LIVING IN HARMONY

Harmony...Unity...Is it possible for us humans to live like this or is it a pipe dream?  I would love to imagine a world where we all are able to live in harmony.  I can dream can't I?  It would be awesome, in fact it would be heaven on earth.  Even for us believers it seems to be a pipe dream.  There is so much selfishness, so much pride, so much greed, so much jealousy.  It's actually very sad!  

Doctrine divides us, man made rules and regulations separate us, opinions anger us and we ignore other believer's needs because of our ignorance.  "They're not a member of my religion."   "Their doctrine doesn't match mine so they can help themselves."  I could go on and on about comments I have heard over the years and yes even said or thought.  

We are supposed to be Jesus Christ's example here on earth.  How can we be living examples of Christ's love if we can't even love fellow believers?  We are supposed to help each other.  How can we help non believers and turn our backs on fellow Christians?  Listen I'm just asking questions because I'm wondering what yo'all think?  Read these verses below and let's talk about it. 

Acts 2:43-45  Everyone around was in awe-all those wonders and signs done through the apostles!  And ALL the believers lived in wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

TURBULENCE

It's been a long time since I honestly felt compelled to write.  To say I've been dealing with God would be honest and maybe even an understatement.  Tests and challenges have been hitting me from all sides.  The struggle is real, I can honestly say I have spent time wrestling with God.  Funny thing is He actually through out my hip while I was in the process of getting fitness back into my daily regime.  

The thing that really shook me, literally and figuratively, was on an airline flight in February.  We hit a lot of turbulence, more than I had ever felt before on any flight including the 20 hour light to Australia a few years ago.  Normally my heart would stop and when I was catholic, I would instantly grab my great grandmothers rosary and pray until I landed or the turbulence stopped.   Well, I don't use my rosary any more I rely on Jesus Christ, so for the first time ever in all my flying history, I didn't panic, I didn't stress out, in fact the turbulence didn't even bother me.  (Okay I may have grabbed Jerry's hand once or twice,)  Anyway  I knew God had me and He was in control.  

Turbulence comes into our lives all the time in the forms of financial troubles, medical issues, personality problems and many other stressful situations. I know for me stress can uncover a me I don't want to be.  I do my best to realize that I am not responsible for anyone else's actions or reactions but mine.  So no matter angry or hurt I am, I do my best to consider it joy to control my actions and my reactions. How I deal with turbulence will show how much more growth I need to have. 

  

James 1: 2-4 (The Message)  Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

I want to become mature and as well developed as possible so I will do my best to be still and deal with the turbulence that comes my way with joy.