The Fish Tank

What I remember most about walking into one of my favorite stores is crying. I remember the feeling of the store with all its beauty, peace, awe-inspiring quotes, worship music quietly playing, and prayer table at the back. There was peace. Calm. Quiet. And tears. I sat in the dressing room the day after my friend had lost her sister and sobbed. I felt my tasks were so mundane while my friend suffered her heart torn out at the loss of a sister far too soon. Yet, I felt peace as if I were in another reality. Life was swirling by continuing on as it should as I sat paralyzed in grief for my friend and her family all-the-while experiencing this altered state. I cannot believe it has been almost a year since that moment. I visited the store a few times since. I walked in the other day and began to think about the name of the store: Altered State. I believe this is the way God intended us to live. "Dear friends, I urge you; as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, ...

How I long to live like Christ and wonder why it is so difficult; why we make it so hard. Why is the world so enticing when we only find real fulfillment in the One who gives us life? He is so good and gives me so much yet I chase this world like it is whom I serve. I see death, destruction, despair, loss, fear, chasing with no end yet the world is often times what I seek. Am I afraid of the life you have written for me? Fearful that this life may venture off the path of cultural norm so wrapped up into acceptance by society and not Heaven? I want more than this. I want You, to know You deeply and live for You fulfilled in every capacity. Amen 2 Peter 2:21-25 "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fa...