Summary: Audrey frowned as she squinted at the mirror. As if glasses and braces aren't bad enough, she thought. Now my hair seems to have a mind of its own. I've used oodles of Mom's hair stuff, and it still sticks out in all directions! Sighing, Audrey turned off the bathroom light and headed downstairs. It was still early, but she knew her brother Daniel would be up. He had to leave that morning to return to college after his Christmas break. "Hey, beautiful," Daniel greeted her as she came through the kitchen door. Audrey made a face. "Who are you talking to?" she asked, glancing around the room as if looking for someone. "I know it can't be me, 'cuz I . . . well, look at my hair!" "Looks good to me," said Daniel. He grinned and handed her a small, round object. "Here--I have a goodbye present for you." "Wow! Thanks! Just what I always wanted," said Audrey sarcastically as she looked at a bumpy, gray rock about the size of a golf ball. "It's just lovely." Daniel laughed. "It's a geode," he explained. "Inside this plain little rock is a heart of exquisite beauty. Honest! Come on. I'll show you." He led the way to the basement and placed the rock securely on Dad's workbench. Then he picked up a hammer and small chisel. He carefully tapped the chisel around the middle of the rock until it cracked into two halves. Audrey gasped. The geode was hollow, and the inside was lined in sparkling crystals. The colors ranged from deep purple to lavender to purest white. "Oh-h-h-h! I love it!" exclaimed Audrey. "It really is lovely." "It's a pretty one," agreed Daniel. "My Bible professor says God made geodes and people alike in some ways." Audrey wrinkled her nose. "How's that?" she asked. "The real beauty is what's inside," Daniel explained. "A person's character--kind or mean, generous or stingy, that sort of thing--determines true beauty. The outside appearance isn't so important." Daniel gave Audrey a warm hug. "You, my dear sister, are beautiful," he added, "both inside and out." Audrey smiled at her brother. She forgot her hair issue and didn't even think about her glasses or braces. How About You? Are you unhappy with your physical appearance? Do you wish you were taller? More handsome? Prettier? Do you wish your hair, eyes, or skin were a different color? Do you think you'd look better if you had nicer clothes?God says the way you look on the outside isn't the most important thing. What comes out of your heart is what matters. When you live to please the Lord, He sees real beauty, and others will, too. Today's Key Verse: The Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Today's Key Thought: Inner beauty is what matters
