A couple of days ago, I mentioned on this blog that in 2013 I am starting my own personal project called "The Beautiful Project". Here's a brief description of what it is, and why I am doing it:
What is "The Beautiful Project"?
"The Beautiful Project" is a 365 day project starting on 1st January 2013, where I will be striving to remember that in a world that sometimes looks bleak, there is something beautiful to be found around the corner (excuse the cliche!), in places that I may have previously overlooked.
(Nb. I know here that some people may argue that for those suffering in pain, or being abused, or dying, or starving, it may be difficult or impossible to see beauty in each of these situations. I obviously have no idea what it is like to be in those positions. I wouldn't even know how to imagine how those groups of people must be feeling, and in those circumstances, perhaps the concept of "beauty-as-something-just-around-the corner" might seem like an insulting joke. But those brothers and sisters we have scattered all over this world are the beauty. They are the beautiful. They are, in fact, one of my reasons for doing this; so I can remember to appreciate the different forms of beauty, in order for my worldly perspective and materialist views regarding definitions of beauty, to be transformed by God's grace. I already know that God has been changing my perspectives regarding this, but I want to continue to grow and learn. Also, during this next year, I hope to do some fundraising for different charities- for people in difficult circumstances- in regards to "The Beautiful Project", but more on that later in 2013!)
I will be uploading anything from pictures, thoughts, songs, and my general observations, as I strive to remind myself that we're surrounded by beauty every day, even if sometimes we don't notice it.
Why?
I'll also be challenging my perception of physical beauty, asking questions as to why those ideas exist, and why they are so easy to entertain in regards to how they are applied to others, and even to the self. Maybe I'll get an answer. Maybe not. That's okay though!
I realise that others may differ in their opinions on the things that I consider beautiful. That is perfectly fine!
During this year, I also hope to gain insight regarding the degree to which beauty is a subjective concept. I hope to learn from others about what they find beautiful, as I don't pretend to have all the answers. I also know that I will never have all the answers in regards to the definition of 'beautiful' (and also the definition of 'ugliness'), but I hope for a clearer perspective and appreciation of the world around me, not just a picturesque view of nature, but a revitalised thankfulness for the incredible people around me as well.
I'm as equally excited about this project as I am nervous. It's nerve-wracking exposing my flaws to anyone who reads this blog, especially as I feel like I am the only one in the world who might think this way, but at the same time I know I am not perfect (though perhaps proud at times), and I know that God still loves me, and I can't wait to challenge my complacency!
These verses have been really instrumental in the way in which I've started to think about others, and how I think about myself:
Psalm 139: 13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Have a great end to 2012, and God bless you in 2013!
Life has been so hectic recently! I haven't had the time to write a blog post at all, so here is a quick run down of the events in my life if you are interested:
- First term of third year = stress + too much work
- General craziness over my future.
I'm actually going to pause for a minute to explain what I mean. In October, or perhaps earlier, it dawned on me that in less than a year, my university career will be over for good- ignoring the whole PGCE thing which I'll get to in a minute- and that I will be faced with a huge amount of decisions regarding the path my life is going to take. Career-wise, I mean. I've wanted to be a teacher for a while, and so having sent off my applications for teaching at the beginning of the Autumn term, I thought that I could ignore the scary prospect of the future, and concentrate on my dissertation. Things did not go according to plan. Funding was scrapped, and suddenly, everything was out of my hands. I had no control over anything, and that was terrifying. But I prayed, and trusted in God, not knowing what could happen, and God has been good. He's opened doors that I never knew existed, and although I am living in the aftermath, still without a fixed career destination, I feel calm. I feel rested. It might sound weird to other people that I am trusting in a seemingly invisible, make-believe entity, or a psychological and social crutch I have developed to deal with my stress, and a few months ago I thought long and hard about the reality of God- more on that in the future- but I can't explain the peace and faith in God, concerning the way I feel in regards to the uncertainty of my life at the moment.
I do remind myself as much as I can that I am fortunate in regards to my health, my education, my family, my friends, my home, and my general comforts, which strikingly contrast those who, as I sit on my bed writing this, are starving, or homeless, or cold, or malnourished, or ill and dying, or those being mentally or physically abused; those in third world nations, and those who may live next door to you and me.
But at the same time, I do have the occasional freak out session, where I cry in my room/on my mum or dad, praying and eating chocolate.
This verse has been a comfort:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Anyway, back to general update....
- Christmas!
Wooooo!!! I love Christmas, and having a four and half month old kitten running around, jumping into piles of wrapping paper, was definitely one of the highlights. And Doctor Who, of course!
- Seeing friends.
I haven't seen that many to be honest, but it's been lovely seeing them!
In regards to 2013... I'm still torn between pessimism and optimism. There's more essays, dissertation deadlines, interviews, revision, exams, applications for jobs... but on the other hand, I have lots of exciting plans as well, like getting started on my story, a lovely long summer ahead, my 21st (!!!), and 'The Beautiful Project', which I hope to start on January 1st. I will explain in due course!!!!
Although I'm not a huge fan of New Year celebrations, and the hype it installs, I think 2013 will be interesting to say the least!
I can't believe how long it's been since I wrote a blog post, and
so much stuff has happened! But more on that in the next few weeks!! This is a
Mobilise themed blog post... so please stick around and have a read!
