The Difference Between God And Religion

One year ago, on this very weekend...we found our home here with CCV (Christ Church of the Valley). A day that I will never forget. One that I know, God was behind 100%. I honestly cannot believe it's already been one year. A whole year has passed by and yet it still feels like it was only yesterday that we were feeling extremely anxious, nervous, and excited for what this new journey would bring.

One that was never planned, thought out, or intentional. But that's how God works. Always working behind the scenes. Always methodically planning every inch and aspect of our lives. The Creator and Doer of all...even what seems as the impossible.

If someone would have told me a few years back that I would be a regular church-goer, I seriously would have laughed. I honestly don't mean that in a rude way. But to be honest, I never really had a great church past. Growing up, I was born and raised Catholic. I'm not here to bash another religion, but from a very early age...I didn't agree with a lot of their teachings and practices. I was never happy going to church every weekend. It felt like my parents had to pull teeth to get me to go. And while I would go to make them happy as well as God...I found myself drifting further and further away from the church.

There were so many rules for everything. And to me, that seemed like the furthest thing from God's true Purpose and Intention for us. Because of that, I naively assumed that all churches would be the same and thought to myself that I didn't need church nor would I ever find one that would feel like home. So I decided to try to find my own journey with God. And let me tell you, it was definitely an adventurous one.

Since attending CCV, I can humbly say that my relationship with God and my marriage with Jeremy has been the strongest it's ever been. I've grown and come a long way from a whole entire year ago. While, I still feel that people don't need church in order to have a great relationship with God...it definitely can make it a better one.

I love that we have been so blessed to find a church that I can call home. One where I can relate to the Pastor's teachings and lessons, where they share relatable real life stories, struggles, and experiences. One where I can finally see and know...that I am not alone in my sin, fears, or worries. Where I am not told that if I don't do x,y, and z...that I will go to Hell. One where I have finally learned that God truly does love us all...even if we make mistakes day in and day out. That we have a God that gave His one and only Son for all of us to be saved.

And to me...there's no better feeling to know that God will always love and accept me. Even for my past mistakes. Words will never describe how truly blessed I am. My only hope...is that everything I do, is for God's Glory and Purpose...and that His light shines brightly through and within me...for all others to see. <3

-Becky