Defining moments.

   There are certain moments that define our character. There are certain situations in which we discover the significance of the people God has put in our lives. I am grateful to have such a wonderful group of friends and family who care about me and will always be supportive of me. I could not ask for anyone better, I love them all very much.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:15-17

   Yesterday was a bit hectic, and looking back, it seems so unreal now. I remember praying with my friends, we were all nearing tears. I remember seeing my mom and dad standing next to me talking to the doctor. Though, what I felt to be most incredible was seeing my best friends in the world with their mothers waiting for me to recover. It was so amazing, and I tried my best to hold back tears. While it was one of the most frightening situations I've ever encountered, it was also one of the most humbling experiences.


I love you all. (this is the only photo I could find with all of you in it...) 



   I also remember receiving a text message from my sister. I didn't have my glasses so my friend read it to me. I started crying. It was the sweetest thing she'd ever said to me. The tables had been reversed, and I knew that if I had stayed longer, she would have come to visit me and we'd have loads of fun. What saddened me though, was that she was worried and unable to focus as much as I know she could have during her game. She's an amazing player, and I am sad that her mind was too clouded for her to play to her full potential. However, I am touched that I mean so much to her.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

James 1:17

   All in all, I am extremely thankful for the people in my life. I remember the ride there, I was worried about not being able to keep my breath steady and whether or not the pain would go away. Then I thought to myself, and I felt God there with me. I knew that everything would be alright because it wasn't my time. It wasn't easy, but I knew that He would be throughout the evening and help me recover. I had hope. He is love, and His love gave me hope.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

Because God loves me, I feel safe. Because God loves me, I am sure. Because God loves me, I have faith.Because God loves me, it really doesn't matter what other people think. I know that I will always have the love and support from the One who matters the most, and that will always be enough. I know I don't always see that, but it certainly is true. Nothing can compare to His love for me.

Let me answer that with another question...

   A couple days ago in one of my classes, we journaled on the question, "Why are people religious?" What I'd like to know is, "Why are people not religious?" Of course, because I needed to complete the assignment, I provided a legitimate answer.

   I know why I'm religious. To me, my faith is a part of me. I would not be half the person I am today if I did not have my faith. What's interesting though, is when people ask me questions about what I believe and why I believe a certain way, I cannot always give clear-cut answers. This is not to say I don't have answers to these questions, because I do. However, sometimes, explaining faith or Christianity can be a touchy subject.

   Christianity is something a person just has to accept. Faith is not based on "the hard facts" or scientific knowledge. Faith just... is. The decision to have faith is ultimately up to the person. A person has to really feel a connection in order for faith to make any sense at all. The answers

cannot be found in a book, they are always there; the person just has to find them.

   What I am more curious about is why people are not religious. I do not wish to criticize or pass judgment. I simply wish to understand their point of view. From what I have observed and inferred from conversations and my own personal experience, the subject of religion immediately puts people on the defense. People feel the need to convince another person to conform to their beliefs. This should not be the case.  A person cannot believe something simply because he is told to; he has the freedom to believe whatever he wishes to believe.

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken"

Psalm 62:1-2

   So, why are people religious? Well, why are people not religious? Do these questions really have one answer? Each individual has their own opinions on the matter. There is no right or wrong answer. Many people interpret religion differently. Though, for some reason, because of these various viewpoints, the subject has become one that is unpleasant and often avoided. While people can be extremely opinionated, they are entitled to their opinion.
   Such questions cannot be tackled in a ten minute class discussion or half page journal. These are the questions that cause me to stop, think, and evaluate my own beliefs and reasoning. I am curious if they cause other people to do the same.

Xronia Polla!

   Looking back, 2010 has been quite a year. There were ups and downs, but I now realize the purpose and the plan behind every obstacle in my path. I remember how much I hurt, how sad I was at times, and how much I hated and wished & wished & wished for the easy way out. I must say, those times certainly were not pleasant, but I understand now that they were necessary for me to grow and strengthen my relationship with Christ. That relationship should always be my first priority, and this year, I really want to keep that in mind.
   I feel that I have grown so much over these past few months, and I have a completely different outlook on life. I can only hope that my mentality remains the same and that I have patience for any hardships 2011 may bring, and that I may embrace every second of joy that I am blessed with, keeping in mind why I am blessed with them. I want to thank God for a truly amazing year. Without Him, I would not be able to look back with the understanding that I now have.

   Today, as I sat in church listening to the sermon, I started to evaluate my "new year's resolutions". A resolution should go beyond just "eating healthy" or "less procrastination", a resolution should encompass at least one thing that would allow for spiritual growth or pleasing God in some way. I really want to work on maintaining and strengthening my relationship with God. I feel that it is so easy to lose sight of that relationship and blur the lines between happiness from God and happiness from this world. I can say that I am grateful all that I want, and I can say that I will actively live out God's word all that I want, but nothing matters unless I follow through with my word. I want to be an active believer. I want to live out my faith on a daily basis. I cannot do it alone, and I know that God will be with me every step of the way. This is His year.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do"

James 1:22-25



:)