Welcome!
Welcome to the “Intro Week” of our journey to becoming biblically beautiful women! I’ve been waiting for this week for MONTHS, and I’m so excited it’s finally here! You’re now a part of an online community of women and girls who want to become more beautiful just like you do! I hope we’ll get to know each other really well over the next few weeks!
Commenting Guidelines:
Before we begin, I want to start with a few “guidelines” for our online study. As you know, a significant part about doing this study is participating in the discussion each week via blog comments. Most of this goes without saying, but I have to say it anyway. When it comes to your comments, please:
- Be Christlike – Refrain from explicit talk, profanity, etc. Respect other members of the group with your words.
- Be Honest – Feel free to share openly and honestly, but remember that anything you write online is public and permanent. If at any time something is too personal for you to share with an online group, please feel free to email me directly.
- Be Brief - Give everyone a chance to “talk” and keep your comments around 50-100 words.
Priority Ministries reserves the right to edit and/or remove any comments for any reason.
Whew! Glad that’s over! Let’s get on with our study!!
Intro Week Video: Physical Beauty vs. Biblical Beauty
Since this is the first day of our study, you didn’t have any homework to do yet. So the first thing to do is to watch Laurie as she introduces this study and discusses Physical Beauty vs. Biblical Beauty. Remember to fill out your Listening Guide as you watch! (Click one of the images below for this week’s FREE online video lesson).
Beauty by the Book: Intro Week (Physical Beauty vs. Biblical Beauty) – Listening Guide: Pg. 1
Beauty by the Book for Teens: Intro Week (Physical Beauty vs. Biblical Beauty) – Listening Guide: Pg. 1
Reflecting:
With enough makeup, I think that almost anyone can look physically beautiful, don’t you? What’s harder to find is someone who is a natural beauty. Someone who looks great in sweats, a ponytail, and NO makeup! Those are the women who are truly physically beautiful, and there aren’t many who fit that category.
Likewise, I think spiritual beauty works in the same way. Almost anyone can look spiritually beautiful by going to church, saying the “spiritual thing” at the right time, and participating in a service project or two. What’s harder to find is someone who is a natural beauty spiritually. Someone who looks just as beautiful at home as she does in church. Someone who responds the same way to her difficult children or parents as she does to her pastor. Someone who uses the same language around her friends as she does around her small group leader. The women who act, speak, and think like Christ regardless of who is watching are the ones who are truly spiritually beautiful, and there aren’t many women who fit that category either.
I don’t know about you, but if I spent half as much time looking in my spiritual mirror (my Bible) as I do looking in my physical mirror, I’d be in great shape! There’s nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and trying to look nice. But at the end of the day, the hair comes down and the makeup washes down the sink. Spiritual “primping,” however, lasts much longer!!
Let’s Chat!
In the comments, answer one or more of the following discussion questions: (Remember, answer a”Let’s Chat” question every week and you’ll receive a beautiful Beauty by the Book charm at the end of our study!)
- Who are some fashion/media icons who have affected your idea of beauty?
- Complete the following sentence: I could be beautiful if_______.
- Who is the most biblically beautiful woman that you know personally? What makes her so beautiful?
To Do This Week:
- Complete the five days of homework in your workbook. (If you haven’t received your workbook yet, you can find the first week’s homework online! Just click the link below!)
- Beauty by the Book: pgs. 2-19;
- Beauty by the Book for Teens: pgs. 2-19.
- Watch the Week One video and complete your Listening Guide.
- Beauty by the Book: (Week One Listening Guide: p. 21)
- Beauty by the Book for Teens: Week One Listening Guide: p. 21
- Hop online again starting next Tuesday, Jan. 24, to discuss Five Beauty Dos and Don’ts.
I’m so glad that you’ve chosen to be a part of this virtual small group! I can’t wait to read your comments about physical beauty vs. biblical beauty! Chat with you soon!!
Related Posts: Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five, Week Six
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Priority Ministries
Emily Ryan
Laurie Cole
Jan Hart
#3. The most biblically beautiful woman I know, that is alive today, is Penny Welch, or as I call her Momma P. When I was about 11yrs old, Penny and her children (whom I had known from school) brought me to a christian based church, and introduced me to a man I never really knew before. Jesus. I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness until then and it was all new to me. The one thing that really made it ‘real’ for me was the Christianity Penny protrayed always. She was the same at home, with her friends, with her husband, with her kids, etc. I seen Christ glowing through her. To this day, though I live in California now and she’s back home in Texas, she is a woman I am proud to have been shown Christ through.
