Beauty in Single Season

Single for a reason & a season

Finally! I have arrived at a place where I am actually happy to be single for this season in my life. It does get "lonely" some days but I most importantly know that God is with me at all times so I must feel complete because I am with Him. I don't need anyone or anything else in this world because at the end of the day no one can satisfy like He does and only He can.

There is so much to do, it is such a beautiful thing to be single, the freedom that I have is beyond amazing. I mean this is coming now from the girl that has been in relationships for the past 14 years non stop pretty much. I mean yes I have gotten breaks in between where I am single for seasons, for months but then someone comes along, I fall for it, give my heart away, have it shatter into pieces and then I find myself, "alone" picking up those pieces. The beauty is that while I am down low on the floor picking up the pieces of my broken heart, I find Jesus there telling me He loves me over and over again and I find contentment, fulfillment and joy in that. I must admit, I am scared to love again, maybe scared is not the word but cautious. I am tired of being hurt honestly, I just want to be alone with God and pursue Him and no one or anything else. I wish all outside distractions can be zapped and I can just continue to do as I am doing, serving Him and His people.

You see, for a long time I was the girl that did not like to be alone, I was always with someone or a bunch of people. I liked to stay with a group of friends, hang out, do whatever, but I did not like to be alone. I always had somewhere to go, someone to see, something to do. God had to show me that I do not always have to be with someone, doing something, going somewhere. I can be happy alone at home with Him. I can be satisfied going to eat breakfast alone with Him and Him alone (God). I can be happy just enjoying His presence in my life and not having to be with someone else. It feels good to not want anything with anyone just because I have wanted something with someone for so long. I now feel like no I am good alone, I don't need you or anything else.

There is so much to write from how you will never find true happiness in that person because true happiness and fulfillment can only come from God and truly loving yourself the way He loves you. Let yourself be loved by our Father as I am still learning to be loved. It was always easy for me to love and not be loved in return and that's why I always got hurt, I always gave too much and received too little but that is probably how God feels with us... He gives us so much of His love and we sometimes don't know how to receive it. I just realized .. God loves us so so so much, If we could only fully receive His love we would be so much better off and have such a better understanding of who we are because of Who's we are! Thank you Jesus!

Going through the fire?

Have you been feeling attacked from all sorts of places, faces, spaces lately? Do you feel like asking when will this stop? Going through the fire is not only hot, almost burning but it can start to become exhausting and make you want to run away, give up and quit. Whatever it is you are going through, whatever mountain you are facing, hear me out.... I am here to remind you these four words which will be very useful to you in the long run "DO NOT GIVE UP". I do not know what it looks like for you but I sure do know that in the midst of the storm the answer is not to give up, yes it might come up as a question but you rebuke and cast that thought out immediately because giving up is plainly not an option.

Please be reminded that according to God's word which will not return to Him void "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." - 1 Peter 1:7 NLT

With much love and respect I tell you this, I am not worthy of being alive today but by the loving mercy and grace of God I am, and every day that I wake up I do give thanks because I know that He still has a plan for my life, it is not over, He has not given up so how dare I give up on the King of Kings? Listen, if the enemy is coming after you, if you are being faced with trial after trial, please know the enemy's job is to rob and steal your joy, happiness, peace and everything else he can take from you, stand firm, be aware, know that he is coming, he does not sit still, he is carefully plotting against you so you cannot fall for that, you must stand firm on your guard. Please know that Satan is threatened by you, Yes that's right, you heard me, you are a threat to your enemy, therefore he will try to do everything to bring you down.... but stand firm because Jesus overcame Satan and the world and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. 

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.

He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

I know that I know that I know that this which is happening in my life right now and day by day what I am going through will be all for His glory. He will be able to use this for His glory, my mess will turn into His Message, my tests will turn into my Testimony, for that I am grateful. I am grateful He loves us so dearly that He does not give up on us.

