I haven't blogged in a really long time. I had to take a break from social media and regroup- because honestly- some people are just overwhelming and ridiculous.
I am sure I will make a lot of mini posts more than longer ones- because I have a lot rolling around in my head and heart that I need to get out. I guess I could use a journal- but some of it is more relevant for others to hear than for me to just keep it to myself.
My heart broke last night at VBS. The teacher asked the kids if they could share a really sad time in their life and the first kid to raise his hand said "My dad died in the Coast Guard". If that doesnt break your heart- then you are in need of some help.
I had tears well up in my eyes and I know a few of the other ladies did as well. Man I complain so much- and this kid- just broke me down.
I have been SO SICK OF PEOPLE lately. From the pointless and stupid posts- to the teenage love soap operas- and the freaking pictures in the gym- I just was ready to nut up on someone. I took a couple days of break- and it was so nice not to hear about things I could care less about.
Our culture is now defined by the amount of pictures you can take and amount of hashtags you can use. (I have these accounts too- so I hear myself talking). People- WAKE UP. We are missing out.
I dont dang care how many times a week you go to the gym- nor do I want to see pictures of that while you are at the gym. Just work out- geeze. We are missing so many opportunities. I'm sure people don't want to see pictures of my dogs either- so I see both sides. The point I am making is we are not using our time wisely.
I have been reminded the past few days how precious time with the Lord is- and how unimportant our selfish desires really are. Kevin and I read the Bible the other night together and it was such a blessing to just sit and listen to hear him read it and us talk about it.
God has been trying to teach me the art of learning to keep my mouth shut. And I have- for the most part. I have stayed away from people- I have hidden people on my feeds- I have not given my opinion even when it burned inside of me to correct people's ignorance- but the one thing I have yet to do- is pray about it as much as I get mad about it. God has also been trying to teach me to love others like he does.
My husband gave me a firm reminder last night about "making fun" of people. I thought I was just stating a "fact" and he said different.
It is so hard to love people. I have written about that before- but God needs to apparently teach me again because I didnt get it the first time. People frustrate us- let us down- lie to us- overwhelm and neglect us. But the one thing we can do is love them like Jesus did. Just love them- even if you can't bring yourself to like them. Pray for them- pray for blessings for them. Be real- and nice to them- even when it hurts you or your pride.
Funny- one of our VBS verses this week is "Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing". (1 Thess 5:11)- God help me to set out to be "doing".
My real life. Sometimes I say what I feel, sometimes I don't know what to say.
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
A little bit of love
Today is the day. THE day. The day to show someone how much you love them. To some it is cheeeeesy and to others- it is the highlight of their year to see what their significant other is getting them.
Kevin and I made an agreement to keep it simple this year. I got him 2 new remote control helicopters- and he got me a gun. And an engagement ring.
I am reminded every year how this year can be SO awesome for some people- and SO terrible for others. Shout out to all my singles out there- Just go get you your own present and spend some money on something you want. Retail therapy is always the best medicine!
Every year I get flowers from my Momma for 2 holidays: my birthday and Valentine's day. I have been getting them since I was in grade school- and that is a long time people! That is my highlight.
I am reminded today of all the things that I have grown to love- I thought I would share them with you. Some are funny- some are sweet- and well- some are just silly- to you.
Enjoy- and what would be on your love list?
In no particular order:
That is the love list right now. Clearly I am a FATTY at heart. Oh well. Happy Valentine's Day y'all.
Kevin and I made an agreement to keep it simple this year. I got him 2 new remote control helicopters- and he got me a gun. And an engagement ring.
Clearly I need to shape up to be in contest with him!! :(
I am reminded every year how this year can be SO awesome for some people- and SO terrible for others. Shout out to all my singles out there- Just go get you your own present and spend some money on something you want. Retail therapy is always the best medicine!
Every year I get flowers from my Momma for 2 holidays: my birthday and Valentine's day. I have been getting them since I was in grade school- and that is a long time people! That is my highlight.
