Advocate

In life it is important to find a passion, something that you stand for that you believe in. That passion often becomes part of us and makes up even more beautiful as we search and learn about that passion. I have several things that I'm an advocate for. Many of my friends and family are Diabetic. My mother, my father was before he died, then my best friend is, and then I worked with a diabetes coalition for almost a year. Everything about what I've done with the coalitions has made me an advocate in this. I myself am not diabetic but I do stand for the cause. I also stand for those with Cancer. My father died of Leukemia and I believe it is important to stand for those that may not be able to stand themselves. I'm an advocate for girls who don't see their beauty and for people that get bullied. I was a teenage girl- I remember what it was like. Not to mention I STILL struggle with low self esteem. Then with the bullying thing- I lived through that from elementary school all the way through college. I was cyber bullied in high school just as cyber bullying was being discovered. I'd never even heard of it till it happened to me. I stand for these causes because I'm a survivor of the effects they bring on others lives. But the one thing that I'm an advocate for the thing that completes me is- being an advocate for ACCers. ACC stands for Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum. It is a disorder. One that I was born with. People with ACC range from different things. Some of them cannot walk, or even talk. While others can do all of that, and function almost normally. But ACCers need a voice. When I found out about my ACC when I was 20 I decided that I wanted to speak out or ACCers. Be someone that can help them- be an advocate. What did I gain by becoming an Advocate? confidence, courage, compassion, and more. These things add beauty to a persons life. Because I am passionate and compassionate I am beautiful the way that I am. So far we've talked about radiance and being an advocate as two important parts of being beautiful the way they are. I encourage you to be an advocate for something or someone and if you already are then... well... "Rock it, Poppet!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGtN04X07lA

Radiance

Welcome to this installment of the Beautiful The Way You Are challenge. One of the things I've always found so fascinating is the definition of Radiance. To radiate something is to emit light, or energy... to beam. People radiate beauty. As a Christian I have seen a persons smile and looking at it I KNOW they have God in their lives. Three of these people that have these types of smiles are Zach Zegan from the band Dizmas that I used to listen to and my friend Lance, and my twitter friend Ashley Hargest. They all just love God so much, that it shines through them and in their smiles radiate Christ. I've met so many young women that literally radiate beauty. Everything about them from personality to looks is absolutely beautiful. You may think I'm just talking about pretty skinny girls but Of all body types their are women that radiate beauty. They shine, they glow, they beam. Do you know their secret? Do you want to? It's not really that big of secret. They've found comfort and confidence in themselves and often for Christians they found the confidence in God. One of the big steps to Finding your beauty in the way you are is gaining confidence in yourself. Then that beauty will radiate off of you. It may already yet you don't even realize it! There are so many different personality types out there too. I'm snarky, cynical, sarcastic, feisty, and independent. I intimidate most people because I'm just so set in my ways and stubborn. Some young women are shy and couldn't imagine just saying what they think. But I'm no less beautiful than the shy girl and she's no less beautiful than me. We ALL radiate beauty. My twitter friend Ashley Hargest is one of the most absolutely beautiful people I know. She is full of Christs love. And if she is reading this right now chances are she's going to say "It's not me but it's Christ in me" She's right but Christ is in her the way she is because she wants Him to be. She could say that she didn't want to be used by him the way she is but she doesn't. She radiates such a beauty that makes her admired by many...but Ashley they do not just admire you but Christ in you. All glory goes to Him. I've always loved the thought of being radiant. For years I thought that I couldnt be because I'm chubby, because I have a brain disorder, because I come across grumpier than I really am. But I realize that the only thing that keeps me from being radiant is ME. I have decided to not stop myself from being Radiant anymore. I challenge all of you to join me in my quest to live a radiant life. To shine with the beauty that I've always had. You can too, in fact we can do it together. Beauty is natural, glowing is often natural, RADIANCE is natural. I've decided to add this to the blog. I love natural beauty products. Recently I was mixing some things together and accidently mixed this AMAZING face paste. I took grape seed oil, some warming oil that smelled like a beach, and then flower petals of my favorite flower crazy daises. I managed toget some great oils out of the flowers and mixed the petals in with the oils...then put it on my face. I rubbed it in and the next thing I knew my face was soft and I brought out a natural glow I didn't even realize my face had! Try it sometime, or something like it! I'm telling you all of these because realizing our radiance is a big step to finding out that we are beautiful the way we are. So until next time Radiate like the sun <3

