A LOVE LIKE THIS!

God has a purpose and position in all of our lives. Whether we embrace it or not, he is still present. Lately, I have been struggling with defining my relationship with God. How should I categorize it? Should it stand alone or be bunched with every other relationship. I notice how i put emphasis and importance on my relationship with my boyfriend or my relationship with my parents. I always find the time to place it before everything else. I am always loyal and loving in these relationships. Kind of like marriage.

In Blue Like Jazz, Miller addresses a relationship with God as a relationship with your spouse. Like a better half or that one that you love unconditionally. WOW!! I never thought of my relationship with God as a relationship with a spouse. I am married to God. He is always there for me when ever I need him, he loves me no matter what, picks me up at my worst moments, and knows me better than any one else!!! Through the readings, I have learned that God should always be put first. Nothing should come before him. Miller has gave me a better understanding of God's place in my life. So many times, I have failed to realize the importance of establishing a strong relationship with the Lord. At times I catch myself putting God's relationship last, thinking that there will always be a chance to strengthen the bond. But it won't! I have to take advantage of his love now!!!!!!!!!!!! Man's love is temporary but God's love is FOREVER!!!!!

Blue Like Jazz

To be completely honest, when I realized that we had to read another book, I was a little upset. However, Blue Like Jazz has drawn me in completely. I love the book so far. The way the author writes is a new style to because it seems as if he is right in front of you. Like I am having general conversation with him and I have been knowing him for years. His style of writing is very conversational! I really enjoy that. So far, compared to the other writings, this is my favorite.

Something that stood out to me in his writings was the way he explained the way he lied as a kid. I never truly payed attention to that, but I think that we all have lied that way...some still do:). I never really thought about our little white lies that in depth. Miller really makes me notice little things about myself and humans as a whole. I am genuinely looking forward to reading the rest of this book.

Project Update

Since my lats project update, I feel like I have made a lot of progress. My last project update was mostly ideas and a general outline of what I wanted to execute. However, now I have put my words to work. I have interviewed a lady at the YWCA over the domestic violence program. The interview provided me with great footage and a better understanding. I have not been able to interview the family member that endured domestic violence due to conflicting schedules. However, I plan to do that over Easter break. I have also been able to research general information on the topic.

As far as an idea or set display of how I am going to present my project has came to a standstill. At first, I wanted to make a video but, considering the fact that I don't have much time I have to think quick. I think I am going to settle with a speech with a visual display..like a video of my family member.

LIVING BY THE STRUGGLE...WILL THERE BE BETTER DAYS??

Living by the struggle is something that is always associated with Christians. We endure so much and stay so faithful towards God...why hasn't he made a way?? It took a long time for me to understand and grasp this, however something truly clicked for me when I read the required readings for Neumark. The story of Amanda made the statement plain and clear. I am one that can relate to Amanda's story in some way. Amanda was a female that lived and breathed poverty. It seemed as if every time she was picked up or restored she was knocked on her feet. Her welfare checks kept being stolen from her. If it wasn't from a stranger it was from a family member. I am one that can relate to this story. Amanda reminds me of my mother. My mother is a very strong willed individual but had to live by poverty. My family struggled throughout life and did everything she could to make ends meet. Like Amanda, our family was on welfare. And like Amanda, it seemed like every time she got back on her feet she was knocked down again. Like Amanda, there were those situations that my mother felt like there was no way out! However, with all faith in God, nothing was put on her that she could not bare. I see this in Amanda and it makes me understand that struggles are a test. A test that is either pass or fail. So many times Christians tend to only praise God when things are going your way or he finally brings you through a problem. But, its amazing to see the things that he will do if we continue to put faith in him no matter what! Living by the struggle is our exam of life...to see who is worthy of living eternal life in the kingdom of heaven!!