We’re doing it again! We’re giving away three more Secret Garden Bundles to three very blessed winners. Here are the entry rules.
Share with us some of the really beautiful people in your life. What qualities do they possess that make them beautiful to you?
Who is an extension of God’s grace in your life? Why?
What does it mean to be beautiful? List five things that signify beauty to you.
You don’t have to answer all these questions, just any you would like to. Have fun paying tribute.
Contest winners will be drawn November 15th.
Blessings,
Jill Novak
Five things that signify a woman of beauty are:
1) A woman who is joyful
2) A woman who is a quiet servant to those around her
3) A woman who can stay calm in time of turmoil
4) A woman who loves her children and husband and talks kindly to them and about them
5) A woman who loves the Lord with all her heart
Thank you!
My parents are beautiful to me. They have fed me, clothed me, and provided for me since I was born, and most importantly, they have taught me about Jesus.
My entire family is beautiful and a blessing to me 🙂 Another blessing is a very good friend who I am working with on a homeschool-related project.
Five things that I find beautiful:
~God’s world, the fall leaves, fresh snow, mountains
~My family
~The grace of God
~A fire burning in the wood stove on a cold, blustery day
~Friendship
My mom is truly one of the most beautiful people I know. To have someone to cheer you on and to love you unconditionally is a precious thing. I am blessed that she is my mother.
I can think of several people who have extended God’s grace in my life. However, I must say, the one person who has most been an extension of God’s grace in my life is my husband. He is such a godly man who truly lives out godliness and not just speaks of it. He has shown me so much of God’s grace,mercy and forgiveness. Before becoming a Christian, I made so many mistakes. With all the mistakes came many consequences, not just physical but also emotional. Through my precious husband I have been show the love of Christ and experienced so much forgiveness. I once thought I was unlovely and no one could love the ‘real’ me but my dear husband knows everything about me and still loves me. Now that is truly amazing to me! And he is like this with everyone. I thank God and praise Him that HE chose ME to gift with such a wonderful godly man!
My grandmothers were beautiful women who still pour grace into my life, even though they have been gone many years now. Neither of them was ever physically very beautiful or economically successful, but they loved the Lord and served Him faithfully their whole lives.
One grandmother raised 3 sons and taught school full time while her husband worked as a travelling salesman. The other grandmother worked beside her pastor husband in congregations all over the U.S.
I like to think I have a little of each of them in me: I am an English teacher and a pastor’s wife!
And every time I entertain I think of them as I use their dishes and even seat my guests around Grandma C.’s table.
Most of all, I think of how they loved their families and loved and served their Savior and I hope that in that way, too, I’m a little bit like each of them.
Jill,
“Who is an extension of God’s grace in my life and why?”
This is a lovely question to answer. And a very easy one.
My ‘better-half’, my husband of almost 17 years (this December 11th).
He married a vivacious, energetic, optimistic young lady (‘young’, well, we were 27…).
With each pregnancy the symptoms of Fibromyalgia grew worse so that by the 3rd (and so far the last child), I was pretty much bed-ridden for over 5 years.
The better part of the week still finds me in bed, resting for the times I’ll be up or just down because of the pain.
And now, I’m on morphine twice a day.
What happened to our marriage? And how has all that affected my husband?
He’s been the GRACE in it all. It has happened to me, yes. But it has also happened to US.
My husband has gone to all the Doctor appointments, and most of the alternative treatment appointments.
He reminds me to focus on what I have been able to accomplish instead of bemoaning what I haven’t been able to, etc.
The Lord loves us when we are un-loveable and un-lovely. Medication side-effects made me both. My husband has loved me and encouraged me through those many years.
Yes, I could go on and on, but this is supposed to be a comment not an essay or a dissertation. But it gives you a flavor of how my husband really has been enabled of the Lord to be an extension of His grace in my life. How grateful I am!
HveHope
I have a couple of wonderful women friends in my life. The beauty comes from their caring and loving of others. It shows in the hospitality they have, opening their homes to many people. It is in the community in Christ that they have developed with other believers. I am blessed to have them in my life.
