Enjoying the Lovely

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. ~Philippians 4:8

This semester, as I was hiking through Missouri for my geology lab project, a friend of mine brought up this verse. I love this verse, and I always have. My mom and I have a special little memory trick to remember all of the things to think on, and I have fond memories of us laughing over trying to recall all of them! Yet it is also a very practical verse. So often our minds are bombarded with head clutter, and we hear everyone grumbling about how they are being pulled in so many directions. We ourselves might even grumble about it! But then God, in all his order and practicality, makes a point to tell us in his Word what to think on. 

Whatever is true.

Noble.

Right. 

Pure.

Lovely...

And my friend pointed out something. It was obvious, yet I had never seen it in that light. 

As we were hiking, he said, "Man, it is so beautiful out here. Look around, isn't it just lovely?" Lovely. He had been reading a book that dives into Philippians 4:8 and shared that God wants us to stop and think that what He has created is indeed lovely. 

Now, personally I find myself striving to be a good little Christian lady. You know, being kind, modest, earnest, and loving. I focus a lot on my actions, trying to daily align them with Christ's. But in the Word of God, it tells us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:30)

So, as my pal pointed out, obedience in the arena of our minds means taking time to think on the lovely. To enjoy the lovely.

So I challenge you. Look around you. What is true? What is noble? What is right? What is pure? What is lovely? Admirable? Excellent? Praiseworthy? Let your heart and mind and strength settle in and enjoy those very things. After all, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). 

Merry Christmas friends! I hope that despite the colder weather, this little post can warm your heart!

Sending love, prayers, and jolly wishes your way! 

XOXO,

Mel