Beautiful the Way You Are Challenge

Do you struggle with self image? You don't think you are beautiful? Someone once told you that you had something wrong with you and after a time you've started to believe them? Me too. I'm an average girl. When I was younger I was skinny but thought I was fat...then the most horrible thing happened I actually started gaining weight. I was depressed and eating like crazy. I was a happy girl when I was younger then Middle school happened. Girls kept trying to change me. I was a girl that hated make up, I didn't spend much time on my hair I was just me. Then suddenly from every direction I was told I was fat, I needed makeup and my hair was stringy. Nothing about me was good enough. Then I really did start to get chubby. My self image went from high to low in a matter of weeks. Now at 26 years old I still sometimes struggle with it, for crying outloud I'm a girl living in the 21st century where everywhere I turn is an example of perfection and that example is nothing like me. Most days I'm fine. I'm chubby, but happy, I wear the minimum of makeup and I still do very little to my hair. Still I have to remember that I'm beautiful the way I am. I remember some of my dorm-mates in college used to write on their mirrors with the window safe markers positive messages to themselves and anyone that used their mirrors. "I am Beautiful" "I am Strong" "I am one of a kind" "I love me" what excellent reminders! Lately I've been on a journey of self discovery. I'm finding different ways to discover that I'm Beautiful the Way I am" Each day I figure something new out, something that makes me, beautiful me. This challenge is for anyone that reads this blog. PLEASE join me on this journey. My friend Labanya and I as well as some others are going through this challenge and I will post on here the things that I've discovered. I encourage you to do the same. Comment on here. I don't know how long this challenge will be but I know the things we discover will be amazing. The first thing I've realized about myself is my smile. Happiness makes a girl beautiful. Life situations shouldn't control our happiness though. I've found myself smiling no matter how much it may hurt. Whats your first thing that makes you Beautiful the way you are? It can be anything. The coming days/weeks I'll talk about different natural beauty techniques, people, things I enjoy, and a lot of different areas of my life that show me that I'm beautiful the way I am. I encourage each of you to join me and would be so happy to do this journey with you. Think of this challenge as an accountability exercise. We're...all in this together ;) Check these out: http://thebeautybean.com/site/links/shop/ Until Next time...be you :)

More Beautiful You Lessons 9-12

Alright tonight is the final post on More Beautiful You. I have a couple more posts planned for the future! I look forward to sharing with you all the things that I am learning! Lesson 9: Accepting God's Love Lesson 10: The Beauty of Redemption Lesson 11: The Beauty of Restoration Lesson 12: Becoming A Model Lesson 9: What is love? Love is one of God's defining characteristics. "Everything God says and everything He does is an expression of love." Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 List all the facets of true love that are described in these verses. Beside each one write a choice that must be made in order for this facet of love to shine. How is true love different from the type of love most teenagers experience or expect? true love puts the needs of another person above it's own desires. It seeks the best for the regardless of the difficulty or inconvenience that might result. "We must never mistake lust for love. It will only rob us of God's best for our lives." Think about true love and list 10 character qualities that you desire for the man you will someday marry, things that you wont settle for lest about. memorize Ephesians 3:17-19 In your own words, what was Paul praying for the people who lived in Ephesus? List the key words that stand out to you in this prayer. what is important about each of these words? What does Paul mean when he says Christ's love "surpasses knowledge"? Ask God to help you begin to discover how big His loev is for you. Ask Him to help you seek only the 1st Corinthians love. Lesson 10: "As long as we strive to achieve external standards of beauty, we will remain frustrated and disappointed." scripture passages for this lesson: John 3:16, Matthew 5:48, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 3:16 (again), Romans 8:38-39 "True beauty can only come from a relationship with God." What things are you using to try to fill the hole in your heart right now? How are most of your friends trying to fill the holes in their lives? Memorize John 15;13 what are three things this verse tells you about Jesus' lvoe for you? Have you ever made the decision to accept Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? if not talk to God about it and if you have thank God for everything Ask Him to let others see that beauty shining through your life. Lesson 11: "The Bible is filled with examples of God rescuing people and giving them fresh starts." Psalm 51 According to the introduction written prior to verse 1 Who wrote this psalm? When did he write it? What does David admit to God What does David ask God to do? Based on this Psalm, what are some things we should do when we know there is sin in our lives? Read Psalm 103:1-5 and list six benefits that accompany God's forgiveness. Are there things in your life that are keeping you from enjoying a relationship with God? If so, list them (very privately if you want to). Share them with God, and ask Him to forgive you, cleanse you, and help you live an uncluttered, care free life. Tell god about any unmet desires you have and ask Him to satisfy those desires with "good" things. (Psalm 103:5) What is one way you wish you could see life through the eyes of a little girl again? Memorize Isaiah 43:18-19 Talk to God: Ask Him to clean the dirty things and fix the broken things from your past. Ask Him to help you forget the hurtful things and allow Him to do amazing new things in and through you. Ask Him to help you live life with the carefree joy of a little girl. Lesson 12: "Crowns of love and compassion set us apart and make us beautiful." Read Matthew 5:14-16 What metaphor does Jesus use to explain the type of models we are supposed to be? List at least four distinguishing facts about light that are evident from these verses. According to verse 16: What should people see when they look at us? (Describe some of the good deeds that should make us stand out.) What should people do when they see us? Evaluate your image: There is a Zulu tribe in South Africa where the members greet each other with a phrase that means, "I see you." Isn't that great? Do you really "see" the other people your life comes in contact with? or are you too busy wondering how they see you? What have you done recently to provide light in a dark place? God has given us crowns of love and compassion. Are you wearing yours? If not, what kinds of crowns distinguish your life? Memorize 1 John 4:11 How does this verse impact your life? Talk to God: Ask Him to help you focus on others and their needs more than you focus on yourself and your needs. Ask Him to show you someone specific He wants you to share His love with this week and how He would like you to do it. Ask Him to help you become one of His next top models of true beauty. Wow I enjoyed diving into this study and hope you enjoyed it as well! I look forward to the next few posts! Thanks so much Coming up: A post about some of my most recent "Natural Beauty discoveries." Also a "Beautiful the Way You Are Challenge" That I hope you will join me in! Until next time!

