Tag Archives: love

Mar3

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For The Other Side (The Reckless Ones, Part 2)

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Today my heart continues be overwhelmed by and with love. Today, the message at Skyline was deep. It wasn’t your everyday message on love and grace…though that’s what it was ultimately about. Today, Pastor Scott spoke in a little more detail about being a reckless lover.

Let’s talk for a moment about loving people like Jesus loved people. After all, isn’t that our mission as believers? Sounds easy enough, right? I’d like to do something Pastor Scott did today – challenge you to think outside the box. We strive to be like Jesus, and love like He loved. That isn’t, however, easy.

Jesus loved the seemingly unlovable. He loved people – all people….even those hard to love. I encourage you to watch today’s video with an open mind, and a heart of love. Ask God to show you how to love like He loved – and to make a difference. Let’s let those who aren’t familiar with Jesus know us by how we love, and not how we hate, nor all the things we stand against. Let’s strive to love like Jesus loved, and be Reckless Ones. Allow this message to challenge your thinking, and help you go more than just skin deep. Love people.

Mar1

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Words

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Words. They make the world go ’round. I’d like to encourage you on something that has been impressed on my heart. Your words are important. They have huge amounts of power. Your words have the power to build up, or the power to tear down.

Always strive to allow your words to be authored by God, and His breath to breathe life into dead situations. Sometimes you may be inclined to think that words are just words. And, they are – to a degree. What may mean absolutely nothing to you, may be the difference of life in death to another person. That’s just the thing. You ALWAYS need to be mindful of what you are saying.

Before reacting, choose your words carefully. Allow yourself time to think about how you would feel, should the conversation be reversed. Always put yourself in someone else’s shoes. If you were down, or for whatever reason, hurting – think of the kinds of words you would like to hear. Never hesitate to spread those words. Those are words filled with life, and filled with love.

In contrast, if you don’t ponder how your words will impact someone, imagine the damage that can be done when you speak words in anger, or out of hatred and/or hurt. Take time to think about your reaction.

The way you react may make an immense difference — but not just in the life of the person you are speaking to — it often will make a bigger impact on yourself.

I encourage you to always strive to speak with love behind your words. Allow God’s heart, and His love to spread like wildfire.

I’m grateful today to be able to choose words that build up, and bring life instead of tearing down and bringing the exact opposite.

Feb26

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful To A God Who Cares Enough

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The following is a story I read online. I am not sure who the author is, but it is a very sweet story. It kind of puts things in perspective. Sometimes all we need is to see things from a different perspective. Take a moment to read through these. Let the FACT that the God of all creation loves you so passionately bring you peace and comfort.

I’m grateful to a God who knows how to take care of me – every time, in every situation.

Me: God, can I ask You a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise You won’t get mad
God: I promise
Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right

Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn’t work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?
God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one
of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that

Me (humbled): OH

GOD: I didn’t let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.

Me: (ashamed)

God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn’t want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn’t afford to miss work.

Me (embarrassed):Okay

God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn’t even let you talk to them so you would be covered.

Me (softly): I see God

God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn’t think you wanted to be in the dark.

Me: I’m Sorry God

God: Don’t be sorry, just learn to Trust Me…. in All things , the Good & the bad.

Me: I will trust You.

God: And don’t doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.

Me: I won’t God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.

God: You’re welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children…

Feb25

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For The Reckless Ones – Part 1

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As I mentioned yesterday, Skyline has just started a new series entitled “The Reckless Ones” and this week was the first installment. This is the message entitled, “Above All Else” — I encourage you to watch this video. Pastor Lance speaks about the character and heart of the early church. He shares about the vital nature and sheer importance of love.

If you are someone, or you know of anyone who has been hurt, who has lost faith in Christianity, or who just needs to be loved simply because they are alive – this is for you. Please take a moment to watch and also share. I’d love to see the heart of the message contained in the video spread like wildfire. If our city / community / state / Nation were to grab hold of this concept, our lives would look very different. Let’s strive to be the change. Love like Jesus loved.

Feb24

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful To Know So Many Reckless Ones

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That’s right. Reckless. Are you a reckless one? In this context, you should aim to be! Skyline Church started a new series entitled, “The Reckless Ones” and I must say I’m very excited to be at a place full of so many reckless ones. It was the early church that took this concept and ran with it. They were reckless in the way that they loved. They cared enough about people – all people – to reach out to them – right where they were…without regard to their own personal safety at times. They let love lead the way. Their actions centered around this concept that love was and is the most important thing.

May I learn to be more like the reckless ones of the early church. In the process of attempting to be more like Jesus, and love like He loved – I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many reckless ones in and around Skyline Church.

Feb21

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Resolve

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I am thankful today for ongoing and continued resolve.