I have many blessings in my life right now:
1 All four of my children are coming home for Thanksgiving.
2 Two new babies…only a feww weeks old will be here from across the country.
3 My youngest daughter is getting married two days after Thanksgiving.
4 We are happy that all four children are married to serious Christians and raising their children in faith. I have 13 grandchildren in all!
Our youngest will live nearby and hopefully bring us grandkids to see often. And her future husband is a wonderful man whom we can be happy to have in our family.
5 Many family and friends will be coming to Thanksgiving dinner and the wedding. We truly are blessed with love all around.
The qualities of a beautiful woman are, gentleness, kindness, a smile on her face of welcoming other people, always ready to give an answer from God’s Word to encourage others..always ready to lift someone in prayer..
I know someone like this…she has been a great encouragement to me over the last few years.
What does it mean to be beautiful? List five things that signify beauty to you.
1. a woman who is joy-filled regardless of circumstances
2. a woman who is modest in dress and demeanor
3. a woman who fully, truly lives her faith for all to see
4. a woman who embodies the virtues/actions of the Blessed Mother
5. a woman who is a beacon of kindness, grace and love
What is beautiful to me? A new born babe nursing at the mothers breast in complete dependence of her. A inquistive toddle exploring their fresh new world. A young girl transforming into womenhood; gentle and sweet. A young chritain man and girl, in love and courting. A young mother in the grocery store with a crying little one, talking calming to them and getting their shopping done. A middle age couple out on a date and laughing and enjoying one another. An old man and women holing hands. And an old man crying for his dear wife who is hurting physically. True love, christian love in action is true beauty.
The song says”count your blessing,name them one by one”, it would take forever to name every one of them. I’m blessed every morning just by opening my eyes to see a new day that the Lord has made. I’m also blessed with three daughters and two sons and a wonderful husband. God is good all the time.
Who is an extension of God’s grace in your life? Why?
Pastor Cindy exhibits God’s love and mercy and grace to the ladies who’ve been through the tornado here in Joplin
Well, I don’t know how I got this blessed, but I am surrounded by SO MANY women who are extensions who are beautiful extensions of God’s grace to me. My mother and sisters-in-law are great examples of this. My grandmother who passed away not too long ago is a lady like this as is my husband’s grandmother. And friends? I have so many wonderful friends who I think are excellent role models for my daughters (and sons!). I am just humbled by the love of the Lord to place all these ladies in my life who challenge me and set a great example for me… they are BEAUTIFUL!
I have to say my daughter is the most beautiful “woman” I know. She’s not really, technically, a woman (yet), but her grace and sweetness are qualities that I think women, such as myself, can learn from. I don’t know when we lose that wide-eyed wonder, that instant affection for everyone we encounter, and that gentleness and fearlessness that she possesses as a young woman. By fearlessness, I mean that she is not afraid to race across a park and comfort a child who’s crying. As we get older and become aware of the restrictions society places on us (never interfere, you know), we seem to lose that. I admire my daughter for her innocent, caring eyes, and I learn so much from her.
My friend Micki – she is always going and doing for others and her family, rarely taking a moment for herself. She is her church’s secretary, picks up her church’s food for their food pantry/soup kitchen at Second Harvest, brings food to her friend’s who are under the weather, having surgeries, etc as well as taking care of her three children and husband, MIL and parents. She truly shows how to be humble in taking care and showing God’s love to those around her.
SeekingHim at gmail dot com
A very dear friend, who I have only known for a short while, showed our family the greatest kindness and display of beauty recently. after delivering my 6th baby via c-section, she and her four children came to our home every afternoon for 10 days to watch my other children, clean our home, prepare food, and help teach, all while they requested I rest and spend time with my newest addition. This made such an impact on our family and showed love and kindness beyond what I have witnessed in a very long time. This mother is beautiful to me because she gave when it hurt, she showed her children how to sacrifice to provide for others, she was gracious and loving the whole way and offered more than needed, she showed my children what giving till it hurts looks like, and she was a great example of love in our home (1 Cor 13).