More Beautiful You Lessons 5-8

The next few Lessons go hand in hand so for that reason, and the fact that I know few people are reading this I have decided to group them together. Lesson 5: God's Perfect Plan Lesson 6: Our Longing to be Noticed Lesson 7: Our Longing to be Loved Lesson 8: Our Longing for a Perfect body Lesson 5: Read starting at Acts 3:2 about the man at the gate called Beautiful. What do you view is going on? Can you find your purpose, once we realize our true beauty our purpose is easier to find. Read Galatians 1:10: In what ways do you try to "please men?" How would things be different if you chose to be a servant of Christ? What is one specific thing you can (and will) do this week to serve someone other than yourself? Memorize Luke 6:38 What does God promise you in this verse, does this have anything to do with beauty? Ask God to show you how you can fulfill His purpose for your life this week. Lesson 6: We're human we have a need to be noticed. So often times we become what we think others want us to become. But God wants us to be who we are and no one else. Read 1 Samuel 17:1-50 Why was the israelite army so fearful and list 3 ways david fell short of the standards necessary to defeat Goliath How had god prepared David for this event? What do you think would have happened if David had accepted the equipment that King saul offered him? Read Psalm 20:7 When it came to battle, what did most people trust in? What did God want them to trust in? What does that mean practically speaking? When it comes to beauty. what do people trust in? What does God want us to trust in/ What does that mean- practically speaking? Memorize Zephaniah 3:17 List five things that are mentioned in this verse that God wants to do for you? How does God want you to apply this verse to your life right now? Ask God to show you the false things you've been relying on to receive popularity Lesson 7: Society wants us to think that their version of beauty will lead us to being and feeling loved. Ephesians 5:3 How does this verse apply to the methods many teenage girls use to attract teenage guys? 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 How should a Christian teenager look and act differently than one who does not have a relationship with God? 1 Corinthians 10:31-32 If you applied these verses to your life every time you changed your clothes, how would it affect your clothing choices? What clothes do and don't glorify God in your closet and which ones bring glory to yourself? List your five greatest fears when it comes to life, love and looks? Memorize Psalm 34: 4-5 Talk to God and tell him about your fears. Ask him to fill you with his peace Lesson 8: Outward appearance it's nice to be healthy and look it but beyond that...eh. 1st Corinthians 3:16-17 What does it mean to defile or destroy the temple of God? What are some ways we do this in our culture? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Why are we not our own? How were we "bought at a price?" What are some way we can honor or bring glory to God with our bodies? "Most destructive behaviors are rooted in arrogance. and arrogance is sin." Consider this: God wants you to bring Him glory. How does it make you feel to realize God wants you to bring Him glory? does it bother or excite you? why? What is one way you think He wants you to bring Him glory right now? Memorize Deuteronomy: 7:7-8 This verse was written to the Israelites but how does it apply to you? Tell God your biggest struggle and ask him to help you. Ask him to use it to bring him Glory and joy and peace to you Until Next time...Stay Beautiful ;)

