Today I came across a post someone put up declaring the break up of Scarlett Johansson & Ryan Reynolds's marriage. And like that person, I sometimes wonder - is there any chance of a successful marriage these days. I know, it rarely happens in Hollywood, but I'm really not even talking about them. In real life people have no staying power anymore. Its as if people have said its okay to walk away when you don't feel like loving someone anymore.
I'm not married so I don't have any great advice to give. But I do hope to be (yes, Love, I still love you) someday. So, many times when I come across someone that has been in a successful marriage, I'm generally intrigued. I like to ask, "What is your secret to a successful marriage?" And many times they laugh. But most of the time they follow with a nugget of information and I hold on to it dearly.
So today I came across a comment someone made on an unrelated article. I thought I would share it. This is what he said:
"Marriage is always a work in progress and failure is never an option. Keeping humor and excitement in your relationship will keep the fires burning in your hearts."
I love it - Marriage is always a work in progress and failure is never an option. How often do we hear people say, "it just didn't work out". I always want to say WHY???? Who gave up? Why settle for failure? So many times in life, its the things I had to fight for that were worth something. The Bible clearly says:
Eph 6:13,14 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place
Stand your ground, doing everything you know to stand....and then Stand firm some more. Need I say more?
Keeping humor and excitement in your relationship will keep the fires burning in your hearts. My Love knows more than anyone that I'm seriously just a goofball, but a serious goofball. I don't mind doing a little jig here and there to make him smile. However, deep down there is a seriousness about me that many see, but few can really breakthrough. And at times, the seriousness gets the better of me. I'm not saying ignore issues that need to be resolved, but I am saying, learn to laugh together. My Love and I are still working on that, but I'd say we laugh with each other everyday. And I think that's important.
Again, I'm no expert. I haven't even started. But don't you think a nugget is a nugget, no matter who it comes from?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Tiffany Blue
I am currently obsessed with everything Tiffany Blue though I have not added it into my life as of yet. But have no fear - it draws near. I've decided to transform my guest bedroom into a Tiffany Blue Box. I recently purchased a white and black duvet, black candles, a Tiffany Blue (acutally a shade darker) and black lamp. I'm currently looking for Tiffany Blue sheets. Accesories will soon follow I'm sure. My plan is to paint the bedroom walls and floor (yes floor - that ugly carpet is coming up) Tiffany Blue. I haven't decorated anything in quite some time so I'm completely excited about this endeavor. I just have to find the right paint color. Here are some recent pictures that I've fallen head over heals for. Enjoy! I know I have.
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| I am only hoping I can come across a chandelier like this |
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| I want these! |
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| Beyond adorable |
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| A place to call home. |
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| Absolutely Breathtaking |
Friday, November 5, 2010
Walking to the Alter
There are moments in life where decisions have to be made that are not always easy. And rarely are they easy to stand by - but they are a must. The moment of decision does not come suddenly, but through many hours of thought and anguish. You are well aware of the possible outcomes. You are aware of the costs. And you are completely aware of the pain that could follow. But at the end of the day - a decision must be made and you must trust that God is in control.
Abraham faced something like that. God told him to do something he would never have imagined. God told him to sacrifice his only son. Can you imagine? You were told by God that you would be the father of many nations, yet you have no child. And God doesn't give you one right away. He waits until you're old and then says - okay - now I'll give you a son. So here you are - old - finally with this son you've dreamed about - and God tells you to go sacrifice him! Are you KIDDING ME!?! No, God was not kidding. I'm sure Abraham wished he heard God wrong at that moment. Just the thought makes my heart sink. Yet, a decision had to be made. Will I do what must be done? Or will I follow my own plan? Will I do what is best in God's eyes? Or will I do what is best for me? Don't act like you haven't contemplated the thought of what is best for you instead of what is God's best. And so, I'm sure with heavy heart, our father Abraham followed God's lead. He gathered his things, including his only son, and headed to the alter where he would make a sacrifice.
