Time for Love

It is February 17th today, and much of this new year for me has been spent in deep contemplation. I have been thinking about life, about death, about purpose, about relationships, and mostly about love.

I see love as our foundational principle of understanding. If I want to have a transparent and authentic relationship with my God and others - I need to have love. I need to open up my being to let God's love pour in....I struggle because now that I am desiring a healthier heart and way of thought, receiving love and expressing love hasn't been natural. A strange comment from one who has been epitomized as the self-less giver and one who loves the most. Some times I can't connect what is in my mind with what is in my heart. This is a new way of thinking for me, and I believe it is God's way.

In these recent times, I have come to realize that most of my expressions of love and caring were driven out of wrong motives. I didn't see this at the time, but I know now, that some how I felt validated and important if I could give. I wanted to feel good about who I was, and giving seemed to fill that need. It doesn't bring me any joy in admitting this. Our own hearts are something we can't even know truthfully at times. If my motivation is for my self-worth, then I don't really have love.

So now I come before my Lord and Savior, stripped of my self assurance and pride. I am an empty vessel asking Him to fill me with His love. In time I will begin to see myself complete in Him and loving myself in the way God wants me to. The beauty of it all is that then I can love others as I am meant to love others. After all, God IS love.

Jimmy Dodd, our visiting pastor and friend, told us Sunday, that in I Corinthians 13, if we apply these words to our behavior and but not apply these words to our hearts first, we have missed the message. I have missed the message. I hope you have not. But if you have, like me, there is still another day, another opportunity, to relate to God's word in the Person of Jesus Christ, a living active person. The love chapter isn't a set of rules, but a testimony of Jesus. While fully in relationship with Him, the outcome will be all that is Jesus.

Read I Corinthians 13 with fresh eyes. Let the Holy Spirit speak His truth to your heart. Ask the tough questions, and then trust God.

Shalom, Pamela

I Corinthians 13:4-8; 13
" Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, and He is not proud. Jesus is not rude, He is not self-seeking. Jesus is not easily angered. He keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Jesus always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Jesus never fails....and now these three remain: faith, hope and Jesus. But the greatest of these is Jesus!"

An Amazing Merry Christmas

I am aware that it has been a very long time since I have published a post. Nothing to worry about. Actually I am doing quiet well. In fact, much better as I am looking to God for healing in my life and for the very issues that I write so passionately about. Being quiet can be a very good thing.

This Christmas season has started off in an unusual way for me. Typically by Thanksgiving weekend, I have decorated the house, and our family has "tackled" the tree. I have completed most of the Christmas shopping and sometimes even have the gifts wrapped (with the help of my husband!). The cookie swap has been planned and cookies are baked. Christmas cards are sometimes written and sent. So far, I have done none of these things. Today is December 6th.

I can't explain why I haven't started my Christmas frenzy. Yes, I am busy and working like so many of you. Being in the middle of a basement finish has taken much of my "free" time - but that isn't the reason. Really. The wonderful revelation of all of this is that I am not stressed nor am I in a panicked stated of mind.

There is much to be said about allowing things to flow in their natural state. Today our pastor talked about amusement verses amazement. I felt as if the Lord was putting the concept and words to what has been taking place in my heart. I want to be amazed this Christmas - and for whatever reason, taking things slower has helped.

You see, Christmas isn't about the decorations, gifts, productions and parties. We all know this in our hearts...but sometimes we feel things have to be amusing and festive to raise us to the height of exhilaration. Instead of exhilarated, we are exhausted. A quiet simple approach can help us to refocus on what IS the real meaning of Christmas. I don't believe the Lord Jesus cares whether my house is decorated or if I have my tree up. He does care about whether my heart is humble and ready to receive Him. The greatest joy in our amazement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is His ever present love that changes everything in our lives.

Amazement - a movement in our hearts. This year, engage with the Christmas Story. Feel the wonder; experience the excitement in who God is; receive His love for you presented in the gift of His Son, Jesus. Consider the mystery of Christmas. Then respond in awe and astonishment to your God. Live and don't just exist this Christmas. You will not be the same!

Merry Christmas!

New Life

I can remember as a little girl how I could smell and feel fall as it approached. The hot Georgia summers often felt unbearable as we became lethargic from the heat. We would try to escape to cool places: under a shade tree, wading bear-footed in the branch, finding a cool dark room, sitting in front of the box fan - but the exhausting heat followed us, suppressed us. So you can image how we loved the cool fall mornings when they arrived! Donning our sweathers for school and breathing in clean refreshing air. There was an excitment in the atmosphere as we awaited this new season in our lives. The anticipation of change was our deliverance.

It is easy to fall into complacency and apathy. Life can be suffocating and exhausting. We can allow stress to control us, and suddenly we find life out of control. There appears be no place to restore our hopes and dreams. Nothing satisfies. We may even question our faith or quesiton God. There is no relief...are you there? Have you been there? I have. But I have discovered that IF we have the desire, a fresh beginning and complete wholeness is waiting for us, no matter where we find ourselves in life.

It really is simple. The Lord gives us a fresh beginning and brand new start - daily. It is such liberation to know that once I acknowledge my sin or weaknesses, God washes His forgiveness and grace over me, instantaneously!! I wonder at times why I refuse God's gifts and His love only to remain in my state of turmoil. Looking back, I can see why the Lord refers to me as His sheep. It is either stupidity or pride that keeps me in the pit. I have to be willing to admit to what I have control over and what I don't. I have to take responsibility. And then surrender to God what I can't control. And that is where I find my sanctuary.

No matter what is going on around you - if you are at the place of wanting to be real and wanting true transformation and change, it can happen! The freedom we have in Christ is greater than anything we have in this life. It won't be easy - ridicule, persecution, doubt, unforgiveness from others (or even self), may be the troubles that persist. But during these times when we feel alone and scared, God promises to be with us in the heat of life. Right there with us. All we have to do is cry out to Him.

This summer has been a hard one for me. I have had to go through a period of darkness - waiting and suffering in loneliness. But it has "forced" me to look at my life and evaluate what is really important. And the realization is - nothing is more imporatant to me than my God and Savior. He has proven Himself faithful when I am not; He passionately loves me when I am unlovable; He has not given up on me with His patient pursuit; He has given me grace and courage to walk ahead into the unknown; He has not let me down. Not once.

God can use the oppressive heartaches of life to bring about a change in us. Through those things He can bring restoration and a fresh beginning to our hearts and lives for His glory. We just need to wrap His forgiveness, grace and power across our shoulders - then we are free to enter into new season of life. Remember to breathe.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (The Message)
"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace."

Come As You Are

Where do you go when you are lonely? What do you do when fear grips at your heart? Do you call out to God and hear His voice? God's promise rings true for all of us in Psalms 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

None of us has been passed over when it comes to trials, hurt, and the relentlessness of suffering. We love, and we hurt. Today while comtemplating this, the Lord reminded me that it is better to have a heart that feels pain, than to have no heart at all.

We often try to hide our pain - suffering in silence. Not only is our God ready and able to lift our souls, touching us with His healing and comforting Spirit, but He has given us wonderful friends and family to love us, to care for us, to be a light when it is too dark to see our way. Why inch blindly along? Is it fear? Pride? Belief in lies?

I am reminded of a song by Natalie Grant. I can't help but think of the words to Perfect People...
Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live
That's how we try

Tell the world you got it all together
Never let 'em see what is underneath
You cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

There is no such thing as perfect people
There is no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are
Broken and scared
Lift up your heart
Be amazed
Be changed
By a Perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words, "You are loved"
He knows where you are
And where you've been
And you never have to go there again!

There is no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are
Broken and scared
Lift up your heart
Be amazed
Be changed
By a Perfect God

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and sit up
Let grace be enough

Hold on. Don't lose faith. God is near. Not only is He near, He will save us! Preceding verse 18 is Psalms 34:17, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles."

I choose to believe God and believe what He says! We can go to Him, just as we are. I don't know about you, but that does my heart good.

Make way...I am coming through!!

The Real Challenge

I am reading and working through an awesome book right now. Here are some helpful excerpts that I would like to share. I hope you find answers and encouragement on how to face the challenges in your life in order to make some changes. I have.

Ask yourself, "how often am I irritated and offended? Do I take full advantage of these opportunities by expressing how hurt and frustrated I am?" Irritable means to be near the point of a knife. People who are irritable are locked, loaded, and ready to overreact.

Irritation is the opposite reaction of love. When under pressure love doesn't turn sour. Minor problems do not yield major reactions. A loving person will remain calm and patient, showing mercy and restraining their temper. Rage and violence are out of the question. A loving person will not be overly sensitive or cranky but exercise emotional self-control.

