When life hits ya in the face.

So yesterday was pretty sweet. I mean, nothing great happened, but I got out of the house and I was feeling a little better (from my cold). Also, there were some theological discussions in the family. We were talking about some stuff (can't really say. It's not common knowledge) and it was really good. Then I went downstairs and read this girl's (you know who you are) blog. It was really good. She wanted passion so bad. Now to me, that shows that she is such a believer to want nothing more than just the striving for God. As I was reading, and I was thinking about the conversations I had with the family, I felt so full. Satisfied. Then I realized something else. I don't just up and say "I love God" all that often. So last night I was talking to my friends and I said that. I didn't feel any guilt for saying that because I felt like I actually meant it. It's one of those "coming to an understanding of things I already knew" things. You know? Anyways, it was great. I went to bed feeling full. I was praying all night. I didn't feel any sadness (except for maybe the fact that I have drivers ed this Saturday. Please pray for me). It was so great.
I think often times people don't really feel like that, but they say or even think that they do. People growing up in the church, it seems to me, that often times they end up not really Christians, but they know what a Christian should be. I think lots of times that the kids and teens growing up in church feel like they have to be like Christians. Sometimes I even wish I hadn't been raised in church all my life. I know that sounds bad, but I'll explain. Whenever people go to other countries and they preach the gospel to people who have never heard it before, so many times they seem so full. It's new for them and they accept it. It's beautiful
to see that. I would think like that. I mean, I would just think to myself "Man, if only it was new to me, then maybe I'd get it." I mean, I knew all the stuff that a Christian was supposed to do. I knew all the Bible stories. I memorized the verses. But for a while, I don't think it really ever clicked. In my head I think I would make it click, but it didn't. Now it has. The satisfying feeling is great. I feel like nothing can tear me down now. Now granted there are bad times and I'm going to be upset, but I need to not hold on to things. And I think I'm getting a lot better at that. I mean, last week was a little rough in the friends realm, but now I'm over it. I'm not upset. And I still love those people. A great person on the Switchfoot message boards asked me if I was praying for the people who had a wrong view of me. Honestly, I wasn't. And I'm so happy that he pointed that out to me. I told my mom about that and she said that she loves that he said that. She also said that God worked it out somehow that you can't be mad at the people you're praying for. I totally agree. I'm not upset. And my friend Leah (who just got married) was always a happy person. My mom asked her one time how she was so happy. She replied with a beautiful answer. She said "I just choose not to live my life that way. I choose to live my life always being kind, and happy, and loving. That's how I'm gonna live my life". That was really awesome to me. And that's how I'm gonna live my life. It's important to have a positive outlook on things. I think that it's biblical. I mean, we have to face reality. We have to be honest with ourselves and all that. But we shouldn't live thinking that only bad things are going to happen. It's not biblical. No one likes a pessimist. This is true.
So yeah, here's a song (didn't see it comin' did ya? ;) ) that I really like. It's Your Love is Strong by the one and only, Jon Foreman. It's a total praise and worship song. I love love love it.

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let Your kingdom come in my world
And in my life

Give me the food I need
To live through today
Forgive me as I forgive
The people that wrong me

Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place

I walk to the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day

So why should I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need!

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town

The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us, today, our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons


Isn't it just lovely? I want to sing it in church someday. Go here as well:

He's awesome. God's awesomer.
;)
*alldone!*