What has God asked you to sacrifice? Is there something He is asking you to lay on the alter before Him? He has of me. And I have walked to the alter and laid it down. You see, we know the end of the story of Abraham. We know that God provided another sacrifice. However, sometimes we forget that Abraham had to actually put Isaac on that alter. I sit here trying to imagine how Abraham must have felt. Fear? God, what will Sarah say about this? Will she understand? Hurt? God, I don't know why you are asking me to do this. Why did you give him to me in the first place? Brokenness? I know this man of God tried to be strong, but I can almost see his already swollen eyes and then the all too familiar tears start streaming down his face as he looks at his son. And finally trust. God I will trust you because you are my God. You gave, but today, you take away. Thank you for the moments you allowed me to have. Then. Then and only then did God bring another sacrifice on the scene.
Here we are at decision time. Will I trust God, or will I trust my emotions? Oh I've felt all of those emotions. Fear, hurt, brokenness. I know them all too well. I wish I could tell myself that God will show up just like He did for Abraham. But that doesn't always happen. The trust is - trusting that God's ways are higher than our ways. His plans are higher than our plans. God is still God, no matter the outcome. Know that my friend.
And so I, with shaky legs, fear of the unknown, hurting heart, and swollen eyes have come to God to sacrifice what is His. Because at the end of the day - I am not my own. I was bought with a price. I am not here for my glory and my plans but to glorify Him.
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Abraham faced something like that. God told him to do something he would never have imagined. God told him to sacrifice his only son. Can you imagine? You were told by God that you would be the father of many nations, yet you have no child. And God doesn't give you one right away. He waits until you're old and then says - okay - now I'll give you a son. So here you are - old - finally with this son you've dreamed about - and God tells you to go sacrifice him! Are you KIDDING ME!?! No, God was not kidding. I'm sure Abraham wished he heard God wrong at that moment. Just the thought makes my heart sink. Yet, a decision had to be made. Will I do what must be done? Or will I follow my own plan? Will I do what is best in God's eyes? Or will I do what is best for me? Don't act like you haven't contemplated the thought of what is best for you instead of what is God's best. And so, I'm sure with heavy heart, our father Abraham followed God's lead. He gathered his things, including his only son, and headed to the alter where he would make a sacrifice.
What has God asked you to sacrifice? Is there something He is asking you to lay on the alter before Him? He has of me. And I have walked to the alter and laid it down. You see, we know the end of the story of Abraham. We know that God provided another sacrifice. However, sometimes we forget that Abraham had to actually put Isaac on that alter. I sit here trying to imagine how Abraham must have felt. Fear? God, what will Sarah say about this? Will she understand? Hurt? God, I don't know why you are asking me to do this. Why did you give him to me in the first place? Brokenness? I know this man of God tried to be strong, but I can almost see his already swollen eyes and then the all too familiar tears start streaming down his face as he looks at his son. And finally trust. God I will trust you because you are my God. You gave, but today, you take away. Thank you for the moments you allowed me to have. Then. Then and only then did God bring another sacrifice on the scene.
Here we are at decision time. Will I trust God, or will I trust my emotions? Oh I've felt all of those emotions. Fear, hurt, brokenness. I know them all too well. I wish I could tell myself that God will show up just like He did for Abraham. But that doesn't always happen. The trust is - trusting that God's ways are higher than our ways. His plans are higher than our plans. God is still God, no matter the outcome. Know that my friend.
And so I, with shaky legs, fear of the unknown, hurting heart, and swollen eyes have come to God to sacrifice what is His. Because at the end of the day - I am not my own. I was bought with a price. I am not here for my glory and my plans but to glorify Him.
Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
He is Worthy
Do you ever have those days where you wake up desperate for something encouraging to happen? Hoping that there will a break in dam that seems to hold you back? Life isn't bad, but today you've been hurt and there is no shoulder to cry on. There is no one to say, I understand. You feel utterly alone. Today is just that day. However, instead of getting up and searching for something positive I chose to stay in bed. I chose to lay there wishing I could fall asleep and not wake until the next morning. No one look at me. No one touch me. Just let me sulk and continue to feel hurt.
And God says - Get up, Liberty. Then subtly He reminds me of a verse.
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
— 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
He has called me chosen, royal, holy, and most importantly - HIS. But it doesn't stop there. He has made us all these things to declare His praises. He is worthy to be praised no matter what situation I am in. He is worthy to be praised no matter the hurt I may feel. He is worthy to be praised in the good times and bad.
