Won't you dance with me in Heaven someday?

wish i could remember who this painting belongs to

My child,

I have seen how you have been used. I have seen how others have picked you apart. I have seen the

white flag that you have raised.

Know that I am in your midst to begin to piece you back together. Healing comes through praise.

Even as the wind blows and the storm rages, praise can mute the sounds of destruction around you.

This too shall pass, My child. Hold My hand and I will safely guide you across these waters.

You are mine. You shall not drown. I am your life raft. I can keep you afloat in these dark times.

You do not need to be perfect to fall into My arms of mercy of grace..You just need to simply fall into them.

I will do the rest. I am preparing a place for you as we speak. Just as there is no one else like you, just as you are a unique creation, so is the place that I have prepared for you.

Prepare to be amazed at the working of My hands. Prepare to laugh, even as the storm brews and the winds howl.

I can calm the raging within even when all else seems to fall apart.

I love you, My Child.

See the destruction created by darkness, then reach out for the life that I promised. Remain faithful to Me and only Me.

Embrace these winds and learn from them, teach others what you have learned.

I love you, My child..More than you can and will ever know.

Won't you dance with Me in Heaven someday?

The man with the teardrop tatoo

Today I stopped at Circle K to grab a fountain drink. While I was entering the store, a man held the door open for me. He was black and I noticed that he had a tattoo of a teardrop near his eye.

As I was walking in the store, one of those feelings came over me. There are days when I can sense and feel the love of the Holy Spirit for the people around me. Today was one of those days. Sometimes I feel like He will  show me His great love for a particular individual. Today, I felt His love for the man with teardrop tattoo. One thing I have learned is that God’s love is overwhelming. It is born out of the most miraculous purity. It knows no bounds. It sees no color. It is blind to a person’s past. It is just there. Bright and brilliant. Wonderful and miraculous.

I watched the man. He allowed someone to go in front of  him in line. I could sense things about him. A hardness and yet a tenderness at the same time. I felt like I wanted to wrap my arms around him for a moment and tell him that everything in this life is going to be o.k.  But instead I asked him how his day was…. He said, “Fine.” Then, he asked how my day was.  I said that it was good.

I believe that Jesus can speak to us through His Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit speaks to me it comes in the form of a sense of overwhelming “rightness.” It often brings tears to my eyes.

I remember once I was driving in a Walmart parking lot. I saw a man sitting outside in an area that was obviously reserved for outdoor breaks for the employees. He was young, tall, and  I noticed that he had tattoos all along his arms.  I felt an overwhelming need to let this man see the love of Jesus. So I stopped the car and kindly motioned for him to speak to me for a moment. While he was standing at my window, I began to cry. I told him how Jesus had a very great an overwhelming love for him. I told him that “it was all real.” Jesus, He’s real. I felt as if I was supposed to give him something. So I handed him a one hundred dollar bill. The giant that stood before me began to weep. As I was driving away I could hear that beautiful voice of Jesus telling me that no one had ever given this man anything. He had always had to work very hard for what little he had.

On another occasion, when I first became a Christian, I saw a woman I knew sitting outside on her front porch. I heard His beautiful voice urging me to go and pray with her.  I fought it. But Jesus, “she’s seems fine.” I don’t even know if she believes in you, Jesus. Why should I go? But I heard His voice, “Just go.” So I went.  I walked up to her and asked her how her day was. I told her that I felt like I needed to pray with her. As we prayed, she began to cry. She began to open up to me about many things that were going on in her life and thanked me.

Jesus has a way of breaking down walls. Our kindness, as Christians, heeding the voice of the Holy Spirit has a way of speaking to people that is unparalled.  Some people can attend church their entire lives and never see who or what Christ is….That is why we have to live church.  It doesn’t matter what denomination you are. Methodist.  Baptist. Catholic. Non denominational. If you are living Christ, and carrying His light, then you are doing something worthwhile. You are representing in a magnificent way the One you proclaim to know.

Christ works in ways that are often unique to each of us….. It is something that our human minds can’t even begin to wrap our minds around. He reveals Himself to each of us in very different ways. He revealed Himself to me through dreams and through the overwhelming and genuine love that He put in my heart for others. I believe that He reveals Himself to people all over the world in ways that even I can't understand.  That is how big and powerful He is...

The other day I had the opportunity to share my dream with a few different people. I was at work and there were four of us sitting in a room. We were talking about Jesus. To me, this in itself is something to write about. I have a genuine and sincere love for the people I work with. I pray for them daily.

