Thursday, August 21, 2008

My Two Newest Ventures

I've stared two new ventues this week. The first is a new blog called Harvesting Hope from Heartache™ at http://www.HarvestingHope.blogspot.com
My desire with this site is to offer encouragement and build a library of support/resource links for life's most painful seasons such as chronic illness, losses (job, friendships, plans/dreams, marriage, deaths), financial struggles, depression and so forth. The first two (oldest two) links share the story of why I feel led to start this page and the reason behind the theme of Hope Harvesters™.

My second announcement is that I have finally (after more than a year of consideration) decided to become a Consultant with Gurrlie Girl™, a line of Christian jewelry and fashion items. I love their many beautiful designs that let me share my faith in a quiet and confident way. They have an extensive offering of Scripture Bracelets with Bible verses incorporated into the designes, along with pendants, necklaces and other pieces offering cross, fish and other classic Christian signs. They also have many lovely pieces that are not obviously Christian, yet still beautiful. The prices are quite reasonable, with many pieces well under $20.

To view the catalog online or learn more, please visit me at http://www.gurrliegirl.com/consultants/find/info/?id=1136 - I'm currently looking for some catalog show hostesses and offer great hostess gifts!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Effective today thru the end of the month, become an Affordable Mineral Makeup™ consultant for half price! Take 50% off rep sign ups when you go to http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html and put the word "future" in the voucher section when you pay. Your enrollment fee will be only $15 rather than the standard $30. Please list Jenni Saake as your sponsor when you enroll.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Is God Against Physical Beauty?

Sometimes when I read passages like First Peter, chapter 3, where the Bible focuses so much on inner beauty, it almost seems like God doesn't want me to do anything to draw attention to, nor enhance my physical body. But I don't think that's a fair representation of God's desires for His daughters. Yes, He wants my priority to be on the internal, no question about that. But He also created me "fearfully and wonderfully" (Psalm 139:14), inside and out. I think the Lord delights when I care for my body as a precious gift He has handcrafted and chosen to bless me with.

God calls the body of each man or woman who has a personal relationship with Him, a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). 2 Chronicles 3 details some of God's plans for His actual temple building, probably one of the most beautiful architectural accomplishments in all history! If He ordered such lavish beauty for a building that would represent His presence on earth, I don't think He wants Christians, the living, breathing representation of His Spirit to the world around us, running around only in "sackcloth and ashes" and forsaking any kind of fashion.

Isaiah 61:10 says, "I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels" (NIV). The focus of this verse is inward beauty, having my heart and head in the right place, my focus on God. Yet it also hints to me of God's blessing on the outward. God compares His gift of salvation to being beautifully dressed, of being adorned and jeweled. Would He use such language if He disapproved of these actions? And again in Proverbs 1:8-9, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Wisdom and obedience are also compared to things that beautify the body.

Revisiting 1 Peter 3:3 I see that the Bible never says we should not have outward adornment, only that our beauty should not come from things such as hairdos, jewelry and fine clothes. Beauty needs to come from the heart, the outward things only reflecting our attitudes of within. A gentle and quiet spirit will have no desire to draw undue attention with "flashy" nor seductive dress, but a gentle woman can still dress the part. Would you expect a “gentleman” to attend a business meeting in anything less than a suit? Why should a gentle woman not dress her best as unto the Lord (1 Cor. 10:31, Col 3:17)? It is a joy to think that how I dress, do my makeup, put on jewelery or fix my hair can all be an act of worship to my Creator!

Proverbs 31:30 tells us that "charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." And in the virtues listed of this same woman the Bible states, "she is clothed in fine linen and purple... She is clothed with strength and dignity... (vs. 22-25). Beautiful character and giving attention to our outward expressions of beauty, truly can both be honoring to God.

And if we need final confirmation that God approves of loveliness in all forms, Philippinas 4:8 is a great reminder, “Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

While everything else is getting more expensive...

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ has just dropped our prices! Come on over to www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and take a look. :)

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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Contest Winners!

It was fun hosting so many contests in July! Here is a list of winners, but remember, if you didn't win this time, you can still take advantage of a great 15% discount off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com when you use the code 2yranniversary in coupon section at checkout. This special offer is valid through Aug. 7, 2008 (ending at midnight EST this Thursday).

The winner of my Bloggy Carnaval Giveaway is Paige!
Please email me with your mailing address within a week so I can get your books and makeup on the way.

The winner of our Summer Skin Care Give-away is Janet F. of NJ!
You will be hearing directly from May Flowers Naturals about how to claim your prize soon. :)

The winner of my prize package offered in the Christian Work at Home Mom 30-day prize give-away is Jennifer F. of PA.
I contacted you about a week and a half ago, and sent a reminder tonight. Please respond by Aug. 9 with your prize selections.


And in case you try to get ahold of me and I don't reply as quickly as I normally would, I just wanted to let you know that we are in the midst of a family emergency and my internet time may be significantly limited over the next several days. Your prayers for my husband's family are greatly appreciated at this time.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

15% Affordable Mineral Makeup™ discount code

This week marks the 2 year anniversary of Affordable Mineral Makeup™ as a company!

Join the celebration by enjoying 15% off your entire order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com when you use the code 2yranniversary in coupon section at checkout. This special offer is valid Aug. 1, 2008 through Aug. 7, 2008 (ending at midnight EST).