What Does Love Mean to You?

So in case you missed it, yesterday was Valentine's Day. It seemed no matter where I went it was right there in my face. Yes I realize it is a day of love, flowers, and chocolates and yes I  did have my fair share of chocolates.....well actually heart-shaped York Peppermint Patties to be exact. They are my kryptonite! But I honestly feel it is such an overrated "holiday."

But with everyone buzzing about the day, I wonder what does love mean to you? I was listening to Family Life Radio on my way home from work and some people were saying what their definition of love was. Here are few from the show and a few from others I have encountered:

• love is when someone scarifies for you
• love is when someone covers up your feet when they are cold and hanging out of a blanket
• love is when someone takes their coat off and gives it to you when you're cold. 
• love is when you can't get enough a person
• love is being faithful and honest
• love is seen in how we treat people
• love is a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (definition from Merriam-Webster dictionary)

You see there are so many definitions of love. And not only that....but are so many different kinds of love. There's love for something that tastes good, love for your husband or wife, love for your kids, love for music, love for your neighbor (or lack thereof). The word LOVE is such a beautiful word but it also is a word that is tossed around way too much when people don't really mean it.

Now let me share with you my version of love that is never-ending. God is love. And if one could actually wrap their minds about how much love the Lord has for us....we would be blown away. His love is so great that He actually became one of us and sacrificed His life for us. Each and every single person. I know that I struggle to look a some people and think, "Okay God, how am I supposed to see the love You have for this person?" But just because they are different than us, or may not act the same as us, doesn't mean that God doesn't love them and therefore we shouldn't.

His gift of love is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. And that my dear friends was my Valentine's revelation. I am so thankful for His love, grace, and mercy for me. I'm leaving you with a video that I hear in church on many occasions...."Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King would die for me......"

Me + Self-Control

self–con·trol- noun \-kən-ˈtrōl\ : restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires

I’ve discovered lately that self-control is actually my friend—not my enemy. By allowing myself to completely trust in God with my food choices and portions, I am learning that I am not as hungry as I thought I was. One of the best feelings so far is that if I do indulge in something sweet, I pray for control and I eat it and done. I’m no longer being controlled by food; I am controlling the food I eat. So me and self-control, we are like two peas in a pod--my new best friend so-to-speak. Just from these few days of eating healthier I'm having so much more energy and last night was one of the best night sleeps I’ve had in a long time.

What I love most about this new chapter is I feel it's a wonderful relationship we've got going on. With my wanting to change and God's ability to change me, how can it fail? It can only fail if I allow it to. Yes God can change people but there has to be some desire of it because He respects your free will. I want to live up to my end of the bargain....we all know that God can live up to His. 

Here's Joyce's video Part 1 & 2.

Surrendering Hunger

Yesterday at during my break, I logged on to Pinterest and started pinning clean eating recipes and other recipes that didn't contain meat. I am finally ready to start working on getting my body back on track and providing a healthy temple for the Holy Spirit.

I started reading a devotional called, “Surrendering Hunger,” by Jan Johnson to help me with my eating habits. At first I was a little hesitant to read it because I was having a difficult time relating to the author. But as I continue to push pass our differences, she does have some insightful devotions.

My eating background in a nutshell: I LOVE FOOD. I love to cook it, talk about it, describe it, oh and most of all eat it. I love meat, rice, chocolate, and anything sweet. And there is my problem. I can’t just eat one brownie. I have to eat six even though I can’t possibly shove another one in my mouth. I have such passion for it which is why it is so difficult for me to portion control myself.

But one thing that is really jumping out at me while reading this is that I live by the motto, “I live to eat.” Just as soon as breakfast is over, I’m looking forward to lunch and I’m even more exited for dinner and then dessert. I have been counting down to the Super Bowl since before Christmas because I can’t wait to indulge in junk food.

I want my motto to change to, “I eat to live.”

If God provides me with food, then surely He can provide a way for me to control myself and my portions. I just need to stop breaking the promises I've made to myself and start trusting God will take care of me because He never breaks His promises. I think that's what happens when you try to do something on your own without God's help--a slew of broken promises which results in failure. Not this time!

So here’s to a new outlook, a new motto, and most of all a deeper understanding and connection with the Holy Spirit!