We were talking about the Trinity.  I guess the concept of the Trinity can be difficult to wrap one’s mind around.  How can God be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all in one?  Someone asked me what I thought of the Trinity.

Here’s how I explained it from what I was shown in my dream.  One night I had a very real dream that felt less like a dream and more like an experience. I dreamt that Jesus was standing next to this brilliant and beautiful light. It was like a fire. It was alive. It flickered and it lived and breathed. The light was small. The color of this light was white and gold. It was like a fire of complete purity. Even more than the appearance of the light, what I remember most was the feeling of being in it’s presence. There was more peace and more joy in the presence of that light than anything that I have ever known or felt. In my heart, I knew that that light was perfection. The substance of that light was  innocence. I could see how no sin, no darkness, and no fear could live in that light.

When I woke up, I asked Jesus what the dream meant. He reminded me that God is often referred to as a Light. His character is described as Light. He said that, as Christians, each of us has that light within us and it is OUR DUTY TO SHARE it with others….He then reminded me of the immense peace and joy that I felt in the presence of such of small light. He said to multiply that feelings times millions and that is the feeling of Heaven.

To many, my dream may sound strange. But it is just one of the many ways that God revealed himself to me. Through my dream and by following His divine will, I came to see that He is all that is pure, all that is good, and all that is right. He is perfection.

I told the man at work how it says in the Word of God to carry our light and not hide it under a lampstand or bushel. We are to take the spirit of complete love that He gave us and share it with a very lost and dying world.

I told the man at work that I didn’t fully understand the Trinity. I don’t know how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all three in One… But I know that they are born of the same Spirit..the spirit of perfection. The spirit in which no darkness can live. They have the spirit of peace, of perfection, and of an all encompassing holiness and purity that is almost unfathomable.

There are times when I know that I am acting in accordance with the will of God, because a complete peace will embrace me. It is then that I feel as if the light of heaven is literally shining down upon me. And all I can say is that there is no feeling anywhere on this earth that compares. It is like stepping a foot inside of eternity and bringing little pieces of heaven to this dark earth.

My prayer for you, reader, is that you come to know and understand who Jesus is…that you feel His arms around you. That you experience Him in a very real way so that you may share Him with others.

When you experience God, then it will be undeniable. He will leave a mark on your heart so large that you will Know…Don’t ask me how, but you will know. and when you fully comprehend it, you will want nothing, and I mean nothing....to do with the darkness. You will hate sin in a way you could never imagine...but you will be filled with a complete love for every human being on this dark planet.

So seek Him… The journey begins not on our feet, but on our knees. There are people in this life that have probably accomplished more through prayer than by walking thousands of footsteps.

On another note,

The other day my sister and I were talking about church. We were wondering why things are done the way they are. She told me of a dvd she had watched called, “Church without walls.”  Before churches were comprised of brick and mortar, church looked very different than much of what we see today.

Tithes went to helping widows and orphans. Tithes were put into storehouses that served the needy. Money and offerings went to clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and meeting the needs of the poor. Today, many tithes go toward sustaining a building in the form of bank notes and utility costs. It costs a lot to run a brick and mortar church. Many tithes go toward making someone rich…I’ve seen pastors and preachers with multiple million dollar mansions and private jets. Something within me wants to desperately cry out…”This isn’t how it’s meant to be.” Something is dreadfully wrong here.

Feel free to disagree. I’m not calling for debate. I’m only writing this because it is something that I feel deep within me.

We spoke of communion…What did communion look like?  It looked like people dining together, as Christ dined with His disciples the day before His death,  Communion looked like people embracing one another in love, thankfully recognizing that they were partaking in a sacred moment in remembrance of His body and His blood and that they were each a part of something greater than themselves.

The church of old, before brick and mortar churches were contrived, looked like fellowship. It looked like meeting the needs of others  by being the very hands and feet of Christ here on earth.

I have no doubt that people from all denominations will walk together in Heaven someday….But I say we start walking together now. I say we stop letting the title of our churches separate us, and we go out and show Christ to those around us during the week. True church is meant to be lived. It is a way of life. It is a deep and resonating love within us that unites us in deep and meaningful ways.