So today, Lord, I praise you for all that you are. You are the Great I Am. You are the Beginning and the End. You are my strength and my song. You are my Comforter and Friend. You are Holy, Holy, Holy.
I'm thankful God didn't wake up this morning and say - No one look at me, No one touch me.
And God says - Get up, Liberty. Then subtly He reminds me of a verse.
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
— 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
He has called me chosen, royal, holy, and most importantly - HIS. But it doesn't stop there. He has made us all these things to declare His praises. He is worthy to be praised no matter what situation I am in. He is worthy to be praised no matter the hurt I may feel. He is worthy to be praised in the good times and bad.
So today, Lord, I praise you for all that you are. You are the Great I Am. You are the Beginning and the End. You are my strength and my song. You are my Comforter and Friend. You are Holy, Holy, Holy.
I'm thankful God didn't wake up this morning and say - No one look at me, No one touch me.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Oh The Places You'll Go
Maybe I've posted this before - but its worth a second go around. Dr. Seuss was amazing with his simple nugguts of wisdom.
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t.
Because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused that you’ll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.
No! That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!
Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Except when they don’t. Because, sometimes, they won’t.
I’m afraid that some times you’ll play lonely games too. Games you can’t win ‘cause you’ll play against you.
All Alone!
Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot.
And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.
But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike. And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.
You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.
And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t.
Because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused that you’ll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.
No! That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!
Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Except when they don’t. Because, sometimes, they won’t.
I’m afraid that some times you’ll play lonely games too. Games you can’t win ‘cause you’ll play against you.
All Alone!
Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot.
And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.
But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike. And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.
You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!
Friday, July 30, 2010
And I Shall Be Called Traveler
After this summer, I have decided that - when I grow up - I want to be a Traveler. Yes, you heard me right. I want to be a traveler. I want to go here and there and everywhere and do it again and again. This year has started something that I don't believe will ever be completely satisfied - and thus - I won't be satisfied. I don't believe that I'll be able to sit back and live a normal life of staying home all the time and worrying with things like the grass getting cut or the weeds being pulled or the flowers getting watered. Maybe I should look into condos?!?!? I will go and see and do until my heart is content - but it won't be because there will always be something new and exciting to do and see. (Okay so maybe I'm dreaming - but let me have my little dream. I don't allow myself to have too many of them!)
I realized that I haven't posted too many pics on here lately of my travels so here are some of my expereinces. Enjoy (I sure did!)
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| Wicked - an amazing show |
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| The best Panini I think I've ever put in my mouth! |
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| Times Square |
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| My Lady Liberty |
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| Me about to kick some go cart butt! |
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| Canterbury Race Track - Minnesota |
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| Minnesota - I still can't believe how much I liked it there. |
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Enter the Throne Room
Today I find myself extremely restless....craving a moment with God, yet doing everything but being still enough to hear His voice or even just talk to Him. I've gone to the grocery store. I've stained the desk. I've taken my computer to the repairman. I've washed and put the dishes away. I've put a load of laundry in the wash. I've looked at Facebook more times than I care to admit. And here I am writing a post! I'm desiring a moment with God, yet I do everything but spend time with Him. Something is completely wrong with this picture. How did life get so packed with busy-ness (is that a word?) that I can't seem to stop for the moment that I'm desiring? And when I actually sit and ponder this, I realize its not busy-ness....its me. If I want a moment with God - I need to take it like the Wine Diva took the race (guess you had to be there)!
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
When I go visit my parents, I knock on the door, but I don't wait for them to answer. I just walk on in! God longs for a relationship with us. He longs for us to be with Him. And yet, so many times we shuffle our feet outside of His door instead of just walking right on in. Its okay - He's waiting for you.
And for me....I've gotta go. My Father is expecting me!
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
When I go visit my parents, I knock on the door, but I don't wait for them to answer. I just walk on in! God longs for a relationship with us. He longs for us to be with Him. And yet, so many times we shuffle our feet outside of His door instead of just walking right on in. Its okay - He's waiting for you.
And for me....I've gotta go. My Father is expecting me!
