I love you, My darling! I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you always.
How do I love you?--I love you unconditionally. I love you completely. I love you eternally. I love you like a father loves his child. I love you like a husband loves his wife. I love you tenderly. I love you passionately. I love you perfectly.
Why do I love you?--I love you because you are Mine. I love you because you love Me. I love you because you are beautiful in My sight. I love you because you are a part of Me.
When do I love you?--I love you when you're in ecstasy, and I love you when you're in despair. I love you when you're successful, and I love you when you feel you've failed. I love you when you do what's right, and I love you even when you make mistakes. I love you when you feel like giving up, and I love you when you hold on.
How long will I love you?--I will love you always and forever!
From Jesus With Love for Women
What stands out in this message to me, is the contrast of our love to Jesus' love! For every way, reason and length of time this message uses to convey the Jesus' love for us (women), we have undoubtedly contradicted that love in some way. Jesus' love for us is not hard to fathom or conceive, but us loving ourselves...well now the rubber is meeting the road. Women have been deceived into believing that if/when they love themselves; they are being selfish, thoughtless and inconsiderate.
I will be transparent and say that I did not love myself every day this week. I have not loved myself unconditionally and completely. Not having my father around has left that void and I'm often suspicious of my husband's love. I sometimes feel out of place in this world, so belonging to Jesus and loving Jesus should make sense, but recently I have even questioned that. Jesus sees my beauty...why can't I?!? He loves me when I'm up and when I'm down; when things are good and when they're bad, whether I'm happy or I'm sad. So why can't I?
Dear Lord, open the eyes of my heart so that I may see me, the way that you see me. Help me to love me for me. Help me to love me in an unapologetic way. I thank you for loving me and for all of the others in my life that love me. I need to love myself...really love myself in order to reciprocate that love. Just as the father said in Mark 9:24 "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief". Lord I love You: help thou my self-love! Amen.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Praising
March 4, 2014
Today after his session, the speech therapist said that she wanted us to work with Isaac on 'ing' words and getting him to use them correctly in context. So tonight after his shower, as I was getting him out of the tub; I started jumping up and down. I prompted him by saying, "what is mommy doing"? He repeated the question back to me (as he always does) and giving him another prompt, I said, "mommy is..." and left the statement open for him to finish. His response made me laugh but it also blessed me. Isaac said "praising".
I laughed because I was going for and expecting him to say "jumping". His response blessed me because it allowed me to see that although time is filled with swift transition; when my child sees me, he sees PRAISE!
God thank you for reminding me that we live and move and have our being because of Your Spirit! Thank you for reminding me that in ALL THINGS, we should give praise because You are worthy of ALL PRAISE. We thank you for being a promise keeper and for your faithfulness to us. I thank you for using my child to remind to praise.
#Praising
Today after his session, the speech therapist said that she wanted us to work with Isaac on 'ing' words and getting him to use them correctly in context. So tonight after his shower, as I was getting him out of the tub; I started jumping up and down. I prompted him by saying, "what is mommy doing"? He repeated the question back to me (as he always does) and giving him another prompt, I said, "mommy is..." and left the statement open for him to finish. His response made me laugh but it also blessed me. Isaac said "praising".
I laughed because I was going for and expecting him to say "jumping". His response blessed me because it allowed me to see that although time is filled with swift transition; when my child sees me, he sees PRAISE!
God thank you for reminding me that we live and move and have our being because of Your Spirit! Thank you for reminding me that in ALL THINGS, we should give praise because You are worthy of ALL PRAISE. We thank you for being a promise keeper and for your faithfulness to us. I thank you for using my child to remind to praise.
#Praising
Sunday, October 20, 2013
October 20 - Sexual Immorality
Next to catastrophic injury, death, and eternal hell, sexual immorality is the most dreaded possibility for our children's lives. I know that with sexual sin the fullness of God's presence, peace, blessing, and joy is sacrificed. The price is way too high. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
Maybe the reason why Ms. Omartian places so much weight on the effects of sexual immorality is because of what is forfeited. This is not to say that our children are not forgiven and God does not extend grace, NO; they are fortunate that He's the God of a second chance (truth be told, so are we). Nevertheless, when our children forfeit purity for pleasure; he/she does not get the benefit of the fullness of all that God has ordained and set aside for them.
Although the most visible result of sexual immorality, pregnancy is not the only consequence of this sin. To name a few; HIV/AIDS, an array of sexually transmitted diseases, lack of desire, too much desire, emotional numbness and distress and lack of commitment. These days we even have people in Christian leadership being sexually immoral and trying to justify it (see 'Preachers of LA').