I was speaking with a man the other day and he made a profound statement. You can find God in a closet.  Yes, you can. If you seek Him and ask Him to meet you there, chances are He will. Sometimes, you have to keep on knocking, but if you knock loud and hard enough, He will answer. And when He does, you will know it. It will leave a mark on your heart the size of Texas…

And your perspective will change, and your love will grow, as you lean into the Greatest Truth ever beknown… Your eyes will be opened and you will see things as  you have never seen them before.

If you act on His Word, then you will grow roots. And you will be unmoveable. You will be as a tree planted beside the water that can’t be shaken.

Today, before I entered the Cirlce K, I was struggling with some thoughts I was having. Sometimes I feel like people want to take advantage of my kindness. Sometimes it feels like people only call when they need something. Never simply to say, "Rachelle, how is your day." But as I reflect on this now, I am thankful that people call me. I am thankful that they know that I am Christian and that when others will fail them, Christ cannot. I hope I represent Him in a way that shows that He is unfailing.
I know that as a human, I am falliable . But He is not. He is perfection.

So, today, dear reader..my prayer is for you. that you will come to know Him in a way that you never have. Your past does not define you. You are more than the sum of your mistakes. You are precious in His eyes, worthy of love and forgiveness.

I pray that you find peace, happiness, and joy...I pray that you turn away from the things of darkness. Don't let the darkness define you. You are more than that. You have a purpose.

One final but very important note...

Everyday I can see God manifesting Himself in different ways. I can see that He is a beautiful force that stitches things and people together...while darkness is the force that tears people apart, God stitches together. He heals, He mends, He is the substance of life and light.

My grandmother is dying. She may only have a few days left to live. But I have a peace in my heart that tells me that one day I will see her again. If we live our lives the way Christ called us to live, then we can rest with that assurance.

The other day I walked into a room at work and there were three men talking about Jesus. I thought, This is an answer to my prayers.  I want to live my life in such a way...as to make others stop and think about Him..and to question the path that they on... I want people to come to realization that there is more. There is much, much more than what we can see with our eyes.
There is much more that God has in store for each us.

The other day I was at church and I could hear my dad singing in the pew behind me..and suddenly my spirit was filled with peace. There was a sense of rightness to it. It was one of those beautiful moments that God gives to those who love Him.
Reader, Reach out to God, and find your beautiful moments. There are gems that are in every breath that we take and every person we enounter. Find them. Hold them next to your heart. Relish this wonderful life you've been given by giving it back to the One who created you.

Dear Reader, I love you. Chew on that.

"But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." 1 Cor. 2:9, 10

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all^[b] sin.

 ⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 5:10

Won't you dance with me in Heaven someday?

Edgar Degas

Do you not see that set of footprints along these sands?

I am holding you in My arms in this dark hour.

Look at the desert. Do you see how life grows from nothing?

Do you see how life thrives in the midst of adversity?

Look into the steam of this life. Whose reflection do you see?

I long for you to see yourself as I created you.

I long for you to see the beauty amonst thorns.

I long to wrap you into my cocoon and breathe new life into you.

Remember the dry bones in Ezekiel. Remember how I bid them to walk and grow flesh?

You are those dry and lifeless bones. Do not rely on the things of this world for pleasure and comfort.

You will carve a path of futility that will lead to Death. I may bring you into the thorny bushes and

crags, but rest assured that My hand will be there to guide you.

My love for you is unwavering. I long for your very heart to beat in sync with My own.

You are mine, my love,

Return to Me. Know Peace and remember what it is to laugh.

Won't you dance with me in Heaven someday?

Do you hear the whispering of the wind through the leaves?

That is how He longs to speak to you.

He longs to instill His peace and quiet within the depths of your very soul.

He loves you immensely. He longs to hold your hand and touch the very corners of your mind.

You are worth more than darkness. You are better than the things that darkness has handed you.

Reach into His light and find strength.

Find the laughter that accompanies mercy.

You are His,

Now find Him...

Won't you dance with me in Heaven someday?

* picture is by Edgar Degas

_______

Tonight, I was writing some Christmas cards for the homeless, and this is one of the messages that I felt led to pen. As I get to know the heart of Jesus, it is almost as if I can hear His voice. I long to share with you what He says. I long to encourage those around me.
I follow a blog that inspires me. Every Tuesday I read a post that speaks to me. It is almost as if I can hear the voice of Jesus lifting me up and reassuring me of His love.
I long to offer my blog followers and everyone around me the same encouragement.
I am going feature this segment on my blog daily or as time permits...I hope that you are inspired and encouraged. I love you!

