Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Mom’s Influence

Posted on By jennifer

If I heard my mom say them once, I heard it, at least, 100 times……

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or (her favorite)

Pretty is as pretty does

They may have been her motto.  Or, perhaps, a motto she hoped for me.  It was her repeated attempt to shift my focus from the external – and all that I so often found lacking – to the internal.  And, yes…Mom was right.  And, yes, with each passing year, I become more and more my mother.  But it has been a slow learn, to be sure, and even in this phase of life…..this distorted focus can trip me up.  Rob my joy – making me feel “less than,” unqualified and defeated.

Godly character is beautiful.  It outdoes any lipstick, cute hair-cut or the “perfect” figure.  I like all the pretty things and try to look my best. Totally not against cute hair-cuts or make-up.  But character shines past all of it.  It pleases the heart of my savior and it is noticed by others.  “Hmm – something about her.  She is just so pretty.”   All of us have seen it before.  The radiance of godly character.  That is “pretty is as pretty does.” I want to remember Mom’s words.  And her character.  She was beautiful.  (STOP)

Today’s FMF prompt – beautiful.  Character can, and should, be beautiful.  So are manners.  And everyday acts of love.  Unselfishness.  And family.  When I was sick, I was reminded of all of this.  This haven I call home is a beautiful blessing.  When so very much around us is not only ugly but just plain evil, we can miss the beauty that is around us.  There were so many ways to look at this week’s prompt!  I look forward to seeing what the others have to say.  You, too, can check it out here.  Have a beautiful weekend:)

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Comments (5)

  2. I saw your post on Instagram and hopped on over. I love the picture of your mom and makes me think of my own who has been gone for four years. But the lessons and legacy she left will be with me forever. My mom never left the house without her lipstick on but what attracts us to a person is not the lipstick but their character, manner and how they treat others. Thank you for your words today.

  4. Great words, Jennifer! I've always liked that saying, "Beauty is as beauty does." It's so true! What's on our outside doesn't define us as "beautiful." It's the inner beauty of the spirit that reflects beauty…or not.

    I liked what you said here: "character shines past all of it. It pleases the heart of my savior and it is noticed by others." True words here, friend.

  5. That is "pretty is as pretty does." I want to remember Mom's words. And her character. She was beautiful. How precious is your mom! And my mom too because she always said this to me. Pretty is as pretty does. I never was quite sure what she meant by that, but I'm learning! Thank you for your words on beauty!
    Visiting you from the #48 spot on the FMF linkup today.
    Lisa

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