Opening the Door

I'm still in awe of what God did Saturday.
If you're a facebook friend of mine, you probably saw my insanely long "status update" about the guy we met. But, I felt like going a little deeper into the story and how amazing God works.

There are several women at my church that hold very special places in my heart. These are women I consider mentors or maybe what you would call "spiritual mothers." They each add something unique and special to my life and my walk with Christ. One of these amazing women happens to clean the church with her husband each Saturday. Without pay. Or complaint. With a smile. All for the glory of God. I've been saying for months that we should do some sort of rotation but it seemed every time they needed help, we were busy. But we made ourselves available Saturday so that she and her husband could enjoy their baby girl's wedding and not have to worry about cleaning the church. We were happy to help out such a wonderful couple and serve our church in the process.

And may I just pause here and say that cleaning a church is no easy task...especially if you do it right. I think we got there around 9:30 and didn't actually leave until around 2:00. But it was all perfectly laid out timing. 

As I was wiping down the counter in the foyer and holding my son on my hip, I heard someone try to get in the locked door. When I heard the sound, I thought, "Please, be someone from the church." I turned my head enough to see a poorly dressed man standing at the window peering in. Okay, now I was freaked out. And this is where I'm not proud of myself. I immediately judged him. Seriously? I'm inside a CHURCH, God's house, and I'm judging the man on the outside. Classy...

Now here's where I have to say that I almost told my husband to stay home that morning. He was in some obvious pain and I thought for a moment that maybe I should just head up there myself and get it all done. But I didn't and God knew why. Left up to me, I would have never opened that door.

Proud moment #2 - I tried my best to ignore him. Oh, wow. Writing that out actually hurts. It's not easy to admit that. Thank God for grace. I finally went over to my husband who was vacuuming one of the side halls and I think my exact words went something like, "Hey, some guy tried to get in the door and now he's lurking outside and peeking in the window and it's starting to freak me out."

Proud moment #3 - As hubby went to check it out, I ducked into the bathroom (*ahem, the men's bathroom*) to "clean." Escapist? Yes. Yep, 0 for 3 at this point. I could hear him talking and then my hero husband comes around the corner and says, "He just wants to talk." Okay. I can handle that. (Wait, who cares what I can handle?) That's one thing about my quiet and reserved man - he is a very good listener to those that just need someone to talk to. So, he grabbed a chair and sat down with him. 

As my lil man and I continued to clean, I overheard snippets of conversation and was slowly piecing this scenario together in my mind. Words like "needs," "tent," "shoes," stood out to me. And as I walked in and out of the bathroom retrieving other items, I briefly saw my husband standing with this man having him write out a list of his immediate needs. He actually (and I didn't mention this on facebook) tried to give the man the shoes off of his own feet. This man, this guy that I judged and was quick to dismiss, has a name. It's Mike and he's gone through some tough stuff but he refused to take my husband's shoes. 

After their conversation the guy left and my man of God came to me declaring the items this man needed. A tent, a blanket, shoes, some clothing, and some food. He'd been staying in the homeless camp in the woods not far from the church and Tropical Storm Andrea destroyed what little he had. So hubby drove home to get some stuff together while I stayed behind and continued to clean...with a repentant and heavy heart. 

This amazing man I married cleared off the top shelf of his side of the closet, full of the clothes he was saving and hoping to fit into again one day, and threw everything in a bag. He switched shoes because he was determined to give him the ones on his feet. He washed a nice blanket that smelled like the dog (because she lays on anything that's soft) because he wasn't about to give this man a nasty smelling blanket, he cleared our cabinets out of any canned goods he knew we probably wouldn't eat, and put together a food bag along with a banana, some crackers, and he cut a big slice of homemade veggie lasagna and put it in a container. He grabbed a rain poncho and our extra tent and headed back. 