I am grateful for the process even though I might get frustrated at times I am learning that sanctification takes time and so does real transformation for it to be effective long term, so today I remind you to be encouraged and enjoy the journey that God has prepared for you, He is there with you and for you, He will never leave you nor forsake you.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" - Zechariah 13:9 NLT

Remember that ALL of those things that feel bad right now and make you cry, that boss, that teacher, that friend, that parent, that job, that pain, that experience, that heartbreak, those emotions will eventually work out for your good because Romans 8:28 tells us that ALL things will work out for our good.  

{And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.} Romans 8:28 AMP

What are you fighting?

What are you struggling with? 

Give it to God today, let his peace rule your hearts, let your faith be strengthened.

Prayer: I love you and I thank you for loving me so much that you do not give up on me Lord, you continue to work in me each and every day little by little I learn something new, you never leave me the same, for that I am thankful. I know that all these things will work out for my good so I ask for the strength to endure the pain and suffering I am now facing which is nothing compared to what you once faced. I ask for courage to stand strong against the enemy and his plans and to do the right thing even when it no longer feels right. If there is anything we may have done against you Father right now I ask for your forgiveness and ask that you cleanse us of all unrighteousness and make us holy like you are. I proclaim I will live this life by faith and not by my feelings, taking steps of faith that will only strengthen my relationship with you as we go together from glory to glory. Thank you Lord for giving us a peace that surpasses all understanding, a smile and a joy that comes from you and you alone which all can enjoy from, it is in Jesus precious and mighty name that we pray, Amen!

Caroude & Max Maternity Shoot

I recently had the beautiful blessing to be able to hold a camera (not mine) for the ministry I am a part of and I have developed this interest which I have always had but now more on {photography}. I love the beauty of capturing memories and moments for a lifetime, it is just a hobby for now but only God knows what it could lead to. With that being said, about two weeks ago I got the uttermost honor and privilege to photograph my beautiful brother and sister Caroude & Max as they welcome this new journey in their lives right before leaving to Maryland with their bundle of joy who is still in the oven! Can't wait to meet you baby boy! For now mommy and daddy will continue to have their fun until your arrival!

God's Amazing & Saving Grace

God has special grace for your special case.

I have no doubt about this, I am living proof. All I can say is WOW! God, you are beyond amazing, you are so loving and so patient, for this I thank you. 

God's grace is freely given to us. Grace = Undeserved Favor (We have done absolutely nothing to earn this favor or deserve it) on the contrary, we are very undeserving but because of God's love, mercy and grace I am able to share this with you today. 

I wake up surprised and thankful sometimes that God has not struck me to death, that I am still here because I honestly sometimes feel like the worse of the worse of sinners, O wretched man that I am, that which I don't want to do and know not to do, I do. Who can save me? Oh only he can and He will!

You see, the more time you spend with God (in His word & presence) the more He reveals himself and His character to you, not only that but he reveals things to you about yourself that you once thought that they were okay but they may now seem as wrong. Things that you have been through and he has shown you through either an experience or His word which your eyes are now opened and you see things in a whole different light and make the choice to no longer keep on doing things the way you were because you now know better so I am hoping you will want to try to do better. I always say, if you know better, you better do better because you are better than that. 

However, I must be completely transparent with you and tell you that in my experience, unfortunately that has not always been the case and it has not always been easy to make the right choice and choose better because you know better. Sadly, a lot of things play in to this factor and if we are not fully rooted and planted in God's word, (truly abiding and plugged in as John 15 requires of us) when the storm hits we might become extremely weak, fall off or even worse drown in our own consequences from our wrong choices.

God is full of mercy and grace, not so that we can take advantage and continue to dwell in our sin and continue to make the wrong choices but showing us how truly loving and caring He is, how He is nothing like us. How He doesn't give up easily, He doesn't get mad at every wrong, He is not constantly punishing us or condemning us, instead He is constantly pursuing us and chasing us with his relentless love. The undeserving love that we tend to try to run away and hide from because of our wrong doing (just like Adam & Eve did in the garden of Eden in Genesis when they first sinned, they ran and hid because they now knew they were naked) that's us, we now know we did something wrong and instead of repenting and changing our ways we want to run away from God when He is fully chasing us and pursuing us we rather pursue sin? ( it is our sinful nature) don't get discouraged, just be aware as I will be and hold myself accountable. Because yes, granted, we can have a brother, sister, friend, hold us accountable but they are not going to be around 24/7 so who is holding you accountable when you are alone? Only you can hold yourself accountable to God, think about how He feels, think about how much He has loved you and brought you through along the process. 

Just remember, God did not promise we will not be tempted, he said we would be but  He overcame the world and the tempter and because he lives in us we can too. Remember that you will be the most tempted to quit when you are the closest to your calling, word of advise, DON'T. Keep on trying, quitting should not even be an option, we are in this until it is over, after-all, God has given us another chance, another breath, anther day of life, why don't we go out and do something about it? Make it better than yesterday, make it better than yourself, your future self will thank you. 

Much love and peace, 

Glendy xoxo

(This was this past week on my day off went to the doctor's & then spent quality time with God relaxing and reading)

Finally started reading this amazing book "The Best Yes" by Lysa Terkeurst! Can't wait to finish and write a review on it! 

Scriptures referenced / mentioned above:

Ephesians 2:8-9 ; For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 6:14; For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 7:24; Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Romans 10:17 ; So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 

John 15:4; Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Genesis 2:7-8;  then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.

Do you know who you are?

Lack of Identity will get us into a lot of trouble.. Ever remember being young, growing up and trying to fit in? trying to find some cool friends to hang out with, people who accepted you and wanted to kick it with you? Earlier today I was having a good conversation with a good old friend of mine today on relationships and I decided to speak on the topic of our "Adam" aka our MEN {Head of the household} who needs to be aligned with the word of God or God himself in order to direct us and guide us and them even function properly.

You see I was born in a time where I do not agree with what "the world" is doing. The world is so blind, lost and confused but I believe the root of it is

#1 Men are not following God their creator, refuse to follow Him and His ways.

#2 Are blinded by this world and the lies of the world (what they watch on tv and hear on the radio) about men with multiple women, calling your woman the "B" word.

Things that were not acceptable 100 of years ago. Men have lost so much respect for women, for who they are, what they do, what they sacrifice and even themselves. They are deceived lost, and have no sense of real identity because they choose to deny their creator JESUS CHRIST. It is so sad that men are not being the Kingdom Men they are called to be and not living their lives to their full potential, it really saddens me how men try to run away from their selves, their past, their feelings, their emotions, the needy greedy, the bottom of the bottom. It needs to be spoken about, they are not being the leaders they are called to be.

 Finding a woman to marry is a blessing and a good thing, he who finds a wife finds favor with the Lord. How can men deny their creator? So this is the root of the problem, they have no identity. Therefore, they follow the crowd, follow what the world does and messes women up, mess families up and generations and generations to come.

WE MUST STOP THEM! We must stop this from spreading, stand up, fight, tell them ITS NOT OKAY!!!!!!!! IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! THIS IS NOT YOU! THIS IS WHO THE WORLD HAS MADE YOU OUT TO BE! DECIDE TO MAKE A CHANGE FROM YOUR WAYS!

Prayer is powerful and it can change everything

Don't worry about anything but Pray about everything 

There is something amazing and powerful about prayer, prayer changes everything, I thank God for choosing me and not giving up on me, just like He won't give up on you, as long as you don't turn your back or give up on Him. You know, the enemy is clever and he will keep you busy and preoccupied as much as he can to keep you away from your purpose in life, and from doing what you were created for: be in a relationship with GOD and others, very clever. You see, he can sneak up on you as relationships, work, things that we think are blessings but truly they are distractions in disguise. We must "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  as it is written in 1 Peter 5:8 we must not focus on what is going on (the storm) but we must stay alert because the enemy is looking for someone to distract and take away from the plans that God has. Pray without ceasing.

There is a time for Everything.

