We’ve Got the Power! It’s Pentecost Sunday!

Happy Birthday to YOU! Today is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church. So, it is YOUR birthday, because you ARE the Church going and coming. At every birthday celebration, a gift always shows up! This day of celebration commemorates the Gift of the Holy Spirit to us. And what a gift He was AND is to us today!

Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter) -- the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and others in the Upper Room. They were in one accord in one place. We, the Church, need a Pentecost today! To turn from blame and shame to Godly, courageous, bold witnesses for Christ. To become people of compassion, kindness, and love for each other. In a world of violence and cultural unrest, if ever we needed a Pentecost, it is today!

Pentecost fulfilled Jesus' promise "to send the Holy Spirit to you!" (John 16:5-15). It launched Peter as a powerful witness for Christ. How did he go from being cowardly to courageous, from being frightened to fearless? How did he go from denying Jesus to defending Jesus? It was the power of Pentecost that made the difference in his life. And that is the same power we need in our lives if the Church is to have a positive and lasting impact upon the world. Peter was changed. (Acts 4:13)

Acts 2:41 records that Peter spoke to the crowd and 3,000 people were baptized. Power-less to power-full! And that’s what Holy Spirit does for us, too! My story is similar to Peter's. I was weak, timid and afraid, but because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life, I weathered and overcame many storms in my life. The Holy Spirit gives me the power and confidence to share the Good News boldly and unafraid. The power of the Holy Spirit is available to anyone who is a believing and obedient Christian and who desires the fullness of God’s Spirit.

The moment we received Christ, the Holy Spirit not only came to live in us, but He also imparted the power to overcome the enemy’s tactics. "Be filled" means to allow the Holy Spirit to produce His attitudes and actions in the life of the believer. We received amazing gifts of the Holy Spirit when we received Christ and a big bushel of fruit. Galatians 5:22: "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

The change this world needs begins with you and me. When we point to others, there are four fingers pointing back to us. "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin in me!" Won’t you pray this prayer to be changed and empowered to be bold witnesses of God's love through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?

“Dear Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, I know You live in me. I know that You are my helper, my counselor, my confidant, my comforter and my peace. I ask You to take complete control of my life. I ask for Your gifts and fruit to be evident in my life. Lord, I ask that You fill me to overflowing with Your precious Holy Spirit. Baptize me from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet – the same way You filled those in the Upper Room. I ask You for a radical transformation like the disciples had when they went from fear, anxiety, and timidity to empowered people of faith, boldness, and courage. Come Holy Spirit! Consume me! I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

I’m Ashamed of Us

Not my usual “raindrops on roses" blog title, is it? There’s a reason. My blog on Monday, and blogs since then, have been very family-and-self-minded. My motives were pure in that I hoped to exemplify the blessings of enjoying God’s creation, family and family fun. As well, desiring to encourage others to slow down or to stop and be still so we can hear and see God’s goodness and mercy in full array. Seriously, our family uses that time to shut out the world and focus on us and Him.

But, that’s part of why I’m ashamed. My granddaughter, an avid Instagram follower and poster, on Wednesday, asked: “Nana, did you hear about the man that was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis?” I hadn’t. She proceeded to tell me the back-story to George Floyd’s death, perpetrated by the officer who had his knee on his neck and wouldn’t release him even when he was saying he couldn’t breathe. Maybe I expressed some sadness, but certainly not to the measure that this incident deserved. I casually dismissed it from my mind. I’m so ashamed.

I’m back home and the visibility of what happened is on all media. I watched three black ministers and one white minister detailing the incident and the shame of it all on a Christian talk show. The black host, Clifton Davis, former “Amen” actor, was compelling in leading the discussion. The white minister, Rich Wilkerson Sr., had little to say. He just cried and expressed, like I am, shame. The panel each spoke to the options we have as Christians, which includes operating in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. One of the black ministers encouraged white ministers to start speaking up more about respect, honor, and dignity of the human race at large.

And, I agree. This is a human race issue. It is a “kindness” issue. It is a “love others” issue. It is a deep-look-inside-ourselves issue. We cannot just sit back, close our eyes and hope that everything’s gonna’ be alright. We can’t just let others “fight the good fight” or to offer a mediocre prayer. It's about all of us speaking up and out about daily choices.

We can live with the chaos and negativity and assaults on our brothers and sisters OR we can treat God’s children as the absolute priceless treasures that they are by speaking up and out for them. Enough is enough. We can be Good Samaritans. We can be good neighbors. We can be the peacemaker in the midst of family disagreements. We can walk away from a group that is telling inappropriate jokes and stories. Violence in movies, video-games, and tv shows we watch, the music we listen to, and the sensitive or insensitive conversations we have with others all determine which side of the camp we'll be on. Peace or anger. Love or hate. Philippians 4:8 says it best: "Keep practicing those things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy. THEN, the God of peace will be with you."

And, finally, back to this scripture which is for the pandemic, the chaos in politics, in conditions of the heart and soul, and conflict in our society and in our homes, please heed these words: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Lord, please forgive us. Please forgive me for my lack of concern, my lack of compassion, my lack of speaking up for my fellow man and woman. Tenderize my heart to be as loving, caring and tender-hearted as Your heart. We pray for a uniting of our hearts as Your children – as brothers and sisters in the Family of God. In Mandisa’s song, she sings: “We all bleed the same. We're more beautiful when we come together. We all bleed the same. So tell me why, tell me why, we're divided. If we're gonna’ fight, let's fight for each other. If we're gonna’ shout, let love be the cry.”
Hear our cry to love, oh Lord, we pray. Amen.

Clean Up. Clean Out. Clean In.

It was Thanksgiving morning and my family were all coming in for our annual festivities. I was in the kitchen and getting my turkey ready for the oven. I walked over to my dining room table and the sun was coming in like a force-field. And, what to my wandering eyes would appear -- under my table, was a whole lotta dust and specs that I obviously missed on my recent floor cleaning. I quickly swept it all out.