A little while later, right before I finished up the last minute things, he showed up again and hubby was able to let him pick through the clothes to find some he could wear, he switched shoes (which happened to fit Mike's feet perfectly), threw on the poncho (it had started to rain), grabbed the tent, the food bag, and set off. He had mentioned to hubby that he would like to stay at Lighthouse Ministries because he doesn't really want to be on the street. After I finished and locked up, we headed home in the rain. Only, we were driving and had a home to go to...Mike didn't. When we turned at the next light, hubby turned into the shopping center parking lot, drove through to the opposite side where Mike was walking toward, got out and met him to tell him that if he hung out at the Checkers, then he would come pick him up later and take him to Lighthouse and pay for a few nights. I mean, it's only $7. Before we drove away again, we watched him as he sat down at one of the tables and dove into the lasagna (which he later expressed was delicious). An hour or so later, hubby drove back to get him and took him to Lighthouse. He learned about some of his story and the rough break this man had. He invited him back to church and later that night we prayed for him. 

The next morning, on our way to church, we saw him walking. He had walked all the way from Downtown where Lighthouse is located to the north side of Lakeland where we are located...at least 5 miles (more, I'm sure). When we saw him at church, he thanked my hubby for his kindness and told him that he probably saved his life. I shook his hand for the first time after the service and he thanked us again, for being there and for opening the door. I cringed inside...because I knew that had nothing to do with me. It was God working through my husband to bless this man. But that whole story made me realize one important thing: I don't ever want to miss an opportunity to show God's love to anyone. My prayer each and every day before I set foot outside my door should be that I take any opportunity given to me, that I open any door available to show God's love and grace. It also made me love my church even more. I knew, without a doubt, that if and when he showed up on Sunday, he would be greeted and treated just as well as some well-kept millionaire and I didn't have to worry whether he would be welcomed or not. Because the people I call my Fuel family don't judge. They love. Oh, that I would learn to love without hesitation, reservation, or limitation. 

I don't know if we'll see him again. I hope so. I hope he'll come back and we'll get to know him and build a friendship with him. But even if that doesn't happen, I will be eternally grateful that my husband listened to the voice of God and opened the door. 

A Look Back at the Year

Today I will say goodbye to the best group of students I have ever taught.

I knew this year would be different. I tried not to come in with too many expectations but I came in expecting I would have a better year than in the past. I certainly did.

Being where I am with these students has revitalized my love of what I do. Don't get me wrong. There were days where the kids drove me nuts and I wanted to rip my hair out. There were days that I was so overwhelmed by the seeming impossibility of teaching some things that I just wanted to bury my head in the sand. But despite the many changes and challenges of being some place completely new and vastly different, I have grown to love this profession unlike the previous three years.

Sure, I have some students that test my patience daily. I've lost my temper, raised my voice more often than I  like or should, and sat for several minutes waiting on students to get quiet because I just didn't have it in me to yell over the sheer noise in the room. I learned a lot about myself, my students, and how I do and don't want to do certain things in the future.

In years past I have been chomping at the bit for summer vacation for the simple fact that I would not have to see those students. This year, while I'm excited for summer vacation and ready for the welcome break, the feeling is different. I'm partly excited because I have so many ideas for next year that I want to be able to work on this summer. I've never been this excited about a new year before the current one is even over. I'll be teaching 5th grade again next year and I have to say this is my favorite grade. The kids are still young enough that they want to please (most of them) and they are sweet but they are old enough to be self-sufficient (most of them).

I'm ready to see some of them go (seriously!) but I am also going to honestly miss many of them. They have such fun personalities and make me laugh daily. Some of them have really great futures ahead of them. I'm so grateful God placed me here with such wonderful teachers, the greatest team I could ask for, fantastic students, and supportive parents. I have a lot on which I need to improve and plan to really work hard this summer to be ready for my group next year. I will be organized next year and I have already told my hubby that I will stay late Monday-Thursday to grade, plan, organize, etc. so that on Fridays I can comp out early, come home, and be fully devoted to my family on the weekend and not have to be concerned with plans for the upcoming week because it will be done.

