August 20, 2016

Greetings My Friend, While reading the Book of Mark I came across Jesus talking about hell. The picture I had in my mind was rough but I decided to look into the description some more and that picture was even more revealing. "It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell the unquenchable fire....to be thrown into hell, where ther worm does not die and the fire is not quenched." The description I read said it is likened to maggots eating away at a rotting corpse. I read that the Jewish people had a dump outside the city where things were thrown and fire burned in the dump almost all the time. It said that Jesus may have been referring to that dump. The word pictures that were described deepened the idea of what the existence of hell will be like for me. Once more I think about eternity, it is forever and ever and ever. When we die we have chosen in life where we will live for eternity. It is always an awesome comforting thought as to what eternity in heaven is like but as for hell that picture is one I avoid a whole lot. It is uncomfortable, not pretty and something I do not wish on anyone even my most despied nemisis. This word pictures compels me to do as Jesus commanded as He asscended into heaven "Go forth into all the world making disiples of all nations." I strive to do my part in bringing the Good News of Jesus as redeemer to all that I can in my little piece of the world. When I first began this journey I felt that my mouth needed to proclaim each day to anyone I came in contact with. I was not comfortable but I searched for ways to point conversations to why I believed. Later I discovered that actions speak louder than words so now I try to live what I believe and if asked I strive to give an answer for the hope I have. I also take time to revist my past and to see where I once was and where I am today. This look back in my thoughts reminds me how my life has changed for the better. I am no longer that scared woman fearful to say a word, fearful of others hurting me and fearful that I will make someone else unhappy with me. Today I do not have all that fear of living life. I find enjoyment and not in material things. I enjoy the work of my hands, I enjoy my husband and our fur family. I enjoy my church family and friends and the list goes on. I have a new zest to learn to do new things and not be afraid of offending someone. I allow myself to make mistakes and do not beat myself up for years. My change was not in all the counseling although it did help, it came about more fully in my faith journey. It was the first time in my life I felt accepted, loved and I had a purpose. I discovered that my life had value and those that did not value me were missing out on a special lady who is uniqe and one of a kind woman. God took me right where I was at and then He could not leave me there but began to make me a new creation. I like who I am today and I see my value on the smiles of those I meet. If this is the start of eternity, even those hard moments I am ready and willing. My prayer now is that I keep my eyes on Jesus. May God bless you and keep you make His face shine on you. Love Janet