How many of us would admit that from the time we were little girls, we dreamed of being a princess? We have read the fairytales, heard the stories, watched tv as real life princesses were married in real life castes and we dreamed. . . Aaahhhh, what a life! We imagine and dream about what our lives will become.

One of my all time favorite books is called, "Keeping a Princess Heart In a Not-So-Fairy-Tale World," by Nichole Johnson. In the book, she talks about how we dream of what our life will be when we are little girls. However, sometimes, when the struggles, trials and realities set in; we find ourselves living in a world that is not at all like we had imagined. It is anything, but a fairytale.

How many times do we look in the mirror and think we are anything, but the fairest of them all? We feel more like the wicked stepmother than Cinderella! I know that recently I have been looking in the mirror and realizing that my once youthful exterior is quickly changing. I am noticing wrinkles (I prefer to call them laugh & joy lines) that used to not be there, gray hairs that are in need of color and I must say that gravity is not a sweet friend.

Journey girls, let me gently remind us that what is more important than outward beauty is to keep a princess heart. It doesn't matter what the world tells us we must look like outwardly, it matters what God"s Word tells us to look like inwardly. 1Samuel 16:7b says, "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

I was reading in Nichole's book that "The word 'cosmetic' is defined as something used or done to cover up defects." I wonder how often we try to cover up our outward defects that others can see instead of working on our inward defects that they cannot see. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." (Psalm 139:23) The most beautiul women are those who have lived their lives by God's Word. The women who love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Women who ask God to create in them a pure heart and spend time communing with Him will radiate a Christ-like beauty.

Sweet friends, let me just encourage you and tell you that you are BEAUTIFUL! You are a daughter of the King! You have been recognized by the Creator of the Universe! You are loved by the King of Kings! He has called you by name!

Isaiah 45:4 says, "I have called you by name; I I have named you, though you have not known me." (NKJV)

"I summon you by name and bestow a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me." (NIV)

No one loves us like Jesus! He bestows a title of honor on us! Isn't that incredible? 1 John 3:1 says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!. ." We are His daughters! Our Heavenly Father calls us by name - Princess!

He takes delight in you and He created you BEAUTIFUL! "The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord!" (Psalm 45:11)

So tonight before you go to bed, as you are brushing your teeth, putting on anti-wrinkle cream and brushing your hair . . . Look into the mirror and know, YOU are the fairest of them all because you are a Daughter of the Most High!

I love you Beautiful JG's!
Elisabeth