Love Wins

 This week our small group finished up a book called Love Wins by Rob Bell. I highly recommend it to anyone who has questions about, well, anything. The book itself is a series of questions that most, if not all of us ponder at some point in our walk with God. Some say his book challenges what the bible teaches. I didn't get that at all. I took comfort in knowing I wasn't the only one asking those questions. And, spoiler alert: none of the questions are answered. Sorry. How could they be when none of us could possibly understand the magnitude of God and his decisions?


Ethan and I sat last night just talking about what we learned from the book and what specific points really spoke to us. There were several, but one in particular struck a chord with me.

In his book, Bell suggests that maybe heaven and hell are not only literal destinations, but they are also realities that we can experience here and now. That being a part of the Kingdom of God is not just a physical place that we go to after we've done our time on this earth, but perhaps it is all around us waiting for us to participate right now. Often times we become too concerned with doing the right things now...to get to heaven later.  Instead, why don't we do the right things now, to experience heaven now? 

I love that! How exciting, that we not only get an invitation to heaven, but we can get our hands dirty and be a part of building it. This thought has me asking myself "What am I doing to participate in the Kingdom of God now? Or, am I just waiting at the bus stop for the next ride to those streets of gold over yonder?". 

God calls us for more than that. God calls us to be a part of something big that's happening right now! He calls us to smile at the stranger who is going through something we could only imagine. He calls us to forgive the person who has done us wrong. He calls us to step up and commit ourselves to building his church whether it be in the walls of an old car dealership or on the streets of Atlanta. 

He's calling us to be a part of His Kingdom right now. 

Gives a whole new meaning to heaven on Earth, doesn't it?

New Year, New Post

My blog fan base of one (Aunt Lynn) recently reminded me that I haven't posted a blog in a while. Things get crazy during the month of December -  the holidays leave little time for blogging. So, I apologize for my sporadic entries.

At the risk of sounding like a total preacher's wife, Ethan delivered an amazing sermon this past Sunday that really spoke to me. It was titled 'Make the Most of Everyday' and was fitting for the start of a new year. He talked about accepting responsibility for your actions, believing you can change, recognizing what is and isn't healthy in your life and not hesitating to start NOW! For me, it spoke to exactly what I have been thinking about for the new year and the changes I need to make in my life to be a healthier and happier me.

I'm excited for the new year and all the possibilities it holds. I can't wait to knock out some projects in our new home. I am so looking forward to watching Avery grow over the next year and teaching him all sorts of new things - while he unknowingly will do for us. We're starting a new book in our church small group and I can guarantee I've never been so pumped about reading a book. I'm excited about new friends and building more relationships. But more than that - I'm excited about the times I won't expect. The times when God throws a wrench in all the plans and preparation I've made - because looking back, those are the times that have the best outcomes. Every great thing in my life (my marriage, my child, my home, etc) has stemmed from an unexpected change. While I think it's important to hope and plan, I am fully aware life sometimes gets in the way.

So, bring it on 2012 - I may not be ready for you, but it's probably better that way.