I Believe

Well... I got my holiday shopping done... at least most of it... the stuff that counts... I wanted to go shopping with my daughters, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen... Even when I suggested a virtual shopping trip at Amazon, they weren't too enthused. It just doesn't seem like a holiday season this year, but I refuse to let it get me down. I'm a man of faith in God... I don't think I say that often enough... but I try to live as a Christian... in doing that, I have to let a lot of stuff go. I know I always say to change what I can... and have faith that things will work out how they are supposed to... and I truly believe that. I'm not saying that things are going to work out how we want them to. I am certain that there is a plan in place... but we also have free will to try to muck up that plan... and most of the time we get in our own way and try to have things the way we see they should be. I'm humble enough to know that I don't know how things are really supposed to be... and I have to be open for things as they happen. The reason our world is so wrought with negativity and strife at the moment is that everyone is trying to take control... of everything. People should learn to control themselves... there is so much of that lacking. So many people are innundated with falsehoods, lies, and rumors to the point where every person is certain they are doing what's right... but it's not based on the truth... it's based on what people choose to tell you. 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" 4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, [1] ' and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. I don't claim to know everything there is to know about the Bible... this quote above is from the book of Matthew... and I only know what God chooses to show me... but this came to my mind. I am concerned for people.. but I don't worry. Most people bring upon themselves the hardships they have to endure... I think this is punishment for us making the wrong decisions... I know I still have to endure the consequences of many mistakes I've made in my past... and I will endure them... but I try not to harden my heart to other people... at least not as friendships are concerned. I have a strong trust in God... and where he might lead me. It might not be where I want to go, but I've learned to keep my faith in what will come to pass. I believe.