Day #7 Beautiful Seasons

We just happen to be in my favorite season of all...Autumn. I'm thankful Texas is experiencing temps in the 80's right now and for us...that is the equivalent of a cold front--- and that at least justifies long sleeves and boots. I know we must look ridiculous to the rest of America.

Soon enough the 80's will slip down to the 70's and nighttime temps will drop into the 40's. Then after the last leaf has dropped off the tree..wintertime will settle in. And just when we think we can't take another day of cold weather...spring buds will appear on the trees and if we're lucky, summer break will start sooner rather than later. Seems we're never quite satisfied with the season we're in for very long.

It's true in my own life...I remember being single and wondering if I'd EVER get married. Then I wondered if I would EVER be able to have kids....and after 10 years of waiting...I wondered if my firstborn would EVER leave the NICU. Next I wondered if she would EVER talk...walk...feed herself.  A few years later I wondered if we'd EVER finish remodeling our farmhouse....then I wondered if we'd EVER have another baby. When we did...I wondered if we'd EVER move. Then I thought we'd never EVER sell our farmhouse. When we moved I doubted we would EVER make new friends...and when we did, I wondered if we would stay there forEVER. When we didn't, I thought we would nEVER be in ministry again...but God had other plans and now I'm thankful that His was are always higher and better than I could EVER imagine. I look back and can be thankful for EVERy journey and the time and the seasons of life He's brought us through. But it doesn't mean it's been easy.

He's been faithful. When I haven't been, when I've doubted, when I've lost hope, when I've been discontent, when I've wondered. He's been faithful. That's the most important lesson I've learned in 20 years of married life, mom life and ministry life. He's faithful in every season.

In the dry times of summer when the heat and pressure of life is too much. When I feel tired from the burdens and the hardships...He's faithful.

In the cool temps of autumn, when beauty and bounty surround me and I feel and see His presence in creation as leaves turn and thanks are given...He's faithful.

When the harsh winds of winter stir up feelings of resentment and bitterness and hurt and my limbs have nothing to give except a dried up effort ...He's faithful.

And in the spring...when hope is at its best. When new life surrounds me and the promises of a brighter day are before me...He's faithful.

In every season... He's right there. He's known the struggles I would face and the joys I'd experience. Nothing is a surprise to Him. He's orchestrated these events. His faithful steady hand is just as good in the bad times as the good and He's still every reason that we have to live and breathe and sing and worship.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says: He has made everything beautiful in its time. So when you're doubting Him and wondering what He's doing during a certain season of your life...remind yourself, that in His time...at just the right moment this will be a beautiful season. In life and in death, in joy and in sorrow, in good times and bad, He takes those seasons of winter and creates beautiful springtime flowers and trees in shades of colors we can barely describe. It may not be what we thought, or anticipated or imagined...no...it might just be better.

Day #6 Beautiful Need

Day #5 Beautiful Women

It's completely understandable that the world's women are consumed with being beautiful. The health and beauty industry booms with profits and nail and hair salons are one of the few industries that are readily moving into new buildings and taking over the world. For a mere $60-$100 a month your toes and fingers can be beautifully soaked and buffed and filed and painted. But no amount of buffing and painting and dieting and hair color makes a woman beautiful. No amount of pretty pinterest clothing or Mary Kay make-up does a beautiful woman make.


Proverbs 11:22 says:

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout
is a beautiful woman without discretion.


The Message Paraphrased Bible says it like this:


Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful face on an empty head.

Yep, you got it, without good old fashioned good sense --discretion, a woman is less than beautiful...in fact, she looks rather ridiculous...like a pig...with a gold ring in it's nose. Good sense tells a woman what's appropriate. It filters things before she says them, she contemplates and ponders before she acts, she thinks about the repercussions of her actions, she's wise. She knows what she's talking about, she's confident..yet humble. Her good looks aren't wasted...she balances beauty and brains.


On the contrary, think about the pig...the one with the gold ring in it's nose. It looks hilarious or foolish. You gotta wonder what the owner must have been thinking to waste such a valuable possession on a pig. And yet, God has given women the ability to have good sense, discretion, the ability to make reasonable, wise choices and it doesn't take very many minutes in the local Walmart (or anywhere else) to see that some of the outward beauty that God has given women has been wasted...discretion has taken a backseat to immodest clothing, loud voices, ungodly opinions, boisterous behavior and just plain old stupidity.


God's way to show women their real worth isn't through their outward appearance...although beauty is spoken of over and over in the Bible, it's primary purpose was to direct the reader to inward qualities of value. Proverbs 31 is a primary example of God's picture of a beautiful woman. Instead of great value being put on the woman's outward appearance, He places the value on how she serves her family, spends her money, uses her resources and respects her husband. These are the things that make her beautiful. Unpopular and rare in today's world???....Yes. Sure, she takes care of herself, but her real value is that she has discretion...she can make good decisions, weighty decisions that impact her family and others.


