The Beautiful People

2 thoughts...make that 6...or more...whatevs:P

1. We are most at home when we are with the people that share with us a deep and mutual love for one another...don't ya think??

2. On this side of heaven things are never as good nor as bad as we make them out to be...So...there are moments of joy in the worst of times and there are moments of blah during the best of times as well.

3. When it all comes down to it, everything that is worthwhile is found in our relationships with people and God...not career, not fame, nor wealth (actually striving after these things is usually people-oriented as well--to gain respect, love and acceptance from others).

4. We wilt in all ways (socially, emotionally, spiritually, yes, even physically) when we are isolated from people or living in bad company for extended periods of time. Conversely when we are immersed into a community of amazing people we thrive and burgeon and and live the most authentically.

5. I really like this verse: "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." -Romans 12:21

Every adversity is also a tremendous opportunity to grow. In the most testing and difficult of situations the most beautiful acts of courage and kindness have blossomed: i.e. Ghandhi liberated his people through bloody non-violent sufferings, birthpangs bring forth new life into the world. Camus says it best: "In the depths of winter I discovered that within me lies an invincible summer." Richard Foster paints a beautiful picture of what God does with the ugly if we choose to let him: "He brings beauty out of ashes."

6. I think I really like top ten lists. :)

7. Here's a phrase that I thought up today that I believe is probably true: "It is much more enjoyable to do something that is unpleasurable but meaningful than to do something that it pleasurable but meaningless."

I know this post is all over the place but such is the nature of my thoughts: random, seemingly disparate ideas that are actually connected somehow.

Tonight I saw "Night at the Museum" at the cheap seats. It's been a long time since I have seen a Ben Stiller movie and I was definitely not disappointed. Oh Ben, you are HIlarious! The scene where him and the monkey get in a slapping battle had me rotfl.