Rant in an old year!

So, it's nearly been a month since my last posting which would make you think that this posting is going to be something out of this world, eh? Sorry, I may disappoint you. So see, in the past month God has been doing a lot in me and for me. I am struggling to move forward in some areas and have grown exponentially in others. It's tough to say what all God is doing and why He is doing it the way he is, but I feel blessed that He is even working in me!

Alright, in the past month I have also 'The Shack.' What a book!! I read in roughly 3 days! I couldn't put it down! It has taught me so much! I will not spoil the book for you if you have not read it, and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it! One of the biggest parts of the book that a lot of people have trouble with is tragedy. It is a very tough question, why/how can such a loving God allow for such saddening acts to happen!? It's not fair! Well, do not question God! His love for us is beyond our belief, our imagination, our reasoning, our comprehension! He sent His son to live and to die for us! If God would not have sent Jesus to die for our sins, we would all be doomed, because not one of us is worthy of His love. But you know what, even before God sent Jesus for us, He loved us. He loved you and me before Adam was the dust that he came from! We must take God's love and live in it, be thankful for it, and share it! (PS- I will be spoiling the Shack for anyone who hasn't read it in the near future because I want to talk about it that bad so hurry up and read it!!!)

Okay, so we are quickly approaching the most amazing holiday ever! The birth of Christ! I am saddened by what this holiday has become. I watched the beginning of The Grinch last night and Dr. Suess nailed it! People aspire to be the one who spent more than anyone else! Why?! When this holiday comes around and people think, what can I get so-n-so that will stand out to everyone. People want to be in the spotlight. Of course this is not true of everyone. I am even guilty of doing this from time to time. I try my hardest not to fall under the spell of selfishness. Why did this first become a holiday? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is actually a Birthday party! The birth of not only a person, or I should I say 'The Person,' but it is also the birth of our everlasting life! This holiday is a celebration of life, of forgiveness, of joy, of hope, of LOVE, and so much more! It is so easy at this time of year to forget what Christmas means. I look around and listen to what's happening and become sad. I think about the craziness of what is at the center of this holiday. What frustrates me the most is how people treat each other this time of the year. I'm not talking about the amazing giving that so many people do(especially in MN) to those in need, but rather the selfishness on the road, unforgiving of a rude shopper, the anger towards someone that doesn't know what kind of day you've had.

There may only be a few more days left in December and even fewer until the Celebration of Jesus, but I hope that you can forgive that person that didn't see you as they merged on the road. I hope you can forgive that person who took "your" parking spot in the PUBLIC parking lot. I hope you will give the little time you have out of your busy day to help someone with a stalled car, flat tire, more groceries than hands, too many kids with no time to relax. I pray that you can look for a way to put a smile on a brother or sister of Christ. Not because you feel obligated in this season of giving, but because you want to share the love that God has given you. This season is too short. We don't celebrate God's love for us enough. So, go out and celebrate with someone else and share God's love!

Have a wonderful Christmas! Be safe, joyful, love and be loved!