there will be a day...

There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day
When the burdens of this place
Will be no more
We'll see Jesus face to face

(Jeremy Camp)

Mike and I have been watching the John Adams series. As much as Mike LOVES history and politics, it was right up his alley. I'm not big on either, but it was definitely worth watching. It reminds me of the price paid for our freedom and the cost 200 years ago. It's something that people live, and die for...year after year. For that I am very thankful. Well, throughout the series, many lives end for a variety of reasons. This last episode really made me start thinking about death. Some days I feel like I am comfortable with death and the idea of dying. Other days, I'm terrified of the unknown or being left alone. Most days, I tend to not think about dying and what is to come.

What is exactly the way to go? John Adams shows dying after a good LONG life. Do I want that? Do I want that for my loved ones? I'm not sure if I'm ready for mourning to be a process, sometimes I think it would be better to not seeing coming. Really?! Yes, I can;t come to grips with that either. How do you say you love someone not knowing its the last time you'll see them? How do you look at them thinking "what could I have done differently?" How do you allow your life to change in a split second. Somehow, I don't know if there is a good way to say goodbye for eternity.

After we finished watching this episode, Mike was watching a video posted on Justin Taylor's blog. Although this is really pointing towards missions, I was struck by the beginning and the urgency along with the reality of death. No matter if we want it or not, it will come. We have two options: heaven or hell. With God or without God. Obey or disobey.



Life is not about me. It's not about a ministry a job or even a church. It's about God. If I'm not living a life of Christ, what's the point? As a Christian, we have the only way to spend eternity with God - Jesus Christ. By keeping this quiet and to ourselves, we are hiding the key to heaven from all of those around us. We might be the only that knows this Truth and can share it with others. This is what gives me comfort in death.

I remember back to being a kid and growing up on the picture perfect street. I had no worries. I had no curfew. I had no responsibility. My life seemed perfect. The past few years, have not been so joyous. Moving a dozen times, entering in to our first lawsuit, health issues, etc. etc. etc. Mike is always the optimist in our house. He would talk regularly about the comfort in God's kingdom in what't to come when Jesus returns. I didn't always understand this. Will there be beaches there? What about cute clothes? What about naps? I like those things and if heaven doesn't have those, I'm not sure if I'm interested. Once everything started with my health, I started to get the idea. A place with no more tears and no more suffering. A play without anxiety and wondering if I (or someone around me) will throw up. What's wrong with me and why can't I make it through a week without feeling normal and being overpowered by my poor health. As I'm sitting crunched up over the toilet, on the couch, or in tears, it hit me - this won't exist in heaven. I won't have to deal with the pain, discomfort, and sickness. I'll see Jesus face to face and won't even realize the pain of this world. I still hope there is a little bit of earth in heaven, especially some gluten filled cupcakes and doritos, but if not, I think I'll still enjoy it. This is what gives me comfort in living.

So, this entry is a little more serious than most. Basically, all I wanted to share was that Jesus Christ is the only thing that satisfies. Some days are easier to realize that than others, but it's true. That alone is what gives me comfort in living...and dying. There will be a day...

oh where, oh where has my....

...summer gone! The summer has seemed to come and go at the blink of an eye. We've had some time to enjoy as a couple, recharge with friends, and refine our minds in classes. I've picked up several tutoring clients and had some photography opportunities. It's kept me busy and I've loved seeing some fun faces around school. This week is my last week back before I'm in full swing in the classroom. WOW, how time flies! I love my job and everything with it. It's a great community and I really couldn't ask for anything else (unless it was maybe high school students...?) They one thing I dread, going back over a bittersweet summer. I'm just not ready, but then again, who ever is?

And AGAIN, I'm kicking myself because I STILL haven't posted pictures! I have several things to share, including a new haircut. Well, not too new, but still. BLAH! Hopefully I'll post some fun pictures up and around this next week while Mike is working hard and I'm enjoying the house. Well, I guess that all depends on how fast our AC gets fixed. 88 degrees in the house is not very enjoyable. It's going to be a pretty crazy month for us, but we are excited to have some things behind us. If you are familiar with our path over the past few years, please pray for our condo situation! We're hoping this is all said and done within the next 3 months and should have some good news in the next week. THANKS!

For now, it's off to spend the evening with Mike and relax so we don't recognize how hot it is. Oh yeah, and dinner!