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......"

Why Do I Blog?

After signing up for the Faithful Bloggers directory, their question was, "Why do you blog?" I thought it was a good question because I want to make sure my motives are right. I don't intend for this to be a career. I don't intend to make any money, and I don't plan on quitting my job. My only intention is to share the love of Jesus with my own personal story and experiences and hopefully make a difference in just one person's life.

At first I was hesitant because seems how I am a fairly new believer, I thought what do I really have to offer? I'm in no way, shape, or form a bible scholar but I thought there must be others like me that struggle and want to learn and grow in Christ with real life experiences. Just because I don't have a degree in theology doesn't mean I can't share the Good News. We are all disciples and have the freedom to share with everyone (and should). God created each one of us for different purposes. We have have different talents and desires and that is a wonderful thing because if we all did the same thing, the world would be pretty boring. Jesus said to the 11 after he was resurrected: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15. So here I am....putting myself out there. I will be here as long as it is God's will.

1 Corinthians 16:6-7

⁶ Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. ⁷ I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Tuesday Devotional

Listen for God's Voice

"And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it...." Isaiah 30:21

Most of the time, God does not speak to  us in an audible voice, we hear Him in our hearts. Sometimes He speaks by reminding us of a truth or principle from His word; sometimes He gives us thoughts or ideas we would not have had on our own; sometimes we simply have a strong sense of knowing what to do. We need to quiet all the noise in our lives and become sensitive to God's still, small voice. We need to choose to listen to God because he will speak to us.

God does not only speak in the urgent or important matter of life. He also guides us in the most seeming insignificant situations. I was on my way home one day and intended to stop and get a cup of coffee, when I had a strong impression that I should call my secretary and see if she wanted a cup, too. When I called, she said, "I was just standing here thinking, I would love a good cup of coffee right now." You see, God wanted to give her the desire of her heart, and He wanted to work through me. I did  not hear a loud voice or see an angel, nor did I have a vision; I simply had an inner sensing that I should offer her a cup of coffee. As a result, we both experienced great joy in knowing God cares about the smallest details of our lives.

Quite often we ignore little things like this. The more we do, the harder it is to develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. If someone is on your heart, I encourage you to pray for that person or call him or her and say, "I was just thinking of you." You never know how a seemingly small thing like a phone call can alter a person's day or maybe even change someone's life. Let me encourage you today to keep your heart sensitive to God's voice. He will speak to your heart and lead you in the way you should go.

Trust in Him: Remember this; each time we disobey God, it becomes more difficult to hear Him the next time He speaks; but every time we trust Him, it gets easier to hear and be led by His Spirit. What is God saying to you today?

How Are We Being Like Jesus?

So yesterday I got my church on! I've been looking forward to attending all week; it's almost like I had a feeling that something good was going to happen. Lately, I've been feeling like I've been in tuned with God. When I mentioned or thought about something, I would see it come to life the next day. Sometimes I get a little freaked out about it, then I realize that I am recognizing and following God's voice and it's amazing to see it unfold.

The message at church today was again about love. How to love your neighbor/enemy and how if you loved everyone then there would be no other problems. If you loved your neighbor you would not want to steal from them, lie to them, or kill them. It makes sense. A question that was asked was, "How are we being like Jesus?"

Pastor Chad would ask some thought provoking questions then he would say, "Let that rock your theology for a bit." He's pretty hip with the lingo. It's so funny how one little question, when really thought about, can carry such deep issues. How are we like Jesus? How am I like Jesus? And really the answer for me is so far from it. It's hard to look at everyone with the love of God. It's hard to forgive, it's hard to not take offense, and I wouldn't lay down my life for just anyone. But He did. He did all those things. Why? Because of love.

It's amazing to consider that no way in this lifetime will I ever be completely like Jesus. And just because I know there's no way to reach that level of perfection, it's not like I'm throwing in the towel and reverting back to my sinful ways because I can't. I take a look at my life and I thank God for changing me, even if it is slow process. I consider myself a diamond in the rough. I may have a rough exterior but with God's help, He's slowly shining me up. And what's even more amazing to think about is no matter what stage I am in, I/we are always one of His prized possessions.

If you are in the mood for some more reading, check out this awesome article about the analogy of people and diamonds: http://www.prevailmagazine.org/gods-diamond-in-the-rough/

Taking Offense

Got to love Google and their photos!

I'm going to ask you a serious question.....how often do you get offended? Seriously? To me it's a serious question to ask because people can take offense quite easily and  hold grudges forever. It's a very delicate subject because I don't think people (myself included) really think about it and are honest with themselves. Why do we get offended and why do we hold grudges?

