Be In Awe of Beauty

I Stand in Awe LYRICS

Item #  M4030-05-58

By Mark Altrogge

These lyrics accompany the song I Stand In Awe from the I Stand In Awe album.

Lyrics

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above

And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God, to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You

You are beautiful beyond description
Yet God crushed You for my sin
In agony and deep affliction
Cut off that I might enter in
Who can grasp such tender compassion?
Who can fathom this mercy so free?
You are beautiful beyond description
Lamb of God who died for me

© 1986 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

Remember the Turtle

Carefully I move the framed photos and cards off my dresser. Dust flies everywhere - I hadn't touched these items in awhile, admittedly - as I make space for a large crystal lamp. As I lift the heavy object up onto my dresser, the hanging crystals gently clink together and create music. Music to my ears.

Now that the lamp is situated, I can return the cards and photos to their places. As I dust each item and put it back, one of them catches my eye. It's a beautiful mahogany music box SHE left me. There's a layer of dust on the lid - a twinge of guilt hits me - she wouldn't like to see it sitting unused on a shelf.

I clean the dust off and feel nostalgic. It's been three years - but still, I miss her. As I open the lid, memories flood back. She used to say "Oh dear" after laughing at something. Sometimes I got to ride in the car next to her, in between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. She was always a smart dresser. She loved her husband. She once told my sister her shoes were "sexy."

It's nearly midnight and I don't want to disturb the people on the other side of the wall, but I really want to see if the music box still plays. I turn it over to find the wind-up... and another memory hits me like a ton of bricks.

We visited their apartment often for an afternoon of swimming in the pool, watching golf on TV, and playing Norwegian poker. At some point during every visit, normally when Grandpa fell asleep in his chair, I would end up in their bedroom gazing down at a tiny turtle statuette on their side table.

I loved that trinket. If you could wind it up, the turtle would move, but my fingers were too little and weak to do it. I would bring her into their room and point at the turtle, begging her to wind it for me, which she almost always did. One day I remember she wound it so many times, a small dent appeared in her thumb.

Grandma was a woman of faith. She loved her family, went to church faithfully, and was a wonderful companion to her husband. I think of Titus 2 when I think of her.

Speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine... that the older women be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. (v. 1-3)

 My grandmother to a tee. She taught that family was important, that fellowship with believers was crucial, that it was good to laugh.

I wind the music box and listen to the melody of a Schubert piece fill my bedroom. I weep. I tell myself I'll see her again soon.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes - and for me, for nineteen years, it came in the form of a tiny white-haired woman named Marian.

- Grace Marita

Haiyophi

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Let's dissect, shall we?

Proverbs 31:30. Very well-known within the church, to be sure. I'd venture most women my age have this verse written on a notecare and taped to their mirror. I don't, but after doing some reading from http://studylight.org/, maybe I should. Here's what Adam Clark wrote in his commentary regarding Prov. 31:30.

Charm is deceptive...

"1. Favour, chen, grace of manner may be deceitful, many a fair appearance of this kind is put on, assumed for certain secular or more unworthy purposes; it is learned by painful drilling in polished seminaries, and, being the effect of mere physical discipline, it continues while the restraint lasts; but it is sheker, a lie, a mere semblance, an outward varnish. It is not the effect of internal moral regulation; it is an outside, at which the inside murmurs; and which, because not ingenuous, is a burden to itself. "

And beauty is fleeting...

"2. Beauty, haiyophi, elegance of shape, symmetry of features, dignity of mien, and beauty of countenance, are all hebel, vanity; sickness impairs them, suffering deranges them, and death destroys them."

But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

"3. 'But a woman that feareth the Lord,' that possesses true religion, has that grace that harmonizes the soul, that purifies and refines all the tempers and passions, and that ornament of beauty, a meek and quiet mind, which in the sight of God is of great price-

She shall be praised.
This is the lasting grace, the unfading beauty."

WOW. There's a lot here, but let me just focus on a few key points.

 - A woman who fears the LORD possesses true religion. See James 1:27.
 - Physical beauty, referred to here as haiyophi, also includes symmetrical features. The very thing that I sought after is the very thing that will fade with time.. meaning even if I achieved symmetry it would be gone in a matter of decades.
 - Clark writes that charm can be deceptive because it's often put on for "secular or more unworthy purposes." As women, we don't always seek to manipulate with our charm. But other times our need to control rises up and combines with our fear of God not coming through for us, and we use it for "more unworthy purposes." That's why it's deceiving! Because sometimes it's manipulative, and sometimes it's not!

