Count the Cost...

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

• Cosmetics - M.A.C., Sephora, Mary Kay, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Maybelline.
  
• Handbags - Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke, Gucci, Coach, Hermès, Kate Spade.
• Shoes - Stilettos, Boots, Gym Shoes, Sandals, Flip-Flops, Flats.
• Clothes - Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, H&M, American Apparel, Stella McCartney.
• Hair - Braids, Sew-Ins, Relaxers, Natural, Blow-out, Wigs.
• Fragrances - Chanel No. 5, Chance, Daisy Dreams, Dolce & Gabbana, Flowerbomb, Black Opium.
• Accessories - Scarves, Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Hats, Belts.

*Don't forget the required Mani-Pedi.

Women spend astronomical amounts every year, in each of these categories. We prioritize making sure our appearance is on point, and that we carefully craft and project the image we want others to see. Whether we purchase the top brands or the more economical ones, we seldom count the cost of beauty. The cost we fail to count, is the time and attention we pour into our beauty regimen, shopping, and exercise routines to get ourselves where we perceive we should be, based on society's standards.

What is the most important part of your physical regimen?

• Exercise
• Mani-Pedi
  
• Hair
  
• Cosmetics
  
• Clothing, Shoes, Accessories
  

We often spend more time on these areas of our lives than on the spiritual level. Yet, the spirit man is the part of our lives that has a greater long-term impact than any other. There is no fiscal price we can associate with the time spent in prayer, studying the Word of God, or simply praising Him. Yet, the cost is much more exorbitant. Our souls and the relationship we enjoy with our Heavenly Father are invaluable. Yet, we sometimes fail to nurture this area as much as we do the other areas of our lives.

Fear of the Lord stems from a reverence that we have of Him, allowing us to stand strong against falling into our own sinful nature. It stems from discipline and instruction in His ways, which is the beginning of wisdom. As we learn to fear the Lord, our lives become a reflection of this. The way we walk, talk, think, interact with others, and respond to life in general, becomes the essence of God Almighty in our lives.

Do others see Christ in your actions? Or are they impacted more by your physical beauty?

I don't suggest that we not make the beautification of our physical, external selves a priority. I only say that we focus more on the internal beauty, and all other things will fall into place. What we seek on the outside will come from the inside, if we allow the love of Christ to shine from within.

It's been another Motivational Monday Moment. What can you do to improve your inner beauty?

About Chelle Ramsey...

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.

She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
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