Christchurch, NZ

When my hubby and I went to Christchurch, NZ last year, they had just gone through a pretty big earthquake. We even called Hotel So, where we planned to stay, to make sure that they were still physically okay for when we visit. They said they were fine, but a few roads were still blocked around them. We felt a pretty decent sized earthquake the first day we were there. It wasn't too fun since we were on the 6th floor of our hotel. We ended up having a great time there, despite those few aftershocks we felt.

About a week ago, they were hit again with a huge earthquake. 6.3. This time there were some fatalities. It made me and my hubby pretty sad. Just praying for those that are there. Hoping for the best and remembering what it was like there.

The Canterbury Museum, which used to be a College campus.

 Awesome artwork that hung in the middle of the museum. It looked different from every angle.

Downtown Christchurch. They had lots of food trucks that would just park in the middle of the center.

Yes they can.

{All photos taken by the Mister & me}

Faith

Lately I've been thinking about so many things and my faith has been questioned. I mean, I still pray and talk to God, but I have been questioning what I believe a lot lately. Honestly, its freaked me out a bit too.

Here are just a few questions and observations I've come to:

How do people know their religion is the right one? The truth is, you really don't. It just falls back on faith and truly believing that your God(s) are there. I've talked to a few people about this and a close friend of mine told me that its just whether I want to have God as my Savior or not and having faith in Him.

I've noticed how science and religion are sort of coming together too. All the natural events that keep happening and how it correlates to what the Bible says will happen before God comes. Earthquakes, war, sinkholes, etc. But how do I know that it'll end and God will come? What if the earth just blows up or freezes over because of the ozone? I guess we won't know until something happens. Frankly, it all scares me. Mainly because of how its going to end (supposedly). Its not peaceful. At all. Is that too much for me to ask for? A peaceful ending. The only way I can calm down is through prayer. That's one thing I have not questioned. Prayer has power. I pray all the time.

I just keep thinking about how I'm not ready to leave this world. There's so much for me to experience and see. Parts of the world, have my husbands baby, raise a family...so much more. But I know I'm just being selfish. Its something I have to get over personally. With all this questioning, I still find myself believing God does exist and He's watching over me. I just have to find a way to truly have my faith in Him at 100%. If God feels I'm ready or not, then so be it. I just have to live life now and enjoy it. Live life the way He wants me to. There is so much more to look forward to in Heaven. Until I can fully feel that way, I don't think I'll be ready.

Its easier said than done...

Prayer at the Gym

So here's something random, yet calming and respectful to me. I was at the gym a couple of weeks ago, and as I was suffering from side twists, I noticed that there is a guy at the corner doing stretches. All of a sudden, he stops and kneels to pray. He is literally there in the middle of the gym on his mat, just praying. Eyes closed, hands folded at the chest, somber look and everything. I thought, "wow, that is so amazing." What's even more amazing to me is that he continued to pray for what seems like a good 5 minutes. I was such a shock to me that I just stopped working out to stare. It really amazes me at how rare it is to see someone pray in public, yet it is a very calming feeling to me whenever it is seen. I really do respect that guy for doing it. I saw him again today at the gym, but I didn't get the privilege of seeing him pray. I think it wasn't time. Although he was in the exact same spot in the gym. I wonder what religion he is...