I think beauty is something that is reflected on the outside from the inside. It’s having a smile. A kind word. patience. a grateful attitude. a love for others. a love for life.
When I think of my most favorite women in my life I think of the ones who smile when they see me and don’t hesitate to offer a hug. They teach other women God’s Word and I see them always busy, serving the body. They are encouraging. I love to be around them. They let me know they’re praying for me. These women are beautiful to me, and the kind of woman I strive to be.
How fun Jill! The Lord has used so many dear women in my life to bless me during this pregnancy. Some of the qualities that they possess that make them beautiful are that they are encouraging, they are quick to listen and slow to judge, they are compassionate, they are available even when tired, and they love the Lord. One of my favorite qualities is that they are imperfect and not afraid to admit it. They don’t hide behind a perfect image, they knew who they are before God and give Him all the glory.
My parents are beautiful people. They have done so much for me throught the years. They are helping in their community in just about any way they are needed. They will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year and I hope to follow in their footsteps.
The most beautiful and captivating woman in my life is my mom. From my earlist memories to that of an adult daughter, she has emulated grace & gentleness. She always was industrious making our home such a lovely place to dwell on a very limited income. She read books from great & Godly authors and inspired me as a teen as I fingered the tomes of her little library. She has set at the bedside of family members on their final journey home and taught her grandkids the pleasures of sewing, cooking and much more. She has the class and looks of Jackie Kennedy but she will be the first to say it is not so.
She is a precious & beautiful blessing to all who know her.
There are two women I can instantly think of who do not possess beauty in the wordly description, yet are the most beautiful women I know. They give graciously of anything they possess, love uncoditionally, pray for you constantly, have great compassion, wonderful hospitality. Neither has a fancy home, wear stylish new clothes, or perfectly coifed hair. Yet I would rather look upon them than any other.
Jill, I’m not sure if you remember or not, but about two years ago at Christmas you were an extension of God’s grace to me. I had just lost a baby, and my husband was gone for more military training, and you called to ask me if I had received an order I had placed. You talked to me and comforted me for almost an hour, and sent me some beautiful blessings in the mail. It was one of the brightest moments in a VERY dark period of my life, and it brings me to tears every time I think of it.
A 90 yr old woman at our church is very beautiful. She is always smiling, and is interested in and talks to people of all ages – even the ‘teens’. She is one of the woman I look up to and think that I would like to be like her when I grow old.
My Mother has always been a rock for me. During different times and ages in my life, she was/is just what I needed. So many adjectives come to mind when I think about my Mom and the longer I sit more adjectives surface. I thank God for the parents He chose for me. They both hold such special spots in my heart and have been a very important part of my life.
Maybe the images come from a young girl’s memories, but my Grandmother was so beautiful to me in her person and personality. It is interesting to see how much my mom and her sister now look like their mother. She died from a brain tumor when I was twelve. She was always so gracious, always had a slight smile on her face, taking pleasure in something known only to her. My Grandfather, whom I only lost this past spring, was so gruff, and she balanced him perfectly. I have their wedding portraits on my wall and love sharing my memories of them with my children in that way because my husband and I were also married in all whites being another spring Navy wedding. Grandmama’s beautiful graciousness is also evident in my mother’s lifelong patience, something I don’t come by naturally and struggle with daily.
I hope it is not too late to enter! I would like to answer the question about the most beautiful people in my life.
The most beautiful people in my life, next to Jesus and my family, come in the form of….let’s call them, the “S” family, who are now a part of our extended family. In fact, I call them my “wound up angels that never quit.” This family was first known as our Landlord and his wife, which grew to friends and fellow believers.
Two years ago, we were in for a very big surprise. Our previous landlord, who wanted us to live “forever” on his family farm, suddenly sold a portion of his business and gave us 30 days to move. We have four children and ran our homegrown tree care business from that location. Finding just the right place in such a short time was a most trying task. There were no homes available. Everywhere we turned it seemed hopeless. We continued to pray and have faith, albeit trying, we remained steadfast. It felt like we were standing on the edge of an airplane with our toes hanging off the edge, wanting to free-fall in faith, yet reluctant to make the “jump!”
