What is love? When you think of movies, which love stories pop into your mind? Sappy ones, trials and overcoming odds, fighting for your beloved.... How does one fall 'into' love? Is it a puddle? Sinkhole? River? Is it unconditional? Life-giving? Completion? When courting that 'one true one', I instill into my children to love spirit, soul, and body. AND in that order. Connect on a spiritual level first (the most important). Do you believe the same things? Do you know Him in an intimate way that He is the cord that binds you together? Do you pray together, discuss spiritual matters, soak in His Presence together and go to Him first with all decisions affecting your relationship? On the soul level, do you inspire each other to greatness, encourage each other, dream together, feel safe and secure with one another, have trust, loyalty, kindness, and patience? Then on the wedding night, connect in the most physical, intimate way that God intended.
Whew! I did that in less than 100 words. Easy as can be! Blahahahahahahahahahaha..... That is far from easy. I do believe that we have been sold a bunch of bologna from Hollywood on how love is supposed to look, feel, be, and develop. Don't panic, there is a perfect example for us to follow and not only grow in love but to let is spill out on to others, whether they deserve it or not.
Love is patient, not demanding. It holds your hand to bring security, reassurance in every situation. Love is kind. Kind is having and showing friendly, generous, and considerate nature. It comes natural, not forced. Love is not jealous or envious. There is no resentment or suspicion in the relationship. Always be honest and truthful. Love never boast or is proud. When I think about boasting an image of an 8 year old brat standing with their hands on their hips chanting "Na na, I won, you didn't!" Not attractive! We are to walk humbly not putting ourselves above others and making them feel less. Love is never rude. Here me carefully, NO ONE should ever degrade, slander, or belittle you in public or private. That is abuse and those scars go deeper than physical scars. Love does not demand its own way. Love allows others to grow and flourish, not demanding and controlling. Love is not irritable. Irritable is being annoyed and angered. Love has no place for that. Love keeps no record of wrongs. When forgiveness is sought, the trespass is never remembered again nor slammed in the person's face to make a point. Love rejoices in truth not injustice. It stands for the underdog, reaches down and lifts someone up, and is build upon the foundation of truth. Love never gives up. No matter how bad, horrible, terrifying, difficult the situation is, LOVE is there! Love never loses faith and is always hopeful. It has confidence and trust in the person, knowing they can overcome any obstacle. It is believing and hoping in others. Love endures through every circumstance. Every circumstance!! Sickness, health, child birth, death, lack, riches, war, peace, frustration, joys, every circumstance love is there. Love last forever. Hhmm, then that means one cannot 'fall' out of love. It last, endure, is complete.
Interesting that not once is sex, physical touching, or ooey gooey stuff mentioned. How do you walk this love out? True, agape love, can only be expressed and fulfilled by knowing Jesus Christ in an intimate way. Not having rules and regulations, but having a life-giving relationship, in which His love flows through you and to others. Then and only then can I stand next to a battered woman, thrown on the streets by an abusive husband, and love unconditionally. Then and only then can I love, forgive, and release someone who raped a young teenager. Then and only then can I raise children to impact a love starved world. Then and only then can I love my husband in an intimate, physical, emotional love that will encourage and stand beside him no matter what comes our way. Then and only then can I even begin to grasp the magnitude of love my Savior, Deliverer, King, Lord had towards me on Calvary. 1 John 4:19 states "We love Him because He first loved us."
The link below is from one of my favorite "love stories" about true love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZsOPMVt4Yg
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Grace....
Shut up! You are not doing enough! Why can't you be on time? Hey did you hear what 'she' did? I don't HAVE to listen to you. Back stabbing.... arguing... snapping.... demanding....sharp tones....
Holy Spirit has an incredible unique way of showing what I need to be praying and developing in my life. Grace!!! He has been showing me heart wrenching situations where His children are not walking in grace. I have wept over some of them. Shook my head at others. Wanted to scream at even more. We need GRACE!
What is grace....I immediately hear what has been drilled in me over my Christian walk. Wait, let me see if I get this right: Unmerited favor of God seen in the life of the believer. But I think it is MORE than that. There are many definitions and as I get greater insight from Daddy, I see that.