Here's what being a Proverbs 31 woman comes down to. Are we fueled by joy in our own fleeting haiyophi - or in God's?

- Grace Marita

Do You See It?

"Do you see it, honey? Do you see the rainbow?"

It had been pouring rain for the last half hour or so. When that happens, people tend to stay away from the Recycling Zone. The idea of standing in the rain unloading pesticides and computers from your car doesn't sit well with most customers, and today was no different.

Finally there was a break in the clouds, and bright sunbeams came in through the windows. I stepped outside in my uniform and leaned against a post to get some fresh air. That's when I saw it - a beautiful vibrant display of the promise of God spread across the eastern sky. I smiled, remembering the words of YHWH from Genesis.

I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth... and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. - 9:13, 16

A few hundred feet away, a man was unloading chemicals from his car while his daughter stood by the car. I watched as he stopped suddenly, knelt next to his little girl and pointed towards the sky, saying, "Do you see it, honey? Do you see the rainbow?" 

This father took time to show his daughter the beauty of the world God created; otherwise she might have missed it. It made me smile and thank God in that moment. Our heavenly Father does that too; when we are too worried or distracted to see the beauty in everyday life, He'll kneel beside us and whisper, Do you see it, honey? Do you see the rainbow?

Pray that God will open your eyes to His wonders. And this Father's Day weekend, I pray that you'll thank our Heavenly Father for your earthly one.

How have you seen the rainbow this week?


- Grace Marita

Eyes to See

It was a strange sense of deja vu to be in a theater I'd performed in for years, this time being an audience member. The crusty blue seats had been replaced with plush red ones, but other than that nothing had changed. There was still the distinct scent; the red curtain was still there, and the expectant friends and family were finding their seats or standing and chatting with other parents. I found an aisle seat, feeling slightly out of place. It had been four years since I graduated from high school... what in the world was I doing back here?

High school had its fun and awesome moments, to be sure, but there was a constant sense of competition when it came to girls and beauty. High school girls are infamous for their drama and cattiness, and being back in the old building I felt all the old insecurities and fear rushing back. All these girls I knew, all the pretty and flirtatious girls... I wondered what they would think of me after four years... would they be judging me?... I had a fleeting urge to get up and leave.

Suddenly the lights dimmed and the first choir took the stage. It was the freshman womens' choir - I had been standing there eight years prior. They filed up onto the risers and began their first piece.

As they sang, something strange happened. I was scanning the faces of these young girls, some fidgeting, most with deadpan expressions, and a thought came into my mind: These girls are so beautiful. I blinked a few times and looked again. It was true - every girl up there, regardless of body type, height, whether she was wearing makeup or not - was truly beautiful.

When I was in high school, there was a small collection of girls who always seemed to stand out as being more beautiful than the rest - better hair, nicer smiles, better bodies. Had girls just gotten prettier since I graduated? Or was God giving me eyes in that moment to see that these girls - these women - were imagebearers of Him and so were incredibly beautiful? I couldn't believe it. I think I almost started to cry. During those teen years, beauty always seemed so far away to me, something to be chased down and grasped firmly lest it fly away at the first sign of a pimple or a pound gained.

In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells the prophet Samuel that "man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." The Hebrew for "look" is the word ra'ah, meaning to see, perceive, or gaze at. God alone is capable of gazing at our heart while at the same time gazing at our outward appearance. He sees what we look like, both physically and spiritually. Beauty in His imagebearers, yet marred by sin. Only Christ can make us spiritually beautiful.

That night He gave me a glimpse past the superficial American standards of beauty, and I was able to see His mark on each woman standing on that stage. It was a privilege.

How has He opened your eyes to the beauty surrounding you?

- Grace Marita

Heart of God Booklist

As I write this, there are many things in my life right now that display the beauty of God. My brand-new baby niece, who (praise God) is growing up thirty feet from this blogging couch. She is a medical miracle, and a gift from the Lord of life. The ominous storms we've heard the last two days have finally blown over, revealing brilliant blue sky and streaks of sunlight coming in through the window. I listened to a sermon at church this morning on John 9, God's inescapable glory displayed in disability. And I have a family who loves me, and whom I love. Beauty.