Friday, July 9, 2010
If You Aren't Careful
I can't say that I've lived a very exciting life. I haven't been to the moon. I haven't cured cancer. I haven't caught a purse snatcher. And I probably haven't changed a lot of lives around me. Its easy to get wrapped up in the everyday business of going to work/school/both. Its easy to see the same people day in and day out and fail to actually see them. Its easy to forget the important things like eatting snow cones, getting kisses from your puppy, getting lost in a child's laughter, feeling the sand between your toes, be the reason someone smiles, watching the sunrise/sunset, get lost in rolling hills, feel the wind in your hair, dance like no one is around, and laugh until it hurts and keep laughing. No one can do it for you - you have to live your own life. And if you aren't careful - life will pass you by and you will be left wondering where it went. So has my life been exciting? No. But I have lived life. It hasn't always been fun or easy. It has had its highs and its lows. I have loved and lost...and still been blessed enough to love again. I have gained friends and lost friends and gained again. I have seen places I never thought I would see. I have accomplished things I never thought possible. I have failed. I have succeeded. And I have lived.
Thank God for that.
Thank God for that.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Surprise!
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
It always amazes me when God surprises us out of no where. I mean - I never saw it coming. Its not that I didn't think He was capable. Its not that I thought He didn't care. It just never occurred to me to expect it.
Lately I've been a bit discouraged. Here I am out of school and want to work to save money for next semester (not to mention pay my current bills). Yet I find it difficult to get the days. And the thought runs through my mind over and over again - if you don't work you don't eat. I'm a firm believer in that. And still - its not that I don't want to work - I just can't get the days to work. So finally I prayed (why do we sometimes look to God last instead of first???? Please tell me I am not the only one that has been guilty of this a time or two!). And then all of a sudden God started opening the doors.
James 1:6-7
But when you ask [God], but sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
He does promise us that He will take care of us. If He takes care of the birds - surely He will take care of His children. I mean surely! But if we don't expect anything - If we don't anticipate He will come through on such a promise - why should He? Fortunate for me (and you), He abounds in grace and mercy. Even when I neglect the simplest of acts - just to expect Him to show up - He does it anyway. I am humbled that He cares enough show up. I am humbled by His thoughtfulness. And I am humbled that He chose me - on this day - to give a surprise to.
Expect something from God today and see what He does!
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
It always amazes me when God surprises us out of no where. I mean - I never saw it coming. Its not that I didn't think He was capable. Its not that I thought He didn't care. It just never occurred to me to expect it.
Lately I've been a bit discouraged. Here I am out of school and want to work to save money for next semester (not to mention pay my current bills). Yet I find it difficult to get the days. And the thought runs through my mind over and over again - if you don't work you don't eat. I'm a firm believer in that. And still - its not that I don't want to work - I just can't get the days to work. So finally I prayed (why do we sometimes look to God last instead of first???? Please tell me I am not the only one that has been guilty of this a time or two!). And then all of a sudden God started opening the doors.
James 1:6-7
But when you ask [God], but sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
He does promise us that He will take care of us. If He takes care of the birds - surely He will take care of His children. I mean surely! But if we don't expect anything - If we don't anticipate He will come through on such a promise - why should He? Fortunate for me (and you), He abounds in grace and mercy. Even when I neglect the simplest of acts - just to expect Him to show up - He does it anyway. I am humbled that He cares enough show up. I am humbled by His thoughtfulness. And I am humbled that He chose me - on this day - to give a surprise to.
Expect something from God today and see what He does!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
What is Love?
Really, what is love? I feel like I need to break out into that song tonight because it expresses everything I want to say right now but don't know how.
In Bible study tonight I was hit with a few eye opening moments that relate to my situation right now.
1. Love keeps no records of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13 speaks nothing but about love and what it is and isn't. Today, even before I was hit with that passage, I knew that I knew - that I love him. And that made matters worse. Because if truth be told, it would be so much easier to realize that I really did not love him at all - that it was nice, yes, but it was not love. Alas, that was not the case. So when I came home tonight and found a dozen roses on my door step with a card that simply read "I'm Sorry" I began to sob like a baby to the point of physically getting ill. Mainly because - I don't know how to respond. This man I love never tells me he is sorry - and he chooses this moment to express those powerful words. Words that heal. Words that comfort. Whether you're wrong or right - they are powerful. But how do you express to someone that - this is my heart you're dealing with and you've pierced it deeply. You cut me, you cut me deep (okay so thats an inside joke - even though its quite real).
