Stranger that fiction... [The Good Life part 2]

On monday we learned in Philippians 1.6 that he[Jesus]that began a good work in you will finish it, Piggybacking off of that today we are gonna dig into Hebrews 12.2: "looking to jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."


As a writer it's sometimes hard to construct a good article, Sometimes an intro and conclusion practically write them selves while I struggle through writing a hearty body, while other times I can easily spew out solid body content while pulling and introduction and a conclusion out of my brain is a real life nightmare.I think the same things happen to some of us in our Spiritual walks. Some are in tune with how we god here and how we'll end up, it's just that actual life we are living that throws us through a loop while on the other hand there are some who are "living life to the fullest" not understanding how/why they are here, or what is happening once they leave here.

Which Writing style are you? The way i see it, it doesn't really matter forif Jesus is writing our story, it seems as though all we have to do is ride the waves.

He really wants us to not to worry about the future, or the past. HE is writing it, editing it, publishing it, not you. So it will do your heart and mind some good to stop peeking over his shoulder. Sometimes it may be hard to trust what you cannot see, But the beauty of faith is that there is always evidence that what you believe in is not fiction. At any moment in your life you can always look back, look to the left, look to the right, look up, or look down, and see clearly that God has your best interest in mind.

Oh, how he loves us.

The rest of the verse goes on to say: "...who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus died, and while it was a painful and tragic experience, His trust in his father brought him joy. And look at him now, seated at the right hand of God. Thats a pretty sweet deal. His hands are offering you an even SWEETER deal, all you have to do is trust Him.

Xoxo:)

Photo credit: Jrawkit designs.© 

For permission of use. Just ask:)

Dance party.

Dance like nobodies watching.

This past weekend, i had a conversation with one of the youth leaders at our church about young people feeling like God Hates them. Listening to her tell me story after story of what some of these kids were saying literally broke my heart in two. Thoughts Raced through my mind. Jesus is my favorite, He is absolutely awesome - the best thing that every happened to me. How in the world can we think that God hates us when he showcases his love every moment of every day?

Then i actually thought about it, i know how they felt, and how some of you might feel, so much happens in our lives and in the world, it makes perfect sense that we think God hates us? So much "evidence" proves that notion to be true. Well guys, i think it's time we divert our perspective and put on our rose colored glasses

You know those times when you are in a bad mood, and you're scrolling through your Facebook page and you see something that absolutely tickles your pickle, so much so that your mood changes completely? How about those times when you are riding/driving in the car, the sun is shining, whether is absolutely perfect, windows down, wind in your hair and your FAVORITE song comes on the radio?What about sunrises and sunsets? Flowers? And don't forget your favorite shoes? favorite gadgets? that cell phone you love so much?

That is Jesus, showcasing his love. Whenever something good happens to you, even the smallest of things like when your fav episode of your fav show comes on, give thanks to God. He's showing you his love.

You see, Jesus loves each and every one of us so very much that it is his absolute pleasure to shower us with his love. And so he does every chance he gets. We just have to be open to seeing it.

The saying goes: "There are always a million reasons not to[believe]"; howeverThe bible says: "Rejoice in the lord always, and again i say rejoice." (phil4.4)

You know what that means right?

DANCE PARTY!

The Good Life... Part 1.

Today, I had a discussion with my colleague about our website. In a nutshell, we were brainstorming ideas on how to grow the site and keep the readers interested. A major concern was content; Are the writers of the site beating a dead horse? Are people loosing interest because they are getting the same general information every time they come to the site? What are the chances of this thing blowing up in ways that we hope it would? As we began to get a think tank going, I realized: God thinks of everything. So, these questions, in essence are irrelevant. He promised us in Phillipians(1.6) that he that started the work, will finish it. Our website, just like our lives and yours, are the handy work of  God himself, and since he started it, He will finish it.We don't have to worry about our future, because we know who is painting the picture. So with such information what are you gonna do? I suggest you live life to the absolute fullest, releasing all of your inhibitions. Don't put the enjoyment of your life on hold, because you are not certain of what might happen, and don't put a pause on your dreams for fear of the unknown. If you think about it the unknown doesn't really exist in the life of a christian. For we know God, and God knows Everything. He really has your best interest at heart, let your hair down and trust him.

Welcome to the good life!    

Xoxo,

R.L Cooper

P.s. I have a friend whose favorite verse is Phillipians 1.6. That is irrelevant information to this article,  just thought you should know.

Photo credit: Jrawkit designs.© 

For permission of use. Just ask:)

It's not real, is it?

Some things in life are facts, some things are opinions.

The issue lies when facts are treated like opinions and opinions as facts.

God, and his existence, is a fact. Not an opinion. So, when the word of God says we were created in love and for his good pleasure (revelation4.11). That pertains to EVERYONE, not only for those who believe. So whether you believe in Christ or not, there is a plan for your life. If you so choose to walk in it, you will live a life more satisfying than whatever you can come up with on your own.(1corinthians1.25). It all starts with understanding Fact v. Opinion. 

You aren't self sufficient, so stop reaching for an explanation to deny what you inherently know is true.

 I know first hand what it's like, i wish someone would have told me. At the beginning of 2011 I had a very interesting talk with a friend, who basically ushered me into the world of agnosticism. By no means was she trying to convert me, she simply stated what she knew and graciously answered all the questions i had. However, by the end of our conversation, listening to her journey from christian to agnostic, which so closely matched mine, propelled me into the next chapter of my life. i was done..

For about 10 months, I was in a mind set of disbelief which caused me to realized I never believed to start with. After hitting a rock bottom that I didn't think was possible, I realized the difference between thinking God was a circumstantial opinion and understanding that his love, grace and mercy is an unwavering fact.

I Implore each and every one of my readers to explore and understand why you believe what you believe. Is God still an opinion or is he a fact deeply rooted in your heart.

Britt Nicole says "I hear these people asking me, how do I know what I believe. well, I'm not the same me and that's all the proof I need"Britt, i could not have said it better myself:)

xoxo,

R.L Cooper

* I would like to dedicate this post to "Kerry". You inspired this. [lol. funny right?] As ironic as it may seem, you saved/changed my life in ways you may never know or understand. I don't think i would be here if it wasn't for that moment in time. I respect you so much and i wish you the very best in your life. Thank you for being you.

Lots of love:)