Two weeks away and I'm not religious...

Strange title right? The first part is easy... we are two weeks out from surgery. But regarding the second part, you're thinking that it doesn't make sense because I talked about God in the first post and for those of you who know me you know my involvement with "religion".  I hope your not put off by the topic but this stems from various people having asked me or commented to me about my "religion" and that "religion" getting me through. But here's the thing, I don't like religion and I'm glad it's not my thing. I'm not trying to play semantics here and I'm not trying to offend anyone. It's just that there is a genuine, legitimate difference between what I have and religion and I don't want anyone to misunderstand what makes me tick. It isn't "religion".  So, please, let me explain.

With religion, it's all about trying to earn God's favor in a hope that He will show you His favor and allow you into heaven or give you something that you want. Go to church, be a good person, give your money, help the needy, be nice to others, etc, etc, etc, ad nauseam. Thats not me and thats not what I want.  Those things are good and noble but not to earn favor rather to show it.  I do what I do and am who I am because I love Jesus Christ and want to please Him. I certainly don't do that perfectly... believe me, I know. Thats what makes me really glad I have personal relationship with Jesus Christ and I don't have to earn God's favor. He has never loved me more than He does now and He will never love me less.  I'm so thankful that when I was 17, I began my relationship with Him because He drew me to Himself.  I really appreciate those who have asked me about my faith but I just hope it helps to understand that I'm not trying to earn God's love, He already loves me. I'm just trying to live it out.

One of the biggest blessings to me is the practical side of my relationship with Him. Let me give you just one small example.  This morning I was reading Psalm 84. It was great. Afterward, I went on with my day and came home late from work. When I got home I was wrestling with some things, some struggles. It seems to me that no one is really kicking down the door to have open heart surgery. Well,  neither am I.  That's when God reminded me of Psalm 84. So, I grabbed my bible and read it again.  It was there I was reminded that the Lord is "My King and my God" (verse 3). The writer speaks to God saying, "How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You" (verse 4). It was there I was reminded, "How blessed is the man whose strength is in You". It was there that I was reminded, that those who trust in and invest in their relationship to the Lord can pass through the valley of Baca (it means weeping) and still make it a spring, or a blessing. That means I can go through challenges and hard times (Baca was arid and dry) and still find joy .... refreshing springs. He is my King and my God. It is there in Psalm 84 that I am reminded that one day in His courts is better than a thousand days elsewhere and that I would rather stand at the doorway of the house of my God than to dwell in the best places of wickedness (verse 10). Some will call turning to Him weakness. Some will call it a crutch. Yet,  we all have relationships in life that we turn to for something, because no man is an island. I guess people can call it what they want... it's ok, but I call it a relationship. "Oh Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!" (verse 12).  I am blessed.

I hope you know this kind of blessing ....

We love and thank all of you for the many different ways you have supported us so far.  We are truly blessed to have people like you in our lives. 

Thanks for checking in.  We will keep you posted...