Sleepless in Gaffney

Honestly, I've had better weeks. Well, let's make that a better two weeks. I have definitely had a better two weeks. Without going into any details, the last two weeks have been riddled with family issues and worries about mine and Justin's future which has turned into ZERO sleep, and then makes me grouchy, irritable and ultimately just want to sleep and then I can't sleep. It's a vicious cycle that seems like it will never end. I even took a couple of sleeping pills--nothing big, just like Unisom--to hopefully give me rest and I haven't rested well with those either. So needless to say my lack of sleep just makes me more irritable. However, as I was driving home from work today I went a different way. I drove past a church that had this verse on it: "Come to me , all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28 Wow. What a shocker there. Why hadn't I thought of that? Obviously what I needed to do was to give everything to Jesus. Hand over every worry, every problem, everything that was making me stay up at night and just give it to Him. He could give me rest---without a pill or yoga or anything. So---that's what I'm gonna do. I feel sleepy already.

Oh no she didn't...

With all this political talk, one can't help but sit and ponder the issues that the front runners of the GOP party stand on. The biggest issue with Americans is the economy. That's no surprise because it affects every American, whether black, white, rich, poor, male, or female. However, one issue that interests me is the very controversial issue of same-sex marriage.

First and foremost, let me say that I am a born-again, God-fearing, Southern Baptist at heart, Christian. I believe that I was born in sin, that God sent his Son to die on a cross for those sins so that I could eventually leave this world and enter into His Kingdom and be with Him forever. I believe everything the Holy Bible says and believe that God wrote it through men. That being said, I support Same-sex marriage. I guess I probably need to tell you why.

Well, there is one thing that has always bothered me about this issue. It didn't hit me until like 2 years ago. I was in Columbia visiting Justin, and we were walking to lunch. Unbeknownst to us, we walked straight up in a Gay Parade--rainbows and all. Now, I admit, I felt weird. The one thing that I saw that immediately and completely changed that fear into rage, was on the sidewalk at an intersection. These people, who didn't care what anyone thought of them were walking down the street so that they could be equal to everyone else, had to walk through this intersection. At that intersection, there were cars and trucks parked. The one sign I saw that I will never forget said "GOD HATES HOMOSEXUALS" and "Read the Bible-GOD HATES YOU". My eyes and my heart filled with rage. Did Jesus not stand for love? Is homosexuality-as defined in the Bible-not sin? Am I not born into sin? Wouldn't that mean God hated everyone? See--as I believe, God hates the sin, not the sinner. And, I also believe that all sin is the same in God's eyes. Yeah, society puts degrees on sins. Criminals go to jail for different lengths of time depending on the severity of the crime. But with God, there's only one punishment, and that's eternal separation from Him. And as I read these signs, and saw these people holding up Bibles and screaming this out at the "Gays", I felt embarrassed and mad. Mad at these people who called themselves Christians, would end up on the local evening news for the whole world to see. I teach 7th grade, so I know that it is in our nature to do wrong. And even more so when someone says "No" or disagrees with you. When Christians act like this towards homosexuals and what they do, that gives them even more reason to do it. If we want to change their minds, we can't judge them. We can't tell them that God hates them for being a homosexual and turn around and say "You should believe in God, or you won't go to Heaven." That's contradicting. Homosexuality is a sin. Just like lying, coveting, adultery, and all the other sinful things we do on a daily basis. The only difference between me and others, is that I have forgiveness.

So I do support same-sex marriage. I may not agree with what they do, but who am I to say that they can't? This isn't a Christian nation--as hard as it is to believe. So, you can't expect a nation like ours to run on Christian values. The point is-the best way to reach people is to love them, and in this case, to let them love in return--no matter if you agree or not. And because this is America-you have the right to disagree. :)

Quote of the Day

Katie: "A line from Two and a half men just now: 'I think God gives us children so that death isn't such a disappointment."
Me: Is it bad that I understand that and agree!!?
Katie: Nope! Cause I think I agree too.

It begins

Well, here goes nothing. I've started this blog for 2 reasons. One being that I have a LOT going in my life and I figured writing it all down, even if no one reads it, would help me make sense of a lot of things. The second reason is because I've grown to love a blog written by Katie Simmons. It's funny, and makes me not miss her as much. So, if for some reason you do read this, a couple of things you may need to know so you aren't lost on this journey...

1) I love my family.
2) I have an amazing fiance and I am getting married June 8, 2012 to my best friend. (blog posts will more than likely revolve around this until that date).
3) I teach 7th graders World History--a constant struggle but always rewarding.
4) I wouldn't mind writing a book one day. This should be practice for me. And my dream job would be to own my own Wedding and Event Planning company.
5) I am constantly astounded by the grace and mercy that Jesus offers to me on a daily basis after I continually mess up and disappoint.
6) I am addicted to TV series. I also identify with characters and wish they actually existed...I mean who would not want to track down a crazy psycho killer with Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer? Or work in an office with Michael Scott? Exactly.
7) I have some of the best friends in the world. I may not talk to them everyday, or see them everyday, but I know I could call Bai, Starnes, KatieS, or Jamie (my sister) and no questions asked, they would drop everything and come to my rescue.
8) In my opinion, my parents are amazing. No, change that...it's a fact. They have shown me how to be a lady, a women of faith, and how to love.
9) My sister is probably the coolest person I know...or either she is tied with my Nanny. it's close.
10) Even at the messiest times, I have a beautiful life.