Tag Archive for: Galatians

Beautiful people

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Beautiful People (Copy)

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are”—Markus Zusak.

Today’s society relies so much on exterior beauty as a compass for determining worth and physical attractiveness. Size matters. Fitting into a “0-1-2” is considered lovely or glamorous. If the path to accomplish this goal leads to emotional trauma and anorexia, this is not healthy or appropriate.

When faced with a decision regarding a suitable warrior, shepherd boy David was chosen. Age was against him. He was not extremely tall or built large physically. In fact, Goliath towered over young David. Anyone could see that he posed no match for the Philistine giant. Other than battling wild animals to fend off destroying his flock, David possessed no war medals. Yet, God counted him a worthy defender of the Israelites. David’s inner strength and victory came from his commander and chief: God.

Women and men look on the outside, but God looks on the inside. What’s beneath the surface is the stuff that equals courage. Is there evidence of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in my life? (Galatians 5:22, 23)

I want to be beautiful—beautiful on the inside; what I am not just who I say I am. To do this, my actions should reflect my words. My words reflect what’s in my heart and mind. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Dear God, Thank you for providing the model for beauty. You sacrificed Your only Son so that I could enjoy life to the fullest. I want to be worthy of this ultimate gift by reflecting beauty from the inside out. You are more concerned about what’s in my heart.

What character qualities are you cultivating?

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Harmony

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Harmony — what most of us strive for in our everyday life. What many are unable to grasp. The opposite of harmony might be stress or frustration.

When two or more individuals sit together in a room, a sense of harmony is either felt or not. If harmony is felt, productivity rises. Camaraderie boosts self-esteem and a sense of belonging reigns.

I look forward to being captivated for an overnight retreat with a group of fellow writer friends. Some I know; others I do not. We’ll be together for 24 hours participating in various activities such as:

  • Goal setting
  • Journaling
  • Writing
  • Self-editing
  • Critiquing

Will it be hard work? Yes. But, ‘twill be worth it!

All the people invited and attending will be of the same mind. The same attitude of goal seeking with an attempt to better themselves and learn more of the craft of writing. Do we all write the same type of pieces? No … some write fiction, others non-fiction, screenplays or poetry. We are created different, but similar in many respects.

Like-mindedness. Unity. Compatibility. Respect. Artistic talents.  These qualities achieved by thinking highly of others and not thinking too highly of self. Most possess sensitive spirits; some harbor bruised lives and egos. Yet, we carry on the mission and passion God instilled in our hearts long ago. Desiring to put down on paper what God has taught us. Eager to share personal knowledge and words of wisdom from having walked dusty, bumpy trails.

In the book of Galatians, Paul tells believers in Christ about the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These are traits God is pleased with and would smile upon.

This is what I see manifest when I rub shoulders with my fellow harmonious comrades.  It’s almost like being with family; except with friends, I can choose them!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” — Psalm 139:14.

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