Love

Love has many personal definitions, as well as the dictionary definition. My personal experiences have shown me there are many feelings attached to it. Love is a powerful word evoking strong emotions either good or bad.   So let’s begin by looking at the definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia online:

Love is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment.^[1] In philosophical context, love is a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection. In some religious contexts, love is not just a virtue, but the basis for all being, as in the Christian phrase, "God is love" or Agape in the Canonical gospels.^[2] Love may also be described as actions towards others (or oneself) based on compassion.^[3] Or as actions towards others based on affection.^[4]

In English, the word love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that meal") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my partner"). "Love" can also refer specifically to the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love, to the sexual love of eros (cf. Greek words for love), to the emotional closeness of familial love, or to the platonic love that defines friendship,^[5] to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love. ^[6] This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states.

Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.

Science defines what could be understood as love as an evolved state of the survival instinct, primarily used to keep human beings together against menaces and to facilitate the continuation of the species through reproduction.^[7]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Much of this definition make sense as I reflect on my life and as I relate it to my own personal experiences.  However, the actual process of learning about love has been an ongoing journey, a journey of pain as well as a journey of joy. 

There was a time in my life that I had very little understanding of love. As a new little life in this great big world, I experienced bits and pieces of love. However, many negative experiences from abuse confused my understanding of love.  I grew up not really feeling truly loved, so I searched to find the true meaning of love.  Little did I know just how important it was to learn to love and accept myself before I would truly learn real love.  

As a result, my journey took me in many sad directions that only reinforced "more the lack of love" than helping me gain the understanding of the meaning of love.  I experienced so much hurt and abuse that the confusion grew. I had no idea of the true meaning of love. A deeper sadness filled my mind and heart.  Soon, a wall began to grow, as I began to build it up stone by stone to keep others out. It was the only way to protect my heart from the hurt and pain. 

However, not many knew all the hurt and pain I kept hidden inside. I worked hard to keep everyone at an arm’s length, far away from my heart.  I did not want to let anyone inside my world or to know my heart. It was way too wounded and needed my wall to protect it.  Yet, because I took "to heart" the golden rule, I continued do all I could do to love others, to show compassion and to give others what I lacked in my life. I felt so undeserving of love, yet, longed for it so deeply. I did not want anyone else to go without love. 

As time went by, many people tried to love me back, but I continued to reject it. My heart just could not understand the love they were trying to show me. I felt so unworthy to accept their love while at the same time, fearful that if I accepted their love I would only get hurt.  Yet, on the other hand, I did not know how to actually accept it. The problem was if I did accept it, I would not know what to do with it. It felt to foreign. All I knew in my heart was that I wanted to "do unto others, as I would have others do unto me."

My life continued to feel so very empty inside although many strived to show me that they loved me. However, the fact was, my heart was still surrounded by the stone wall I had built around my heart and my mind...although I saw it as protection it really was keeping me wounded.  So no matter how hard those around me tried to show they cared, I just could not "feel" loved.  I sank into a deep depression...to the point I did not want to live.

It was during this a time that a friend offered God as a solution.  She told me how God loved me unconditionally and that He understood all my pain.  I began to open my heart to God. I pleaded for Him to help me learn the meaning of love.  But sadly, more trials poured into my life, one being that I lost my job and then physically attacked which resulted in a long court trial.  So instead of gaining an understanding of love, I felt more pain and hurt...my stone wall grew stronger and taller.  I begun to scream out at God saying, "God if this is your love I do not want any part of it!" 

Again, those people I had began to let into my life, I began to push aside.  I went back into my own world in order to try to block out the hurt and pain.  I felt numb...Life did not feel worth living.  I knew I did not want to keep going on this way.  However, God works in mysterious way, for little did I know, a seed had been planted, it was the seed of God's love.  He began tugging at my heart and whispering His message of love into my heart and mind.  He wanted me to trust Him and rest in His arms, but I continued to resist and I continued to push Him away.

I figured education would help me understand my life so I began taking classes. I took classes teaching about Family Dynamics and Relationships, as well as Interpersonal relationships.  I wanted to understand my life and family and their type of love. I wanted to be sure that I did not carry out the same patterns of what I had learned throughout my life. I wanted to break the cycle of abuse and pain. Strangely enough, the more I began understanding my life and family the more my heart began to open up to "God" and His love.

However, the pain I had endured throughout my life continued to keep my heart and mind walled off. I continued to fight deep depression.  I knew I must seek help beyond myself, so I began to get counseling.  My counselor opened up her heart to me and presented me with a God who was sad for my suffering. Teaching me how He had been walking with me every step of the way.  Showing me He wants to hold and comfort the "little child within" and show that little girl how loves and values who she is...all I must do is accept the gift...the gift of His love.