Refinement of movement....wow, Christ was hanging on a cross and grace was applied as He is struggling to inhale and exhale. Grace to lead someone to Paradise. Grace to forgive the ones who just drove nails into His loving hands. Courteous....A woman was caught in the act of sex, ripped out of the room, hurled at the feet of the Messiah. He bends down and writes in the sand. Her accusers leave. Gently with courteous, respectfulness, cradle her hand, picks her up and forgives. Grace made her whole. Goodwill....A young teen finds herself in a situation and needs a friend. Her helpful Aunt comforts, encourages and exhorts her to trust in Yahweh. She brings forth the Deliverer who will one day deliver her. Grace is there in a friend, being helpful in a time of uncertainty. No criticism or harsh words. Free....Hungry, hot, but so thirsty, not just for water but for every word Jesus spoke. An awesome mom packed her son a lunch so he could hear and gleam from the Words of Life. He shares it so others may have food and 5000 are fed. Grace is giving of what one has even if they don't think it is much. Divinely given blessing....A daughter is given as a prize for a noble and brave deed. As her husband and her ride into the sunset, she stops, dismounts from her donkey and her father meets her. Is something wrong? The daughter asks for a spring to supply her household. Grace steps in. Her father cradles her face and grants her the upper and lower springs. Thus, NO one will ever be able to control her household by stopping the flow of water. Grace continues the life giving flow.
Honor....No matter what the ruling king did, said, or thought, David honored Saul. David would not harm nor allow others to harm Saul because God places all authority over us. When Saul died, David grieved. Grace brings honor no matter if the person deserves it or not.
O Lord I NEED so much help. I need only God-given grace to walk this out as a mom. I need to cover my children, to be there and hold their hands as THEY make life defining decisions. I must give them security, respect, honor, and bless them so they can impact the world. I need only God-given grace to walk this out as a teacher and co-worker. I need to give moments for others to make mistakes, to cover with love, to give freedom for growth, and to let others shine. I must not judge, criticize, or be impatient but to comfort, exhort, and always encourage. I need only God-given grace to walk through life . I need to see people with love and compassion. To only look down at someone as I am giving them my hand to help them stand back up on their feet. To share life, laughs, tears, help, hold, to just be there. Grace!!!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
You will be missed......
I was sadden today to learn that one of the great authors who radically changed the way I think about my walk with Christ, stepped into eternity today. He once wrote, "The closer I come to death, the less inclined I am to limit the wisdom and infinity of God." Brennan Manning impacted me. He was raw, compassionate, truthful, non-religious, and yet so full of God's love that it made the enemy shake. This blog is dedicated to him. Below are some exerts from my most favorite book by him, "The Furious Longing of God."
"Ironically it was April Fool's Day, 1975, 6:30am, and I woke up in a doorway on Commercial Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I was thick in an alcoholic fog, sniffing vomit all over my sweater, staring down at my bare feet. I didn't know a wino would steal my shoes during the night to buy a bottle of Thunderbird, but one did. I had been out on the street for a year and a half, drunk every day, sleeping on the beach until the cops chased me away. You could find me in doorways or under the bridge, always clutching my precious little bottle of Tequila. And it wasn't just that this good Franciscan priest drank too much. I broke every one of the Ten Commandments six times Tuesday: adultery, countless acts of fornication, violence to support my addiction, character assassination to anybody who dared to criticize me or remonstrate with me.
This morning I woke up in the alcoholic boozy fog, I looked down the street to see a woman coming toward me, maybe 25 years old, blonde, and attractive. She had her son in hand, maybe 4 years old. The boy broke loose from his mother's grip, ran to the doorway, and stared down at me. His mother rushed in behind him, covering his eyes, and said 'Don't look at that filth. That's nothing but pure filth.' Then I felt her shoe. She broke two of my ribs with that kick.
