I want OUT of the pigsty!

Having some sun this weekend was wonderful! I literally felt like I could TASTE springtime and all that it brings.

(photo credit to C-Ra. She is amazing with a camera!)

The last couple weeks have had one truly big message to me- GRACE. God has just kept pouring out His love for His children, but I keep looking around at the mess of life and thinking "how did I/we/he/she/they get here?" I am so thankful our Savior is patient- because I don't know how he stands me most of the time! Looking at the troubles of life, it is beyond frustrating to not have the right answers for those I love, or worse- to KNOW the trouble is because I am a stinky little sinner.

I was reading Isaiah 55 and God so gently reminded me that His ways are not mine, so I am going to make wrong turns. His vantage point is not mine, so my "why" questions are understandable. His character is not mine, so I am going to stumble.

But as long as I seek Him, He will let me find Him. And if I will give over my "unrighteous thoughts", He will "have mercy on (me), and... he will freely pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7)

I hope you pick up the Good Book today and turn to Isaiah 55 and let God comfort your heart too. Maybe you don't mess up as much as I do, but I can guarantee you there are words there that will put a smile on your face.

My good buddy, Alistair Begg (got to be honest-not REALLY my buddy, but a girl can dream) said something this morning that puts it so nicely:
"The grace of God does not come to make us HAPPY in the pigsty of our sin. The grace of God comes to take us OUT of the pigsty!"
Oh, to be free of all sin- done by me or to me! That will be a beautiful day!

" “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts....

...so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.” (Isaiah 55:8-9; 11-13)