Through many tears and many more years, my heart finally did learn of love and the greatest love of all, God's love.  He did stand by me each step of the way.  His patience with me was beyond words. It was clear He had brought many people into my life to be "His hands and feet" to show me the meaning of His love.  

It is true that one never stops learning about human love or the love of God.  As we journey on we never stop our search for the meaning of love.  We continue to learn how to show love, accept love and to live a life that reaches out to others with the love that God has given us to share.

When I read the love chapter in the Bible, I realize how much more I have to learn when it comes to real love.  Yet, at the same time, it shows me how "perfect" God's love is for each of us. His love is amazing, just read all that this verse speaks of...for God is Love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

4 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, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

God's Promise for Us: His love will persevere through every situation.


God's love is relentless and consistent. His love for us does not change like shifting shadows, but perseveres through every situation. His love will always surround us, it will always forgive, it will always believe the best about every situation and it will always stay true. He will not keep a record of wrongs or be angry with us. He has hope for our lives. This is the love that God has for us. His love is real.


His love is not like any love we have experienced here on this earth. The fact is, even the love from the most amazing father, mother, brother, sister, friend, spouse, or whoever cannot measure up to the love of our Father God. His love is perfect. 


The love of others is only a shadow of the unconditional, everlasting love that God has for each us. God's love is immeasurable. If only we could have, the power to grasp the vastness of the immeasurable love that God has for us.  Paul the Apostle prays in Ephesians 3:14-19 for us to be rooted in His love.

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

So if God is Love: How does God Define Love?


The Bible tells us that, "God is Love" (see 1 John 4:8). But how can we even begin to understand that truth? There are many passages in the Bible that give us God's definition of love. The most well known verse is John 3:16, 

"¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." 

So one way God defines love is in the act of giving...giving of oneself.  However, the gift God gave  was not a mere wrapped present; God sacrificed His only Son so that we, who put our faith in His Son, will have eternal life...so nothing will allow us to be separated from His love. This is an amazing love. Even when we choose to be separated from God, He is patient and waits for us.  It is God who mends our separation from Him through His personal sacrifice of His Son. It is up to us...All we have to do is accept His gift. 

Just as it was in my own personal life, I continued to push God away.  I separated myself from Him and pushed away His love.  I viewed love through the hurt and pain I had experienced in my own life.  I had to be willing to view love through His eyes and allow Him to touch and heal my heart. It is His love the chipped away at the wall around my heart.


Another verse about God's love is found in Romans 5:8, 

"⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

Notice in this verse and in John 3:16 above, we can find no conditions placed on the love God has for us. God's love is unconditional.  He does not say, "as soon as you clean up your act, I'll love you;” nor does He say, "I'll sacrifice my Son if you promise to love Me."  In fact, in Romans 5:8, we find just the opposite. God wants us to know that His love is unconditional, so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us while we were still unlovable with our sins unforgiven. We did not have to "get clean," nor did we have to make any promises to God before we could experience His love. I could have continued to push Him away and He would have just continued to wait.  Yes, that is what He did for me, He waited. He waited for me to open my heart and accept His gift...For His love for me and for you has always existed. He did all the giving and sacrificing long before we were even aware that we needed His love. He truly loves us. All of us.

God is Love: It is Unconditional


Can you believe it? Can you let your heart and mind accept the fact, God is Love? His love is very different than human love. God's love is unconditional, and it is not based on feelings or emotions like our human love. He does not base His love for us because we are lovable or because we make Him feel good. He loves us because He is love. His love is perfect. He created each of us to have a loving relationship with Him. He sacrificed His own Son, who willingly died for us, in order to restore our relationship. He does not want puppets...He wants all His children to be all they can be.

This may be hard for you to wrap your mind around.  I know it was for me and at times, I still struggle with it. I wonder why would He do such a thing? How can I trust this is true?  The fact is we can continue to doubt His love and even push Him away, but He will remain there...patiently waiting with His arms open wide.  Yes, I know that all this is true because He has done this for me and I know He will do it for you too. He wants you to know His perfect love.

The fact is, true love only comes through a relationship with him...It is the only way we can learn the true meaning of love.  It does not mean that we will not struggle or feel pain. We will continue to journey on learning a little more each step of the way.  We must rest in Him and walk with Him. We must learn from Him. He is patient and will be patient to teach each of us, as He loves us each step of the way.  It is sort of like the "Footprints" poem where God carries us in His arms of love through all the trials of life...for He is Love!  He wants to carry our burdens and fill our hearts with love.

Therefore, with all of that let me leave you with one last passage for God's love can be summed up in this scripture:

"⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."  1 John 4:7-11 

God is love...So may you know I write this blog because no matter who you are I love you.  I love you with the love of God.  It matters not what you have gone through in this life or the pain you carry.  He is here for you.  You can give all your pain and hurt to Him. I long for you to know the true meaning of love...the love of God.  He longs to know you too...He is there waiting...waiting to give each of us His gift of love...So I leave you with this...

