Love...the real thing...

Though my thoughts are simple, my words are insufficient. Love is indeed precious.  It changes lives.  It changes life.  It changes everything.

Perhaps that's why love is so inadequately expressed by words alone.  Love is best shown through actions.

Reflecting on my most precious loved ones...family...friends...faith...and my Lord, I realize that they don't just say they love me.  They share their love with me.  They make time for me.  They care about my life.  They listen.  They laugh.  They love...consistently.

May my words be fewer and my actions be greater.  May love become real and not recited.  May I reflect Him and His love more than anything else I do in this life.  May love be much more than words alone.♥~thl

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."  1 John 3: 18 

Able and available...

As I watched our daughter and the rest of the cast of "Steel Magnolias" perform last weekend, I began thinking. Each lady was different...with her own story unfolding...including twists, turns, heartaches and hangups. Yet somehow they always managed to be there for each other...through it all.

I wonder...how amazing it would be if we became more able and available to love and encourage each other consistently? It may make more difference than we could ever imagine.♥~thl

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you were doing." 1 Thessalonians 5: 11

Simple significance...

In this season of life, I realize I have more earthly days behind me than ahead of me. I am very grateful for each day...each opportunity...each loved one...each blessing...each breath. Life hasn't always been easy but it has always been a gift.

Yet I admit that I often feel my time here has not been as effective, instrumental or beneficial as it should have been. Will I leave this world better ...than when I arrived? Will at least one life be changed because of my efforts? Did my simple life have any significance in this world?

When I look back, I realize my life has been quite insignificant according to worldly standards. I am not famous...nor in any spotlight...or known for any major contributions on any level. I have lived rather quietly, privately and insignificantly.

It concerns me greatly that I have not done more for Him. Whatever abilities I have are not always strong enough to reflect Him as effectively as I wish they could be. That truly saddens me...yet leads me to even more dependence on Him.

For I find hope as I read Colossians 3: 17. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

May my very average life be lived and served for our Awesome God above all else. Reflecting Him, thanking Him and doing whatever I do for Him...makes life much more significant and focused, after all.♥~thl

Just wait...

It's difficult.  Although a brief word, it affects us strongly.  Whether in an office, in the store checkout, dealing with technology, or following a very slow vehicle...we do not like to wait.

Even our puppies dislike waiting.  We have been teaching and signaling them to wait "just one minute" as we grab a leash or treat.  Sometimes they whimper as they look at us with their precious, loving but totally confused "but why do we have to wait when we want it right now" expressions. 

I began thinking.  Although I have a very long fuse when it comes to patience, (well, most of the time), I often struggle with God's timing.  Sometimes I highly desire an answer, a direction, a reason or insight much sooner than He allows me to have it...if He even allows it.   Then I remember...He is God.  I am not.  He sees the big picture.  I certainly do not.  He knows what is best.  I definitely do not. Actually, He isn't even required to explain His plan to me. Oh, how my puppy dog eyes kick in when I realize that.

But if I love Him, I must trust Him...even as I wait...especially as I wait.  For He loves me more than I can ever imagine.  So I wait...in His loving arms and peaceful, perfect Presence.♥~thl

"I wait for You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord, my God."  Psalm 38: 15  

Bless their hearts...

"Say what you mean...but don't say it mean."

When I first read this quote, I quietly acknowledged its truth.  Yet the more I considered it, the more it meant to me.  Raised a southern gal, I was taught the importance of being truthful yet always, always, always...respectful....with gentleness.

In my part of the south, we have two ways of saying "Bless your heart."  One is a very sweet, "honey, my heart absolutely, positively and continually goes out to your precious heart" version which delivers encouragement, compassion, understanding and empathy.  The other version is a very concerned, alarming delivery of some type such as "honey, you may want to reconsider that because you are making a huge mistake which you will, undoubtedly, regret the rest of your everlasting life."  How does one know the difference?  If you're southern, you know the difference.  If you are not southern, you learn the difference.

Truth is desperately needed in this world.  However, being truthful is not a license to degrade or humiliate others.  Certainly we must stand firm for truth even if it isn't easy or popular.  Yet it saddens me that while we often feel strongly obligated to share truth, we frequently treat others with blatant, destructive, total disrespect.  Obviously this causes countless heartaches, divisions and damage.