A dear friend came in and spent the night at my home. When we walked into my living area the next morning, the sun was beaming in through my windows that face East. When we looked out -- oh, my -- we could see every spec of dirt and mire on those windows. It’s amazing what the sunshine will reveal on windows AND what the Son-shine will reveal in our lives.

About this time of year, many of us start to think about “Spring Cleaning”. We accumulate so much clutter (you know those little corners where we stack up mail, flyers and magazines), that we start getting weary from just walking by that corner. We need to CLEAN-UP! Then there’s the closets full of winter wear – boots, coats, gloves, hats – squeezed in so tight we couldn’t get another item in it. We need to CLEAN-OUT! Then there’s the attic that bears our seasonal decorations, unused furniture, hunting equipment, years and years of tax records and more building materials than you could shake a stick at! Okay, I just described our attic just after my Sweetheart graduated to heaven. When I climbed those stairs and looked in the attic, I hollered “RONALD WUERCH, how could you leave without cleaning out this mess?” LOL!

And, CLEAN-IN – this season of Lent (the 40-days that start on Wednesday, February 26th and lead to Resurrection Sunday). This time is more about “cleaning in” than cleaning out. Self-examination about the funk and junk that could be hindering a squeaky, clean heart that is a pure and honorable vessel for the Holy Spirit’s habitation. Our utmost desire should be to become so “clean” that the Galatians 5 “roto-rooter” cleans ours hearts out of the hatred, anger, fighting, jealousy, gossiping, criticizing, complaining, selfishness, etc. Bottom line…..it’s clean up, clean out and clean in time for those of us who sincerely desire that our hearts abound in “the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22).

You know how a fresh, clean house feels? Shouldn't we desire that fresh, clean house feel, inside AND out in our lives? It comes by asking the Master Cleaner (Holy Spirit) to come more than once a month to clean. We want Him to show up every day to remind us: "Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has CLEAN hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3,4)

“Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

Love and Marriage and Love

"Love and Marriage" seemed to have been the themes in church services I attended on Sunday. The first inspiring message I heard delved into what causes divorce and one of the first reasons was because they starting saying the word “divorce”. The minister said when couples say their vows and make lifelong commitments together, then “divorce” should never be an option. He said, “From the very beginning, remove the word “divorce” from your vocabulary. People do not look for a door where one does not exist.” Mark 10:9 -- “Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.” Good advice!

He further said, “Every morning, wake up with choosing to bear the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Imagine
how precious marriage can be when each one is filled up with those juicy and delectable fruit.

Then, Sunday night, the minister spoke about following God’s rules. In the Old Testament, the rule to Abraham was: “I am the One True God. Follow me.” To Moses, He gave the 10 Commandments. But then Jesus came and He stepped it up. In His Sermon on the Mount, He gave the Beatitudes in which our dispositions change from the outward following to an inward heart change that says “I want to”… .Jesus said “You have heard ‘You shall not kill’, but He expanded it to ‘You shall not be angry’; Instead of “Do not commit adultery”, He expanded it to “Do not even look at another with lust” and He expanded “Do not take a false oath”, He expanded it to saying our vows mean “Divorce should not be an option. Put a stake in the ground.” Such powerful words for couples AND individuals in our desire to be faithful, true and devoted followers of Christ in our marriages and even in our single lives.

Finally, our pastor invited couples, in honor of St. Valentine’s having been celebrated during the week, to stand up. I nudged the man in front of me to stand up even though his wife couldn’t make the service. As he was standing up, Pastor said “Even if your spouse isn’t here, stand up!” So, I stood up, too! And, as he was praying over these couples and their commitments to each other and their support of each other, I realized “Oops! He was speaking to those who have LIVING spouses." I laughed at myself for standing. When the prayer was over, I turned to my friend and said, “Oops, my husband is in heaven! I assure you! We get along really well now!" Oh me!

My own final words for thought and application to you who are married: Live like there is no tomorrow. Live with no regrets. Be writing your love story every day so that when you or your loved one steps over to heaven’s side and awaits you there, you’ll carry with you so many precious memories of undying passion and your never-ending love story right on into eternity. I did and I do. Eternity awaits me AND you!

Are we Known by our Appealing or Appalling Fruit?

How easy it is to judge the likes of folks whose poor attitude, angry spirit and crankiness seems to bring a dark cloud with them when they step into the room. We randomly judge someone when they’ve made a bad decision that you warned them not to make or maybe we judge an outfit someone wore, a new hairstyle, the lack of someone’s personal pride, the way they handle their business affairs, and the good or bad language they speak. Whew! Oftentimes, it’s a workout to keep from being judgmental especially when we see the “fruit” of the actions of some of those folks.

But Jesus set the record straight about judging. He said in Matthew 7:1 “Judge not so you won’t be judged.” Yikes! I sure don’t want to be judged. On the other hand, maybe we should be Fruit Inspectors -- especially when we see fruit that causes us to check out our own fruit as to whether what others see in us is sweet and tasty fruit. Matthew 7:20 – “Therefore, by their fruits, you will know them.”

Having love for some unlovable folks, finding peace in the midst of chaos, experiencing joy when folks may be getting on our last nerve -- can be quite a feat any time, but most certainly, since the election of 2016, we’ve been given all kinds of opportunities to decide. Is it love or hate, peace or anger, bitterness or happiness, crankiness or joyfulness? Remembering the scripture… "What the heart is full of....the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45) Doesn’t that give us pause for giving ourselves a good old fruit inspection?

When we opened the door of our hearts to God....He walked through the door with a treasure chest full of everything we would need to overcome and be successful in every area of our life. And, it is He Who inspects our fruit and says to us: I'm not asking you to be their Fruit Inspector. I'm asking you to inspect your own fruit." That's when I know God is telling me to amp up that fruit in my own life -- to be sure that what my heart is full of, bears the Fruit of the Spirit qualities: Galatians 5:22,23 "But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control."

Let's be sure to pass the test on the fruits we are bearing. After all, as believers, we know Holy Spirit is in us so we already have the good soil, fertilizer, nutrients and everything else we need to be choice, bright, luscious, sweet, refreshing, top quality FRUIT bearers to a world that could sure use some.