More Beautiful You Lesson 4

Lesson 4: The Worlds Deception. This chapter starts off by reminding us of those carefree days of childhood when it didnt matter if our hair was a mess (on a windy day or otherwise) It didn't matter about the calories in food, and it didn't matter if our clothes were hand-me-downs or walmart. We weren't concerned with labels. Those were the days of carefree giggles, spinning in circles, and being who we really are. Funny how sometimes as we grow up during the times of trying to find ourselves that is sometimes when we lose ourselves. Something often triggers these moments of growing up, the moments when suddenly all these things do matter and instead of a breeze being a blessing it blows your hair everywhere so you suddenly hate it, perhaps you give up the calories or...maybe you don't but you decide to throw them back up :( Or perhaps your parents end up going to second hand stores if thats all you can afford BUT the only thing you by is popular labels...the days of spinning in circles are over because that's just not cool...Sometimes thats triggered by someone saying something, a family member or a friend... I'm about to get somewhat transparent with you. You see when I was younger I never cared about that stuff, I hated makeup, felt like I was wearing a mask, I left my hair wet most of the time, and never styled it, and walmart was my best friend. If people didn't like me for me...who cared? Not me! Then one day my mother came to me begging me to start wearing make up. "It'll make you prettier" My grandmother started noticing I was fat when I was 15 (just after my father died) Suddenly I wasn't good enough for anything. And My mom started making me shop at Old Navy and other stores. Forget walmart, that wasnt cool enough for the look that was in and it was time I start caring! I felt worthless, and I fought my family and even my friends the whole way. The popular girls at school started taking me in the bathroom at school to do my makeup everyday...and suddenly I was a different person. I don't blame any of them. They just wanted me to look good...but it hurt my perspective in the long run and even today I have troubles thinking I'm pretty if I don't do my makeup. My hair is the one thing people never tried to change on me. That was my choice. The ONLY thing that changed was how I parted my hair. That wasn't a big deal. But now when I look at myself I see me again. I wear the amount of makeup I want to wear, I get my clothes where I want to get them and by golly I make myself look good in MY mind. It took a long time to get back to that but if I can anyone can. We're beautiful by being ourselves! Don't forget that, and if you have, it's a daily struggle but join me in getting back to that! Our culture makes us think we need all sorts of products to be beautiful but you know what, back in the 17-1800s they didn't have those products and people were still impressed by each other, by their personalities and minds! This lessons scripture: Exodus 20:22-23 & 1 John 5:21 What does God say about idols & how can beauty become an idol? Jonah 2:8-9 What happens to people who cling to idols? Mark 12:30 How can we avoid getting trapped into worshiping the idol of beauty? What practical things can you do to apply this verse to your life. Quote: "God wants to use the very things that hurt us most to bring the greatest good into our lives. He wants to demonstrate His power in us- if we will let him" According to the lies taught to us by our culture: What are some of your physical weaknesses? What are some of your strengths? According to Romans 12:1-2 what does God want you to do with your physical weaknesses as well as your strengths? Memorize Psalm 27:4 "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." What should be your one desire? What does David mean by the phrase? "that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life?" What does he mean to "gaze upon the beauty of the Lord?" Talk to God: Tell Him some of the lies society what you to believe about yourself. Ask Him to help you stop focusing on your flaws and start concentrating on Him Don't search for what the world calls beautiful but find in you what the CREATOR calls beautiful because to him EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU is beautiful.

More Beautiful You Lesson 3

I know that no one reads this but I made a promise to myself that I'd finish this study on here. So I will. This Lesson is God's Perfect Creation: This lesson talks about the Authors opinion that men were made as the rough draft to the beautiful creation of women. The author says "Believe it or not, you are part of God's magnum opus." WHAT. A. THOUGHT. Read Psalms 139:14. The book is now telling us to read Psalm 139:1-16: What do verses 1-4 say about God's knowledge of you? What do verses 5-12 say about God's protection of you? What do verses 13-16 say about God's creation of you? Read Isaiah 64:8: Think about a potter who is working with clay to make a vessel. How involved does the potter have to be in the process of forming the clay? How involved is god in forming every detail of your body and life? REALLY look yourself in the mirror and list some physical characteristics god designed for you that make you very special and unique? What are some abilities God has given you that prove you are His masterpiece? What are some Characteristics inside your heart that make God very proud of you? "The king is enthralled by your beauty' honor him, for he is your Lord." -Psalm 45:11 Since God thinks you are beautiful what is one way you can honor him? Talk to God and ask him to help you see yourself the way He does. Another plug: I have a bracelet that says "See yourself as God sees you" I LOVE this bracelet. If you need the reminder like even I do: http://christiandollarstore.com/asgodseyobrw.html I love the concept that we are that beautiful to God and we need to know that! Heres a song that I love. The concept is just amazing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-aXbjZJEI8