Gentleness makes a difference.  Gentleness keeps hearts open.  Gentleness reflects Him. 

May we mean what we say...say what we mean...but never, ever...say it mean.  After all, it's wonderful to bless someone's heart...gently and respectfully.♥~thl

"Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near."  Philippians 4: 5

Compassion needed...

Compassion touches lives.  What a difference it makes when someone listens, understands and loves us enough to care..genuinely, faithfully, unconditionally and unselfishly. 

 

I wonder.  What would happen in this world of brokenness, pain, suffering and shame if we truly...cared?   What would happen if we asked others how they are doing...and waited for an answer?  What would happen if we listened more and talked less?  What would happen if we were more concerned about compassion than criticizing?  Loving instead of labeling?  Encouraging instead of ignoring?  Helping instead of hurting?   

 

It seems that those who show the most compassion have been through the most difficult circumstances.  Perhaps they have learned the value of knowing someone truly cares when nothing else makes sense. 

 

May compassion become important enough to share...in a world so desperate for someone to care.♥~thl   2 Corinthians 1: 3>4

 

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, an sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." (Elisabeth Kubler-Ross)

What kind of love...

When I think of love, I realize I often overuse the word.  I frequently refer to what I love:
the color white, Battenburg lace, riding horses, music, seafood, hot tea, antiques, writing, tennis, mountains, beaches, candlelight, Jeeps, dresses and flowers.

Ironically, I also realize that love may be underused in other ways.  How many times do we tell others that we love them:  friends, family, church family, neighbors, classmates, those who touch our lives, etc.?  How many times do we actually show our love for others? 

I know how much it means when someone says they love me.  I also know how much it means to be treated with love...at just the right time.  I realize, too, how very much I wish I could turn back time and tell some people how much I love them...just...one...more...time. 

May I speak, show and share love more often...while precious opportunities still remain.♥~thl

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."  1 Thessalonians 3: 12

Weak and strong...

Strength...is expected, respected and perfected in this world.  "Be strong."  "Don't cry."  "Where is our faith if we are weak instead of strong?"  Somehow, that concerns me much more than comforts me.  So I reflect from my own journey. 

Realizing where I have been...where I am presently...or where I may be later...I know this simple truth.  I am not strong.  Not at all.  I have been called strong, resilient and determined...but frankly, I am extremely weak.

The circumstances, challenges and changes I continually face in this life are endured through Him.  He doesn't give me strength.  He IS my strength...completely. Only in admitting how very weak I am, will I begin to realize how very strong He is and the difference that will make.  I have much to learn.♥~thl

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12: 10

Real hope...

My thoughts presently reflect on hope. We use the word often, yet ironically, lose it easily. We know Who gives us hope. In this uncertain and challenging world, however, it's often difficult to hold onto hope when needed most. May I learn to embrace His hope more authentically and consistently.♥~thl

"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

Complete trust...

Tonight my focus is on trusting Him completely. Oh, how easy it is to say we must do so. Yet how different it actually is to place everything in His hands. Truthfully, I have much to learn.♥~thl

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26: 3>4

Simple rest...

Tonight I simply rest in Him...listen for Him...and hold onto Him. It's long overdue.♥~thl

Matthew 11: 28>28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

No more...

God is fully aware, of course, but today I shared with someone that yesterday's post/blog entry was the last I would write for awhile.  It's been a long, challenging winter and my body, mind, soul and spirit are weary on every level.

Yet as I anticipated a wonderful sigh of relief, I felt an unexpected stirring in my heart.  "Nooooo....no way...I am not writing anything else for a long time.  I have nothing left to give.  My ideas are dwindling.  I am tired, ineffective and spent.  No...More...Writing.  Maybe no more singing, playing, planning or anything else for awhile, either.  I need to walk away indefinitely."  My thoughts continued a little longer.

Then I realized how many times I had referred to how I felt...what I thought...what I decided...what I evaluated...and what was best for me.  Somehow, I had forgotten that none of this depends on me anyway.  It's about Him.  Who am I to tell Him what I will or will not do?  And about that weariness...it's remains very true.  Maybe that's a reminder that whatever He wants me to do or say, He will provide strength, stamina and substance if I will lean on Him more.