A friend of mine knew of a place near her that was vacant but wasn’t sure if the people would rent. Excitedly, I called to inquire. Sure enough, they were not interested in renting due to a bad experience they had with a previous renter. I thanked them and hung up. Discouraged, I continued to pray, make phone calls and watch like a hawk for any sign of a rental that would meet our NEEDS. Wants, at this point, was a luxury we were willing to forego just to have shelter from the cold winds blowing “Old Man Winter” in. As we continued to find no home in sight, I felt to call these people one more time to ask them to reconsider renting to us. I thought that if they met us, they would somehow know we were “safe” to rent to. Well, thank the Lord I did, because they did reconsider and decided to rent to our family. But that is not the most beautiful part, although I don’t want to take away from the Lord’s doing. Just remember, that what He has in mind is always far greater than what we could ever expect.
The “S” family has been the most beautiful example of Godly love, grace, mercy, compassion and true examples of the commandment “Love one another.” Spiritually, we were also in a tough place. Like landing on eagles wings, we were swooped up, cradled, comforted and shown true grace. Not only did their home meet our needs but they have also become like a father and mother to my husband and I and grandparents to our children. They have guided us when we’ve needed tremendous help in every way, they have insisted we have a date night every six weeks and keep the children so we could regain a strong focus on our marriage (which definitely suffered during such trying times). They continue to help us build up our business and have donated countless hours of work, time and equipment to ensure our survival. They have encouraged us in so many ways. We would even swap elder-sitting for babysitting, as this beautiful family had cared for three elderly relatives, full-time and in their home until the time of their death.
Perhaps, the biggest and most beautiful gift I’ve been given since, has been the release of my life-long fear of death. Even though I know and love the Lord Jesus with all my heart, in all honesty and transparency, I still feared death. We had grown fond of their Aunt Velma through our times of sitting with her so the family could have a break. Velma suffered a severe stroke last year which left only one side of her brain working. She was hospitalized with little hope of surviving a stroke of that magnitude, especially at 96 years old. Velma held on for almost a week and I was overjoyed when the weather cleared so I could go visit her. When I did, I said my goodbyes and thanked her for all the time we shared together. Just as easy as I breathed in, Velma exhaled and left us. I always thought I would be freaked out or scared if I were to witness a death, but in her dying, I was given a gift that would last a lifetime. There was such a peace and comfort surrounding us that fear was the furthest thing from my mind. I am truly and eternally grateful.
The “S” family has truly given this young family many beautiful gifts and life lessons which make everything they are in Jesus, a true beauty to behold. I could write a book on all they have done for us and plan to spend an eternity being thankful.
I’m blessed to have a family.
Dear Jill,
Thank you for the opportunity win this bundle and touch on what is beautiful. Perhaps your readers don’t know you personally as I do, but know you through the beauty you produce with graphic art design and in the loveliness of your words. But I have been so richly blessed to come to know you as a friend, and see what beauty looks like as lived out through your friendship to me.
You, my dear friend, have modeled godly beauty in my life by praying with me when my heart was broken, encouraging me when I felt I had nothing to offer, and lightening sad heart with your cheerfulness.
Thank you, Jill Novak, for being a model of true beauty to me.
Love you,
Shelley
I think to be beautiful means to be able to show Christ light to others through their lives. It is having a meek and quiet spirit. It is being a woman that builds up those she is around and not tears down. It is dying to self and living for others because that is what Christ did.
Someone that has greatly impacted my life is a young woman called Chloe. I remember when I first met her I knew that she was different from most. There was a worship service at our church which she attended and as she worshiped she seamed to glow from the inside out. She took true joy in being able to worship the lord, and yet she was humble about it. She’s honest, and very graceful, and she trys to show the love of the lord to everyone. What makes her unique is that she holds these five traits;
-Honest
-Loving
-Graceful
-Humble
-And Joyful
She is one of the most happy people I have ever met and she was the person that truly convinced me not by words but by example, that God is more than that person in the bible but that he loves us and that he is here right now, that he cares for us, and he will always be there for us.