Lesson 2: Beautiful to God

The topic today is Beauty. The reference to City Girl refers to the following: "We are City Girls, high-born daughters of the King and when people look at us they are to see peace and joy in our countenance in such a measure they will say, "Wow, she isn't from around here is she? That, girls, is the kind of gorgeous we are after." I desire to display that in my countenance. Not for an ego boost but to know I am displaying My Father's traits! I want to look like Him!

Discussion Questions:

What is your initial response when anyone suggests you are beautiful? I say 'Thank you'. I do not 'feel' beautiful on a regular basis though! It isn't a focus, just a fleeting thought as I get ready in the morning. I notice other people's inner beauty and secretly hope my inner beauty shows as well.

Do you find you engage in a lot of negative 'self-talk'? How much of your thought life does this form of thinking consume? I do have negative 'self-talk', I find it is worse when I watch a lot of tv. The more tv I watch the more I feel I do not measure up. I recently watched a Youtube clip that made me realize we are trying to measure up to a hoax! To see the video, go to Oh Amanda It really made me think!

Has it ever occurred to you that you are a City Girl? How do you plan to use this knowledge?

I do feel like a City Girl mostly. There are moments I disappoint myself by not being the City Girl I am called to be! I do like this new thought '(heavenly)City Girl', to reflect our Heavenly Father! I want to reflect His peace and joy more than I do. I have it on my mind but there are times I focus on the petty issues of the day and forget to keep my focus on what is eternal! We had a Pastor who would ask us, 'What eternal significance does this issue/problem have?'. I try to remember that but I do get out of balance from time to time! I HATE when I make a mess of things! In the future, I will think of the City Girl term and try to refocus!

In what ways has your view of Godly beauty changed as a result of these Scriptures?
I have seen people or known people who just had a glow about them. You could tell they spent time with the Lord just by seeing their face. Their was a peace and a joy that was different. I never realized the reference to Beauty regarding Moses. Then when you think of the lack of beauty Christ had it really was a unique perspective! I do not want to make any thought pattern an idol! I want my worship to be for Christ alone.

In south Louisiana, the following segment would be labeled 'Lagniappe':

The other morning I was walking downstairs and heard my son say, 'Wow Mom, are you a Princess?'. Talk about an ego boost! It was a moment I gladly accepted a compliment! It was a genuine moment!

FYI: Lagniappe = a little something extra! :o)