Clean or Unclean Hearts

In september 2013 I began studying the Bible with an organization called BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). It has been good for me as I lack much Bible knowledge. I did not grow up studying the Bible so there are many stories and histories that I still do not know. But God is faithful and knows my eager heart to be in His word.

This week we are reading in Matthew 15 about Jesus' teachings to the Disciples Pharisees and Religious leaders about what it means to have a clean or unclean heart.
I felt convicted as I thought about how so often I may appear to be living the traditions of religion, but in my heart there are things like evil thoughts, envy, bitterness or just condition of being hard toward people God has put in my life. Here is what stood out to me most in my notes this week:

"Food enters the mouth, goes in the stomach and out of the body. Food cannot truly defile a person nor can food draw a person closer to God. What comes out of the mouth-our words- makes us unclean or corrupt, because it reveals what is inside. Sinful words betray wrong thoughts or emotions springing from an unclean heart. People might be outwardly religious without being truly followers of the Word of God. Following rules or fulfilling personal expectations sometimes replace true communion with God in prayer". -BSF International

This springs on so many thoughts in my head. I think about the number of ways we all tend to have our own agenda and our own set of personal expectations and if anything comes in the way of that- whether God, people, plans- then we become frustrated and whatever comes out is a reflection of what is going on on the inside. How do we treat or respond to people who are difficult or different than us? Do we have mercy and compassion for them like Jesus did? Or do we act out as a Pharisee and become hard and judgmental because someone doesn't meet our expectations or do things the way we would? It's a difficult one to swallow.

Pride is destructive. When we hold tighter to our own way or our own personal agenda rather than to treat others kindly and respond lovingly, I think we are harboring a hard and unclean heart. When we hold tighter to our pride rather than to freely love people and care for them the way Jesus did, rather than to lead them with kindness and a pure heart, I think that is religious. Rules and expectations. Pharisees.

How many of us would be comfortable asking the people closest to us how we are doing outwardly that is a reflection of what is going on on the inside? Would we allow them to give us a "heart check"? Are we humble enough to allow those we see as inferior to us to evaluate us and let us know how we are doing as far as treating others? It's difficult. Many of us don't enjoy criticism, even if it is constructive.

Here are some thoughts I have been thinking about....

Do I hand out harsh criticism more than I hand out true, heartfelt compliments?
Do I thank others enough?
Do I truly want what is best for others?
Do I encourage others enough and create a positive environment?
Is what I am doing creating more tension than peace? (At home, work, church groups?)
Are my words and actions towards God and others a reflection of a pure heart or one of a hard, bitter, unclean heart?

I don't want a heart like a religious, calloused Pharisee. I don't want to be remembered as being difficult, controlling, stubborn and power hungry. I want to be remembered as someone who could humble themselves enough to realize I am not always right and my way is not always the best. I want to be remembered as someone who puts the best interest of those around me before my own. I would rather be remembered as someone who showed grace and compassion towards others like Jesus did. I know I am too sinful to do this on my own, I'm going to need the power of God in my heart. It may take a lifetime to get there, but that's what I'm striving for.

This is the prayer of my heart this morning.

All in.

Yesterday was one of those days that started out great, then slowly went down hill. Nothing terrible happened. It was just a bundle of little things that kept building. There was one point when I had two crying toddlers screaming at the top of their lungs. In the moment of chaos, I had to laugh. I wanted to record them and send it to my husband at work just so that we could share that crazy moment together. It was either laugh or cry. Eventually they stopped, things mellowed out and daddy came through the door and I was actually able to make dinner.

When I finally laid my head down last night, I'm pretty sure it was pounding. I had a headache and I was so ready for bed.

I slept. I was so thankful for bedtime last night.

I woke up this morning with a refreshed spirit and a grateful heart, ready to try again. 

I can't help but think about and appreciate how much God teaches me on a daily basis through my family. I have been learning the older I get that family is such an amazing and crucial element in life. Having a family is hard. Everyone has different personalities and moods. Everyone has different emotions, different ways of expressing themselves and handling hard situations. 

Although yesterday was a bit rough, I said my prayers and thanked God for my family. God humbles me everyday through my children and my husband. I can be so into myself and how I feel and what I want and what I need, but God is so gracious in Giving me three humans to live under one roof with me, to mold me, bend me, break me, teach me and grow me. 

 God uses different people to encourage us in our daily lives and today I am grateful for that. I am grateful for the moments when I'm on the floor scrubbing old juice for no other reason than the fact that God has given me a home to raise my family and enjoy those beautiful moments of unconditional love and hugs and kisses. I'm grateful for cries and screams and sleepless nights and misunderstandings and hurt feelings because when those moments pass, I get to see first hand what redemption looks like. I get to experience humility. I get to die to myself. I get to apologize and I get to forgive. I get to hug my husband and kids and feel what real love is all about. Being loved in all of my sin and selfishness. That's how God loves me. That's how he loves all of us.

Today, I am extra thankful that God has trusted me to be a wife and a mother. It's not easy and it's certainly not a feat to be finished quickly. It's gonna take a lot of years. It's gonna take a lot of cries but also a lot of laughs. There's gonna be lots of laundry, messy pb & j's, lots of spilled juice and lots of hurried mornings out the door. But The Lord promises good to me and there's also gonna be lots of love! Lots of tender moments. Lots of embraces, lots of cookie making, lots of ah-hah moments, lots of problems resolved and lots of memories that we will hold in our hearts forever.

