Easter Blessings

5."But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6. He is not here for HE HAS RISEN, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.'"  Matthew 28:5-6

As a christian, Easter is one of the greatest holidays and one that contains some of the greatest sentimentality. It is beyond incredible to have a holiday to celebrate not only his death for me, but his resurrection. This Easter was a great time spent with family. My brother was able to come up from Liberty and spend the weekend here. Tim and I enjoyed our first Easter together as husband and wife. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday with family and friends and will remember that we should celebrate his resurrection every day of the year...not just Easter Sunday! =)

Tim and I on Easter Sunday!

Faithfulness

Isn't it comforting to know that God is completely impartial? In a world where people are defined by money, position, and rank, it's fascinating to be reminded that we serve a Lord that will not place us on different ranks. He loves us all the same and forgives us all the same. I truly can't fathom a completely impartial love, but i guess that is due to my sin nature.

There is a moment of almost every day when I stop, reflect on my life, and wonder how God could even love me. If he regarded my relationship with Him the way I treat some of my earthly relationships, I would probably be quite insignificant to Him. How awesome it is to have a God that doesn't do unto me all that I've done unto Him.

In 2 Timothy 2:13 we are told "if we are faithless, he remains faithful-for he cannot deny himself." God's love for us remains consistent no matter what we may do or how we may lose faith. I'm forever grateful!

2nd Grade Reading

I believe that God provides different people with various passions in life. I happen to have a very tender heart towards the orphans and hurting children of our world (among many other things). I teach second grade and every day we have a time where we get into small groups and read. Today in our reading book we had a story of a little African boy. He was a blind orphan. The story was all about a missionary that raised money to get him a braille Bible and taught him to read. As the children read the story, I started tearing up. When I looked up, I had 3 sets of questioning eyes looking at me. (They were probably thinking their teacher was losing it! haha) I just couldn't help but sit there and be reminded of all the children in this world that are just like the little boy in the story. Maybe God would like me to be a missionary. Or maybe he wants me to save a child from the loneliness and destitution of being an orphan. Whatever the case, I know God has something planned for me. And I'm sure it's above and beyond anything I ever dreamed or anticipated. His way is perfect, and His faithfulness is never ending. I'm just glad that God used something as simple as a 2nd grade reading book to help me remember the importance of constantly seeking His will.

Being Consistent

"Churches are full of hypocrites!"  One of the most common reasons given for people not attending. As a church goer, I would have to agree somewhat. While not EVERY person displays hypocrisy openly and adamantly, there are many who are there for the wrong reasons. I believe some Christians have fooled themselves into thinking that being a hypocrite is JUST being good at church and not outside of church. I truly think it goes a little deeper. Some of the greatest acts of hypocrisy are demonstrated INSIDE of the church itself. We criticize each other, complain about everything, and wage war on anyone who disagrees with our opinions. When did it become about us??

I don't think that every church in the world has reached the bottom, and I'm not saying that my church is beyond hope; yet christians and believers as a whole seem to have become so selfish and have placed the importance on themselves rather than God. When I stop and think about it, many of the problems that churches face are just acts of selfishness and inconsistency. People are offended by guitars and drums in church, yet listen to whatever they want in their homes. Is it just me, or does that not make any sense?? Some Christians state that the KJV is the only version of the Bible that should be used, yet they "amen" when a missionary translates the word into an unknown language. If we are going to be opinionated and judge others, we should make sure we are living above reproach.

It seems that so many people have become wrapped up in the rules and regulations that they have missed the whole point-GOD! Our purpose, as Christians, is not to rally everyone up to agree with our personal views, but to win souls for Christ and to live for HIS glory. I am a firm believer that in order to pray for someone else to act a certain way, I should first pray for MYSELF to demonstrate those changes. For this reason, I have begun praying that God would make ME more consistent. It can start with one. I pray that he would use me, and keep me faithful.

I never want to reach a point where I am more focused on myself and my opinions than serving the Lord.

"Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness..."  Joshua 24:14a