L.O.V.E

Happy Monday, Everyone!

How was your weekend? 

I had a great weekend. I start my painting projects which I have been wanting to do for awhile but life has been so busy! I will be posting some of them on the blog this week :)

This weekend I was thinking a lot about the word love.

I have talked about it on my blog before- probably numerous times but the more and more I study the Word and get to know Christ more, I am continuously reminded about how important love is. It is the most important principle and responsibility we are given.

Think about it- if you were to enter every situation with love, wanting to understand- a lot of situations would probably end up a lot different than they currently do. 

It may not change the total outcome, but it can definitely change the direction of where the situation is going.

If you look at what love is:

Kind

Hopeful

Protecting

Trusting

Uplifting

Enduring

Forgiving

Understanding

Truthful

Never Failing

Can we say that we enter every situation or relationship with these things always being top of mind? 

I can definitely admit no to that. I sometimes need to be right or get my way to be okay with something. But if I were to look at love, I would instead want to understand and be forgiving instead of wanting it to be my way. 

"Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 peter 4:8

I often think about how forgiving God is. I can literally say "I repent, Lord" and my sins are cast out of God's memory into the depths of the ocean (Micah 7:19; Hebrews 8:12)

Then I think about how hard it is sometimes for me to forgive something that really hurt me. God sent Jesus to die on the cross for us- His beloved son. He died and hurt for my wrongs. 

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:18-19

So, it becomes a duty of mine to forgive- even if it doesn't feel good. To love them like I want to be loved- and how I would want to be treated. 

When we choose love, it opens up doors to so many other great qualities,. qualities of Jesus. Giving, happiness, peace, faithful, kind, understanding, humble, compassionate. 

There is no wrong in love. That's why it is the most important thing.

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:35

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:37-39

Love is a principle of God & also the biggest part of who He is. Think about the person in your life that loves you the most- now picture that person loving you any more and x that by a million. That's not even close to how much God loves you. & He showed that through dying for us. That's truly beautiful.

Have a great rest of your day :)

-A

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God's Dreams Are Bigger

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Per usual, the weekend was much needed for me. I thank God for weekends with no "must do" plans. It allows me to sleep in,  take my time, and go with the flow! 

It was a great weekend spending time with loved ones. It was an all together great weekend. 

One thing that stuck with me this weekend was from something I heard at church. The pastor said "God's dreams are bigger than our dreams."

I sometimes forget about that. I often look at my situation and lose sight of the fact that whatever my dreams are, God's dreams for me are far above that. 

" Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."- Ephesians 3:20

As often as I hear that scripture, I often don't apply it to my everyday life! I look at where I am, get discouraged if I feel I am not where I am supposed to be, and just get into a negative thought spiral instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus knowing He can do above anything I can imagine, in His perfect timing.

I have been down and out about work- it has been stressing me out- but this weekend at church reminded me that God's dreams for me are bigger than my own, He is concerned with every part of my life, and He sure didn't bring me this far to fail me. 

The enemy will try to discourage us with anything he can. Whether if it's to tell us we will never be as good as others, we will never get promoted, or we won't reach our goals- we have to remember they are ALL LIES! 

He has really been trying to get me to believe that I am incapable of being good at my job. But being reminded of God's dreams for me helped me remember that I can do all things through Christ! I have a secret weapon- & that's the creator of ALL things!

By knowing what God's will is for me, it keeps peace in my heart, my eyes on Him, and helps me stay confident in who I am and what my purpose is. 

I am so thankful for Him because He always knows what we need when we need it.

He will never give us more than we can take. It's such a blessing to know we have a Father that will never leave us or forsake us.

I start my week feeling comforted, renewed, and at peace. I am so happy to be in the hands of My Mighty Savior. With Him is where I feel absolutely safe.

God told me to meditate on scripture that reminds me of His will for us. So I decided I want to share it with you, too, so you can be reminded on how much God loves you, how much He cares about every little thing in your life, and how there is no need to worry because we are all in good hands!

Download Now

Have a great Monday!

-A

#OOTD//A New Season

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I sure did! It was relaxing, which is always nice. I was able to make it out to the farmer's market again, catch up on a couple shows, and spend time with friends and family.

With fall fast approaching, it makes me so excited for a new season. Not just a new season weather speaking, but a new season personally. 

Lately, I have been getting the urge to "branch out" and discover new areas that I can place my seed.

I have always been interested in fashion, & with God continually pushing me to break out of my shell and show my talents, I am excited for the things I am dipping into to expand my interests and passions. I have set a big goal and am eager to accomplish it!

A new season brings new goals, new opportunities. I have already made some goals for myself this season that I am excited to challenge myself with. 

1] Take 10,000 steps a day. Seems odd, but I just got a fitbit and want to set a goal that helps ensure I am moving my body an appropriate amount and making sure my body stays active. I think 10,000 steps a day is a good start :)

2] Pray more. I often say that I have a constant relationship with the Lord, where I am talking to Him and Him talking to me. But I have found that I do not often set aside time for formal prayer. Not that I think there is any right way to pray, but I want to set aside time for prayer with just the Lord and I. So I can pray for those who need prayer, pray for myself, and pray for other things I may not "pray" about when I am just talking to Him.

3] Do not get easily offended. I am very sensitive person. Everyone who knows me can testify for me. But the Bible says that love is not easily offended. I really want to practice that part of love. To practice letting things roll of my back. 

4] Be loyal with my savings account. I have a savings, but I want a savings account that is one I don't ever touch. There is a plan where the rules are for whatever week of the year it is, place that amount of money in your bank account. For example, if it is week 1 of the year, that week you put in one dollar. The most you ever put in the bank account is 52 dollars (52 weeks in a year) but at the end of the year you have saved over $1,700. I want to start that so this time next year I will have saved that much. It may not seem like much, but knowing I have christmas present money already saved by this time next year would be a plus. ;)

I don't want to create too many goals where it's not manageable so I think I will stop there :) There are so many things I want to do but like I often say, one step at a time! 

I think my goals focus on key things: Health, Jesus, Love and Finances. Big things in my life! 

I heard a quote last week that said "Your dreams stop being dreams when you make them goals". I can agree with that! So I want to set goals for myself to continue to hold a standard for myself, challenge my abilities and keep achieving things I may have thought I never could. 

What are some goals you want to accomplish this season? 

I hope you have a great week!

-A