That filth was Brennan Manning, 32 years ago. And the God I've come to know by sheer grace, the Jesus I met in the grounds of my own self, has furiously loved me regardless of my state---grace or disgrace. And why? For His love is never, never, never based on our performance, never conditioned by our moods---of elation or depression. The furious love of God knows no shadow of alteration or change. It is reliable. And always tender. Until the love of God that knows no boundary, limit, or breaking point is internalized through personal decisions; until the furious longing of God seizes the imagination; until the heart is conjoined to the mind through sheer grace, nothing happens.
Is the kingdom that He proclaimed to be nothing more than a community of men and women, who go to church on Sunday, take an annual spiritual retreat, read their Bibles every now and then, vigorously oppose abortion, don't watch x-rated movies, never use vulgar language, smile a lot, hold doors open for people, root for the favorite team, and get along with everybody? Is that why Jesus went through the bleak and bloody horror of Calvary? Is that why He emerged in shattering glory from the tomb? Is that why He poured out His Holy Spirit on the church? To make nicer men and women with better morals?
The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creations. Not to make people with better morals, but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of Holy Spirit that urns within, who would live in ever greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love.
Abba I belong to You.. It's a prayer of exactly seven syllables, the number that corresponds perfectly to the rhythm of our breathing. As you inhale---Abba. As you exhale---I belong to You.... My name is Brennen Manning, and I'm Daddy's little boy."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GeVf1XQOPg
"Ironically it was April Fool's Day, 1975, 6:30am, and I woke up in a doorway on Commercial Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I was thick in an alcoholic fog, sniffing vomit all over my sweater, staring down at my bare feet. I didn't know a wino would steal my shoes during the night to buy a bottle of Thunderbird, but one did. I had been out on the street for a year and a half, drunk every day, sleeping on the beach until the cops chased me away. You could find me in doorways or under the bridge, always clutching my precious little bottle of Tequila. And it wasn't just that this good Franciscan priest drank too much. I broke every one of the Ten Commandments six times Tuesday: adultery, countless acts of fornication, violence to support my addiction, character assassination to anybody who dared to criticize me or remonstrate with me.
This morning I woke up in the alcoholic boozy fog, I looked down the street to see a woman coming toward me, maybe 25 years old, blonde, and attractive. She had her son in hand, maybe 4 years old. The boy broke loose from his mother's grip, ran to the doorway, and stared down at me. His mother rushed in behind him, covering his eyes, and said 'Don't look at that filth. That's nothing but pure filth.' Then I felt her shoe. She broke two of my ribs with that kick.
That filth was Brennan Manning, 32 years ago. And the God I've come to know by sheer grace, the Jesus I met in the grounds of my own self, has furiously loved me regardless of my state---grace or disgrace. And why? For His love is never, never, never based on our performance, never conditioned by our moods---of elation or depression. The furious love of God knows no shadow of alteration or change. It is reliable. And always tender. Until the love of God that knows no boundary, limit, or breaking point is internalized through personal decisions; until the furious longing of God seizes the imagination; until the heart is conjoined to the mind through sheer grace, nothing happens.
Is the kingdom that He proclaimed to be nothing more than a community of men and women, who go to church on Sunday, take an annual spiritual retreat, read their Bibles every now and then, vigorously oppose abortion, don't watch x-rated movies, never use vulgar language, smile a lot, hold doors open for people, root for the favorite team, and get along with everybody? Is that why Jesus went through the bleak and bloody horror of Calvary? Is that why He emerged in shattering glory from the tomb? Is that why He poured out His Holy Spirit on the church? To make nicer men and women with better morals?
The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creations. Not to make people with better morals, but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of Holy Spirit that urns within, who would live in ever greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love.
Abba I belong to You.. It's a prayer of exactly seven syllables, the number that corresponds perfectly to the rhythm of our breathing. As you inhale---Abba. As you exhale---I belong to You.... My name is Brennen Manning, and I'm Daddy's little boy."
Brennan Manning, you will be missed. Especially from this ragamuffin.....
"Cease striving and know that I am God," Psalm 46:10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GeVf1XQOPg
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Autumn....
Friday, October 12, 2012
Chivalry......