Today, even if what I give seems so little, I thank Jesus for this opportunity. I thank Him that I am part of something so much bigger and valuable than just a quick accomplishment that will fade fast. I am thankful that my investment today is in my family. I am thankful I get to serve my husband and kids. I love them so deeply and I am humbled. 

I pray that today we will all be encouraged and blessed as we go about our day to day roles of being a family. Family is so good and so rich and so valuable. Give me your strength each new day and in each moment. Thank you Lord, this will take a lifetime, but I am all in.

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" - 1 Corinthians 13:7

Thank you Jesus for Marcos, Boston and Abigail.

Hopes and prayers for the wee ones.

There it is. The moment I thought about my whole life. Wondering what it would be like to be the adult, the parent. This is it, right now. There is my energetic, full-of-life, blue-eyed toddler... jumping around my couch and tossing pillows across the room. And there is his curly-haired little sister, waddling around chasing him down the hall. This is it. Parenthood. My husband and I, two sinners saved by grace, just trying to figure out this crazy world. Often times feeling like a crazy toddler ourselves... bobbling around, looking up to our father in heaven to take our hand, to help us understand this world.

There are days that I feel very confident as a parent. Other days, I'm ready to throw in the towel. But thank you God for this opportunity. I am blessed. These are things that I hope my children will learn from my husband and I. Not just by "teaching" them, but by "showing".

1. People matter.

I truly hope my kids understand this. I hope by our lives, they see that nothing matters more to God than people. All people. People we don't like, people who are different than us, people who just get on our nerves... they all matter to God. I hope they never learn from me that it is okay to sit around and gossip about others and why we are so much better than them. This simply is not okay in our eyes. I pray my kids want to love and serve others because their parents loved and served others. I want my kids to see through our example that "You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13. I pray God would instill this in us each day so that they may have this heart as well.

2. They matter.

I pray my kids will see and understand their worth in Christ. I pray they can understand how deep and how wide God's love is for them. I pray that their dad and I can daily understand that we are deeply loved by our Father in Heaven so that Psalm 139:14 would ring true in their own souls and they will know "I am fearfully and wonderfully made". I pray when they feel slammed by a crazy world, that they would put their hope in Christ and look to him for confidence. I pray they understand that God has an amazing plan and purpose for each of their unique little lives. Lord, please help them to feel loved, each day of their lives. Help us to listen to them. Help us to be attentive in those little babbling and ramblings and cute stories they so eagerly tell. Help us to listen. To affirm and build up. Help us to point them to you.

3. Slow down.

I don't think I have to go in depth on how fast and busy this world is. All the distractions. All the busyness and schedules and to-do lists and things to get done. It's hard to balance this as an adult, but I pray we can. I pray we slow down and unplug. We set our electronics, tasks, errands aside and take time with those we love. I pray I embrace my time and be present with my family. I pray we have many moments of just sitting on the back patio, watching the sunset and enjoy melting popsicles on a cool summer night. I pray we feel the breeze through our hair and feel the way it brushes against our skin. I pray we look up and breathe in the awe and wonder of a big God, who created so many beautiful things for us to enjoy. I pray they learn to savor the little things and enjoy the moment they are in right now. I pray they know the value in just sitting and spending time with people they love. Even if it is just sharing a laugh or telling stories. I pray they know it is okay to not be busy. It is okay to just be, and to just soak in God's goodness. Remind me of this too, as each new day comes.

4. Feed the soul.

I cannot boldly face the day with a full spirit without first spending time with the one who gave it all. I love just waking up and spending time with God. I love giving him thanks for all He has given me. I love just sitting and contemplating and wondering why God would give me so much when I know I deserve so little. I love opening up my Bible and being reminded of His promises to me. I love feeling His grace and forgiveness, so that I can give it. I love blasting my worship music... some days the tears just fall as I pray over my family and this world, other days I can't control the laughter and the way my kids and I dance around the kitchen. That feeling of "I can't get enough of my Jesus right now". I pray my kids feel Him and know Him and they are surrounded by people who will push them to seek Him more, because He is love.

5. He is the "I am".

God is God. The creator of the universe. The one in control of it all. I pray my kids know they don't have to do this life on their own. Every day, every step, every decision, every breathe... I pray they know they are not alone. I pray they come to know Christ as their personal Savior, and they know that He is always on their side. I pray at a young age they experience His promises like Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,' Declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I pray they grow to love and live in awe of our Heavenly Father and to find confidence and a purpose in Him. I pray we live in such a way, that these things are evident and true to them.

Lord, these are just a few things I pray for my children. I know being a parent is a big job and a big responsibility. Help us each new day to look to you for help, strength, guidance. Lead us as we lead these precious children that you have loaned to us. Thank you Jesus for sweet moments, difficult moments, teachable moments and the joy that parenthood brings. And thank you for loving me today and always.

Amen.

Grace.

One of my dearest friends in the world, Aurora Vilchis, continually encourages me... even when she doesn't mean to. That's just who she is. You feel the love of Jesus shining out of her, even when she doesn't try. One day I was visiting her to let our little baby loves play, and I saw these words on the home screen of her laptop:

"I will hold myself to a standard of Grace, not perfection".

