What's The Big Deal About God?

Have you ever noticed how sometimes certain things pop up on several blogs without anyone having planned to write about the same things? Well lately I've noticed that there seems to be, for whatever reason, a lot of talk about God, the purpose of life, and finding peace before death. These are huge and deep issues! I'm thrilled to find so many people thinking about them because it shows a great level of maturity and intellect.

It can be uncomfortable sometimes to think about stuff that is so much bigger than ourselves because it might seem like there are no clear answers to the big questions. So why bother thinking about them, right? But I learned that ignoring those questions didn't make them go away it just made them pop in my mind more when I was going through really tough times. Now I'm certainly not the best analyst, theologian, psychologist, or counselor, but I thought it might be nice to share how I came to believe in God and why he permeates so much of my thoughts. If any of you have any questions feel free to ask! And if you would rather have a one-on-one conversation that's cool too. Just include your email in your comment. :)

Well, I grew up in a happy home with two parents who are still in love with each other. In fact, it was seeing how they lived that made me curious about why they had so much love and thankfulness, even when times were hard. They explained to me one day that they have a deep peace and hope in both life and death because of what God did for them. I asked them to explain because I wanted to know how I could stop worrying about the purpose of my life and stop being so afraid of death.

They told me about a friend named Jesus and that he rescued them from a life of frustration and grief. When I asked them how someone could save a person from all that they told me that no person could save anyone from these things. Only God could. And he did by sending Jesus Christ into the world to die on a cross in our place. It was enough for me and I asked how I too could have Jesus save me. They said all I had to do was pray to God and tell him that I believe Jesus really did that for me. So I did and my life has never been the same since!

The idea of God sending Jesus to die in our place is because if it hadn't happened then there would be nothing to stand between us and God's anger whenever we do something wrong. Jesus covers and protects anyone who believes that he came to save them. And its through that simple act, believing Jesus really did come and die, that can bring anyone into heaven! So folks don't have to worry about whether-or-not they did enough good works to stave off God's anger against sin ( doing or thinking anything wrong.) Jesus already did all the work. All he asks is that people accept him in their hearts. Once someone does that then God forgives them for anything they ever did, are doing, or will do. Its amazing!

But when someone believes in Jesus God doesn't just leave them to figure things out all by themselves. He gives us his love and encouragement through his letters to us. They're all put together in a collection called The Bible. Its been a source of inspiration for millions of people all over the world! It has everything in it: romance, tragedy, adventure, poetry, and suggestions on how to get the most out of life. No wonder its so popular!

So... now you know a little bit more about why so many people turn to God. Anyone can do it at any time and any place. And that's the best news I've ever heard! :)

" God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

" God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Large is the new Small

In the United States there is a growing epidemic... obesity. There are a lot of reasons for the alarming numbers. Some doctors believe folks are living more sedentary lives and that's why so many people are unhealthily large. Others think that folks are generally more unhappy with their lives and turn to " comfort food" as a way to cope. But even though these things may very well contribute to the growing problem, no pun intended, I think one of the biggest issues is that portions are simply too big in the United States. Go anywhere food is served and you'll know what I mean. Restaurants, buffets, all-you-can-eat, fast food, even cafes are doing it! Did anyone notice how Starbucks " small" size used to be the medium size just a few years ago?

European countries, Asian countries, and even most Central American countries see our portions as "too big." They have smaller plates and serve themselves smaller portions. Many who come to visit our country cannot believe how much Americans eat! I don't know how the bigger portions really became so popular here in the US but it isn't a good thing. Eating excessively has never been an issue for me but that's because my parents raised awareness of my eating habits since I was little. Perhaps that's the key for younger generations.

I think that the youth are getting mixed messages when it comes to eating right. They know to exercise but that's only half the solution. Most don't even know how to prepare food from scratch. TV meals and Betty Crocker just can't replace home-made meals nor can they be healthier. * Sigh* Its a problem. But as long as people turn to food franchises for their dietary needs things are not going to get any better. So its up to each of us to find out for ourselves what's healthy and what's not. That means reading the nutrition facts, the ingredients, and researching about strange words we don't understand. Its work... but its worth it. And if it sounds like too much work, then remember that fresh vegetables and fruits make awesome " fast food!" You can never go wrong with those!

But now to lighten the mood a bit, I give you a tribute to the " large-is-the-new -small" servings. ( you may want to turn the volume up on your computer):)

Taco Town (SNL)
Uploaded by ragexlove

Okay, I'll admit that I'm not a pure vegetarian. I know fruits and veggies are better for me than tacos, pizza, and cheeseburgers. But I'm not always successful at avoiding them. And I know I'm not the only one. Even so, I don't think its ever too late to try and improve eating habits. I'll be posting more about unhealthy habits in eating, or not eating, and how they affect the human body. I thought doing a series like this would be good not just for you readers but also for myself. :) So... for this week don't stop eating what you normally eat. Instead, study yourself. Notice what you crave, what causes you to crave, and what you eat to fill the crave. Until next time! :)

" And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." ~Genesis 1:29

Rumerating on Jumeirah

There is a place in Dubai that is called Jumeirah. It is considered the best hotel in the world. And you can bet that the price to stay over night is as extravagant as the inner suites, dining rooms, spas, and pools it holds.





Only the finest textiles and handcrafted furnitures are present inside.




And surrounded on nearly all sides is a breath-taking view of the ocean.



Anywhere you go there is beauty. Its definitely not a place I could ever afford but what an experience it would be to go and step inside! :)



But even as I look at all this splendor and beauty I remember a promise God gave to me and anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ, that there will be a place prepared just for us in Heaven. Jesus said that it will be more brilliant and beautiful than anything found on Earth. There will be roads of gold so pure that it will appear as clear as glass! There will be precious jewels and stones so common they'll be as numerous as sand on the beach! There will be music and loved ones and phenomenal banquets! He described Heaven as a place filled with awe and inspiration beyond anyone's imagination. I don't know about you but it sure sounds good to me. And best of all its free! :)

"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [there] you may be also." John 14:1-3