One of the things we can do to try not to get so offended is to automatically think, "no matter what happens or is said, I forgive you." I dare you to try it. It's sooooo hard but if you think about who it is actually hurting holding on to grudges and getting mad about how rude some people are, you are the one it hurts the most. How is that possible? Well because every time that person's name is brought up you may instantly get upset and have unpleasant thoughts or get mad inside causing you to fester and slowly rot. Do you really think that's God plan for you? Absolutely not! By not forgiving, you are losing out on God's best for your life.

Free yourself and try to forgive. If you are having a difficult time, maybe you and your pride need to have a little chit chat. Pride is such an awful sin and is so deceiving. I am a sinner saved by His grace just like the next Christian and I deal with these same problems and I have to remind myself to not get upset--daily.  You will come in contact with those people. It's a part of life, but the big question is.....how will you handle it?


 ^"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

And because I'm feeling like sharing a little music video.....here is a great one about forgiveness:

Have a wonderful weekend!

Representing Christ

My soft spot for David Jeremiah is kicking in full swing today. I just have so much respect for him and I love how sincere he is and the way he delivers his messages. I was watching his sermon on t.v. last week and heard he had a magazine. Of course I signed up for it but I also signed up for his newsletter. While reading his message, one sentence popped out at me, "None of us knows when we'll be noticed by the crowds; but all of us are noticed by someone each day."

And at that moment, I asked myself whether or not I represent Christ in a positive way? While walking down the street, grocery shopping, watching a basketball game, or while at work? At all these places their are a lot of people around. So much so that even though I don't like the thought of admitting it, but we all judge people. I've heard a lot of unbelievers say that Christians are the number one hippocrates. And it may be true, but I am a sinner just the like unbeliever but the only difference between us is I am saved by His grace. 

If I am trying to share the Gospel with someone, are they going to see the fruit of the Spirit? Are they going to feel the love of Jesus? I want to be a good role model for the body of Christ--even on my bad days. So I'll leave you with that thought and the entire devotion from his website.

Weekend, February 2 & 3

Words from the Wise: David

And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. 
1 Samuel 18:14

Recommended Reading 1 Samuel 18:12-16

When was the last time you saw a young superstar, political leader, celebrity, or youthful VIP who was truly wise? There are a few of them, but most hotshots don't have the maturity to handle early fame. That's why so many NFL players get into trouble, and why so many rock superstars die young. Even Susan Boyle -- no spring chicken -- struggled with renown after becoming an overnight sensation on Britain's Got Talent. She told the Today Showthat sudden fame is "a lot like a giant demolition ball."

But God can give wisdom to both young and old, both famous and obscure. When the shepherd-boy David suddenly became famous after defeating Goliath, he behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. None of us knows when we'll be noticed by the crowds; but all of us are noticed by someone each day. If we learn God's wisdom in obscurity, we'll be able to practice it whatever comes. How can you behave a little more wisely today?

If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees. 
Vance Havner

P.S.  On a side note, I have been added to the Faithful Bloggers directory! I am so honored and so happy that God is working on sharing this little piece of the internet with the world. Praise the Lord! Be sure to check out their directory and visit some other great, inspirational blogs!

Left Behind Series

If you are looking for a book that is filled with Jesus, action, adventure, heartbreak, love, and so much more, than I definitely suggest reading the Left Behind Series. In all honesty, these books contributed to helping me get saved. I started reading it as unbeliever and through a variety of events, I accepted Jesus in my heart.

I am currently finishing up reading Assassins and can't wait to get through the entire series--only 6 more books to go. If you are super busy and can't find the time to read these books, here's an awesome website that has the dramatic audio so you can hear it acted out. I did watch the first two movies....and I'm glad I stuck with the books. I heard this awesome quote that says, "Don't judge a book by its movies" and boy is that the truth. Typical that the movies never do the books justice.

If you have children who love to read, they also wrote this for the young adult. I haven't personally read it myself, but if it is anything like the original version, than I suspect it to be amazing as well. I know that the local Christian store (Cook's Christian) have these available to lend out if you don't want to purchase the books. It's like a local Christian library.

Recharging My Batteries

Some days (like last night) I get exhausted--physically. I feel like it's a sturggle to get through the work day and to be involved in my family activites afterwards. But in special moments, something happens just at the right time I need it. Case in point, the sun in all its glory shines so bright on this wintry day just at the exact time I need it and I feel recharged. I thank the Lord for being able to view these beautiful landscapes He has created and even though I'm exhaused, I know He'll give me the strength to finish the day.

