what do I deserve?

This is a question I have been contemplating for some time now. I know spiritually I deserve hell, eternal damnation. One sin separates me from the holiness of God. I should have eternal separation from the creator. But because of a servant leader who chose death (Jesus was not killed, he gave his life), I graciously receive the perfect gift of salvation. But as far as this life, what do I deserve?

Do I deserve to have this computer I am typing on? Not any more than anyone else does. So, why am I blessed with even non-necessities? It's stuff like this I don't understand. My parents have always been supportive of everything I do and encourage me to chase my dreams. Some parents are absent from their children's lives and others are present but abusive mentally, physically, and emotionally. I get the best, someone else gets the worst. Its not fair.

The only rationale I can make in my head is, it's God's sovereign plan. So, instead of beating my self down about the things I have (way more than I need), I am thankful to the God of all creation who gives...and takes away!

08.08.08

Days like today are always interesting because I know it can happen only once a year. However, today is extra special to me because of the opening ceremonies of the XXIX olympiad. As I sit here and watch these amazing athletes march into the stadium, I see that for this moment, the world has a bit of unity. I see this and I have hope, hope for unity and hope for peace.

During one of the breaks, Exxon Mobile advertised their dream of providing malaria relief in Africa by distributing bed nets and medications. The commercial stated they will not be satisfied until these necessities are available to every family. Wow! they don't just want to look good by doing good, they want life change for everyone in Africa! Dreams such as these are what changes the world.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to watch the olympics over the course of the next two and a half weeks. I sure hope these olympics will provide the Chinese theme of harmony among the athletes, who are highly regarded in every nation.

As the Chinese make the final entrance of the night, a 9 year old boy accompanied Yao Ming as he toted the flag of China. This boy was affected by the earthquake this past May that killed 70,000 people. This young boy exited his class free of harm, then returned to the class room to rescue two of his class mates. He was asked why he went back and he claimed he was a hall monitor and class leader...he had to!

let the games begin!