Faith.

Wow. It's been awhile. Merry Christmas!! Happy 2010! Did any of y'all make new year's resolutions? I never have before, but this year, Hannah-Katherine and I decided to both make one. HK decided to read through the Bible in a year and I decided to finish my memorization of the book of James. (I started it 2 or 3 years ago and then I just kinda quit when I got to chapter 2ish... So I decided to finish it. :)) We also made a goal to text each other every day to hold each other accountable. We are told that "When two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them". I had memorized this part before, but going back over it and reviewing it, it totally took on a new meaning. Before, I was just reading it to get through it, but this time, I've been really soaking it in and trying to understand and relate it to my life.

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily good. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do." You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered hi son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. ~James 2:15-22

This passage was a great reminder to me about WHY we do the things we do. Sometimes, I for sure feel like I do things for the right reason. But then, I'll get bored, or think of other things I have to do, and I get a bad attitude and I'm just serving to look good or get it over with. I pray that I would have a Christ-like attitude more often. I know I'm not perfect, but I am saved. I am saved by Jesus Christ. He died a terrible death to rescue me from my selfish sins. Thank you, Lord. When I think about it, I am overwhelmed with an peace I can't even describe. I can relax in his presence without stressing out about school or drama or relationships. God, fill my life with youre peace. Let me be a light for you and shine for the world. God, thank you, thank you, thank you!! Its all I can do but be thankful for the amazing life you've given me. I take it for granted so often, Lord, but it is a gift from you. Use me as a tool to spread your word. Help be to truly be your humble servant. God, let my actions prove my faith. Thank you. I love you. God, I love you, because you first loved me.