Being Careful but NOT Judgmental

I want to be very careful with my words today because I cringe with the thought that I could sound judgmental. I don't get into politics much, though I am adamant in my position which I think is obvious for Who I follow -- our Abundant Life Provider (John 10:10). Maybe I'm naiive because I assume that those I chum with at church, events and various organizations follow my set of values, principles and God's ways according to His Word. But, shock and awe -- not everyone sees my way of thinking! How can it be? 😉

Such was the case when a friend expressed that she is pro-choice and anti most everything else I stand for. I could have been knocked over with a gentle breeze. I was numb, couldn't even respond and just walked away. A week later I heard that my walk-away meant that I was mad. I quickly asked for forgiveness for the impression I left. At first I thought I'd provide a list of reasons for my position, but then I thought "What would Jesus do?" And, immediately the Fruit of the Spirit -- the qualities that I want "fruitful" in my life, came to mind. So, I expressed my appreciation and love and that "our politics and persuasions" don't make a difference in that love. Between you and me, I'm praying that God will draw her to Himself and clarity comes to her.

Here's what I know. I know we shouldn't judge others, lest we be judged (Matthew 7:1-3). But, I figure it's quite alright to inspect the fruit in my own life and be my own "fruit inspector". I can judge me. Matthew 7:20 says "Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them." WOW! That’s how we’re recognized as devoted followers of Christ, or not. By our "fruit". So as fruit inspectors, first, we need to pass the test on the fruit we, ourselves, are bearing. It will be obvious, not by judging, but by inspecting where people are at by the fruit they bear also.

It is "fruit bearing" season. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23) I'm checking out the "freshness" of my fruit even as I type this blog. As we experience the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, those beautiful attributes and characteristics of the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit will thrive and flourish in our lives. As believers, we know Holy Spirit is in us so we already have the good soil, fertilizer, nutrients and everything else we need to be good FRUIT bearers.

With all the craziness of politics and a world of unrest and pain, we can still find beautifully, mixed-in times of thanksgiving and gratitude. It's the perfect time to settle down to be drawn into a place of intimacy with God and inspect the good or bad fruit we may be bearing. Perhaps, a self-fruit-introspection is what will make us true "Fruit of the Spirit" fruit bearers that cause others to desire that fruit in their own lives, too. Lord, let it be!

Taking the High Ground With Kindness

After I finished my blog and posted it about “watching our words on the battlefield”, yesterday, I read this daily email from a ministry. It was the “icing on the cake” of what I had said in my blog: “I call you, My people, to be kind to one another. The world is filled with selfishness and hatred. But you belong to Me and not to the world. When you become one with Me, your attitudes will reflect My heart and not yours. And the fruit of My Spirit will be evident in all that you are and all that you do, says the Lord." "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Those words pack a punch, don’t they? I reeled them in my heart --.hopefully to stay there, germinate and then produce a bumper crop of those fruit – especially the “kindness” fruit. Yep! That’s a fruit I needed a couple of days ago – before my blog, yesterday. From hearing way too much irritating smack talk that I “shushed” that person with fingers to my mouth. To someone else, I really wanted to retaliate (but didn’t) when they opposed my way-of-thinking. And to another, I even let casual words slip out that “stung” them enough to end a conversation. Holy kindness, Lord, I pray!

What in the world? I’m that on-purpose gal who does her best to never get my “panties in a wad”, but that day I did. Eventually, I realized the enemy was setting me up for a crummy day. Those are his tactics – it’s not just one little incident, but incidents -- multiplied. But, he is such a loser that he doesn’t get that those of us who are the blood-bought, filled-with-the-Holy Spirit, strivers to improve our love-walk daily – recognize him. We take that nonsense long enough and, in my case, I turn it into a blog that teaches a better way – God's way of handling opposition. You messed with the wrong girl, devil!

I love this quote Joyce Meyer says about herself: “Each morning, before getting out of bed, I pray that I will love and be kind to everyone today. But, then I get up and encounter people!” That hits home. I live by myself so, really, I should be okay, but then again, I know myself enough that I need to stay on guard for myself to keep ME out of trouble!

If anyone should speak on behalf of staying in tune with the Holy Spirit, it’s the Apostle Paul. He wrote these words: “Ask God to bless those who persecute you — yes, ask Him to bless, not to curse”. (Romans 12:14). We all have people in our lives that require extra grace from us. They annoy, anger, frustrate, and test us. But they also help us grow. God calls us to demonstrate mercy and kindness to everyone -- even those who cause us the most trouble. And being Spirit-led people who have the fruit of the Spirit in us, we just get "kindness" out of the fruit basket and refuse to be offended. Most of all we purpose to always take the higher ground. Proof positive of being fruit bearers!

When we take the high ground, we can see past the behavior of others. When we take the high ground, we rise above the irritation and the conflict and choose to live in peace and to be loving and kind fruit bearers.

Ronald Reagan said it well: "Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God."

Comfort Blanket Helps Lead Loyola University to the Sweet Sixteen

Since I posted a few days ago about THE COMFORTER, I've had two more occasions to reinforce what I was saying. This was USA Today's headline on March 15th: “NCAA tournament 2018: Loyola-Chicago gets inspiration from 98-year-old nun”. Loyola was able to pull off the first upset of March Madness in dramatic fashion. The 98-year-old longtime nun and chaplain of Loyola University’s men’s basketball team sat at the corner of the basketball court as the jubilant players for Loyola-Chicago celebrated their 64-62 victory, upsetting Miami to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. If she wasn’t restricted to a wheelchair, Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt surely would have joined the fun. Sister Jean, the longtime team chaplain, could barely contain her own glee inside the American Airlines Center. “Thank God, thank God we did it,’’ she said at the end of the televised broadcast. “We just knew we would do this. Our team is so great and they don’t care who makes the points as long as we win the game."

The team's coach was quick to credit her: "Sister Jean is our team chaplain and she's our COMFORT BLANKET. She just has so much spirit. She's got an unbelievable energy level to her that I connect with." The coach added: "You know how much she's praying for you. You know how much she's doing for you and she means the world to this university and our team." I love that "Comfort Blanket" analogy. I'm quite certain Holy Spirit inside that beautiful woman is her "power source".

