radiating

I've never been one to use expensive products.  One time I thought I would convert and wear only MAC makeup, because how cool is that, but I just couldn't make myself give up my $2 eyeliner....  I've heard that if you start using Chanel face powder, you'll never go back.  A lifetime of fifty dollar powder is just not something this mrs. pastor can commit to!  I'll stick with my drug store finds.

One of my faves is Aveeno skin care products.

I've been using the Positively Radiant line for several years, and I really feel like it's the best for me.  As I washed me face the other day I began to think of someone else who was radiant: Moses!  Remember him?  Remember how he would go up Mt. Sinai to meet with God and when he came back he was so radiant that he actually had to cover up! (see Exodus 34)  I looked more closely at the bottle I was using and noticed this: "brings out skin's natural radiance and evens out skin tone and texture."

I think this is what Moses experienced - not in the appearance of his skin (though maybe, who knows?) - in his spirit....radiant and evened out.

One of the verses I keep by my kitchen sink is from Psalm 143:10

"Teach me to do your will for you are my God,
may your good spirit lead me on level ground"

As a woman, I know what it feels like to walk on un-even ground.  The up, the d-o-w-n!  I want my soul to be evened out, I want to radiate God's love and grace.

I haven't been very disciplined about getting up early for my quiet time lately.  I did well for a while, but you know how it is, you stay up late a couple of nights which makes it hard to get up early.....

I know there's no rule about having your devo time first thing in the morning, but I've seen the fruit of getting up and being spiritually grounded for the day and I want that again.  And as I think about Moses, and how spending time with the Lord made him radiant, I consider how my family would benefit from a wife and mom that reflects God from the earliest part of the morning - this would have to be an act of God, since I don't wake up "well." I want to be the kind of woman that isn't ruled by her circumstances or mood, but trusts the Spirit to lead me level ground, emotionally speaking.

Tonight I'm setting my coffee pot, laying out my Bible and putting a cozy blanket on my favorite chair, ready for an early(ish) morning visit with my loving God.

When do you have QT?