a girl of beauty

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{Today Grace, my only daughter amongst five sons, turns 10 years old.  As I thought about this milestone day, I decided I would write up a blog for her using words and quotes from a book (by Carol Fiddler) that I bought a while ago, a book that I plan on going through and studying with her over and over.  I also took some pictures of her, and of a few of her favorite things.  This blog is dedicated to my 10 year old daughter, and anyone else who may read this.  We all remember what it was like, how exciting it was, to turn 10.}

 

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Character Building

Good character is something you build.  It is not given to you in the same way as, say, a new pair of shoes is given to you to wear.  Character is developed by the decisions and choices you make each day.  Godly character is pure and is a treasure to be desired, sought after with determination and worked at with all your energy.  The best result of having good character is that your life brings glory to God.

 

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Sunshine-Makers

A girl who is a sunshine maker–quick to smile, quick to find good in any situation and quick to ignore hurtful things–is a blessing to many people.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Sincerity

Everyone wants friends they can trust to be honest and true.  A true friend does not treat you nicely and then say hurtful things about you when you are not there.  To be sincere is to be real.  This means you must be honest with yourself and with others not just in the things you say, but also in the things you do.  When you help another person, it should come from pure motives.  To be sincere is to be straightforward, not pretending to be something you are not.

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Careful Words

You will be known by the words that you speak, whether they are kind, thoughtful and caring, or proud, self-seeking and drawing attention to yourself.  More than the stylish clothes you wear, more than the fancy way your hair is done, you will be remembered by the words you have spoken.  The words you speak tell others what kind of girl you are.

“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  Proverbs 16:23-24

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Keeping Confidences

Often a girl who busies herself to find out lots of information about other people is one who breaks confidences–that is, she shares what one girl has told her with another girl or group of girls.  That is not right.  When a friend shares her ideas, hopes or dreams with you, she is trusting you with something very special to her.  Your friend would be hurt to find out that you told other people what she told you.  

“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”  Proverbs 11:13 

 

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A Sense of Purpose

A strong sense of purpose, or reason for living, is what motivates and keeps you going toward your goals.  The highest goal or purpose is to live for Jesus and have Him show through your life.

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Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Proverbs 31:30

 

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“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:24

 

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Meditation

You will begin to see that you will benefit from time alone with God every day.  You grow in wisdom as you spend more time with God.  There also will be times when you need to pull away for additional reflection and comfort, such as when you feel uncertain, angry, frustrated, jealous or depressed.  These will become great times of closeness with Jesus, times of sensing His heart of love and purpose for your life. 

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“Grow

in the

grace

and knowledge

of our Lord”

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Happy Birthday, Grace Lillian!

55 thoughts on “a girl of beauty”

  3. Happy Birthday Grace!!! The big 1-0 ! You are blessed to have a mother who models the character described here. Thanks Shanda for another great book recommendation!Poor Lee is sick today and won’t eat or drink a thing. He will only nurse. He is very clingy, so I am just sitting around a lot today, alternating between tending to Lee, reading the computer or my book, and crocheting. I think you would appreciate the pretty new stitch I just learned from my grandmother in MS.

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  4. Such a wonderful post, Shanda. You’re so blessed to have a female confidant in the midst of a house of boys!!! 🙂 She’s beautufil…and I hope her special day is a great memory for years to come!

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  6. Happy Birthday Grace!! You are such a beautiful girl on inside and on the outside. I hope you have a wonderful day! Love, Aunt Melissa, Uncle Nate, Makayla and Gregory

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  12. This is so precious and makes me all teary-eyed. I so wish I had a mama like you. I love my mom, but the way you edify her is so refreshing! She is a gem, and so are you.

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  14. Oh Shanda! how wonderful you are planting God’s seed in her heart. We too have had the book since our 1st little daughter was born. Now I have 4 daughters to take through. My 2 older daughters are now going through it in a “Keepers group”. There are so many basic principles that convict me! Last night we just went over success and how obedience to God and sacrifice to oneself brings success. Thank you for showing us and sharing your journeys with us! It is such an encouragement.Happy Birthday to Grace to. May she be filled with God’s Grace!

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  18. Happy happy birthday to your beautiful girl Grace! What a wonderful blog post, your wording from the book is great. It fits for us all even if we are adults:) Been reading your blog for a few years now but only this time I have commented to let you know that I love your blog and photograghs. You are an inspiration!pingpingpongalongwithme.blogspot.com

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  22. Happy happy Birthday to Grace! A beautiful girl growing in the beauty of the Lord! God bless you Grace.I loved the quotes you shared in this post. What a thing of beauty to learn all this growing up with such a loving mom, Dad, and brothers. I remember my 10th birthday…a special time!

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  40. Oops! This is a little late, but I hope this was a wonderful birthday for you, Grace! You are a sweet girl among all those brothers! God has made you a special friend to your mother. I pray God blesses your next year as you grow and learn! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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  44. By the time I got done reading this, I found myself smiling and smiling! Beautiful, beautiful Grace! I also found myself thinking about my only brother who had 7 sisters. Just think – Grace has 5 brothers who all have her as a favorite sister!

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  47. raising daughters is such a precious, special journey… haPpy birThdAy to your beautiful girl. p.s. Grace- I know what it’s like to be the only girl in a family of all boys… a pretty cool role to have if you ask me!! 🙂 sweet blessings to you in your first DOUBLE DIGIT year!!!

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  49. I just wanted to add that I came back to copy down all the wonderful snipets you wrote down for your daughter. What a blessing. I can’t wait to order the book~ Thank you for sharing~~Cinnamon

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