Wow, Crystle! That is amazing to come from a Jehovah’s Witness background to Christianity! Praise God for “Momma P”! Thanks for sharing! ~emily
#3. The most biblically beautiful woman I know that is alive today, is my friend and sister-in-Christ, Martha P. I just started going to a new church and she helped me to know God and get closer in relationship with Christ Jesus. Every problem I had, she told me to give it all to Jesus and to not hold anything to myself. She was the same person always, wherever she was. She was never acted different. Christ was always in her and a part of her. Christ light shines in her always.
Give it all to Jesus – that’s great advice! Thanks Jackey! ~emily
Hi ladies. Mt name is Heather and I live in MD, outside of DC. In answer to the first “Let’s Chat” question 1 – Who are some fashion/media icons who have affected your idea of beauty? – I would have to say that I most admire anchor women on televised news programs. They always dress apprioriately, in my estimation. Not too revealing, yet very stylish. SImiliarly, I love the way Beth Moore (Christian women’s ministry leader) appears in public. She is beautiful both inside and out, and honestly admits a mild addiction to fashion!
I agree, Heather! I’ve always loved how Julie Chen dresses. I remember when she was pregnant, she had the cutest maternity clothes!! I would love to have a few minutes in her closet!!
~emily
I. think Diane Lane is a hollywood beauty.
2.Of course loose 20lbs.
3. My cousin is a biblical beauty. She is full of love and joy. Her Godly beauty is what every women wants and don’t know it. You want to be around her and pray it will somehow affect you. I aspire to be beautiful inside and out like her.
Thanks Karen, and I’m with you on the 20 lbs thing!
The fashion icon that has affected my idea of beauty is Tracy Reese. She designs for the women that may not fit that “media blitz” of thin being in.
I have already made a decision that my spirit is beautiful, but I could be more beautiful if I could crucify the flesh more effectively and invest more time into my spirit.
Thanks Victoria! I’m not familiar with Tracy Reese, but I’m always encouraged by people who cater to us women who don’t fit the supermodel mold!
I keep thinking of Laurie’s Gibson girls and thinking about the 60′s. We, my family, view Honey West. We loved the way she dressed and my mom had those boots with the fur around the. What we saw most was probably Diahann Carroll and Lena Horne in the media so we had community beauties. I have a few church members who were beatuiful {Mrs. Elizabeth Moore & Willetha Hightower], they had style. I believe I could be beautiful if I could keep and enthusiastic positve spirit.
The most beautiful woman I know personally is Betty Brown. She honors God in all that she does and she has a love and concern for God’s people. I am excited about the study and I have invited a few friends that will be blogging in from studying together. Thanks for this opportunity!
Glad you’re with us, Sherlyn! Thanks for sharing!!
#3 The most BBW i know personally is Laurie, She truly lives to model her life like God’s ideal woman in Proverbs 31. She’s a real biblical beauty of God’s standards, a P-31 woman. (Verse 25) She smiles at the future.
A wonderful witness of 19 yrs.
I agree Christy! Laurie definitely practices what she preaches!
1) My boyfriend liked the way a TV star looked with red hair(don’t even remember who it was now), so I dyed my hair as a joke. That was ten years ago and my husband and kids wouldn’t even know me in my natural color!
2)I could be beautiful if I lived out the joy I feel on the inside.
3) My mother; she has been through some of life’s most difficult heartaches, but she still trusts Jesus, she still loves and encourages and laughs.
That cracked me up Stephanie! I once died my hair lavender by mistake! I knew I was in trouble when my college roommate said, “Wow, that’s cool!”
Hello There Victoria and I will be joining you from Alaska….
Awesome to have you both with us!!!
Complete the following sentence: I could be beautiful if I work on my attitude.
My attitude could use some work too, Pamela!
There was a saying I ran across that said “Too bad makeup can’t be eaten, so that some women could be beautiful on the inside!” There is too much superficial vanity in the world. I have always thought iconic people like Dorothy Dandridge, Elizabeth Taylor, & most recently Michelle Obama are women of beauty. My sister, is a beautiful woman as she is hard working and will give you her last although she does not see herself as beautiful on the outside & has low self esteem. I tell her you are beautiful to GOD and he looks at our heart. I could be beautiful if I could see myself the way GOD sees me, Perfectly Imperfect!!! Love to you all my sisters in Christ.
That’s the key, isn’t it, Stephanie? Seeing ourselves as God sees us – clothed in the righteousness of Christ!
That is the key. Vanity is a huge animal and it transcends generations. We really need to focus on the beauty inside.
#3 I would say that the most beautiful woman in the world is my mom. Not just because I love her, but because she has lived a consistent life in front of me. She has put into practice the principles of God’s Word both at home and away. Many times when I want to give up or give in to the world around me, her testimony is there to keep going on the right path.
Now that I am a mom and know first-hand how many of my faults my kids have to see firsthand, I can appreciate how much of a compliment that is to your mom. I pray I become consistent as well!
1) Jacquelyn Smith has always been a favorite of mine for her elegant, non-assuming and quiet nature. It brings out her outer beauty even more.
