Airbrushing and Photoshop

I have mentioned the deception we are faced with when we look at photos in magazines and other publications.  The airbrushing and photoshop that occurs can be devestating to us if we are unaware of it, and just how much of what we see is not real.  Prompted by some headlines this week about unreal photos of people, I thought that I would post these videos for you to view.

Here is one about girls and their self-esteem, by DOVE Campaign for real beauty.

I hope this gives you some food for thought, the next time you see photos that make you feel less than the beauty that God has created in you!

Cultivating Contentment

"You were made for more than this world has to offer you.  Our yearnings, longings, cravings, and hopes are telling us something: there isn't enough love, peace, hope, friendship, and intimacy on this earth to completely satisfy us.  We will always want more."

Nicole Johnson

Cultivating Contentment, that is the name of the Bible study I was blessed to take part in this summer.  I cannot even begin to explain to you how wonderful and thought provoking it was!  When you stop to think about it, isn't contentment a huge force that propels us throughout each and every day?  It really truly is a driving force behind the thoughts we think, things we say, and actions that we do.  We are seeking to fulfill a longing of purpose or fulfillment is some way, shape or form.  

I am truly drawn to people and desire to emulate people that exude contentment.  There is such a peace and comfort in their surroundings.  Does it ever feel to you as if this is something so hard to attain?  Have you ever thought of this discontentment as a gift from God?  Maybe it could be.  Do we really want the things of this disappointing, sinful world to be the fulfillment of our wildest dreams?  I am oh so glad that something far better awaits us!  How easy it would be to just claim that since this world is not meant to completely satisfy us, I am going to freely express my discontent attitude.  However, that is not to be.  We should be filled with peace knowing that there is more to this life than meets the eye, and humbly accept that which comes our way each and every day.

Even though this world is not my true home, there was (and is), so much more to learn and apply in my daily life.  There is the passage in Proverbs 19:13 about the nagging wife being like a constant dripping.  Those closest to us will probably love to speak up their opinion about us on this topic!  If you look through different versions of Prov. 19:13 and 27:15 you will find these descriptions: quarrelsome, constant dripping, bothersome, nagging, annoying, contentious, leaky, and my favorite, drip, drip, drippy!  Yikes, is what I felt when I read this.  This is definitely not what I want to be or portray.  A discontent, complaining attitude not only gets out of control so easily, but it rubs off on those around us!  We had a lot of discussion about complaining versus discussing things with someone we trust.  The conclusion we were able to draw was it is the motive behind it that determines which it is.  God did give us other people to comfort us in our troubles, and to share this journey called life with. 

Every day we have the opportunity of  being transformed into the likeness of Christ.  Just like what food is on our plate varies from day to day, so do the things on your life's plate.  It is always enough to satisfy, we need to remember to say Thank You.  Our personal contentment hinges a lot on just how much we are trusting God, and learning to see life through His perspective. I am challenged, to face each day with gratitude in ALL things, and when asked about the variables in life to respond with "Can't Complain!"

"I will forget my complaint; I will change the look on my face and smile." 

Job 9:27 NCV