As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.
Proverbs 27:19

The other day while on the train two women were looking out the window and noticed a father holding up his little boy. You could see the wonder in his eyes as he smiled and laughed.

One of the women turned to the other and said, "He's so happy, you can totally tell he's thinking 'Wow, choo-choo! Choo-choo train!". She then went on to express how wonderful it is that you can tell just by looking at a person what it is that they're thinking.

At the time, I was listening to worship music. I wonder if people looking at me could tell that I love Jesus, and that I was praying for everybody on the train to know the joy I feel.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Hebrews 10:31; 1 John 1:7

We are all given a choice: accept or deny Christ. There is no middle ground. Non-Christians wonder why we're so gung-ho about sharing the Gospel. Well (and this is hard to say), it's because we believe you're going to Hell.

That's right. Hell. Eternal damnation. Can you really contemplate eternity? I can't. When I think of Heaven and Hell, of the future when I'll be with my Lord and Savior, I always think of it in phases. "Oh, when I'm in Heaven it'll be great, I'll do this and this to serve God until..."

But there is no until. It's forever. And right now, it's vital that I do my best to share God's love with the world. Not through my actions, which are flawed and selfish. But through sharing the mercy in God's heart when He sent His son, Jesus. A plan formed before we had even sinned. God knows all, and yet somehow still manages to love us. It's so amazing, and I truly hope that if you have not opened your heart and mind to the possibility of truth in Christianity (or if you have, and walked away) that you would consider this an invitation. Email me. Let's talk. I'd love to share my faith with you. Not as a way to "improve your life" or "find happiness" or whatever (though I do believe that those who serve and love God are blessed). I just want you to know God's love, to understand that complacency and depression and immoral behavior have no benefits. And that if you're having problems, it's really nice to always know that somebody who loves you is available, and is working in your life this very moment for you salvation. God loves you now and forever, even if you don't believe in Him.

Christianity is not about being a good person. Sure, that's great. But it doesn't matter, because we all sin and we all fall short of God's glory. I mean, yeesh, He's GOD. That's why He sent Jesus Christ. One perfect being, who would live through our temptations and triumph over them, and conquer death. One who would suffer so that we could be forgiven. We are not good enough for God, because nobody is "good enough" for perfection. But if we accept the sacrifice of Jesus, if we can push aside our own will and submit to Him, then everything is open to us.

I may not know what God has planned for my life (who does, really?). But I do know that He has asked me to share His love with you. So I am. Question me, ridicule me, do your best to confuse me. I'll accept any challenges, so long as you accept mine to open your heart to the possibility of perfect love.

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Isaiah 58:11

I began this entry on December 23rd, when I was in Olympia during Winter Break. Amazing how time flies, and how something once so useful (the laptop) faded into nothing when I decided not to use it anymore.

Too often I see myself reaching for goals and creating new obligations for myself. Rarely do I see myself seeking out God in my daily activities. Perhaps it's because of our society, and the rules we've placed on people regarding religion and its separation from everything else of importance in our lives (an issue which I'll probably delve into later). For whatever reason, though, I seem to keep my "God" time in its own little area in my life. Work, school, volunteering, play... It all floats by and though I think of Him often, I don't infuse His love into everything I do.

God has seen my love for Jesus and blessed my life. Not simply because I accepted Him as my one and only savior, but because through my acceptance I submitted to His will. When I did that, He was able to lead me on the path that He wanted me to take, and through that I have found peace, love, and incredible joy. It's not luck or even God just moving my life around so it's "happy" and I'm happy. My blessings come from leading my life the way God wants; after all, who better would know what's best for me, and what actions would lead to a prosperous existence and which would lead to depression and nothingness?

We're all seeds trying to grow into beautiful flowers, bushes, or trees. Maybe even vines or tumbleweed. =) But how far can we ever hope to grow without something to reach toward? Jesus is my light and my salvation, and His love for me is all the motivation I could ever need. If I want to blossom, I must remember to keep Him as my focus in all that I do. He's there, waiting to guide me, if I'll only let him. Rain on me, Jesus, and reign in me.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Mother Theresa. Joan of Arc. Billy Graham. The Pope.

It's so easy to see that God just speaks to some people. That He leads them where they need to go, and provides for them in order that His will may be done. That their lives are good because they are able to do good, and in His name.

I must remember that God is speaking just as loudly and clearly to me. I just need to take off my headphones and listen. He has a plan for all of us, every one of His children. It may not include leading armies to victories, speaking to millions worldwide, or reminding the world that humble compassion is one of humankind's greatest abilities. But it's what He has planned for us, and He's promised us that if we follow His lead that everything will work out. That all things will be good, and for good. For God's glory can be nothing but greatness, and having some part in that is yet another blessing He's offered.

That's too good an offer to pass up. Turn your volume down, and listen to His voice.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7

Life's been rough. I am finally (finally) getting over being sick, and honestly, I've had no time for God.

Check that. I've been lazy and horrible and haven't made the time for God.

I need Him. There is too much going on, and I can't handle it by myself.