I am reminded today of all the things that I have grown to love- I thought I would share them with you. Some are funny- some are sweet- and well- some are just silly- to you.
Enjoy- and what would be on your love list?
In no particular order:
- Mt. Olive pickles- not the brand Kevin likes that smells yuck
- Talks with my Deddy about how to do stuff
- sweet kisses from my dogs- but only when I ask for them- bc they breath be rank.
- When students I have worked with still communicate with me- and ask for my advice
- Sugar Free Vanilla Jello Pudding in the cup
- Being able to text a select handlful of friends that I don't see often and we pick right back up where we left off
- Flowers from my momma- every year.
- Sleeping past 9am
- Making something people think is pretty
- Not having to wash my hair everyday. Can I get an amen?
- Mint green. Seafoam Green. Teal.- be still my heart.
- Peanut butter m&ms. I dont want any other kind.
- Sour patch kids.
- Gummi worms, bears, and whatever else gummy candies.
- My horseshoe necklace I got in memory of my sweet Winnie.
- Flossing my teeth. Everyday. I make my dentist's job easy.
- Peeptoe any shoes
- Homemade labels
- a really old pair of gray sweat pants that Kevin calls my doo-doo sag pants because they are rather large
- New reclining loveseat
- Fuzzy socks to lounge and sleep in
- Vera Bradley
- fake jewelry
- My engagement ring- it was seriously created for me
- Old school popsicles- blue green and pink please
- trips to Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and Joann- My version of heaven looks like this
- I am a sucker for a Kids meal
- My momma's biscuits with her homemade frozen strawberry jelly
- and last but not least- Kevin Paul Pope. He is what I love most. After Jesus. It should be noted that Mowgli has been demoted to 3rd place- so this is a big deal.
That is the love list right now. Clearly I am a FATTY at heart. Oh well. Happy Valentine's Day y'all.
Monday, January 14, 2013
A Day Late and a Dollar Short
If you know me- you know I am pretty much late to everything. EVERYTHING. I am sure my casket is going to get lost in travel and I will be late to my own funeral.
With that being said, I thought I would do a (late) year in review to sort of put things in perspective of how my life has changed. Sit back- oh- and expect more consistent posts all this month. I have been welling over with things to write about- so get ready.
January 2012
January 4th- my world as I knew it got rocked to the core and I started the process of being single again.
March- I went on a GET AWAY cruise to the Bahamas and had a great time with my friend Miranda!
April- This was a confusing month for me. Just a lot of emotions in an uncertain time. Wanting to do God's will- but also not giving up my own either. I took NASTY fall hiking in a State Park. 8 months later I am still trying to treat this awful scar! My deddy was 4 years cancer free this month too. Praise the Lord!
May- My mom had a birthday. I have come to realize another birthday for anyone is a blessing.
June- A trip to the beach to visit my friend Alicea. 2 Yankees games. Being 10 feet away from Derek Jeter. An interview at The University of Alabama. A decision that I was going to be ok, regardless of what my situation was. A "yes" to a lunch date with an old friend. The month my life turned around. The start of the best love story ever.
July- A new move to a new townhouse. A July 4th on the lake all day. A few days in Helen GA with some of my closest friends and their kids. The realization that this guy was head over heels for me- and it was ok for me to be happy.
August- Kevin got a promotion the latter part of July and his new rank started August 1st. Back to school for the college kiddies- yay for interaction again!The best birthday ever spent at the beach with my amazing dream come true of a boyfriend and my girls Elizabeth and Alicea. Kevin made turning 28 a breeze.
September- I don't remember anything big happening here- but I am sure there is something worth noting.
October- My first GA Southern Game- and most assuredly not the last.
November- November 16th- The man of my dreams asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. The next day I met all of his college buddies at my second GSU game- in Athens. A wonderful Thanksgiving with lots to be thankful for this year.
December- A lot of off days allowed for lots of planning for a big wedding coming in April of 2013. Some fun memories with my now Fiance (I am clearly not cool enough to know how to had the ' over the e, sorry. 4 Christmases in one day. Sounds like a movie or something. Started the new year with my sweet boy.
