The Fight for Beauty

Beauty.
What is it?... in the eyes of the beholder, culturally defined, of symmetrical value, aesthetically pleasing, charm, long flowing hair, height, an inward demeanor? Who can obtain it?   Where does it come from? What is its value?  If you are a young, single woman as myself any of these words may come to mind:  insecurity, pride, unobtainable, overwhelming, receives attention, empty, skin, physique, fashion, vanity.  Since freshmen year of high school these had been central to my value in life and have been a battle since my new life with Christ and I don't believe that I'm alone. 

In a nation of comfort, success, and prosperity we have the privilege to know beauty: beauty in our homes, cosmetic beauty, beauty in art, landscaping and architecture, nature and parks that are well kept, and graphic design.  In Gen 1 God Himself created life and called it good and made it all to be revealing of His glory as it is filled, subdued and cultivated by His representative image bearers, humans.  Out of Zion He has shone forth the perfection of beauty (Ps 50:2).  Beauty shines through God's city and can be perfect; meaning, also imperfect.  It can be gazed into and sought out in the Lord (Ps 27:4).  God has beauty yet he has no physical stature; He is a spirit. Satan was the most beautiful angel yet pride in his beauty and power led to his damnation.  Esther's beauty was used by God to redeem an entire nation through which our precious Savior Jesus later came through.  Beauty is also described as fleeting and Jesus redefines it as an inward reality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is pleasing to the Lord (1 Pet 3:3-4). The Hebrew language defines it as lovely/pleasant.  Dictionary.com describes it as "the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest)."  From all of this you might say beauty is the "whole package:" inward, outward, good, bad, desirable, pleasant.  It is displayed through and created by God and His plan in Christ's life, death, and resurrection with purposes both revealed and yet to come.  

God Himself is the fullness and abundance of life, joy, and satisfaction.  He is set apart from everything; "holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."  As created in God's image, a woman's inclination is to desire to be appreciated as such; to be given an undivided attention, to be strongly desirable and appreciated, noticed, sought after and mesmerizing in a unique way set apart from the way any other woman is desired.  When every bit of this is due and deserving towards my God alone how can I take this desire, coupled with how God has designed me, to glorify Him? 

I want to rest in what Christ has accomplished for me on the cross, knowing that my value is completely redefined in this new identity.  I am not beautiful in my heart of hearts.  I am utterly stained and defiled in regards to my offense to this holy God and deserving of judgement that I can't even fathom.  Yet, God has designed me in such a way that may or may not appear to be "beautiful" in regards to my mind, soul, personality, outward appearance, quarks.  How do I, or anyone, take this entirely and offer it to our LORD who has offered Himself entirely to us?  I hope to discover this increasingly more with my life in Christ; to be an Esther that uses her beauty unto the glory of God.  Beauty is not measured by how many "likes" I get on a Facebook picture, the attention I do or don't receive from single men, the reflection I see in a mirror, or the compliments I receive from women.  It can only come from me being confident and still in the love that God has for me in my status in Christ and the fullness of life that I receive only from that relationship perfected.  Thankfully, the LORD has already accomplished this battle.  He is making us new from one degree of glory to another and will make it complete and perfectly beautiful in His timing
(Ecc 3:11).  

Jesus, please help others and myself to remain humbly confident by your Spirit; to not destruct, devalue and cheapen ourselves or each other. Set our gaze on you and captivate our hearts.
You are holy. 

Seminary Responses: (a mere glimpse for those friends that were curious about Seminary :)

(The only pic I have from seminary :])

(DISCLAIMER: After each weekend of lectures we turn in a reflection from what most impacted us and how it impacts our ministry.  These are just my reflections and do not include much scripture nor a lot of the content from the lectures.)