One of my purposes in writing this blog is to seek to minister to others, women especially but men as well, who struggle with the concept of physical beauty as I have (and still do). In order to do this, I've created a Heart of God booklist that I'll add to weekly. Each book on this list was chosen prayerfully. The authors may write from different angles and time periods, but all of them address beauty, God's and ours. I pray that each book might serve to open your eyes to the exceptional beauty of our Creator and the beauty with which He sculpted you.

**Note: I'd be remiss not to say that the Bible should be the first place we go for insights into beauty. This list should really start with number 2.... Thus, it will :) **

2. Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge.

3. Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.

4. God's Passion For His Glory, by Jonathan Edwards. (This link is to a book/commentary on this essay written by Dr. John Piper, but you see the Edwards text as well. It's meaty. It's wonderful.)


The books that will be put on this list are books that I have read and can wholeheartedly recommend to you. I will not put any resources on this blog that I don't support myself either theologically or stylistically.

Enjoy. Drink deep. Worship.

~Grace Marita

Isaiah 52, Bandaged Feet Seeking Wisdom

My black dress heels have been in poor shape for some time. Scuff marks around the toes, scratches along the sides. The stiletto heels look like they've been munched on by a tiny dog (which may well have been the case), and the metal spike in one heel has long since worn through the rubber on the bottom. For weeks I had a very distinctive stride around the office - tap click tap click tap click... it was impossible to mistake me for someone else.

The time finally came when I decided to replace them. After searching two or three stores, I found a pair that seemed to suit me. They were very similar to my previous pair - black patent leather, slightly pointed toe - and a whopping four inch heel.

I was a little hesitant to try to work the heel, but I thought it would be okay.

Oy.

This morning I put them on in my usual rush to get out the door while trying to walk the dogs, fill their dishes, put them in kennels, and grab a lunch for myself. By the time I got out to the car a sense of foreboding was spreading over me... I knew it was a bad idea to buy these dreadful black things but it was too late to turn back.

Needless to say, my day was spent baby-stepping along the hallways of the office while co-workers gaped at my sky-high purchase. Beauty is pain? No. Our idea of beauty is pain.

The most interesting reactions came from some of the men I work with. They cast a look at my feet, shook their head, and sighed while remarking, "I don't know why women kill themselves wearing those things."

Isaiah 52:7 reads, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news!" Whether we choose to wear heels, sandals, or just go barefoot in life, it's not what's on our feet that makes us beautiful. It's the message we bear while on our feet, the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Our beauty is wrapped up in completely knowing that we are His, and that we are sent. We put Band-Aids on our blisters and walk through life proclaiming, "Jesus! Yeshua! Messiah!" The life of Christ.

(Side-note: If your call is to go trekking across the mountains to tell people about the saving work of Christ, don't plan to wear 4-inch patent heels.)

-Grace Marita

The New King James Bible, and Barbie

Beauty is unexpected.

Sunday morning I sat in church and listened as the pastor took us through John 8:31.. "If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed." It was a great compelling sermon as he broke down each word.. abide (gotta love NKJV).. in... WORD...

The pastor then looked out at us triumphantly and called the Word nourishment, revelation... and beautiful.

Huh?

I'll be honest, I love the Bible. I think of it as eye-opening, wonderful, true, and inspired, but I've never really thought of it as beautiful.

That one point so stuck in my head that I wandered off for a few minutes, as we all do, and started reflecting. Why don't I ever think of Scripture as 'beautiful'? What do I think of as beautiful?

I think flowing silky fabric is beautiful. I think dark curly hair is beautiful. I think a ninety-year-old couple holding hands on a park bench is beautiful. I think watching beams of pink and orange and purple light shoot across the sky at sunrise is beautiful. I think the way a man gazes at his new bride is beautiful.

Then I realized that what I consider 'beautiful' tends to be external or fleeting. Ooh, that was tough to see. But it was true.. Everything I had just listed mentally had to do with outer beauty, not character. That's the way our culture views beauty, as purely an external presentation using clothes, hair products, and great posture. Enter Barbie, who by those standards alone would win the beauty contest year after year. Perfect hair - which in thirty years will go gray - perfect teeth - which will be replaced by dentures - and impossible measurements in the bust and waist. A finite, temporary example of beauty. Not like the Bible.

What makes the Bible beautiful?

It's true. It knows the human heart as both exceedingly passionate and hopelessly wicked, and still through Jesus God offers us grace.