Is Chivalry dead? Are single women not supposed to look for the knights in shining armor? What about a gentleman holding the door for a woman? A kind word, faithful to your word, or loyalty? It amazes me how some men expect you to do their work even though you are a woman. Being a single mom I have many of these. Short example: I was working three jobs to make ends meet. I needed my yard mowed. My son, at that time was little and not heavy enough to keep the mower running. I made a comment about it and a 'man' turned to me and said, "I will come over and SHOW you how to mow your yard then you can DO it yourself from now on!" Really?! I promptly told him no thanks.
So what is Chivalry by definition... A moral system that stated all knights should protect others who can not protect themselves. Knights not only had to be strong but they were also extremely disciplined and were expected to use their power to protect the weak and defenseless. Knights vowed to be loyal, generous, and "noble bearing." Knights were required to tell the truth at all times and always respect the honor of women. Knights were to fear God and maintain His Church. Knights always kept their faith and never turned their back on a foe. They were gallant warriors or gentlemen. Is this gone? I believe there are a select few who still hold to this truth. The Word of God emphasizes that a father or husband covers and protects his wife/daughters/women in society.
And Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher." Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter, Acsah to him in marriage. One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What can I do for you?" She replied, "Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water." Then Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs (Joshua 15:16-19)....Why did he give her the upper and lower springs. Because Caleb was a different standard of man. He knew if he only gave her the lower, then anyone could come and control her. How? By cutting off the water supply that flowed down from the upper spring. By giving her both he gave her security, love, value, and destiny. Caleb honored her.
In the New Testament, Jesus shows us no matter what is happening in your life, you protect women. He is being crucified and He so gently looks at His mother and tells her John will be her covering. She is well taken care of .
So why am I rambling on? I want men to be men. You say you are coming by at a certain time to help, be there ON TIME (not 5 hours later). If you are helping a woman with mechanical problems, don't expect her to get under the hood to fix a problem you should have done.
Last weekend it was pouring so hard we had to use the rapid setting on the windshield wipers. A young teenage girl had ran out of gas in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in our town. My son and daughter immediately jumped out of our car to help push her to safety. An elderly woman stopped to help also. After the car was pushed into a parking lot entrance, one other man jumped out to help. I literally watched 20-30 cars with men in them go by us. What happened to "expected to use their power to protect the weak and defenseless." What if that had been your daughter?!
I encourage men to be men. Dads to be dads. Fathers to be fathers. Friends to be friends. Spiritual fathers to be Spiritual fathers. Speaking from experience, it is utterly frustrating and makes one feel helpless. Security is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give.....
So what is Chivalry by definition... A moral system that stated all knights should protect others who can not protect themselves. Knights not only had to be strong but they were also extremely disciplined and were expected to use their power to protect the weak and defenseless. Knights vowed to be loyal, generous, and "noble bearing." Knights were required to tell the truth at all times and always respect the honor of women. Knights were to fear God and maintain His Church. Knights always kept their faith and never turned their back on a foe. They were gallant warriors or gentlemen. Is this gone? I believe there are a select few who still hold to this truth. The Word of God emphasizes that a father or husband covers and protects his wife/daughters/women in society.
And Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher." Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter, Acsah to him in marriage. One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What can I do for you?" She replied, "Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water." Then Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs (Joshua 15:16-19)....Why did he give her the upper and lower springs. Because Caleb was a different standard of man. He knew if he only gave her the lower, then anyone could come and control her. How? By cutting off the water supply that flowed down from the upper spring. By giving her both he gave her security, love, value, and destiny. Caleb honored her.
In the New Testament, Jesus shows us no matter what is happening in your life, you protect women. He is being crucified and He so gently looks at His mother and tells her John will be her covering. She is well taken care of .
So why am I rambling on? I want men to be men. You say you are coming by at a certain time to help, be there ON TIME (not 5 hours later). If you are helping a woman with mechanical problems, don't expect her to get under the hood to fix a problem you should have done.
Last weekend it was pouring so hard we had to use the rapid setting on the windshield wipers. A young teenage girl had ran out of gas in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in our town. My son and daughter immediately jumped out of our car to help push her to safety. An elderly woman stopped to help also. After the car was pushed into a parking lot entrance, one other man jumped out to help. I literally watched 20-30 cars with men in them go by us. What happened to "expected to use their power to protect the weak and defenseless." What if that had been your daughter?!