2) I could be beautiful…if I loved myself as God loves me.
3) One of the most BBW I know is a fellow golfer, Marilyn. She has so much care and concern for people, never judges, is described in Prov 31:25 perfectly.
Hopefully, we’ll all love ourselves more like God loves us as this study continues!
I am so thankful to be a part of this bible study. I am always amazed by God’s love for me and how tender He is with me.
Tina C – I feel the same way. God is very active in my life right now. I have worked to be quiet, listen, observe and obey what he is communicating in my life. Amazing things, I am so grateful. I want to be a BBW!
He IS tender with us, isn’t He? Thank God for that!
Tina, I 100% agree with you about being a part of this bible study and how much love God has for me even when I am not very loveable. Thank you Laurie for this study. I know it is going to be AWESOME
I use to think I was given and had “God given beauty” , until my life was turned upside down with struggles and hard times. I let “myself go” as they say. I gave up on me and others all around me, even God. Than I received an e-mail asking me to join this online study. It was a gift from God. In the intro I realized that I can and will get my life back on track and that beauty comes from within first. Thanks Laurie, God knew exactly what I needed and as always his timing is perfect.
Patsy, I’m so glad you’re doing this study with us too! The wonderful thing about God is that He doesn’t give up on us even when we give up on Him. Praying for you!
Patsy,
It’s a journey. Draw nearer to God and he shall restore and lift you. May we all reach the point where we’re only concerned with how God views us and not man!
#1. I grew up during the Charlie’s Angels days, and thought Farrah Fawcett was all the rage. I was also in awe of Marilyn Monroe and Veronica Lake. As an adult, I think it’s been Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts that I tend to look to as an Icon of beauty.
#2. …I could lose the rest of the weight I want to and get plastic surgery… *sighs* I know…
#3. I just started going to a new church, and I’ve met so many wonderful women. Many of them there are biblically beautiful. My friend Michelle is biblically beautiful. She has a fabulous heart and she is authentic.
Thanks for sharing, Shan!
#2. I would be beautiful if I lost weight. After watching the intro week I have a little better understanding of what it means to be Biblically beautiful, I am so looking forward to the remaining 6 weeks of this study to help me become more Biblically beautiful!!!
I’m looking forward to it too, Amy! Glad you’re with us!
#3. Her name is Cynthia Vitko. She is biblically beautiful in the way she believes in god and treats all people around her with love and respect.
She sounds biblically beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Debora!
1) As a child in the 60′s, I’d have to say that I admired Julie Andrews in her role as Maria in the Sound of Music. I saw the movie 6x’s in the theater, had the music on a 33 album and listened to it every night on my hifi record player. Get the picture? Did I mention I had all the sheet music for her songs, too? She just portrayed to me beauty inside and out.
2) I could drop 25 libs. I am a teacher and remember thinking I couldn’t go to the store w/o makeup on because someone would see me! I got over that really quick. Everyone knows everyone, and makeup doesn’t really matter! I’m so glad I figured that out early in my career.
3) Since I became the Director of Women’s Ministry, I’ve really met a lot of beautiful spiritual women. I would have to say the one that has inspired me the most was a young mom, Brooke, who wants to organize a MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers Group). I don’t know her well, but her faithfulness for Jesus oozes from her. Her love for Jesus and her willingness to serve others and take a leadership role has been a gift to all in our church.
Sandi – I love Julie Andrews too! She has one of those accents that just sounds holy, doesn’t it?
My kids love Mary Poppins and I love that they love it!
And I love that phrase, “her faithfulness for Jesus oozes from her.” I pray the same might be said of me someday… Thanks for sharing!!
I’m in the lose weight to be beautiful group. My husband insists that my figure is fine, but the person in the mirror just doesn’t measure up.
I think the most Biblically beautiful woman I know is my “other mother”, Lisa. I spent a lot of time in her home growing up, and she was a wonderful example to me of a Godly wife and mother. She was involved in the church, in the community, and in her family. I was always treated as one of her children, even after I got married and started my own family. Although I’m not there yet, her home is the model I strive for in my own.
“Other mothers” are wonderful, aren’t they?! My real mom died when I was ten, so “other mothers” are all I have – and boy am I thankful for them!!! Thanks Tabitha!
Actress Phylicia Rashad has always fit my concept of beauty. Not just b/c of her looks but also b/c of the way she carries herself – seemingly full of confidence, character and charisma. The only way I’ll be a BBW is by staying close to God and applying His Word to my life. The most BBW I know is Betty Brown. She glides, she glows, she governs herself as if time may stop tomorrow. Thank you, Sweet Sister Brown, for being a positive influence on my life. You give me hope!!
hey, i am loving the comments. I think this makes us think of how God designed us and how he wants us to grow up to that potential. I know working on that positive attitude and positive mindset is a great task. This study makes me go umh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The temptations sang Beauty is only skin deep but Biblical Beauty is so!!!!!!!!!!! Deep and I thank God for my Biblically Beautiful Sisters.