Throughout the summer, I will try to post some of the projects I'm working on. Of course, I'm not original so most of the ideas I've gotten have come from Pinterest. There are few things that I would like to find really cheap or even free so if you know where I can find any of these items, let me know:
-milk crates
-plastic tubs
-filing cabinet
-large exercise balls
-wooden pallets

This summer is going to be great! I will get things done around the house and for school. I will spend time with my family. I plan to take some trips to the beach with my hubby and son. I want to start training for my 5k that will be in October. There is so much I want to accomplish this summer. I just need to stay motivated and on track.

Here's to a great year this year and a fabulous year come August!

So blessed to work where I do...working to make a difference in the lives of my students.

Fireside Chats

Church was amazing (as usual) on Sunday. We've been in the middle of a series called "Setbacks," a topic to which I think every human on the planet can relate. We've all had setbacks of some kind or another. Our pastor said that you're either in one, coming out of one, or about to go into one. We've had our fair share in the last year and a half, that's for sure. But, Sunday, our youth pastor, Kevin, spoke about how "Christ's love propels us through the setbacks we create for ourselves." His illustration? Peter.

Oh, Peter. I think after this week I can relate even more to this disciple of Christ, the rock upon which Christ built the church. Peter was always speaking too soon or "sticking his foot in his mouth." Kevin called it "foot-in-mouth-itis." And oh, I've had that this week. I've come armed with the sword and cut off the ear too soon.  I've jumped out of the boat and walked on the sea toward my Jesus only to lose focus and begin sinking. I've  done a lot of things that Peter might do. But thank God, I have a Savior that still loves me and still sees fit to use me.

Even after Peter's rebuke of Jesus, even after his swift violence in the garden, even after his denial of the true Christ, Jesus still saw fit to use Peter...and use him He did. After Jesus' resurrection and before His ascension, in John 21, Peter and Jesus have a "fireside chat" one morning after a rough night of fishing. This is where He asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" I can only imagine what that conversation must have been like for Peter...what it must have felt like to have your Savior ask you over and over if you love Him. By the 3rd time, Peter is "grieved." "Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You," Peter replies. Jesus again tells him to "feed my sheep" and after a few other statements, tells Peter "Follow me."

Kevin pointed out to us that each time Jesus addresses Peter in this passage, he calls him "Simon, son of John" instead of Peter. This is significant because it was as if Jesus was saying to Peter, "Let's start this over. You've done some boneheaded things and you've had some royal screw ups but you are still going to do great things in and through Me. So let's forget about all the rest and start from here. Forgetting the past, follow Me now." My Bible actually subtitles that portion of scripture, "Jesus Restores Peter."

Jesus and I have had some similar "fireside chats" of our own lately. He's asked repeatedly if I love Him, I've assured Him I do, and then He tells me something He desires of me. I agree but then go right back to my original business. But then He gives me a glimpse or a vision of how He wants to use me for His kingdom and I start to really get it. "Follow Me," He says. "Follow Me into the unknown, into the uncomfortable, into the unimaginable, and I promise that you won't regret it. Follow me and you will do great things for My kingdom." So even after all my Peter-like ways, He still desires to use me. After all of my mistakes, He restores me to who I am meant to be.

So, I don't dread these occasional fireside chats with my Savior. I've come to really appreciate them. I've realized where I am flawed and where His grace must take over. I've realized areas of  my life that need to change and am finally working to change them. I've realized that, like Peter, I may screw up and I may stick my foot in my mouth more times than I care to count, but Jesus will always call me by name and He will always restore me.

(Image from GoogleImages)

Not a Fan of Jesus

Note: This blog has taken well over a month to write. I wanted to wait until my husband and I finished the book that went with the study by which this was inspired. Every few days I would add a few lines. I read and reread to make sure that what I was saying came out the way God would intend. I debated on whether to include some things and have prayed over this blog that it might inspire or encourage others to take a look at their walk with Christ. We have finished the book and I encourage every professed believer out there to read Kyle Idleman's book Not a Fan (because this post does not do it justice). And maybe, even if you're not a believer, you should read it anyway. 