It's lyrical. I mean, "You are clothed with honor and majesty.. Who cover Youself with light as with a garment.. who stretch out the heavens like a curtain... He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters.." Psalm 104. That's breathtaking!


It is unfailing. Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, and the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." Bleach-white teeth and curly hair only go so far in this life. Our employment fails. Our families fail. Our bodies fail. But the Word cannot fail. God is incapable of failure, and because of that is utterly beautiful.

Toward this I strive, seeking the unfailing beauty that can only come from knowing and living God's Word rather than the failing beauty of Barbie, whose proportions make her the most likely candidate to fall over and then break in half because her size 3 foot slipped out of her size 3 high heel in its daily battle to support her 39 inch bust. Oy.

Biblical beauty is puzzling to the world, because at first glance it may not be noticeable. It's the beauty of "a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." It's the beauty of faithfulness in marriage. It's a young child who wants to serve God. It's a man standing up to a giant. It's a King washing the feet of his followers. And, this Easter weekend, it's an empty tomb and a risen Savior.

Take that, Barbie.

- Grace Marita

The Unwelcome Critic - aka Satan

I just came out of battle. While I may not be covered in blood and blue paint as William Wallace in Braveheart was, I bear the marks of a fierce fight.

Every woman has those days when she doesn't feel beautiful or desirable by any stretch of the imagination. For me it was very recently. I wasn't feeling very well that morning, I was operating on a hairpin trigger and was irritated and moody... girls will understand why ;) Standing in front of the bathroom mirror that morning and looking at myself, sans makeup or cute clothes, I felt like a blob.

On cue, my accuser showed up.

Look at yourself. You're not pretty.

"No! No! Not true. I'm the daughter of the King. I'm beautiful because I bear His image to the world.."

Your teeth aren't white enough. Your face isn't symmetrical.

"It's a lie! It's a lie! He loves me just as I am... He made me.."

Then the zinger came.

You're not beautiful. No man will ever find you attractive.

I lost ground. But even as tears filled my eyes and I started believing him, I fought back, though starting to weaken.

"You're lying. You're the father of lies. You were too proud of your beauty, that's why God threw you out of heaven."

Silence. I was alone, at this point curled up on the ground weeping. It wasn't true... but it felt true...

"Jesus.... Jesus... help me... tell me it's not true... why am I beautiful? Am I?"

I had no more verses to hurl at Satan; my mind was frantically searching for them and coming up empty. I was totally drained mentally and spiritually. Where do we go from here? How do we battle against the ultimate liar of all time?

We wield the power of the Word, which is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, the writer of Hebrews tells us. We get up off the mat and raise our sword once more. We fill our minds and hearts with more promises and truths than Satan can handle, and keep replenishing our weapons for such a time as this. Each promise from God to us is like a grenade to Satan. By claiming it, we remove the pin. By reciting it, we are lobbing it into Satan's camp. So claim the promises. Strap on your armor, put on that blue paint, and get ready to get dirty. We may be struck down but we are not destroyed. Jesus has won the war, but there are smaller skirmishes yet to be won.

Let's suit up.


-Grace Marita

Spiritual Armor All

I was standing next to a filthy sink yesterday, in a green jumpsuit and steel-toed boots. In front of me was a paint-covered shopping cart filled with chemicals which I was to open and dump down the filthy sink as quickly as possible. Sound strange? For me it's just another day working at the Eco-Site.

People bring in funny things to us sometimes. For example, in this particular cart, those chemicals deemed by the public to be "hazardous" included 24-hour oral rinse, shampoo, pet lice shampoo, and hand lotion. The horror!!!

I reached into the cart for the next bottle and glanced over I had just grabbed. The label caught my attention.

Armor-All

Protects and Beautifies

I've worked with Armor All before.. it's meant to polish leather car seats and other things, but at that moment I thought instead of the Holy Spirit.

I know. You can laugh; I did when I saw that on my computer screen.

But truly, the Holy Spirit in us acts as a Protecter, Comforter, and Guide in our lives as we follow Christ (John 14:26). He gives us gifts to edify the body and ourselves (1 Cor 12). And yes, indeed, He does beautify us. He renews us (Titus 3:5)! He works in our lives to sanctify us and make us more like Jesus. God is the most gloriously beautiful Being in existence because of His absolute holiness, so having the Holy Spirit teach and mold us gives us a taste of His beauty in this life. Can you believe that we'll actually get to experience His full beauty and holiness for all eternity? I mean, can you BELIEVE that?