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. 
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. 
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. 
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. 
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. 
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. 
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. 
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book. 
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live. 
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. 
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. 
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love. 
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father. 
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. 
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. 
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. 
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. 
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. 
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. 
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. 
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. 
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. 
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul. 
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. 
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me. 
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart. 
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. 
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine. 
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles. 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you. 
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart. 
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes. 
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. 
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. 
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you. 
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you. 
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love. 
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me. 
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child? 
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. 
Luke 15:11-32

Love, 
Your Dad, Almighty God

Permission to reprint: 
Please feel free to copy and paste the text of Father's Love Letter to share with others
providing you abide by the following conditions...
1. You use the Father's Love Letter text in its entirety.
2. You do not use it for commercial purposes
3. You include the following copyright notice wherever it is displayed...
Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications 
© 1999-2010 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

New Year Pruning

2010 brought much pruning into my life, perhaps in yours too. It is true, the plants and trees in my yard needed much pruning in order that they continue to flourish and grow in the year to come. However, I am not really speaking of my yard but my own personal life. (I will talk more about that later in my blog.) For you see, the trials and hurdles I have faced have brought about continued change in my life.  Yet, I cry out, "How can this make me flourish and grow? How can pruning away at my life be a blessing when it hurts so much?"

If you are like me, you do not always understand why things happen the way they do in our lives. It is hard to see what good can come from anything that hurts so much or causes us to wonder how we can make it through another day. However, here I am...pruned. Pruned down to nothing, at least so it feels.  So I ask will I really grow again? Is there an answer?  There is a verse that reads:

John 15:2 "Every branch in me that bears no fruit he takes away: and every branch that bear fruit, he prunes it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

This pruning has been interpreted in many ways. The illustration that Jesus is using is one of pruning; therefore, some have said just like pruning trees, this process is very painful.  In our lives, God cuts and slashes us through things like sickness, death, poverty, and other forms of tragedy so that eventually we will bear more fruit. He wants to bring about healing in our lives and so in order to do so He must take away those things that are road blocks or that hold us back. This view means it is necessary for us to suffer, if we want to bear more fruit.

Yet, even though there is an element of truth in this way of thinking, it is not totally consistent with the rest of God's Word or even the context of this verse. The text says that the pruning that Jesus speaks of is done through the Word that He has spoken unto us, or the Word He has giving to us.  He does want to bring healing into our lives and He does want us to bear more fruit. So what is the Word He speaks unto us?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that God's Word was given to us "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness: Therefore the followers of God may be perfected and thoroughly furnished with all good works." Could it be that God's method of pruning means that by simply reading His Word, the Bible, it will cause us to prune what is not good for us in our lives?  Does it mean it is our choice to prune as we learn what God has for our lives?

Okay, let us reason this out, if we believe God brings sickness, poverty and tragedies into our lives to help prune us then how can He be a God of love? Do we want to accept that God brings bad into our lives? Or do we want to believe the evil one has it out for us and throws everything he can in our way to make our lives hard? 

Let me say, the bottom line, God does not need the devil's help to bring about our pruning, although He may allow it. His Word says He will make us "perfect, thoroughly furnished with all good works."  Yes, He will take what devil has meant for bad in our lives and work it for good.  It may even cause us to do some thinking which brings about some pruning in our own lives.  However, in my way of thinking, God does not put adversity, trials and sickness in our lives to prune us.

Yes, we can learn through tragedy and God can use it for our good. (Many of you know all that has happened in my life over the past 5 years. If not, just search my labels found on the right hand side of my blog and click on the word "chronic pain". Reading that blog will catch you up and hopefully encourage you.) Now with that said, let me use an example from my own life to illustrate this point.  

Back in 2007, I was told that without surgery I would lose the use of my arms and hands. It was obvious that this was already beginning to happen, so to elect to have surgery was a no-brainer. As a teacher and artist, I needed my arms and hands. The fact is, in everyday life, everyone needs them! 

By the time the surgery date had arrived, touching anything caused so much pain I truly wanted to die.  I worked hard to use biofeedback and my creative mind to fool myself to change the way I sensed the touch of various items. I had to do this just to open a door or pick up a pencil, let alone the many other things you would touch throughout a day. No one has a clue the pain I endured or energy it took to make it through each day. It was so wearing-simply exhausting, especially when teaching and helping my dying mom.

Yet, at that point, I had hope. There was hope that the pain, as well as the use of my arms and hands would improve; even though there was not a 100% guarantee. So I was excited to get the surgery over with and get back to life..to continue to do the job I loved, teaching my students and doing art on the side to be able to sponsor children and projects to help children. 