That's right.

I'm not a fan of Jesus. At least, I don't want to be.

I want to be a follower. And, friends, there is a colossal difference between the two.

In our small group that meets every other Saturday, we are discussing the study "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman, a pastor of a mega church in Kentucky. This study seriously has us reviewing our current relationship with Christ and revamping the way we pattern our lives.

So, you may ask, what exactly is the difference between a fan and a follower?

A fan is someone who believes Jesus is the Messiah. They may have even made a decision at one point to walk down the aisle of a church and "be saved." But what about that person's life? Does anything about that life change? Does that person change their current lifestyle and make the conscious decision to FOLLOW CHRIST completely (in their entertainment choices, relationships, language, way they treat their children, etc.)? Kyle describes a fan as "an enthusiastic admirer." That's a great depiction of a fan of Jesus. A fan thinks Jesus is great. They may attend church every Sunday, they may do all the right things or say all the right things but in their hearts, when following Jesus gets a little "uncomfortable," they tend to "jump ship." They want to follow Jesus to an extent...but when following requires denying their own desires or sacrificing anything they hold close to them, then it's not as worth it as they thought.

The Church (in general) does a pretty good job of "prettying up" the gospel message. They make following Jesus look neat and tidy and they package it in a way that is the most appealing. I think the Church has good intentions, but sometimes those intentions result in unintended consequences....like having churches (especially in America) full of raving fans instead of devoted followers. Kyle discusses how even he, in an effort to make following Jesus look as appealing as possible, inadvertently managed to cheapen the gospel. Following Jesus is not meant to be easy or comfortable. If you read the words of Christ carefully, you would clearly see that. He didn't come with a "prettied up" message. He came with a dangerous and often times offensive one. He told potential followers to "Let the dead bury their own dead" (Luke 9:60) or to "sell everything and give to the poor and then come follow me" (Mark 10:21) or "The foxes have holes and the birds have nests but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head" (Matt. 8:20). The question is: are you willing to follow whenever, wherever, whatever He may ask? He's a gentleman, so he's not going to force the issue, friends.

Which category have you chosen? Are you simply a fan of Jesus? Or are you a devoted, committed follower? Me? Too often I must admit, I fall into the fan category. I'm not proud of it by any means. My desire is to be a fully committed follower of Jesus, where my answer is "Yes, Lord!" before He even tells me what it is He wants me to do. This brings me to the next point that Kyle outlines in his poignant book. We often use the term "Lord" as a sort of synonym to "God." But, the word "Lord" has some very deep connotations to it. The moniker "Lord" was used as an address to a slave's master. A slave would call their master "lord." A slave, in case you missed the memo, does not belong to themselves. They are not in control. Their master, their "lord," controls them. The disciples called themselves "slaves." So when you call God your  "Lord," please know the implications of what you are saying. You are, in essence, saying that you are not your own. You BELONG to Christ. He is your Master and the filter through which all decisions are made. If you say that He is Lord of your life, well, you better live that out. By you, I first and foremost mean ME. I, for one, want to be a slave to Christ, chained to Him. Do I live that way day in and day out? Unfortunately not. But, therein lies the beauty of His grace too. Ah, grace...a topic for another time I'm afraid.

Kyle tells the story of a group of missionaries who were trying desperately to reach out to an enslaved people group but their masters only allowed slaves to converse with other slaves. So, in order to reach these slaves for Christ, the missionaries SOLD THEMSELVES into slavery. My husband and I stopped after that story and pondered that for a few moments. Would we? Could we? The question arose: do we care enough about the lost to sell our own selves into slavery to reach a lost group of people? I honestly don't know. I should. I need to. I desire to have that kind of heart....that kind of passion. That's my earnest prayer: that God would break my heart in pieces for the lost and broken of this world. My husband and I pray for the salvation of a certain individual every night and in the stillness after the prayer, God has spoken multiple times to my heart: "What would you give up in order to win his soul?" At one point, plain as day, I heard Him ask, "Would you give up your own life to save his for eternity?" The answer?