There is nothing in this life that is worthy of your giving up.  I do not mean a bad habit, or anything of that nature. (Those, I firmly believe you also have the strength to deal with as well though.) Instead, I’m referring to those things that may have you shaking your head – wondering if life is worth it, or will ever change. I mean, you. Don’t ever even consider giving up on yourself.  You are worth fighting for.

The ongoing resolve screams “keep going” even in the face of uncertain circumstances.

My friends, if you find yourself with any of these thoughts or similar struggles today, I encourage you to reach out.  Though you may at times feel lonely, I want to assure you – you are not alone. You do not have to walk through life alone. If you’d like to talk about it, please let me know. You can post below in comments or send me a message via my “contact me” page.

Feb19

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Perspective

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Today I saw something online that really caught my eye. This really speaks volumes to me – for many reasons. I was grateful today to just see this perspective explained. It really is true. I encourage you to read and really understand the message below.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Thhink about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

Wise, wise words – my friends. Take this message with you and remember it always.

If you are at a place right now where you’re finding it hard to hold on, or where holding onto something is hurting you – please don’t hesitate to reach out. YOU are worth it. Your heart and your emotions – so very worth it. Sometimes there are things in our life that hurt us, and it might seem painful even to put those things down. You might be holding onto someone, or even a relationship that causes you pain. It might be time to put that glass down. Allow yourself the opportunity to heal. Don’t hold onto things so tightly, and for so long that it multiplies and causes such pain and heartbreak.

If you are at that place right now, know that you are not alone. If you’d like to talk about it, to ask for prayer or to just plain vent – don’t hesitate to comment in the comments below, or send me a message via my contact me page. I’ll look forward to connecting.

Feb18

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful That Somebody Is Praying Me Through

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Yesterday, I wrote an open and honest account of how I was feeling – and just the emotions that surrounded that. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read – but more than that, for taking the time to pray. Please know you have my gratitude. I have received words of support and encouragement from many of you – and I am grateful more than there are words. This is the beginning to a beautiful new day. In fact, I already shared one blog post that talks about a song that means a great deal to me. It’s referenced in this title as well. Knowing that you are not alone – and that you have people to lean on when you don’t feel the strength to stand firm on your own — that, my friends, is what the body of Christ is all about.

So, it is with gratitude that I say thank you for being part of the many “somebody’s” who are praying me through. Our God is good. He is faithful 100% of the time. His hands are not small that they cannot reach me. All of the things from yesterday are still real, and still there. However, with God – and the beautiful people He’s blessed me to do life together with – I am still standing. All these things are in His hands.

Thank you for your friendship and support – but especially for your prayers. Please connect and let me know how I can be praying with you as well! It’s an honor to do life with you.

Feb14

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For A Love and Marriage Worth Fighting For, Especially Today

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Today is Valentine’s Day. There are so many things worth fighting for in life – love being paramount. Love is such a special thing – and celebrating it should take place year ’round — not just on this day. However, since today is a day in celebration of this, I wanted to talk about love a little bit.

I am truly blessed to know love. First and foremost – love from the creator of the Heavens and the Earth. To experience even a fraction of His love has enabled me to reach out and love others in a way I didn’t always even understand myself. It’s hard to reach out in love when you don’t fully grasp it yourself. God’s redeeming love is life-changing. His love has opened my eyes to see things in a different light. My marriage, for example. It isn’t perfect. (I’d like to meet the couple who says theirs is!) However, it is something worth fighting for.

Learning to reach out in love, and to see things through eyes not just my own – priceless! I think that is key – allowing yourself to look through someone else’s eyes. When you do not agree or even understand another person’s point of view, do you even attempt to see both sides of the coin? Do you want to know how or why they feel how they do? I have seen interesting things happen when I take the time – and I really mean make a concerted effort – to care enough to see both sides of the conversation. It makes a difference.

I’m thankful to God for helping me reach out in love – today and always.

Feb13

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Peace

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I’m thankful for peace in and through a variety of situations. Today, I am thankful for the ability to smile and remain at peace when I walked up to the “patient registration” counter to pre-register – only to be told that my appointment wasn’t today, it was tomorrow instead. Evidently they rescheduled it (I had the paper they sent me with the “right” date/time in hand) and forgot to tell me! That said, I just smiled, thanked him, and called the doctor’s office directly. Yes, there had been a mis-communication. I seem to have a knack at being on the receiving end of those. But, truth be told, I’m not complaining. I am not actually looking forward to tomorrow’s appointment, as much as I AM looking forward to it getting over with.

All in all, though, I really am grateful to God – as, I am learning peace in such a special way through all of this. That, and thankful that He is helping me see the need for grace in so many areas, and in so many places.