Love and Justice

I am struggling to pinpoint an emotion in the midst of recent events. My emotions bleed together like watercolor on a wet canvas.
Emotions as a believer in Christ and as an American.

In studying God's word today I have been given some clarity.

God is Love.
God is Just.

God is Love. He created us for love.
God is Just. Because God is just in His perfect love when we are repentent, he is merciful and forgives.

When we do not repent we lose physical and spiritual life. This is our choice, not God's. But God has no pleasure in that spiritual death.

Ezekiel 18 addresses God's view of the death of the wicked. However, Romans 13:1-5 clearly states that God puts earthly authorities in place to protect the innocent and pursue God's justice.

I am relieved Osama is dead because I think it is just and monumental toward a forward movement in the war, however, I do not rejoice in his death because I will never rejoice that hell has another soul. I mourn for that. I want Heaven to be full...not Hell.
Do you see my confict?

People say he got what he deserved. Let us not forget what we all deserve.

(Please do not read any of the previous comments as apathetic to the evil this man has done on earth. My quandry is one of an eternal perspective.)

"Therefore, we will magnify the mercy of God by praying for our enemies to be saved and reconciled to God. At the personal level we will be willing to suffer for their everlasting good, and we will give them food and drink. We will put away malicious hatred and private vengeance. But at the public level we will also magnify the justice of God by praying and working for justice to be done on the earth, if necessary through wise and measured force from God-ordained authority."
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Fundraising Amazement

Last night we held a fundraiser for Kamryn's trip to Tokyo.
It was a magic show hosted by the East Texas Court of Magic.
They did a fantastic job!!
The important thing to note is that even though the attendence was much lower than we anticipated, the offering was just shy of $1000!!
You read it right...almost $1000!!
Less than 150 people!
It is just incredible to me...
I am so excited for Kamryn to get to go to Tokyo.
I know she will learn a lot and her heart will be forever changed.
But the journey to get there is changing her as well. She has seen God provide from directions she would have never expected. She is seeing generosity that makes her jaw drop! Mine too!
God shows himself faithful day after day.
We are overwhelmed by His glory, His mercy, His provision and His love.

Kamryn's First Day!!!

Well the time has come for Kamryn to semi leave the nest and become a true public school kid!
I think I was more of a nervous wreck than she was. It took forever to get her to school...a wreck and a broke down bus plus every parent delivered their kid yesterday cause it was the first day. I worried about her throughout the morning because she was late to start the day and that always sets things off on the wrong leg. I remember looking at the clock yesterday at noon and hoping lunch had gone okay. It is weird but that was probably my biggest stress! I knew she would not have any problems finding classes or friends (and I was right). I was worried about her getting a chance to actually eat some lunch...that and I was worried about her getting into her locker (she didn't) and missing the bus.
She had a good day from what I can tell.
Bless her heart, we didnt even let her get in the house before we were shooting off questions, all of us at once! All she wanted to do was get inside and get a Mountain Dew!!!
She seemed to like all her classes and teachers except two. One was weird she said and the other was boring. Hopefully, that is not actually the case. I am almost as anxious to hear about today because she will be getting school books and homework. We are going to get the rest of her supplies tonight. I am sure this is the beginning of an incredible journey of PUBLIC SCHOOL. Although we have been here before, this is a totally different adventure! HIGH SCHOOL!!!!