I can't help it...

When I see these old wooden pieces from the thrift store, I just can't pass them up. Even if they're dusty and grimy and scratched. Even if the mirrors are a little fuzzy.

While others see something destined for the trash...I see something with the potential for great beauty.

A good cleaning, and they are ready for their new paint treatment.

This beauty got a makeover in creamy white chalk paint {homemade recipe}, followed by wax.

I didn't start off with the end in sight...it usually evolves as I go along.

It looked a little plain - definitely cleaner and fresher, but plain. So I decided to 'beautify' by adding 

rub-on words, rose trim and mini pompom trim. Suddenly this plain little mirror starting taking on such a fun personality!

I started to think about mirrors and how they are used. How many times a day do we look into mirrors? We fix our hair, brush our teeth, check our makeup...multiple times a day double checking to make sure we look as good as possible. 

But is that where true beauty lies? Is the outward appearance All that matters?

Of course not! The Bible says that adorning yourself with a "gentle and quiet spirit" is very precious in God's sight (1 Peter 3:4), and that man looks on the "outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

I think we all know someone who is not stunning to look at but has such a gracious, generous and beautiful personality that we are more attracted to them the more time we spend with them. And the opposite is true too. If all your time is spent on your outward appearance but no time is spent cultivating inner beauty, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23) then it doesn't matter how nice you are to look at....no one will want to be around you because what will shine from your heart will be absolute self-absorption.

These are lessons that I am teaching little Diy and they are lessons that are sorely needed in today's "strive for perfection" culture. As I was embellishing this little mirror, I was thinking of the little girl who's room it might someday hang in. I wanted to remind her that looking perfect and meeting some unattainable standard is not what's most important. Remembering that God Loves You, and you are Wonderful just as you are...you are Unique and Special....Loved...Accepted...is what's most important! And I hope each time she looks into this little mirror she is reminded of that!

I hope you, dear reader, know that YOU are beautiful just as you are too!! I know it is so easy to compare ourselves to others...I too struggle with that. I encourage you today to work on being content with who God made you to be, to accept yourself (flaws and all) and to work on developing your inner beauty just as often as you work on the outer.

I hope that you have been encouraged by today's post. Lift your head and walk proudly! You were uniquely created by God when you were knit together in your mother's womb! There was no mistake in your design. Stop striving to be something or someone you are not and rest in who you are, a beautiful woman loved by God!

bringing beauty to the ordinary,

Sharing with these great parties:

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Carolyn's Homework, Upcycled Treasures - Makers Link Party

The Dedicated House - Make it Pretty Monday, Green Willow Pond - WWAW

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Miss Mustard Seed, French Country Cottage, Shabby Art Boutique, Common Ground - Be Inspired

The Pin Junkie