God and beauty

I came across this verse today, as I started reading through Genesis:

Out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up 

every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.

Genesis 2:9a

I love that verse. Want to know why?

Because it shows that God cares about beauty, not just functionality. Our God created food, but he made it colorful and vibrant. {Can you imagine eating a brown strawberry? Or a black watermelon?} He fashioned creation. He invented different types of wood, species of flowers, colors of the sky. He created peacocks, for pete's sake.

Sometimes I feel like photography, or paint colors, or home decor stores are a waste of time... and, granted, they absolutely can be. {Just ask Charlie and Marty, when we're walking around Homegoods yet again...} Balance is important, of course. But there's also incredible value in spending your time working on creating beautiful art, whether it be editing a photograph, dreaming up a landscaping design, painting a canvas, or arranging artwork on a living room wall.

Its valuable, because it's something God values.

And that, my friends, makes me very, very happy.

:)

identifying your purpose

I don't know about you, but sometimes I get bogged down in the day-to-day stuff. {I won't expound on my "stuff," because you'd probably -- nope, definitely -- be bored to tears. Let's just say, it helps to remind myself that I'm working for a higher purpose than just doing endless loads of laundry...} From time to time, I'm learning that it's important to refocus my priorities. I need to remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing -- it helps give me direction, and adds a sense of purpose to my day.

I came across a helpful list in the book Leaders Who Last, by Dave Kraft {I had the privilege of working on the book during my time at Crossway}. Here's a list he gives on how to identify your purpose in life:

1. Record Bible passages God has applied to your life.
2. Reflect how God has used you in the past.
3. Determine what you're passionate about.
4. List your known gifts and strengths.
5. Delineate what you have excelled at in your work experience.
6. Define what action words best describe what you like to do.
7. Write down what you enjoy doing in your free time.

And then...
8. Reread all your answers.
9. Take note of common themes.
10. Write down key words or ideas that repeat.
11. Summarize those key words in a short, energizing statement about yourself.

Interesting, yes? I think it's a helpful exercise to work through. And if you're up for it, the rest of Kraft's book is an excellent read for anyone in a leadership role.* He shares simple techniques for getting things done that, in my humble opinion, are priceless.

Now. Back to the laundry...

*By "leadership role," I'm talking VP's at companies, pastors at churches, and yes, moms at home -- leading their little brood around all day long :)