What a lesson to women today...to me...as a woman, wife and a mother of a young tween. Our beauty, while lovely to look at, should come second to being discreet, wise, and modest. Otherwise you look like a pig...with a ring in its nose...and last time I checked...no woman ever wanted to look like a pig.

What a challenge for us to be walking in this world full of beauty enhancing products. However, getting into God's word and finding out what He thinks is beautiful should take priority over beautification products and services this world offers. Popular opinion- No. But then again, I'm pretty sure when God works on the inside...the outside is changed. So you might just be surprised at what God's makeover looks like on you!

Day #4 Beautiful Homes

About 4 months ago, we bought 2 acres of land...with hopes and dreams that we will be able to build a home on it within the next year or so. Before the ink was dry on the documents I started looking at house plans. Sorting through styles and how many bedrooms and detached garages and bonus rooms was fun, exciting, overwhelming and sometimes...too much. I've browsed through pinterest and houzz.com more hours than I'm willing to admit looking for the plan that's just for us.

We've bought houses in the past but never built one. I've never had the chance to build exactly what I want...so not messing this up is pretty important to me. Or is it? This hit me the other day...

It's not the four walls that will surround our house that will make it a home.

It's not whether I pick laminate or granite counter tops that will make it a home.

It's not hardwoods or carpet or brick or hardy plank that will make it a home.

It's not how big or how much money or what it looks like that will make it a home.

We've already got all the ingredients for a beautiful home. We've got our dream.

We have Jesus. Every member of our family. He's building this beautiful family. This home. It has nothing to do with supplies or decor or style. It's all about the builder.

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. - Psalm 127:1

So the pressure's off. The master builder is in charge. While I pick house plans and finishes to build this temporal housing, He is busy building a family...a real home...something not made by earthly hands. Something that's eternal in the hearts of our family.

The great thing is that anyone can have this kind of home....you don't have to qualify for financing, have permits or anything else. You just have to have Jesus. In a world where homes are falling apart in discontentment, divorce, alternative lifestyles and selfishness, no one is immune to the dangers of a faulty foundation. Jesus doesn't build junk. Allow Him to build your home. You can't build what He can.

Invite Him in. Sound silly? It's not...Invite Him to be a part of your daily family life. Talk with Him in prayer at mealtimes and bedtimes and anytime you feel the need for His presence to be near and real. Tell him your struggles and your problems and your fears. He has a remedy. Get in the blueprint (God's Word) and find it. Soon you'll find your house becoming a home...because you moved....closer to the heart of God.

Day #3 Beautiful Simplicity

sim·plic·i·ty

 noun \sim-ˈpli-sə-tē, -ˈplis-tē\

: the quality of being easy to understand or use

: the state or quality of being plain or not fancy or complicated

: something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable

There's something about the beauty of simplicity. The understated loveliness of something that just is. In a world full of itself...of obtaining and accomplishing and striving, it is a refreshing change of pace to enjoy the simple things. There is value to the rare, one of a kind, singular or unique possession. Whether it's a piece of jewelry, a flower, a well worn antique, a favorite scarf, a Bible verse or a schedule that isn't packed to the brim with engagements. Simple is sacred. My soul craves for the yesteryear's of "just enough, primitive, and bare essentials" while living in a world of non-stop, me-first, not enough. Simplicity makes way for the important, the irreplaceables. Family, friends, love, time, Jesus..and everything about Him. 

So as I make my own way in this hectic fast paced world, I have the responsibility to make room for the things that really matter. The scheduling is up to me, the stuff is up to me, the way we live....largely up to choices Bruce and I make. It's nice to enjoy the modern conveniences and luxuries that 2013 afford us, but as the values and morals of God's Word seem to be slipping away, those simple things that He lovingly instructed us to observe; kindness, sabbath rest, love, compassion, a word to the lost...those are the things I need more now that ever. I need to remember....

Simple is beautiful.

Possessions aren't bad. Schedules aren't bad. Stuff isn't bad. Unless we let it run our lives so that moments of simplicity are no where to be found. Simplicity calls for a lifestyle devoted to the most importants. The things that really matter getting the attention they deserve and then all the static voice in the background, well, it finds a place...but not THE place. Not The place reserved for the sacred and the beautiful and the simple.

Seem unrealistic? We're not talking about throwing your microwave out the window or going back to making everything from scratch..(unless you're in a foreign land and that's what your norm is). We're talking about an attitude and an effort made so that stuff and schedules and cash don't take the place of God's Word and your kids and your spouse..the big stuff. It's about breathing in the simple beauty around you...Taking time to smell the proverbial roses...and maybe the real live ones too!

What's that look like, you ask. It's different for everyone. It might look like soccer games and ice cream sundaes for one family and naptime and movies for another. It's only your job to figure out what works for your family. He's got a plan for you...one graced with simplicity and beauty.

Matthew 6:33- Seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness...and all the other things will be added to you.

Day #2 Beautiful Mistakes

The most beautiful melodies started out by someone playing and humming notes until the progression of musical phrases sounded perfectly perfect to the composer's ear. I'm curious to know how many beautiful mistakes Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman or Kari Jobe have made before getting their songs on the radio. I like to imagine, that like me, they've made their share of beautiful mistakes.