So- never in a million times a trillion years would I have thought I would be in the position I am in now. To go through a breakup- that I am still trying to figure out why it broke me so bad- to meeting the MAN of my dreams- to getting engaged and being under 100 days away from a wedding- is nearly impossible for me to wrap my human mind around. Thankfully- the Lord says “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt 19:26
In the past 6 months that Kevin and I have been together- we have learned much and are confident we will learn much more in the coming days. We have officially joined our new church- and we are so glad the search for that is OVER. God has us where he wants us- and we have already hit the ground running. Kevin gets to relive some of his high school glory by playing the drums- but this time for a much higher purpose. He is in the Praise band in our contemporary service. He loves it- and don't tell him this- but I know without a shadow of doubt in my mind- that God is taking great delight in his servant for answering the calling that was placed on his heart. I can see a little glimmer of excitement on his face every time he plays.
I have gotten involved in the Young Women's ministry and I can see that this group really does missions and really likes them. Yay! My heart is happy to be in a place where people WANT to work for the Lord- not just talk about it.
We have made new friends in our Sunday School class- yes we got what we asked for. A church with good music- Sunday school- and ministries.
We are so excited to start 2013 in our new church family. It has been a long time coming- but I know God had to work out the details before we could find a place to call home. So, here's to 2013- May the odds be ever in our favor.
With that being said, I thought I would do a (late) year in review to sort of put things in perspective of how my life has changed. Sit back- oh- and expect more consistent posts all this month. I have been welling over with things to write about- so get ready.
January 2012
January 4th- my world as I knew it got rocked to the core and I started the process of being single again.
January 12- My sweet dog, Winnie, my little dotted dachshund, passed away.
Needless to say- this was one of the worst months of my life. Just a lot of emotion and things I didnt ask for happened. I lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time.
February- I went to a Women's Conference with some friends and really tried to listen to what God was trying to teach me through this madness.
We celebrated White Cosby's 68th Birthday! March- I went on a GET AWAY cruise to the Bahamas and had a great time with my friend Miranda!
April- This was a confusing month for me. Just a lot of emotions in an uncertain time. Wanting to do God's will- but also not giving up my own either. I took NASTY fall hiking in a State Park. 8 months later I am still trying to treat this awful scar! My deddy was 4 years cancer free this month too. Praise the Lord!
May- My mom had a birthday. I have come to realize another birthday for anyone is a blessing.
June- A trip to the beach to visit my friend Alicea. 2 Yankees games. Being 10 feet away from Derek Jeter. An interview at The University of Alabama. A decision that I was going to be ok, regardless of what my situation was. A "yes" to a lunch date with an old friend. The month my life turned around. The start of the best love story ever.
July- A new move to a new townhouse. A July 4th on the lake all day. A few days in Helen GA with some of my closest friends and their kids. The realization that this guy was head over heels for me- and it was ok for me to be happy.
August- Kevin got a promotion the latter part of July and his new rank started August 1st. Back to school for the college kiddies- yay for interaction again!The best birthday ever spent at the beach with my amazing dream come true of a boyfriend and my girls Elizabeth and Alicea. Kevin made turning 28 a breeze.
September- I don't remember anything big happening here- but I am sure there is something worth noting.
October- My first GA Southern Game- and most assuredly not the last.
November- November 16th- The man of my dreams asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. The next day I met all of his college buddies at my second GSU game- in Athens. A wonderful Thanksgiving with lots to be thankful for this year.
December- A lot of off days allowed for lots of planning for a big wedding coming in April of 2013. Some fun memories with my now Fiance (I am clearly not cool enough to know how to had the ' over the e, sorry. 4 Christmases in one day. Sounds like a movie or something. Started the new year with my sweet boy.
