for 24 years i haven't known how to read.

i always thought that reading meant: looking at words as you go down a page.

i am beginning to realize that reading means: understanding sentences as you go down a page.

about 6 weeks ago, the book of Hosea rocked me. i never really understood what was going on in the story. it's crazy!!! Hosea becomes a living metaphor for the relationship between Isreal and God. and it's not a pretty sight. the most beautiful part of the book to me is at the end of chapter 2. God tells Hosea to name his children: "No Mercy" and "Not my People" (which is strange). however it set's up a huge picture of mercy. Isreal is unfaithful and suffers the consequences, but God says that in the end, "I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not my People, 'You are my people', and he shall say, 'You are my God'.

God's faithfulness to a people so unfaithful is remarkable. and it is a hope that transfers to all who trust in Him. 

this lead to a great study of the minor prophets, which lead to wanting a new bible, which lead to wanting to read through the bible again, which lead to conversations about prophecy, which lead to a more accurate view of the old testament, which lead to starting Genesis, which lead to amazement. 

putting my new found knowledge of how to read to use, i am beginning to see how great God's Word really is.

thanks God.