Thursday, November 3, 2011

Autumn reminds me...

I was having lunch with a dear friend the other day. Our conversation wondered from our families, churches, mutual friends, and, of course the food we were eating...and then, as usual, our talk turned to God and what He's doing in our lives. We continued to talk while walking to our cars. As we stood and said goodbye until our next lunch, we hugged, and then my beautiful friend said, "I just long to be awed by God! He does awe me, but I want more!" I knew exactly what she meant! How I long to see more, to know more of Him, and to walk in awe every single day. He awes me constantly, but all to often I look past what He's doing, as I am caught up in getting by day to day.

I took this thought home with me. As the next couple of days rolled by, I thought often about the day I accepted Christ as my Savior. Twenty Six years ago! What a ride! I remember the moment so well. It was a lovely autumn day. I had come to a point in my life where the sin I was living in was empty. I had many friends, but I was lonely. I had done it all and yet, I wanted so much more out of life. I longed for freedom. I longed for peace. I fell to my knees that night while alone in my apartment and cried out to God, "I will follow You anywhere. I will give up anything, if You will give me peace!" I got up off my knees and in that very moment, I was different. I felt different. I thought differently. I no longer desired the sins that had kept me pinned down. I only wanted God. He was my one and only love. This new life that He had brought me into was exciting and He was all I desired!

As I think back over my conversation with my friend in that parking lot, I realize that God is awing me once again! The story of what He brought me out of, and where He has led me never gets old to me. The drastic change in my life was the most awesome moment I have ever experienced. I stand in awe today that the Creator of the Universe loved a girl like me, when very few people cared. He turned my life around and set my feet on a brand new path! Yes, He is Awesome! Twenty Six years and counting!

To: My dear friend, that I love so much...Come Home...He's waiting for you, just like He was waiting for me. If He can turn me around, then He is longing to do the same for you. I am praying and waiting on the day you give in... I can't wait to see Christ on your face!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

My thoughts on love and other ramblings..

It seems that in this day and age, love is thrown away so easily. When it gets hard, we just push it away. After all, its much easier to lose love than to go through the pain of sticking it out and healing together. In my opinion, when God gives you the gift of true love, it is to be valued like a precious jewel. Protected, nurtured, and treasured.
I once heard a man on Moody say, "When your relationship is having a problem, don't run away from it and hide. Run TOWARD it. Embrace it. And immediately begin the repair." He was speaking to men. He was teaching men how to keep peace in their marriage and with their children. I have thought about this statement over the years. It is so true! But sadly, I generally see people run away from problems, stick their heads in the sand and pretend like nothings wrong. This method only brings more problems. And leaves unresolved hurts and pains which grow over the years until they are beyond repair.
For those who are blessed to find an awesome person to love them, treasure your love. Have fun together. Laugh together. Talk about everything. Allow your partner to feel safe, knowing that you won't condemn them, even if you don't agree. If they are struggling, then give them room to figure life out. Forgive and move on when hurt arises. Pray for them. Be proud of them. Support them. And never, ever toss your love aside. What a beautiful gift from your Father. It's a gift that not all people receive. So value it with all that's in you.
Love should never be disposable. "If this one doesn't work, I'll just move on to the next." Granted, some times it doesn't work. I am by no means saying that every relationship works out. Life is not a fairy tale. Hearts do get broken. But when you find that "thing" with someone...that special connection where you can almost read each others mind. You know, when you can just glance at each other and know what the other one is thinking. When your heart skips a beat when they walk into the room, even after 30 years of marriage, then you are truly blessed beyond measure. Never ever take it for granted. And never ever forget to thank God for it. Life is hard. We all need someone to walk through it with us. What a gift!
I watched a couple have this exact gift recently. They tossed it away. They had amazing chemistry and such a strong love. They had put a lot of effort into each other. Then things got hard. I guess 'the grass looked greener on the other side'...They didn't fight for their love. They just moved on. I long to see them work through it. Their love was so beautiful.
Not sure where this blog came from... God put it on my heart for some reason. Yes, I am feeling uncomfortable being so vulnerable with my thoughts... But, what's new, really? haha
Much Love everyone... And, to my friends that threw their love away... it was a beautiful love. Reconsider... it will be worth it.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear" 1 John 4:18a