So- never in a million times a trillion years would I have thought I would be in the position I am in now. To go through a breakup- that I am still trying to figure out why it broke me so bad- to meeting the MAN of my dreams- to getting engaged and being under 100 days away from a wedding- is nearly impossible for me to wrap my human mind around. Thankfully- the Lord says “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt 19:26
In the past 6 months that Kevin and I have been together- we have learned much and are confident we will learn much more in the coming days. We have officially joined our new church- and we are so glad the search for that is OVER. God has us where he wants us- and we have already hit the ground running. Kevin gets to relive some of his high school glory by playing the drums- but this time for a much higher purpose. He is in the Praise band in our contemporary service. He loves it- and don't tell him this- but I know without a shadow of doubt in my mind- that God is taking great delight in his servant for answering the calling that was placed on his heart. I can see a little glimmer of excitement on his face every time he plays.
I have gotten involved in the Young Women's ministry and I can see that this group really does missions and really likes them. Yay! My heart is happy to be in a place where people WANT to work for the Lord- not just talk about it.
We have made new friends in our Sunday School class- yes we got what we asked for. A church with good music- Sunday school- and ministries.
We are so excited to start 2013 in our new church family. It has been a long time coming- but I know God had to work out the details before we could find a place to call home. So, here's to 2013- May the odds be ever in our favor.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The proposal
Now this is the story all about how-
How My life got changed, filled with hope-
And I'd like to take a minute - just sit right downI'll tell you how I became the fiance of Kevin Pope
I hope you read that while hearing the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song. I have been letting the engagement sink in and I finally have some time to write about how it happened. Hope you enjoy the story- because it is a good one!
Friday- November 16
I had left work early because I had worked late Thursday night. I went to Kevin's house when I got off from work. We hung out and talked and he said he had to go to Atlanta a lot this next week and maybe he could swing by Solomon Brothers and order my ring.
I made asarcastic comment- "it is less than 7 weeks til Christmas you know." (knowing that he had told me it would take at least 6 weeks to make the ring and have it shipped back to GA) He replied "Oh my gosh- are you serious?! Well, maybe I can get it rushed through." And my reply "It's fine- I'm never getting a ring." He said in the sweetest voice "Oh yes you will, just not right now because the ring you picked out cost a lot of money and I have to save up more for it."
So I left it at that and set in my mind that it was going to happen on New Year's Eve because he had asked me multiple times- do you want to get engaged this year or next- and I just KNEW he was going to get down on one knee at 11:59 December 31.
Later on his mom called him and said she had seen my mom at Walmart and they wanted to know if we wanted to go to dinner with them. (I was pining for some Lieu's peking anyway on my own- so when Mrs. Helen said that's where they were going- I was totally on board!) We said we would meet them there at 7.
No big- our parents had met before- but they had never had dinner all together. My mom missed out on a few previous dinners. So really didnt think anything of it- but I was incredibly excited about chinese food!
Mrs. Helen called again to make sure it was ok with me- I guess part of the plan- and I think to tell Kevin to make sure he didnt dress up too much or something about my mom having clothes- I dont really know.
We left the house and headed to Lieu's. We took Kevin's truck- which is really weird and I don't remember why- but I asked him if he remembered our date to Aubri Lane's when he asked me to sit in the middle and I said that was one of the best dates I had ever had. He told me to sit in the middle again this night and I did.
We get to Lieu's- late of course- and where are our parents seated? RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PLACE!! Seriously- the middle table where everyone in the entire place can see you from any other table. We sit down- order our food and set out to overindulge on some various chicken plates.
By the end, I am so full and miserable because I for some reason ate EVERYTHING. Bob, the owner, brings out a pretty dyed onion he had carved- and I am guessing he did this because he was so nervous about bringing out the fortune cookies he was trying to calm down. The fortune cookies come out a few minutes later (Kevin said he was having to give him signals all night about the timing). I grabbed up a few and tossed them around the table.
Kevin is to my left and my deddy is to my right, then my mom, his mom, and his dad. I shuffle 2 cookies in my hand like I always do and I asked Kevin- which one do you want? (Now I did notice that Lieu's had gotten new cookies, the bags were different {yes, we eat there that much}, but I didnt think anything of it.)