I encourage men to be men. Dads to be dads. Fathers to be fathers. Friends to be friends. Spiritual fathers to be Spiritual fathers. Speaking from experience, it is utterly frustrating and makes one feel helpless. Security is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give.....
Monday, October 8, 2012
Determining factors.....
Interesting how events in our lives impact generations to come. Many times we pigeon hole ourselves to believe we can only do one thing in life. "What do you want to do when you grow up" is often asked in school to determine the path you will walk down. What if...there are many things you are suppose to do. When I was growing up, my parents worked for General Motors. They worked 40 hour weeks, had three weeks paid vacation and holidays off. We planned our lives around their job. In the summer we would pack up a 32 foot RV and hit the road. I have had the rare opportunity to see 42 of our 50 states. At the end of the vacation, 'back to the ole grind' my dad use to say. But what if it didn't have to be that way? What if we are to live adventurous lives, see every situation as an opportunity, and impact generations.
I believe every decision we make, no matter how big or small, will direct the future. Example, a teacher made a decision to move back to California last November. Because of her decision, an opportunity for me to step back into teaching opened up. From that decision I sought Daddy's direction for my life if I was to sign a contact for the following year. I heard yes. So I continued on that path. Now I have fallen in love with nine precious little lives, instructing, nurturing, and sometimes pushing them to become strong Godly adults. They in turn are taking their knowledge and touching lives around them.
Another example is a friend of mine believed Daddy was directing him down a certain path. He had written the vision down, had agreement with his wife, and covered it with prayer. Circumstances changed with the church he was attending and his whole dream crumbled before his eyes. He immediately hit his knees and asked God if he 'missed' it. Daddy spoke to his heart in a profound way. Sometimes others' decisions can change the direction of your path. Decisions impact generations.
What if...Joseph didn't believe in his dreams. What if...Moses didn't believe his destiny came from a burning bush. What if...Rahab thought all she could be was a prostitute. What if...A certain man had 'put away' his betrothed wife who was pregnant with the Messiah. What if...You never consider the importance of following your God given dreams....
So what is my point....We should take nothing lightly. Everything we do touches generations to come. I am not here just by chance or because of a cosmic bang. I have purpose, destiny, and I make a difference. And so do you.....
I believe every decision we make, no matter how big or small, will direct the future. Example, a teacher made a decision to move back to California last November. Because of her decision, an opportunity for me to step back into teaching opened up. From that decision I sought Daddy's direction for my life if I was to sign a contact for the following year. I heard yes. So I continued on that path. Now I have fallen in love with nine precious little lives, instructing, nurturing, and sometimes pushing them to become strong Godly adults. They in turn are taking their knowledge and touching lives around them.
Another example is a friend of mine believed Daddy was directing him down a certain path. He had written the vision down, had agreement with his wife, and covered it with prayer. Circumstances changed with the church he was attending and his whole dream crumbled before his eyes. He immediately hit his knees and asked God if he 'missed' it. Daddy spoke to his heart in a profound way. Sometimes others' decisions can change the direction of your path. Decisions impact generations.
What if...Joseph didn't believe in his dreams. What if...Moses didn't believe his destiny came from a burning bush. What if...Rahab thought all she could be was a prostitute. What if...A certain man had 'put away' his betrothed wife who was pregnant with the Messiah. What if...You never consider the importance of following your God given dreams....
So what is my point....We should take nothing lightly. Everything we do touches generations to come. I am not here just by chance or because of a cosmic bang. I have purpose, destiny, and I make a difference. And so do you.....
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Hard times.............
So I was encouraged to blog on a more regular basis today. This year has been so hard, full of disappointments, loss, pain, hurt, healing, changes........many times I wonder, "Do people really want to know about what life has thrown at me?" I guess it is the lessons learned along the way. As I was sitting in church today, I realized there are things missing in my life. Important things, but God's grace is sufficient. There are moments where I feel so intimately connected with my Daddy and other times like I am out there flapping. But if I continue to look to Him, hold tight to His hand, each step counts. Hopefully, I can help others along my journey....................
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