Since I posted a few days ago about THE COMFORTER, I've had two more occasions to reinforce what I was saying. This was USA Today's headline on March 15th: “NCAA tournament 2018: Loyola-Chicago gets inspiration from 98-year-old nun”. Loyola was able to pull off the first upset of March Madness in dramatic fashion. The 98-year-old longtime nun and chaplain of Loyola University’s men’s basketball team sat at the corner of the basketball court as the jubilant players for Loyola-Chicago celebrated their 64-62 victory, upsetting Miami to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. If she wasn’t restricted to a wheelchair, Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt surely would have joined the fun. Sister Jean, the longtime team chaplain, could barely contain her own glee inside the American Airlines Center. “Thank God, thank God we did it,’’ she said at the end of the televised broadcast. “We just knew we would do this. Our team is so great and they don’t care who makes the points as long as we win the game."

The team's coach was quick to credit her: "Sister Jean is our team chaplain and she's our COMFORT BLANKET. She just has so much spirit. She's got an unbelievable energy level to her that I connect with." The coach added: "You know how much she's praying for you. You know how much she's doing for you and she means the world to this university and our team." I love that "Comfort Blanket" analogy. I'm quite certain Holy Spirit inside that beautiful woman is her "power source".

When I read that headline and article, I remembered the question someone asked me, “I’m confused about the Holy Spirit. I hear people talking about it and it scares me.” I explained “Actually Holy Spirit isn’t an “it”. Holy Spirit is a person -- the 3rd person of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit was given to live inside of the life of a believer in Jesus Christ in order to produce God's character in the life of a believer in a way that we cannot do on our own. The Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rather than TRYING to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him to produce those qualities in our lives. We are told as Christians to walk in the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit. I loved hearing about Loyola's COMFORT BLANKET. That precious nun is no doubt filled to overflowing with God’s Spirit which enables her to be that comfort blanket to others.

I saw another beautiful analogy of the Holy Spirit when I heard a young mom and a professional in the business world, give a beautiful but very emotional talk. As tears rolled down her face, I saw a lovely older woman go behind her and wrap her arms around her waist. The speaker calmed down, relaxed and carried on eloquently. That sweet older woman became her COMFORT BLANKET. That analogy spoke to me of how Holy Spirit is our COMFORT BLANKET. John 14:16-18 (Amplified Bible) says it so beautifully: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener), to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come to you."

Maybe you need a COMFORT BLANKET sitting in your corner, cheering you on in the games of life that you're playing in. As a believer in Jesus Christ, professing Him as your Lord and Savior, He is in your corner in the person of the Holy Spirit Who lives in you and is there to be your Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor and Strengthener. Acknowledge His presence and experience His warm and cozy Blanket of Comfort.

Our WORDS Matter

If you follow my blog or my Facebook posts you know that I’ve determined to have a “word of the day” every day this year. Having that focus has sure helped me with my subject matter. God highlights a word to me and then I run with it. My WORD today is WORD: a single, distinct, element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence. That sounds innocent enough. Right? Oh, but our WORDS matter!

Our WORDS convey who we are and what’s in our hearts. “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45) I watched Billy Graham's funeral service online yesterday. Whenever I’ve heard his name mentioned, since his passing and before, he was the good man that this scripture described.
Like Billy Graham, may our hearts be filled with good things and when we speak…..people listen to those words and are refreshed and encouraged because of them. May we be God's instruments of peace and love when we speak not hate.

God, Himself, proved that WORDS matter. He started out this massive universe with creative WORDS “Let there be light, and there was light”. (Genesis 1:3). It’s been a great learning experience to look up word definitions, but to also take those WORDS to heart to help make me that good woman who brings good things out of her heart. Our WORDS matter.

Aren't these some of those good words? “I love you, you’re important to me, thank you so much, how can I repay you, you look really nice today, I’m so sorry, I forgive you, I like your new hair style, great job, this place wouldn’t be the same without you, I’m so proud of you, you are irreplaceable, you brighten up the room when you come in.”

And then there are those words that produce just the opposite: “I hate you, you're stupid, I am such a LOSER!, you are hopeless, I wish you had never been born, I wish I were dead, you make me sick, I will never forgive you, I want a divorce, nobody cares about you, I’ll never speak to you again.”

“Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.” (Proverbs 18:21). We were made in God’s image. He created this world with His words. We, too, create with our words. We can usher in praise when the world seems to crumble around us. We can bring hope when everything seems hopeless. We can soothe a troubled heart, when someone is in despair. We can bring LIFE with our words.

In our lifetime, we could fill a library with the words we speak, and if we did, what would the titles of those books be? Our words have a powerful influence on others. God is looking for messengers of hope, faith and love and He wants our WORDS to be on target each day doing just that.

Proverbs 16:24 says "Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb— sweet to the soul and healing for the body." Don't we want pleasant words to come from our hearts and mouths that reflect God’s character in our actions. Whether we are talking with a store cashier or interacting with those we do everyday life with, don't we want to work towards being men and women who display Godly character and who possess the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to be evident through our words?

Whether our day goes smooth as glass or is rocky and bumpy, may God’s messages of truth have such an impact on us that our hearts and mouths produce "soft and sweet words.....so that if we have to eat them, we'll be eating yummy, delectable treats.

Do They Know Us By Our Fruit?

My inspiration for today’s post was seeing my sweet granddaughter's post yesterday. She said, “Doing my civic duty! Proud to be an American, where we the people have a voice!” I loved that and I love “her voice” – one that is kind and giving, with desire to do her part. A juror gets to judge. But what about the rest of us?

How easy it is to judge the likes of folks whose poor attitude, angry spirit and crankiness seems to bring a dark cloud with them when they come into the room. We randomly judge someone when they’ve made a bad decision that you warned them not to make or maybe we judge an outfit someone wore, a new hairstyle, the lack of someone’s personal pride, the way they handle their business affairs, and the good or bad language they speak. Whew! Oftentimes, it’s a workout to keep from being judgmental especially when we see the “fruit” of the actions of some of those folks.

