I am not afraid, I am anxious...

I was stricken today with this immense feeling my own fragility… of how delicate and short our human life is…

It may be a morbid thing but I think about death often. It helps me to being reminded of the importance of really living. I feel like lately I have witnessed the best life has to offer as well as and the tragedy of sickness and death. This vast spectrum of joy and sorrow points me directly to God. Yes, God governs this world and the lives of those who live on it. From the bountiful blessings of marriage, childbirth, and every other joyful occasion, to the sadness of sickness and death. It is healthy for us to think of death and struggle through the thoughts it's finality. As a Christian, I have hope when I die. I know that when death's door opens, I will be bounding through it -- running full speed towards God. I am not afraid, I am anxious to be with Christ. This life is a gift and I pray Christ will use me to further His kingdom. I pray that my life, and the life of my family would point directly towards heaven. Do you have hope? If not, I have some good news to share with you. Jesus.

This verse found in John 17 is one of my very favorites. It's Jesus talking to the Father God. When I read it, I feel like I could insert my name anywhere. When I do, I feel so unworthy of Christ's love and compassion towards me. Jesus is praying for all believers (those to come as well)… My favorite part is in vs. 24 -- Jesus asks Father God to allow us to be with him so that we can experience his glory…He loves us so much that he desires us to experience what he loves. I love Him for that!

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

:)