Weekend 3:

Lecture 7 over the book of Exodus had to be the most encouraging over the weekend through seeing the theme of the whole book and it's sequential pattern: one, beginning with the rescue of God's people, two, the outworking’s of that redemption and what it is leading us towards (a relationship with God from which His presence is the reward) and three, His blessings and abundant life that are the eventual outcome of that intimate relationship.  This sequence sets the framework by which we live as Christians; which moves from "Being" (who we are declared to be in unity with Christ) to "Doing" (our actions being compelled by the grace we've received) and "Having" (all the blessings that are ours in Christ.)  With this framework (Be>Do>Have), we cannot "miss" the gospel by putting something before our Savior and Bridegroom but we see that He, Himself, is our very abundance of life and our greatest reward. Our nature is so inclined to move from do>have>be which is very contrary to this message from Exodus and the centrality of the Bible. 

It also allows and frees us to properly enjoy and use our blessings (future and present) to the glory of our Father.  We can enjoy these blessings (spiritual, physical, mental, etc.) as we completely render them to the service of our Savior. All of these blessings, especially these, come from the empowerment of my Father who is abundant and full in all of them, the very source.  Relatively, I feel very fortunate with how He's blessed me and a part of me felt guilty for receiving any sort of gifts.  However, seeing as they are from God to enjoy Him and to bring Him glory in my worship to Him was very freeing for me. With the proper view of blessings, as an outflow from our extraordinary God, we can properly enjoy them as that rather than as a comfort and joy in themselves. From whom they come is my comfort and joy as I offer them completely to the service of my LORD; to give Him the glory for every bit that I receive (or lose) because it came from Him and was given (or taken away) for the most significant purpose: God's glory which is joined with our joy.  For now, we have the anticipation of these "blessings" that will fully manifest themselves one day in the 'new heaven' and 'new earth.' This left me with more questions.  How, as a young, single girl, can I practically offer those things to the LORD to bring glory to His name? Thankfully, He gives us the Spirit and His Word to help answer those questions.

Knowing these key theological principals, in its proper sequence, helps me to have Christ at the center of my life and my ministry.  I hope to replicate this theme and emphasis to all those I disciple in my youth ministry group, friends, and all other future relationships.  

Weekend 2:

Learning about the three ways in which to view scientific and theological discoveries was helpful for me to be more at peace in my conscience with the study of the Word as it relates with or, rather, differentiates from the study of the world.  Realizing that they both answer different questions about the same thing (Science: answering 'how' and 'what'; Theology: answering 'from whom' and why') helped me to separate them in a complementary way that does not undermine one study over the other yet leaves you humbly accepting that there is an excess of information we are unaware of in both the theological and scientific realms. It is a constant process of discovery with the goal of reaching closer and closer to the truth.  Knowing that God is sovereign over both realms (scientific and theological) gave me freedom to pursue knowledge and wisdom in both.  It also gives me a passion to share these insights with friends and family that seek to oppose scripture with scientific evidence.  Given the context of scripture and its purpose towards its ancient audience completely transforms how one should approach God’s written word and I hope to be a part of redeeming and reforming the misconstrued approach that Christians started out with at the onset of new scientific discoveries.

 I am leading eight youth girls from my church in a discipleship group and for my next formal gathering I intend to challenge them with what they believe about science and its discoveries as it relates to the theological concepts of God's Word.  I plan to introduce to them these three different approaches and to especially emphasize the questions that each answer.  My hopes are that they would develop a deeper love for God's Word as they grow a deeper conviction of its infallibility.  It excites me to get to share some of the things I am learning in seminary with these middle/upper class girls that will be influential in the rising generation.   

Weekend 1:

After sitting in my first seminary class ever, I left wondering how I ever studied the Bible before!  Professor gave very insightful information about the Bible regarding its cultural, geographical, archaeological, theological context while connecting it with how it impacts scripture.  I loved this.  My favorite example of this was Friday night’s lecture where God’s blueprint for His sanctuary was laid out.  From the beginning to the end we saw the common thread that runs throughout God’s inspired Word.  The orientation of His sanctuary was always faced in such a way to receive His blessing, it was decorated with the most beautiful floral arrangements and precious gems, and it was guarded by fierce cherubim or angels.  I enjoyed watching how God’s sanctuary progressed through time from a building that indwelt His presence, to as it’s seen in nature, and now within His very own people.   Earlier God was visibly present to His people through a cloud or sanctuary.  Now, the abundance of life we have in God’s presence is within us.  As the temple has the specific orientation towards the East, we have a specific orientation in Jesus.  Even in having His very own Spirit within us, there is more to look forward to.  We will one day raise with Christ in glorification when God reigns once again; fully dwelling with us and reigning on earth. 

