BEAUTY FAVORITES  

Someone once told me I liked beautiful things.  I’m not sure whether they meant it as a compliment, but I shall take it as one.  I do love beautiful things.  I am aware that people are God’s most beautiful treasure and I am also aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this Louboutin nail polish is gorgeous, isn’t it? Truthfully, the first time I saw this nail polish (before I heard the price) I thought it was a work of art. The attention to detail in the bottle is so innovative. I liked it just because it was aesthetically pleasing; the actual nail polish did not even matter.  Then I heard the price and my heart stopped.  Who on earth pays $50.00 for a nail polish?!!  So why do I have it?  Because eBay is a thing! I found this beauty for only $17.00. Yep!  It is a true red, I am not sure of the undertones, but it is the most true and pigmented red.  I love it.  

This Clarisonic Mia 2 has been part of my evening facial routine for over two years.  My face has thanked me for the pampering and care it receives from the brush. It feels so satisfying after I  I use a gentle, no lather face cleanser with it.  My face feels smooth and silky soft after using this Clarisonic brush. I usually use it about four times a week.  It will continue to remain part of my night time routine.  

 FASHION FAVORITES 

I already said I like beautiful things, but more importantly, I like to pay beautiful prices for these things.  Some may say they are worth the exorbitant prices, perhaps they are, but I believe in frugality. When I can, I buy from thrift stores, eBay and other such retailers or I have this great, generous, amazing husband (love you, babe) who can be persuaded to buy beautiful things for me.  Case in point, these bracelets I wear every single day.  My wrist feels bare, if I do not wear them.  They are from Swarovski, they are shiny, they come in all colors and they are beautiful. They are featherweight; literally, you wear them and forget they are there.  Need I say more?

This pair of gold earrings, I found at the thrift store, unbelievable, but true.  I bought them for no more than $12.00. Although, I have not had them appraised (doesn’t matter to me) I have been told they are gold, the stones could not be identified, but they do allow me to mix metals beautifully   I bought it because I like it. It looks good when I wear it. It does not weigh my ear down; it is a cute accessory to add to any outfit.  I reach for these more than any other pair.   

This watch also came from the thrift store.  Did I say already, I shop at the thrift store?It just needed a battery, which my sweet hubby gladly put in (he loves me). These cost just about $5.00 (I know, right). This Seiko watch has a mother of pearl face and is complete with a gold, rope detail band.  It is a small, dainty watch accessory. I love to pair it with the earrings, to complete my outfit. It is effortless, but adds just the right touch to appear well put together.  

 GROWING FAVORITES  

Did I already say I love beautiful things?  Charles Swindoll said in an Insight for Living episode, that the Lord gives us ‘things’ to enjoy.  It is hard at times to believe that the God we serve would take the time to bring laughter and pleasure to our lives. We take our eyes off Him and His Word for just a brief second and we are bombarded by everything that is wrong with our world.  Yet, we need to be reminded that it is with thanksgiving, we are to present our needs to Him. He loves and values a grateful heart. While we wait for a Faithful and Loving God to supply our needs (?), may we not fail to be thankful for what we already have. 

In chapter eight of Adorned, written by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, she tilted this chapter, A ‘Sophron’ State of Mind.  According to the author, this word ‘sophron’ can refer to a ‘saved mind’ or ‘self-control’.  Self-restraint is the word that comes to mind. Being in control of the body, its habits, its desires, its wants in order to be counted as a qualified child of God, worthy to run the race.  In I Corinthians 9:27, The apostle Paul tells us,  “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified”.   Self-control or self-restraint isn’t always pleasant, isn’t always what I want to do, but it is always in my best interest.   It is for my good and the good of others, when I show restraint when I shop, or when I eat, when I speak.  It is profitable.  How can we exercise ‘sophron’ (self-control) today, in our daily lives?