The words stuck with me. How many times in my life am I tripped up and led astray by the delirious lie of perfection? Not only have I shoved it upon others in my life, but I carry the weight of perfection around on my own shoulders.

How often do I expect perfection from my spouse, my kids, my friends, my family, my co-workers, and perhaps most toxically, myself? How often do I throw my hands up and want to quit because it gets hard and I am just not measuring up? Or how often do we give up on others because they don't measure up?

God's love for us should be a prime illustration of this idea of perfection versus grace. His love for us is freely given and sealed in our hearts for eternity. He loves us at our best and at our worst. His grace pours over us in moments when we just can't lift our eyes. He holds us in his hands, not just when we feel good about ourselves, but He holds us when we are disgusted with ourselves.

Perhaps we hold onto our own pride and guilt tighter than we hold onto His love and promises.

God does not hold you and I to a standard of perfection. What He gives is grace. Once we can grasp the fact that He loves us right where we are, in all that we have done and are yet to do, we may then be able to absorb His love. Maybe then we can accept grace and give grace. We stand with open hands before The Lord, accepting His good gifts, so that we are able to give them away. Accept grace and give grace.

Today, I am reminded that I will never be a perfect wife. I will never be a perfect mother. I will never be a perfect friend. I will never be a perfect person...Nor will I ever live life with perfect people. Yet, in this reality, He still desires to bless me in all of these! I serve a perfect God whose love He perfectly lavishes upon me. In this truth, may I shine. May I accept His mercy and grace. May I be loved. May I be lavishly loved. May I receive it so that I can give it. May I love with all my heart.

Grace trumps perfection every time.... In my Marriage, in my family, in my friendships, and in my heart. Thank you Jesus for this sweet reminder today.

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of Righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." -Titus 3:4-8

Blessings to you all today as you accept grace, and hopefully give it.

Thank you Aurora, my soul sister, for being a blessing to me every day of my life.

Be still.

Prayer: an intimate communion with God.

Pray.

"Be still and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10

Be present, give thanks.

Sometimes I sit here with the urge to write and I wonder how I should start it off. What headline should I use that grabs the full idea of words coming together? Today the thoughts swimming around in my brain are about this moment right now. Life is crazy and wild and busy. Some days just seem to fly by in a wink. Even years seem to do that.

This crazy busy of life, how do I make the most of it? How do I enjoy each day to the fullest instead of wasting it away on thoughts of the past or hopes of the future? Having small kids I often think, where have the last three years gone? It feels like I just gave birth to my first child, my baby boy and now I have a three year old toddler and a one year old! Time sure does fly! Mothers whose kids have grown and have flown the nest tell me it really does go by so quickly.

I know that I can't stop time or keep my kids small forever. I already think, "I can't imagine my babies being adults and moving out of my house." Yes, they are still so little and that day seems like a lifetime ahead of me, but I want to look back and say that I made the most of every day. Being a parent is the most amazing, terrifying, crazy, wild, sweet, enjoyable, tiring, most fulfilling thing I've ever been blessed to do. There are joys and there are struggles, but I want to be "all here" for all of it.

Life isn't just about "getting it right" or "waiting for the day." No matter what it is we are all working towards, what dreams lie in our hearts or what visions we strive to make a reality, dreams are great and essential! But the joy comes when I learn to appreciate each little moment along the way. The fullness is found in the little setbacks and in the smallest victories.

Learning to be present in whatever life situation I am in, this is where I taste the sweet honey on my lips. For a long time it seemed I was waiting for something big to happen, when sweet little moments of life were happening all around me.

What I know right in this moment is that God is good, he sees the whole picture, he has already blessed me beyond measure, and he just keeps sprinkling little bits of goodness throughout each one of my days. The problem is not that bad stuff keeps happening in our lives, but that we are so focused on those, that we forget to "look" and to "see" all of the good things he gives us each day.

Thank you Jesus for your goodness. Thank you for even your littlest of blessings. Thank you that even when something bad happens or doesn't work out just the way we'd like, you still have a profound way of showing me your divine beauty. This life is but a blink of an eye and one day we will walk the gates of Heaven with you. Thank you for all the ways you are teaching me and molding me in this life. Help me to see your beauty even in the ugliest of days. You are good and your love endures forever!

I recently started reading a book called "One Thousand Gifts" by author Ann Voskamp. It has been helping to spur me on in grasping the beauty of this moment and being thankful for all of the little things, that ultimately, are the big things indeed :)

Pure Goodness

I have lived on this earth for 28 years so far. I have learned some good lessons, some hard ones and I surely have more to learn. I've seen some good and bad along the way. I have been a great person to some, and I have let others down. I've been lifted up by great people, and I've also been let down by great people. This is the reality of our humanity.

 But God offers us something better. God offers us Love and grace... to accept, and to give.  I have learned what Grace looks like, in how God shows me grace in all of my sin, and in how through Him, I've been able to show grace to others.

 I never want to stop learning about these gifts of love and grace. I hope I never stop feeling them. I want to be reminded daily that God is always for me. He overwhelms my soul with His goodness and the way He satisfies me beyond any tangible thing or person in this life. His love never fails and even when I've walked through a pit of darkness, His undying love never gives up on me. His love is great. His promises are new each morning.

Psalm 103 says,

"Praise The Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise The Lord O my soul, and forget not  His benefits- Who forgives all your sins and heals you, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles."

I don't know about you, but I've been let down by this world. But the good news is, I don't have to let that define me. I want to hold onto a promise like Psalm 103. I want that pure goodness that comes from my father in heaven who so deeply loves me. I am His. In all of my shortcomings and in all of my sin, He delights in me and offers His grace. Over and over. He is good, when there is nothing good in me.

I know of God's goodness because I have tasted it, and He promises to never leave me thirsty.

"Praise be to The Lord forever! Amen and Amen."

- Psalm 89-52

Just a mom...

I have a deep love for writing. I am the type of person that will push through my insecurities to bare my soul through writing. It's like a therapy for me. Often times I won't write something or won't share it for fear that someone may disagree with me or I may offend someone. That will never be my intent in anything that I write. In fact, I truly hope to only encourage others through the things I write. The older I get, the more I am learning to trust God in every single area of my life. I'm learning to live my life with open hands. I don't ever want to hold onto anything tighter than God. Just like everyone else, I simply want to be used by God to make the world a better place. That being said, what I'm writing today has nothing to do with anybody's life or experience but my own and what God is teaching me. I have been encouraged so many times by others simply sharing their hearts, and that's what I pray happens as I share my heart today.

Our church is doing a series on family right now. It is called family camp and it is all about helping families to thrive in God's beautiful design for the family. Last night, as I listened to the teacher speak about what God says family looks like, I felt a little softening in my own heart. It's funny how so many times when we are in church, we are wishing someone else could be in the auditorium hearing this message that was specifically for us to hear.

I have been thinking about my own life and how God's word speaks to my heart about the family. One thing that stuck out to me was when the teacher talked about focusing on my own role. I have been married for almost six years to such an amazing, Godly man. The Lord has blessed us with two beautiful children. Yes, we are walking in God's design for family. The Lord blessed Marcos and I with great examples of why it is so important to build your foundation on the Word of God before we married, so we have started our marriage off on God's word from day one.

I was thinking how this message could speak to me when it seems like Marcos and I have done so many things God's way. It's funny how I thought so many other people I know need to hear this message. Then God grabbed my focus and showed me that He will always hold believers to a high standard. No matter how well I am doing, He will always have something new and exciting and beneficial to teach me.

I went to college and have a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications, and shortly after I graduated, Marcos and I welcomed our first child and suddenly my life revolved around caring for this new, beautiful, helpless little child. We quickly learned that being a parent wasn't all just fun and wonderful. I've only been a mom for a little over three years and I have a lifetime to go. Last week in Pastor Tom's message he said that raising a family is the hardest thing he has ever done.

What God spoke to my heart was simply, "Mindy, I created you to be a wife and a mom, and that is okay. In fact, I am going to change this world by you simply being a mom."

I have days when I struggle with "Just being a mom". I fall into moments when I think that I need to be doing something more. I need a side job or I need to be thinking about what I am going to do when my two kids get into elementary school. I am laying out my plan of what important thing I will do in this world once my kids are bigger and I do something outside of the home. I have days where I struggle with thinking that what I do isn't important if I am not "at a real job where I get paid." I struggle with not wanting to be labeled as "A weird stay-at-home-mom." Terrible, I know, but I am being honest about my thoughts.

Last night God whispered to me that it's okay to "Just be a mom". In a world that puts so much value on what everyone else thinks about us and what we need to prove to people, I am learning every day to keep my eyes fixed on him. Last weekend when I watched my husband instruct my son on the baseball field and guide him on where he needs to go next and how to run the bases, I had a moment of "This is what life is all about". God has brought him and I together to love each other, love others, and to teach and guide these little children that God gave us and trusted us with. God has given us the Bible to instill His word into our children with love and discipline.

God has given me an amazing husband who loves The Lord, loves me, loves our kids, and loves others. I am realizing that being a wife and a mom is a very high calling with very high value. These days and moments that I spend with my kids and teaching and loving them are going to set them up for success as adults. I trust that God has a greater calling on my life and a great plan beyond just what feels good for me or what would impress others. I always have a plan of my own that is about me, but God's plan is other's focused and that truly is where my cup overflows.

I don't know what tomorrow holds. I don't know if I will only have two kids or if God will bless us with more. I don't know if I will ever have a paying job outside of the home or if I will spend a majority of my life taking care of my kids at home. Only God knows these things. What I do know is that He has given me a beautiful marriage that I constantly need to build up, to strengthen, to give all of my heart and love to, because this will be what affects my children most in their lives. I want them to have an example of Godly parents who love and respect each other, who revere our amazing God and who see first hand in our home that God created the love and stability of family for a reason. I am learning that the life I live for The Lord will speak louder than any words I ever say to my husband, kids and the world. I have a role in my family and in this life that is very important and esteemed in the eyes of My Lord.

Today, instead of worrying about what the rest of the world is doing or what is popular or what people will think of my life, I choose to focus on The Lord and who He has called me to be. I choose to love and respect my husband and always nurture our marriage. I choose to be the best momma I know how to be to my kids, and remember that in the moments when I screw it all up, God will be there to give me strength when I am weak. I pray that today we would all forget what the world says and focus on what God says about us and what He has trusted us to do. Also, to believe with all our hearts that His plan for our lives is beyond anything we could ever imagine. He truly wants to bless us beyond belief. Blessings to you all today.

What happened to love?

People in this world are hurting. People want to be loved. No, people need to be loved. Love may not make the world go round, but it certainly is the driving factor behind everything we do... Or so we once thought. Many of us have been hurt by people we love, so we decide it's not worth it to feel this little four letter word anymore. We've instead decided to live like machines. We have this beautiful, beating heart that pumps blood through our organs to keep us alive, but many of us have given up on what it really means to be alive.

We pull away from people in hopes that we won't be hurt anymore. We let these perfectly beating hearts shrivel up and die inside of us, figuratively speaking. We decide we are fine doing this thing called life on our own, and we stop caring about others. We pour ourselves more into our jobs and hobbies and daily work to "appear" busy and driven and independent so that others will think we've got it all together in our lives. We have lived for ourselves just long enough to believe the lie that we don't need anyone's help or we don't need to get too close to people. We don't want them to think that we need them in any way, because that would appear weak. No one wants to appear weak.

The new American dream is to have it all together, and to have done it on your own. The independent life looks good. To not rely on anyone else, is strength. But the reality is, that we want to be loved and share those amazing moments in life that give us a pure joy that we long for as humans. But, because we have been hurt and don't trust people, we allow our hearts to harden, with no relief of letting the good in.

We have placed our hearts in things that fail. We place our hearts in the hands of humans, who are capable of hurting us and leaving us alone. We decide that if we cannot receive the same love that we put out, then we will just stop giving it out. We will stop caring. If others don't care, why should we? We lose that light inside to do good and to love others based on how other people live their lives and their reactions to ours.

Guard your heart. Know that this world is full of bad and hurt and pain, but make the decision to protect your heart. A hard heart leads to death of a bright and shining life. If we are alive long enough, we see that people will rip each other apart. They will step on each other to get where they need to be. Choose to be different. Choose to lift someone up today and show them love, because chances are, they once had a perfectly beating heart full of love, but someone crushed it. Don't be a part of stomping out the good fire, but help bring someones heart back to life by showing them that someone actually cares.

It is very clear in our world today that everyone disagrees with everything we stand for. People are so different than us. Perhaps people are so different than us and disagree with all that we stand for so well, that our own hearts are put to the test. When someone down right throws your beliefs or morals under the bus, our human reaction is to fight back. If we can't beat them, then let's join them. Let's see who can be the ugliest and who can have the most rotten of hearts. Misery loves company.

I don't want a hardened heart. I don't want to live a cynical life. I don't want to think that people are bad. I don't want to miss the whole point of life. I don't want to overlook the goodness in all people. I don't want to hate people who are different than me. I will not be threatened when someone believes in something that I don't.

What I do want, is to love. I want to give love and I want to be loved. That is what the Gospel is all about.  It is easy to love people who are not a threat to me and who agree with everything I say and believe. It is truly difficult though, to love people who completely disagree with everything I stand for. But I am not doing this on my own. I am loving through a strong, Godly love that is more powerful than any love I could muster up on my own. I have placed my heart in the hands of a Mighty God who loves me completely and who also loves every single person on this earth just as much as He loves me. He holds the world, and every single person in it, in His Mighty hands.

There are enough people out there criticizing and pointing fingers. Maybe we need to trust God better with our hearts so that we are free to love more. Maybe that's what Jesus was talking about when he wrote out the greatest commandment in the Bible...

He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'."
You have answered correctly, "Jesus replied. Do this and you will live". -Luke 10: 27-29

You never fail us.

Man oh man. God is good. His love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on us. This life, nothing but a breathe compared to the place He has waiting for us in Heaven. I want more of Him! Everyday I pray to be filled with His spirit. This world tries to tear us down, but Jesus loves us. He is here, holding us and carrying us through even the toughest of times. He's just waiting for us to reach out to Him. Oh Lord, wrap us in your arms, protect our hearts and help us to share your love in the best way we know how with those around us. Thank you Jesus for giving us the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, every day, every moment. God you surely are good and oh, how you LOVE us! Help us to grasp just how deep and wide your love and affections for us!

Beauty in the waiting...

One of the hardest things God can teach us: Patience. As much as I like to think I've been able to wait on the Lord, patience is not something I pray for God to teach me. I guess that's why he is in control... because that's not an area I want alot of lessons in.

Waiting is hard. Waiting is frustrating. Waiting hurts.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."- Isaiah 40:31

Whether you are waiting to hear news on a potential job, waiting to graduate college, waiting to conceive a baby, waiting on adoption, waiting for God to fix a problem, waiting on a spouse, waiting for God to heal your broken heart or simply waiting for God to answer last night's prayer. Waiting is difficult.

But pray to your God. He is listening! Make your desires known.

"But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice." (Psalms 55.16-17)

Take heart. We serve a God of many promises. A God that promises joy with each new day as the sun always sets and will surely rise again tomorrow. He is a God who is healer and the author of our lives. He knows what is right around the corner although it may seem like an eternity in waiting. We are closer to his glory than we think. We have a God who loves us and is for us and has a life of abundance that he is slowly unraveling before our eyes.

I pray we don't miss out on the beauty of today... Look around you. His splendor & promises surround us...

Even in those moments when it is hard to see, God is with us.

"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.(Psalms 16.8-9 )

My friend, I pray today you will be encouraged. Believe!

Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" -John 11:40

My Christmas Prayer...

My prayer for this Christmas is simple, but quite complicated. It's cliche but real...

My Christmas prayer this year is that every single person out there would feel loved by at least one person... and would have some love to give. I pray everyone would have family to come home to, whether by blood or by choice. I pray each person feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude for what they have been given, that we would look beyond ourselves and seek to give to those in need. I pray the broken hearts could be mended by the power of a loving Heavenly Father. I pray we stop trying to fix people and instead wrap our arm around them and walk with them. I pray we feel the presence of our loved ones in Heaven, in those precious moments that we wish they could be here to share. I pray every child we know is loved and cared for. I pray we learn to believe in ourselves and believe in others. I pray we accept that Jesus loves us, no matter what we have done or where we have been or what we will do tomorrow... and that our hearts can rest in the simple promise that one day we will see Him face to face and hear Him say He loves us... no matter what.

You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are loved. Completely.

Merry Christmas my loved ones...

Traits of a Great Man.

A great man is not perfect. A great man is not without sin or fault. A great man does not try to be God.

But a great man does have a repentive heart. A great man leads with strength. A great man is dedicated to his family. A great man is letting God mold him through his weakness and he is becoming a better creation in Christ with each new day. A great man is obedient to his Savior, even when the world is pulling him in a million directions.

I know this because I was raised by a great man. When I think of my dad, I think of a man who is dedicated to his wife and children, through the good times and the bad times. When I think of my dad, I think of a man who always protected his little girl and made sure everyone knew she was precious to him. He encouraged her to follow her dreams, and push her a little more when she tried to give up. He always had her best interest at heart. His home was a refuge from the world. Though he was not a perfect man, he knew what was most important in life, and sent that legacy on with his grown children.

Sound like another Father you may have heard of?

And eventually, that great man would give is daughter's hand in marriage to yet another great man. A man who is dedicated. A man who works diligently to provide a home and safe place for his Bride and her children. He will encounter tough times in this life, but he will continue to be obedient to his creator and the plan He has in mind for his family. He leads with strength and integrity. He puts others before himself, and has a servant's heart. He pours into his family, cultivating them and takes great pride in the legacy he will leave. He is a great man, who recognizes he is in need of a Savior.

He too, is a mirror of the great man that he calls Heavenly Father.

This young man has taken his Bride. Together, they will face this life... one day at a time. There will be good times and there will be hard times. They will make children together and teach them the love of Jesus. They will walk humbly with their God... This great man is helping this woman to be the precious creation her Heavenly Father has in mind for her. Much like her daddy, this man is helping her to achieve her biggest dreams. He respects her, and treats her as if she is more valuable than rubies. He has children with her and helps her raise them up for greatness. He protects her, provides for her and is painting a beautiful picture of Christ's love with her through Marriage. This is a great man.

Lord, these men are a mirror of You. They are leaving a legacy because they are loving their families the way that you loved us. You gave it all up for us. You want the very best for us.

Oh Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing this simple woman with such great men. Thank you for my daddy, who was raised by a great man. Thank you for my amazing Husband, who was also raised by a great and dedicated, hardworking man. Their legacies live. My son has so many great men in his life to look up to... not only these great earthly men, but You. The Prince of Peace and King of Kings. You fill the places of our Hearts that not even our Earthly fathers can fill. My heart overflows with gratitude.

Men, the example you set for your family is important. Whether you had a good dad or not, your Heavenly father loves you and will Guide you. Women, whether you had a dad who loved you or not, your heavenly father thinks the world of you. You are so precious. He wants you to find a man who respects you and takes care of you. Our heavenly father has more love for us than we can even comprehend. Let Him heal your broken heart.

"You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by it's deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4: 22-24

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

Not just a little nice girl.

"You're not good enough...

You're not as pretty as her...

She's a better mom...

You've already made a mess of things...

It's never gonna get better...

You don't deserve to be happy...

You can't..."

Just give up..."

Satan loves putting these thoughts in our head. He loves when we think of such things... And every new self degrading thought just adds fuel to his burning fire... He feeds on destruction.

We have started to believe many of these things. Slowly, the world is engulfing us. There are days when we feel our heads are barely above water. We don't think we can go on...

But there is hope. We have a powerful God on our side. We have the tangible Word of God at our fingertips. We have the freedom to pray, to worship and talk to Jesus Christ every second of every day.

Satan trembles at the thought of that.

Guess what?

Satan does not want you opening your mouth to praise a mighty God.

He does not want you to forgive that person.

He does not want you to pick up your Bible & dig in God's word.

He does not want you to admit you are in need of a Savior.

He does not want you to use your talents to make the world better.

He does not want you to fight to the death for that marriage.

He does not want you to believe in yourself.

He hates the power that prayer has in our lives.

He HATES when we fall to our knees in worship of our powerful God who will break our chains and set us free!

Satan loves that we questions our God.

He loves that we think we can handle life on our own.

He chuckles as we say we can make this marriage work without Jesus.

He smirks as we give up on ourselves and others...

But guess what Satan?

Listen to me good...

I serve a God who is bigger than you. I serve a God who's grace covers me and frees me. I have His word engrained into my heart, therefore living out in my life. I have a God who I can call on at.any.moment. And together, we will squash you and your destructive ways. We claim victory over our lives IN JESUS' name and you are UNDER OUR FEET!

Do you know why? Because Prayerful lives are Powerful lives.

When you tempt me, I will Pray.

I will throw the Living Word of God IN YOUR FACE.

Everyday, I will arm myself with Christ's Word, His armor that protects me and gives me STRENGTH to defeat you in every tempting and difficult moment you throw my way.

.......

Now, You listen to me beautiful one:

Don't you dare let Satan make you think that you cannot be set free from bondage through Christ. You are GOD'S GIRL (Beth Moore).

This is what God says about YOU:

"You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are precious. I have given you the talent to do many great things in this life. You deserve the good things in this life. Every day you breath is so important to me. YOU are important. I want you to know that I am PROUD to be your Daddy... your Heavenly father who loves you more than your Earthly father. You have what it takes. Listen...

I Love You. I Adore you... more than you could even begin to understand. I am with you. Every. Step. Of. The.Way.

Through Prayer, I will flood you with confidence.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am THE LORD YOUR GOD." - Isaiah 43:2-3

I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a woman after God’s own heart.

I hope I never stop looking on the bright side of things.

I have faith that there is always good to be found, even in the worse situations.

I wonder what would happen if people stopped pointing fingers & examined themselves more.

I always smile. (Okay, not always, but most of the time :)

I need Jesus. Everyday.

I adore my husband & son more than you could imagine.

I enjoy a good cup of coffee and early morning walks.

I think every woman should find a man who treats her like a princess.

I never want to stop learning.

I dislike when we complain without doing anything about it.

I admire people who walk humbly through this life, putting others before themselves.

I take lots of pictures.

I give thanks daily.

I dream about what my son will be when he grows up.

I am an optimist.

I write. It is my passion.

I believe every person has a purpose & the potential to do great things in this life.

I know God’s word is the foundation for my life.

I want to make an impression in people’s hearts.

I will encourage someone everyday.

I love living this life that God has given me, through the good & the bad.

What about you?

Are you enough for me?

Quiet moments. Down time.

What do I do with this time? Usually there are plenty of distractions. Busyness, friends, family, facebook, activities, church events, movies, small group, grocery shopping, work. So much to do with so little time. Life is good.. Crazy, on the go...

Do you think that God may stop us for a reason? Does he slow things down or take something away to grab our attention? Are there seasons of life when we don't have much of a choice than to turn to Him? Are there moments of desperation for a reason?

I have such a blessed life. So many people who love me, an amazing husband, a beautiful baby boy, my health, the list is endless.

But I often wonder if HE is enough. If I lost everything, would my God be enough for me? Do I praise my God because my life is so good? Would I continue to praise Him if everything I hold dear was torn from my hands? I say my God is good, but would these words leave my lips if I hit the ultimate pit of life?

Is God just an addition to the wonderful life I live? Or is he the core? Is he the first thing I think about when I wake in the morning and lay my head down at night? Do I breathe Him? Is he closer to me than my own skin?

The answer to this may change from day to day, because life just happens that way. Some days I am so passionate for my Savior that I can feel him seeping through the pores of my skin. Then there are days when he seems so far away, like I couldn't feel Him even if he touched me.

Isn't life crazy like that? Some days are good and some are pretty bad. Life is easy, then life is hard.

My life lately has had a lot of down time. Living in a new place, not knowing many people has been a battle on certain days. I love people. I thrive on being around people and feeling that closeness between humans. Lately I have noticed that my best days have been when I'm super busy. I have a lot to do so I don't have time to miss people or feel lonely or even to seek my God.

But I don't want that. I don't want a life full of activities to make me happy. I want a soul full of Jesus. I want to experience His joy even in those dull moments of life.

I want my focus to be on bringing Him glory. If I stop and think about it, there is no down time at all... I want to grow in God's word; His love letter to me. I want to cultivate my marriage and be the best wife I can be to the man God gave me. I want to teach my son to love others like Jesus did. It is easy to slack on these things in life because we feel "Blah" at times. But praise the Lord that every day is a new day! A refreshing chance to start over and try again.

I want everyday to be about bringing Him glory, not about what activity will make me feel good. I want Jesus to be more than enough. I want to seek His presence passionately. I want to believe His word and rest in the fact that He truly is more than enough. I am open to knowing what God is trying to teach me during this season in my life.

There is nothing in this life that I will have to endure alone. He is walking with me every step of the way. Whether life circumstances are amazing or heartbreaking, MY JESUS IS ENOUGH! Thank you Jesus for making me believe. My joy is in you. I will seek you all the days of my life.

No matter how far you look on this Earth, nothing will ever satisfy the inner parts of your soul like Jesus will.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith." Hebrews 10:35-37

Three words...

Wherever you are... whatever problem, pain, season, struggle, fear...

You need to know...

God loves you.

Because sometimes you just need to hear it...

He loves you in your brokenness, in your insecurities, in your sin, in your anger, in your confusion...

God loves you.

Because sometimes we just need to be reminded...

The creator of the Universe has called you by name, you are His. (Isaiah 43:1)

Three little words... cliche. But true. Deep. Real.

How amazing... Right where you are. In this moment..

God loves YOU.

Breathe Him in.

....

Our flesh may fail us, but your spirit never does, O Lord.

Stripped.