* The blog that I spoke of is called "Terribly Interesting". You should check it out! It has inspired me greatly. The words have been words I needed to hear at a time when I needed to hear them.
http://www.stephaniecherry.com/

To the fatherless

Today was a “less than typical” day. I was driving to work and I saw a young man and woman sitting on the side on the interstate.  I was struck by the appearance of the girl. At first glance, I thought she was a child. As I was about to drive past them,  a phrase resonated in my mind….

“whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.”

I felt drawn to them. I felt as if I needed to stop. I can’t say that I recommend stopping for strangers. I know that we should use discretion. There is always the chance that we could encounter dangerous people with dangerous motives. But I also know that fear is heavily marketed in our society.

I traveled in Europe for a short while during my early twenties. Hitchhiking was as natural as breathing over there.  Once, my friend Elia and I went for a trip to the Humber Bridge in Hull, England. We took the bus to get there. An elderly couple offered us a ride back.  we gratefully accepted, and we are both alive to tell about it.

Our society is different because the majority of people in America own cars. We need cars to get around.  Whereas, in Europe, many cities are walker-friendly and more accomodating to those who don’t own vehicles.

I digress,

I offered the young man and lady a ride. They had two dogs with them. It was a little awkward trying to find a place for the dogs and their backpacks, but we made room.

I introduced myself to them and tried to make them feel welcome in my car. The girls name was Emily. She is from Vermont.  I can’t remember the man’s name, but I will never forget his face. I think he said that he was from New Hampshire.  One of their dogs was named Trooper. I can’t remember the name of the other.

I know that my family must be pulling their hair out, knowing that I picked up two strangers. Once again, I am not promoting the act…I would feel horrible if anything ever did happen to anyone that picked up a hitchhiker.  I do think that maybe the danger is, to some extent, elevated in our minds, however. 

They told me that they had found one of the dogs on the side of the interstate.  I noticed that the dog had a cast on his leg. They said that his leg was broken when they found him, but they decided to take him under their wing and care for him.

I was curious about their life so I began to ask them questions.  The young man said that they were headed to L.A.  They said they wanted to “anywhere but here.” …… Here, being…on the side of the interstate in Sulphur, Louisiana.

I asked the young man if he needed to make a phone call. He indicated that Emily had a phone that her mother gave her…He offhandedly mentioned that he had never owned a cellphone.

He asked me how my day was. And then asked what kind of work I do.  I told him that I worked shift work at a chemical plant in Texas.  He told me that he liked factory work, and proceeded to tell me how he had worked for IBM, but was laid off.

I asked him how he ended up on the side of the interstate in Sulphur, LA.  He didn’t give me many details but told me that he has been on the road for the past six months. I asked him what that was like. He said, “Being on the road, makes you grateful..even for the smallest things.” “You learn to appreciate the small stuff”, he said.

I asked him if he was hungry and I told him that I would give them some money to get themselves a couple of meals. His eyes brightened. “O, wow, that would be amazing. We spent our last little bit of money fixing up the dog.”

That statement really struck me. It’s one of those statements that speaks volumes about the hearts and characters of people. To him, it was perfectly natural to spend his last few bucks helping a lost, stray dog that he found on the side of the road.

Have you ever been in a church service where someone stands up and declares that they need help financially and would like the church to pray that their needs or the needs of a close family member are met?  Chances are, these people, who humbly ask for help, have tried everything in their power to make ends meet, but just can’t seem to find that little extra.

My sister and I talked about this last week. As churches, in the wealthiest country in the entire world, we shouldn’t be praying for the financial need of others to be met. We, as Christians, should be meeting them. We should be reaching out to those who are in dire straights and need help. It is our duty…… “whatever you did for the least of them, you did for me.”  We should share more. Give more. Think less about the toys and luxuries we want, and meet the needs of those around us.

So, as this very poor man was telling me that he gave his last few dollars to help a dog on the side of the road, I couldn’t help but see the very face of Jesus in that act alone.

Humility. The full concept of the term formed in my mind at the sacrifce. A poor man’s  sacrifice for a helpless dog.  And then, I saw Jesus walking to Golgatha, with a cross tied to His back and blood running down his face..for us, the helpless "dogs" on the side of the road.

Today, I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes, the poor emulate Christ more than the “Christians” do.

It’s easy to proclaim Christ from our lips, but it is so much harder to live the life He lived.

How many of us, would give our last dime to help someone in dire need?

