True Love

It's February and I'd like to talk about true love. What is true love? Is it that butterflies in the stomach, can't think of anything or anyone else, crazy for you feeling? We have all experienced this euphoria at least once or twice, right? It is something that kind of happens to us all of a sudden out of the blue. We are "smitten" as they say.

As wonderful as this "falling in love" stage is, I think it is a precursor to the possibility of true love. Experts say this romantic stage lasts at the most 2 years. Then what? What happens when those butterflies are gone and the reality of the humanness and flaws of our partner begin to appear?

Then we get to choose whether we want to truly love this person or not. True love is intentional. It is a choice we consciously make. To love another human being, despite their "issues", to want and to do everything in our power to help and support that person and to allow them to grow. Are you getting the idea? True love is not for the faint of heart or the uncommitted, "I'm outta here" when the going gets tough. True love is for mature people who know that love is worth the effort, the expense, and yes, even the heartache.

For a great definition of what love is, check out 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. "Love is patient, love is kind, love is not self-seeking, love keeps no record of wrongs". This is what true love looks like in action. What kind of love are you expressing these days, dear one?

The Sign of Snow

This morning as I look out my window, the sky is puffy and white and the snowflakes are softly floating through the air. Some might look at the snow and see it as a nuisance, an interference in their plans and schedules. I see it as a sign.

A sign, you ask? Of what?

A sign to slow down. To sit back by my fireplace, with a cup of hot tea, and maybe a book, a pet, or a loved one close by. The gym will always be there, so will the stores, the shopping, the errands. After a hectic week on all fronts, I enjoy a snowfall on a saturday morning. The peace I feel watching the snowflakes fall to the ground is a welcome respite from the busyness of the week. To me, it's a reminder from heaven to slow down and relax, to focus and perhaps meditate on what is really important in life.

As we rush through life, and worry and fret about the daily issues and annoyances, I remember Ps. 46:1 "Be still and know that I am God". That's all we really need to do, take some time to be still and listen. Enjoy the snow!

How to Stay Peaceful During the Holidays

Someone recently asked me how not to feel pressured and stressed at the holidays so I thought this topic is worthy of a blog post. 

Parties to attend, parties to plan, gifts to buy, and places to go. This time of year demands so much more energy and activity. Yet, I have to ask myself the question "Who and what are really the most important?" and then make sure I have enough time and energy to focus on these people and things. But how? 

In this year of economic turmoil brought on by the pandemic, there is a key word that I think applies to the holidays as well - downsize. For example, this year, I have resolved to buy less gifts for less people. In years past, I have spent a LOT of TIME thinking about what a particular person would like. I don't just pick up any old thing, and it takes thought to come up with a good gift. 

Another resolve is to say no to activities that either are not holiday related or have little meaning to me. It's a tough thing to say no to friends, but if they don't understand that is not my problem. The holidays are very special to me and if an activity is something that can be done some other time, then I put it off. 

Thirdly, I resolve to spend even more time with the Lord. Listening, praying and reading His Word are even more important when the heat turns up. "Oh, I wish I had more time to study" or "I wish I knew more scripture" are common complaints I hear from others. Well, guess what? Being connected to the Lord is a choice we have the power to make on a daily basis. It means putting spending time with Him a priority over everything else. And guess what else? I find that when I do make the time to spend in His presence, everything else becomes crystal clear. 

So, dear one, what choices and changes will you make this holiday season? I encourage you to say no to activities that hold no real meaning for you. Write me and let me know your ideas for staying peaceful during the holidays and in the meantime, be thankful for all!

Holiday Busyness

It is November and the holidays are fast approaching. Planning the Thanksgiving menu, Xmas gift list, and deciding on which activities to say yes or no to. I am starting to feel that pressure; you know the "too much to do" pressure. I know I am not alone in this and I am determined to not let it get to me this year.