It boggles the mind. God promises us His presence in this life, and that's what He's given us - so thank Him for your Spiritual Armor-All.

-Grace Marita

She held my face in her hands, gently but firmly. With the tenderness of a mother but the determination of a sister, she spoke truth to me. "Don't be afraid. You can trust Him. You can trust Him." The tears on her cheeks in no way diminished her message.

I was part of a group that traveled down to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville this year, with the purpose of networking, conducting interviews, and going to seminars. I knew it would be a chance to meet and learn from people professionally; God surprised me with a shower of spiritual blessings as well.

The morning our team left for Nashville we needed to meet at our pickup location at nine am sharp. I (as with many mornings) left the house a tad later than I planned. With a new layer of snow on the ground from the night before and a high level of stress at packing/airport/travel, I drove a tad faster than I should have. I fishtailed on the slippery roads and almost rear-ended another car, but God in His providence protected us both. I drove very carefully after that.  Thank You, Lord.

I normally get stressed and frantic when I have to fly.. it has something to do with the whole security screening I guess.. but even more so now. Maybe this is only an issue for women, but I'll just lay it on the line. I am not comfortable with the thought of stepping into a booth and having some stranger scan my body for dangerous objects. I'm even more adamant about being patted down. My body belongs to me and to my husband; I want to save it for him. I don't want to put myself in a position to be touched in that way; quite frankly, that small procedure was giving me more anxiety than the flight itself.

So after getting thoroughly worked up about going through security, our group was able to pass through the checkpoints minus a body scanner OR a patdown. WOW. Thank You, Lord.

My first interview in Nashville was with an energetic young man with a passion for reaching lost teens on the Internet. (I say young because he's within five years of me... I felt quite young the whole weekend:)) After spending much time talking and getting to know each other, my new friend and brother in Christ asked if he could pray for me (how wonderful it is to have another Christian pray over you!). I ran into him several times that weekend and each time his energy and passion for Christ encouraged me beyond words. Thank You, Lord.

Sunday morning I heard a strong, convicting message by James MacDonald and was able, after much searching/staking out his booth, to shake his hand and thank him for his commitment to biblical teaching. I think I came off as a stammering six-year-old girl (my accomplice assures me I didn't), but when God uses a Bible teacher to grow you, your heart is to thank them earnestly. He was gracious - he called me Sweetie, which seemed strange in the moment but I am young enough to be his daughter/niece - and thanked me. Thank You Lord.

Sunday afternoon I had another interview with a well-known author, whose books have blessed me greatly. When she greeted me with a huge hug, I knew it would be another blessed interview. We found a quiet room and she promptly kicked off her heels when we sat down - a kindred spirit. I loved it :) We spoke at length about her book and then she asked me questions about myself and my passion. She asked if she could pray for me, and asked God to give me wisdom and direction and patience and courage.. when I lifted my head after the prayer she was weeping. She took my face in her hands and would not let go until I looked her in the eye and heard what she was saying.

"Don't be afraid, Grace. You can trust Him. You can trust Him."

***Insert another post here***

Thank You, Lord.

Monday I was standing in the pressroom area when another teacher walked by who has greatly influenced me - Dr. Ravi Zacharias. I was just talking on my cell phone, and here he comes, just strolling right past me. I was sort of in shock. God's used his ministry to equip millions of believers - myself included - in practicing apologetics. I had a press conference to attend, so with great regret I entered the room and didn't expect to see Ravi again. When the half-hour press conference was over, I exited the back doors and - in God's awesomeness - Ravi had been in the room next door the entire time. I took a deep breath, walked right up to him and introduced myself. I was super-nervous, but I had to thank him for what he was doing.

A friend of mine has said that he'd be really intimidated to ever meet Ravi in person, because he's so intellectual and can think on his feet better than most people. Another friend of mine has said "Ravi wouldn't ever have to physically take you on - he'd just rip you apart with his logic." :)

I'm happy to say, in person, Ravi is very kind, soft-spoken, and welcoming. Thank You, Lord.

That night I met with a potential future employer with a heart for reaching oppressed women believers worldwide. That meeting also ended with prayers and tears. Thank You, Lord.

All in all, a very eventful, amazing, insightful weekend in Nashville. One thing stood out above all else - we tend to put well-known Christians on a pedestal. I'm guilty of this many times. I was so excited to meet all of these Bible preachers and radio personalities in person, but I tend to have high expectations for them. I was able to meet two amazing godly teachers, but chances are they've forgotten who I am. GOD NEVER FORGETS. He asks, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast ...? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (Is. 49:15-16).

