Lessons from Esther (III)

My Beloved Sister, there is a lot we can learn from Esther. I hope you read more about her and get some tips which I may not mention.

Today’s lesson from Esther is “Character Matters”.

One great thing about Esther is that she obtained favour in the sight of all that looked upon her. It is established that Esther was beautiful. Don’t you think that this was reason for people to be envious of her? But there must have been something about her that made people like her. It must have been her character.

Character would help to attract (or repel) people, including your king. There is nothing like a perfect character, but there could be areas of our character that need improvement. One way to identify those things is to ask your close friends and family members. Don’t feel bad if they give you a long list of areas where you can change. These are people that have accepted you for who you are and love you just the way you are.

I’ll give you a personal example. My youngest sister told me I always criticize and look out for flaws in what people do. Though she did not say it constructively (which is what people do not like), she had a point. I did not throw away that part of me (now I am being paid for that– quality checking). But I knew that in dealing with people, I had to be more appreciative of the good things they do and constrain the desire to find fault until I am able to say it constructively.

With a good character, you will find favour and people will love you. With a good character, people see beyond your physical beauty or flaws. Such fades away but a good character lasts. A good character is very attractive.

As you prepare for your King, take some time out to ask God to reveal to you those areas in you character that need change. He is ready to show you and help you change. Even when you marry, do not stop asking God to reveal to you these areas for improvement. Be prepared to receive instruction.

Recommended Reading
1. Character Is Destiny: The Value of Personal Ethics in Everyday Life by Russell Gough

2. Choose the Happiness Habit by Pam Golden

My Very Best Wishes...

Lessons from Esther (II)

My Beloved Sister,
Not only are you going to keep your King’s heart with your beauty, you will keep his heart with things more valuable than physical beauty.

Today’s message is on Developing Your Spirit. One thing that was different about Esther was she knew what to do and what to say. This was evident before and after she became queen. Such wisdom does not come from intelligence, experience or advice. It comes from God [James 3:15-17].

As a woman, you will need to contribute spiritually in the home. Just as you are not the physical head of the home, you are not the spiritual head of the home. However you are a helper. Whether for physical or spiritual matters, you will need the inner witness of your spirit to help you – to say the right things and do the right things.

Developing your spirit is a continuous process. It involves building a relationship with God. Have communication and communion with God. When you trust God and rely on Him, you will know that before you make any decision, you need to consult Him. Your King will marvel at your words and actions.

Make out time to develop yourself spiritually. Develop your prayer life, study the word of God, listen to music and messages that build you up, and participate in activities that build up your spiritual life. While growing up, when my friends and I get involved in some pranks and come out safe (and successful) we would say, “If not for mummy’s prayers, they would have caught us!” Your king, your children and all around you do not need to see you praying but can deduce what you do from your spiritual life.

Developing your spirit gives you a beauty of great price [1 Peter 3:4].

Recommended Reading
1. Life Management for Busy Women: Living Out God's Plan with Passion and Purpose by Elizabeth George
2. The Power of a Praying® Woman by Stormie Omartian

Study Book
1. Women in the Bible: Examples to Live by by Sylvia Charles

Lessons from Esther (I)

My Beloved Sister,

It is true that someone who loves you will love you for who you are, but there are certain things about yourself that you should not take for granted. I thought taking care of the body was not as important as having a good and loving heart. I don’t want you to think that way. The lessons from Esther are to show how important it is to take care of the body, mind and spirit as you prepare for your king. One book that changed my orientation was Hadassah: One Night With the King by Tommy Tenney.

Today’s message is on Taking Care Of Your Physical Body.

Whether you are the most spiritual sister who can move mountains with the utterance of a word, or whether you are the most loving female on earth, the first thing anyone will see is your physical body. Most attractions start with that. Where that is not the case, as a man gets to know you better, there are things about your physical that will keep the attraction going on.

Taking care of your physical body includes the following: -
1. Taking care of the way you look – hair, nails, dressing and make-up
It is not a sin to look good. However, it is good to do things with moderation. I was on a flight one day and someone asked me which church I attend. I said “The Carpenter’s Church, PH”. He replied, “That’s the church where the associate pastor dresses very well. She is a role model for how women should dress.” You can look very attractive and ravishing with decent clothes. Such makes you mysterious and leaves a lot to the imagination.

Take some time to evaluate your physical appearance. If there is any area where you need to improve, this is one splendid time to do so.

And it does not stop when you get married. Keep taking care of your looks then. Be attractive for your king.

2. Taking care of the way you smell – cream, soap, deodorants, hair removers and perfumes
Your scent is important for attraction. People will unknowingly enjoy being around you if you smell nice. The good thing is even if you have body odour, there are soaps, deodorants, body creams and perfumes that can overshadow body odour. And it is not a bad idea to have a small bottle of perfume somewhere in your make-up purse to freshen up after sweating.

Esther underwent six months of beauty treatment with oil of myrrh and another six months with perfumes and cosmetics [Esther 2:12]. It is not too early to start your beauty treatment.

3. Taking care of your body’s functionality – diet and exercising
You can contribute a great deal to maintaining a healthy body with your diet and exercises.

Are all your meals from packet to mouth? You might want to consider spoiling yourself a little with homemade 3 course meals. Your diet preferences will go with you into your king’s house. If you are not sure what is good for you, you can pick up a food and nutrition book. They really help.

Exercises can be a simple as taking long walks (especially in these days of from door step to vehicle) or as involving as going to the gym. These can really be helpful in building a strong and healthy body. By the way, going to the gym is a good place to meet people.

4. Taking care of what expresses your sensuality – underwear and lingerie
You didn’t think I will go here, did you? Your underwear and lingerie are as important as your external clothes. You need to make good choices of underwear that fit your clothes. You need to stock you underwear bag with various but relevant underwear. And you need lingerie that brings out your sensuality. You will need it on the wedding night and also while married.

Recommended Reading
1. Hadassah: One Night With the King by Tommy Tenney
2. Secrets of an Irresistible Woman: Smart Rules for Capturing His Heart by Michelle McKinney Hammond

My Very Best Wishes...