So...here I am writing again. Well...here I am typing again.  It is my prayer that He will be honored more than ever before.  After all...He knows His plan and purpose much better than I do.  I am simply and significantly surrendering my countless incapabilities to God Who specializes in the impossible.♥~thl

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6: 33>34

May we remember...

When thoughts are unending,
When questions are numerous,
When life is overwhelming,
When nothing makes sense,
When sleep isn't found,
When tears fall unnoticed,
When pain remains hidden,
When strength is gone,
When failure is common,
When dreams may be crashing,
When "love" walks away,
When hope seems out of reach...
We remember You...and Your faithfulness.
Thank You, O God, for still loving us.♥~thl

"On my bed I remember you; I think of You through the watches of the night.  Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.  My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me."  Psalm 63: 6>8

The wait...

One more day and the spring countdown will be complete!  This Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 12:57 pm EDT, spring will officially begin!  We have longed for this day.  From mid-November through last weekend, snow, ice and brutal cold temepratures have made it a very long winter.  Of course, snow is forecast for next week, but official spring arrival makes it more bearable.  My spring countdown on January 1st of this year began with seventy-eight days.  It seemed so far away.  Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, we waited with hope, anticipation and patience...most of the time. Yet each moment mattered, leading us closer to the long-awaited season.

I began thinking.  Life brings various seasons.  There are seasons of hope and seasons of discouragement.  There are seasons of joy and seasons of sadness.  There are seasons of accomplishment and seasons of wondering if we accomplish anything.  There are seasons of assurance and seasons of uncertainty.  Each season, however, finds us waiting.  Although each moment matters, waiting usually challenges us.

Waiting has influenced my life.  I waited for a broken leg and later a broken foot to heal.  I waited to graduate from high school and from college. I waited for a husband and children.  We waited for job opportunities.  We waited for answers.  We waited to heal from life tragedies.  We waited for our children to learn and grow.  Now in our eighth year of a child in college, we have one more year to wait. Waiting isn't easy but it often leads to adjustments, achievements and acquirements on this journey. 

I often wonder what God has in store for a middle-aged, multiple college degrees, stay-at-home wife/mom who doesn't know what lies ahead.  Some goals have been reached.  Others have been delayed.  Some dreams came true.  Others tragically ended.  I once thought I knew exactly what I would do, when I would do it, how I would do it and why I was doing it that way.  Then life happened, plans changed and my driven nature was blindsided with more waiting and uncertainty than ever anticipated.

Yet waiting has taught me that living life for Someone other than myself...changes everything.  Accomplishments are exciting...but leaning on Him is adventurous and amazing.  He knows my yesterdays, today and even my tomorrows.  May I continue to search...and seek Him...learning to wait and trust more each moment.♥~thl

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope."  Psalm 130: 5

Those days...

I suppose we all have "those days."  We think the day is going to unfold well...peacefully...productively...purposefully...and then something happens.  And something else happens after that.  And then...a couple more issues join the "one of those days" list.  I don't enjoy such days.  I don't plan for them.  I don't wish for them.  I don't like them.  But they happen...anyway...to all of us.

So what do I do when those days...sometimes weeks...often months...occasionally years...come along and knock me off my feet?  Well, I assure you I handle it quite human-like.  I get hurt.  I become frustrated.  I may roll my eyes when no one is watching.  I may even whisper a "now what?" or "good grief!" under my breath when no one is around.  I may secretly consider running away to an undisclosed location with no forwarding address. I may even decide to do some extensive housecleaning, furniture arranging, music blaring, run into my room, lock the door and stomp my foot every now and then responses.

Then I remember...I don't have to face this day alone.  I may certainly feel alone.  But I am not.  So I try to gather my strength, sanity and stability back...and I read a Scripture passage that puts "days like this" in perspective.  I am so glad that He hears, sees, cares, forgives, renews...and loves me...once more.♥~thl

"I wait for You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God."  Psalm 38: 15

Peace at all times...