Beautiful mistakes are the ones we make when we are in the throws of really trying...trying to write a new song, learn a new sport, parent a two year old. These are the ones that challenge us to persevere..to keep trying....to stay the course. These mistakes are beautiful. They reflect the human spirit. The go-getter-done attitude. It's in the student and parent and author and athlete. And sometimes...it's in me.

You see, I don't really like messing up but one thing I know now is that it's worth working through the mistakes, the disappointments and the goof-ups. It's worth it to try hard and to persevere. In fact, it's completely Biblical. We're told to keep on keepin' on, in James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

God's job is to worry about the end result...ours is to be faithful to the task that He's called us to. And if along the way, things get a little crazy and we hit some wrong notes or a foul ball or yell at the kids a time or two, just get back to the business you're called to do. We're not trying to earn anything by our trying...in fact our mistakes prove...we can't earn anything. Because it's in these mistakes that we find we need God the most..without Him we can do nothing. When we struggle and put forth our best effort God is watching. He sees our feeble attempts as we try to raise kids and work jobs and serve in church and coach soccer. Better than that, He sees our hearts. He sees our motives and He sees our beautiful mistakes. Each and every one. And He loves us enough to want to make us beautiful in HIS time. 

Our imperfections only show us how badly we need Him. As I sit here and type I look at the band aid that is covering an imperfection on my arm. Today I sat in the dermatologist office while the Dr. numbed my arm, removed a small growth off my arm, and gave me three stitches to patch my skin back together. Now I wait for a pathology report...which I trust will be fine. But this imperfection, this blemish, this mistake (according to the world) has drawn me closer to Jesus. Closer to trusting Him, closer to believing Him, closer to wanting His will. That's what makes it beautiful. It's what He's doing in you that makes your mistakes..your blemishes...your melody line... less disastrous. It's grace. 

I think of all the crafting that's done with repurposed furniture and supplies...even sweaters are unraveled and resold as yarn (I know this is true...I saw it on etsy). I think God is in the business of taking the scraps of our lives and making something incredibly beautiful from the brokenness. 

So, don't give up! Because persevering makes your messes beautiful. God's right there beside you putting the finishing touches on something better than you can imagine. He's drawing you closer to Himself. Don't resist. He wants to make your mistakes beautiful too. 

Think about what He did for:

Rahab....prostitute turned female line to Jesus Christ

Moses...stutterer turned leader of Israel

Paul...persecuted Christians turned great man of faith

Jonah....runaway preacher turned revival preacher

God uses broken, handicapped people all the time. He's ready for you ...so persevere my friend. And when you stumble, trip, hit a wrong note or a foul ball....stay close to Him. You're His masterpiece...even in the midst of your mistakes. 

Day #1 Beautiful Feet

When I think about beauty, I'm gonna be honest and say I don't usually think about feet. I mean, even with the latest and greatest buffers and scrapers and files and soaks and polishes...mine still look wide...with a side of bunion. Truly, not my best feature. And of course add a case of a summertime flip flop addiction and you also add a side of plantar faciiatus...and maybe even a heel spur. It's ugly.

So, I always get a little tickled when I come across the verse in Isaiah 52:7 that says:

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

and the one in Romans 10:15 that says:

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

But as I was thinking about all the things in the world that are beautiful...I thought about the people in my life that have taught me about the good news of Jesus Christ, the ministry personnel, both past and present that we have been honored to work with and the missionaries worldwide that are shouting these words to nations "Our God Reigns!" 

They're running the gospel to hospitals and schools and nursing homes and desserts and Sunday School classrooms and home groups. They're proclaiming to children and senior citizens and empty-nesters and newlyweds and homosexuals and cancer victims and liars and adulterers the Good News...the Gospel...the only hope. They are beautiful.

These are the feet of some of the many beautiful feet I know... They work more hours than they are paid for, they run on coffee and high speed internet....and they work inside our church body and outside, in our little community, to share the good news...the gospel...the greatest story ever told. They preach with their lives...they preach with their actions...and with the word of their testimonies.

Mitchell Nguyen- Mission's Director

Donnie South- Senior High Pastor

Cody Chester- Junior High Pastor

My hubby- Bruce Stinson- Pastor

Mike Hasten- Associate Pastor

Melinda Henderson- Children's Director

Loren Carter- Music Director

So, today...on day 1 of 31 Beautiful Things...I honor and thank those beautiful feet that keep our church running each week. Thanks for your endless hours of work, your good attitudes, your servant's hearts, your faith. Thank you for sharing your stories, your testimony, God's message each week. You are worth more than you will ever know. You're priceless...and your feet...well, they're beautiful.

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Disclaimer: Beautiful feet belong to anyone who shares the gospel. You don't have to be called a minister or pastor or director of any church program to share your story of salvation...your testimony. If we all did that...there would be no need for spiritual pedicures, would there?