Isaiah has been a book of the Bible that I've been coming back to over and over again recently. I have truly tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Have felt in ways never before how truly amazing and overwhelming His grace is. Because, whether we'll admit it or not, I think most Christians only let Jesus cover/forgive some of their sins and shame. We think other parts of our life are just too dark and too far gone. And those parts...well, WE have to take care of, or pay for. We pay penance (literally, inflict self-punishment) for the stuff we've struggled with for a long time.
I've been blessed to have a consistent meeting with a woman this summer who is on YL staff in Nashville. She is absolutely outta control (in the best way possible!). Such a blessing in my life to mentor me thru YL stuff and just life in general. She helped me realize that I was in this cycle of paying penance, but that's not Jesus' voice. I know His voice. It is one of tenderness and compassion and freedom. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28) Jesus has truly paid it all, and whether we can comprehend it or not, IT IS FINISHED. Whether we think we deserve it or not, His freedom is instant. Abba, I am Yours. Been breathing in the fresh air of forgiveness and God's love.
My friend Daniel (my 2nd big brother) has an awesome tatoo that sums this up:
son, I loved you in your darkest
Oh, and the Isaiah stuff that I've been reading a lot is chapters 50-51 and 62.
Some pitcha fun:
ps - Jeni's ice cream is literally the best stuff i've EVER had IN. MY. LIFE. check it: http://www.jenisicecreams.com/
I've been blessed to have a consistent meeting with a woman this summer who is on YL staff in Nashville. She is absolutely outta control (in the best way possible!). Such a blessing in my life to mentor me thru YL stuff and just life in general. She helped me realize that I was in this cycle of paying penance, but that's not Jesus' voice. I know His voice. It is one of tenderness and compassion and freedom. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28) Jesus has truly paid it all, and whether we can comprehend it or not, IT IS FINISHED. Whether we think we deserve it or not, His freedom is instant. Abba, I am Yours. Been breathing in the fresh air of forgiveness and God's love.
My friend Daniel (my 2nd big brother) has an awesome tatoo that sums this up:
son, I loved you in your darkest
Oh, and the Isaiah stuff that I've been reading a lot is chapters 50-51 and 62.
Some pitcha fun:
My cousin, Matt and his sweet family: Allison, Tobin, Evan, and newest addition Lauren
Sweet friends from way back when, Jonathan and Alli
Linds! At our new favorite ice cream place: Jeni's in East Nashville
Gettin' some awesome BBQ from Memphis with Marzipan
Went to Chattanooga this week and got to see this crazy couple, Josh and Christa. If you can't tell, this is a Smart Wool (socks) outlet in Cleveland, TN. Amazing. 50 cent socks. Such a jolly way to kick off my birthday!
ps - Jeni's ice cream is literally the best stuff i've EVER had IN. MY. LIFE. check it: http://www.jenisicecreams.com/
Good post. Great pic of the cousins!
ReplyDeleteAunt B
When you said his voice is tender and compassionate, it reminded me of a great book I just read by Dallas Willard called, "Hearing God." I recommend it. Looking forward to seeing you back here in 12 days.
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