But Jesus set the record straight about judging. He said in Matthew 7:1 “Judge not so you won’t be judged.” Yikes! I sure don’t want to be judged. On the other hand, maybe we should be Fruit Inspectors -- especially when we see fruit (rotten fruit at that – okay, forgive me, that’s judging) that causes us to check out our own fruit as to whether what others see in us is sweet and tasty fruit.

Having love for some unlovable folks, finding peace in the midst of chaos, experiencing joy when folks may be getting on our last nerve -- can be quite a feat any time, but most certainly, in the last several weeks, we’ve been given all kinds of opportunities to decide. Is it love or hate, peace or anger, bitterness or happiness, crankiness or joyfulness? Remembering the scripture… "What the heart is full of....the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45)? Doesn’t that give us pause for giving ourselves a good old fruit inspection?

When we opened the door of our hearts to God....He walked through the door with a treasure chest full of everything we would need to overcome and be successful in every area of our life. We do our best to resist judging, and, then I clearly got the message "I'm not asking you to be their Fruit Inspector. I'm asking you to inspect your own fruit." That's when I know God is telling me to amp up that fruit in my own life -- to be sure that what my heart is full of, bears the Fruit of the Spirit qualities: Galations 5:22,23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control."

When I said that God is calling us to be FRUIT inspectors, that applies to Matthew 7:20 – “Therefore, by their FRUITS, you will know them.” WOW – that’s how we’re recognized as devoted followers of Christ…OR NOT -- by our FRUITS. So as FRUIT inspectors….first, we need to pass the test on the FRUITS we, ourselves, are bearing.

It really is the season for "Fruit Bearing”. After all, as believers, we know Holy Spirit is in us so we already have the good soil, fertilizer, nutrients and everything else we need to be choice, bright, luscious, sweet, refreshing, top quality FRUIT bearers to a world that could sure use some.

Good Thing God Never Changes…..Because I Sure Do!

I remember how much I wanted to gain weight when I was a teenager. I was so skinny they called me “beanpole”. I even took Raquel Welch's recommendation and took “Wate-On” tablets (for real) because I wanted to look like my peers who had already “filled out” quite nicely (at least in my eyes, they had)." Oh, but things changed. Now I pay close attention to what I eat, how much I eat, and being sure to stay active so that I DON’T gain weight. LOL!

I remember when I oiled my body from head to toe and laid out in the sun to get a tan. Now, I wear 50+ sunblock IF I go out in the sun.

I remember wearing the highest heels. I told someone last week when I was looking for some new shoes with the very low wedge heels, “I’ve graduated from that class (she was buying some stiletto heels), now these are my new "high"!"

I’m guessing that like me, you’ve either just come out of a season of change, or are entering a season of change. And, your changes are even more monumental than the ones I mentioned. It might be your youngest child just graduated from high school. You might be moving to another state or looking for a new job. It might even be your spouse recently passed away.

Change has a way of swirling in and around our lives. Just when we willingly, or even hesitantly, make the adjustments, more changes come. And whether we like the new that’s come, or wish we could run and hide, our feelings don’t change the inevitable.

Facing another change, and handling it well, requires us to be people of great dependence in He Who changes NOT. Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I change not….”

Just maybe, times of transition are God’s way of setting us up for the opportunity to grow into WHO He WANTS us to become.

I’m learning. I can allow the pressure of transition to transform me. I can permit the rain AND the sunshine in my life to grow His fruit in me. I can daily dish out the fruit found in Galatians 5:22 “The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

In the process of change, WHO are we becoming? During the planting, watering and weeding of change, if we will be faithful during each season, we’ll see beauty grow in our lives. As we lean into God, asking for strength through the peace or through the pain, He will make us into who He’s intended for us to become: We can become God’s definition of BEAUTIFUL.

The Purer the Vessel, the Greater the Flow

Think about those who must have Coronary Artery Bypass surgery because one or more blocked coronary arteries are preventing normal blood flow. Then on a less physical note, consider a kitchen sink pipe that becomes clogged because of an abundance of grease or other substances. But, most important are our vessels (our spirits) that become filled with kunk and junk that prevents a free flow of God's joy, peace, love and all the other Fruit of the Spirit from flowing in our lives.

We all desire God's ultimate "stamp of approval" on our lives. There are times when it's easy, and even seemingly harmless, to make little compromises in doing the RIGHT thing. You know... when we lose our patience with the cashier who is taking FOREVER to check out customers because she talks so much or when we falter in our ability to love those who are so unlovely to us, or watching "dark" and "immoral" movies or TV shows, or gossiping or telling little white lies. It's the little things, that over time, that cause our consciences to become seared, and what was once a clean, pure vessel, now starts getting clogged and that free flow of God's blessings with a joy-filled, peace-filled life, and God's "stamp of approval" seem to be held back.

Again, this is that "tweaking" and "course correction" time, when we realize the LITTLE THINGS do matter. Don't we want the flow out of us to others to be abundant in encouragement, comfort, joy and love? And, don't we want God's flow back to us to be the same?

It just makes sense to get out God's roto-rooter to clean-out and purify our vessels -- our pipelines -- because, "The purer the vessel -- the greater the flow!" Oh how I desire that flow -- freely flowing -- in and out of my life! How about you?

Keep Your Words Soft and Sweet

Last week I called an 800 number to get info on an online product. After a long wait in the queue, my conversation with the customer service rep was upbeat and informative, until I told the agent that I'd need to call back once I've made up my mind about ordering the product. That's when the conversation went south and she went into a Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde mode. She angrily said, "You mean you're not ordering the product? You've wasted my time. I could have been helping someone that wanted to order. You should have called customer service!" Of course, with my tone of voice making it clear how frustrated I was at her attitude, I said "Are you kidding me? I thought I did call customer service. It was the only number I saw and you are the most rude customer service agent I've ever talked to. You need a course on customer service skills! What is your name?" She told me but it was probably a bogus name. She hung up on me. Whew!