“She glides, she glows, she governs herself as if time may stop tomorrow.” – I LOVE that!! Thanks!
Thanks for being a BB Sister. You are truly a blessing and a model to let God have his way. The example is huge because we usually imitate what we see. I see God glowing in your life. I do believe the key is in drawing closer and closer. Thanks for being an Aaron and a Hur consistently.
Thank you for having this bible study. I can’t wait to see what God has for me he is so faithful.
You’re welcome, Cindy. Glad you’re part of the group!
There are 2 women in my life that I see as biblical beauties. The first is my Mother; regardless of what is going on in her life, she always looks to and points others to God. The wisdom and encouragement she gives are not her thoughts but can be found in God’s Word. The second is my friend Bonnie. She has taught me how to love the unlovely by her actions and continues to point me to God’s Word for my direction. Both women continue to encourage me to be all that I was created to be and constantly remind me that the beauty that lasts comes from within!
“The wisdom and encouragement she gives are not her thoughts but can be found in God’s Word.” – a true mark of a BBW! Thx Ramona!
Growing up with my grandparents, who constantly told me, “beauty is only “”skin deep”" & “it’s what’s inside you that counts” made a pretty big impact BUT it took me just a “”few years”" to fully understand that it’s not “what” but WHO’S inside you that reflects out. And my sweet & biblical beautiful, grannie truly reflected out the love for & of Christ living in her. My “teens” were in the 60′s when radical changes were really going on & I just Thank God for her unwavering spiritual guidance she gave me….And, I agree. Today I see Beth M. & Laurie C. as 2 very beautiful, spiritual beauties! And I’m blessed to say, “there’s even more at our church”….. (:-)
whether she was coming out of the garden or going to church on Sunday
Sooo true, Debbie – it’s not “what’s on the inside” that counts, but “who’s on the inside!”
One of the most biblically beautiful women I know is Sue, because she is full of grace. Another is Carol because she glows with the love of Jesus. I am truly blessed to have them in my life!
They sound like two “Glo Girls” for sure! Thanks DK!
The most bibically beautiful woman that I know is my mom. The way she was slow to anger, always supportive/encouraging, her intelligence/skills and just how she lived her life day to day made her so beautiful!!!!
And we witness that beauty in you Michelle. Continue to follow that path and let that beauty resonate in others. I see it happening.
Well, at the beginning of the video when you asked us to fill in the blank “I could be beautiful if . . .” I thought to myself, “I need more than one blank to list everything I would like to change to make me more beautiful!” But after listening to you speak, my desire has changed. I truly want to see myself as Jesus sees me. I want to radiate a natural beauty that can only come from Him. I pray my attitude and outlook will be forever changed after going through this study. Thank you for making it available online!
So true, Mandy! I want to radiate natural beauty also, but you’re right. We can’t do it alone! It can only come from Him!
#3. The most biblically beautiful woman that I knew was my Collegiate Chapter Director of the sorority I belonged to in college. She was the standard that all 117 members strived to be like. She was a senior lady. In our eyes she possessed all 4 qualities of biblical beauty Laurie discusses in the Intro Video.
1. God-given beauty – Just simply pretty. Classy.
2. Gentle and quiet – Always polite with a warm greeting. Soft spoken and woman of few words. Not weak though.
3. Precious in God’s sight – Loved the Lord and lived everyday to serve Him.
4. Unfading & eternal – She was radiant & her beauty was deeper than physical beauty. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and she will live forever in the hearts of all the women her life touched. Her beauty is eternal.
That’s definitely the best part about biblical beauty – it’s eternal! It doesn’t have to fade over time like physical beauty does!
I could be beautifull-if I could become a Biblically Woman, I want that more then anything. Am very eexcited to start this bible study. Am lookin forward to learn so much more, bcuz am so greatfull to have God in my life!!!
Happy to have you, Amarilis!
Ladies, you are blowing me away!! I am so enjoying reading all of your comments and getting to know you a little better! I haven’t even gotten to everyone’s comments yet, but don’t worry… I will! For now though, I gotta go get my beauty sleep! Praying for all of you tonight!
I gotta say wow, love the intro week for me the question I would answer would be #2 and my answer is, be thinner, loose some weight atleast that’s what I’m always told by family
Sorry that your family tells you that, Mariana. But when it comes to weight, size, etc. remember that it’s important to live a healthy lifestyle, and that looks different on everyone. Thanks for sharing!
I could be beautiful if I apply these principles to my life! Loved Laurie’s comment about biblical beauty as unfading and eternal. Can’t wait to become more & more biblically beautiful every year that I age! So, I’m celebrating in anticipation of turning 50 (Aug. 16th).
