some assumptions

Let's take the past year and this post and sit back and think for a minute. I've had a few talks with my pastor and my best(est) friend and I've come to realize that I've believed quite a few things that are just plain wrong (even though they sound right).

Like love. As I stated in "on putting myself back together," I said that the way to contentment is through loving people. But that's not true. The first step toward contentment is to accept God's love for you—no matter what you've done. Trust him. Have faith. Then you're on your way.

Or repentance. That it's just a state of mind. Trust me, it's not. I was confessing to my friend the guilt and the weight I felt from my sin. She asked a simple question: "Did you repent?" The answer was a surprising "no."

Because somehow I got it in my head that I didn't need to repent. I just needed to believe I was a sinner and God forgave me. Deep inside of me I knew that was wrong, but it was more a subconscious thought. So I went on and on, not repenting my sins.

And it took its toll, leaving me sick inside. I was lost, and it took me months to diagnose my illness.

God didn't come down here and die for us just so we could do whatever we want without thought. So try to be a better person. And when you fail? Repent. Actively.

I'm unraveling all of these lies from the past. Slowly, but as fast as I can understand. I've become a healthier person. A better person. A happier person, even. And I'm proud of that.

So remember these things, loves. Remember that God loves you, and that he's worthy of your trust.

Have faith.

Then your adventure will begin.