I really don't think that unhappy gal was following standard procedures. But the more I thought about her, I really do think she needed to meet her sales quota for the day, and I interrupted her progress. And, she may have been under tremendous pressure in her home and business life.

Later that same day, I encountered a long wait in line at a store and while I was inwardly going through the thoughts "Why don't they get another check-out clerk? And, why are there three store clerks in a huddle just chatting away?" Frustrations were mounting in my little picture-perfect day.....until . . . I started thinking about the fact that I’d acted almost the same way with the rude and frustrated customer service agent. Now I was having to do a self analysis. I was regretting my impatience and lack of sensitivity now at this store, but to that agent who was, perhaps, having a tough day.

Before MY call, she probably had another caller who "wasted her time" -- especially if she is paid only by commission on what she closes. Suddenly, I felt sorry for her. I imagined her packing up her things at the end of another long day and heading home. A home where she had to face her own daily aggravations, frustrations, and to-do lists.

That’s when it hit me. While on the phone, I never pictured her as a person. To me, she was just a voice on the other end of the phone that was causing me extreme frustration.How might my reaction have been different if I’d stopped to think about her as a woman just like me? What might it be like to be her, to live her life, and to have to go to her job every day?

I really think God was trying to get my attention to be more aware of my reactions. More aware of handling daily frustrations in a way that reflects a heart that loves the Lord.

Proverbs 16:24 says "Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb— sweet to the soul and healing for the body." I want pleasant words to come from my heart that is humble enough to reflect God’s character in my actions and reactions. Whether I am talking with a customer service rep or interacting with those I do everyday life with, I want to work towards being a woman who displays godly character. I want the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to be evident.

Whether my day goes smooth as glass or is rocky and bumpy, may God’s messages of truth have such an impact on me that my heart and my mouth produce "soft and sweet words.....so that if I have to eat them, I'll be eating yummy, delectable treats. How about you?

JUST DO IT

Day 308 of Photo Inspirations -- JUST DO IT!
Yesterday's Bible Study was on the Fruit of the Spirit's quality of Faithfulness.   What does "faithfulness" look like to you?  If God is our standard for faithfulness, then we have a lot to measure up to.  Just the thought of His faithfulness, overwhelms me.  He never gives up on us.  He's ALWAYS there for us. We never have to question His fidelity, loyalty and integrity.  He just DOES IT!

Nike's slogan "Just Do It" is a good slogan for Faithfulness -- just doing it -- the right thing -- no matter what.  Doing it regardless of feelings, moods or desires.  

Of course, we look to God for His strength on a daily basis.  Every day we're tempted to give excuses for NOT DOING IT.  We're tired, so we say “I can’t do it.”  We're just plain lazy, so we say, "I don’t want to do it."  We're feeling hopeless, so we say, "It doesn’t matter if I do it.  Why try?"  We procrastinate, so we say, “I’ll do it later."  We rationalize that we don't need to do it, so we say, "Someone else will do it."  We're apathetic to it all, so we say, “I don’t care if I do it."   We're rebellious, so we say, "I won't do it!"
 
Let’s bring it home.  What are the true marks of faithfulness that we want to bear and emulate with a JUST DO IT attitude:

We follow through…on whatever we have to do and we finish it.
We come through….no matter what.
We deliver the goods…..a borrowed cup of sugar.or a finished project.
We show up…..even early so others won’t worry.
We keep our word….our 'yes' means yes and our 'no' means no
We keep our commitments and appointments….we don't cancel.
We are regular church attenders......we don’t neglect worshipping our FAITHFUL God.
We are devoted to fidelity, loyalty, integrity and honor in friendships and marriage.
We live by the Golden Rule and the 10 Commandments.  

We may stumble from time to time, but we don’t stay down for long -- for we are faithful and devoted followers of Christ.  One day we’ll be rewarded because of our FAITHFULNESS and we'll hear these beautiful words: ‘Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant! You have been FAITHFUL with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21

Choose FAITHFULNESS!

Try a Little Kindness

Day 304 of Photo Inspirations -- Try a Little Kindness
Remember Glen Campbell's song from the 70's --  "Try a Little Kindness"?
If you see your brother standing by the road,
With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed.
And if you see your sister falling by the way,
Just stop and say you're goin' the wrong way.
You've got to try a little kindness, yes, show a little kindness.
Yes, shine your light for everyone to see.
And if you'll try a little kindness, and you'll overlook the blindness,
Of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets.

I was reminded of that song yesterday when I walked into Wal-Mart and passed the Redbox kiosk with this $1.00 in a plastic baggie taped to it, with a note that said "Enjoy a movie.  Pay it forward!"  I loved it.  I stood back and saw several people check out the note and keep on moving.  I'm sure they were like me and figured -- "give it to someone who needs the dollar".

That's just a small example of kindness. It really seems that kindness and generosity have gone to a whole new level in our world. I love seeing the generosity of people who do random acts of kindness like those who pay for the meal of the car behind them in the drive through line, or who stop to help someone with a flat tire, or who leave a little "extra" tip for their waitress.

I'm still teaching a Bible Study on the Fruit of the Spirit and this last week's lesson was about the quality of Kindness -- so of course seeing this Redbox "kindness" reemphasized how it works.  When we genuinely care about people, we find ourselves paying attention to what might bless them.  We might even think about their circumstances and become concerned about their welfare.  We're willing to get involved in their lives.  As our love grows, the details of their lives become more and more important to us.  It begins to really matter to us if they are sad or discouraged, struggling or in pain, needy or lonely.  Caring about others sure does eliminate unfriendliness, a lack of compassion, and a judgmental spirit.  So we need to ask God to help us have greater love and compassion for others.

A sure sign that our concern for people is growing is when we find ourselves looking at people and thinking, “What would help her?  What would help him?  What does he need?  What does she need?”  We might even ask God, “How can I serve this person? How can I make his or her life easier?

Let's TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS today......perhaps our kindness might just be what someone needs to change their dark world to light and bright!

Ephesians 4:31-32 “ Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be KIND to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another..."

