GOD/JESUS = LOVE

While waiting for church service to begin, the Lord reminded me of 1 Corinthians 13, a passage that I did not understand before until I brought God into the equation.

The common saying, "God is love" becomes much more relatable if we switch it up a bit and change the names:"Jesus is love."

Jesus knew everything! He was fully man and lived here for 33 years! He knew the tendencies of the human heart. He knew every thought, every struggle, every pretentious deed, every motive. He took on the chance to get hurt as He spoke to people who praised Him, but secretively hated Him. He took on the chance to be discouraged when He heard every thoughtless whisper as He walked through the streets of His town. He took on the chance to tirelessly pursue the Church even if He knew people were worshipping and serving other gods.

How can this LOVE not overwhelm you?

This kind of love is too good to be true. I have proven myself to be stubborn and unfaithful. I don't think I'll ever meet anyone who will choose to pursue me knowing I have so many indigestible flaws. And if I do meet someone, I don't know how long they'll hold out. With Jesus, I can rest in His love as takes me as I am.

How do I know Jesus loves me?
He holds my hand.
He communicates with me.
He listens to me.
He's patient with me.
He died for me.

JESUS is patient, JESUS is kind. HE does not envy, HE does not boast, HE is not proud. HE does not dishonor others, HE is not self-seeking, HE is not easily angered, HE keeps no record of wrongs. HE does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. HE always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Inception

Remember that movie!? I thought about it when I read this quote. It was quite messed up, but in many ways it was relatable.

There was a point in my life when escaping from the real world meant bliss and serenity. Everything was where I wanted it to be and everything was perfect - except that none of it were tangible. The people, the person I wanted, the life, the environment, - these were all choreographed by me.  My mind had created a place that was far more beautiful than my present life.

This dull mindset corrupted my spirit. I had become my own god. I wanted everything perfect but reality did not line up with my expectations, and disappointment crept in.

Eventually, God pulled me out of that. He infused new perspectives and the strength to embrace my present life despite my dislike for it.

Choosing to be thankful is not only Biblical, but therapeutic. It's allows one to see the beauty instead of the bleak picture of life.  That's just the way it is. That's the gift that gratitude gives the spirit.

Disappointments will always be there and our minds will want to shut down and pretend it doesn't exist in reality. But God is there to hold your hand and enable you to bloom where you're planted and stay faithful to the end!

Take one step at a time.

Anchor

An anchor is as a heavy metal device that is chained to a vessel to prevent it from drifting. It is also described as "a person or a thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation." 

An anchor is not meant to stifle growth or hold you down. It is meant to allow one to bloom and shine without insecurity or doubt. 

We all need anchors in life. It is what keeps us focused on the prize; it is what keeps us going, growing and GLOWING!  

Go find your anchors.

Mercies

When you realize that God's love is the only thing that is absolute in this world, humility sets in.  

Bask in this love.

It will set you free. 

On With the Black and White

Nice photos to put up on the wall. 

Pinterest

BLESSED.

I bought this bracelet to remind me not to complain. 

Many times I've compared situations with others not realizing I am just fine. Yes, there is a land called "-Er" where everything's greater, nicer, prettier, lovelier, younger, sweeter, richer, etc. But when you really think about it,  these are all temporary. When we replace our earthly perspective with an eternal one, we realize that these things are petty. Though it gives us certain status or feeling, we will always want more and the cycle never ends. "There is no win in comparison" (Andy Stanley). We're one and the same before ONE King - PERIOD.

Put your security in Jesus. You are blessed. Take the time to know what that means and assess yourself. 

But if you ever catch yourself sulking or whining, slap yourself and shrug off the negativity! :o) Usually works! HEHE!

gold watch (Fossil); blue bracelet (from Israel); "I Am Blessed" bracelet (The Bead Shop)