Challenge to what it is to have faith, part 6

Well here's to chapter five of Jesus>Religion titled With Religion, There Are Good And Bad People/With Jesus, There Are Only Bad People In Need Of Grace. 

Being able to find some way to express how to be a Jesus follower and not and religious person.  This has not been easy.  There's been so much that Jefferson has said in this chapter that has such resonated so deeply.  The discussion question of what is your relationship the Bible and why.  Is one that I don't know that I can fully answer.  And I don't know that it will ever be one that will ever have a final answer.  I have grown more in love with the living word.  

Challenge in what it is to have faith, part 5

Is it religion that I have been living by or is it friendship with Jesus?  Chapter four of Jesus>Religon titled Religion Makes/Jesus Makes Friends.  There has been such a battle that has been on going for some time.  How often have I been doing the religious life over that of a friendship with Jesus?  I am in such need of the love that friendship that can only be found with Jesus.  This has been what has been missing forma long time.  

So, it is a time for me to lay down what I've been hold to. Letting in the light and life giving love of Jesus Chirst.  Who has died in my place.  This is in letting go what the rule and walls that I've built in and around my heart.

Challenge in what it is to have faith, Part 4

Jesus>Religion I have found that the what chapter four was a large challenge.  It's been one that was needed and came at the right time.  Mr. Bethke talked about how there are different ways Christians aren't truly a follow of Jesus.  The last part of the chapter talked about the prodigal son. Which is found in Luke 5:11 to 32.  One of the discussion questions asked what son is the one I'm most like and why.  Lately, I have been much more like the older son.  Who doesn't want to celebrate to celebrate the return of his younger brother.  There's been a time when I was the younger son as while.  This has been more with myself and being willing to let God's grace to come into the darkest parts of my heart and soul.

Miracle Third Day

Miracle, song by Third Day. This speaks to the need for and miracles for our lives.  I love how Third Day lead sing, Mac Powell, tells the story this great song.

Facing the Music by Jennifer Knapp

 How often can you say that you have read a book that moves you?  A few days ago I finished Facing the Music: My Story by Jennifer Knapp.  What amazing honesty and openness that is written about.  Being able to find her way back to music.  Despite the great pain and fear.  Jennifer has been able to speak her truth.  A journey that took her from one part of the world to the other.  Along with many places in between.  Being able to finally come to a place where she can be at peace with who she is.  Even with those who have and possibly still are upset with who she is. 
I can't help but wonder what my story is and what it looks like.  Wondering what it is to be able to speak my truth. 
How can I find my way with all that is going through my hear, mind and soul.  
How can I stay true to who I am.
Yet, what about my faith and beliefs?
I have so many things that are spinning around in my mind.  That I don't know that I can put words to them.  Where that it would make sense.
So, here's a link for Facing the Music.
http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Knapp/e/B00JH11HJQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1438617151&sr=1-2-ent 

I have deciced to follow Jesus

Semicolon tattoos, faith and mental illness

There are many reasons for getting a tattoo.  Having several myself each has a different meaning and reason.  I have seen many post on Facebook about the Project Semicolon.  Amy Bleuel started Semicolon Project to honor her father who took his own life.  The semicolon is have a symbol to signify a new bring to those who have attempted suicide, those who live with depression,  addiction and self injury.  I find that the outcome of what could have been lead to a long path of darkness has lead to something great.  
Here are links to a few articles.  Along with links to the website for Project Semicolon and the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/07/project-semicolon-tattoos_n_7745358.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051
http://www.upworthy.com/have-you-seen-anyone-with-a-semicolon-tattoo-heres-what-its-about
http://www.projectsemicolon.com/
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/