Patience is Waiting

Day 292 of Photo Inspirations -- Patience is WAITING
So this week, at our Bible Study, we're looking at the Fruit of the Spirit quality of PATIENCE.  Lord, please give me patience RIGHT NOW!  Patience is a word we seem to want to avoid talking about because when we start talking about it or asking for more of it, we get lots of reasons to NEED IT in abundance.

Yesterday, I walked outside and I breathed in my favorite time of year.  The freshness of the rains the day before and the cooler temperatures made me so aware of God's creation and the absolute precision He operates in.  I wanted it to be Fall several weeks ago.  I was ready for cooler temperatures.  I was ready to get out my cozy Fall clothes and boots.  But no.....God's precise way of doing things trumped my desires.  I'll be PATIENT!

Yes, Fall has been slow coming this year, but leaves are turning colors and the fallen ones crunch beneath my shoes. As I am surrounded by the beauty of the change of seasons, I lift my eyes to Him and I am reminded to be still and WAIT.  WAIT??? But God, I'm too busy to wait.  I've got this to do and that to do and don't you know my kids are coming in town next week and I've just got to have everything JUST RIGHT for them.  Doesn't that sound a lot like Martha and all she thought she had to get done for the Master?

I think God was assigning this Bible Study to me, and for me, to cultivate even more in me than the ladies I'm speaking to.  I'm hearing Him say.... "WAIT.  Be still and know I am God."  We all have different journeys in life and along the way there is going to be a time for waiting -- PATIENCE -- in the grocery line, the traffic light, in the pick-up line for the kids from school, at the doctor's office.   We live in a culture of FAST food, FAST oil change, FAST internet, FAST lane, FAST digital cameras  Waiting isn’t really on our minds. We ALL want what we want . . . NOW!  But there is a peace that can comes in the waiting. I have grown tremendously during those times of waiting.

Patience is such a great gift. It has taken me time to see it as a gift.  I'll be sharing that with our group. I have learned when my patience is tested, I must give it to God. I give Him my worries and frustrations and trust Him completely because I am called to walk by faith. I wait in hope because He surrounds me like a shield, He is my protection along the way and He will be my strength. Waiting and patience are part of His Master plan for me, so I might as well GET IT sooner than later because I sure don't want to have to go around this mountain another time.  I want to learn my lessons well the first time.....so I think I'll just sit right down here by these still waters and wait!

Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY

Day 281 of Photo Inspirations - Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY
Yesterday, our Bible Study was about the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit -- JOY! Though I had diligently prayed and prepared, there is nothing like stepping aside and watching how Holy Spirit trumps my pre-planned agenda.  His way is the best way.

The first part of the Bible Study was given to women sharing their praises and their prayer requests. The tone was more subdued as a couple of the ladies had some major challenges going on in their families and friends' lives.

Once the meeting was turned to me, I shared about a message I heard on Sunday.  Pastor Craig spoke about a woman at the airport that he saw and heard singing, who had the most beautiful voice. She was running a snack kiosk and was singing to travelers that passed her.  Shed sing out "It's a beautiful day!  You're gonna have a beautiful day.  You're wearing a beautiful dress.  You have on a nice shirt!"  And, on and on, she just kept singing and singing. When Pastor asked why she did that, she said, "The atmosphere of an airport can be so negative; so many people are stressed and unhappy and I just figure if I can help give them joy in their day, maybe their attitude will be turned around."  I love that.  There are two kinds of people:  those who become like the atmosphere they're in -- negative, angry, depressed, or sad, or there are those who are atmosphere changers. In her case...she turned the atmosphere to JOY.

I had the ladies turn to Luke 2:10, where the angel said to the shepherds "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great JOY which shall be to all people."  Immediately one of the ladies said, "OH, I remember when my granddaughter, Emma, said that scripture when she was 5 years old.  She said, "Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. And you will find a baby wrapped in cloths. Luke 2."  For 4 years this grandmother has carried that video on her phone and has continued to watch it. It brought her so much JOY. She showed us the video and it brought us JOY.

But, here's the best part -- that precious little, now 9-years old girl, when she was just born.....was left on the doorstep of this lady's daughter's home.  The little baby was abandoned, but a note was left with the baby...."Laura, I'm leaving my baby to you because I know you're Catholic."  Apparently, whoever the birth mother was (and they tried desperately to find her but never have), knew who Laura was.   Laura, an attorney, knew the legalities of this little baby's abandonment and she followed the laws of DHS, but Laura's heartstrings were tugged to do what she could to provide that little girl a loving family who would love her. By then, Laura and her husband and all 4 of her children loved this little "heaven sent" angel.  They kept her and adopted her.  As this precious grandmother spoke, the atmosphere in our room changed to utter joy, as she shared that Emma is the most delightful, joy-filled child that they can't even imagine not having her in their lives.  Indeed, Emma brought "good news of great joy" to their world.

Immediately, I understood Holy Spirit's word to us....."And, Emma is like us -- we were abandoned and unwanted and God adopted us into His royal family and now we have reasons for UNSPEAKABLE, INEXPRESSIBLE JOY!   Joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity (we've ALL known adversity).  It's a gift that comes from spending time with the ONE who created it, the ONE whose grace and love gave us His JOY.    May you know that JOY that comes from KNOWING Him today!

The JOY of the Lord is My Strength

Day 280 of Photo Inspirations -- The JOY of the Lord is my Strength
After a full, vigorous, packed-full-of-fun week with my sweet boys in Seattle,  I returned home and early the next morning I was headed for a 4-day fast-paced, action-filled women's retreat.  It was a retreat where women were refreshed and restored, however, for those of us on the Leadership Team -- it was a work-out, and it was worth the work-out to see so many, so blessed.

But, I came home....depleted of energy and, from where I had fallen a few weeks before on my hip and leg....I was aching and in pain. I was hobbling. My mind was being taunted by the enemy saying "You're going to be hobbling like that from here on out!"  I even started imagining what that might look like.

