So . . . it’s been a little while

            Hey, ya’ll (if there is anybody out there that does read this . . .). This week has been a bit busy. Maybe I’ll make up for it by writing this weekend as well. Then again, maybe not. I just thought I’d let you know a little of what’s been going on.

            This weekend God really showed up at church. The sermon given was awesome. It was about love and how, as Christians, since we were forgiven, love and forgiveness is all we can rightfully do. If we want to judge a person, we have to take that stone from God. In old times, white and black stones were used for casting votes. A black stone was a no/guilty vote; a white stone was a yes/acquitted vote. If we accept Jesus as our personal savior He gives us a white stone. That means all we have to give to other people is forgiveness and love. Loving somebody does not mean you are approving of the way they live their lives. We have all sinned and fallen short of perfect lives. No, loving means looking past those sins and the things that annoy you, and instead looking for the beauty and gifts that that person has. God created everyone wonderfully. We are all made of gold, it’s just that some of us have mud and dirt covering it up. God washes away that mud and dirt so that we can shine.

            Another thing that is important for us to be able to shine God’s love is for us to be transparent. People have probably always thought that I have been good, well-behaved, and happy. I always pretended to be anyway. The truth is, before I let God overhaul my life, I was afraid, lonely, and feeling like I was not good enough. There are still times when I struggle with these things, but I know that that is not who God created me to be. Perfect Love drives out all fear. In fellowship there is no reason to feel lonely (I have some amazing friends who are so open about everything. I could not be more thankful for them). God sees me as His perfect daughter. He created me for amazing things. I do not have to strive to be good enough. If I am insufficient, God more than makes up for my faults. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in me. All things are possible because I believe and trust in God and His Goodness.