Tag: God

Because I love you…

We all know that we use the word love with a variety of meanings.

I love finding the perfect parking spot. I love clean sheets. I love Xena, the wonder dog. I love my kids/grands and Tim.

I also love God.

Why is it so easy for me to do things for Tim/kids/grands – even Xena because of my love for them but, not so easy for me to do things for God. *OUCH*

Obedience is one way to show God that I love Him. Not because I think he will punish me if I don’t. But because I love Him, I will do what He asks. I know that in my head. Please, Lord, let it penetrate my heart and my will.

Scripture is loaded with reminders of obedience and love.

John 15:10 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love….

John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say.”

Obedience can be defined as compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority. I want to be fully submitted to the authority of God. He has created me (and you) on purpose and for a purpose. He has good plans and can be trusted. Why do I continue to disobey – or in other words, why do I rebel?

Let’s go back to scripture.

Luke 6:46 – “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

1 Samuel 15:23 – Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

Egad!

Lord, once again, I’m convicted of my rebellion and stubbornness. Thank you, Lord, that there is NO CONDEMNATION! Thank you for your forgiveness. Change my heart, Lord. Remind me again and again that YOU alone are worthy. YOU can be trusted. I don’t have to understand. I just need to trust.

Happy?!? Not really.

Today was Mother’s Day. It is not always happy.

I remember choosing not to go to church on this day many times. It was hard.

I think about my friends whose lives have not turned out the way they planned. No children. No husband. Today is another reminder of what they don’t have.

I think about my friends who long for children. I hurt for them because it’s not natural nor easy for them.

I think about those who have had to bury their children. I can’t even imagine the pain.

I think about those who aren’t celebrated and are belittled even for thinking they should be.

I think about friends who had a great relationship with their mom’s but they cannot hug them anymore.

I think about those who had an awful mother and wonder what there is to be happy about.

I think about step moms who may not ever get a thank you let alone a whole celebration.

Mother’s Day is hard for so many reasons.

But, please know that you are seen and are truly loved. Your Creator knows your heart, your joy, and your pain.

Resetting expectations of this day and your current life situation starts with thinking truth on purpose. Remind yourself that God is a good Father. He chose you. He had something to be done (a purpose) and then created you to fulfill that purpose. Trust Him to do immeasurably more than you can ask. He is a good Father. Choose to think this way and your feelings will follow.

Tell Him. Cry out to Him. Be amazed at how He comforts You. And it’s not something to do just for this Mother’s Day. It’s for everyday and for every situation.

Looking Back. Looking Ahead.

Wow! Year ending in less than 2 hours (CST.)

I have to look back and reflect on my year. I see the good and the not so much. I see the progress and the still to do. I look at pictures and remember the smiles and the belly laughs. I also remember the empty chairs and people no longer here.

Life changes so very quickly sometimes. It’s hard and messy. It’s wonderful and amazing. Which are you focused on?

I have to deal with the hard stuff and the messes that follow. But I also want to wonder and to be amazed at something every day of 2024. That is going to take intentionality. I will have to really search some days for something that is wonderful, that is worth smiling about.

But I can always look up. God is good. He never changes. Never loves me less. He is constant. Is present. Is with me. Thank you, Lord.

Definitely worth smiling about.