But, I love how the voice of my Good Shepherd speaks to me.  I turned on the TV on and saw Joyce Meyer with a little devil on her shoulder (something her team made for her to emphasize a point). She was telling the audience.  "We all know the enemy is a liar, but how many of us just let him continue to lie to us and even consider what he's saying?  We called this conference  'Mind, Moods & Attitudes' and tonight I'm going to teach on the mind!"  Then, the voice of Satan came from the sound system...."The mind?  You've got to be kidding!  Don't you think you teach too much on the battlefield of the mind?  People are sick of hearing about the mind!  And, that outfit you have on looks ridiculous!"  Initially, Joyce, in her dramatic way, showed how Satan was getting to her, but of course, in her hilarious style, finally did what we're supposed to do -- she put him in his place by speaking God's Word and told him to "SHUT UP!".  Then she knocked him off her shoulder.  She WON!

Immediately, I took that message to heart, because I had been taunted by the enemy telling me "You're tired.  You should slow down.  You're going to be hobbling the rest of your life!"  But, I did what Joyce did.  I shouted, "Shut up, Satan!  I am healed.  By The stripes of Jesus I am made whole. The JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"  I got it.  My part is to stop the enemy's lies in their tracks.  My part is to start rejoicing in God's love and faithfulness.
 
Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Joy is the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit and I took it personally.  I know that joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity. It's a gift that comes from spending time with the One who created it.   My Lord and I had some one-on-one time, and "His strength, that is made perfect in MY weakness", consumed and strengthened me.

This opportunity to teach on the Fruit of the Spirit over these next few weeks is teaching ME -- loud and clear -- that God has given us the opportunity to WIN over the adversary in our everyday lives!  God has equipped us with everything we need to win....and win big time.  I'm so thankful for His profound love that wakes me up and sets me straight in the knick of time.

Excuse me......I need to go eat MORE fruit!!!

The Fruit of the Spirit is......

Day 279 of Photo Inspirations -- The Fruit of the Spirit is.....
What a joy it is to be leading an 8-Week Bible Study for a group of women that come from various faith backgrounds.  As I prayed and prepared for this study, I was prompted to a study of the Fruit of the Spirit.  I had been around some folks who made me wonder about their "fruit" as they tended to be, by nature, a little cranky and cynical.  It's never a GREAT day.  It's typically a too cold, too hot, too rainy, too humid, too dry....DAY!   Their outlook on just about everything is often quite dismal.  And, that made me start checking out the fruit in my own life.  I know we shouldn't judge others.....lest we be judged.  But, I figured it's quite alright to inspect the fruit in my own life and be my own FRUIT INSPECTOR.

That's the message I kept getting. We ALL certainly know about fruit:
* The Food Pyramid states that 2 to 4 servings of FRUIT a day is essential to a healthy balanced diet.
* Body shapes are often described as FRUITS (i.e., pear, banana, apple)
* There is the “FRUIT of the Loom’s” FRUIT Guys – LOL!
* There’s those folks who are slightly spaced out that we’ve heard called “FRUIT Cakes”
* FRUITY is the word that describes the tastes or flavors of wines, colognes and room sprays

But, when I said that God is calling us to be FRUIT inspectors, that applies to Matthew 7:20 – “Therefore, by their FRUITS, you will know them.”   WOW – that’s how we’re recognized as devoted followers of Christ…OR NOT -- by our FRUITS.   So as FRUIT inspectors….first, we need to pass the test on the FRUITS we, ourselves, are bearing.

It really is the season for "Fruit Bearing”.  Galatians 5:22-23 ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’

As we grow in and experience the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, then those beautiful attributes and characteristics of the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit will thrive and flourish in our lives.  After all, as believers, we know Holy Spirit is in us so we already have the good soil, fertilizer, nutrients and everything else we need to be good FRUIT bearers.

With the approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, it's perfect time to settle down from our potentially hectic schedules and responsibilities to draw us into that place of intimacy with God and inspect the good fruit or bad fruit we may be bearing.  Perhaps, by the time all the seasonal celebrations begin, we will be better equipped with the Fruit of the Spirit to make it the best, most blessed celebrations EVER!

A True Romance is Going On

Day 269 of Photo Inspirations -- A True Romance is Going On
So I've known romance.  My husband was the truest romantic EVER.  He loved candlelight, love songs, little "I love you" notes, surprise date locations, slow dancing, surprise gifts, and though I knew I wasn't the most beautiful girl in the world, he made me feel like I was.

I'm studying and preparing for a Bible Study I'll be leading, starting next Monday, the 5th.  God led me to the study of  "Knowing Them By Their Fruit" and "The Fruit of the Spirit".  The Fruit of the Spirit's qualities are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  I believe the foundational quality of them all is LOVE.  After all, GOD IS LOVE, and He embodies all of those qualities.  That's why we pray...."Make me more like YOU!"

“And now abide these three: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13

Yes, my Sweetheart was a true romantic.  But the love talked about in this verse is the truest of true romantic loves.  The love of God -- THE purest love.   Completely selfless, immensely sacrificial, unstoppable, a burning and unquenchable passion, a jealous and unchanging love.  This makes it the strongest possible kind.  And one that is so incomparable.  It can’t be bought, it is only given.  It is never manipulated, but given with grace.  And it can never, ever be broken.  The truth is, not even death can contain, limit or abolish this awesome love of God.

And here's some really good news that those of us may miss or be longing for -- our relationship with God is a romance.  And a greater romance has never been told.  It’s a romance that is eternal, not like the world’s.  It’s a romance that is infinite.  It was being formed before the universe was spoken into existence.   That same love is the one, the same power that sustained Christ when He gave up His last breath on the cross to save a heartless and undeserving world.  And THAT love is woven and knit into each of His children.  He is constantly wooing us and romancing us through blessings that He continually pours out on our lives.  When no human stands with us through a storm, He is always there.  When we experience heartache and pain, He remains faithful.  This love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.  Our romantic God shows us us what TRUE LOVE and TRUE romance is all about!

Here is how our romantic God shows what TRUE LOVE is:
Love is patient. Love is kind.  Love is not jealous. Love is not boastful.  Love is not rude.  Love is selfless.  Love forgives and forgets.  Love rejoices in the truth. Love never fails.