No. 310 - Beautiful by Design

A couple of days ago, something really cool happened to me. I got my makeup done by a professional makeup artist. However, it is the story behind it that makes it cool.

My friend, Dianalee, is a makeup artist and has a passion called Beautiful by Design. I say "passion" as opposed to "business" because when talking to her about it that is exactly what it is, her passion. But in her own words, Beautiful by Design is not just about doing makeup for wedding or grads, but it is about sharing the message that all women are beautiful . . . by design. She recently posted on Facebook the following status:

The characterization of a person as “beautiful", is often based on a combination of inner beauty, which includes psychological factors such as personality, intelligence, grace, politeness, charisma, integrity, congruence and elegance, and outer beauty which, is on a subjective basis. When it comes down to it, it's the inward beauty that far outweighs the outer beauty! Don't you think?

What a wonderful message!

Anyways, a few weeks ago I "liked" her Facebook page. She was holding a draw for a free makeup application once she got to 100 "likes", and I WON!!! I knew it was going to be a fun experience, and it was! I got my makeup done for our annual small group girls diva dinner {say that ten times fast}. Pictures of that tomorrow, but for today, check out the makeup preparation and the beautiful woman behind the scenes.

 

 Dianalee

 

Before

 After

Love it so much!

 

Make sure you check out her Facebook page 

and pray for her as she embarks on telling women that they are beautiful by design.

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No. 301 - A Hairy Situation

So, as weird as that title sounds, it does have some self-esteem point to it.

Here's a little history.

I haven't appreciated {or known what to do with} my hair until about the last year-ish.

Ok, don't tune out now.

Basically something was always wrong.

It was always too frizzy.

Too long.

Too dry.

Too many split ends.

Etc.
I have come to terms with it and learned how to work with it though.

Ok, now here's where the self-esteem point comes in.

We all {probably speaking to girls here} have body features that we wish were different.

Longer legs, smaller waist, bigger . . . ahem . . . chest.

The point is {not to quote Bruno Mars} but you're beautiful just the way you are.

So this week, let's all take something about our body that we normally don't like and find the positive in it.

I'll start.

I don't like that my hair is dry and frizzy,

but . . .

I do like that it is low-maintenance and doesn't need to be washed every day.

See?

Now, you try.

And for the picture of the day,

my coworker posted this on my bag at work.

Sometimes you don't value things about yourself the same way that others do.

Remember that.

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No. 202 - A More Beautiful You

This morning I was reading a blogpost by Urban Nester entitled "breaks my heart". It was a great entry (I encourage you to check it out if you have time). The basic theme of the blog was women's insecurities and self-esteem issues with body image, particularly those in the high school age group. As a woman, I can attest that this is something that gets thrown in our faces more often than not. However, I also know that as a woman who professes to find her identity in the Lord, I have attempted to be thankful for the body and attributes He has given me. 

I remember explaining to a friend once about my reasons for wearing a bikini. Now, I know this may be controversial, but I wear a bikini not for any attention game or to be a "stumbling block" for men. Not by any means! I told my friend that I wear a bikini to show that I am comfortable in my own skin. To show that even if I weigh more that 170 pounds and have a few love handles here and there, I am still beautiful. Why? Because of Who made me.

Now, that being said, I also have an obligation to take care of my body. However, there is a fine line between health and extreme. Extreme is where we find issues like anorexia, bulimia, obesity, body-pride, low self-esteem, and obsession. It is easy to become any of these. Health is a lifestyle. Health is an attitude. Health is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. 

Anyways, the specific issue I am addressing is a woman's self-esteem regarding body image. I do not have a quick fix - not in the world we live in. All I have is a challenge. Spend some time alone this week and ask God how He sees you. What He sees in you. And why He made you. The very first thing I remembering hearing when I first heard God's voice was that He thought I was beautiful.
It was a life-changing moment. 

I have two things to leave you with this morning.

First, is the picture of the day. I snapped this photo while I was still in my gym workout clothes to show myself in pure, true light. Then I uploaded it on Picnik and worked my editing magic. I just wanted to show the difference.

Then, the second thing I want to leave you with is the song A More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz. 

It speaks to the heart of this issue. 

Now, I don't know the specifics of who all reads my blog, but if I have said anything that touched on something in your life and you would like to chat about it, feel free to contact me by shooting me off an email under my Contact page. I would love to hear from you.

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