It took me awhile to get there. Transparently speaking, I wasn't sure. But now, without a doubt, I can say that I would. To insure that person's spot in eternity with Jesus, I would give up my own life. Now, my prayer is that I would feel that way about the rest of the lost. Then maybe I could truly call myself a follower.

More and more, God is molding me and chiseling away the junk and the baggage and the icky habits. He's making me His masterpiece. He's making me a follower. I may not be where I need to be or should be or even would like to be...but I can say without reservation now: I am not a fan.

If you're interested, you can purchase Kyle's book here. Read it. You won't be sorry.

Journey of Health

It's been a while since I posted anything and I don't want any of my faithful readers to think I've jumped the blogging ship. I'm still here. Life has just been really busy lately and I've had SO much on my mind that coherent thoughts haven't really been coming like they ought. I'm actually working on a post or rather, I have been working on a post for several weeks now. I add to it each week but I really want it to fully resonate with people. I want them to fully understand the implications laid out in that particular post. It's not a post I'm taking lightly at all so that's part of the reason it is taking me so long to finish it.

However, I thought I would give a much needed update to my healthy journey/lifestyle change. Of course, if you are a friend of mine on facebook you have probably seen the countless posts about different milestones. But, I think I'll just talk about it again. If it can motivate anyone in anyway, then my job has been done.

I set out on this new journey at the beginning of the year and honestly, I didn't know what to expect. I had tried so many times before to lose weight, to eat healthy, and to decrease dress sizes...but it was always short-lived. It never lasted. Well, friends, I am a little over 4 full months into this new lifestyle and I'm still going strong. As I've reflected back on how it used to be and how it is now, I've noted a few obvious differences:

1) I don't overly concern myself with what the number on the scale says. Sure, I weigh myself at least once a week, more for curiosity than anything, but I don't get discouraged when I gain a pound or two (like I used to and then subsequently drown my sorrows in a box of pizza). I know with a little extra work, it will come off. It's just a number. It doesn't define who I am.

2) I'm doing it for me. Yes, I want to feel energized so I can keep up with my son. Yes, I want my husband to be proud to call me his (which he's never given any implication otherwise but you know we women). But, ultimately, I am doing this for no one else but me. Selfish? Ah, maybe. But if I try make it about someone else, I will fail as I have in the past. I want it for me...not for anyone else.

3) I'm relying on God. This is never more present than in my current food choices. No other explanation exists for the sudden change in taste buds but God. I now can honestly say that I have a favorite veggie. I've never had a favorite veggie. If asked on some survey what my favorite veggie was, I would have left it blank. But let me tell you, if a recipe calls for zucchini, I'm most likely going to try it. I've grown quite fond of it and have labeled it a staple in my household...pretty much up there with whole wheat bread and bananas. 

4) I allow myself an indulgence every now and then and don't beat myself up about it. My stomach may not agree with my indulgence but the rest of me is okay with it. I know it's not a constant and that the remainder of my food choices for the day or even week will be good. Case in point: I decided I wanted a sweet treat so when my brother in law and hubby drove together to McDonalds last night, I asked for a McFlurry. It was delicious and frighteningly sweet but I was okay with that. My stomach on the other hand was not as thrilled. Eh, so I won't be eating a McFlurry again any time soon. Big deal...

5) I'm still celebrating all my personal victories. I'm not getting burdened by the healthy food. I enjoy finding new recipes to try or throwing a spin on some new favorites. I keep a menu each week of the dinners we will eat. I generally leave the printed recipe out and my wonderful hubby usually has it made or almost made when I get home. That's a huge help. I eat leftovers for lunch (yes, I have grown to love leftovers). I drink water, water, and more water. I've cut out soda...had one cup in the last 4 months. Hubby and I have cut out coffee except on Sundays. That's our treat...the delectable Haitian coffee from church. We buy a cup each and we know the money goes to missions. That's the only coffee we drink during the week. 

