I was thinking about the whole "beauty comes from within" concept today. After reading this verse in I don't understand how that could happen.
Mark 7:21-23 (Amplified Bible)
For from within, [that is] out of the hearts of men, come base and wicked thoughts, sexual immorality, stealing, murder, adultery, coveting (a greedy desire to have more wealth), dangerous and destructive wickedness, deceit; unrestrained (indecent) conduct; an evil eye (envy), slander (evil speaking, malicious misrepresentation, abusiveness), pride (the sin of an uplifted heart against God and man), foolishness (folly, lack of sense, recklessness, thoughtlessness). All these evil [purposes and desires] come from within, and they make the man unclean and render him unhallowed.
Do we say that a flower is beautiful because of its "insides"? Or a sunset is beautiful because of what it means? No, these things are beautiful to the eye. Their beauty creates emotions in us. And when we see "beautiful people" they create emotions and feelings (not even saying that they are good emotions/feelings). I know the concept comes from how our view changes when we get to know people. So what is beauty? Maybe it is merely things that create those certain emotions and feelings in us. People see things differently. What is beautiful to me might not be beautiful to you. So is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Perhaps. We often hear men and women speak of their spouse as "the most beautiful man/woman". But they might not be the most beautiful to everyone else. But that doesn't mean they are not beautiful. So who are we to say who or what is or isn't beautiful? I can't, rightfully, say that someone is not beautiful.. because to someone they are beautiful. So I suppose what my point is (and not the point I was going to make at the start of this post) that everything and everyone is beautiful. We just need to shut up sometimes. But then we come to evil... what do we do about that? The only thing I can think is that we are made in the image of God... and He is beautiful. So to the eye, everything is beautiful. But sin covers us. Maybe that is where this "internal beauty" comes from. And everything that God makes is beautiful. Every storm, every insect, every organ, every creature, every hot Texas afternoon, EVERYTHING God makes is beautiful.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
It's over...
January is the most insane month ever. The fast is finally over. I'm older. I'm in a new place. And lots more.
For some reason whenever I come here to update I forget what I want to write about. So how about the most random post ever? Let's see how that works out...
Dagger and I just got back from a long walk. There is always something about walking down by the lake that is so calming. My new apartment is along the same walking route as my old one. I'm just glad it's not icy. We both took a few spills last week. I'm going to try and get him nice and worn out for the car ride tomorrow.
I had to endure the doctor this morning. I finally just told her that she needed to do something about this heartburn. So I have an appointment to have an ultrasound on my gallbladder. Then we are going to do another kind of scan if there are no stones. Then if there is nothing wrong I will go see a GI doctor. Hopefully we will figure out what the heck is going on.
I need another vacation. I know we are going to the beach in July. and I'm heading to Birmingham tomorrow for two weeks. When I get back I am started the small group. Which is the first step to the church plant. Yikes.
I want to start doing water aerobics. I know it's very old lady (but what about me ISN'T old lady?)... I think it would be good. I'm trying to convince someone else to do it with me.
I'm really digging my new apartment. It's small. So everything is more accessible. Plus I have the luxury of a washer and dryer. Seriously the best thing ever.
It is sad that I can't even think of anything else to write. That is so sad. But I have to go meet Cameo for lunch and do some laundry. I need to get this house in order before I head out tomorrow. I'm excited about the 10 hour drive. I need to put my podcasts on my ipod. wahoo!
For some reason whenever I come here to update I forget what I want to write about. So how about the most random post ever? Let's see how that works out...
Dagger and I just got back from a long walk. There is always something about walking down by the lake that is so calming. My new apartment is along the same walking route as my old one. I'm just glad it's not icy. We both took a few spills last week. I'm going to try and get him nice and worn out for the car ride tomorrow.
I had to endure the doctor this morning. I finally just told her that she needed to do something about this heartburn. So I have an appointment to have an ultrasound on my gallbladder. Then we are going to do another kind of scan if there are no stones. Then if there is nothing wrong I will go see a GI doctor. Hopefully we will figure out what the heck is going on.