He picked the one in my right hand and I tear mine open. Now, I dont know if you play this game- but my family always plays read your fortune and add "in the bed" after it to make it funnier. Well, I didnt really want Kevin's parents to hear me say that- so I just read my fortune outloud to Kevin. "The man next to you has a very important question to ask."
Pause story
I immediately think to myself "well, that is not very exciting of a fortune, but when I add "in the bed" maybe it will be funnier.
So, as I am processing the above statement, I turn to Kevin to say "in the bed" and lo and behold he is getting down on one knee. At this point I lost it. And immediately thought "OHMYGOSH This is a REAL fortune!" My hands are over my wide open mouth and I feel like I am in another place and he said "You know I tell you I love you every day and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Will you marry me?"
Picture Quasimodo. Now make him cry. That is what kind of face I have at this point. My mouth is wide open and Im bawling. I just hug the life out of Kevin because I am still in shock. He didn't get a yes when he asked, just some extremely tight hug and the breath knocked out of him. He asks me, well is that a yes- do you want me to put the ring on your finger?
And i said "yes! yes yes yes!- but way more cry-tone involved. He slid the most beautiful ring on the planet on my finger and stood up and got me up to hug me again.
At this point, everyone in the restaurant is clapping for us. The crazy thing is that we knew about 10 people in there having dinner. It was really special for that many people to share our excitement with us. All I can do is cry and hug Kevin. I didnt want to let go.
My parents are technologicaly challenged, so my mom with her fancy iphone she has had for 2 months- couldnt figure out how to take pictures. So in the middle of my exciting time- I had to show her and I eventually just gave it to Kevin to deal with. Everyone wanted to see my ring, so I gladly went and showed it off.
I know both my parents teared up and were smiling from ear to ear when it was happening. Bob brought us out more food for the celebration and said he had never been so nervous in his life. He had never had to do a proposal before. Kevin's mom had delivered the special fortune cookies- which Kevin had ordered 20- to make sure he had his bases covered because he knew I would switch them up! So, all of us got the same fortune, I really dont even think our parents opened theres. Smart guy he is. He also made sure Bob knew to bring out those cookies- because the regular ones would obviously ruin the plan.
We celebrated a little longer and took lots of pics. We missed out on taking pictures with our parents, I guess we were just too excited. I hugged my parents and they have never been so excited. I hugged Kevin's parents and his mom said "well- you didn't ask for my permission. And I am thinking..what the heck are you talking about woman? And I said "Can I be your daughter in law?" and she said something- I dont remember- so I guess that meant I got it wrong and I said "Can I please marry your son?" and she said yes- then proceeded to hug me and said in a stern voice that only I heard "Don't hurt my baby".
I have to laugh- but I'm pretty sure she meant business. I won't hurt your baby- I love him too much to hurt him!!
It was the best thought out and well planned engagement. Kevin is a sweetheart. Lieu's Peking is where the story all started, where Kevin and I had our first date, so it will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Here are some pics from that night- start left- then go down- then the right side is the completion.
We are over the moon excited and can't wait to get married in April! Thanks for reading our story- This will be the best Thanksgiving ever- because my heart is full and my ring finger is SHINING!
How My life got changed, filled with hope-
And I'd like to take a minute - just sit right downI'll tell you how I became the fiance of Kevin Pope
I hope you read that while hearing the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song. I have been letting the engagement sink in and I finally have some time to write about how it happened. Hope you enjoy the story- because it is a good one!
Friday- November 16
I had left work early because I had worked late Thursday night. I went to Kevin's house when I got off from work. We hung out and talked and he said he had to go to Atlanta a lot this next week and maybe he could swing by Solomon Brothers and order my ring.
I made a
So I left it at that and set in my mind that it was going to happen on New Year's Eve because he had asked me multiple times- do you want to get engaged this year or next- and I just KNEW he was going to get down on one knee at 11:59 December 31.