There is a time for everything under the Sun

Being single can seem discouraging, upsetting or whatever bad thing you can think off, but on the contrary, being single is the best way to be. I don't mean to say this to speak against marriage but let's face it with this marriage and kids epidemic, a lot of people are feeling like they are left behind if they don't have kids or are married and approaching a certain age where everyone around them is. I have gone through a lot of ups and downs in my life, have been proposed to, in and out of plenty of relationships, wanting to get married at one point, wanting to have kids at another and thinking I would never get married at another. You see every relationship has had an effect on us whether we want to accept it or not, whether it is good or bad, one way or another we become affected.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:

2a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

We need not to worry, but we need to pray and wait and trust in God and His perfect timing. God is in control of all things under the sun, He is our creator and the perfecter of our faith. We must trust Him so much that we know that even as we walk in the dark we shall not fear for our God is with us!  He has already made a way, which is His son, we just gotta choose Him because we get to! 

To be continued.... 
xoxo 
Glendy

God designed You for a task.

Did you know that you were created on purpose, with a purpose and for a specific purpose that no one else can fulfill but YOU? Mind blowing isn't it? Hard to grasp and swallow, I know the feeling, it can even be overwhelming, But isn't this what we were created for? To find our purpose in this life and fulfill it so we can too be fulfilled? Those are my thoughts at least. I remember when it all started just about 10 years ago. I remember asking God what was my purpose here on earth, I was barely 16 at the time.

 I remember it was a very rough age for me going from a girl to a young woman, having a boyfriend who made me lie and keep things away from my parents (such as us having sexual relationships) (which I thought was normal at the time and sadly I thought that was the way to show someone you loved them). Sadly, I did not really have anyone sit me down and talk to me and tell me that it was NOT OKAY to have sexual relationships outside of marriage being that my parents did it and this world will make you think that it is when really it is not. I was four years with this same person but that did not make it okay to have sex, it is just not okay. You may think that it is but it is Satan's plan to deceive you. Why? You may ask. I will tell you a few reasons that God has showed me in the past couple of years.

1. Your body is a temple. It must be reserved for the one willing to pay the price, this is not a free for all party, you are worthy of someone waiting, you are wonderful and valuable, you are a priced possession and someone has already paid a very high price for you, if anyone wants you, they must seek God for you.

2. These boys don't love you, they don't appreciate you, they are not COMMITTED! Even if they say they are, I need you to prove it buddy and the way to doing that is by making him wait! Wait for the goods and you'll see if he is any good. Trust me ladies, if he loveeesss you like he says he does then he will be more than willing to respect you and wait for you until you are both ready to take that step.

3. Once you pop, the fun don't stop, true or not? I beg someone to differ, it is so so so hard that once you lose your virginity to someone and that relationship does not workout, when you get your next little boyfriend, how much more harder is it to stay abstinent? Girl please! You playing yourself! Temptation is crawling in your ear! It's almost like the enemy knows and there goes this little random little boy (because that's what he is) He ain't your man, he ain't your husband.. So why is he all up in your bed? Are you out of your mind? Run as far as you and stop letting these fools play you, LOVE YOURSELF, before you wreck yourself!

You see I don't fully know what my task here on earth is I just know that I have to share what I know and what I have gone through whether it be to share hope, love, faith, patience, understanding or to lead them to a better understanding on why they were created and on how no matter the circumstances or their experiences, they too have a purpose here on earth which is waiting to be discovered when you start a real relationship with your savior Jesus Christ and the almighty creator of the universe our almighty God. I know that ALL that I have struggled with and continue to now struggle with, I know that it is all on purpose, for a greater purpose and for God's glory at the end of the day, because His word tells us that ALL THINGS work together for the good of those who love HIM!! So I ask you, do you love HIM? Do you know your creator? Do you have a relationship with Him? If you don't, right now is the time to start that relationship and let him change your heart which will lead to changing your life and getting on the road towards your purpose on why you were created!

To be continued.....

Your past cannot dictate your future.

