved,

Walk in the favor God has bestowed on you today!  God has already blessed you.  We cheat ourselves when we do not realize who we are, and what we actually have.  Cynicism, fear, and procrastination are all symptoms of a much greater problem… lack of trust. When we trust God, we have hope.  When we are hopeful, we are filled with the belief that no matter what is going on right now, God is.  Not only that, but God is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.  If I get the new job, God is… if I don’t get it … God is.  If I marry that fabulous “Man-a-God”… God is…. If I never get married… God is… If my baby wins the Nobel peace prize, or becomes the nations’ first black woman president… God is…. if she never gets a job… God is.  If I get that dream house…. God is.. if I don’t …God is.  Regardless, of what my family does, regardless of what the nation does, regardless of what the international community does… regardless of what the economy does, regardless of who believes in Him and who does not believe in Him… it does not negate the fact that He is.  God is…. God is past, present and future all rolled into one.  He never changes and is light years away from us in terms of His thinking, but yet He can hear, understand and respond to the simplest prayer uttered from a mouth whose heart calls out to Him.  God is!  I like the word ‘is’… no matter where we are… there He is….

That my precious friend, is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

(… please don’t let the news stress you out…)

Regina

Richard Smallwood “I’ll Trust You”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HAO-7wBZTw

Manila Chamber Singers “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOJ76SqPDeM

Dynamite -Mark 11:22,23 13 of 100   The power of God can remove any obstacle that is preventing you from getting to where God wants you to be. Our faith allows God to release His power in our lives, to remove the mountains in our way. January 13, 2007

Monday, November 3, 2008

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He Himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need.  From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and He determined their boundaries. “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. “God over-looked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to Him. For He has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead.” When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council,a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

{Acts 17:24-34}

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above, 
filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
(Refrain)

{“Blessed Assurance”}

Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1839-1908

God’s promise, His assurance is yes He exists, no… no one really “gets away” with anything.  He is a just God.  The good news for us, is that He is also merciful.  Every moment we have breath, is another moment that was not owed or promised… a gift… time to “work out” our issues with Him.  I heard someone say, something to the effect that, isn’t it funny how we demand justice when someone offends us, and pray for mercy when the shoe is on our foot.  My grandmother used to say, “God ain’t no play-toy…. don’t play with Him”.  There is another side to God lest we think He is all warm and fuzzy… We don’t have to meet that other side though.  He has given us access into His presence.  A ‘golden invitation’ to come and reason with Him about anything.

Beloved,

Remember the saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder”?…. What one person views as beautiful, may not be to someone else.  I had a mole on my nose that people told me was ‘cute’… I saw nothing cute about it and had it removed.  They said that I had gotten rid of my ‘beauty mark’.  What is beautiful to you? Generally speaking, what we find beautiful in others, can be a ruler by  which we measure ourselves.  Our hair, our size, our complexion.. what is the ’standard’ that we gage ourselves by?  Who set it?  What about our finances, living conditions, transportation?  These can also be viewed as  ‘beautiful’ or ‘ugly’ situations.  What makes us beautiful?  I went through a lot of changes when I was younger.  My hair has been “fried, dyed and laid to the side”.  I have worn braids, wigs, weaves, scarves… you name it…. I’ve done it.  All for the illusive notion of the “perfect” look.  One day I decided to ‘loc’ my hair, and for me it was the perfect solution.  I LOVE IT!  What is beauty?  I found a beautiful wedding song, Psalm 45:11 “The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord”. Though the writer was speaking of an earthly king and his bride, I saw another point of view.  It reminds me of another intimate verse in Zephaniah 3:17:  The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His Love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”  A totally different perspective from the impersonal God we may have been told about.  Someone who created you just to have something to yell at.  We need to see ourselves through God’s eyes.  He loves us, because we are His.  We are ‘BEAUTIFUL’, because His Spirit dwells in us.  He has clothed us with a robe of righteousness and saturated us in the sweet perfume of the oil of His anointing.  We are exquisite.. one of a kind, designer originals.  Even if you had a twin, there is, nor will there ever be another you… and that makes you priceless.  That’s awesome isn’t it?  We may need to work on matching  our outside appearance, with all of this inner Glory.  We can slide from one end of the spectrum to the other.  Either we work on the inside and the outside is ‘tore up from the floor up’ or spend an inordinate amount of time and money on the outside, neglecting the inside of the temple.  Just look around at nature and see the beauty God has made.  God is beauty personified.  Everything needs to be in balance.  On the inside, what am I doing to ‘beautify’ my spirit?  Spending time in His Presence, reading His Word, praying, fasting, listening to music that strenthens my soul, helping somebody.  On the outside…do a double check before leaving the house in the morning.  Is something wrinkled?  Is it torn?  Out of season?  Need to just be thown away?  Does it have spots that are not a part of the pattern?  Am I wearing ‘white socks’?  Yeah, Regina but I don’t care about all of that.  Well you should.  Others do.  If you are self-employed in a career where you have little or no contact with people… that argument may fly…. but especially if you are in corporate America you may need to ’step it up’.  Realize that you are beautiful, and then find your outer beauty.  Just because I weigh more now than I did 20 years ago, does not give me license to just let myself fall totally apart. I’m losing weight, because I want be healthy.  I want to see my grandchildren, and the children of all of the precious kids that are around me some day, and have the energy to enjoy them.  What is beauty???  Hear me…….You are…