Peace...a one-syllable word...yet difficult to find in this complicated world. I often find myself wishing for it in the middle of so many circumstances, concerns and situations. Today, I found a beautiful verse which soothed my soul immensely. I am thankful for His much needed peace on this cherished yet challenging journey of life.♥~thl

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3: 16.

A Serving Symphony...

Recently I was reminded of a valuable lesson. I thought about playing my piano, keyboard and violin.  I considered Tim's trumpet and cornet.  Our Micah plays two trumpets and two guitars.  Our Rachel plays flute.  Then I thought about how we each sing a different vocal part whether soprano, alto, baritone or bass.

I also thought about the guitar I used to own in college.  I sold it to help with wedding expenses and never bought another one.  Besides my piano, I was interested in violin, instead.  Yet Micah enjoys playing guitar more than I ever did.  I love trumpets and flutes but I don't have the "breath" to play them.  Likewise, I am the only one of our family who is interested in violin.  In other words, we each have passion, ability and desire to play different instruments.  That adds more interests and opportunities to our family as a whole.

I began thinking.  How wonderful it is to realize that God designed and created each of His children very differently.  Some are short.  Others are tall.  Some are singers.  Others are speakers.  Some love to talk.  Others love to listen.  Some are funny.  Others are serious.  Some are planners.  Others are impulsive.  What a beautiful "symphony" God grants us as His instruments.  When we allow Him to direct our lives, using what He has given us, the message...and music...from the Master...are incredible.

May we remember it is much more important to follow the Master Designer as He directs our lives than to wish we were like someone else.  He has given us voices, instruments, abilities and passion to glorify Him.  May we do so in unity and gratitude, as His symphony of servants.♥~thl

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:  6  

Really?

Seriously?  Get real!  Are you for real? Really?

How many times do we hear or say those words?  Although we frequently refer to what is real, we probably put much greater effort into hiding, concealing, burying or denying...what is most real in our lives.

I'm not referring to publicly proclaiming every detail. It is always wise to discern what is shared...or not.  I simply find it disappointing when lives are searching, shattered, broken, beaten or terribly lost...they often feel too ashamed or afraid to reveal it, especially to those who should care most. 

Beth Moore recently shared that “People don't need Christians to act like we always have it together. People need us to be real! What kind of healing would come if we all just got real before God and others?”

Sometimes a part of me wants to shout to the world to just get real!  I wish we could feel free and safe enough to drop masks, discard pretenses and simply get gut-level honest with ourselves...and those who allegedly care...so healing could begin.  Then the older, wiser, private, shy part of me remembers the price often paid for doing so.  Criticism, condemnation, gossip, isolation and even abandonment are unfortunate yet common responses. 

In a world that encourages...and expects...us to swallow pain, smile sweetly and build walls that prevent healing revelation...I find peace and hope elsewhere.  The Great I Am, Himself, not only created me...but knows the real me...and still loves me.  Good days...bad days...great days...tragic days...pleasant days...painful days...do not change His love for me.  He sees beyond my scars, my weaknesses, my mistakes and my secrets...and He...still...loves...me!  Pure, perfect, precious Love from the One Who forgives...heals and restores real, imperfect me.

Oh, how I wish we would learn to share that love...His love...real love...with each other.♥~thl

"I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul."  Psalm 31: 7 

Grateful...

It's a time that my heart moves me to express gratitude.  I thank God for so many wonderful gifts He shares with me:
each breath I take...
each heartbeat I am given...
each step I make...
each sunrise and sunset I witness...
each hug and kiss from our puppies...
each note of music I hear, sing or play...
each beautiful flower I see.

Yet He allows me even more:
a family to love...
a family who loves me...
faithful friends who genuinely care...
precious people working diligently to assist...
unexpected, sweet blessings...
a wonderful neighborhood...
His continual love and Presence..

To each dear person who touches my life with love, kindness, laughter, hope and authenticity, thank you.  May you know how much I love you.  May you sense how much I care.  May your life be touched as deeply as you touch mine.  You make this journey beautiful!♥~thl

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.  We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Thessalonians 1: 2>3

Walking correctly...

