Things to Remember

   This past weekend, my best friend, Cori, and I took a road trip to St Louis to visit my grandparents. It was filled with adventure, wrong turns, shopping, the zoo, seeing old family friends, quality time and a lot of time for enjoyable conversation. I hadn't realised until the end of the trip that God was showing me things and teaching me things the whole weekend.
   First of all, I am so thankful and blessed to have an amazing best friend who I can confide in, trust, enjoy conversation or silence with, communicate well with, and so much more. I realised how important it is to have friends to be able to do these things with. God puts people into our lives for a reason. He gives us friends to fellowship with and to encourage one another. This trip was a way God blessed me in allowing quality time (which is one of my receiving love languages) with someone who means so much to me!
   Sunday, Cori and I visited my old church, Have Bible Will Travel. I hadn't been there in over two years, so it was so good to be back and see familiar faces and be in a familiar environment. Now, Have Bible is not your typical church - it's a biker church. The rough and tough people with tattoos; the ones who have drug and prostitution and drinking backgrounds - yeah, it's different, but it's what I grew up with when my dad started it several years ago. During our time there I had so many flashbacks and it reminded me how much I truly missed being around those types of people. It made me more appreciative of having had the opportunity to grow up with accepting people as they are, no matter what their background.
   This was Cori's first time experiencing this type of environment and at the end of our visit there she shared with me that she loved it. She loved being around those who come as they are and how real they are giving their praise and worship to God and shouting 'amen' to everything they agreed with from what the pastor shared. The people were friendly, welcoming and non-judgmental. As Christians we are called to be Christ-like, which means not judging others, but sadly we are some of the ones who are the most judgmental towards others. It doesn't matter what your appearance is at church. You don't have to look like life is together for you. You don't have to look your best. We are called to 'come as we are' to worship our Father and give him praise. These are some of the things you find at Have Bible.
    This trip showed me that I need to begin to really watch myself when it comes to judging others. It showed me that strengthening a friendship is so important. I was able to listen to Cori's thoughts and her point of view on the weekend and what God was teaching her. It was a wonderful get-a-way from campus and much needed. I pray that God allows more times like those in the future.