Romans 3:23 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
I like this verse. I like it a lot actually. I've been struggling with the idea of not being perfect lately...not feeling good enough for God, or heaven, or my church, but the reality is, no one is perfect enough for anything that we are blessed with in life. It is God's grace and mercy that allows Him to grant us enough forgiveness, when we don't even deserve it, that's gives us our blessings in life. I think one of my favorite things that my church has taught be since attending is that all sin is created equal in the eyes of God, and that when we ask for forgiveness and repent that God doesn't even remember your sins. There isn't this big ol' chalk board up in heaven with every ones name on it waiting to give you your three strikes in order to kick you of of God's grace. It doesn't work like that, and for that I AM SO THANKFUL!
I screw up. I screw up a lot and I will be the first to admit that I am a hypocrite. It is impossible not to be, especially as a christian. None of us have the ability to live up to those ten commandments, and none of us have the right to judge others if they screw up, and veer off. I really like to entertain the idea of if you point fingers, there are at least two pointing back at you. I really get this feeling that in today's world people think it is perfectly okay to hold other peoples sins, screw ups, mistakes ect against someone. I've heard stories about people being "bullied" out of their church, or loosing an entire group of friends all because they aren't "perfect" enough for the group. I think this notion is absolutely ridiculous. I will always love my friends, family, church members no mater how they screw up, because I have had people stick by me through all my screw ups, no mater how big, or how small. I read this verse the other day and it really applied to this type of situation, where because of something a person was being persecuted. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and don't curse. Obviously Romans has some really awesome stuff to say. This verse is just so awesome when you are having to deal with the rumor mills, or bullies, or people who are just plain mean to you. Since I came upon this verse I remember to take time and pray for blessings in anyones' life that I may be having troubles with. That may sound like hot air after saying that I am a hypocrite and that I screw up, but I guess if it sounds like hot air, you really have no idea who I am or what my relationship with Jesus is.
Now with all of that said and established God has really put on my heart that I need to work with youth and their relationship with God. I am not perfect, I do screw up...and there is nothing I want more than to be able to show kids that they can still love God and God still loves them through all of that. I've spent many a hours praying, begging, asking ect.. for forgiveness in my life, and I am okay with that. I know God loves me and that even though I screw up from time to time I can still love Him. I just recently realized that. After making a few bad choices I put myself in the position to have people question my love for God, and I actually had the thought that maybe it would be better if I just gave up, because obviously to others I am not "tight" enough with God to make a good christian. To that thought I plea temporarily insane. That is pretty much crazy talk. It doesn't mater what others think. I walked into my church on Easter Sunday and worshiped the Lord with all my heart, even though I knew I had people judging me over one of my stupid life mistakes. I want other people, ESPECIALLY youth to know that it's okay to screw up, ask for forgiveness, repent, and still praise the Lord...I think that idea is a little cockeyed in some minds and I don't want it to intimidate kids like I felt...God is good ALL THE TIME, and no mater what you do, how you screw up, He will love you. I like that idea! :)
In other news..I finished my application for REI. I am planning on moving with my Mom sometime in June. I want to work for a year while I explore christian colleges and ministry programs. (If you have any suggestions let me know! ) I want to fine the place that God wants me to be at. I want to do lots of exploring and discovering to really find the right home for me. :)
The FFA plant sale starts soon! Next Friday 5/6 from 3PM to 5PM will be the GRAND OPENING! Then Saturday from 9AM-2PM. Then all through May with the same hours. We have a beautiful crop this year, and good prices! I will be working at every shift! The plant sale supports all activities for FFA throughout the year! Contact me if you have any questions!
Life is good. God is good. I have people around me that care about me and I have plans. I have awesome students who I love with all my heart, and I may or may not have promised to hug a student's pig at the end of the schools year. Through the good times and the bad times... things are always still good. Thanks God for all you do! :)
