What I Know...

With so much turmoil and controversy in the news, and even divisions between friends and families over  issues, there are some things I know for sure...  What I know...

There is a God, and a heaven
There is a life after death
There was a man, named Jesus, the son of God
That same man was crucified for us
There is a book, the Bible, which is a divinely inspired work

Those are things I know to be true, and I believe them to my very core.  What I also know...

God is undefinable
He is infinite, and His ways are far beyond my perceptions
Heaven is a certainty, but it's scope and definition are not
It is beyond our greatest imaginations
And life after death is also a mystery
An awesome secret, which only completely unfolds when we enter that portal
between here... and there
We are all children of God, as Jesus was
We all have a higher calling, though we may not hear it,
or may refuse to hear
I am a recipient of a great sacrifice
but I'm often unwilling to make sacrifice
The Bible needs to be part of my spiritual life
It is a mixture of history, inspiration, song, prophecy
If not the greatest book ever written, which I personally believe
It is certainly one of the greatest, I think most would agree

When lines are divided between us over issues, it can bring out the worst in us.  What begins with a moral stance for religious belief, can become an ugly, immoral thing if handled inappropriately.  It can evolve into hatred and discrimination toward those who are different than us.  Angry words tossed out in moments of discussion or frustration.  For some, it escalates into physical violence toward others.  It can tear families, friendships, churches and even communities apart.

This cannot be what God intended.  A God I know to be a loving, Heavenly Father.

At least, that's what I believe.

It's what I know...

© 29MAR2013 ajjahner

Happy Birthday Thoughts...

It's my mom's birthday, and she certainly has been on my mind lately.  Last weekend, I went to an estate sale she would have loved.  So many antiques and treasures!  I couldn't resist bringing a few things home with me.  

Thinking of my mom still brings that catch in my throat, and the occasional tear, but mostly it just brings me joy!  I was so blessed to have her in my life for so many years.  She beat cancer in her 20's and stayed with us until 10 years ago!  No matter what life threw at her, she kept pushing forward with faith and joy!  She loved her home, and worked hard to make it just what she wanted it to be.  It was mostly furnished with second hand furniture and yard sale treasures, but once in a while she'd save up her tips, or her tax return, and buy something special, like the Country Charm stove you see in this photo.  She loved that little stove!

Oh mom, I miss you still!  That will never change.  Rarely a day goes by, that I don't have a question for you or a story I'd love to share.  For today, I will wrap myself in sweet memories and remember, how very blessed I am to have had a mom like you!

© 22MAR2013 ajjahner

Happy St. Patrick's Day

In honor of my Murphy ancestors, and any other Irish ancestor I may not have yet discovered!

Free Image compliments of The Graphics Fairy

Wishing you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!