Later on his mom called him and said she had seen my mom at Walmart and they wanted to know if we wanted to go to dinner with them. (I was pining for some Lieu's peking anyway on my own- so when Mrs. Helen said that's where they were going- I was totally on board!) We said we would meet them there at 7.
No big- our parents had met before- but they had never had dinner all together. My mom missed out on a few previous dinners. So really didnt think anything of it- but I was incredibly excited about chinese food!
Mrs. Helen called again to make sure it was ok with me- I guess part of the plan- and I think to tell Kevin to make sure he didnt dress up too much or something about my mom having clothes- I dont really know.
We left the house and headed to Lieu's. We took Kevin's truck- which is really weird and I don't remember why- but I asked him if he remembered our date to Aubri Lane's when he asked me to sit in the middle and I said that was one of the best dates I had ever had. He told me to sit in the middle again this night and I did.
We get to Lieu's- late of course- and where are our parents seated? RIGHT SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PLACE!! Seriously- the middle table where everyone in the entire place can see you from any other table. We sit down- order our food and set out to overindulge on some various chicken plates.
By the end, I am so full and miserable because I for some reason ate EVERYTHING. Bob, the owner, brings out a pretty dyed onion he had carved- and I am guessing he did this because he was so nervous about bringing out the fortune cookies he was trying to calm down. The fortune cookies come out a few minutes later (Kevin said he was having to give him signals all night about the timing). I grabbed up a few and tossed them around the table.
Kevin is to my left and my deddy is to my right, then my mom, his mom, and his dad. I shuffle 2 cookies in my hand like I always do and I asked Kevin- which one do you want? (Now I did notice that Lieu's had gotten new cookies, the bags were different {yes, we eat there that much}, but I didnt think anything of it.)
He picked the one in my right hand and I tear mine open. Now, I dont know if you play this game- but my family always plays read your fortune and add "in the bed" after it to make it funnier. Well, I didnt really want Kevin's parents to hear me say that- so I just read my fortune outloud to Kevin. "The man next to you has a very important question to ask."
Pause story
I immediately think to myself "well, that is not very exciting of a fortune, but when I add "in the bed" maybe it will be funnier.
So, as I am processing the above statement, I turn to Kevin to say "in the bed" and lo and behold he is getting down on one knee. At this point I lost it. And immediately thought "OHMYGOSH This is a REAL fortune!" My hands are over my wide open mouth and I feel like I am in another place and he said "You know I tell you I love you every day and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Will you marry me?"
Picture Quasimodo. Now make him cry. That is what kind of face I have at this point. My mouth is wide open and Im bawling. I just hug the life out of Kevin because I am still in shock. He didn't get a yes when he asked, just some extremely tight hug and the breath knocked out of him. He asks me, well is that a yes- do you want me to put the ring on your finger?
And i said "yes! yes yes yes!- but way more cry-tone involved. He slid the most beautiful ring on the planet on my finger and stood up and got me up to hug me again.
At this point, everyone in the restaurant is clapping for us. The crazy thing is that we knew about 10 people in there having dinner. It was really special for that many people to share our excitement with us. All I can do is cry and hug Kevin. I didnt want to let go.
My parents are technologicaly challenged, so my mom with her fancy iphone she has had for 2 months- couldnt figure out how to take pictures. So in the middle of my exciting time- I had to show her and I eventually just gave it to Kevin to deal with. Everyone wanted to see my ring, so I gladly went and showed it off.
I know both my parents teared up and were smiling from ear to ear when it was happening. Bob brought us out more food for the celebration and said he had never been so nervous in his life. He had never had to do a proposal before. Kevin's mom had delivered the special fortune cookies- which Kevin had ordered 20- to make sure he had his bases covered because he knew I would switch them up! So, all of us got the same fortune, I really dont even think our parents opened theres. Smart guy he is. He also made sure Bob knew to bring out those cookies- because the regular ones would obviously ruin the plan.
