Love is an 800 lb. Rock

Love is an 800 pound rock. Well, it is for me at least. I dedicate this post to my wonderful husband, my forever Valentine.

We have been married for almost 22 years. Through the years we have learned how to show our love to each other in not only words, but actions. Showing love can go beyond holding hands and sweet kisses. I am blessed to have a husband who is attentive to my “love language”. I know there are many books out there that talk about love languages, but neither my husband nor I have ever read one. We have learned, through being sensitive and attentive, what each other needs are. 

Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..”

Now, about that rock. We had a large rock that was in our the creek. I mentioned I would like to have it in my flower bed. He said there was no way. It was too heavy, and we would need a bobcat. We don’t own a bobcat. (Although his name is Bob and he is the cat’s meow)

Compassion: A Daily Choice

 

Hey! It is February and for some we are still living in a frozen tundra. That's okay, our hearts will be warmed with what this month brings as we acknowledge the loved ones around us.  Awe, isn't that cute... or corny... not sure which. I may not be a huge fan of Valentine's Day, but I do think it is important to acknowledge those we love.

Now, I have been thinking.  Why not take it a step further. Let's say towards compassion. The last five years I have been praying that God would fill me with compassion for others. I want to show compassion to the person that has less than the best driving qualities, is rude in checkout lines or doesn't think of others first. It has been a bit challenging at times to say the least, but it has also been fun to see how God has softened my hard edges so that compassion could show through.  Believe me - I had some really hard edges!

What is Compassion?

The Little Things

I have made only a couple posts and I am blessed by the wonderful emails, texts, and comments I have gotten from you. My hope is to encourage others in their walk with God - because I know how wonderful it truly is. (I may throw in some educational/homeschool stuff here and there too.)

I was, however, hearing some doubts in my own thoughts. Things like, "Oh, who are you to do such a thing as write - you are not good with grammar". "You have nothing of value to help anyone", "No one cares what you have to say". Now, I know those are not my own thoughts. That stinking devil is trying to discourage me from spreading the hope, goodness and love of God. I think he tries to make us feel belittled, scared, or embarrassed. If his plan works it would take away our victory of being obedient so we will not do it again. I try to remember what God says:

What Did He Say?

In my post last week I mentioned I wanted to strive to be more like Jesus in all I am. I want to give myself to the Lord everyday, to do and be and say what He says.

How do I know what that is? I read my Bible...simple enough, eh?

I can hear some of you…..Read my Bible you say??  Do you realized there are words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, chapters that I don’t even know what they mean? And what about some of those names? Who can even pronounce them?

I have been there.  May I suggest a Bible that has footnotes.  Mine has great notes at the bottom of each page that help explain what I just read.  I will admit, without them, I would still be a bit lost.
 

So why is it important to read the Bible?

God’s Word tells us what He wants for us. Yay!  That is a relief. Day after day I hear what this world wants for me. I personally prefer hearing and relying on the promises of God. But wait, there’s more. (gasp)

There’s more you say?  Yep.

Happy New Year!!!

A new year means a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning.  Yay!  It is nice to get a second chance at something we may have missed the mark on. I know I will be setting a few goals myself.  I would like to run more races, learn Spanish with the family, read more books, and finish my study of Revelations. I would like to volunteer more and include my children in such endeavors. Plus, start this blog!  I have had a desire to do so for several years. Taking the first step - ooooo - aaahhhh.  Ok, so it may only be a big deal to me. 

Although New Year’s resolutions help us to make some changes in our lives, there is one constant each year and every day that I am thankful for.  I am thankful that no matter what - no matter what - no matter what  (do you get it?) has happened, missing the mark so to speak, I get a fresh start, a clean slate and a new beginning EVERY day.  The Bible says in Lamentations 3:22-23,  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Yep, that’s right. Through Jesus and the forgiveness of God as we repent we get a new beginning every day because of what He did for us.  So simple, right?  It may be hard to believe and accept, but it is true.  He says in 2 Corinthians 5:17,  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”