The Image of GOD

I finally finished my required reading for this week... I won't procrastinate so much again, as I would love to keep Sundays as a "day of rest" and feel refreshed before class on Mondays.  Today, I went to the 8:30 service at the new Broken Arrow LC campus.  Then I came home and went back and forth between reading, then walk/jogging and watching season one of Downton Abbey.  I've figured out that I absolutely cannot have the TV on at all if I want to study and comprehend anything... that I need a nice break every now and then... and that I highly prefer to read/study when it's sunny outside! :) When the house is silent and I'm reading textbooks and it's dark out, it's just terribly unpleasant to me. 

This first course is focused on Human Development: Birth through Adolescence.  The reading has been pretty interesting so far, and my mind is adjusting to the intensity of all the technical terms.  Something I found really interesting:  in China, your birthday is celebrated on the date of conception (I actually love that - as it is when life begins)... but it's sad and ironic that they believe that and still force abortions.  How awful.

Another key thought... I am so thankful to have been raised in a Christian home, church, AND SCHOOL where I was never for one moment confused on the concept of my own origin.  It is more than just a pet peeve - I find it offensive when human beings are compared to or labeled as animals.  People are NOT just another category of animal.  That so many schools teach children that there are only two forms of life, plant and animal, is tragic.  That so many people believe it all started with evolution is such a destructive lie. 

The truth that human beings are created IN THE IMAGE OF GOD is not something I take lightly.  That is not the case with any animal.  That we have a body, soul, AND SPIRIT... that God has given us authority... that we are the crown of creation... that Jesus died to save us and can come to live in our spirit... it matters, and it gives us great intrinsic value.  I have dealt with some insecurity, but I cannot imagine how differently I would view my own identity and worth, how much it would weaken any sense of personal responsibility to believe that I am simply another animal, here at this time by random chance, and that my early ancestors were monkeys.  No, the God of the universe created people separate and apart from animals, then He gave them authority over the animals.  God formed me and made me unique and special... I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I am precious to Him... He sees my heart, knows my character, and has a purpose and plan for my life.  I am the apple of His eye.  I don't know how anyone can truly believe that and remain lukewarm or halfhearted on the subject of "the big bang." 

Anyway, that's the end of the mini-rant, but I do believe it's an important one.  I'm happy to be done with "work" for today.  And now I'm off to make dinner (Velveeta Cheesy Skillets - aka "liquid goooold!") and watch the Oscars... hooray!!