Bet you’re saying, ya, okay (with head shaking), who in their right mind actually enjoys rice cakes. After all, it’s like eating puffed wheat with a little bit of sugar on it; dull, dull, dull. I used to be one of those people but after wheat decided it didn’t like me anymore as proven by very terrible (and stinky) effects, I have changed my mind. They aren’t so bad after all, and if you get the right flavour, they are actually tasty. In fact, I just polished off three of them as part of my lunch. Eating them is like living in a make believe world where I can eat bread again!!!
Our perceptions change over time and circumstances. When I could eat anything I wanted, warm bread slathered in melted butter was appealing, but with the repercussions of that meal, it not longer interests me. Before I was born again into Christianity, I would have thought Christians were either fanatics or sourpusses. It didn’t seem like there were any in betweens. After being born again, I remember an unbeliever saying Christians don’t have any fun. At first I was insulted because I had a lot of fun, but then I was a teen. When I considered the adults, I had to confess that a lot of them didn’t seem to enjoy life. Ah… the perceptions of a teenager!
Lately, I’ve been thinking back on my own life and how it has changed. First I believed Christians were dull like rice cakes, and after salvation I thought unbelievers were really like them, but in the end I see that I am the rice cake. Some people perceive my life as boring, but to me, it is the most exciting time of my life. My family is relatively healthy and I love them dearly. I have never felt so good about who I am, who I will be, what God has done, what He continues to do and will do in me. I feel alive like I never have before and every morning fresh joy and peace fill my heart.
Does it sound like I am one of those fake- happy all the time people? Oh, my life is not perfect at all. Come on, I have two teens right now- enough said on that! Hubby and I have our relational ups and downs, we both have health issues, our house and vehicles fall apart, just finished 3 ½ years lay off and still getting back on our feet, a mom who needs help, more driving than I like, etc. Friday brought a dead battery (a call to CAA and waiting time) which meant I had to go home instead of to the store I needed to get to- so I couldn’t buy a particular gift- which meant I had to go out Saturday to complete the shopping- which normally irritates me because it’s a waste of gas when I should have been able to pick it up on Friday!!!
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| Come... follow Me! |
How can I feel so alive and have joy and peace when so many things fall apart? One word- nope- one man- Jesus. He has changed me forever, for in Him is life- abundant life, eternal hope, joy and peace unending, and always- amazing love. The Lord has delivered me from bondage once again, and “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (Jh. 8:36) When I was a teen, I hated life, but now in my 40’s with more fullness in Christ than I ever imagined, I love life… and I love the Lord.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jh. 14:6
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die…
Jh. 11:25,26
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jh. 3:16
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jh. 14:27
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Ps. 16:11
(Nothing) shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:39
So call me a rice cake, a fruit cake, or anything else you like, just come… join me on the greatest adventure of all- life in the Lord Jesus Christ…
amazing, miraculous, abundant life!
…I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly.
Jh. 10:10