Which means, some things have to change. But first, and more importantly is understanding where this feeling is coming from. Is it perhaps from some fear of "doing everything right" which is closely related to that P word - perfectionism? I wonder. I don't consider myself a perfectionist but I do like to do the best I can at whatever I do. Is this a problem? Perhaps.

When I start to have too many things on my mind so that I feel stressed and pressured, maybe I need to ask myself that question "What would Jesus do?" Would He want me feeling stressed and pressured by a never ending To Do List? I think not. Jesus came to save us from ourselves and our constant feelings on inadequacy by showing us how much He loves us by dying on the cross, right?

There is nothing I can do to be more loved by Him or anyone else for that matter. I think my sons would rather have a healthy calm mom and fewer presents under the tree, than a mother who gets stressed out, don't you think? Of course, I am not minimizing the fact that there is a lot more to do around the holidays and the brunt of the work does fall on the woman of the house, but being the woman, I need to take charge of what I do and don't do. And replace the pressure I feel with a sense of peace and serenity, knowing and trusting that God will work everything out just as it is supposed to be.

Next time, I'll talk about what I am going to change this season and share practical tips on what to do to avoid holiday stress. Until then, keep calm and keep looking up!

Living a Holy Life

Ever wonder why your prayers are not answered? There are several factors that go into answered prayer. I talked about the will of God and praying in Jesus' name in my last post. Today I would like to talk about living a holy life.

What is a holy life? A question to ask myself is if there any known and willful sin in my life? For example, am I sexually pure, do I tithe, am I honest and truthful, is there any unforgiveness in my life?

1 Peter 1:19 commands us to "Be holy, as I am holy." Am I living in my old ways, giving in to the lusts of the flesh? Or have I disciplined myself enough to walk in the Spirit? Am I morally alert? God's desire, like any good parent, is to protect his children. I know in my life, when I have strayed and disobeyed, I reap a bounty of hurt and pain. I have learned that it is best to obey God, and leave the consequences to Him, as Dr. Charles Stanley says so often.

I can't go wrong when I obey God. Living a holy life to me means being pure, being honest, and being loving. It means exemplifying the character traits of God and eliminating any unwholesome thoughts, words, and actions.

How about you, beloved? Are you living a holy life? I encourage you to stand firm and walk in the Spirit instead of the flesh. The Lord desires to bless us, but cannot do so when we choose to deliberately disobey and live in sin. Think about this and let me know your thoughts.

The Power of Attraction

So you've all probably heard of the best-selling book called "The Secret", right? The premise of the book is that we can "attract" wonderful things into our lives merely by thinking about them. Thinking about them draws them to us; everything from riches, to good relationships, to good health. Now there is something to thinking positive thoughts, and visualizing what you want in life. With that, I totally agree. I don't want to burst your bubble if you read the book, however, there is a big BUT in this whole concept. The BUT is God. We can think about something all we want, BUT if it's not God's will for us to have it, we aren't going to get it. Period, end of story. I can dream of winning the lottery, making a million dollars or whatever, BUT God may have other plans for me. He only gives us what we can handle and some of us may not be ready to handle a million dollars :) Spend, yes, but not handle it wisely. The book has sold millions of copies world-wide. Do you believe in God's will? Or are you in total control of your destiny? Drop me a note - I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Until next time, stay positive and keep looking up

Words of Affirmation

Have you spoken a kind word today? Everyone likes to be told they are doing a good job, thanked for their service, or complimented on their new tie, shirt, hairdo or whatever. It's a small thing that doesn't take much effort, except to notice. A kind word can bring a smile to someone's face and isn't that priceless?

We never know what others are going through and a simple word of kindness may have more impact than we know. Words are powerful. The Bible exhorts us to be quick to listen and slow to speak and to let our words be like salt, that add flavor.

We all need to be edified on a daily basis. There is so much out there in the world that drags us down and makes us feel less than in some way. We are God's children and He loves us. That's all we need to know and believe. But sometimes we need a little reminder, don't we?

Today, let our speech be with grace, Lord, and help us to encourage and uplift others.