i see your face. you're beautiful.

So the other day I was online, my cousin talked to me on facebook chat. It was quite a little interesting conversation. I haven't talked to him in a while and about a year ago he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, well anyways, he proceeded to ask me: "Are you still doing the whole church thing?" I replied "yes. i love Jesus." He told me that was awesome but then replied "What do they think about your nose ring?" I was quite stunned and asked.. "Who is they?" "The Church." He replied.

I just laughed, but since then, this conversation has been on my mind, I believe that it has bothered me, because i think this is what the majority of non-believers think the Church and being a Christian is about. They get these mixed ideas about us as believers and what we stand for. They see the Church as a group of people or a place that judges what you do and who you are...including if it is okay or not to have your nose pierced or tattoos. I hate that western society has led so many people to have preconceived notions about us a a body and institution.

Jesus was Lord. Not just a great man. He died for our sins as the ultimate sacrifice so that we may serve a living God. That we may be forgiven. That we may be restored. That we may be blessed to bless others. That we may live a life worthy of a calling. We didn't deserve any of it. We don't deserve any of this... but because of GRACE.

For the record, I don't live by a set of rules. I have so much freedom in Christ that it blows me away. In the past, I have found myself ashamed to declare this, afraid what people might think about me, that they might judge me, but i have realized that it only winds up giving a Jesus a bad name. I can't even begin to explain the ways that the Father has taken me from a place of brokenness to a heart filled with joy and a desire to serve. I hope and pray for continually boldness and courage that I wouldn't shrink back for the sake of worldly things that are nothing more than temporary. I am sick and tired of conforming to the ways of this world. I want to be conformed to the mold Jesus has for me.

Romans 12: 2

'Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.'

1Peter 1:14

'As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you have when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; "Be holy, because I am holy."

I am patiently waiting for my calling. I am hoping its in Australia in April. but whatever or where ever God chooses to take me, I desire to obediently follow him. This is the choice I make because He has been the one thing in my life, yet to fail me. keep me in your prayers.

God is love.