There are two key reasons that contribute to irritable behavior: Stress. Stress weighs us down, drains our energy, weakens our health, and invites us to be cranky. It can be brought on by relational causes - arguing, division, and bitterness. There are excessive causes, too - overworking, overplaying, and overspending. And there are deficiencies - not getting enough rest, nutrition, or exercise. Oftentimes we inflict these dangers on ourselves, and this sets us up to be irritable.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. This means we must balance, prioritize, and pace ourselves. The Bible can help us avoid unhealthy stress. It teaches us to let love guide our relationships so that we aren't caught up in unnecessary arguments (Colossians 3:12-14). To pray through our anxieties instead of tackling them on our own (Philippians 4:6-7). To delegate when we are overworked (Exodus 18:17-23). To avoid overindulgence (Proverbs 25:16). The Bible also encourages us to take a "Sabbath" vacation day every week for worship and rest - allowing us time to recharge, refocus, and add breathing room or margin to our weekly schedule.

There is a deeper reason, though, why we become irritable. Selfishness. When we are irritable, the heart of the problem is primarily a problem of the heart. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). Some people are like lemons: when life squeezes them, they pour out sour responses. Some are more like peaches: when the pressure is on, the result is still sweet. Being easily angered or irritated is an indicator that a hidden area of selfishness or insecurity is present where love is supposed to rule.

Selfishness wears many masks: Greed - being ungrateful for what we have and coveting for something we don't. A greedy and lustful heart will be easily frustrated and angered (James 4:1-3). Bitterness - a result of our unresolved anger. When bitterness takes root we will respond in a judgmental way and will refuse to work through our anger (Ephesians 4:31). Pride - a destructive condition of the heart where we view ourselves, our needs, our opinions are more important that those of others. Pride will lead us to act harshly in order to protect our ego and reputation.

These motivations can never be satisfied. But when love enters our hearts, it calms us down and inspires us to quit focusing on ourselves. It loosens the grasp and helps us to let go of unnecessary things. Love will lead us to forgive instead of holding a grudge. In each decision, love ultimately lowers our stress and helps us release the venom that can build up inside. It then sets up our heart to respond to others with patience and encouragment rather than anger and exasperation.

Romans 12:10 " Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor."

Love and Life in Dead Places

This is the season for celebration! I just recently saw Mountain Bluebirds flying about and chirping as they gathered materials for the babies' nests...New life is all around us, although it is hard to imagine while looking out my window at a blanket of snow! At this point I am sure some of you (my friends from California??) may feel you will never see Spring, but trust me, you will. Spring is patiently waiting for God's proper time to emerge. The warm earth, life-giving sunshine, and longer days will all contribute to nature's life cycle. And, so it goes with our life cycle, too.

When the hardness and pain of life brings coldness to our reasoning and to our hearts, we often fail to see the beauty that lies just beneath the surface. A new and fresh perspective; a new and fresh spirit; a closer walk with God...the new life in what we face is waiting to emerge at just the proper time. God's perfect time. Once the beauty of new life springs forward, we then see glimpses of hope. One definition of resurrect is "to bring to view, attention or use again." We often don't see or appreciate the beauty of life unless we accept the hardships that had to be in order to bring God's purpose and plan to our attention.

The hope we can experience and have is because of the resurrection of another life: the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He came to bring warmth and beauty out of the pain and death of life's winters in each of us. He came to bring us a fresh and new beginning and purpose! The ever-lasting life that Jesus brings starts now; it can start today.

The flowers, the deciduous trees, and the wild life - everything in nature is waking up. I believe we need to wake up, too. Life is a gift, dear friends. An ever-present gift from God. We are the undeserving recipients. Being in our selfish sin state, God's Perfect Gift suffered, bled and died in order to conquer death victoriously for you and me.

I don't believe while on this earth I will ever fully comprehend the depth and power of Jesus' love for me. But I do comprehend this - because of Jesus I have crossed over from death to life! And I know that Jesus can resurrect love and life in the dead places of my life. When life's struggles tempt to over take me, I can claim His promises and experience life as He intended. You, too, can experience this hope. Reach out and feel the warmth of God's gift of life for you.

Happy Easter!

John 11:25-26 "You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one, who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?" The Message (MSG)

Ease PMS

When it comes to soothing premenstrual symptoms, the best medicine may be found in your kitchen—and it's not the chocolate and fatty foods you might crave. Studies have shown that healthy foods can actually eliminate the mood swings, bloating, blemishes, breast tenderness, and fatigue that often precede menstruation. Consuming soy, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds may help balance hormones and prevent PMS symptoms.
Salad of Asparagus, Mâche, Endive and Orange Vinaigrette and Strawberry Salad with Gorgonzola Dressing incorporate the ingredients to help ease your symptoms as well as your cravings!

From Yoga Journal, March 30, 2009