What Get's You Noticed?

Generally, women spend more time focusing on the outside appearance (hair, clothes, make-up) rather than the inside (mind, soul, spirit, condition of her heart).  The Word reminds us that it's what's on the inside that is important.  There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who fears the Lord!  The truth is, if you're spending more time on the outward rather than cultivating a heart after God, you're missing it!

Proverbs 31:30 (NKJV) says "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

I'll admit, it feels great when someone compliments my outfit or notices how great my hair looks when I have a really good hair day.  But honestly, nothing blesses me more when someone compliments my character, or thanks me for the fact that when they poured out their heart to me I actually stopped and listened and took time to pray with them. 

Ultimately, women are seeking to learn and model their lives after a woman of character, not neccessarily a beautiful woman. 

Here are some things that make an impression on me when it comes to other women:

• She is comfortable in her own skin; confidence
• She is more concerned about others than herself
• She knows how to balance taking care of herself physically without being consumed by it
• Her words are seasoned with salt
• She responds and doesn't react
• She knows the Word
• Her home life is stable and she values peace and order in her home; not surrounded by chaos and stress
• Others speak well of her; good reputation
• She has a solid marriage and good relationship with her children
• Her friendships are intact and growing; no strife

These are just a few of the things that I notice - probably because these are the things I pray other women see in me.

So, what get's you noticed?  Think about it.  Sometimes it's good to just sit and think!  When someone thinks of you or your name is mentioned, what would you want other people to say about you?  Are you too wrapped up in the outward appearance or is the condition of your heart of greater value?

By the way, the outward appearance represents more than just your person - it represents your possessions, too (house, car, things, etc.)

Take a day or two to examine your speech, your thoughts, your actions and your motives.  You'll learn alot!  The important thing to always remember is that God looks at your heart, not your flesh (the inside, not the outside).  God certainly cares about your physical needs; the clothes you wear and the food you eat.  But He doesn't want you to be concerned, consumed or overwhelmed by those things.

The Word says:
1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or physical stature, because I have refused him.  For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

My charge to you...get noticed for the right reasons!
Lydia