We celebrated a little longer and took lots of pics. We missed out on taking pictures with our parents, I guess we were just too excited. I hugged my parents and they have never been so excited. I hugged Kevin's parents and his mom said "well- you didn't ask for my permission. And I am thinking..what the heck are you talking about woman? And I said "Can I be your daughter in law?" and she said something- I dont remember- so I guess that meant I got it wrong and I said "Can I please marry your son?" and she said yes- then proceeded to hug me and said in a stern voice that only I heard "Don't hurt my baby".
I have to laugh- but I'm pretty sure she meant business. I won't hurt your baby- I love him too much to hurt him!!
It was the best thought out and well planned engagement. Kevin is a sweetheart. Lieu's Peking is where the story all started, where Kevin and I had our first date, so it will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Here are some pics from that night- start left- then go down- then the right side is the completion.
We are over the moon excited and can't wait to get married in April! Thanks for reading our story- This will be the best Thanksgiving ever- because my heart is full and my ring finger is SHINING!
Friday, November 9, 2012
All you need is love...
Not really. Some people base their entire lives around this saying- and go looking for love in all the wrong places. To the arms of a stranger, to the home of a friend- to the refrigerator or to the mirror- only to find that sometimes we don't always get what we want.
Acceptance. Memories. Warm thoughts about being together- these are the deepest feelings that all human beings crave. And when we don't get the things we need/want, sometimes it can turn out ugly.
In my struggles as a Christian, I find it really hard to love the way I should (refer back to the other post). Christ is the model for love- so to sum it up- it is supposed to be on purpose, genuine, with intent to bring something better to someone else's life, and real.
If anything- just know that Jesus didn't pretend. He didn't love people one day and turn his back on them the next- we did that part.
I had to spend some time in the Word this week looking for something that I honestly wasnt comfortable with, but I know that God was pushing me to it. When we are angry or hurt or disappointed or just plain confused from/by people, the only place we need to run to is the arms of Christ.
Yet, so often, we run to the created and not the Creator.
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:28
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:35
You can see where my struggle is this week- ohh loving people that are enemies. Or in modern day terms: people that don't like you.
My favorite parts of the Bible are when Christ speaks. I am huge fan of Paul's work, but Jesus' words have a different something to me.
In the Amplified version, it takes on a whole new meaning:
"Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you].
Instead of harboring bitterness or holding on to the hurt- I choose to let it go this week. I choose to pray for those who are against me. I choose to ask for God to rain down blessings on them- and bless them to the point where their cup runneth over. It is a hard thing- which is why there are so many verses about loving those who are against you.
I will pray. I will love. And I won't do it because it is any idea of mine- I do it because Christ loved me when I was his enemy.
Maybe all you really need is the love of Christ- and it will cover a multitude.
Acceptance. Memories. Warm thoughts about being together- these are the deepest feelings that all human beings crave. And when we don't get the things we need/want, sometimes it can turn out ugly.
In my struggles as a Christian, I find it really hard to love the way I should (refer back to the other post). Christ is the model for love- so to sum it up- it is supposed to be on purpose, genuine, with intent to bring something better to someone else's life, and real.
If anything- just know that Jesus didn't pretend. He didn't love people one day and turn his back on them the next- we did that part.
I had to spend some time in the Word this week looking for something that I honestly wasnt comfortable with, but I know that God was pushing me to it. When we are angry or hurt or disappointed or just plain confused from/by people, the only place we need to run to is the arms of Christ.
Yet, so often, we run to the created and not the Creator.
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:28
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:35
You can see where my struggle is this week- ohh loving people that are enemies. Or in modern day terms: people that don't like you.
My favorite parts of the Bible are when Christ speaks. I am huge fan of Paul's work, but Jesus' words have a different something to me.
In the Amplified version, it takes on a whole new meaning:
"Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you].
Instead of harboring bitterness or holding on to the hurt- I choose to let it go this week. I choose to pray for those who are against me. I choose to ask for God to rain down blessings on them- and bless them to the point where their cup runneth over. It is a hard thing- which is why there are so many verses about loving those who are against you.
I will pray. I will love. And I won't do it because it is any idea of mine- I do it because Christ loved me when I was his enemy.