2. I am a stepping stone for God. That is all I am and everything that I am all in one. Every moment of my life should be lived to further His kingdom. And so in looking at my current situation...I asked myself "Have you been a stepping stone in his life?" "Have you left a mark on his life for God that cannot be erased?" I pray I have. I pray that each day he would forget more and more the hurtful things of the past because of the love I poured into his life. I pray each day he would see himself more and more as the child of God than the negative thoughts he has of himself because of the postive things I try to instill in him. But if truth be told, I have no clue. I do know that I tried to love him with everything I was. I tried to give of myself with no holding back even though at moments I called myself a fool for doing so. At times I'm sure I've been guarded, for fear of getting hurt. But each day I tried to give a nugget of love that was lasting - hopefully I succeeded.
So what is love?
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resonding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have no love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
In Bible study tonight I was hit with a few eye opening moments that relate to my situation right now.
1. Love keeps no records of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13 speaks nothing but about love and what it is and isn't. Today, even before I was hit with that passage, I knew that I knew - that I love him. And that made matters worse. Because if truth be told, it would be so much easier to realize that I really did not love him at all - that it was nice, yes, but it was not love. Alas, that was not the case. So when I came home tonight and found a dozen roses on my door step with a card that simply read "I'm Sorry" I began to sob like a baby to the point of physically getting ill. Mainly because - I don't know how to respond. This man I love never tells me he is sorry - and he chooses this moment to express those powerful words. Words that heal. Words that comfort. Whether you're wrong or right - they are powerful. But how do you express to someone that - this is my heart you're dealing with and you've pierced it deeply. You cut me, you cut me deep (okay so thats an inside joke - even though its quite real).
2. I am a stepping stone for God. That is all I am and everything that I am all in one. Every moment of my life should be lived to further His kingdom. And so in looking at my current situation...I asked myself "Have you been a stepping stone in his life?" "Have you left a mark on his life for God that cannot be erased?" I pray I have. I pray that each day he would forget more and more the hurtful things of the past because of the love I poured into his life. I pray each day he would see himself more and more as the child of God than the negative thoughts he has of himself because of the postive things I try to instill in him. But if truth be told, I have no clue. I do know that I tried to love him with everything I was. I tried to give of myself with no holding back even though at moments I called myself a fool for doing so. At times I'm sure I've been guarded, for fear of getting hurt. But each day I tried to give a nugget of love that was lasting - hopefully I succeeded.
So what is love?
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resonding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have no love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
What Are You Afraid Of?
The past two weeks I have been fighting an inward battle. There have been hurtful events this year that have caused emotions to rise up from deep within that I'd rather suppress. I'd rather act like they weren't there because the honest truth is - they are ugly and foul and not very becoming. I've tried ignoring them. I've tried covering them up with a smile. I've tried pretending the events never happened. But they did and the emotions are real.
And so this week, God in all His wisdom uncovered them. He slowly started at the edge of the band-aid....and then ripped it off! It started with a question from my mother and ended with me vehemently spewing words of anger and bitterness out of my mouth. I was shocked! I thought it was under control. I thought I had accepted this fate. I even prayed blessings for this one that caused a hurt so deep. Really, I should have been okay, right? And so I prayed some more. Then God brought another unsuspecting bystander along, who was simply making conversation. And I lost it. I unloaded a hurt on an innocent one. And so I was wrong. Very wrong. I was no okay.
So choosing a moment that was completely uncomfortable to me - choosing a moment where I was surrounded by many (by my standards) God spoke 5 simply words to me through Beth Moore. Beth overwhelms me with knowing what to say at exactly the right time. Her question was: What are you afraid of? (those are not the 5 words - hang in there with me) I sat there and pondered - what exactly am I afraid of? I knew it was something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I've said it a million times when asked that question, but for whatever reason it had left me. And then she spoke the one nasty word - Failure. Fear of failing God. Fear of failing those around me. Fear of failing myself. I realized at that moment that the fear of failing someone had come to pass, but it didn't end there. I felt as if someone had failed me. Then He said it: "I will never fail you." And the dam broke. The tears I was holding back could be held back no more. They were streaming down my face. My nose was running. And the more I tried to hold back, the more the tears came. I was sobbing. I was broken. And God said, "But, My Love, I will not fail you." "Stop depending on people - and depend on me."
