beautiful things...

  Yesterday, as I was driving to an appointment, Gungor's song "Beautiful Things" came on the radio (listen here).  The words are simple, yet profound..."You make beautiful things out of dust" and "You are making me new."  There are so many beautiful things that God has made for us to see in His creation, yet there is nothing more beautiful to me than a life transformed by His extravagant love & grace.  I've seen it, and I've experienced it for myself.  Words can't really do justice, but glimmering hope and purpose replace lostness, peace overcomes fear and doubt, and suddenly days are brighter and smiles are warmer.  Something changes, and it is beautiful.  Somehow, God resurrects something beautiful out of the dust and mire of our lives.  
  Just as words don't do justice, neither do pictures....but here are some pics of things I'm finding beautiful these days...