What a beautiful day!! 

Okay - so if you'd been a "fly" in my car this morning, you'd have witnessed my frustration with traffic and myself as I reacted to individual drivers whom, I can only guess, believe that the laws governing the roadways are mere suggestions, with lines, lanes, signs and lights being annoying interruptions of their cell phone use.  I would ask God for forgiveness for my agitation, then come back within only minutes to seek His grace again - I even had gospel music playing! 

But I wanted to break this cycle  - and it came to me - twice this morning already I had heard, "but Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger....." and that's when I asked the Lord to help me see each person as He sees them.  I don't know their back stories - or those things on their mind that distract them - but He does.  Most importantly, I just need to love - and that is a choice...so I became grateful that I have the privilege of driving a car, the opportunity to pray for those on the road with me and to show grace and kindness, whether returned or not... and my day changed.....and I am grateful.   

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

 

I am on a path that I did not choose, nor did the one whom I will gladly, wholly support on it.  It occurred to me today as I went to order something lovely for my path partner, that it could come too late and not be a blessing to them at all.

The thought shocked my senses and I quickly moved away from it, opting for a less "perfect" item that would be delivered in a day or so and hopefully, a blessing, none-the-less.

I will move forward - whether climbing or clamouring along a slippery slope, though I know there will be times when I slide back in tears and fall to my face.  Yet in the midst, I know that One Who is faithful, full of grace and truth - and oh so very much love will never leave us nor forsake us. and I am grateful.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

The Clouds Appear...and there is blessing still

The day started and proceeded with overcast clouds that failed to produce the anticipated rain during the day, but as night fell....SURPRISE...a wonderful thunderstorm poured forth from the sky bringing joy, life, and encouragement!

You may be walking through a rough patch, with bad news, pain, heartbreak or betrayal swirling about you, but know that there is One who will never leave you nor forsake you...who is closer than a brother....and knows every hair upon your head. And as suddenly as the strike of lightening and boom of thunder, you are made aware that you are loved. You are surprised by love and joy that only He can supply. (reference: Hebrews 13:9, Luke 12:7)

So be that sweet note of friendship, the unexpected favorite beverage, the kind word of encouragement to those around you today! God bless you greatly!

Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. MOTHER TERESA

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love, does not know God for God is love. 1John 4:7-8

We don't know what people around us are going through, but we can show them love with the gift of a smile.

-------

Last evening I was at a continuing education class for my profession and had the most wonderful encounter that resulted in meeting a new friend. We chatted during breaks and even for some time after class. She was the friend and connection I'd been praying for...someone who sought after God as I do. At the end of that very long day, I found myself energized and so very grateful for the connection.

How about you? What are the day's surprises for you that bring joy and gratitude to your heart?

Pray, love and give thanks

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. -1 Timothy 2:1, NLT

I've seen so many people so wrapped up in their politics that they forget that the names they throw out so easily about their opposing party may be hitting a friend directly between the eyes. While there may be differing opinions, we can certainly still respect and love one another. There are so many hurting from such a wide variety of concerns, some very public and others equally private. Let's pray for one another...share our views with respect and love and give thanks for the very differences that give us the creative force to be able to come up with solutions working together, communicating in love and understanding. Make today a better day than yesterday and not nearly as good as tomorrow. God bless you. 

Be a Spark Toward Love and Good

My folks forwarded a wonderful, true story to me this evening. It is the story of Delta Flight 15. They were on a transatlantic flight when the events of 9-11 unfolded and they were instructed to land at the nearest airport. They ended up landing at an airport in Gander, Newfoundland as did 52 other jets. This town and surrounding areas of 10,400 hosted some 10,500 passengers as they were stranded for days. They welcomed them into their homes, acted as tour guides, served them wonderful meals and befriended the people stranded there. The passengers of Delta 15 were hosted by the town of Lewisporte. Upon their return to the airplane, a doctor proposed that they do something for the town that so willingly, even lovingly, hosted them during our country's time of crisis. He proposed a college fund for the town's students which he would match. By the end of the flight, there were commitments totalling $14,000. As of the date the stewardess penned her experience over $1.5 million was raised and 134 students had gone to college on the trust fund.

The stewardess shared the story because she wanted to remind us all that people can be amazingly kind, loving and generous.

I was certainly inspired and I hope the story inspired you as well. In times of life's great challenges we can all be a gift to another providing shelter in the storm or gratitude for the shelter provided.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good. Hebrews 10:24

Let's go out and change our world....spurring one another toward love and good deeds.

Sharp and Effective

There are friends I love spending time with because I am so energized by the learning and ideas that come from/within conversation. Those friendships also hold the safety and love within which to be honest with one another at a deep level where one may tell the other a hard truth in love. It is one of the ways God speaks to us and that we grow, becoming more effective individuals.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

God has blessed me with some trusted friends whom I can bounce things off of and hear an honest answer as to my part. It is an amazing privilege and incredible blessing. I am better for it. Hope your week brings one of these amazing synergistic conversations this week as you go forth sharper and more effective.

Attitude of Gratitude - A Beautiful Thing

Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

MOTHER TERESA

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love, does not know God for God is love. 1John 4:7-8

As people become irritated or unsettled in the heat and continued financial uncertainty – everyone trying to accomplish more with less - let’s show people who we are by greeting everyone with a smile. Who knows what the next person is thinking…. Their mind may be on a loved one in the hospital and so they bumped into you – or they may be facing the unchartered territory of a first year without a parent, spouse, relative or friend and are finding it bewildering. Let’s be God’s arms to reach around and love by using our faces to spread His love.

Remember… it may not be that another appears arrogant or unkind “on purpose” but we can sure “love on purpose.” It's a beautiful thing.