refuse to be ordinary

Sometimes I do wonder if living for Christ is "worth it". During these times of wonder, I know that my selfishness steps in. Thoughts of living for myself and for the world creep in. My mind is frustrated with what is going around me and within me.

Jesus reminds me that He sacrificed for the world. For me. I live for Him because He loves me so much to die on the cross for me. He reminds me that the world I live in is not always going to be the most pleasant place to live in. Yet, still to see the hope in who He is. He has conquered the world. When all is said and done, when the world vanishes, when people leave their mortal bodies--- He conquered death. In him there is life.

When tragedy occurs in our lives-in all of our lives, how do we choose to live? How do we choose to think and feel? How do we choose to react? When death of loved ones occurs, when sickness happens, when people are mean you, when boyfriend/girlfriend breaks up with you, when you're in financial hardship? The average person would chose anger, vengence, bitterness, hatred, self pity, and worry.

Because we have Christ, we have the power to overcome all those ugly thoughts and feelings. Yes, we will have many times of sadness, but to be able to see the joy through it all...because we have hope in Jesus. To be able to react with love and grace, not anger, bitterness, or vengence. To be able to see the Truth in who we are in Christ and not feel self pity. To be able to put trust in the God that created the universe and not worry about how much money we do not have, the husband/wife that we do not have, the children or grandchildren that we do not have--and put trust in Christ-who conquered death, who loves unconditionally, who is full of grace and mercy, and who provides what we need.

Refuse to be ordinary, because we have Christ in our lives. Is Christ worth it? Yes, it is. Life's an adventure with Him in our lives. A fulfilling adventure. Not an empty one.

spring...

I'm so excited for warm weather. This winter is longer than what I like. It feels like opening another chapter in my life. New life. New beginings.

I was thinking this week that when I first became a Christian, life seemed simpler. As I grew in my faith, truly living for God became harder because I became aware that there are certain things that are not good for my life. When I was younger, I was not as aware of them. As I grew, my awareness caused me to think--alot more. My thoughts, perceptions, and actions changed due to Christ working in my life.

I wrote earlier that the them for my life is "Love with grace". This is truly challenging for me. To love someone even when they don't "deserve" it. To throw my pride away and love them because Jesus loves me...it's not easy for me. I think it gets easier each year, but I know it will be a constant battle for my heart.

Theme for my life

Bystry and I had our get together tonight. I appreciate her so much. She cracks me up. After some discussion about some parts of Romans tonight, I decided upon a theme for my life. Something I want to live by. Drum roll please.......Love with Grace.......What do you think?

It's easy to love those who love you back. Not so easy to love those who are rude to you, mean to you, etc. To love and show love those who don't "deserve" it.

To give a nice tip even though the waitress/waiter has been rude and has poor customer service
To let go of situations in which people have hurt you and move on
To give money to anyone who asks you. No matter the reason
To not ride the tail of the car that pulled in front of you
To forgive-just because-even if the other person doesn't ask for forgiveness

Christ showed us grace by dying on the cross for our sins. He continues to show us grace even as we continue to fail miserably in many areas of our lives.... The least we can do is to love with grace. To love just because God loves.

Easier said than done. This is a challenge for my life. A challenge I'm willing to take on.