Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . Sometimes a pregnancy elicits mixed reactions. “I think that carrying a baby inside you is like running as fast as you can. It feels like finally letting go and filling yourself up to the wildest limits.” –Author unknown [1] “Have you heard?” the woman asks her neighbor, “Mary’s pregnant.” “Joseph’s Mary? But they aren’t married yet,” her friend replies. “Joseph isn’t the father. It probably happened in Judea while she was visiting her cousin Elizabeth, and away from her parents’ watchful eyes.” “No, I can’t believe it. Sweet, innocent Mary?” the woman’s eyes pop. “Poor Joseph. What will he do?” “Well, you know Joseph. He’s an upright man. He’ll deal with it quietly. I hope he finds a good, faithful wife who will appreciate him.” ____ God rarely arrives as expected. The king of kings didn’t enter a capital city with pomp and ceremony. He came quietly. As a helpless infant. Born in a humble village, to a young virgin, in a family lacki...

Welcome to Real Life . Is enjoying the Lord’s presence a new thought? It was for me at one time. “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day.” 1 Chronicles 29:22 While growing up, a church service was something I endured. I viewed it as an obligation that God and my parents required. Nope, didn't enjoy it. But then, as an older teen, I actually began to seek the Lord's presence. I visited churches attempting to find a truer (or at least more enjoyable) experience of God. Those who seek the Lord, find Him: “‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:13-14 I found Him. I welcomed Christ into my heart. God was no longer a stranger. I enjoyed His nearness as I walked life's journey. However, as my knowledge of theology grew, I learned that God is pure. He is holy. I am not. In fact, He cannot stand the presence of sin. Though I was saved by grace throu...