If our children are going to stand a chance in this hyper-sexual society; we may need to incorporate some serious prayer and fasting along with unadulterated teaching of God's word. We can no longer sit back and not talk about sex (on a REAL level), when every other image they see is trying to elicit an arousal from them...and not just heterosexual arousal (yes, I went there!).
I am praying right now for the young man who will see my daughter as the jewel that she is and before he asks us for her hand, he seeks the approval of her heavenly father. I'm thanking God right now that He is preparing suitable wives for my sons and that my sons will love their wives the way Christ loved the church.
We have to be more proactive in our prayers over the sexual immorality of our children because as Ms. Omartian said, "The price is way too high".
Maybe the reason why Ms. Omartian places so much weight on the effects of sexual immorality is because of what is forfeited. This is not to say that our children are not forgiven and God does not extend grace, NO; they are fortunate that He's the God of a second chance (truth be told, so are we). Nevertheless, when our children forfeit purity for pleasure; he/she does not get the benefit of the fullness of all that God has ordained and set aside for them.
Although the most visible result of sexual immorality, pregnancy is not the only consequence of this sin. To name a few; HIV/AIDS, an array of sexually transmitted diseases, lack of desire, too much desire, emotional numbness and distress and lack of commitment. These days we even have people in Christian leadership being sexually immoral and trying to justify it (see 'Preachers of LA').
If our children are going to stand a chance in this hyper-sexual society; we may need to incorporate some serious prayer and fasting along with unadulterated teaching of God's word. We can no longer sit back and not talk about sex (on a REAL level), when every other image they see is trying to elicit an arousal from them...and not just heterosexual arousal (yes, I went there!).
I am praying right now for the young man who will see my daughter as the jewel that she is and before he asks us for her hand, he seeks the approval of her heavenly father. I'm thanking God right now that He is preparing suitable wives for my sons and that my sons will love their wives the way Christ loved the church.
We have to be more proactive in our prayers over the sexual immorality of our children because as Ms. Omartian said, "The price is way too high".
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
September 25 - STILL HAVE JOY
The joy of the Lord is rich and deep and causes anyone who walks in it to be likewise. That's because joy doesn't have anything to do with happy circumstances; it has to do with looking into the face of God and knowing He's all we'll ever need. (The Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
"...joy doesn't have anything to do with happy circumstances"; I KNOW THAT'S RIGHT!!! I often say that I'll take joy over happiness ANY day because to me; happiness is contingent on things, while joy is in spite of things. Joy is the fruit of the Spirit and accordingly, dwells within the believer. Like the illustration that says you don't see the true purpose of a tea bag until it's placed in hot water...the joy within us is refined in the midst of trying times. Habakkuk 3:18-19 says, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." When we fully grasp that God is all we need; walking in the joy of the Lord is more easily achieved...joy enables us to tread upon the heights.
Thank you Lord for being so good to us and being so kind and being so merciful. You have given us our place of refuge and we are truly grateful. Your word says in James 1:2-3, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow". As we look into the face of God with joy in our hearts, we say 'This joy I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away'...in Jesus name, Amen!
ENJOY!!! http://youtu.be/qfJ2LZQbvs4
"...joy doesn't have anything to do with happy circumstances"; I KNOW THAT'S RIGHT!!! I often say that I'll take joy over happiness ANY day because to me; happiness is contingent on things, while joy is in spite of things. Joy is the fruit of the Spirit and accordingly, dwells within the believer. Like the illustration that says you don't see the true purpose of a tea bag until it's placed in hot water...the joy within us is refined in the midst of trying times. Habakkuk 3:18-19 says, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." When we fully grasp that God is all we need; walking in the joy of the Lord is more easily achieved...joy enables us to tread upon the heights.
Thank you Lord for being so good to us and being so kind and being so merciful. You have given us our place of refuge and we are truly grateful. Your word says in James 1:2-3, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow". As we look into the face of God with joy in our hearts, we say 'This joy I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away'...in Jesus name, Amen!
ENJOY!!! http://youtu.be/qfJ2LZQbvs4
Monday, September 16, 2013
September 16
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)
We didn't have to deal with half of the things our children face. I've heard some people say that they don't know if they could survive some of the darts being thrown at our children. The enemy plots and schemes using insecurity and instability against them. HIV/AIDS, homicides, absent parents, drug abuse, perverted lust and runaway social media have tried to take them out, But thanks be to God who has caused them to triumph IN SPITE OF!!! Witnessing the city wide Youth and Young Adult revival this year, fittingly themed "City On Our Knees"; I watched some of the 'youngins' setting an example for the believers and for that I am encouraged that the scripture in 1 Timothy has taken root.
