I have not yet recovered from the whirlwind of Christmas/WYC, which is why my blog is not updated! During my 2 week "vacation" at Christmas, we took 11 high school students on a 4 day trip to Portland. This was my 3rd year to "chaperone" though I think I am just as much a kid as they are on this trip! The difference is that I crash and burn when I get home - they just keep on going! The speakers, the music, the accomodations and the entertainment were all fabulous, as always. I couldn't hear for a week because we are the masters of getting front row seats and then there is that little bit of guilt over fenagling a key to the guys' room from the front desk but all is fair in prank war, right?! We had a great group of students and tons of fun but most of all, I hope the event had a spiritual impact on each person. It's always a good reminder of who God is and who I am in Him. We had an artist named Scott come back this year again to paint as the speakers gave their messages. He is able to put their words on canvas in an incredible way. 
Here is the painting from the final message. Each time he painted, I was reminded of God, the creator, and His love for me, His created. Throughout the course of the messages we saw images of tuning God out, looking to Him, being closed, our relationships with those around us and others. But what it all came down to is this last image, "Beloved". I can't imagine a greater love than what I have for my child. How can anyone reject that love from the Father? I can't imagine life itself coming from an explosion or evolution. How can something as complex as the eyeball or the heart or the brain be accidental? I can imagine thinking I am not good enough. I am not good enough. But I don't have to be. God's acceptance of me is not based on what I do. It is based on grace alone, which comes to me through Christ as He endured the cross for my shortcomings. I am Beloved. Anyone can be Beloved if they choose to accept the grace that cannot be earned but is given freely to all who believe. Are you Beloved?
Here is the painting from the final message. Each time he painted, I was reminded of God, the creator, and His love for me, His created. Throughout the course of the messages we saw images of tuning God out, looking to Him, being closed, our relationships with those around us and others. But what it all came down to is this last image, "Beloved". I can't imagine a greater love than what I have for my child. How can anyone reject that love from the Father? I can't imagine life itself coming from an explosion or evolution. How can something as complex as the eyeball or the heart or the brain be accidental? I can imagine thinking I am not good enough. I am not good enough. But I don't have to be. God's acceptance of me is not based on what I do. It is based on grace alone, which comes to me through Christ as He endured the cross for my shortcomings. I am Beloved. Anyone can be Beloved if they choose to accept the grace that cannot be earned but is given freely to all who believe. Are you Beloved?
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1 comment:
Carrie! I finally made it to your blog! Sorry it's taken me so long! I have your blog set as a link on my page, so I'll be better about checking it! :) It was so fun to see you and your little family at church yesterday. Gosh, I can't believe how fast things change! I love you dearly and hope we can get together soon!
XOXO
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