complex yet simple

Life is so complex and yet so simple. I wish I could get rid of expectations, my own and others and the cultural ones impressed upon us. God, you've come to rid us of fear and doubt and yet we still do. We doubt your very existence, which is ridiculous if you consider the very nature of our world and our universe the intricate complexities that make up an atom, a single-celled organism, a plant, an animal, a human, a thought, a soul. We are designed to know you and be in relationship with our maker, to know you and know the truth about the creator of the universe, the truth about your love for us and your grace for us. If you are love and do things from this quality that you are, then we should live in light of your love for us and not in doubt. Sin is in this world, but ultimately your plan will prevail. Bad things happen because there is sin in this world and our earth is deteriorating. Why does God allow these bad things to happen? To allow good things to happen--I really think it's that simple. To point people to Him and to love one another. If no one felt pain, how could they appreciate joy. If no one went through anything difficult, how would you know what it was to experience good things. How much more do you respect the people who have been through hell and back than those who have never experienced, deep pain, deep longing, deep desperation, deep depression, deep need, difficult trials, too many trials, too much to bare. The ones who have born these things and have come out the other side know the glory of God, the grace, the peace, and the joy. For tribulations produces perserverence; and perserverence, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not dissapoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom. 5:3-5

Raymond's Fortune Cookie Advice

The piece of advice I received from my 80 something year old neighbor, Raymond last night.  I feel like this should be on a fortune cookie.