When Caroline was a “tween” (8-12 years old) we stumbled across a Christian values program we both loved called “Secret Keeper Girls” created by a mom named Dannah Gresh.  Our favorite part was a book we went through together called “8 Great Dates.”  This program was designed for moms to help their tween daughters navigate the messages around them and to form strong, healthy Christian values that they would carry throughout the rest of their lives.  Girls are faced with unique challenges about their self-image, and hear messages about what they’re supposed to do; this book was designed to help moms talk with their daughters and form fun experiences along the way that also helps to strengthen their relationships while doing it.  Each chapter has a value to teach, a related Scripture verse, a short devotion or story, and a fun activity (or “date”) for mom and daughter to do together to reinforce the value being taught.  Date #3 was about learning the true source of beauty: the presence of God.  In this date, you are challenged to spend quality time with God out in nature.  There was a catchy phrase Dannah used that stuck with me during the devotional message for this date.  She said to spend at least as much time preparing your inward beauty (by talking with God and reading God’s Word) as you do preparing your outward beauty each day.  So, for example, if you, ladies, spend 20 minutes doing skin care, makeup, picking out the “right” outfit, and putting on jewelry, then be sure to spend at least 20 minutes praying and reading God’s Word each day. (Think you don’t have time?  Who says you can’t pray while you’re putting on makeup?)  Gentleman, perhaps you spend your time a little differently, but you still take time to shave or trim, brush your teeth, and dress.  What a simple idea, and yet, it can make such a huge difference in our lives!  

In the 1800’s I’m told that if you read a girl’s diary it would likely include her thoughts about how well she was developing morally and the mistakes she may have made that day, such as being quick tempered or speaking too harshly.  Today, I imagine reading a girl’s diary would be more like attending a gossip session, but admit I don’t know for sure.  (Do boys even write diaries?)  What if we all attended as much or more to our inner beauty as we do to our outward appearance each day?  Perhaps Dannah Gresh’s program isn’t just for tweens…

Read Philippians 4:4-9 and Colossians 3:12-17, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie