Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts

Monday, April 11, 2016

Life is Precious

I know, for me, I tend to sometimes forget how precious life is.... The lives of those around me and my own.

This past weekend the hubby and I attended the 3rd birthday party of our grand-niece.(our niece's daughter.) I remember when this rambunctious bundle of toddler energy was born. At a mere 4 lbs, 12 oz., she was a true miracle! My niece found out just a year after having her daughter that she had a rare blood-clotting disease that had caused and would cause her to have multiple problems in pregnancy and childbirth, including miscarriage, early labor, and low birth weight. Her doctor discouraged her from trying to have more children, as not only could it cause her to have pregnancy issues, but was a threat to her own life during pregnancy and childbirth. My niece and nephew were devastated with the diagnosis, as they both wanted more children. After grieving for a time, though, they decided to focus on their precious little girl, and be thankful for the blessing of her in their lives.

This little "princess" as she kept telling us she was at her birthday party, is such a blessing to so many people - parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Her sweet spirit is a reminder to me how precious life is.
 Loved the princess birthday cakes!!
 For privacy reasons, I didn't show a picture of my grand-nieces face. 
My niece helping my grand-niece open presents.

I'm reminded of my own son, who was a miracle baby for me and my hubby over 23 years ago. We didn't think we could have children. After years of trying, and almost giving up, I conceived and he came into our lives!!

In reality, I believe we are all precious miracles of God's love.
Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; 
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
 1 John 3:1 - See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 

The older I get the more I believe it...Life is very precious! I pray that no matter where you are in your life or how young or old you are, that you know how your life is very precious to the Lord!! He loves us and holds us in His very loving hands. This reminds me also of the story of the lost sheep...

Luke 15:4-7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? “When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Each and every life is precious!!!!

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Sunday, February 14, 2016

Patience and Perseverance

Hello, bloggy friends!
How was your week? I experienced a few pleasant events, with some very difficult days in between. I think I'm finding this to be my perpetual answer to that question for several weeks, now. Even when there are a few positive times, these weeks can seem long and arduous. I'm guessing that is why the Bible has so many verses about being patient and persevering.(I was reminded of a post I wrote back in September of last year called "Prayer, Patience, and Perseverance" ) So, I apologize if it seems like I start to repeat myself in my posts. I think God has a reason for re-hashing the same subject into my heart and I feel led to post about it.

My week began with having some major dental work done (I spent 2 1/2 hours at the dentist on Monday). Of course, my mouth had been sore and quite sensitive all week. On Tuesday and Wedneday, we had major snowstorms that left roads icy and drifting snow across them. So, I was homebound for 2 days. Thursday and Friday I spent with my mother and visiting with a friend. Those were better days, even though I still struggled with ongoing back pain and hormonal issues. Saturday, the hubby and I stayed in most of the day, due to freezing temps, but went out to dinner and a (very dumb)movie later on. On Sunday, I wasn't feeling up to par, as my tooth was still causing me some discomfort. We did end up going out for a few hours, but stayed home most of the day. The best part of the week, my hubby cooked me a wonderful Valentine's Day breakfast in bed!! 

As I review the week, I know that there were times of pain and suffering, but there were also moments that I found joy and felt God's presence. A few of those times included me taking time with the Lord - when I wasn't feeling well or when the weather kept me inside - and I truly began enjoying time with Him, writing in my new prayer journal, reading the Word and some pages from books I have been reading... Oh, how God uses even those difficult, frustrating, and sometimes painful moments to draw us closer to Him! 

Maybe, like me, you can look back on the past week (or month, or even year.) and see the times of struggling, persevering, and patiently waiting to get through them, times that are not pleasant at all. But, in the process, God continues to fit into our lives moments, days, or even sometimes longer periods of time where we can see God's loving hand reaching down to help us, guide us, draw us to Him. Those are awesome moments!! We tend to pay less attention to them, but they are still there in our lives.

Here are just a few verses that really stuck out to me as reminders and encouragement that patience and perseverance are sometimes difficult, but always produce a positive result.
  •  2 Peter 1:5-7 For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
  • Romans 5:4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
  • James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
  • Luke 11:9  “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."
  • James 5:11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
  • Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
  • James 1:3-4 Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
  • Colossians 1:10-12 So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. And, giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his people in the kingdom of light.

It's been a few weeks since I last shared from my gratitude list. I wanted to share those here, as well.

#1791 - Continuing to pray with my hubby each night together. What a wonderful blessing!!

#1792 - starting to write in my prayer journal and loving it, as it also draws me closer to the Lord!(A few samples below)
 

#1793 - my mom - I love spending time with her, now that I am not working.

#1794 - the sun shining in the window on a cold, snowy day.

#1795 - an unexpected phone call from a friend, just to say 'hi' and that she was thinking of me.

#1796 - My (usually) romantic husband, who cooked a wonderful breakfast for me!

#1797 - God's amazing love for me!!(Thinking about the greatest love on Valentines Day.)

#1798 - My son, who has made me understand how to truly love (a mother's love) unconditionally!!