It is not well-known that I wore corrective shoes as a child. I remember their exact appearance.  I remember wearing them.  I remember my parents adjusting the shoes to promote progress.  I was born with very flat feet, also known as fallen arches.  That may sound very simple. For some people, the abnormality is painfree and not severe enough for treatment.  Yet for others, it causes major foot, leg and back pain.  It may be treated with shoes, casts, braces or even surgery. 

My case initially required corrective shoes, gradually building my arches. Complications were rare,  but later included increasing arch support, using crutches and minor surgery.  To this day, I must be careful about the shoes I wear, including my beloved heels and flip flops.  I must also be careful about not wearing shoes.  (As a southern, mountain gal, I love walking barefooted, which has become more challenging.)  In other words, I must be aware of how and where I walk.

I began thinking.  Although the condition of my feet requires great attention in walking, it is much more important to be aware of our walk in this life journey.  How easy it is to become distracted, deceived or even lost.  How difficult it is to remain focused on what's ahead of us as well as what surrounds us. Sometimes the path is smooth and easy.  Sometimes it is very rocky and steep.  Sometimes another single step seems impossible.

What a joy to realize that I do not walk alone.  It may often seem that way.  There are events, circumstances and relationships that contribute to feeling like we have been abandoned or forgotten.  Yet I know this for sure. God is with me.  He walks with me.  He truly cares. Even when I get off course, His love never fails. I pray I will keep my eyes on Him continually on this journey...for His footsteps will lead me Home.♥~thl

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways."  Psalm 128: 1 

When...

When days are cloudy,
When nights are long,
When concerns are growing,
When strength is gone,
When friends are distant,
When pain is prevalent,
When uncertainty surrounds
When heartache is abundant,
When disappointments rise,
When trust is broken,
When love becomes hurtful,
When life is unfair...

I run to the One Who truly cares.
I seek His love, His heart, His peace.
I share my struggles.
I listen.
I pray.
I wait.
I reach for Him.
He heals.
He holds.
He listens.
He guides.
He is with me and I am not alone.♥~thl

"By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life."  Psalm 42: 8

Thankful....

After a very long and challenging day, I have so much for which to be thankful! Many thanks to my excellent Dr. and staff, plus wonderful pharmacists and techs who continue to work so diligently for my health concerns. Also, thanks to my sweet family and their continued support. Thank You, God, for Your loving faithfulness.♥~thl

He hears...

As a new week unfolds, my heart, mind, soul and life seek Him on many levels. While answers may or may not be revealed, I am grateful that He cares. He hears. He knows. He is with me and the journey ahead. May I cling to Him continually.♥~thl

"Hear my prayer, O Lord God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah." Psalm 84: 8

Lost...

Recently, I had to be somewhere at a specific time.  It was a very important appointment and being late was not an option.  Upon arrival, however, I soon realized that major changes had occurred and the only way I knew was no longer effective.  Thankfully, I had the number memorized and made a quick call.  The kind voice gave me specific directions to my destination which helped immensely.  In one brief conversation, my journey went from lost to located.

I began thinking.  It is indeed wonderful when we know where we are going and how to get there.  Yet it is very different when we are without specific direction or destination...and we find ourselves...lost, frightened, discouraged and perhaps even disconnected.

Making that recent call made all the difference in many ways.  It also reminded me that there is One we can call upon anytime...day or night...Who helps us find our way once more.  I am amazed that He loves me...even when I am lost.♥~thl

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.  In the day of my trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me."  Psalm 86: 6>7 

Held...

Sometimes my only words are "Hold me, Jesus!" And He does.♥~thl

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9: 9>10

Slipping...

Thank You, God, for Your love and faithfulness. Even when I slip and fall, slide and fail, suffer and forfeit...You never give up on me. I am amazed.♥~thl

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' Your love, O Lord, supported me." Psalm 94: 18

Close and caring...

Dear God~
Sometimes life is so very difficult.
Thank You for seeing the brokenhearted.
Thank You for holding the shattered lives.
Thank You for hearing those silently suffering.
Thank You for loving those feeling unlovable.
Thank You for embracing the hopeless.
Thank You for caring unconditionally.
Thank You for never walking away.♥~thl

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34: 18