Ooh! Almost 50 – it’s a great year for you, indeed!
Hi Connie,
I too am really looking forward to becoming biblically beautiful every year! I will be 34 in March.
Love reading your comments! Here are my answers:
1. It seems that every time I admire a woman in the media, I realize she has one thing I don’t – she’s tall! (Or at least, she’s taller than me! I’m barely 5 feet!)) So I’ve always found it frustrating to stay “in fashion” because many of the popular looks don’t work well with my short stature!
2. I could be beautiful if: I had a better profile. Being honest here. I am not fond of my profile!!
3. One of the most biblically beautiful women I know is probably my college roommate, Jennifer. I’ve known her for almost 20 years, and she’s been godly and consistent the whole time! Not perfect of course, but a BBW nonetheless!
Thanks for sharing that Emily! I am totally with you on #1. I am in my thirties and have to say that I am learning to embrace the profile I have now as apposed to the one I had as a young girl or teen. I am also only 5 feet and petite(but in the larger scale of petite). My husband loves cars and compares me to a hand crafted ferrari(sp). I guess that is an awesome car. (LOL) I hope someday I see that in myself. I think he sees the inner as well as the outer beauty.
I could be beautiful if I could lose weight, get my teeth whitened and dressed more fashionably. Sadly, I sometimes still struggle with the clothes I wear because I tend to buy more classical-styled conservative clothing, then I go out with the ladies to dinner and a movie and feel very “old fasioned” compared to how they dress. I know I shouldn’t compare my self and style of clothing to them…but I do.
When I was a teenager, I did look at Madonna and her style of dress and want to mimic her. So glad now that my mom put a stop to that!
One of the most Biblically beautiful women I know…my former co-worker Joyce. She was always kind, generous with faculty and staff, read her Bible at lunch and was always ready to talk about her faith in Christ. I have so much respect for her. She didn’t appear to care how people thought about her clothing, she dressed the way that pleased her. I should strive to be more like that.
There were a few styles my mom put a stop to too! And I’m with you – so thankful now!
Sad to see the styles young girls are wearing now and even sadder to see their moms dressing like them. As if they are sisters or best friends, not mother and daughter.
Laurie from the Partridge Family was certainly someone I wanted to look like growing up. Maybe that was so I could be the girl who got to be by David Cassidy!! Thank you for sharing this Bible study online! I am looking forward to the treasures the Lord helps us all uncover as we dig together to learn the truth of beauty as He designed and intended it to be!
Thanks Debbie! looking forward to those treasures too!
# 2. I would be beautiful if ___ I didn’t have to wear glasses ___ . . . or so I thought. And even with contact lenses my mirror has yet to visualize super model beauty : )
Through the years, I’ve accepted that there will always be something outwardly that catches our attention by way of zippers, wrinkles, buttons, etc. If only the unattractive spiritual qualities were revealed as such. It is my prayer that this study will reveal checkpoints to be applied daily.
Jasline, I totally understand the glasses thing! I’ve had horrible eyesight since I was a child and used to beg God to heal my vision!
Now, I just use contacts and deal with it. But you’re right. There will always be something we’d like to change on the outside. I suppose a BBW is one who realizes there is always something worth improving on the inside as well!
I have to say the most biblical beautiful woman that I knew would have to Patty. Although she is no longer with us, she still gives me the streghth to strive to became like her. She was always praying for everyone she knew and just knowing that always helped getting through a difficult day.
Although I could answer each question, in order to make sure I keep my reply short I will only answer one question.
I admit I can be a lengthy writer.
Question 2: I could be beautiful…. I have a number of answers I could put in this blank, but given that I have 2 very imprssionable girls I would have to say learn to accept that I am not going to ever be perfect. That for the sake of them constanly following my example that I need to embrace the person that God has chosen to make me. There will always be so much that I want to change about myself like loose several pounds, get a better hair cut, dress a bit more fashionable..etc… But how I approach the changes will impact my girls. I hope I make some sort of sense here..
Michelle, I think that is such a great point! Moms who are always talking about how they wish they were more this or more that usually have daughters who are listening closely. How you approach your desire for change will impact your girls!! So true!
I wish we had a like button to press on commentss. I would love to comment on all of the posts on this link but my time is limited. I love all that each lady has had to say!!! Hugs to you all!!
Me too! I don’t know if we can get a Like button or not, but I’ll look into it.
Hello everyone!
Question #2: I could be beautiful>>>>>I think that if I could lose 30-35 lbs that would make me more beautiful in my eyes. I also would like to be more Christlike than I am. I would love to be more and more like Peter everyday. Although I struggle I am still pressing on.
