Luke 15:1-2

Luke 15: 1-2 (NIV) Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him.  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Luke 15: 1-2 (ESV) Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

This morning during quiet time which took place during my brief break at work (setting: bench outside of the hospital building on Plaza level), when I read that Jesus welcomed and received sinners and would even choose to and want to hangout with them so as to share a meal and sit at the same table... unlike the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were irritated, dissatisfied, and grumbling, my heart found much reason to rejoice.  Great reason to rejoice, in fact!  For I belong to that category of "sinners".  And the fact that Jesus, the Holy One - God Incarnate - would want to humbly stoop low from His high place, His lofty throne in Heaven, just to meet me in my messy shame and ugly sinfulness and be my friend and dine with a sinner like me... that just really blows my mind and leaves my heart and soul drowning in joy and hope and thankfulness.

:)

Two Years

Today marks 2 whole years since the break-up.  I'm still alive and even doing well - PRAISE THE LORD!  That event and everything that followed over the span of the past 2 years was probably the most painful, heartbreaking thing I've ever experienced, but looking back, I'm super grateful for all that the Lord brought me through in His sovereignty, perfect wisdom, and loving care.  All that happened in the past two years was what my Father thought was best for me.  What a special time of precious sanctification - coming face to face with my deeply gross and disgusting sins and ugly pride, learning true repentance, experiencing and receiving God's abundant grace that pardons and cleanses within, growing in Christ likeness...

I have grown SOOOO MUCH (I can feel it!) - and it's all by God's grace.  He has grown me in areas of acceptance, contentment, forgiveness, thankfulness, joy, trust in God; putting to death self, idols, pride, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness... I am beyond grateful.  I know my Lord Jesus more intimately and deeply than I did two years ago.  I know the power of His resurrection more than I did two years ago.  I can say that I had the privilege and joy to share in His sufferings a little more than I did two years ago.

Even though T's not in my life anymore (at least not in the same way), I have Christ and that is enough!  Christ is sufficient for me!  He is everything to me; all I have is Christ.  And He is the reason why I am able to move forward - with my eyes fixed on my True and Eternal Love: Jesus.

:)