playing cards + apples + starbucks = love? (dec 18 o7)

i don't write these too often because im often intimidated by others depth and use of broad vocublary =). but i thought i'd give it a whirl.

as i'm at the young yet old age of 20 i've began to have my own thoughts and stances on things and i have realized that i am not a fan of labels: that person's gay, fat/skinny, ugly, handicapped. i have began the HUGE task of seeing and learning each person for WHO they are not WHAT they are or seem to be. i'm not saying that i will never judge someone ever again, but i have learned over time that Everyone has a story...a past that has brought them to the point where they are now. i just wish people were more genuine and truly compassionate, almost that the "passing conversation" would be done away with aka "Hey how are you?" ...."good u?" that as friends/fellow man whatever you want to say would truly care about someones present being. *may this be a disclaimer I AM NOT DEPRESSED I AM NOT EMO, I am just venting what is on my heart.

i look to my best friend and greatest example Jesus who kicked it with the worst apples of the bushel, (did i just use an apple analogy wow) but either way they were still people and needed to be loved as much as his studs that walked alongside him. everyone has been dealt a hand of cards, i'm not a huge poker player but i know that some hands are better than others but we ALL still play the game in the game of life. everyone has a story it just might take a Venti Frap at starbucks to hear the whole thing. When you hug people hold on to them just a little longer to let them know your there. don't settle go all out theres no other way to do it. please use your gifts and talents if you can run - sprint like someone is chasing you, if you can sing - belt out melodies at the top of your lungs, if you write - record your thoughts to paper if your artistic - paint the most beautiful picture whatever your gift whatever your person let it overflow let it been seen and used for a greater purpose.

don't let your circumstances bring you down, i used to get really disgruntled and quite angry that I had a disability i wanted to be like every other person, every other kid, but over time God revealed to me that I wasn't supposed to be like everyone else I was supposed to be me Joshua Douglas Carter the one the only the ever, I didn't put that to boast but just to state your supposed to be you and only you and whoever you are is okay. be you. when all else fails when all is seemed to be lost...Love conquers ALL, love can heal a broken heart, love can rejuvinate someone love will press on, in one phrase love wins i know i say it plenty but i really mean it - 1John 4:19 "We love Him because He loved us first"

thanks for reading be blessed- josh