I need another vacation. I know we are going to the beach in July. and I'm heading to Birmingham tomorrow for two weeks. When I get back I am started the small group. Which is the first step to the church plant. Yikes.
I want to start doing water aerobics. I know it's very old lady (but what about me ISN'T old lady?)... I think it would be good. I'm trying to convince someone else to do it with me.
I'm really digging my new apartment. It's small. So everything is more accessible. Plus I have the luxury of a washer and dryer. Seriously the best thing ever.
It is sad that I can't even think of anything else to write. That is so sad. But I have to go meet Cameo for lunch and do some laundry. I need to get this house in order before I head out tomorrow. I'm excited about the 10 hour drive. I need to put my podcasts on my ipod. wahoo!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Did you say steak?
We are in the middle (well, 11 days into it) of a month long fast. I have to say that I want steak...real bad. The first ten days were fruits, vegetables, and water. Now for the next 21 days we are straight liquid. If we can get it through a straw...we are eating it. Potato soup and milkshakes were on the menu tonight.
Today is also the one year anniversary of the house of prayer. Which is exciting. It is only by the Grace of God that we were able to sustain it. And by Grace we will go until Jesus comes back. My slot is at 5AM this month. I dig it. I love those night slots. Even if it means getting up early.
I know this sounds dramatic, but I'm really upset that so many people are going to hell. I think the part that upsets me is that I talk to so many people everyday that are still going to hell. I've never said a word to them. I talk to people very infrequently about their soul. But what if I am the person talking to them at the very moment the Lord wants to save them. What if I am the last person they see before they die. Just typing this upsets me to no end. I was talking to a guy at the Starbucks in Target today about his soul and it made me very sad. I finally understood the fact that Jesus absolutely loves him. He adores Him and longs to be in this amazing relationship with Him. But He also longs to save him so that on the day of judgement He can be with Him in paradise. It's a very beautiful thing. But it kills me that people I know and people I love are still going to hell.
During this month fast we are praying for one person in particular. And of course I my heart breaks for my brother. I don't love him more than anyone else. But I cry almost every day because I love him. I see his face in almost every bald white guy. No joke. I hear his voice and hear his jokes. Dramatic. I know. But I love him. and I hate that he is going to hell. And I hate it. But I know that it doesn't matter what he is doing now. It doesn't matter if he hates God and if He thinks He is some mean guy...God is totally faithful and WILLING to save him.
Anyways. I'm exhausted and I have to be up for 5AM prayer.
Is that enough of a sobering update for you, Rachel :)
Today is also the one year anniversary of the house of prayer. Which is exciting. It is only by the Grace of God that we were able to sustain it. And by Grace we will go until Jesus comes back. My slot is at 5AM this month. I dig it. I love those night slots. Even if it means getting up early.
I know this sounds dramatic, but I'm really upset that so many people are going to hell. I think the part that upsets me is that I talk to so many people everyday that are still going to hell. I've never said a word to them. I talk to people very infrequently about their soul. But what if I am the person talking to them at the very moment the Lord wants to save them. What if I am the last person they see before they die. Just typing this upsets me to no end. I was talking to a guy at the Starbucks in Target today about his soul and it made me very sad. I finally understood the fact that Jesus absolutely loves him. He adores Him and longs to be in this amazing relationship with Him. But He also longs to save him so that on the day of judgement He can be with Him in paradise. It's a very beautiful thing. But it kills me that people I know and people I love are still going to hell.
During this month fast we are praying for one person in particular. And of course I my heart breaks for my brother. I don't love him more than anyone else. But I cry almost every day because I love him. I see his face in almost every bald white guy. No joke. I hear his voice and hear his jokes. Dramatic. I know. But I love him. and I hate that he is going to hell. And I hate it. But I know that it doesn't matter what he is doing now. It doesn't matter if he hates God and if He thinks He is some mean guy...God is totally faithful and WILLING to save him.
Anyways. I'm exhausted and I have to be up for 5AM prayer.
Is that enough of a sobering update for you, Rachel :)
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