“Pretty is as pretty does,” Momma would often say. Therefore it was clear in my teens,  Momma and I did not appreciate the same things.

On long trips to Grandma’s in our old, rattling Ford. a huge billboard near Joplin always caught my eye. The most gorgeous brunette seemed to be smiling right at me.

“She’s so pretty!”  I would shout with glee, knowing all the while exactly what Momma would say.

“She is not pretty with that tray of beer in her hand! Carrol Sue, pretty is as pretty does!”  For more about Momma, read my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD.

This summer beautiful impromptu pumpkin vines spread across our yard. I admired their determination and beauty. The blooms were magnificent, the leaves were huge; certainly, I would soon grow my own pumpkin.

Almost overnight, they took over the yard, flower bed, bird bath, and quickly ran up the porch and around the rails.  Hours of tugging and untangling were followed by carrying the sticky, heavy vines down the hill to be burned!

I could almost hear Momma; and this time, I really understood.  Pretty IS as pretty does! Wish she were here to tell her how wise she was.

Whatever our age, we want to be attractive to others; and we spend time and money on clothes, makeup, jewelry, etc. to look good. If not careful, our confidence wains when our hair or clothes don’t suit us.

Each of us know women (and men) who have taken us by surprise. Some were beautiful to look at; well groomed, stylish. Others at first glance look shabby, ragged, tired.

Yet, as we take time to know each individual, we see beauty shine through in the most unlikely individuals. Others, prettier to look at, are focused on self. Check out these fun quotes from folk you may recognize about inner beauty.

The key to ‘pretty is as pretty does’ is a heart issue, not cosmetic. The more we focus on others, the prettier we become.  The more we love on Jesus every day, the more He shines through us. Then we are pretty where it counts; everlasting beauty!

I love, appreciate, and pray for each of you. You are beautiful to me!

Hugs,

Thanks for giving me a review on Amazon for the books you have read.