...Zimbabwe

Small Group Party
Originally uploaded by kickeur77.

I couldn't come up with a good title because this post is random. I'm just finishing what Andrew started on his blog(and it's the only part of the song I can remember).

The Small Group Tea Party took place last night at Elaina's house. It was so fun! We received hand massages, tea, and an awesome devotional from Amber and Sandy. It was a really nice wrap-up for the end of the year.

The devotional hit me pretty hard. The theme was true beauty through God's eyes and the purpose of women on this earth. Amber read from this great book that really made me think about why God created women. Sandy said that it's not like women were created as an after thought when everything was done, but as the final element of creation. The book said that we are known as "Ezer Kenegdno" in the Hebrew Bible. This translates to "a sustainer alongside". That really makes me feel special and puts things in a whole new perspective.

This also made me think about beauty and how God sees me. I'm so consumed with how the world sees me. It's very difficult to be content with yourself in a culture that is so focused on appearance. I am always comparing myself to others, not only in appearance, but in the way I act and my personality. I'm always wishing I were prettier or smarter or more funny- continually critquing myself. This world is focused on the idea of approval and I've been sucked into this lie as well.

I need to learn that I am beautiful in God's eyes. He loves me unconditionally and thinks I'm beautiful. When I'm getting down on myself, I'm not appreciating what God has created. I'm telling God that he messed up when he was constructing me. I need to realize that it's okay when I don't receive approval or compliments from people because to God, I'm a true beauty. He loves me for the person I am- inside and out.

Four days until Chicago!! God is going to do awesome things on this trip! Keep praying!