The Solution to Everything

Let me tell you about myself.
I'm a writer who forgets to write.  I'm a blogger who posts a day late.  I'm a friend who forgets to pray and respond to emails.  I'm a sister who forgets to love and encourage my siblings.  And I'm a Christian who often feels distant, distracted, and discouraged.
That's the real me behind this blog.  I don't take perfect pictures or write flawless first drafts.  I don't pray without ceasing or live in constant unity with God.  I wish I did.
Last week I had the chance to share a verse with a struggling friend, and yesterday God turned it around to gaze straight in my face.

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

- 2 Peter 1:3 

The problem isn't what I don't have.  What really matters is that through Christ, I do have everything I need for life and godliness.  Try to tell me that's not amazing.
Life:  Through Christ, I can have joy no matter what comes my way.  I can love those around me despite their (and my) flaws.  I can exhibit the fruit of the spirit.  I can persevere and be faithful in what is good and turn away from what is evil or distracting.
Godliness:  Through Christ, I can abide in His presence and live with a heart of worship.  I can share my faith because His love overwhelms me.  I can be diligent in His Word, pray throughout the day, and lift His name to everyone around me.
I have everything I need.  Through Jesus.





















When I was little, I learned this truth in a practical way that I try not to remember too often.  I faced the daunting task of washing an oatmeal pot.  Large families use big pots, and the oats were stuck to the side.  I cried.  It was impossible.  If I couldn't wash it in 10 minutes, how could I ever do it?
But afterwards, Mom took an embarrassing picture of me holding the same pot, now shining bright and clean.  My cheeks were stained from tears, but I learned the truth in Philippians.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:13

Don't miss the words at the end.  Through Christ.  It's all because of Him.  In and of myself, I can do nothing.  But through Christ, I can do all things.
Sometimes that means being joyful in the little moments.  Just now, I had the opportunity to pause and smile with my little sister as she stuck a pretend pig snout on her nose, then her head, then the hammock, and then on my own face.  Each moment counts; when we live them in His power and with His heavenly perspective, life becomes all the sweeter.  (this post was a sweet reminder to me this week.)
Instead of living a discouraged, half-lived life, I want to remember that I have everything I need for life and godliness.  I can do all things through Christ.  Let's not forget that.
I realize I shared most of this in my last post, but it's a constant reminder for me.  Being a Christian is a decision - a decision to live with and for Jesus Christ.  That's the best life we could live.
~♥~