Question #3: Most biblically beautiful woman>>>>>>Sis Wanda. She is very soft spoken, keeps her opinions to herself, always has positive things to say, speaks when spoken to. I have learned a lot from her. She is totally the Proverbs woman.
Pam, I’m interested – why more like Peter?
Hello Emily and all you beautiful ladies:
I hope it’s not too late to jump into this online Bible study with y’all. I just ordered my books, one for myself and my daughter, and we are looking forward to joining y’all in this beautiful book of Proverbs. We are from Lexington, S.C. as you can probably tell by my southern “y’all.” Anyway, one of the most biblically beautiful woman I know personally is a lady from my church. The beauty within her shines throughout, and she is a delight to be around. She is also a Christian comedian, and will make you laugh until you have tears streaming down your face. She has written a book entitled “Growing my Devine Shrine” by Cherie Nettles. It is a delightfully funny book in which she shares stories from her life and which we can all relate to. Thank you for posting the first week’s lesson…I have printed that out until our books arrive. I haven’t been able to find the listening guide though. Is that posted somewhere? Thanks, and I look forward to this Bible Study.
My name is Sheree Poole, by the way. Not sure why it came up shpoole.
Glad to have you and your daughter, Sheree! Unfortunately, I don’t think the workbook previews have the listening guide though. So sorry! The videos have the workbook answers underlined though, so it should be fairly easy to take notes while watching. Hopefully you’ll get your books soon!
Thanks Emily and no problem about the listening guide. I watched the first intro video and it was awesome!! I took notes and it should be quite easy to transfer my notes to my workbook. Hopefully, our workbooks will arrive by the end of this week. My daughter is going through a tremendously rough time right now and has some tough decisions to make over the next days and weeks to come. I have been praying wisdom for her in speech and actions, and I know God led us to this Bible study because it is perfect beyond words. Before I even opened the first week’s homework, we had gone shopping and I bought a pair of pj’s (and the pants are capri which I love because I cannot stand anything dangling around my feet). Anyway, these pj’s have pink and green butterflies all over them, so imagine my surprise when I opened the Bible study to begin the homework and saw butterflies on almost every page!! I don’t believe in coincidences so this to me was a sign that we are where we are supposed to be!!! Biblical beauty is what we are seeking!!
Hello Ladies! I’m so excited to be doing this study with you all. I purchased the workbook almost two years ago at a women’s conference! So, I’m thrilled that Emily decided to do this. Thank you Emily!
#1-Like Laurie said in the video, beauty icons are constantly changing; therefore, I think that I have been influenced by many celebrities over the years. However, I think I am more influenced by the people I am around on a day by day basis.
#2-I could be beautiful if I lose 30 pounds and keep it off!
#3-The most biblically beautiful woman I’ve ever known was my grandmother. She talked the talk and walked the walk. She loved her Lord and knew every aspect of His word. She was constantly reaching out to others and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. I could go on and on about her and my memories of her biblical beauty.
You’re welcome Becca! It’s been a long time in coming for me too! Awesome to read about your grandmother! Thanks!
I could be beautiful if I not only saw myself the way that God sees me, but if I lived my life according to his word and plans for me at ALL times. Being beautiful is also being confident, full of grace, encouraging/uplifting, positive, and most importantly, of good and moral character.
Amen, Brandy!
I could be beautiful if I could become a more Godly woman. I read the Bible almost everyday and do a devotional, but I find myself not living in a way that reflects who I am in Christ. I worry more about what I feel like on the inside that makes me not so attractive on the outside. I am hoping that through this study, I will become more like the godly women around me.
It can be difficult to live out the truths we know from God’s word. Thank God for HIS strength to make it every day!
I would be more beautiful if I did not get frustrated at my kids as easily as I do at times and if I were more interested in being intimate with my husband. My husband is pretty GREAT as are the kids (7,5, 19months). I can get frustrated easily and I hate that. Looking forward to this study!
Jen, my kids are 5, 3, and almost 1; I understand how easy it is to get frustrated as a mom! And, as for marital intimacy… don’t miss Week 5 – The Captivating Woman. I think it’s going to speak straight to the subject!
Frustration with the kids is something I struggle with on a daily basis. It’s so easy to lose my temper, but those harsh words are impossible to take back. I’ve really been working on not raising my voice, because once it goes up, everyone’s voices follow suit, and it’s hard to bring the general volume back down again.
#2-I could be beautiful if…I could stay in shape physically, emotionally & spiritually. These seem so elusive when the day-to-day “things” get in the way – work, kids, household, etc. I am looking forward to this study…thank you for offering this format!
You’re welcome Amber – glad you’re joining us!
I never paid much attention to fashion, my Mom kept me in style though by making most of my clothes! I still relate to June Cleaver and Harriet Nelson though, love the dresses but never wear them!!