So, I've lost 21 pounds total and have gone down 2 pant sizes. I felt like I had new clothes from my own closet. I know the weight I have left will come off slowly or I will definitely need decent exercise to kick start it but at this point, it's simply about being healthy. I eat a mostly vegetarian diet. I may have chicken every once in a while (like in my zucchini chicken enchiladas last night) and seafood...but for 90% of the time, I'm meat-free. Except for my occasional indulgences, I do my best to stay away from sugar and super processed foods. I'd really like to branch into full clean eating but no rush. I'm just taking it one step at a time. I know I will succeed this time because this time, it's different. It may take me another year to get to my official goal....but I'm not rushing. I'm just thrilled to finally be doing this. I'm thrilled to be in the size and weight range I was at when I first got married. Nothing will stop me from reaching my goal. 

I'm enjoying this journey. And I really appreciate the support and encouragement I've received from so many...especially my best friend and partner in life, my wonderful hubby. He is the biggest encouragement I have. I just hope that I can be an encouragement to others as well on their journeys. 

This is probably a year and a half ago but I was at my heaviest then I think.

And this was me a few weeks ago after our walk-a-thon. 

I don't know about you...but I see a big difference. 

Traffick Jam

Can you stomach the thought of your 4 or 5 year old son or daughter or grandchild or niece or nephew or sister or brother being sold into slavery and being forced to have sex night after night? I can't. And I won't.

My amazing church is sponsoring an event this Saturday called "Traffick Jam." It is a 10 mile walk where each walker raises money and all that money goes to Cambodia to an organization called the "Hard Places" where a woman rescues young children from the trafficking that goes on in that country.

It's not just happening in Cambodia though. It's happening all over - even here in Florida. We were told in church a few weeks ago that the I-4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa in which we are located is one of the worst for trafficking. After hearing that, my husband and I have driven the interstate in a different way. We often find ourselves looking at tractor trailers that are on the road, wondering what exactly they are carrying in those trailers.

On the Hard Places website you can go on and read a few stories of rescued children. Their backstories are heartbreaking, mind-numbing, vomit-inducing stories of absolute torture. There is no other way to describe it. What these precious babies go through is nothing short of torture. And doing nothing...is no longer an option. So I'm doing something.

I am not physically fit. I have not walked in preparation for this as much as I should have. But I will do it. If my Savior can walk the Via Del a Rosa with a cross on His bloody and flesh-torn back up to Golgotha and climb onto a cross for me, then the LEAST I can do is walk 10 miles around a beautiful lake. The LEAST I can do is walk for those who don't have the chance to walk out of that horrendous life on their own.

So friends, this week is your last chance to sponsor me as a walker. I want to raise as much as possible so please...any little amount will help. How much would you spend if it were your child?

Go to http://www.fuelcommunitychurch.com/traffickjam
Fill out your information and type your amount into the One-Time Donation box. I'm only asking for $10 but if you want to give more, don't let that stop you! Then write my name in the box that says "Additional Information." And let me know if you do make a donation so I can personally thank you. Saturday is the big day...from 9am-3pm at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. If you live in the area, come out and check it out. There will be raffles, concession stands, a bounce house (I believe, don't quote me on that), and our amazing Fuel Worship Band will be playing from 2-3. Come help us raise awareness and funds to put an end to human trafficking. Let's jam those traffick lanes!

The Marriage Debate

DISCLAIMER: Slightly political and controversial post below. Please proceed with caution and the understanding that it's possible we have differing opinions/viewpoints. My goal is not to offend anyone but to shed light on this topic from a Christ-following, Bible-believing standpoint. If you do not see the Bible as your final authority, then please do not try to argue with me. We do not have the same worldview, and therefore, a discussion about the topic will be like beating a dead horse...pointless.