I walked away knowing God (as seen in His trinity) greater!  As this truth penetrates and impacts me, it works outward to impact my relationships and ministry.  I am inviting others to join in this abundance that is God Himself.  My ministry is not a list of “how to’s” or “what not’s” but a gift of life itself; the most abundant and fulfilling life that one can possibly experience that comes through faith in His Son.  It is so abundant that  it fills and outflows to produce beautiful fruit.  It becomes adorned with beauty, is in a proper orientation for God’s blessing (this proper orientation is found only in the status of righteousness in His Son), and is guarded by Christ in the hand of God forever. 

OCTOBER

FAIR WITH FRIENDS

Meet Lindsey Crosby (dancing man)...

The CLAW! (above)

OFFICE REVAMP

My amazing boss let/helped me redo this office!

VISIT FROM BRODER...

AND HIS GIRL :)

CHILDREN'S CHOIR 

PREPARING
FOR THE HOLIDAYS

#PRECIOUS

SEMINARY:

STILL BEING AMAZED AT THE INFALLIBILITY

OF THE BIBLE BOTH IN MIND AND HEART.

FUN & PRANKS:

 (or rather, FRANKS,bahaha!)

Must I mention his extreme repulsion

towards hot dogs...

AUGUSTA VISIT:

BOY DO I LOVE HOME

AND FRIENDS...

(Halloween)

ANSWERED PRAYER:

HEALING OF MOTHER

EVANGELISTIC OPPORTUNITY AT STARBUCKS

GREAT FRIENDS

& OTHER JOYS IN DISCIPLESHIP

#PTL!

"Settle down, it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear.. "

This blog is best read while listening to this song simultaneously! 

 In fact, most of life is best lived while listening to this. :) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRkntoHkIE&feature=player_embedded

If I could choose a theme song for Macon I would say, "Home" by Phillip Phillips.  I can't think of a more fitting song that resonates with my transition, joys, and challenges.  

Macon is my unfamiliar road.

I have often felt lost, filled with fear

but I'm not alone.

and God is just doing his thang! 

making me a home which is in Him....

but for now...

Macon.   

For my friends, supporters, and fam who would like an update:

One of my most favorite things in Macon are my "Fellow" friends.  I didn't choose them and we are circumstantially "forced" to be friends. :)  But I wouldn't have it any different.

some of my favorite people:

Johny Jon Jon, MegMel, Katoraid, Jacq, Jared, Steph, and Case.  

Some other favorites that are not pictured here are Alison Ashley, Justin Leslien and his family, Crosby fam, Sarah Rios, my amazing boss and co-workers Donna and Mary, and more.

Maybe my next favorite thing is doing ministry with the youth and leading a discipleship study with a group of girls.  High school is not so far removed that I can't remember what it was like but it's also a stage of life behind requiring more evangelistic challenges, delving into their culture and life.  
I've never found so much joy in doing ministry.  It's a delight.

I loved my first seminary course.  Learning how to understand God's Word deeper has been revealing of who He is.  He's so much greater than you know!!!  Love Him.

I'm learning that I LOVE teaching (okay, more than I already knew I did), really any age... and any skill whether that be curriculum, life lessons, gospel truths, or physical education.

I'm teaching a girl in the inner-city to jump rope who wanted to learn but had never been taught.  Having learned, she can now join in the games with the other girls, not being left out as before....

teaching a boy at church how to build friendships.  He doesn't understand that the girls on the play ground don't like to be chased sometimes.  Now he can play and others want to play with him too.  