Spiritually beautiful woman was Susan E, who, with her husband, help lead our family to the Lord in the early 80′s. She was and is a classy dresser as well! Great study, love it!
Andie, every time I clean house in my sweats and Crocs, I think of the June Cleavers of that era who always did housework in cute dresses and pearls. And I gotta wonder – seriously?!? Is that really how it was, or is that just how it was on TV?
I could be beautiful if I could see myself as Jesus sees me. This is truely a challege to me because I keep believing the lies satan has planted in my head since childhood of not being good enough.
The truth is, none of us are good enough! That’s why God gives us GRACE! Satan doesn’t want us to remember that little bit, though, does he?
I could be beautiful if I were better at knowing and doing God’s will.
Me too!
I could be more beautiful if I had less of me and more of Him in my day to day life, especially when the frustrations are at their highest point.
It’s the hardest when it’s the hardest, isn’t it?
I could be beautiful if i could lose the weight around my waist. Marilyn, is the most biblical beautiful woman I know. She is a light. She loves the Lord with all her heart. She is Beautiful from the inside and it shows on the outside.
My waist is my trouble spot too; always has been. Each of my kids has given me the “gift” of five pounds, and I’m still trying to figure out the return policy on those!
I could be beautiful if I focused more on God and less on my appearance. My pastor’s wife, Susan, is the most biblically beautiful woman I know.
I think we all could, Diane!
When you get past a half of a century old, there are so many things that you could fill in the blank with for ?#2. The standards society has created, especially thru the media is out of control. It got me thinking that I needed this, then I needed that, but all the while never getting what I really needed…Jesus! I’m really looking forward to this study! Thank you, Laurie, for making this study available online!
You’re right – it is out of control!!
One of the most Biblically beautiful women I’ve ever known was a lady named Ruby. She was kind to everyone around her, and always exemplified Christ’s love to everyone she met. I met her very late in her life, but everyone I know who knew her for any length of time held her in the highest regard. She was a spunky lady, too, and toward the end of her life, when she was too frail to leave the house, she called our church every week to make sure someone was coming by to pick up her tithe check.
Wow, Stacey, that is awesome! Ruby sounds biblically beautiful, for sure! I’m sure she’s the most beautiful she’s ever been right now in Heaven!
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Hi! My mom and I are doing the study with you and I’m glad to be a part of it! Thanks for making this available so we can do this together!
Glad to have you both!
#3 One of the most biblically beautiful women I’ve ever know is a woman named Pamela. She is a pastor’s wife and for several years they were at a church with a very small congregation (40 members). She had four boys and very little money for clothes. She shopped at the thrift stores and dressed her family very well. She always looked nice on the outside, but what made her so beautiful was what came from her heart. She has a great love for God and that made her have a smiling face and a shining attitude.
Jill, she sounds like a BBW for sure! Thanks!
#3 My mom because she is so loving and kind.
Praise God you have a BB Mom!
I just finished watching the introductory video and am so excited to be a part of this study!! Can’t wait to see how God speaks to my heart through His word and all of the ladies involved in this study.
#3 – The most Biblically beautiful woman I know is my friend Melinda. She is so focused on living for God that everything she does exudes His standards and His word. She is physically beautiful but would probably say she wasn’t if asked, but her inner beauty is something that I have always admired. She is a lovely example of a biblically beautiful woman.
Glad to have you too, Charlotte! Thanks for sharing!
I have come to the conclusion that the world’s standard of beauty is a good airbrush or photoshop!
#3 I can’t really pinpoint just one person in my life that has shown me real beauty; there have been so many, but the person who pops into my mind is Charlotte B. The first time I saw her I remember thinking, “Oh my. How unfortunate for her. She really isn’t at all pretty.” A while later, I started going to a Bible study with her, and as I got to know her more and more and saw the love she had for Jesus, she became more and more beautiful to me. She was a great encourager and mentor to me for several years and showed me how to be a beautiful daughter of the King. Thinking about her now, I honestly don’t know why I could have ever thought that she was unattractive except that I was seeing her through my own spiritual unattractiveness.
It’s a photoshop world, for sure! And it’s true, sometimes physically unattractive people become more beautiful the more we get to know their beautiful inside (and it works the opposite way too!)
I probably would say, I would be beautiful if I could loose about 25 lbs., but I know that is a lie. I need to focus on my health instead of “beauty”.
My mother, who died at age 87, was beautiful to me and many others because of her sweet, quiet spirit. I would guess that she did not FEEL beautiful however.
Health is definitely more important than “beauty” because sometimes that looks downright sick – if you look at too-skinny models and all!
HI Ladies,
My Name is Dell and I’m out here in So Cal. Love all these commets I grew up with 3 sisters, I was the oldest and Mom made sure I set the example plus I had 4 older brothers that made sure I was that Example. I could not leave the house without being inspected. It was a pain then but I’m so grateful now but thats the way is was back then. I thank God he blessed me with coservative kids.