As we look to the Lord in the coming week for our strength, love, joy, and peace, always remember that we:
"should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

 
You may find me linking up at any of the blog parties listed on the left sidebar.(or go to my blog party page link, below)

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Sunday, January 31, 2016

“One thing you can count on is the way I’ll love you.”

Today, January 31, 2016, the hubby and I celebrate 29 years of marriage!!
It seems so surreal!! It definitely doesn’t seem like we have been together that long! We’ve lived and enjoyed so many blessings, as well as experienced many difficult and challenging years together. But through it all, God has been with us, guiding us, giving us His wisdom and love.
I am so thankful for this man in my life!! He is my best friend, my prayer partner, the one I love and who has loved me through thick and thin. 
Through the years of blogging, I’ve shared posts on our anniversaries. Each year, I found many reasons to celebrate and shared pictures, stories, and videos.

Blog post for our 28th anniversary - 2015


Blog post for our 27th anniversary - 2014


Blog post for our 26th anniversary - 2013
Here is a video of us renewing our vows at for our 25th anniversary - a bit belated, but what an awesome day!!!



Blog post for our 25th anniversary - 2012


Other posts about our love story:
January 25th, 2015 - When God Made You...


January 27th, 2013 - How I Met Your Father....

February 7, 2012 - Tea is Romantic!?!

March 24, 2012 - Relationships Take Work (Emotional Intimacy)


My heart is so full of joy!! God has been good to us!!

I look forward to many more blessed years together with the love of my life!!!


You may find me linking up at any of the blog parties listed on the left sidebar.(or go to my blog party page link, below)

Favorite Blogs Parties where I Link-up 

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Another Bad Day


We all have days where we feel like the world is against us.  We start to feel unappreciated, unloved, and unwanted. Just because you have a bad day - as it seems like mine has gone - doesn't mean it will always be that way. There will be a better day.
I watched this (somewhat humorous) video and it put things back into perspective for me.

I am reminded that I am not alone...and things could be so much worse. 
 We must remember not to listen to the lies of negativity!  
Do not fall into the traps of the enemy!  
So someone is lying to you or about you…YES, it hurts.  Or, that person whom you love and would do anything for them doesn't reciprocate that gesture of kindness and respect.

The Word of God says to:
"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
(Matthew 5:44)

 Also:
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
(Luke 6:38)



I encourage you to also listen to the Youtube video below.
It is a reminder to each of us that God is always by our side, no matter what is going on around us. 
(I need that reminder alot lately!)

May you feel God's love and grace surround you today...especially if it has been a bad one!!



Linking up at these blog hops:


Sunday, January 25, 2015

When God Made You...


Have you ever wondered why (specifically) God made you?

  Throughout my life there have been a number of times that that question has crossed my mind. 
 There were times that I really wondered what God's plan was for my life.

        What was He thinking when he made me? 
                                      What was I born to do?
Ultimately, we all have been commanded to do some things:
 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  
Mark 12:30-31


 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”Ecclesiastes 12:13


With that said, I'll have to say, I truly only felt my true calling when I became a wife and mother!

And when I think of my husband, and how we met, I can only give credit to God for bringing and keeping us together! If I ever had wondered what God was thinking when He made Ken, I know it included meeting me, and me meeting him! 

Our 28th wedding anniversary is coming next Saturday, January 31st, so of course the story of our life has been on my mind a lot...can't help it, as I'm such a hopeless romantic at heart! 

If you've ever watched the movie, "The Notebook" you will know right off, it's definitely a chick flick...filled with romance and all that gooshy stuff. It's also a full-out tear jerker...

But, I love the movie anyway..maybe because it's so realistic about what a real love between a husband and wife should be about...that long-lasting, commitment to stay together, no matter what life brings kind of love. It shows that love doesn't mean that everything goes perfectly in life or that you never fight or disagree. It doesn't mean that there won't be heartaches and disappointments.

But it does remind us that it truly is worth it all! 

I love it that the story moves from the couple,  still together in their old age, even in the hardest of times.(I especially was touched by the story because my mom took care of my dad, who had Alzheimers disease, for several years before he passed away) and then it goes back to the love story of how they met and the ups and downs along the way. That's real life. Below is a trailer of the movie.

I am so blessed to have already had 28 years of memories with Ken and I pray that we have many, many more. I look at this story and hope we are blessed as we continue to share that love that is strong and enjoy our lives together, even in our old age, someday! (of course we both pray that God would bless us by taking us to be with Him at the same time.)

One of my favorite Christian love songs is "When God Made You" by Newsong, featuring Natalie Grant. Listen to the song, put to scenes from "The Notebook" below, followed by the lyrics.

