Kristin Billerbeck is a fourth-generation Californian and has a BA in Journalism & Mass Communications from San Jose State University. She has been on the CBA bestseller's list, is a two-time winner of the ACFW Lit of the year, and is currently nominated for a Christy for The Trophy Wives Club. Kristin has appeared on the "Today Show" and appeared in World Magazine, The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal Constitution and USA Today. She lives in her beloved Silicon Valley and has four children with her engineer husband.

Dear Ashley,

I’m wondering what I should do with this money I didn’t expect to get for my birthday. I have always dreamed of going to the spa and spoiling myself for a day, but then I see these commercials about feeding hungry children and I feel like I’m wrong to want to treat myself to something nice. What’s a girl to do?

Heather, the hedonistic spa dreamer

Something tells me Mother Theresa never had a spa treatment. But Queen Esther had a year’s worth before she was presented to the king. So naturally, it begs the question, how hedonistic is a spa treatment for the Christian girl?

Maybe you’ve never pondered such a question as this, and wow, I’m so sorry for you. Truly, I think it’s hard to think about the problems in the world, how they feel so insurmountable, and want to go and treat yourself to luxury. But maybe you’re like me, and the verse, Psalm 46:10 is not easy for you. It’s difficult to be still and know that He is God. Maybe you need to schedule that time. Not your morning prayer time, but special time, where you just listen for Him. For His gentle calling. Maybe it’s me, but I find there’s a special line directly to the spa.

Scheduling a spa treatment requires you to do something nice for yourself. Something healthy. You don’t have to spend money, grab some girlfriends and do a pedicure party – a feet washing ceremony for today’s peep-toe wearing girl. But if you can afford it, schedule some time at the local spa, or treat a friend because slowing down the world can be the greatest gift of all.

In this noisy world, it is so hard to block out the still, quiet voice of our conscience and the Lord’s will for our life. I don’t think it’s wrong to value yourself and take care of your temple. Remember, it is not money that’s a problem for us, it’s the love of money that’s the root of all evil. Value others more highly than yourselves, but value yourself as well.

Would God have allowed the “Song of Solomon” to be in the Bible, if being beautiful weren’t a core desire for us all? Feeling good builds confidence and helps us be better friends/wives/mothers. When you’re feeling run down and out of

energy, slow down and pamper yourself. Let God speak to you and remind you softly that you are wonderfully and beautifully created.

Disconnect from this wired, iPhone, Blackberry-crazy world and treat yourself. Spa optional.

Ashley

P.S. Due to my popularity and Big Buddha schedule, I’m unable to keep my advice column going. It’s been fun, ladies. Chin up! You’ve gotten enough greatadvice to last you awhile. And if you want to keep tabs on my life, sign up for Kristin’s Handbag, my newsletter, on my website at www.kristinbillerbeck.com