Don’t be too concerned if things around you seem difficult. Challenging circumstances are often hidden opportunities for growth and change. We don’t grow when we’re comfortable. Sometimes the Lord has to challenge us to help us make necessary changes.

 

I was driving downtown recently and as I was turning a corner, I quickly glimpsed the words “GIVE LOVE” painted over the door of a restaurant. Those words have stayed with me. As I’ve pondered them, it is a simple, clear, but compelling statement. To “give love” is the simplest act one can do for another person, yet, it is also the most meaningful gift we can ever give to anyone.

Love is the most powerful force in the world. It was an act of love on God’s part that healed mankind and began the process of transformation throughout the earth. But that love was given at a cost. To give love to someone else often times requires sacrifice or selflessness on the part of the giver.

In today’s world, love has been reduced down to only one of its many forms. It is most often portrayed as the warm and tender, feel-good or romantic form of love. But love takes on many varied forms depending on each unique circumstance.

One single form of love cannot adequately cover the many complex facets of human nature. God’s love for us is always constant. Yet, at the same time, His expression of love towards us changes in each situation. His response is tailored to meet our specific need in that instance.

We, also, must “give love” in the same manner. Sometimes tough love is needed, such as having to tell someone a hard truth they don’t want to admit but need to hear. Other times, love is walking along side another person who is going through a painful season in life, understanding their pain, and helping them continue their journey. Love can also be having a kind word for someone who desperately needs it. Or, it can be showing kindness and compassion to someone who has hurt you. And in the best of times, love is that gooey, warm feeling of getting to pour out over someone’s life with sheer joy.

Jesus gave a new commandment to mankind near the end of his life. It was:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)

We are to love our fellow man by following the example He set during His life. Jesus overturned tables and called the money changers in the temple “a brood of vipers.” Jesus told Peter he was the “rock” He would build His church upon and then, shortly after, Jesus told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” Yet, in other instances, Jesus showed compassion to known sinners like the woman caught in adultery and the tax collector Zacchaeus.

Jesus showed love in many forms throughout His life. And His love towards man was not in vain. His love set us free and transformed our lives forever. We need to love as Jesus loved.

GIVE LOVE.

 

I passed a billboard on the freeway today that said, “Your time to shine.” At first glance, it didn’t really captivate me. But, as I kept driving, those words lingered in my mind. I began to sense that the Lord had a special meaning behind the words I had seen.

There are many in the body of Christ who have been tucked away in the shadows, hidden and covered by the Lord. It has been a season of growth and maturation. But this “incubation” period is coming to an end.

The knowledge that these sons and daughters of the Lord have acquired during their time of isolation needs to be shared. They are meant to be a shining example of hope and light in this world. They are voices the world needs to hear.

I felt that for many, their time in the shadows is nearing an end. I also sensed an excited anticipation from the Lord for the unveiling of His children. It was as if he was literally saying, “It’s your time to shine!”

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

It’s your time. Shine!

We create an atmosphere where miracles happen when we believe.

 

This is a season of abundance.

 

 

I am excited to share that a story I wrote was included in Praying Medic’s latest book! The book includes work from 28 aspiring authors. I am so honored to be part of this project!

This Mother’s Day, I was blessed to receive many gifts. My husband woke up early, made me breakfast, and cleaned up the kitchen. My son gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a bag of Ghirardelli chocolates. My daughter gave me a bouquet of flowers in a lovely container I can reuse and a pint of my favorite ice cream.

But, the best gifts I received from my children this year didn’t come from a store. They were gifts from the heart that came with a real-life lesson. My daughter gave me the gift of grace and my son gave me a heartfelt letter expressing the true meaning behind Mother’s Day.

Lesson 1 GRACE:

My daughter just received her driver’s permit a month ago. I’ll be honest, I’m not doing a very good job as a driving teacher! On Friday, I blew a correctable mistake she made while driving way out of proportion, and completely lost my patience with her. As soon as I realized how badly I had messed up, I beat myself up for the rest of the day and wallowed in guilt.

Yesterday afternoon, the day after I had completely failed her, my daughter excitedly asked me if I would take her to the grocery store. As soon as we entered the store, my daughter said with gleaming eyes and a bright smile, “Mom, I want you to pick out whichever flower arrangement you like best. Don’t worry about how much it costs. Oh, and I’m also going to buy you your favorite ice cream for Mother’s Day.”

Her gesture touched me for a couple of key reasons. First, she had completely and freely forgiven me. Secondly, my daughter is a budding artist. She was using her own hard earned money from a painting she had recently sold to purchase my presents. In every sense of the word, she was extending me grace.

When we got home from the store, it made me take a hard look at myself. And, I didn’t like what I saw. I got honest with myself and with the Lord. I realized that I have been letting my ego drive me lately. I have been critical, judgmental, and lacking in grace towards those around me.

My daughter’s gift of grace was a catalyst for me. I spent quite a bit of time being completely transparent with the Lord yesterday. I finally let go and handed my struggle over to Him. And, I am committed to going back to the caring, grace-filled person I truly am.

Lesson 2 THE TRUE MEANING OF MOTHERHOOD:

This morning, my son excitedly handed me a homemade card. It was a piece of white computer paper folded in half. On the front, he had drawn the back of an envelope with a heart sticker. On the inside, it said:

“Happy Mother’s Day! Today I just want to tell you how much I love and appreciate what you have done for me. You have been loving and kind to me and always shown Emily and I great compassion. Today is a special day in which we all realize how truly special and great our moms are. I love you very much Mom!”

My son’s gift reminded me what is truly important as a mother. As human parents, we are going to make mistakes from time to time. But the important thing is that everything we do as a mom, we do out of love and in the best interest of our children. Rather than focusing on every mistake we make and how we feel like we are failing our kids, we need to realize that in the end, all the acts of love over the course of their lifetime make a bigger difference in our children’s lives than the few times we miss the mark.

In the end, I can see the Lord’s hand weaving a tapestry in the gifts I received from my children. It started with an unexpected gift of grace. And then, to drive the point completely home with me, the Lord used a letter filled with a child’s love to tie everything together.

Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s been a rough couple of weeks at my house. Murphy’s Law has been reigning around here. The most bizarre and unexpected events and challenges have hit us. We’ve been bombarded on all sides.

With all the chaos, noise, and distraction, it’s been hard to stay positive or focused on the things the Lord is asking me to do right now. My husband and I have committed to changes that we know were long overdue. And the enemy isn’t afraid of those who are slumbering and doing nothing. He is afraid of those who are brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and move forward. So, it is no surprise that we’re experiencing resistance as we step out in faith.

For the first time in a couple of weeks, I had started my day out praising the Lord and declaring His goodness and promises over me and my family. I had a busy day of errands, so I headed out as soon as I finished my time with the Lord. At the end of my errands, I found myself starting to focus on the “circus” of events that I’ve been dealing with recently and felt my mood start to turn.

I quickly realized that I needed to shift my focus. I was stopped at a red light and there was a city transit bus in the lane to my left. For some reason, I felt drawn towards the bus. I looked up at the bus next to me and, through the window, I saw the word: FAVOR.

And instantly, it struck me. I live in the Lord’s favor. His favor is with me wherever I go. His favor goes before me at all times. Because of the Lord’s favor on my life, I should always look for and expect good things to happen.

Remember … You walk in favor. Always.

 

You are an overcomer.
Overcomers never give up.
You’ve got this!

 

A new adventure awaits you.
All you have to do is take that first step …