How many of us are greatful, even for the simplest and smallest things?

Would we have to lose everything we have, to come to place where we can see beauty in the small things?   Instead, we curse and point our fingers silently at God when a little wind blows our way and our day doesn’t go as planned.

As we were driving, I began to speak about my children. I told them how I was taking my boy to a cubscout campout this weekend. The young man told me that he had been in cubscouts but it wasn’t really his thing.

I told him that I wanted Cade in cubscouts because he needed more positive male role models in his life. “He has his grandfather  ( me paw) and some wonderful male family members,” I told the young man, but he grew up without a dad in his life.”

I could see that this statement struck a chord with the young man. He told me how his father was in prison and he mumbled something about a stepfather.  I could sense a deep hurt  as he mentioned his father and stepfather. 

It was as if I could see deep into this man’s life and see a life of pain.   I remembered the scripture in the Word  that relates to the fatherless. “ But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.”     Psalms 10:14

There is a scripture that also urges us to take care of the fatherless. We are to take them under our wing and teach them and show them what it means to be loved.

But, as a nation, it seems that too often we are too busy to concern ourselves with fatherless children.  We often wonder why crime is so prevalent…We wonder why the world is such a chaotic mess….
Often, the answer is simple. We didn’t take the time to show love to those who needed it most, when they needed it the most.

We turned a blind eye and looked the other way. We saw the wounded, suffering “dog” on the side of the road, but we chose not to help it. We chose to drive on by, content to let it suffer.

I can’t help but think of the book of James, where we learn that faith without works is dead.  We learn that it simply isn’t enough to see a hungry person and wish him well. Wishing him well won’t feed him. Telling him about our faith or our God won’t feed him. We are called to feed him. To reach out our hand of love and let him see the hand of Jesus holding the bread to his very lips.

I parted with the Emily, the young man at  a gas station on my way to work. I gave them some money for food and I gave them a book of Bible verses.
I wanted them to see that all that was good in me, came from Him.

I was glad that I had learned their story. Or even at least a small bit of it. It’s sad but I know that not many would have taken the time to listen.

How often do we flitter past one another without knowing the people around us? How often do we let life flitter by without learning someone’s beautiful story?

How often do we judge the “lowly” or people that don’t look like we do or believe like we do?

In passing everyone up, we miss out on grand pieces of life…we miss out on learning. We miss out on teaching. We miss out on representing the One whom we proclaim to know.

Today was a day of adventure.  When I think of the events of today, I think of the disciples. I can parallel today’s event with their lives.

They carried their few belongings with them on their back because they sought something greater than themselves. They lived humbly, like Jesus, giving so that others could have more. They spread the truth at all costs. They were inconvenienced and faced trials and persecution, and yet they were greatful. Even for the simplest things. If they saw someone on the side of the road, they picked them up, showed them love, and took care of them.
We are called to be disciples.

Today, please pray for the fatherless. We live in a fatherless generation. We live in a world where fathers with no fathers became fathers to fatherless children.  And the vicous cycle is woven. and the hurt speads....
But even more than praying for the fatherless,

Do something about it. Leave a legacy of love. Be a part of a childs life that will leave no question in his/her mind that there is a Father and that He is good.
Please also remember Emily and the young man in your prayers.And the dog with the bandaged leg.

Bullies Part 2

A tragedy recently unfolded in our neighorhood. A very beautiful 15 year old girl by the name of Hannah Pauley took her own life.
The cause?
Bullying.
She was relentlessly hounded on facebook. She was demeaned and taunted.

I couldn't help but feel ill when read her story.

How relentless and how cruel children can be!

As hard as it is to say....children are like sponges. Many emulate thier parents.
If a child sees a parent spitting hatred from thier lips, gossiping, talking bad about others, then chances are....

they are going to follow in the parent's footsteps.

If we want to stop bullying in schools, we need to find the root of the problem.
We need to look in the mirror and especially the words that come out of our mouths.
If we speak negative, then chances are...our children will follow suit, like lambs to the slaughter...

but if we can learn to speak life, the words that God has called us to speak,
then we can build our children and teach them to encourage and offer kindness to those that need it most.

I"m very sad and desperately sorry for the parents and family of Hannah.
I saw her father on the news a few nights ago, speaking out against bullying.

If there is anyone out there reading this that is a victim of bullying...
Know this...It's hard. People are mean. I've lived through various forms of bullying.
Remember that you are beautiful and your purpose is great.
Look at things above, not at things below.
You are strong. You are fierce. You are meant to lead by example.
You are an overcomer.

