Some days are easier than others.
As many of you know, Pedro and I have been "living" in California for almost a year now. Los angeles to be exact. It's funny, using the word "living" because we have been gone from here more than we have actually been here. Between the months of January and May, I spent 10 nights in our apartment while Pedro only spent one. Insanity. In fact, the longest we have ever been in LA without interruption is 24 days! When we moved here we knew it would be difficult but really had no idea what was ahead at all.
I haven't felt inspired to write for quite some time out of fear that my thoughts would be wasted space on a page or screen. I have learned the value of time this year in a very new and real way... making every moment matter is not a motto it's a mindset and lifestyle. I want every word I speak, every thing I do and the time of anyone who may listen or read to not be wasted with rantings, ravings or ramblings. Truth is, the only part of me that is worth hearing about is Jesus in me. I will continue writing to share what is happening in the lives of Pedro and I but it would be impossible to do that without also sharing what we are learning in our relationship with this awesome friend, Jesus.
I absolutely love reading the word of God. I've been spending time in the New Testament lately. 2 Corinthians and 1 Peter have been my jam! Have you ever had a friend that you just LOVE spending time around because you leave being with them feeling refreshed and encouraged and like you can do anything? Well thats how I feel about Jesus. I get asked constantly, "Your life is so crazy, how do you do it?" Ummmm..... Jesus. What's funny really is that what people looking in on our life see as difficult, really are not the same parts we view as difficult. Anyway, here are some scriptures that say it more clearly than I ever could.
1 Peter 1:8-9
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled. We will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ.
That's how I feel everyday. I have inexpressible joy in the midst of chaos. I trust Him and know He knows the answer to every question and every twist, turn & even the end to my story. What greater gift could ever be mine than the salvation of my soul? I am a gift giver and a good one at that... but I surely can't offer anyone freedom from the shame of sin or justification and right standing with God. That's the best gift ever... bar none! And then, there's the cherry on top! He gives us his mercy (sparing us from punishment we deserve) through salvation.... plus some. As if saving us from death and replacing it with eternal life wasn't enough, he comforts us. He holds us, carries us and gives us peace.
Our life running a nonprofit and touring in the music industry is crazy, yes. But the truth of the matter is that we are not pulled in as many directions as you might think. Our one goal and purpose is to know Jesus more, understand his word better, love people truer and help people find the same fulfillment and hope we have in Jesus. It's all the same thing. One mission. One purpose. And we all share it!
