12.14.09

Hey there!

...Pretty much, I'm so excited about Christmas. Yes! Its finally time to have a good excuse to bake cookies and yummy things without even having to provide a reason when asked why! "Uh...are you serious? Need I even say it? It's Christmas! Jesus finally came down here to save us, therefore, we bake cookies and stick trees in our living rooms. Duh..."

So, at youth group last night, I was sitting at a table with my friends and I got asked about the ring on my finger. So, I went on to explain that it means I won't dishonor my future husband by being impure physically or mentally.

A boy sitting next to me said, "I really respect you for that," and went on to explain that he wished he had done the same thing, but that he hadn't. He looked down and said he was quite impure. I said, "Not anymore," since he's now a new creation in Christ. He said he wished everyone said that when he told them and basically said that many condemn him for it.

This upset me. How can people do that? I'm not saying the things he did are right or ok, they weren't. They were wrong. But if God, Who is holiest, can forgive him and not condemn him, why wouldn't I, as a sister in Christ, do the same? We all fall down.

After this boy told me this, I just felt like I had to apologize on behalf of everyone. I was so embarrassed. I actually didn't know that people of God condemned like that. After all, people of God are supposed to be loving and understanding. Not spiteful and nasty.

What if God did that to us? What if I messed up really bad and God said, "Oh...uh, I don't think this will work out between us. It's not you, it's me...actually, it's you....I just can't forgive that...." Wouldn't that be terrible?! So if God, who hates sin, can forgive it, I think we can.

Anyway, I just thought I'd tell you about it, because I found it interesting.

So! On Friday, my church is hosting a concert for Bethany Dillon, Shane & Shane and Phil Wickham! Ahhh! I'm so excited! I can't wait. If you want to come with me, you're certainly welcome to! It's $10 dollars and you can order them here! I would love to see you there!

Lastly, I know, I'm terrible about posting pictures. I'm sorry. So, here's some of me, my brother and sister at the park!