With Beauty

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“Humanity can live without science, it can live without bread, but it cannot live without beauty. Without beauty, there would be nothing left to do in this life. Here the secret lies. Here lies the entire story.”

~Fyodor Dostoevsky

Desire

 

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The desire for beauty, the hunger for union, the passion to be part of something greater than self, all arise out of our bent to worship.

~Dan B. Allender

River Walk, Canmore, Alberta

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Our hearts bubble over as we celebrate the fame
Of your marvelous beauty; bringing bliss to our hearts.
We shout with ecstatic joy over your breakthrough for us.
You’re so kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it;
And so very patient with people who fail you.
Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness.
God, everyone sees your goodness,
For your tender love is blended into everything you do.

Psalm 145:7-9 TPT)

Attraction and Beauty

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All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.

-Flannery O’Connor

When spent petals blow away, the wild rose in the forest is less attractive, but no less beautiful, for now she is entering the unseen season of producing fruit.

You Called

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You called
You cried
You shattered my deafness
You sparkled
You blazed
You drove away my blindness
You shed Your fragrance
and I drew in my breath
I pant for You

-St. Augustine

Paying Attention

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“Beauty is there to be noticed. Too often it is taken for granted because we are moving too fast to let it in and allow it to deliver its message in us. We need to pay attention. To show indifference to beauty is an insult to its Creator.”

– Luci Shaw

I am moving slowly, but at least I am moving. I took a walk around the block today. I still spend a lot of time lying on the couch.

My husband brought me flowers. I put them in a pink vase on the coffee table.

Then the sun came out.

The Blessing of Wonder

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Our sense of wonder is a blessing from God, given so that we would be continually amazed at His beauty and creation.

– Ravi Zacharias