The White Mountains and the Beatific Vision- Conclusion

[4McClain]

Beautiful place. Reminds me of the smokey mountains

[bberchin]

What does a sight like that mean to you? Does it have any meaning beyond yourself? How do you process such things as an unbeliever?

[4McClain]

"How do you process such things as an unbeliever?"

It gives me a sense of awe and wonder which leads to a sense of humility. It also gives me great appreciation for life and the opportunity I have been given to live and experience the wonders of the cosmos. It reminds me that life is precious and to life every moment to it's fullest.

[bberchin]

You said you have been given an opportunity to live and experience the wonders of the cosmos- who gave you that opportunity?

[4McClain]

That is not a question I would even ask, but when I was growing up I used to ask that question and then fill in God for the answer,, but that just pushed the problem one step back to who or what created God? Also an all powerful being creating a universe leaves out the mystery and wonder of it all, for such an act would be trivial for an all powerful being. I find that accepting the mystery and being humbled by it is what works for me.

[bberchin]

My knowledge of God being the Creator does not take out any mystery. In fact, it adds much mystery and brings up more questions. Ignorance is not a healthy kind of mystery, but anticipation and wonder is. When you consider God's eternality, which is a great mystery, and the fact He was not created you are faced with a mystery that cannot be solved in this life, but can be sought after and cherished. It's like enjoying the beauty of a great piece of art, but not knowing how the artist did it...

[bberchin]

...your not knowing how the artist did it exactly does not take away from it's beauty or your affection for that artist and his work. In fact, if you are an aspiring artist you will learn much about how that artist paints and try to emulate him. You will never achieve his level of artistry, but the joy is in trying and getting to know his work better and better as you improve in your own work. (The analogy breaks down, of course, in that many artists out do their mentors, but you get my point)

[4McClain]

bberchin, Interesting analogy, I think in a lot of ways we agree. I just don't think that words, like God, mystery, etc are important but rather what they point to which is beyond words. I am reminded of the Psalm "Be still and know that I am God" In my opinion acceptance, knowledge, and an open mind are more important than belief.

[bberchin]

Actually, that's a wonderful reference and it applies very well to what I'm talking about. Certainly it is not a rejection of knowledge or evidence, but rather an acceptence of our limitations as people and being content with the fact we will never be able to explain everything. What's more, God is control of all things and even the things which we do not and will not understand. To me, that is a comfort.

[4McClain]

If that is what believing in God is then I am all for it, Unfortunately most religions like to add all kinds of stuff that get in the way of following a path of humility, understanding, and compassion, which is how I see the religious or spiritual life.

[bberchin]

Many people, even myself sometimes, certainly add things to the faith that scripture just does not support, but yes, believing in God and relying upon Christ alone for eternal life is what I described above and more. Once we let go of our false sense of autonomy and humble ourselves in repentence to God we see what a wonderful joy and blessing His care and sovereignty is.

[Blogrich55]

It is the hope of Heaven and seeing our Lord Jesus that makes even the darkest trials endurable. As one old hymn says:

Oh that will be glory for me...when by His grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory...for me.

We have such awesome communion with Him here in this life and yet it is only looking in a mirror or glass dimly. How much more glorious when we shall see Him face to face?

God bless you brother and all who look with anticipation for His appearing:D

[ProclaimHisWord]

Amen Brett. I just watched all four videos and was greatly blessed by them. Oh, the wonder of our Lord's creation! I praise God that you and your wife had such a wonderful time together and i pray that this experience made you grow ever deeper in your love for our Blessed Saviour.

Btw, where are your gloves?

[bberchin]

lol, if I wore gloves my journal would probably have blown right out of my hands! I wish the camera had done that view justice; it was quite spectacular. Soli deo Gloria!

[ReformedLou]

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Is 52:7)

Thank you, Brett. I pray your union with Christ and your wife are blessed through the years by this trip. This was a blessing to me.

[Afrikitty]

My husband took me through the Rocky Mountains in 2006. It was a magnificent sight to drive through them, to see the Continental Divide. You must surely see the magnificence of God as you wander through such beauty. HIs creation is beyond understanding. In Cape Town, South Africa, where I come from, Table Mountain rises out of the sea like an illusion. Sometimes it is clothed in clouds draped over it's flat top like a tablecloth. Such sights stir the spirit to fall down and worship our Creator.