Be Sure to Wear Your Little Black Dress

I was amused when my daughter told me she was invited to a dinner with several women and the tagline was: "Be sure to wear your little black dress." Staci said, "I don't have a little black dress but I'll make it happen!" And, she did!

I remember last year when my granddaughter was trying to decide what to wear for her Junior Prom and she just wasn't "feeling it" with the semi-formals other girls were wearing so she chose a "little black dress" (pictured here). I loved the look and she owned it.

The fact is, we usually clothe ourselves according to the occasion. A t-shirt and shorts may mean a comfortable afternoon at home. A sportscoat and tie for guys and a silky chiffon dress for gals might mean a special night out. An athletic shirt and tights might mean we're headed to the gym. That's what I had on yesterday when I was headed to my daughter's after she called to ask me to come over and see their new "Cinderella" room (that's a blog topic for another day).

In Colossians 3:12, God’s people are encouraged to clothe themselves with five attributes of Christ. Not just for a special occasion, but for every occasion of every day. So when we're asked to "come as you are" or "wear your little black dress or suit" -- we can wear these clothes described in this scripture that really matter regardless how we're stylin' or what "threads" we have on:

~ Clothe yourselves with compassion. Compassion is a way of living that reaches others with the hands and feet of Christ in very practical and loving ways. I love that in my work at the hospital or consoling ministry.

~ Clothe yourselves with kindness. Kindness can be an encouraging word to a friend or a gesture that says, "I see you. You matter.” Kindness is a way of living that finds such great pleasure in making others feel cared about.

~ Clothe yourselves with humility. Humility is the epitome of selflessness. It's a way of living that looks to others first because they genuinely care.

~ Clothe yourselves with gentleness. Gentleness is a way of living that expresses quiet, peaceful and calmness in our approach with others.

~ Clothe yourselves with patience. Patience a calm, peaceful endurance. It is a way of living that accepts God's timing as perfect timing, trusting Him Who holds all things in His hands.

Just a little reminder today that when we go to our clothes closet to choose that "perfect" outfit for the occasion, let's remember to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience each and every day, then we'll always be dressed for success and blessed for being the best!

BLESSED

Day 129 of Photo Inspirations -- B-L-E-S-S-E-D
To make running on my treadmill more enjoyable, AND causes time to fly, is watching pre-recorded TV programs: The Voice, American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, Fixer Upper, Shark Tank, Biggest Loser, etc. -- yes, my guilty pleasure is reality shows. You know the saying "She's so heavenly minded, she's no earthly good!"  Well, that's not me.  I know I'm still earthbound, but, I also do what I can to keep me heavenly-minded as much as possible.  My heaven-on-earth photo inspiration came from Beth Moore.  This photo is a screen shot from her teaching yesterday -- the acronym for BLESSED.   For almost 5 years now, I've been posting the most optimistic, positive and meaningful posts that I can.....even though during these 5 years, I've met with disappointments, times of sorrow, some  painful experiences, and challenges.  But who wants to hear about somebody else's woes, when they've got plenty of their own to deal with...and especially, on social media?

Beth Moore's message reminded me of why I try to only speak about the best things in my life.  I'll admit I cringe when I see women post about their struggles when their kids mess up their house or when those kids are whiny.  I so want to say: "STOP!!!  There are women who would do anything to just be able to conceive and have children!  Count yourself BLESSED!"  Then I see women post about the shortcomings of their husbands.  And I want to shout "STOP!!!!  There are women who have never been married or whose husband passed away and would do anything to be married! Count yourself BLESSED!"

Yesterday, a friend was sharing with me about all the negativity that is going on in her life......and there were so many things.  In fact, I thought to myself, but didn't say it, "If it weren't for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all!"  But what came out of my mouth to her is "You are still so blessed.  You are healthy.  You are strong.  This won't last forever."  She agreed.

When I post about God's blessings, it's not bragging, it's "boasting about the Lord's goodness"  (1 Corinthians 1:31).  I will ALWAYS choose the BLESSINGS to talk about, rather than complaining about ANYTHING!   Between the lines, there may always be something to fuss about -- but why grumble when I'm so bountifully BLESSED with God's extravagant love?  He has saved me from what I deserve, and empowered me with His Holy Spirit and I've been delivered from a life of sadness, pain and grief.  The next time we start to utter a complaint, let's flip it on the enemy and say, "Thank you for reminding me how BLESSED I am!"