The LOVE Chapter...Verse by Verse

He says...

"Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous

or boastful or proud"

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT)

I hear...

"Love takes time to reflect on the

blessings already within my grasp

which enables me to be patient

with those around me...especially my children. 

Love is showing my children

how to be kind by being kind to them

and to my closest family and friends. 

Love does not see the success or

accomplishments of a good friend and envy it,

but rather is genuinely happy for their

success or accomplishment. 

Love does not taunt my great feats

in the faces of those who are struggling. 

Love declares the great things

God has done,

not the great things I think I have done."

1 Corinthians 13:4

(My Interpretation)

...I do not think I can expand anymore that what has already been described by my interpretation of this verse...  Oh, the GREAT things He teaches us!

Have a blessed day!

The LOVE Chapter: Verse by Verse

He says...

"If I gave everything I have to the poor

and even sacrificed my body,

I could boast about it;

but if I didn't love others,

I would have gained nothing. "

(1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT)

I hear...

"If I give money to needy causes,

donate items we don't need;

even those items we still use or want

to worthy causes,

and if I work my self crazy doing

good things for other people and worthy causes..

but if I do not love those around me,

I am not learning anything,

teaching anything or gaining anything,

all that work and energy will be worthless."

1 Corinthians 13:3

(My Interpretation)

The Christmas season is upon us...many, many wonderful things are going on around us!  Many opportunities to give and to serve...but what kind of heart are you doing it with?  Stop and evaluate why and even how you are giving or doing...are you doing and giving in Jesus name?  Is there someone close by you that has heard you complain about doing or giving?  If so, you need to stop....stop giving, stop doing...then refocus your heart, and try again!

Don't let this Christmas season pass you by, and all you have to show for it is stress.  Savor the moments, even if it means you may run a little late! :-)  Last night was my 1st graders Christmas program.  She was supposed to be there no later than 6:15.  I had plans to be out the door by 6pm.  However, as we were dolling up, and 'manning' up, the Lord whispered to my heart...'How are you going to remember this night if you rush through it?  Take a picture.' 

And it was a wonderful night.  My kids were especially excited that I took the time...allowed us to be a few minutes late so we could savor how wonderful they all looked!  :-)  I didn't realize how much that little picture would mean to some of them, but my Lord...their Lord... did!  Had I not listened to Him, I may have rushed us all along, making my children feel like I didn't care about the work they put into looking their best.  They matter to me, I love them with all my heart.  I need my Lord to remind me from time to time to slow down and make sure I show them.

Have a blessed day!!



What a Humble Place to Be

"I beseech you, therefore, brothers (and sisters),

by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable to God,

which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

For the past few months, a part of this verse has stuck out in my mind anytime I begin doing something that I would rather not be doing.  I know that may sound a bit weird, so I'll provide you with an example, while vacuuming the floors I get this odd urge to go ahead and mop them, even if it is just a small section, and the Lord whispers to my heart, "after all this is your reasonable service."  My body doesn't really want to mop the floor, but I know in my heart  the Lord told me to do it, therefore, what am I going to do, say no? Weeeelllll.....I've been down that road enough times to know it isn't fun! (That doesn't mean I still don't do it occasionally, though!)

But throughout the day today and this evening, in every little thing I did, He was constantly whispering, "this is your reasonable service..."  Finally, I stopped, went to my trusty www.blueletterbible.org and looked up those words, 'reasonable service'.  There is was, Romans 12:1.  I know He is leading me to this chapter, and oh, boy, just read the rest...what a humble place to be!

The past few months He has been teaching me about humility, true humility.  At times, especially when I am being challenged in such an awesome way, I pull away from my time with my Lord  because I am unsure His next turn, but I always return, knowing He is faithful and His plans for me are for my good.  Humility is scary sometimes, but it doesn't have to be when you realize Who's hand has you.

Has He been whispering something to your heart lately?  Have you stopped long enough to look it up and see where He may be leading you?  I strongly urge you to, He only wants what's best for you!!

Have a blessed day!

Thank You

Thank You, Jesus, for a full belly tonight.  Thank You, Lord, for the number of places I have to lay my head to sleep tonight.  Thank You, Father, for a roof over my head to sheild me from the bugs, wild animals, reptiles, and any potential rain.  Thank You, Holy Spirit, for softening my heart through these past few days as I realize how insecure I am in me, but how extremely confident I can be in YOU.  Thank You, for loving me when I am so unlovely, for providing me with a husband that blesses my soul in ways I could never describe, and the children we are so blessed to have...their varying personalities...you designed each of us with a purpose that only we can ful-fill.  Open our eyes, Lord, I plead, that we may see the design you have for us.  We need not wait 10 years to do Your will...just be ready and willing right now.  I am so overwhelmed by Your love and Your presence in my life.  Thank You.