If you know me, you probably know where I stand on this whole marriage debate. And if you live under a rock somewhere and don't know what I'm talking about, I'm referring to the debate over whether gay marriage should be legalized and therefore recognized by the entire country as a legitimate legal marriage. I'm not here to change anyone's mind. Actually, this post is more directed at Christians than anyone else.

Obviously, I don't agree with nor do I condone homosexuality. Does that mean that I hate them? Absolutely not. Although, supporters would call me a "bigot" or "closed-minded" or whatever else...call me what you want. I have a right to my opinion just as the next guy. I had gay friends in high school who knew exactly where I stood on the issue but they also understood that I while I did not agree with their lifestyle, I was never going to condemn them or belittle them. I treated them just as I treated everyone else, hopefully with dignity and respect. I just politely asked them not to discuss their lifestyle around me...and most of them respected that. I will also take this time to say that I also have a gay brother. Half brother, yes. But he's still my brother. And gay or not, I love him. Will I ever approve of his lifestyle or agree with him marrying his partner? Nope. Because the Bible that I read is very clear on the issue. But, I love him. And I will never condemn him because of his choice.

But, here's the thing Christ-followers...so many times we speak out against something like this and we talk about what the Bible says about it and all of that is true. We talk about how God clearly states that homosexuality is a sin. That is true. But it is also true that the Bible is very clear about other types of sexual immorality like sex before marriage, adultery, lust, etc. How often do we speak out against those things? I wonder how many "Christians" who claim to believe and follow the Bible in its entirety are also having sex outside of marriage. Let's be real here. If we're going to speak out against one sin, let's speak out against them all. Homosexuality is no worse in our God's eyes than having sex outside of the confines of marriage. Homosexuality is no worse in our God's eyes than lusting after another man or woman. Homosexuality is no worse in our God's eyes than a man or woman cheating on his/her spouse. So why, if we are going to make such a big deal about this, do we not make such a big deal about the other sexual sins? We just shrug off the others half the time and say, "Oh, you made a mistake." A sin is a sin, people. God doesn't rate sin. I realize this has become a "legal matter" and that's why we hear Christians standing up and talking against it...but shouldn't we still stand up against the other sinful lifestyles as well?

We are called to love people. Yes. We are called to love them through their sin and despite their sin. But I am growing increasingly tired of people calling those of us against homosexuality "haters" or "bigots" or "intolerant" or what have you. It seems that those that support this marriage bill are entitled to their beliefs and/or opinions but those of us who do not are not entitled to ours. Sure, that makes sense (insert sarcasm here). Like I said before, if the Bible is not your final authority on these types of issues, then my argument makes little sense to you and therefore we will just agree to disagree.

Let's clear this up once and for all: simply because I will not ever agree with making homosexual marriage legal does NOT mean I hate them. The exact opposite is true actually. Am I against them being happy? No. I am against them living in sin. And if you are a Christ-follower, living in sin cannot make you happy. I am against myself living in sin. Yup, I'm a sinner. Never met one? Look in the mirror. I will not and cannot condone a life of sin...mine or anyone else's. So, just as I refuse to condone homosexuality, I also refuse to condone other "lesser" sins as some people might see them. Since my goal is to live a life following Christ, I cannot condone the sin, but I cannot condemn the sinner either. After all, I would be condemning myself.

So my two main points I guess are these: 1. Supporters of gay marriage, please stop calling non-supporters names and bad-mouthing us because we believe a different way. When you do that, you're showing your intolerance (the very thing you claim we have issues with). 2. Christians, if you're going to fight against one particular sin, fight against them all. Yeah, it's a slippery slope. But someone has to climb it.

Footnote: I'm not entirely sure any of this made sense. And I've been writing this blog for over a week so I'm probably way behind. But, it's been a crazy few weeks so here it is. Don't hate me:)