THE POWER OF OUR WORDS

Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. James 3:6

but

Pleasant words are as honeycomb; sweet to the soul and healing to the body
Proverbs 16:24

for those of all denominations and faiths.

Does anyone ever feel like a victim of religious hatred and intolerance?
I'm sad because I have seen people from all walks of life and denominations hurt either by people of another denomination or by someone in thier own religion.

I've been hurt by comments from people from various denominations. From talking to people, I really feel as if the problem is widespread.

Hatred really bothers me. Gossip really bothers me. It's wrong no matter what religion. It's un Christlike.

I've heard of stories from a Catholic friends who felt targeted by Protestants.
Likewise, I've heard stories from a Protestant family member who felt targeted by Catholics.

So why all the intolerance and hatred?
One thing that I have learned is that many people feel very strongly about certain beliefs.
And that is wonderful. I think we should talk about our experiences and beliefs with one another. Peacefully.
It doesn't mean we have to come to an agreement.

There are so many differences even in the entire Christian belief system. It's ok to disagree, but it should be done in a spirit of love.
We should unite in the one thing, our Christ, that brings us together...instead of focusing on various differences.

I am sad because I feel as if various religions think that thier way is the Only way to the Cross.

Didn't Jesus say, "I am the way, the Truth, and the Life? No man cometh unto the Father but by me?

I am learning that Jesus doesn't reside in an building. He is there for all who seek Him.

I can say that I genuinely love people from all religions. I truly love them.
I love my Catholic friends and in-laws. I love the my Baptist friends. I love the Pentecostals. I love everyone. Period.
I know people from various denominations that Know Him.
It doesn't mean I have to agree with everyone...But I can love everyone regardless of our differences. We aren't meant to feel "separate." We aren't meant to be divided.

One thing I have learned in my walk is that Jesus loves each of us so very much. He wants us all to come into the knowledge of who He is...

Lately, there have been things I have seen in various religions that I don't agree with., even my own. Actually, dare I say that I claim no religion. But I know Him and I love Him with all of my heart. And I can honestly say that I love people from all religions.

If every church in America burned to ground, God would still be God. He would still lead us into truth. Because that is how big and beautiful He is. He doesn't limit himself to certain groups of people.
He writes His truth upon our hearts and minds.
He is there for All who knock.
He never said, "I"m there for all of the (insert a denomiation here) that knock.
NO, He calls us each to knock.

He calls the crack addict, the rich man, the poor man, the white man, the black man, the gay man, the straight man, to Knock. He wants each of us to knock.

My purpose in this post isn't to offend. I know that not everyone may agree with me. And that's ok. We are all taught things from a very young age and often those things are ingrained within us...
My purpose is not to change anyone. My purpose in writing this post is to show others that God is bigger than we can imagine. He doesn't limit Himself.

I hate to say this, but it's "man" that I don't trust. It seems that anytime another human is in charge of anything related to God, people get hurt....or confused....congregations end up hating people that aren't like them or pointing fingers of condemnation.

That is why I turn to Him and Him alone for my answers. Because He hears me and He is faithful. I simply don't trust in man, but I do trust in God.

Why do we try to change one another? Why can't we discuss our experiences with an open heart and mind without feeling that we have to convert one another to another religion?

There are so many religious barriers...but there is one force great enough to break them all down...and that is love.
If we loved one another the way Christ called us to love, then there would be no religious wars, antagonism, or hatred.
We wouldn't feel targeted. We would feel accepted. We would feel the way we were meant to feel.
We would embrace one another and see one another as fellow creations of Christ.

I don't embrace the beliefs of all religions. But I do embrace the people behind them.


I heard a story about someone who was shunned from church for committing a sin. And it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Have churches become so self righteous that they forget that Christ called us to love. He is the final judge.
I think if we see someone who is on the wrong path, we should lovingly speak to them as it says in the Bible..not point self righteous fingers.
People long to see Christ and we are called to represent Him...not cast stones at one another.

So for all of the people who have been hurt by "christians" and to all of the denominations...
I love you. I can see Christ in many of you and I hope that you can see Him in me. Let's put aside our differnces and pray for another.

Let's pray for those that need Christ and pray that we will represent Him in a true spirit of love.
I'm sorry to anyone who has ever gotten hurt by someone of another religion. I'm truly sorry.