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
How stubborn we are that we have to go through such heart wrenching moments to hear what our Father is saying? It really must just be me.
And so this week, God in all His wisdom uncovered them. He slowly started at the edge of the band-aid....and then ripped it off! It started with a question from my mother and ended with me vehemently spewing words of anger and bitterness out of my mouth. I was shocked! I thought it was under control. I thought I had accepted this fate. I even prayed blessings for this one that caused a hurt so deep. Really, I should have been okay, right? And so I prayed some more. Then God brought another unsuspecting bystander along, who was simply making conversation. And I lost it. I unloaded a hurt on an innocent one. And so I was wrong. Very wrong. I was no okay.
So choosing a moment that was completely uncomfortable to me - choosing a moment where I was surrounded by many (by my standards) God spoke 5 simply words to me through Beth Moore. Beth overwhelms me with knowing what to say at exactly the right time. Her question was: What are you afraid of? (those are not the 5 words - hang in there with me) I sat there and pondered - what exactly am I afraid of? I knew it was something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I've said it a million times when asked that question, but for whatever reason it had left me. And then she spoke the one nasty word - Failure. Fear of failing God. Fear of failing those around me. Fear of failing myself. I realized at that moment that the fear of failing someone had come to pass, but it didn't end there. I felt as if someone had failed me. Then He said it: "I will never fail you." And the dam broke. The tears I was holding back could be held back no more. They were streaming down my face. My nose was running. And the more I tried to hold back, the more the tears came. I was sobbing. I was broken. And God said, "But, My Love, I will not fail you." "Stop depending on people - and depend on me."
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
How stubborn we are that we have to go through such heart wrenching moments to hear what our Father is saying? It really must just be me.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Touched
There are days when I feel as if every moment passes by and nothing special has happened. Its an everyday kind of day that neither thrills nor depresses, but just IS. And then there are days that are enveloped with little surprises or miracles that can take your breath away. They are the moments that are least expected and maybe never even dreamed. Yet for whatever reason, God graces you with a moment that will touch your heart.
Last night I had a moment. It was a moment that may not seem like much to most, but to me it was touching. And even now I'm left nearly speechless as to how I felt. As we sat down to eat, the Boyfriend (whose name will remain nameless because he really may not want his name splashed on the internet) muted the t.v. and asked, shall we pray? ...... That's it.
You're probably thinking, What? Are you serious? Is all this special moment crap really about a blessing over dinner? And the answer is, Yes. For me, it was a moment. He didn't know he was about to create a moment, but it was he who pricked my heart with joy and hope and love. And so right there at dinner, I felt blessed (for a number of reasons I'll keep to myself). So, to the Boyfriend, thank you. xoxox
The moments are there if we will only take the time to view life a little differently than we did the day before.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle. The other as if everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
Last night I had a moment. It was a moment that may not seem like much to most, but to me it was touching. And even now I'm left nearly speechless as to how I felt. As we sat down to eat, the Boyfriend (whose name will remain nameless because he really may not want his name splashed on the internet) muted the t.v. and asked, shall we pray? ...... That's it.
You're probably thinking, What? Are you serious? Is all this special moment crap really about a blessing over dinner? And the answer is, Yes. For me, it was a moment. He didn't know he was about to create a moment, but it was he who pricked my heart with joy and hope and love. And so right there at dinner, I felt blessed (for a number of reasons I'll keep to myself). So, to the Boyfriend, thank you. xoxox
The moments are there if we will only take the time to view life a little differently than we did the day before.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle. The other as if everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
Monday, January 4, 2010
God Works With What He's Got...
Today I came across this in an email. So many times we look at our lives and what we are or are not and figure God can't use us - much less love us. Why we look at ourselves through human eyes is beyond me - especially in light of the fact that God only looks at us through eyes of love. Next time you're down on yourself and how you don't think you "measure up" to what God expects - think on this....
The next time you think God can't you use you, just remember.....
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a studdering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijiah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ucler
And Lazarus was dead!
Kind of gives you hope, huh?
The next time you think God can't you use you, just remember.....
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a studdering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijiah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ucler
And Lazarus was dead!
Kind of gives you hope, huh?
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