I've been thinking a lot lately.

Usually when this happens I get a little nervous, knowing that something rather life-shaking will probably come, but this time I have been really excited about what is next for me.

I've been thinking about my final year in college: Thoughts regarding how I need a temporary job so I can provide a little more for myself, without solely depending on my parents. I need to continue making good grades, I am excited to be living in a house with new people, and so much more.

I've been thinking about my next step in school: I've recognized that in less than one year I will be thrown head first into the real world needing a big girl job, a place to live, financial stability and all that comes with "life."
I've been thinking about my relationship: very soon it will be time to take new leaps and I'm so thrilled for that.

But more important than all of those life altering events, I've been thinking about my heart.

My whole life I've heard youth pastors, friends, mentors, and my parents remind me (in the most loving manner) that the way you live...your habits, values, morals, character, etc. are a direct reflection of your heart... what goes in is what comes out.

Honestly, this got old. I wanted to be a good person, but I also wanted to have friends, watch movies that may have been a little crude, listen to upbeat music that probably had too much language or a vulgar message deep down and all the things that come with being a teenager... but it didn't stop at my teenage years, and honestly it has grown increasingly harder. Society is changing, comedy is changing, music is changing. The messages being thrown at us are growing increasingly "risque" and we are beginning to become unaware of what we are putting into our hearts.

I wanted to live a good life. To me that meant having lots of friends, being successful, making good money, having someone who loved me and spoiled me, living in a nice house, wearing the latest fashion trend, etc.

Needless to say, I had my mind set on very worldly things-- and sometimes I still do.

As I've been reading and studying and just examining my life, I have come to a conclusion... My heart needs a major renovation.

I have recently engaged in a book called The Good and Beautiful Life. I read it once before, and have since forgotten how impactful literature can be.

Like most people, for me, the Bible can be overwhelming and hard to understand. I have found a version that works for me, but sometimes it is nice to read something with a Christian mind that isn't direct scripture.

In my newfound reading, I learned what truly makes a "good and beautiful life".

The author of the book draws a conclusion that seems so obvious.. He says "everyone just wants to be happy."

Sometimes that is hard for me to recognize because happiness means something different to everyone.

For me, genuine happiness is seeing someone grasp something new. It is seeing a child learn for the first time. Seeing an adult who regains their youthfulness in watching children. It is falling in love each day with the same person... and eating a really good dessert.

For someone else, happiness may be money, things, a good movie, a good cry, a puppy, etc.

It is hard for me to recognize that everyone wants to be happy because some people seem so bitter and nasty, but ultimately I believe it... who would choose to be grumpy and disappointed?

I described previously what I thought a "good life" would be, but after reading and processing what this book taught me, I learned a good life is so much more than tangible things and things of the world.

A good life is

a day without slander and gossip... (Luke 6:28) a day blessing those who curse us

showing hospitality to the least of these. (Hebrews 13:16)

It is a life without lust and idolatry (Galatians 5:16)(Colossians 3:5)

it is one that seeks the Kingdom of God daily (Matthew 6:33)

It is one without lying and dishonesty. (Proverbs 12:22)

It is one that is not lived in vain (Philippians 2:3)

is one without anger and greed (James 1:20) (1 Timothy 6:10)

And it is a life free of worry and anxiousness.. Although they are inevitable, we are called to be in constant prayer to overcome this emotion. (Philippians 4:6-7)

A good life is a Philippians 4:8. A life that thinks on honorable, noble, peaceful, loving things... things that are above.

In the conclusion of his book, Smith states something that will resonate with me forever.

He says, in life, you are either a disciple or you aren't.

This is the truest statement that's ever resonated with me. When it comes to living a life with Christ, there is not in-between. There is no halfway, lukewarm option. You're either in or you're out. It is a difficult choice to maintain, but the easiest one you will ever make.

Being a disciple is rough stuff. It is hard and dirty, there will be trials and tribulations; it may be lonely at times, and you're probably going to feel defeated more than once, but it is a title I am proud to carry. Being a disciple makes you strong.. not invincible, but strong. You will be able to stand firm when the wind blows and storms come. You will be able to testify and speak with eloquence and utmost confidence when you are approached. You will not have an "easy" life, but you will be most fulfilled.

In thinking about what is in my heart and what is pouring out, I see renovation that needs to take place.

I have been consumed with worry, fear, gossip, greed, and am not always the most hospitable. My life has been good, but it is empty.

I don't know about you, but I want a good and beautiful life. One that is overflowing joy and beauty. One that exemplifies the truest happiness possible and one that causes other people to stop and renovate their own hearts.

I challenge you to look deep inside yourself... sometimes makeovers can be fun :)
Lauren