Thank you Lord for not letting Your word return void! There is a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that is declaring the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light. We pray that You continue to keep our children in the safety of Your arms as they strive to live according to Your will and be examples in this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
We didn't have to deal with half of the things our children face. I've heard some people say that they don't know if they could survive some of the darts being thrown at our children. The enemy plots and schemes using insecurity and instability against them. HIV/AIDS, homicides, absent parents, drug abuse, perverted lust and runaway social media have tried to take them out, But thanks be to God who has caused them to triumph IN SPITE OF!!! Witnessing the city wide Youth and Young Adult revival this year, fittingly themed "City On Our Knees"; I watched some of the 'youngins' setting an example for the believers and for that I am encouraged that the scripture in 1 Timothy has taken root.
Thank you Lord for not letting Your word return void! There is a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that is declaring the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light. We pray that You continue to keep our children in the safety of Your arms as they strive to live according to Your will and be examples in this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
September 10 - TAKE IT AWAY!!!
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every
branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more
fruitful. (John 15:2, NIV) The Greek for he prunes also means he cleans.
Jesus speaks of two categories of branches: fruitless and fruitful. The branches that cease to bear fruit are those who no longer have the life in them that comes from enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father cuts off, i.e., he separates them from vital union with Christ. The branches that bear fruit are those who have life in them because of their enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father prunes so that they will become more fruitful. That is, He removes from their lives anything that diverts or hinders the vital life-flow of Christ into them. The fruit is the quality of Christian character that brings glory to God through life and witness. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate the pruning and purging that You do for our good. We thank You for removing anything that diverts or hinders the flow of Christ in our lives and our children's lives. I'm reminded of the words to that song we used to sing in youth choir so long ago..."if You find anything, that's not like you; I ask You Lord, You know what to do...wash me Lord; cleanse me through and through, take it away from me Lord, take it away from me! In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/J8apcF4uJ9o
Jesus speaks of two categories of branches: fruitless and fruitful. The branches that cease to bear fruit are those who no longer have the life in them that comes from enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father cuts off, i.e., he separates them from vital union with Christ. The branches that bear fruit are those who have life in them because of their enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father prunes so that they will become more fruitful. That is, He removes from their lives anything that diverts or hinders the vital life-flow of Christ into them. The fruit is the quality of Christian character that brings glory to God through life and witness. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate the pruning and purging that You do for our good. We thank You for removing anything that diverts or hinders the flow of Christ in our lives and our children's lives. I'm reminded of the words to that song we used to sing in youth choir so long ago..."if You find anything, that's not like you; I ask You Lord, You know what to do...wash me Lord; cleanse me through and through, take it away from me Lord, take it away from me! In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/J8apcF4uJ9o
Thursday, September 5, 2013
September 5 - BOUNDARIES!!!
To live purely within the boundaries of God's law is to find wholeness in the total person. That wholeness is what holiness is all about. Children who have a desire for holiness and seek God's enabling power to help them achieve it can never be anything but blessed and fulfilled. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
It used to be that hearing the word "holiness" conjured up images of women wearing skirts to their ankles without any makeup or jewelry (wonder why no stipulations on men come to mind). However, holiness is not reserved for any particular group of people or denomination; but God has called all of us to be holy...including our children.
If we impart the importance of living holy and acceptable lives in our children, they will not hesitate to seek God's help when the challenges come to remain live pure. The key is to put holiness in its proper perspective. Specifically, the boundaries of God's law that we so often view as limiting, many times operate as walls of protection. Look at it this way; a child could experience life and all that glitters OR a child could live purely and experience His Glory!
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us boundaries and laws by which we should live. Help us to find wholeness in holiness and further realize that abundant life awaits, if we faint not. We will not overstep our boundaries. In Jesus name, Amen!
It used to be that hearing the word "holiness" conjured up images of women wearing skirts to their ankles without any makeup or jewelry (wonder why no stipulations on men come to mind). However, holiness is not reserved for any particular group of people or denomination; but God has called all of us to be holy...including our children.
If we impart the importance of living holy and acceptable lives in our children, they will not hesitate to seek God's help when the challenges come to remain live pure. The key is to put holiness in its proper perspective. Specifically, the boundaries of God's law that we so often view as limiting, many times operate as walls of protection. Look at it this way; a child could experience life and all that glitters OR a child could live purely and experience His Glory!
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us boundaries and laws by which we should live. Help us to find wholeness in holiness and further realize that abundant life awaits, if we faint not. We will not overstep our boundaries. In Jesus name, Amen!
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