I first went to Mobilise in July 2011 when it was the little
sister of the Newfrontiers Leadership Conference in Brighton, but by the time
April 2012 had come around, Mobilise had spread its wings and had become a
stand alone conference of its own, and the results were fantastic!
As many people who know me well are aware, I came back from
Mobilise pumped and excited, and as a result, I wrote this article for Life
Church Hook which should provide an insight into the fun and action-packed
week!!
"Tom Shaw introduced the theme with
some scary statistics which made my mouth drop and stirred the hearts of the
1100 people in the room: 59% of churches in the UK have no people aged between
15 to 19 in their congregation. Then came another scary statistic: in the last
twenty years, there has been a 90% drop in the number of under twenties
attending church. Silence fell in the room as people began to process that
information, and from there, a deep desire to get on a purpose-driven mission
to serve Jesus began to grow.
Speakers including PJ Smyth,
Mike Betts, Adrian Holloway, Andrew Wilson, Stef Liston, and Joel Virgo, talked
about our role in mission in our daily lives, and the importance of mission and
the church. These talks were powerful, challenging, and so relevant! Examining
your motives and desires alongside your relationship with God is always a wake
up call!
The different seminar streams
covered topics such as leadership, our relationship with God, and finding God
in the Supernatural, and they were a great time to get equipped and encouraged
in our individual walks with God.
As well as more meetings,
there were new additions to the timetable such as the pub quiz, a gig night,
and Mobilise’s Got Talent, where people were given the opportunity to showcase
different talents. There was everything from singing to dancing, and stand up
comedy to a break dancing juggler(!) Mouths dropped and the crowd celebrated
the talents that God has blessed this generation of students and twenties with.
But, possibly the most talked about Mobilise event was speed dating. “Speed
dating?! Really?!” Yes. The event promoted new friendships and the opportunity
to meet new people you might never have been given the opportunity to meet
before, and for the people I know that went, that was certainly the case. But,
who knows, maybe next year we’ll hear a story about how a couple met at that
very event...!
I think if I had to sum up this
year’s Mobilise in a sentence... well, I couldn’t do it justice! All I know is
that I came back with such an excitement and buzz about being on mission for
Jesus. I know that God broke through in areas of my life and
set in motion old callings with a new perspective." (Courtesy of
Life Church Hook, May 2012 newsletter)
This year is even more action packed! We've moved toPontins Brean Sands Holiday Park, Somerset, and
Mobilise has been extended by an extra day, so we can have the afternoons off
to walk down to the beach, to try go-karting, or go swimming, or if you're like
me, catch up on sleep!
There are often about four reasons why people hold back from
booking in to an event- even if they really want to go.
1) Money- or a lack of!! It can be really hard to commit to paying £100,
especially when you're a student! (Although this is a problem for lots of us,
whether or not we are students!) Just the idea of that chunk of money
disappearing from your account can be scary when bills need to be paid and food
needs to be bought! But how about thinking like this: choose to see the money
you spend on booking into Mobilise as an investment. You are choosing to invest
the money, as well as setting aside time, to really dig deep into God's Word,
and build a relationship with Him. The seminars, and talks, and worship, and
relationship time with both God and others, is truly invaluable.
Also, deciding to sacrifice that money is a great reflection of
placing your trust in God; trusting that He WILL meet your needs, because He is
a gracious and compassionate Father that loves to bless you! Yes, YOU!
2) Time- Committing time can also be a scary idea. If you're
working, then getting the time off, can be tricky, especially if you have
really important deadlines or meetings, or even if you don't have many days of
holiday left, and you were hoping to save them up for a fabulous holiday
somewhere hot! I'm not going to pretend that I understand this crazy world of
work yet, (thank goodness, I can still just about live in my student bubble!),
but I'd really encourage you to pray about it with the same trust in God as you
have in Him regarding other things, including your finances. And don't be
afraid to ask for time off, just in case! God might surprise you and release
blessings you never thought possible. He's cool like that!
To students, the idea of going away in April can seem
really inconvenient with the prospect of exams looming around the
corner. You might be thinking, "I just have too much revision to
do!", "I have to hand in my dissertation!", or maybe,
"Easter is supposed to be a break. I just want to chill out and catch up
on all my tv programmes." I mention those because they are common
arguments people have with themselves, and also because all of them apply to
me! I have thought of ALL of these issues in the last few weeks! But I've
decided to dedicate this time to God; to getting to know Him better, growing in
my understanding of the Gospel, getting equipped spiritually, and learning more
about what it is to be a follower of Jesus.If I trust that God is in control of
everything, that He is victorious, and that He has plans for me that ARE GOOD,
I'm going to trust that I can set aside this time to worship Him, and build my
foundations on the truths of our fabulous God.
3) Travel arrangements- Sometimes I can worry about how I'm going to get
somewhere. I don't always have access to a car and so it's not always simple to
get from A to B. If you think that way too, don't let those thoughts hold you
back! Plus, there's a train station not that far away from the site! If lots of
us go, then I'm sure travel arrangements won't be a problem!
4) "I don't know who is going!" At this point, I haven't got a clue
who's going, but I'm still booking in. Mobilise was great last year for
building up relationships with people. Sometimes there might be people in your
flat who are from another church (although, they try to put you with people
from your church), but it was great getting to know these guys and building up
friendships.
And if none of that has convinced you to think about booking into Mobilise
2013, then check out this video! Hope to see you there!!!