He holds our face in His hands.. He will not forget us. We can trust Him; sometimes it takes another believer holding our face to remind us of that.

- Grace Marita



 

Yearning

I can't go on Facebook too often.

Don't get me wrong, I have 500-some friends, hundreds of pictures, and about a dozen notes on it. I'm well-established. It's a tool that I use to pop into people's lives that I don't get to see every day; my friend the theater major had an important audition in Chicago; my former hallmate in New York is enjoying grad school; a pastor in Seattle I follow is doing some reading and research for a book he's writing on marriage and is depressed by some of the divorce stats he's finding.

But I tend to get too wrapped up in the immediacy of social networking, and it's causing me some (minor) anguish. The reason is, a lot of my friends are getting married.

Don't mistake me here. I'm SO incredibly happy for them. It brings me joy to see Christ-centered marriages because that gives me assurance that "'til death do us part" is possible. But especially when you've gone to a small (wonderful!) Christian college where most people tend to meet their spouse, seeing that mini-feed light up with heart icons and profile pictures of giddy girls with engagement rings brings a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and (yes, I'm sorry) a teensy bit of sadness.

All this to say, I can't go on Facebook too often, because the more I check it, the more people are engaged. And the more acutely aware I am that I am not.

I was talking to God about this last night, one of many long-winded prayers surrounding my future husband. The conversation went something like this. Me: Lord, I know You are infinitely wise and good, and that You are using this time of singleness to grow me. But Father, this is really really hard. I'm nesting. I want to stay at home and clean and cook. I want to be a wife. I want my husband to come home and be excited to see me. I want to be a mom, Lord.. I mean, 2000 years ago I'd be considered an old maid. I'm of prime marrying age --

Then suddenly, the Lord gently but firmly cut me off.

YHWH: Grace,  I will decide when you are of prime marrying age..

WOW. I shut my mouth sheepishly then, and felt my heavenly Father, wise and wonderful, asserting His authority and asking me to trust Him. I may be 22. I may want to be a wife and mother (and I believe I someday will be) but God knows when I will be ready. He knows my heart - He created it! He wired me this way, to want to be a woman who loves and serves her husband. He loves me. And, He loves you. Trust Him, as you walk through this time of preparation.

We're not speaking to a God who doesn't know what He's doing.

-Grace Marita

Welcome! And Psalm 29

Yup! After months of going back and forth, I decided to join the blogging community after all. I'm incredibly excited to test the waters and see what's going to happen with my blog.

That said, I have a confession to make. (I know, Day 1 and I'm already being vulnerable. Eek!)

Initially, I saw a blog as an opportunity to vent my feelings on various topics, experiences, what have you. But as I'm crafting this new opportunity/page, I feel something different. Bigger. More important than simply talking about my day. This might sound strange, but I feel a sort of holy awe at how God might use my writing to accomplish things for His glory. Every aspect of life - including the internet - is used by YHWH to further His plans for His glory. This can't be just a way to tell friends and family about my day. My goal is to approach each new blog entry prayerfully and be aware of God's leading to certain topics.

Why did I decide to call my blog The Beauty of Holiness? There are a couple of reasons. First, as a woman, physical beauty is something I wrestle with constantly. Culture says one thing, the Bible says another. I believe the Bible is God's Word and the absolute truth, but I also have days where I don't feel beautiful in any sense.. On those days it can be tempting to believe a few extra brushes of mascara are just what a woman needs to feel feminine.

The second reason has to do with Psalm 29, which has become a beautiful devotional psalm for me lately. The title of my blog comes from verse 2, where the psalmist exhorts us to "Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness" (emphasis mine). Lately, God has been opening my eyes to what it means to worship Him in the beauty of holiness, and how much more lasting holy beauty is when placed alongside (cultural) physical beauty.

The third reason is... GOD IS BEAUTIFUL. Since He is the source of beauty, it follows that He is the most GLORIOUSLY BEAUTIFUL Being in the entire universe. And the more time we spend with Him seeking His face, the more we focus on His beauty rather than worrying about our own.

So here I go. On a journey, following Christ, seeking His face, godly wisdom... and a few committed sisters* with which to make the journey. How about it? :)



~Grace Marita


*Brothers are always welcome here too!! Didn't mean to leave you guys out :)