I am thankful to God for sending Jesus for us to have a new life in Him. I am thankful because He never gives up on us and He loves just the way we are, yet he loves us so much that He won't leave us this way! God cares more about our character than our comfort. It is all about getting out of our comfort zone and believe it or not, I am thankful I am thankful that we can change and not stay the same way we once were. I am beyond grateful that we have freedom in Christ and freedom to make the right choices. I don't know about you, but  I know I have spent a couple of years or "seasons" doing things I really didn't want to do but just did out of comfort, habit, or to please others. Many of those things I sit here in regret off and saddened because I did not have the strength or will power to stand up for myself and say no. I am thankful that through Christ I can do this and much more, even those things I once thought that I was not capable of accomplishing, now I can.

You see it has not always been easy to make the right choices for my future due to my past and the different things I have struggled with, I think I can write a book with everything I have gone through but then again we all can right? based on the different experiences and different things we struggled with or are struggling with the only problem is that some choose to accept it, others choose to deny it and then there are those who are completely oblivious to it. I am thankful that I am not perfect but I am chosen. I have been called out of a generation to live in freedom and show that freedom to others by serving others in love. You see just because you come from a broken home does not mean you will have a broken home, we must put a stop to this way of thinking that we will follow previous patterns due to our past. The past is in the past, it has happened therefore we must learn from it and move on. Not dwell on it, not cry about it and definitely not continue to make the same mistakes over and over and over and over again. We know better, therefore we must do better because we are better. I know that the God living in you will supply all that you need and has already equipped you with all that you need to fight back and not fall in temptation! I believe in you, I believe in He who lives in you!

Entering a new season

Seems like I almost didn't make it out of there, it was Hot!!! Satan is not playing ya'll! He will do everything he can to keep you in the midst of the fire of the kitchen and not let you run out. He will keep you there if you let him, so don't! Stand up to him, he has no power over you! Tell him not today, not today, not here, not now, not in my house!! This house serves the Lord Almighty Christ Jesus!

The beginning of something new; Victory is here!

Today was not just another day, something was different about today, I was determined and made up my mind to make it a great day no matter what. I decided to not let things that are out of my control take away my joy and happiness which I realized ultimately that must come from God. From the very beginning of my day, I woke up just on time to get dressed, brush my teeth and run out of the door (thank God I had showered last night and washed and ironed my hair). I was on my way to school and I had a few minutes to pass by McDonald's and get a delicious-I-am-so-obsessed-with Sausage biscuit with cheese, not very good for my temple I must add (which I knew) and I had actually baked my famous banana-nut-chocolate-chip-bread in order to not buy it and I actually even bought iced-coffee which I served myself a big cup off in order to save $1 at McDonald's. I am at the drive-thru and they are taking forever and a day, machines are down, they are only accepting cash, I must order in the first window and there are five cars in front of me. I wanted to leave, time was passing by, I needed to be in class on time and knew it would take 10-15 minutes to get there, find parking and walk to class.

I finally get to class (5 minutes late) by God's grace the teacher was out making copies. I sat front row like I usually do and started studying and reviewing for the quiz that was about to take place. Normal as usual and just praying to God to forgive me for not studying enough for something I actually enjoy, like, have a passion for and want to know more about and prayed for help but I knew deep inside that I should have read more and did not feel prepared, boy was I begging for the teacher not to come to class and to re-schedule the test but just a few minutes later the professor showed up of course (silly me). At that moment I was just like Lord its on you. Thank God the teacher not only did a review of the quiz but he shared about how God provided for him in the same way God provided manna on a daily basis for Joseph and the Israelite as they were going through the wilderness at a point of his life when he first came from his country. It really encouraged me to depend on God daily for my daily bread not only physically, financially, but spiritual, every single day full dependence on Him and Him alone. I am beyond grateful to God for allowing me to take this old testament history class not only have I learned that this is what matter and that this is the career path I am taking but it has also confirmed my calling and new found passion in this world; Pursuing Jesus.

Let your Light Shine!

Matthew 5:14 Tells us "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make YOU light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand---Shine!

