Welcome and thanks for visiting INSIDE OUT BEAUTY. I often think of our spiritual lives like the hidden spaces of our homes—the closets, drawers, and corners where things quietly pile up. Over time, our souls can look the same. We collect worries, expectations, old wounds, and quiet lies that weigh us down and keep us from seeing the beauty God designed within us.
In this Christian Living space, I explore what it looks like to let God gently declutter those inner spaces so His beauty can shine through—first in our hearts, then naturally in how we live, love, and show up in the world. This is where my faith and real life meet: the messy, beautiful, everyday moments of being a woman who is a wife, mom, Gigi, friend, and Jesus follower longing to make wise, grace-filled choices.
Through honest stories, biblical truth, and lessons learned in my own “soul-cleansing” seasons, I hope to invite you into a deeper journey with God—one where you discover peace, purpose, and a radiant beauty that begins on the inside and flows outward.
Let’s walk this inside-out journey together.
Build Healthy Relationships
1 Thessalonians 5:11b (The Message) tells us to “speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.”
Sadly, it seems that women are better at competing with one another than they are cooperating with each other. I would rather be a WOMAN OF CONNECTION than a GIRL OF DIVISION, so I write a lot about building and maintaining strong and healthy relationships.
INSIDE OUT BEAUTY seeks to build WOMEN OF CONNECTION who strive to do three things well:
- CHAMPION other women: “You go, girl!”
- COOPERATE with each other: “Sister, I am with you!”
- COMMUNICATE truth openly: “I hear you.”
Overcome Life’s Struggles
We all know that the Christian life isn’t tidy or predictable. Our souls gather fear, doubt, discouragement, and the heavy things we rarely talk about. Jesus prepares us for this in John 16:33 (NLT): “…here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows…” So we shouldn’t be shocked when life feels messy or when our hearts feel weighed down.
But that’s not where He leaves us. The rest of that verse holds the promise our hearts cling to: “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Even in the moments that feel dark, cluttered, or uncertain, His presence is steady and His victory is already secure.
In these posts, you’ll discover how God meets you in the shadows, how He brings purpose out of pain, and how uncluttering your soul makes space for faith, hope, and love to rise again. Let Him show you the beauty He’s forming within—right in the middle of the mess.
Parent with Grace & Truth
On my journey of parenting that began over thirty years ago, I have learned that balance and perspective are the keys that help guide me as I walk this uncertain road of being a mom.
Balance is providing a steady, stabilizing, and consistent environment for my kids to grow and thrive. Perspective is the attitude of humility before God, my children, and others.
The best way I have learned how to do this is by walking alongside my children with grace and truth. My honest confessions of my mistakes in parenting are combined with practical and biblical truth on how to offer:
- LOVE WITH DISCIPLINE
- RULES WITH CHOICES
- WORK WITH FUN
Celebrate Seasons & Holidays
As we walk our faith journeys, we need to make time to celebrate the joys and blessings God graciously gives us. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 ESV).
Sharing these times with others reminds us of God’s faithfulness and provision. I love to offer useful tips on how to make these celebrations meaningful and memorable.
Take the Gratitude Challenge and download your free printable to improve your attitude of gratitude.
You can also use my Advent devotional, Have Yourself a Mary Little Christmas (available in e-book and print form) as another way to provide you and your family helpful resources to prepare your heart, mind, and soul for the Christmas season.
