Just a Sparrow

https://just-a-sparrow.tumblr.com/

I know I've made a lot of mistakes over the years. There's a lot I would like to have done better - if I'd known then what I know now... I wish I'd done better for those I was around just before they passed on - human and animal companions alike. I also made a lot of stupid mistakes in how I treated and reacted to people - especially back in high school and college. I thought at the time that I was a good person...but after waking up in a sort of "Scott-Pilgrim-esque" epiphany, there's a lot I wish I'd done better. I hope anyone who knew me during that time forgives me for what I did and how I was. Thank God that I've been able to wake up and see things I didn't then, and am hoping to, and trying to, through His help, become a better person, but I am truly sorry for anyone I upset or hurt back then (or in any other time of my life, for that matter.) I sincerely want to live in peace and love with all others. I forgive all, and I hope...

Helping God take care of animals really is a gift. They teach us so much about love, loyalty, forgiveness, innocence and enjoying the simple things in life. Caring for them helps keep us human. "A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal.." - Proverbs 12:10a "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" - Luke 12:24 "Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds." - Proverbs 27:23 "Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O LORD. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings." - Psalm 36:5-7 "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down wit...

[Click the title for the full article. More articles to be added as uncovered.] From " 3 Surprising Ways I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me " by John UpChurch: 1. Through Trials : "In Christ, we will certainly see joyful times, just as anyone does. But what truly sets us apart as followers of Jesus is that we can find victory in the most difficult trials... “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4)" 2. Through Contentment : "...our hope isn’t in what we have or don’t have here on earth. Our hope is in Christ: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6–7) Jesus gives us the strength to see beyond our present circumstances an...

Jesus Christ in Mark 7 : "5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?" 6 He answered and said unto them, " Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. " 9 And he said unto them, " Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he sha...

It seems that true freedom isn't everyone hiding their beliefs or pretending they believe in nothing in order to not offend anyone, but rather, when everyone is free to share their beliefs without hating or being hated by anyone. But when will mankind get to that point...?

As quoted from Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 Note: The Greek word for love used in this passage is "Agape" which translates to "brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence". " 1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. ...