Coming To Jesus

I think about how we come to Jesus, recognizing our sinful condition, seeking God's rescue from it. We have lived according to our most basic instincts and are tired of our lives being out of control. We have consumed our fill of the world's rational, wile our hunger for lasting wisdom, is so thick in the pit of our stomach, that we can no longer stand to be without it. We are in need of mercy. Our physical environment has left marks on us that need a divine and permanent eraser. We just want to feel clean. We no longer want to be objects of wrath and long to be at peace with our Creator. We want to be righteous no matter what it costs. Friends, family, reputation, even our physical well being are no longer as important as our relationship with God.

Imagine walking, with all of these thoughts going through your head. You hear the faint sound of Jesus in the distance, you hear Him begin to teach:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3-12 (ESV)

I've Been Tagged

Casey at caseycease.blogspot.com tagged me so here it goes.

The tagging rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag

1. I  have never had an alcoholic beverage of any kind. The earliest reason for my abstinence was that my parents told me that beer was horse pee:). It kind of made since, with all the horses and flowing rivers in the commercials. Later in life I learned the truth about beer. I continued not to drink in my adult life for better reasons.

2. At one time I weighed 346 lbs. I have always been a big guy but after I got out of college I gained a lot of weight. When my son was born I decided I did not want to set a bad example so I went on what feels like a life long diet. I lost about 70 lbs started riding a bicycle and got in shape. I still struggle with eating right I guess I always will but I will NEVER weigh 346 agian.

3. I am color blind. This can sometimes be hard because about 50% of my job is graphic design. I have learned to use color profiles and people are usually happy to help if I ask. What I am wearing rarely matches.

4. I am a collector of hobbies. I think it bugs jennifer sometimes because if I get into something I really get into it. I usually think of something I want to do, then I will try it, The next thing you know I am walking around a pro shop like a crack addict trying to find a way to get better at it. I can't just say "oh thats cool" I have to try it. 

5. My biggest dream right now is to ride my bicycle down the Baha Peninsula in Mexico. I have been on several long rides including a 4 day ride from Amarillo to Dallas (318 miles) but I have dreamed of disapearing for about 3 weeks and just riding and camping roadside. I will do this.

6. I have never had the hick ups.

So there it is my 6 things. Thanks Casey for the tag. Hopefully someday I can return the favor:).

I am not going to tag anyone just to break the rules.