He will learn that there are many other things he doesn't understand about girls as he gets older.  ;)

I think I enjoy teaching children specifically because they are learning how to relate to the world and others just as we are... but a little more simply. 

They teach me often.

Hardships seemed to all come at once.

Mother came down with "pre-skin cancer."

Family friend passed away.

and broken up with by boyfriend.

These channeled into confusion, sorrow,and disappointment....

which eventually led to contentment, clarity, peace and later even excitement.

More things I'm learning about myself:

I like to have people over; wouldn't choose to live alone.

Mice can be cute but have become DISGUSTING; yeah, they're in my apartment. 
 I still think men are idiots... minus my dad and brother.

I like a clean house.  It's my comfort.
Bargain shopping is my therapy, okay, second to the Bible.. and friends.

I could never work alone for an extended period of time and enjoy what I'm doing.

I have pride in ASU, it's true.

I miss cheer-leading. 

I love my mom.      ...you too sis.

Jesus really does love me.

An Infinitesimal People with an I AM God

My reading for today:  Ex 3:1-22 I love this.

Just a little context....

      1)      A new King is ruling Egypt and has put harsh labor and treatment on the Israelites in fear of their increasing growth in number and strength.  Israel cries out to God.  Ex 1 & 2

  2)   God calls Moses to do something HUGE... He will send Moses back to his homeland to bring His people out of Egypt: OUT of slavery and INTO a plentiful and spacious land “flowing with milk and honey.”

        3)    Moses feels inadequate for such a big task.   “Who am I”? that I should do such a thing?!  "I have never been eloquent."  

        4)      God follows with a promise…. "Certainly I will be with you."  The God of the universe is promising to actually be with him.  This is BIG!

   5)      As a sign God commands, “when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.” V.12

   6)      God gives Moses very specific instruction for his dealings with the Pharaoh and how he would command Irael's freedom.  In His message to Israel, His very own people, out of all the things God could have told His people in this time (like my Son will suffer greater, you are not trusting me, you have rebelled time and time again) He instructs Moses to relay that "I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you."  Not only did God hear their cries and see their afflictions, He wanted His people to know that He does indeed care.  He sees them, is concerned, wants to meet them where they are, and this is how He was going to do it: through Moses, and eventually eternally and intirely through His Son.  How personal of a God do we have?!

     

      What I gathered (I'm no theologian!)... 

It’s not unusual for God to send us out to do things we are fearful of or feel inadequate in.  In fact, if we felt fully adequate in ourselves something's probably misconstrued.  Yet He meets us with a significantly greater promise that far outweighs that fear.  “CERTAINLY I will be WITH you”.  He is holding my (your) right hand.  My walls are continually before Him and I am held in the palm of His hand.  

I may not have some radical, grandiose calling like freeing an entire people from the enslavement of a suppressive and godless nation.  But I do have a calling to go somewhere and leave my best friends, comfortable places, church that I love and faces I adore to move towards who and where God would have me to be (Macon, for now). We face decisions daily that seem like a mountain of a task: adopting a child, mourning a child, being faithful in a job we feel is menial, telling a friend about Jesus, loving someone who has betrayed us or treated us wrongly, breaking up with a gf/bf, proposing to a gf, considering going overseas, going overseas, spending your free-time with a widow from your church, choosing to give instead of buying that next movie ticket or fashionable cardigan, denying a job offer, accepting a job offer, or it may be something like redeeming a nation… All to fulfill our call of making disciples of all nations.  Each one of these are significant and such radical decisions can only come from faith in the “I AM” God (v.14).  He simply is.  There is nothing like Him yet everything is created, sustained, and continually governed by Him.  I AM. Try meditating on that for a few minutes and not be blown away!  

Our only response to all of this is worship (v.12). 

I must not neglect to share/remind in brief what this story of Moses points to.  The greater story: the only sufficient sacrifice to account for our continual rebellion and immeasurable offenses to this holy God who cannot be compared, balanced, or paralleled with any other perceived or unperceived thing.

