Shouldn’t God’s goodness overflow and shine outwardly from us? Absolutely! God has called us to reflect His image.
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
It is so important that we women bring the elegance, tenderness, and simplicity of womanhood to our world. This world needs us to be a reflection of the image of God. In His strength we can radiate His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.
Scripture Memorization
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?” 1 Corinthians 6:19
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139: 14
As women we have the unique ability to possess elegance–refined grace. Elegance reflects excellence. It is simple, neat, and appealing to the eye. Elegance shows the true beauty of a woman, and celebrates the femininity of a woman. As a young girl in the 60s, there was a woman who I believed possessed ultimate elegance. She was not overdone. Her hair, her wardrobe and how she carried herself were a textbook example of simple elegance. Her name was Jacqueline Kennedy. Because of her cultivated taste and choice of classy, timeless pieces, she could rightly be called one of the most influential women in fashion.
We women need to believe that God has created beauty in us. We need to take the steps to let our beauty shine outwardly not only physically but also in the way we conduct our self daily.
1 Peter 3: 3-4 says, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, 
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God”.
May your face and heart shine with His beauty.
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for creating me. I am wonderfully made. I am the daughter of the King of kings. And I am thankful. Let it be my desire to reflect and to mirror Your image, Lord. Give me strength and discipline to keep a healthy beautiful body so that I may reflect Your goodness. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
Matthew 19:26 with God all things are possible
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.
The Study: Write your simple elegance action plan p 102-104 Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study. Both books can be purchased easily at http://www.bonnieliabenow.com
When we are our best physical self, we free up our minds and hearts to be more dedicated to God. We can physically do what God has called us to do when we have done our part to be physically healthy. Use the online resources given below to assist you to physical excellence.
Read Song of Solomon, chapters 4 and 5.
Create a routine of exercise. http://www.faithfulworkouts.com
Plan menus of healthy food. http://http://www.lettucelivewell.com
Start a skin care routine. http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/face/get-gorgeous-skin-all-day-long
Schedule a spa day monthly. http://www.slideshare.net/simplymedia/top-10-health-benefits-of-a-spa
Focus on acquiring a wardrobe that reflects elegance choosing timeless pieces and simple black.
Pray for the desire to possess the gentle and quiet spirit that is most precious to God. (1 Peter 3: 3-4)
I Need Rest!
Has your life been so physically and emotionally exhausting that all you have desired is peace and rest? The demands on my life have been so great at times that I have cried out to God desperately to bless me with rest. I love my life and everyone in it. I enjoy the roles I play: wife, mother, farmer, author, friend, daughter,sister, helper, teacher, musician and a passionate follower of Jesus. But to do it with excellence I need to be refreshed! So today dear heavenly Father I need rest. Psalm 62 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken……Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
If you struggle getting adequate rest, consider these 8 key strategies.
1. Pray. Giving all your cares to your Heavenly Father.
2. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, nicotine or stimulants that interfere with sleep.
3. Turn your bedroom into a sleep-friendly place: quiet, dark, cool, and a bed that is equipped with a comfortable mattress and pillows.
4. Establish a soothing pre-sleep routine that includes bath, soft music, diming all lights and reading God’s Word.
5. During the day, expose yourself to natural light in the morning and during the day; this maintains your internal clock on a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
6.Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day which sets your internal clock assuring a higher quality of sleep.
7. Eat healthy with No food after 7:00pm and balance fluid intake eliminating your need for a bathroom trip or feeling thirsty during sleep hours keeping in mind it takes 90 minutes for the body to process liquids.
8. Exercise daily keeping your workout at least 3 hours before bedtime.
Promise“A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else”
Blessing
“Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God.”
Bonnie Liabenow 