It's always been a mystery to me
How two hearts can come together
 
And love can last forever
But now that I have found you, I believe
That a miracle has come
 
When God sends the perfect one
Now gone are all my questions about why
 
And I've never been so sure of anything in my life
[Chorus:]
I wonder what God was thinking
 
When He created you
 
I wonder if He knew everything I would need

Because He made all my dreams come true
 
When God made you
He must have been thinking about me

I promise that wherever you may go
 
Wherever life may lead you
 
With all my heart I'll be there too
 
From this moment on I want you to know
 
I'll let nothing come between us
 
And I will love the ones you love
 

Now gone are all my questions about why 
And I've never been so sure of anything in my life

He made the sun He made the moon 
To harmonize in perfect tune
 
One Can't move without the other
 
They just have to be together
 
And that is why I know it's true
 
You're for me and I'm for you
 
'Cause my world just Can't be right
 
Without you in my life
 
[Chorus:]
He must have heard every prayer I've been praying
 
Yes He knew everything I would need
 
When God made you
 
When dreams come true
 
When God made you  
He must have been thinking about me

I usually don't share more than one or two Youtube videos in one post, but I came across this one that someone made and had to share it, also.. I hadn't heard the song before, but love it, too!
(My prayer)


If you ever wonder what God was thinking when He created you....know that as long as you walk with Him as your guide, you are where He wants you!  Trust in His ways, even when times get tough!


I love it that our anniversary comes right before Valentine's Day every year....I get a double dose of sharing our love!! I'll be sharing some more things about our love story in the next few posts. So, stay tuned!




Monday, February 4, 2013

Ten Ways To Love - #1 & 2: Listen and Speak

One could say that February is considered the month of "love".
Smack dab in the middle of the month is Valentine's Day....the day couples celebrate love.
For some, love is a mushy sentiment, which includes sending love letters and poetry, flowers and candy. Some believe that the evidence of love should be butterflies in your stomach, holding hands, cuddling, and kissing. And unfortunately, many believe sex equals love. 
The Bible talks a lot about love. Interestingly enough, none of the above is ever mentioned as defining love. That's because love is much more than the temporary emotions, physical pleasure, or outward appearances. 

1 Corinthians 13 is considered the 'love chapter' of the Bible.
Most Christians are familiar with this chapter and it's definition of love.
But, we can find the subject of love and what characteristics are evidence of "real" love throughout the Bible. 
 Here is a list of just a few ways to 'really' love others:

Today, I am going to discuss the tongue and listening(the first 2 on the list above), instead of speaking. 

You may ask, "What does that have to do with love?"
Well lets check it out.
If you read through all of Proverbs 18, wisdom and unselfishness are achieved only by listening to others.

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
 Proverbs 18:2
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
Proverbs 18:13
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21

We also read in the New Testament that a wise and loving person listens first and speaks second.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 
 James 1:19

Loving others means being willing to listen to them and speaking words of love and kindness, not with accusations and anger. How many times have we ever interrupted others who are talking because we had something more 'important' to say?   I know I'm guilty! I could learn to show love towards others more by listening. 

In my next post, I will cover, yet another characteristic of love from the list of "Ten Ways To Love". So, stop on back. 

I am also continuing to add to my list of  'gifts', as I continue in the Joy Dare.
A song heard, a soft word, a light seen
1,210 - In song: What a beautiful, uplifting song!

1,211 - A soft word: 
 "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1
1,212 - A light seen: "The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:8

A gift on paper, in a person, in beauty
1,213 - on paper:The anniversary card my hubby gave me.
1,214 - in person: My hubby, taking me out to a fancy restaurant; he's truly a gift from God!!
1,215 - in beauty: flowers from my hubby

3 gifts red: (my 3 favorite shades of red)
1,216 - Maroon: described as half way between bright red and black, Maroon is the only color variant here which is a true shade of pure red; deep and true, not flashy; example: Chocolate Cosmos(the great part, too, is that they smell like chocolate!)
source
1,217 -  Coral-Red: Increasing amounts of blue light are added, and this makes the end tone much more pinkish; a little playful and summery; example: aptly named, it's is the color found in coral reefs.
 1024x768 Wallpaper: Red Coral Reef Wallpaper for iPad 2
1,218 - Claret: A dark or grayish purplish red to dark purplish pink; because I've always loved the color purple, this deep red color has been a favorite; example: the color of boysenberry jam.
 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvOwyaBDAy-MU5xZCmodBH4F3xmVzCdH6M0Kqvvqcn84JEKnTQ4N4tmZEtBxbDCz-P2m1kuwB4F2x_fp1sFCdFMdV1maV0wROVDolwRTdhlU3fgFAbuBzJ9chyphenhyphencUfdAyIS9Skacl13L9b/s1600/biscuit+spoon+4_sm.jpg
Great info. on the color red - (Shades and Tones of Red), (The Power of Red)

3 gifts in writing:
1,219 - Loved this post from Ann Voskamp, written a few years ago.    "How to Really Write a Love Letter"
1,220 - Reading old entries from my journals; good memories, thoughtful reminders of His provision in my life!
1,221 -The written Word...the ultimate gift in writing!!

    



Everything is Blooming!!

Well, if it wasn't evident in my last post, it’s definitely very evident this time around!! Spring has sprung!!! We’ve been keeping so ...