The life, death, and resurrection of His very own Son, Jesus, who took on Himself the punishment that we deserve, freeing not only our physical bodies but also our souls eternally from the wages of death and giving us the free gift of life.  He has, is, and will be faithful to fulfill His covenant with His people: that He would be our God and we would be His people. He will walk among us and we will know Him. John 10:27

Numbers 18:8-14, 21, 24

The principle from these verses is that God provides for people He has set apart to serve Him through others.  For more biblical perspective on support see http://bit.ly/LCOXIs . 

I am raising support to do the following...

Macon Fellows Program with First Presbyterian Church (FPC) Macon

September-May 2013

What will I be doing?...

• Working with the children's ministry at FPC Macon
• taking seminary courses in the new and old testament 
• Volunteering with the inner-city Campus Clubs tutoring program
• Discipling the Youth at FPC
• receiving leadership training by various professionals in the city
• being mentored by the Alison Ashley
• and all of this will be done with a team of other people from around the U.S

Why am I doing this?...

...because God has commanded us to make disciples of all nations in His great commission in Matthew 28:18-20.

This is where the risen Jesus tells His followers to make disciples of all people groups through teaching the gospel of the Kingdom.

In order for this to be carried out through generations...

 the children and the youth must be discipled,

I must keep learning and being trained (it took Jesus 30 years!), 

and God Himself must be behind it through the help of other believers 

(Isaiah 61:11, 3 John 1:5-8).

What is needed?...

I am trusting God for 30 people to contribute $100 of one time support to meet my goal of $3,000 by the end of the year 2012.

If $100 is out of budget anything will be greatly welcomed. 
ALSO, do not feel limited if you can give more. :)

Logistics...

One time or monthly offerings are acceptable.  Checks may be made payable to Macon Fellows Program- First Presbyterian Church with my name (Lauren A. Wetherbee) in the memo.  Checks/cash can be given to me or mailed to:

                                                Macon Fellows Program: First Presbyterian Church

                                                682 Mulberry St,

            Macon, GA  31201

As these will not be sent to me directly I would love to hear from you your contribution to give you a kind thank you.  You may e-mail me at LarAntoinette@gmail.com.

Goodbye Wilkins

          I recently went to a going away surprise party for the Wilkins.  If you don't know them, you should!  They will be very dearly missed and let me just say a couple reasons why because I can only aspire to be as godly as their family and dream to marry a man after God's own heart as is demonstrated in Glenn.  

         At the party I heard countless testimonies from friends of how simple conversations and shared life with him led to life changing decisions and watched a young, black boy from the inner city cry as he shared how much Glenn had meant to him.  Their impact on lives and the community of down town Augusta is immense and, from my observation, this is his secret... GOD... as He is found in His trinity with His Son and Holy Spirit.  This man makes it so evident that he really knows God in the way he speaks, serves, and loves others.  His life displays and validates many seemingly contradictory truths in the Word like "he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor" (Prov 29:23) and "the greatest among you shall be your servant." (Matt 23:11)  You see a man who is abased before God and others; who knows his God and lives with Him in a very real way that only challenges and moves all those around him to do the same.  His work in God's coming Kingdom is carried out in such a way that God's own working is so obvious and apparent, giving Him all the glory.  Through his authentic and genuine relationships you see how God's method of discipleship, as seen in the Great Commission, actually works in redeeming all of life.  And dear Krissy, his wife, must not go overlooked! Her discipleship to her children, other women and service to Glenn has been imperative to God's redemptive work in and through their lives.

          I've been told to "go where the leader is" towards making future decisions.  His life set for me a standard (below that of Jesus' of course!) by which to assess that.  The leader who is increasing in his knowledge of God Himself, honestly working through sin before the cross, powerfully walking in the truths and promises of God's Word, and emptying him of himself is the one God does great things through and the kind of man worthy of following.  This is the type of man (coming from my single-woman perspective!) that every woman should set her standard towards for a potential husband that would lead her and her family.  More importantly, these are the leaders that are needed and lacking in all arenas and around the world- why we must pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.  Helloooo, it is His harvest. :)