beauty.

I can't believe how long it has been since I updated. I have to admit, I am horrible at this thing. But when something good comes along that I just can't pass up; I have to post for others to read. All zero of you that actually read this! HA. I often read the blogs of friends and friends of friends and am thankful that I do not update regularly, because I would be put to shame with their beautifully, talented writing skills. Like those of Rachel Davis.

So I am actually on vacation with my family in Colorado. I am sitting on my brothers front porch and the beauty of the Lord is incredible. I lived here for 7 years and you would think I would be used to this view, but it takes my breath away every time. Take a look:

And as I am sitting on the porch drinking my coffee I came across this in my devotional that I am reading:

IN MY PRESENCE YOU HAVE INFINITE APPROVAL. You often judge yourself on the basis of what you see in the mirror, even though you know how fickle and shallow that ever-changing image is. You tend to be equally enslaved to viewing yourself through the eyes of other people, rigorously evaluating your personal performance and almost always feeling displeased with something you've said or done. "Enslaved" is an appropriate word. You are indeed a slave when you try to measure yourself through any perspective but Mine. Evaluating your worth based on how you look, to yourself or to others, is always a trap. It's as if you are sifting sand in search for gold - looking only at the grains of sand filtering through the sieve, while ignoring the priceless nuggets that remain. The gold represents the eternal part of you: your soul. It is invisible to everyone but Me, the One who plans to spend eternity with you. Though invisible, a well-nurtured soul can actually improve your appearance: As you rest in the certainty of My unfailing Love, your face glows with the Joy of My Presence. My approval of you is infinite because it will continue forever. It is based entirely on My righteousness, which is yours for all eternity. When you look in a mirror, try to see yourself as you truly are - arrayed in perfect righteousness, adorned in glowing approval.

- Sara Young, "Jesus Lives"

Take time to today to see the beauty of the Lord. Around you and inside of you.