I am so thankful to God for sending Jesus to die on that cross for me to not only be able to live but to be able to have a life where I can share my light with others. This love and light that I have been chosen and given is not at all for me to keep to myself but to share with others. Share what God has done and where he brought me from. I can now smile even when I am in pain, but this pain does not compare to the pain I once felt. I thank God for my transformation. First it was a transformation of the mind which led to transforming heart which led to transforming my actions. Today I sit here at home on a Friday night. 1. Not wanting to be laying at some mans bed that does not belong to me. 2. Not wanting to want to be around so called "friends" who only want you to drink, get high or "hang out". 3. Not wanting to make t-shirts, but actually wanting to read my bible, sit at the feet of Jesus and spend that quality time which is what has gotten me this far. I cannot and will not forget the One who has changed me. I feel bad that people don't believe or understand that Jesus can change your life completely around. I for once have experienced that. I no longer say yes to everyone or continuously eloquently in search of a constant high, either from pleasing others or my flesh. I still struggle with many other things, self control, discipline, organization but I thank God for taking away those things that were not honoring or pleasing to Him little by little, one by one, because He is a patient, loving, merciful, kind, GOD!! The one & only! The Alpha & Omega!

Keep God first, He will never leave you last.

 

Putting God first puts everything else in perspective. Not only that but it makes life worth living, it makes gloomy days brighter and it makes you be the best version of you that He created you to be no matter the storm you are facing or the situation you are in.

 

What I really and exactly mean by putting God first at least in my case is giving Him the first of everything. The first hour of your day, the last hour of your day, your first thoughts are to Him and for Him thanking Him for waking us up and all He has given us. Spending time in His word makes all the difference, that quality 1 on 1 time with Him, nothing and no one compares to that. Seek Him first and He will give you all else!

 

God loves you and me so so much that He will not force us to 1. come to Him 2. Love Him 3. put Him first. He is LOVE. He is Patient, He is Kind, He is not proud, envious or boastful. He does not dishonor us, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs!!!

Our God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth!

He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

His Love never fails!!

 

Thank you Jesus!

Decision making ❤️ Jesus changed my life

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS...

THANK YOU GOD FOR HAVING MY BACK, ALWAYS! <3

Can decision making be hard by God or what?! Oh em gee gee ❤️ I am so thankful to God for sending his son Jesus Christ to die for me.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV)

I wish my parents would have brought me up in the truth of Christ, the discipline and instruction of The Lord, they did not and that pushes me to one day do it with my own. I am thankful I am only 25 years old and met The Lord 3 years ago, I am not perfect and sure knows I want to be but I must come to the conclusion and acceptance that the only perfect one who was and is to come is Jesus Christ our lord & savior. Because of what Christ did for us I will not be quiet and I will not stop sharing what he has done and will continue to do in my life.

I am sure that He that began a good work in me will complete it, I am thankful because although I'm not where I want to be and probably should be I know God has not given up on me just yet, I know I am on my way to greatness, day by day, through the struggles, trials, pain and suffering I will honor God with my life and my body. 

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 

Philippians 1:9, 18-22 ESV

To be continued........

God is Love

 Loving like Jesus loves.

I don't and can't but maybe do, expect you to love me like Jesus loves me. But who am I kidding? Human beings cannot fully love or express love like God the Father and Jesus the son can. We always miss the mark one way or another, we are far from perfect. Whether it be in deed, thought or word.

Only God can provide that love that is so deep, the love that my heart craves, a love that only Jesus the creator of love, can satisfy. Thank you Jesus! You see friends, in the obedience that Jesus showed to the father by going to the cross and sacrificing his life even if he did not feel like it or want to or even how much pain he had to endure he did it, because he knew that's what God had called Him to do so through Him we can all now have a relationship with God like he intended for us to have since the beginning of time.

The greatest commandment we have been given is “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37, 39) because of these commandments, what do you think we must be working every day at doing? Not only seeking, pursuing a relationship with God but also with others! Not only pursuing but loving. What does love mean? 

According to the dictionary the word love is a noun. 

an intense feeling of deep affection. "babies fill parents with intense feelings of love"

synonyms:

deep affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, intimacy, attachment, endearment; devotion, adoration, doting, idolization, worship

According to the bible the meaning of love is that according to 1 Corinthians 13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. ⁸ Love never fails.

This is the way I pray to love and be loved in return.