Michelle Andres Writes ~ Hopelessly deep thinker, frighteningly keen observer, discerning feeler and Jesus-loving, imperfect human storyteller … at your service.

I’m not here to preach to you. So far from it. First off, I’m not a theologian. Secondly, I’m a hot mess, stumbling toward Jesus and asking Him to forgive me… nearly every day…and some days He’s on speed dial.

But, He has my whole heart.  And, I want to be so very good, not for His acceptance, but to demonstrate His character to others throughout my day and to make Him smile in Heaven. See, God has already accepted me, hot mess and all. I KNOW! I can’t believe it either!!! It’s probably why I puddle during every worship song in church. I can’t believe the grace and mercy He would bestow upon me…He knows my thoughts. He knows my heart. They ain’t all pure, you know. 

In our lives we have mountains and valleys. I knew the valley was coming because I’d been sailing along for quite a while in complete comfort and mostly happiness. In 2018 things began heating up as we bought a new house and had a really hard time selling the old one. I was digging in the front yard of the listed house, planting a totally idolatrous St. Joseph statue, because realtors say St. Joseph will miraculously sell your house…and we were approaching desperation.  My childhood friend had been working on getting my soul to Jesus for decades. She was really heavy handed, and way too hellfire and brimstone for me, and being someone who’s a little bit stubborn, maybe more, I dug in my heels and clutched my new-age pearls. I would NOT be bullied into Christianity. Then, while burying the statue I recalled what she said when we’d had dinner last, “It’s not as hard as you try to make it. You don’t have to be perfect, that’s the point. He’s perfect for you.” I’d been slowly coming along. My car radio was set on K-Love and I was eye-balling those Chrisitians, so joyful and kind. So, on my knees, in the front yard, under the big sky and redwood trees, idol grasped tightly in hand, I looked up and said, ”Lord, if you want me, you can have me. Here I am.” Then, like a lightning bolt the Holy Spirit accepted the invitation and shot into my previously hardened-heart and changed it, IMMEDIATELY. Mostly. From that moment I was His and I’ve been deeply, committedly in love ever since. Truly, you don’t have to ask the Lord twice. My abiding love for God hasn’t wavered and the only thing in the way of me being a saintly follower is, well, me. 

These essays will be about the journey, which is unique to each single follower, but leads to the the same place. Abiding love in Christ the Savior and the struggle to walk the “Follower’s Path, ” demonstrating His ways in all we do. I’ll stumble, might fall, but I will get back up and keep trying.  Remember, I’m not perfect. We don’t have to be.

Michelle Andres is an bonifide, Jesus-Loving writer and visual artist. Follow her writing at @thepuddlingchristian on Instagram or on Facebook. See her artwork on her website or follow on Instagram.