Nice to meet you Dell! Your brothers sound great! I have two boys and a baby girl, and I pray they keep her in check!
The most biblically beautiful woman I know is my pastors wife. She is secure in who she is and a blessing to those around her. She completely supports her husband and our chuch in all cicumstances. She never has a bad word to say about anyone. If we ever need godly advice, she always knows what to say.
“She never has a bad word to say about anyone.” – this is a true mark of biblical beauty!
Growing up I really didn’t have anyone but as an adult I always thought a biblically beautiful woman was the pastor of a church i first attended because she was leader of her worship team has a beautiful voice very supportive of her husband and the church. She is always a postive person and always had a smile on her face
Supportive, positive… more marks of biblical beauty! Thanks!
Great intro – just hard to hear – volume was really low. Thanks.
Do you have some external speakers or headphones you can plug in to the computer? That may help the volume. Let me know! ~Emily
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Last week our group met to start this study. ( so we are a week behind) Current beauties we talked about were JLo, Vanessa Williams, Sandra Bullock, The Kardashian Sisters, Emily B (the lead girl in Harry Potter)
My hair could be better, and of course thinner, younger…
BBW- Deb R: Grace and Strength in a terrible situation. Cait E: kindness and compassion, totally sold out for Jesus. Kate V: selflessness. Nancy T: strength during terminal illness.
Glad your group is joining us, Andy! Glad to have you!!
Hi, I am doing this study with 5 other women we are going to be behind in the study. I find it interesting that beauty can have many definitions. but the one that I am going to dig into is Gods definition. I look at Madonna how she shaped our immage, then she was on the super bowl. I had to turn away. Cher, Charlies Angels, and the list could go on. My biggest struggle is weight. If I could lose 30lbs how pretty I could look. I think satin enjoys his toment. I want to learn what God words and pray that the Holy Spirit will root it in my heart.
Glad to have you and your friends! Praying for y’all as you strive for biblical beauty!!
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Thank you so much for offering this Bible study online! I am a new mom and (1) getting out, (2) getting focused time, and (3) actually sitting down to do a quiet time has been difficult. So I think this will provide me with some accountability while I get some good time with the Lord and other ladies who are striving to be biblically beautiful! So, here are my thoughts after Day One:
1.Who are some fashion/media icons who have affected your idea of beauty? Fitness models in magazines and work out DVDs
2.Complete the following sentence: I could be beautiful if I had better control over my tongue (on the biblical side), or lost weight (on the physical side). The latter has been a lifelong discontentment regardless of how much I weighed. Now that I have daughters, I am very motivated not to pass on this discontentment to them and finally put it to rest in my life!
3.Who is the most biblically beautiful woman that you know personally? What makes her so beautiful? My sister, Julie, and my friend, Alicia. They are pretty and classy, but do not seek attention; have rock-solid relationships with the Lord; rely on Him in the realities of daily life, and always point me back to the Lord in a loving way – pictures of grace!
Hi Traci! So glad you’re joining us! (and so impressed, with your new babies!!) That is such a great observation. I find myself rethinking a whole lot now that I have a daughter too. I don’t want her to grow up being more focused on her outward beauty than her inner beauty, and I know that she’ll learn a lot of that from me.
Thanks, Traci, for inviting me to join this study. I’m obviously doing it … see post below.
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3.The most biblically beautiful woman I know is my friend, Cassie. She desires to please God at any cost; she seeks to submit and serve her husband “as unto the Lord” regardless of where he’s at spiritually or how he treats her; she is intentional in raising her daughter with the desire that her daughter becomes a Godly woman and a homemaker and wife; and, in my estimation, she is setting a wonderful example at home. She’s humble … and she always graciously corrects me according to Biblical truth. I thank God for an awesome sister-in-Christ!
Thanks for sharing, Jamie!
I am just finding this, though I have loved Laurie’s ministry for a while! I would love to participate…is it too late?
I hope not!
My question answers are: 1. My idea of beauty has been most recently affected by my sweet stylish neighbor…she is a few years younger than me and has a keen (and cute) fashion sense! I love to shop with her and get her “hip” ideas!
2. I would be more beautiful if I could be more consistant in working out (only doing 3 times per week, but would like to do it 5) and if I could have a sweeter tongue! (not a sweeter tooth!)
3. The most biblically beautiful woman I know (other than Proverbs 31 woman, who has been my mentor for years!) is the pastor’s wife at my old church…she was an older lady with a sweet spirit and a listening heart who loved Jesus!
Can’t wait to dig into the homework!!
Thanks for making this study available online!
Mariel
Having a sweet tongue instead of a sweet tooth! Love it! That made me laugh! (I could benefit from the same thing!)
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