First post for the new year! Hope everyone is well!
So, I finished the Twilight Saga last week. wow! I really enjoyed the story, I gotta say. But the emotional roller coaster that came along with it... not so much. If you've read any of my other post about the series, you know what I'm talking about (if not, go back and read). I've slowly been weening myself off the addiction. Any time the longing comes, I pray. The Lord and I have had some intense talks lately, but I feel closer to Him than I have in a long time. Silly how a vampire/werewolf story can draw you closer to God, but sometimes that's how He works - in the unexpected. All that said, even though I liked the series, I do not recommend it to anyone who is prone to identifying with the character or gets emotionally involved in the story, like me. I really think some of the material is to mature for a younger/teenage audience. I guess I'm just old fashioned that way :) But why stir up emotions or feelings or desires unnecessarily? Those emotions are God-given, don't get me wrong, but they have a time and place. They just leave me frustrated. TMI? maybe, but remember, this is my blog about being real and honest ;)
Anyway, moving on...
My first pastor's wife passed away Sunday morning from pancreatic cancer. Sad that this sweet, dear woman is no longer with us. She meant a lot to my life when I was a baby Christian. She worked with me through a lot of junk. But, I know where she is and Who she is with, and I rejoice over that. Actually, slightly envious :)
Through events that have happened lately in my life, the passion for Heaven is swelling in my heart. I cannot wait to be in eternity. Over a year ago, I felt that way, but in a scary way. The depression type of just wanting to die. Now, I just want to be with Jesus.
I'm really starting to understand what Paul meant in Philippians 1:21-26 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me"
I started reading a book by Ted Dekker called The Slumber of Christianity. I love his fiction so I thought I'd try his non-fiction. Its a book about how Christians have lost the passion for eternity, how we long for satisfaction in earthly things, yet never find it. I'm only in chapter 1, I'm sure I'll have more to share here as I read it.
God is real, Heaven is real and therefore Hell is too. I know where I'm going, do you?
