Choose to be love...

I happened upon an old email that included children's definitions of love.  This one always causes me to pause. 

 

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
 You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'  Billy - age 4

Wouldn't it be great if we (believers) became known as those with whom your name is safe; that in the midst of this world we were able to convey scripture by living it out?   By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35) But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. (Job 16:5)  

 

Would those that know you say their name is safe in your mouth?

 

Today let's choose to encourage and let the love of the Lord flow through us.

 

Be love in your world.

The heat has been on the last few weeks with record temperatures that can wear on us physically and emotionally, but the morning brings a new, bright and amazing day filled with opportunities that can only be realized with the passage of time…. And time only comes my way but once, so I will endeavor to live this day well with love and kindness.

Truly, there is eternal value in the way we greet a stranger, treat a loved one or a not-so-trusted one. The “things of this life” will pass away, but our spirits remain.

I received this message on a calendar given to me by my friend, April. It is written by Thomas Chalmers.

Live for something…Write your name in kindness, love and mercy on the hearts of thousands you come in contact with… You will never be forgotten.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

I will go forth today with this in mind… quick to love, listen and show mercy. Hopefully, I will be successful in the attempt. I know it will require that I close my mouth (and even my ears at times) and still my mind ….. But I choose to love.

Let’s change our world today!

Head toward the fresh water....

My husband and I enjoy wildlife stories and programs, so this story about the humpback whales near my old "stomping grounds" several years ago, still remains close to my heart. Two humpback whales (a mother and her calf) lost their way. They came up the Sacramento River and far enough inland to have been spotted in West Sacramento at the Port. The water on their journey would have gone from wonderful ocean water – clean and beautiful to fresh water. Options would narrow along the way with the water becoming more and more murky and a deep channel being their only avenue narrowing as they traveled further inland.

I think sometimes we are like the poor humpbacks who have lost their way. We get our mind set (rightfully or otherwise) on a track and follow it – not noticing that the waters around us are being filled with the pollution of self-doubt, fear and worry until we no longer see the light.

While rescue crews were deployed for the whales to get them turned around; our rescue requires that we call out to the One Who knows our inmost being, Who is the lover of our soul – thankfully, He is also the Creator of the Universe and He can take the murk we’ve floundered into, lift our heads and continue His work in us.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

So, today, if you’re feeling inadequate, unable to see above the mud and mire or have a friend who appears to be struggling – simply call the Master's name and remember – He’s still working on you and you’re worth it! Now - go out there are change your world!!!

"Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10 Daniel's life was a practice of praise daily and lion's mouths were closed. 

Imagine! What if we all expressed our gratitude to God at least 3 times a day. Imagine the concert of praise that could be heard in the heavens and the change that could be made right here on earth. As I've become more and more aware of the wonder that surrounds me each moment, the incredible gifts found therein, I take the time to express my praise and low and behold I am changed.

Won't you join me in choir of praise? Commit to 30 days and you'll be hooked...just watch those around you and how everything changes.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  Philippians 13:4

What privilege and joy it brings to my heart each time I think of YOU.  I am often gulping back tears when I see you – where you’ve been – what God has done in your life.  You bless me!  Your spirit shines brighter than you know, and while we are hasty to see and catalogue all of our misdeeds, ills, faults and past – we miss that we could shine brighter, love more, and still realize  the dreams and visions God has given us if we let those things slough off of us as old skin – retain the lesson, but lose the “yuck.”

It was shared with me once by a wonderful pastor friend that wounds of heart and soul heal. 20Sure, they are there.. but one day… they hurt less, then a while later they don’t hurt anymore, but the scar is still there.  We’ll remember the lesson because of the scar… but it no longer carries its pain and we can move on – loving better – into the world who has seen the wound and now your joy in moving on… and I always see a beaming, beautiful person emerging from the trial…. And I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.

Have a terrific day!  Let your light shine bright!

Joy for the Asking

I am grateful today that all I have to do is ask and the God that created me and you and knows the number of hairs on our heads is listening with a loving ear.  When I cry out in earnest, there is always One who cares; One who listens and chooses to love me always.

He can restore my joy and spirit for the asking.  And I say thank you, thank you, thank you to a personal God who is never deaf to my voice or spirit calling.  Thank you for loving me enough to save me and to sustain me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.  Psalm 51:12

Be blessed.

Begin Again...

At the start of the day I find myself uttering Jeremiah's hope: "The LORD's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease.  His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning.  Great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I was blessed to rise this morning with the knowledge that whatever happened yesterday has been washed away in the night  I can count on the fact that God's lovingkindnesses never cease and his compassions never fail.  Alas it is a new morning full of hope and I am grateful for the truth that as I rise again this day, I have every opportunity at my fingertips to be my best me and even improve.  I can face the day triumphant in the knowledge that God's got my back and He will see me through.  I am able to draw breath, hear the bird's song or the mower in the distance, to see the last leaf fall from the tree or perhaps the new bud of Spring, to smell the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and taste the breakfast provided this day.  I am blessed, indeed. 

What are you grateful for today?  Do leaves dance outside your window on the breeze as the seasons change? Maybe you've seen the first snowflake of the season or the last, if that is your joy.  Look outside.  Choose life and to live it well this day.