On a Scale of 1 to 10

Why are humans so critical? Do we truly believe we have any right to rate a person's appearance? Gorgeous, beautiful, pretty, okay, ugly...

We say things like, "On a scale of 1 to 10, what do you think he/she is?"

Who do we really think we are?

Genesis 1: 27 clearly states, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them."

If we were ALL created in the image of God, who are we to decide whether or not a person is attractive or pretty?! How do you think that makes God feel?

Imagine you painted me three pictures, one was outstanding, two was okay, and three was downright awful. How would it make you feel for me to tell you that some of your work was good but others were horrible?

I can guess what you would be thinking. First, it would be something of hurt, "Wow, thanks a lot," then it would shift to something more like, "According to you it may not be good but since when do you set the standards?"

Exactly my point.

Since when do we set the standards for God's creation?

I believe that God looks at us when we rate His creation and says, "According to who's standard?"

Genesis 1: 31 "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."

Even the Birds of the air...

Today, I was looking out my window at thick white blanket covering the ground. Ice and snow are abundant this time of year.

A time when life beyond the security of our homes seems nonexistent.

As I gazed out into the lifeless white world surrounding me, I was amazed to see a bird fly within feet of my window and land in the snow. Not only was the bird living in this snow storm but he was plump, a sign that he was well fed. During a time when this part of the earth feels eerie and cold-physically and mentally-I was reminded of the Lord's provision.

Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Our heavenly Father is looking out for even the birds of the air. Matthew 6:31-32 continues on saying, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."

I think it is time we look at the birds of the air, knowing that our heavenly Father cares for them, so how much more will He care for us, His children? Our heavenly Father knows what we need!

I cannot answer for you, but this gives me so much peace.

Anthills

The other day, I was out for a nice evening walk. Throughout the middle of the side walk every few steps was nothing other than an anthill. Yes, of course I've "seen" an anthill before but I've never really seen one. I stooped down to have a closer look at this piece of creation and thought in awe of the tiny little creatures that make them.

To a human, anthills aren't by any means "big" but to a tiny little ant, they must feel like mountains!!

I began to realize what patience they have and how I should learn from them & how when i walk by and kick the little hills over, the ants simply persevere and re-make their home inside the hill. They are small, simple, patient, persevering little ants - but they are God's creation and I praise His glorious name for these reminders!

The Lord shows up in incredible ways....

I could never begin to thank Him for the amount of peace He has brought me in the last several days. I feel called into missions but I am terrified of it. I am desperate to go on a short term mission trip. Once I go, I'll know I'll be sold out but I selfishly want to get married and have a family. I want the best of both worlds but how selfish of me to want a family if God has plans that I should be killed on the mission field. I don't want to leave behind a family.

Continue to show up, Lord! I need your peace...

Breakfast with a butterfly

Today, I was sitting outside eating my breakfast when this black thing flew right by my face. My first thought, of course, was "what in the world was that?!" but once it had landed I realized it was a butterfly. I took a closer look to find that it was black and a mid-night blue color. Nearby, another butterfly came and landed on a bush but this one was yellow.

I am often taken back by the details in the smallest creatures. It is an awesome reminder that God truly does care! He cares about the little things and He cares about the big things too! What if God had left butterflies colorless - if they were black & white? Wouldn't that be strange? But He cared enough to color them in! I am so awestruck by the way He cares but then I really shouldn't be surprised considering He created me and the world and everything in the world...

Hello anyone out there! This is my first time ever blogging but I'm really excited about it!