Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. - Proverbs 11:22

I came across this proverb in my daily reading this morning. It’s one of my favorites because it says so much in so few words. It has been said that a picture paints a thousand words, and this proverb paints a brilliant word picture.

Have you ever wondered why our supermarkets are full of magazines that tout the adventures of the likes of Brittney Spears and Lindsey Lohan? Why are we so concerned with the size of Jessica Simpson’s pants? Its because we are enamored with outward appearances.

But this proverb points out that no matter how well we dress up foul character, in the end it is the character that shows through. A pig, no matter how well adorned, is still a pig.

By no means is this proverb reserved for women, either. The man who sacrifices his honor and integrity for the promotion is no less ugly.

In the end, God sees beauty from the inside out. We do well to look for it in the same way.

This is what love looks like.

What has someone that loved you given up? Do you still remember it or does it fade away into the past?

Sometimes feelings creep up on you and you didn’t even have a clue they would be there. I experienced this tonight as I watch my truck of almost nine years drive away under the ownership of someone else.

I bought my F150 in 2000. I wasn’t really ready to buy one yet, but I was just beginning to check out what was on the market. I had a checklist of everything I wanted in a truck: long bed, tow package, V8, cruise control, power everything, etc. During lunch one day I pulled into Pierson Ford’s used car lot and there it was. Everything I wanted and more.

I know you aren’t supposed to get attached to possessions, but this truck and I had been together for quite some time. Countless family trips to the desert. Moving friends more times than I can count. A very special trip to the Grand Canyon with just Amanda and I. There were memories in that truck.

So, when this stranger–a nice stranger with real cash money–got into MY truck and drove it away, it was harder than I thought.

Everything has got to go eventually. My F150 went to a dad who was helping his daughter buy her first truck. When he told her on the phone that he had purchased it, she screamed with delight. Knowing that makes it easier.

He must become greater; I must become less. - John 3:30

Easy words to say, but harder to live by. Regardless, even the those of us who are furthest away from God can, in complete surrender, glorify Him even more. Here is an excellent example of that.

I was once taught that Joy is more than just a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is also a formula for how to live:

J – Jesus first
O – Others Second
Y – Yourself third

Much wisdom there.