Things that make you go, "Hmm..."

Over the Thanksgiving break, I'm diving into as much of Isaiah as I can in 5 days. What's crazy is that in my research this morning, I found an interpretation that was just introduced to me last night at growth group.

One friend brought up the idea that many verses in the Bible can and are used out of context but with seemingly good intentions. For example, many people use Jeremiah 29:11 as a source of comfort, when contextually speaking, it was written for Israel, as God's promise of blessing to Israel. I wondered though, due to God's character and fulfillment through Jesus, if that promise of blessing could still apply to us, as God's adopted children? Life and life abundantly right? Hmmm...

So how do we read the Bible? Personally? Historically? Literally? All of the above? Hmmm...

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

To Write Love on Her Arms

Today is the national awareness day for To Write Love on Her Arms. TWLOHA is a non-profit organization that raises awareness on depression, suicide prevention, addiction, among many other issues faced by so many people today. I love this organization because it offers the only Eternal Hope there is while also recognizing that our Eternal Hope has also provided present-day hope through the Church, counselors, modern medicine, and other treatments for mental illnesses. For more info, check out: www.twloha.com

In honor of TWLOHA Day, my growth group had a fabulous time writing love on our arms.

"She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.'" Genesis 16:13

A few things I love...

1. Autumn. Most of my life, I've been a Spring girl - with all the flowers and rain and baby animals, but Autumn '08 is really turning me into an Autumn girl. Have you seen the trees lately?? I actually see leaves in colors besides green and brown. Love it!

2. Hope.

3. Not being sick!!!

4. Jesus. He's just so good to me.

5. I would end there, but 4's just a weird number on which to end a list, so I'll add a 5th love: My cat. I know I mostly just complain about the guy because, good grief, he mostly just drives me crazy! But awww, Charlie is just so darn cute. I wish I could figure out how to post a pic so you could see his cute face. Ah, I heart Charles.

"When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed." Psalm 126:1