Beauty in the Bag?

It is incredible how much time I spend on 'natural' beauty (Haha), from hot oil treatments that nourish my hair, to painted fingernails that express my moods, to colored hair that hides some secrets, and body lotions that soothe the skin. It is good to take care of myself, and fun to indulge from time to time. However, beauty is fleeting. (Proverbs 31:30)

As important as it is to care for my body, it is even more crucial for me to pay careful attention to my spiritual well-being. As we stay connected to our Abba Father, we grow and bloom into something beautiful. To foster this relationship, we can engage in various activities, such as journaling, reading God's word, worship, praying, and listening to podcasts. The secret is simply staying close to your Abba Father. Be present with Him. Keep spending time with Him. Keep saying Yes to Him.

I am reminded of a passage in Scripture that explains this principle. The Bible uses an analogy of a vinedresser representing God and the branches that represent the believers. Just like the branches need to be connected to the vine for life, growth, and productivity, we need to be connected to God our Father for spiritual life, growth, and fruit. Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already, you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

So I will continue to enjoy the occasional spurge on my outer beauty, but I want to dive daily into that which is offered freely and feeds my soul. This is true beauty! How about you?

Care to join me?