Maybe all you really need is the love of Christ- and it will cover a multitude.
Monday, November 5, 2012
The ugly truth
Sometimes, we all do it. Some of us, probably more so than not. And when we do it- we don't ever question it. It is who we are- .........or is it?
I have found myself lately seeing life through a different perspective. I am not sure how this came about- because I sure didn't ask for it, but God is trying to teach me something right now.
Sometimes, I look at people and judge them. Oh how I judge them for their clothing, their belongings, but mostly for their looks. I think the worst or degrade them in my mind because they aren't like me. Or they aren't pretty or attractive. Then, for some reason, God has been working on my head and my heart lately. God reminds me in a still and quiet voice- that he made them just the same as me- He MADE them on purpose and with a purpose- and I am supposed to love them. Love them because God loves me- and I say I love him- and that is how you are to live your life according to the scripture. ..John 13:34 (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
It is hard to love people who are different from us. Or not so much different from our "lifestyle" but it is hard to love people who get on my nerves. Maybe not for you. Maybe you can just see them for what they are- I hope to be that way one day.
Sometimes I call people ugly- like a make a big point out of how ugly and trashy they are. That same still voice reminds me that "God does not look at outward appearance Rachel, he looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7)- and you should be doing the same young lady.
It is so hard to think of all people being equal. There are many many differences- race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level, religion, where you live (such as ghetto vs a trailer park or a subdivision), where you were raised, who ya momma and ya daddy are- your political stance- and how you present yourself to the world with your clothes and hygiene. But one thing remains- oh and I love this song- "Your love never fails, you never give up on me."
God never gives up on us- his love is never ending. And the crazy thing is- that same love is inside each and every believer. I want that love overflowing from me. I want to love others- this verse sums it up "Dear Children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth" 1 John 3:18
Don't just talk about how you love people- get out there and show them. Stop running your mouth so much and maybe you could see the brokeness that these people need, and the only thing- THE ONLY THING that you can offer them that will actually make things better- is the love of Christ.
I hope the next time you look at someone, you look at them and love them- even if you don't know them or never speak to them- I pray that you and I can love people.
I have found myself lately seeing life through a different perspective. I am not sure how this came about- because I sure didn't ask for it, but God is trying to teach me something right now.
Sometimes, I look at people and judge them. Oh how I judge them for their clothing, their belongings, but mostly for their looks. I think the worst or degrade them in my mind because they aren't like me. Or they aren't pretty or attractive. Then, for some reason, God has been working on my head and my heart lately. God reminds me in a still and quiet voice- that he made them just the same as me- He MADE them on purpose and with a purpose- and I am supposed to love them. Love them because God loves me- and I say I love him- and that is how you are to live your life according to the scripture. ..John 13:34 (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
It is hard to love people who are different from us. Or not so much different from our "lifestyle" but it is hard to love people who get on my nerves. Maybe not for you. Maybe you can just see them for what they are- I hope to be that way one day.
Sometimes I call people ugly- like a make a big point out of how ugly and trashy they are. That same still voice reminds me that "God does not look at outward appearance Rachel, he looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7)- and you should be doing the same young lady.
It is so hard to think of all people being equal. There are many many differences- race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level, religion, where you live (such as ghetto vs a trailer park or a subdivision), where you were raised, who ya momma and ya daddy are- your political stance- and how you present yourself to the world with your clothes and hygiene. But one thing remains- oh and I love this song- "Your love never fails, you never give up on me."
God never gives up on us- his love is never ending. And the crazy thing is- that same love is inside each and every believer. I want that love overflowing from me. I want to love others- this verse sums it up "Dear Children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth" 1 John 3:18
Don't just talk about how you love people- get out there and show them. Stop running your mouth so much and maybe you could see the brokeness that these people need, and the only thing- THE ONLY THING that you can offer them that will actually make things better- is the love of Christ.
I hope the next time you look at someone, you look at them and love them- even if you don't know them or never speak to them- I pray that you and I can love people.
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