Money, fancy cars, smiles, high heels, education, status, jobs, etc... all things that help the world go round. Part of life, part of you and I. Material things, Chipper facebook status', a painted face or designer label. The world.

Who are we if we are stripped of these things? One of my best friends pondered this question aloud one day... It made me think, what are people hiding behind? What are people really like when they leave the crowd and sit in their bedroom? Who are they? Where are their thoughts? What are they thinking about?

What is our purpose? At the end of the day, when the lights are out, the make up is off, the party is over, the kitchen is cleaned, the clothes are dirty... what is left of us? Is there more beyond what strangers and acquaintances see on the outside?

Is there substance? Something deeper? A passion? A yearning to live out what our hearts are on fire for? Or do we wake up to get dressed and put on a show for the world, thinking of ourselves.. What can the world give me?

Do we fight for something? Strive for something? Ache for something? Do we think about such things? Can we change the world?

Who can we be a friend to? Who needs love? How can I show others I love them? Will people see my heart through the life I live? Who is hurting? Who is struggling at this very moment? Who is just barely hanging on? Who can I encourage? Who needs a little push? Who needs my time? My money? Who just needs someone?

There are so many distractions... so much going on.. Life is good for me but someone out there is hurting, aching. We are blessed but someone else feels they have nothing. Life is not about us. How can I get ahead? I want the best car... I will prove to them... I don't need anyone... Walls go up.. How can this really fulfill a person?

I need to be a friend, I need to help, I need to give. Not about me but about them, and that makes us. I will help you and you help me... Give and take but mostly give... have my hand, my help, my money, my heart. Let me show you how the Father loves. Let's hold hands and go through life together... stripped. No show, nothing on the surface... but deeper. These are my fears, what are yours? Let's cry together & not pretend life is perfect... then let's rejoice in the name of the Perfect One.

This is me, flaws, sin, guilt, shame, brokenness. All of us, at some point will break, but we will have each other... And the love of Christ. Together. Me and you... them and us... One. Praise God for the love of a brother and a sister.

Praise the Father, who takes brokenness and makes a new creation, takes sin and makes a testimony, takes death and breathes new life, takes flaws and makes art, takes shame and makes a miraculous discovery. Praise to the one who heals, fills, and conquers. Praise. Be. To Him. He loves you and me. We love, because He first loved us. He loves. us. Stripped. For who we are, so shall we love others.

Let us be reminded:

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [2] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Now that is deep. That is substance. That will not fade. I hope I have this. This is what it's all about.

What kind of day are you going to have?

We live in a world that can easily be a dark place. Beneath the surface and in the many cracks of life are slivers of negativity, anger and gossip.... just waiting to engulf us and lead us away from the light. It's interesting how quickly we can become a part of this if we are not careful. We all have a past... we have hurt people we love and we have been hurt. Some might think that since life has dealt them such a yucky hand, they are going to give nothing back but a bunch of "Yuckiness". There are people in the world that complain, they are bitter, they are mean for now reason, and they have this idea that nothing in life will ever be good. Even if we are not those types of people, we still have our moments.

Complaining does not get us anywhere in life. Yes, we all do it and we need time to vent about life, but eventually, we have to move on. If we continue to surround ourselves with negative conversations and continue to dwell on the little inconveniences in life, we are never going to be able to see the good.

I have had many conversations with people about optimism and a positive attitude, and some would say that life is just never going to get better no matter how many times they say life can be good. But I am convinced that what we say, what we think, what we give to others, whether good or bad, is what we will be surrounded with on a daily basis.

There are plenty of situations in life, such as cancer, death, terminal illnesses... that are real problems. These things are not easy and they give us the right to complain, be angry, question God, and to wonder if life really is all that good. It is inevitable that we will all face this one day, if we do not go first. But even in these situations, eventually God will want us to heal and be able to move on and see the good in life again.

On the other hand, there are things in life that we just need to deal with and move on from quickly. I am talking about small everyday things that come up. Every small setback can't be the end of the world. If you say that your day is ruined, than it is going to be. If you say it's just a little set back and it's not going to ruin your day, than it wont.

If we speak words of kindness, encourage one another, practice patience, listen to one another, offer our help, tell ourselves we can do anything we set our mind to... than these are the things that will fill our days, and they will have a positive affect on us. If we walk around with our heads down, dragging our feet, having something negative to say about everything... these are the things that will fill our day... and of course that's not going to be a good day.

In life situations, we can either choose to be a part of the problem or part of the solution. Maybe we need to stop complaining so much about what life isn't, and focus on what it is. Stop focusing on other's flaws, and highlight their strengths. Stop worrying about what could happen, and focus on how to move on from what has already happened. Stop telling ourselves we can't, and remember that with Christ, we can do anything.

Life is short- Over before we know it. Will we spend our time sulking through the imperfections or take those imperfections and make something good? I believe there will be moments of unhappiness, but I do not believe God would want us to go through life unhappy. The one thing life and others cannot control is your attitude and your outlook on life. No one can steal your joy without your permission.

I write this, because I too need to be reminded. When I get down on life, one of you can show me this :) We all need a little push sometimes, because life is hard.

If just for today, let's look at the good and have a positive attitude.

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)

There is beauty everywhere...

...We just need to take the time to notice :)

(Taken from my iphone in San Diego, Ca. May 23, 2010.)

"Remember that at any given moment, there are a thousand things you can love" :)

--David Levithan.