Love. Joy. Peace.

This year has been a year of growing for me—growing in my understanding of God, my love for Him, and His love for me. I feel like for the first time in my life I’m finally getting it. Knowing how infinite God is, my finally “getting it” is probably just one grain of sand on the whole huge beach. None the less, it’s been amazing.

One of the things I’ve come to understand this year is that living for God isn’t about rules and regulations. It isn’t about a code of morality that you adhere to. Yeah, that stuff is most definitely a part of the whole. But it’s not the whole at all. I think I used to follow God and His rules because I was supposed to. Yes, I loved Him, and it made sense to me, but a lot of my motivation was that it’s what I was supposed to do. But this year, I have started to see that it’s about the relationship. I’ve heard that before, and I’ve always agreed with it, but I’ve seen the reality of it so much more. The interesting thing is, the relationship ties in with the “rules,” per say. You can’t really have one without the other. Hmmm… I’m losing how to say what I’m thinking here… This is where a good quote can step in (as usual with me!):

In Searching for God Knows What, Donald Miller says:

“The hijacking of the concept of morality began, of course, when we reduced Scripture to formula and a love story to theology, and finally morality to rules. It is a very different thing to break a rule than it is to cheat on a lover. A person’s mind can do all sorts of things his heart would never let him do. If we think of God’s grace as a technicality, a theological precept, we can disobey without the slightest feeling of guilt, but if we think of God’s grace as a relational invitation, an outreach of love, we are pretty much jerks for belittling the gesture. …When I run a stop sign, for example, I am breaking a law against a system of rules, but if I cheat on my wife, I have broken a law against a person. The first is impersonal; the latter is intensely personal.” (p. 438-439 in his Greatest Hits collection)

Just the other day, I was talking to a friend about how when we sin we’re essentially cheating on God. And I’m not really talking about those blatant sins we think of when we talk about sinning (although that applies too). I’m talking about the sins of the heart: Bitterness, and Self-Hatred, and Jealousy, and Fear… When we entertain those sins, we are choosing Satan’s lies (his Law) over God’s truth (His Law). And when that’s all broken down into formula, theology, and rules, it’s really not that big of a deal. But when we realize it’s about a relationship, it becomes a big deal.

A few months ago, I made a huge effort to finally get rid of Fear in my life. I decided that I was sick of accepting what Fear had to say above what God had to say. It hasn’t really been about “rules” or doing “what I’m supposed to do.” I chose to let go of Fear because I chose to believe that God is God, and I am not, and He deserves to be followed and believed and loved. And the most amazing thing has happened. Every time I repent of Fear and Stress (and I do mean multiple times—it’s not easy!), He replaces all that with the craziest, biggest sense of Peace and Joy and Love that I have ever felt in my life. And I haven’t repented in order to get that—I haven't even expected it. I repented because I decided to choose God. And He surprised me with that blessing. Either I’m manifesting Satan’s kingdom (Bitterness, Rejection, Fear, Self-Hatred, etc.) or I’m manifesting God’s kingdom (Love, Joy, Peace, etc.). By removing Fear, I’ve made room for God’s kingdom.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

His Peace truly does transcend all understanding. My situation doesn’t necessarily change, but when I choose God, my heart is filled with His Peace, Love, and Joy. It’s incredible and undeniably amazing. I am finally just beginning to grasp how much He loves us, and I can’t help but share it.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 4:17-19)

A Bit of Heaven

I just got back from an absolutely fantastic weekend in Michigan! As usual, we crammed everything possible in--which left us entirely exhausted and yet so fulfilled. We also had some co-travelers this time--my brother, Shannon, and his roommate Alabbas--which helped make the drive more bearable (and I always love spending time with Shan!). Alabbas is from Saudi Arabia and hasn't been in the States all that long, so it was fun to learn about his culture and show him ours.

We spent most of Saturday at the park and the beach with Matt's family. The weather was 75 and sunny! Couldn't have asked for anything better. I really enjoyed swimming in Lake Huron. Even though it was cold, I've missed the water so much I didn't care! And we got to catch up with family and see how much all of the kids have grown since we last saw them.

This is Mackenzie, our newest niece--such a cutie:


One of the older nephews, Jason, decided to have a little fun with the sunscreen!


Madelyn and Nathaniel had lots of fun together. That little guy has changed so much since our beach outing last year--but still just as cute!


Our newest nephew, Jeremiah, is so adorable!


On Sunday morning, we go to go sailing!!!! I totally love sailing, and was psyched that we got to fit that in! Our family friend, Ralph, took us out on his Catalina. I grew up sailing with him and his family, and it's always nice to see him again. After some initial misty rain, it cleared up perfectly and the water was soooo smooth.

That's me at the wheel, with the huge smile I couldn't wipe off my face the whole time!!


Shannon and Alabbas in the cabin (wasn't much room for everyone to sit!):


My dad, who taught me the joys of sailing:


After that, the four of us southerners headed on the road, stopping quickly in Gross Pointe to visit my grandparents, and grabbing oh-so-yummy, highly-recommended lunch at La Pita in Dearborn (had to get some authentic food for Alibas!). We got back super late, but filled with lots of excellent memories. Oh to have a weekend like that again! :)

More exciting things are on the way this summer. A couple more visits up north are in order, and I'm also taking a trip to Colorado in August! I'm going to visit my friend Megan, get some quality girl time in, and take some Rock the Dress photos!

As always, I'm excited for whatever God has in store for the future. I'll keep you posted!