Another thing that recharges my batteries is when I read my Bible. It is something I crave and it is alive to me. All the stories and messages are so real and vivid and I feel like I'm there.  For something that was written thousands of years ago and still pertain to today's messed-up society, only can be from God. I may not literally have an ox or a donkey in my backyard but the principles are still the same.

I remember when I first became a believer I would only get my information from church and do nothing the entire rest of the week and in all honestly drag myself to church because I felt it was the right thing to do. Fast forward to over a year later and now and I LOVE going to church. I love hearing the message and I love sharing it as well. It's amazing what God can do to people and even though this blog is just an outlet to express His love for us, my prayer is that at least one person can get something out of it and feel the love of God.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
    and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7


Here's a great video to complement the scripture:

Small Steps : How God is Changing Me

This morning was one of the most incredible ways I have noticed how God is changing me. Last night was the Super Bowl and boy did it last longer than I thought. By the time my family left and everyone got ready for bed, it was already past 11:00pm. I was so tired in fact that I forgot to set my alarm.

So imagine waking up to a voice saying, "It's 7:28!" Realizing you leave for school/work at 7:35am. The old me would have jumped out of bed, panicked, tore up the house looking for what to wear, searching for my cell phone, and trying to find what to have for lunch--all while figuring out how I'm supposed to shower, put makeup on, and let the dogs out all within 7 minutes. 

Well if you notice when I mentioned the "the old me," in the previous paragraph then you know where this is going. At church on Sunday, I left with a message of being patient, you are always being watched by other people, and of course about LOVE seems how it's February. The Pastor was sharing a story about his wife and how she dropped his beloved Ipad that he uses to deliver his sermons on the ground and cracked the screen. Under normal circumstances he would have yelled and yes he even mentioned wanted to cuss, but he did neither of those things. Instead he just took a deep breath and gracefully picked it up from the ground. 

How many time do we overreact when actually there's nothing that you can do about it?

 When I woke up this morning, I knew there was no way I could do everything I had to....so I took my time. Made a couple jokes, drop the kid off at school and came home and finished getting ready. Sure I was a few minutes late today but I'm not going to let that ruin my day. I'm not going to let it get my morning off to a bad start. And that my friends is how God is changing me. I'll leave you with a marvelous bit of scripture. One that I have personally memorized. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Image copyright Rick Short

Daily Devotion

I received this lovely book for Christmas and I absolutely love it. My husband and I are enjoying reading it to each other every night. I didn't realize how crazy I am for devotionals. I honestly think I've reached my capacity at three but it's amazing how much reading can be done in a day.

I wanted to share today's message with you because I thought seems how the weekend is here and the Superbowl is on Sunday, I'm sure you may encounter some decisions that you may want to reconsider. So without further adieu.....here's Joyce:



Give Your Brain a Break--Feb. 1

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:25

Are you enjoying the life and blessings of God in your everyday life? Or have you made a series of choices resulting in disappointment, pain, or feeling that everything you do requires great effort and produces little reward? Don't spend your time and energy mourning all the bad decisions you have made; just start making good ones. There is hope for you!

The way to overcome the results of a series of bad choices in through a series of right choices. The only way to walk out of trouble is to do the opposite of whatever you did to get into trouble--one choice at a time. Maybe the circumstances of your life right now are the direct result of a series of bad choices you have made. You may be in debt because you have made a lot of bad choices with money. You may be lonely because of a series of bad choices in relationships or in the way you treat people. You may be sick because of a series of unhealthy choices: eating junk food, not getting enough rest, or abusing your body through working too much and not having enough balance in your life.

You cannot make a series of bad choices that result in significant problems and then make one good choice and expect all the results of all those bad choices to go away. You did not get into deep trouble through one bad choice; you got into trouble through a series of bad choices. If you really want your life to change for the better, you will need to make one good choice after another, over a period of time, just as consistently as you made the negative choices that produced negative results.

No matter what kind of trouble or difficulty you find yourself in, you can still have a blessed life. You cannot do anything about what is behind you, but you can do a great deal about what lies ahead of you. God is a redeemer, and He will always give you another chance.

Trust in Him: If you have a situation that is too big for you to solve, then you are material for a miracle. Invite God to get involved, trust in and follow His directions, make one good choice after another, and you will see amazing results. 

Have a great weekend!!