Little did I know that the surgery would bring about changes in my life that would crush my spirit and cause me to re-evaluate who I am as a person. The surgery did make some of the pain go away and allow me to use my arms and hands better, (at least for a time), but the other complications were less than desirable. 

When I awoke from the surgery I was delighted with the difference in how the sense of touch no longer hurt so much, but at the same time, I was having trouble breathing and swallowing.  It was not know exactly why, until later, it was discovered I had a neuromuscular disease.

My life took on a new journey, which was followed by much testing, until a couple years later when doctors came up with some answers. Earlier I had endured a long stay in the hospital, a couple of near-death experiences as well as being hooked up to machinery for suction, breathing and feeding. Later my living room became a hospital room, in which I lay unresponsive. 

Once I was alert enough to comprehend things, I learned about my near-death mishaps. Although my mind did recall an experience, I had no way of making sense of it until that time. Now the feelings, thoughts and events were beginning to make sense in my mind. Finally, I could begin apply the lessons learned.

There is so much to share - especially when it comes what I have learned, so I think I had better leave that for another blog. For now, I want to use this illustration to make my point. The evil one brought this tragedy into my life and what he meant for bad God worked for good.  Even though I could no longer teach or do art as I once did, I was alive. It was the beginning of a process of learning, a new journey so I could continue to touch the lives of others, just not in the same way.

God allowed me to prune myself, to look at things in a new light by listening to what He was speaking into my life, thus allowing me to bear more fruit. On the other hand, if I mistakenly thought that God was the one bringing tragedy into my life to make me be more fruitful, it is possible that I will not resist tragedies. Instead, I might look for them, almost beckoning them to come into my life. The Word says, "To resist the devil and he will flee from you." So I want all that the evil one throws at me to flee away from me. I want God take all of the bad things and to work them for my good.  

It is true all of us will learn by hard knocks that is if we are open to learning. The person who welcomes trials with arms wide-open will suffer greatly. They will not have the true hope of victory nor will they know the real joy God has for them. They will be far behind the person who lets God's Word have His perfect work in him. For this person runs the race, reaching for the goal, not hanging on to the past and thus has victory. 

This is not to say, that we must not work to gain "acceptance" when things do happen. In fact, we must have our arms open wide to embrace all that God has for us in the midst of tragedies or trials. We must look for His blessings in every situation. We must open our hearts and minds to what God is speaking into our lives...to prune where needed in order to spring forth-new life.  So what will you be pruning in this New Year?  Will you allow God to speak into your life?

My Grown Up Christmas Wish

I want people who are sick with no cure to be cured.

I want those in pain to have no pain.

I want children with no family to be adopted and be loved.

I want people with no food, shelter and heat to have all those things and have no worries in how they will have them.

I want families to love one another.

I want everyone to forgive one another and have love & compassion for others.

I want the Golden Rule to be a part of life.

I want wrongs to be righted.

I want justice for all.

I want there to be peace in the world and in our lives.

I want love and understanding to rule our hearts.

I want those in prison to truly find God and turn their lives around and make a difference it this world for good.

I want friends and family to know they are loved, appreciated and my heart is grateful they are in my life.

I want everyone to be loved and cared about.

I want broken hearts to be mended.

I want each lesson “learned” to be remembered and carried out.

I want everyone to have joy in there heart in spite of circumstances.

I want everyone to know they are never alone; for God is always there, even people are not.

I want everyone to know God always loves them.

I want everyone to know the truth and allow the truth to set them free.

I want all Christians to truly live the life as Christians so that the world will know we are Christians by our love (fruits).

I want hearts to be humbled and pride put away.

I want hearts to be open and ready to let God’s love abound in their lives.

I want wars to stop.

I want pollution to end.

I want God to send His Son once again to take us out of this world and make things right once and for all.

I want the miracle of God to rule our hearts, bringing perfect peace…the peace that the world cannot give.

I want the Christ’s perfect joy to tickle our hearts and echo His love.

--------------------------------
Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. He had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. He had no medicine, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. This is the greatest miracle of all.  May a miracle happen in our life today.


"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
~Bobby (age 7)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
God is Love!

IS THERE A GOD OF LOVE?

IS THERE A GOD OF LOVE?

Some days it is difficult to feel God's love for us. Some days it feels there is no God.  At times, we struggle to believe there is a God who loves us and cares about what we are going through.  We cry out to Him, shouting, "God where are you? Why won't you answer me? Where is the love you talk about in your word?"

It says He knows our every struggle and feels all our pain. It says He will never forsake us. But yet, life continues to happen with all its hurts and pains. Often we feel abandoned and even betrayed. We ask, "Where is God is all our trials and pain?"

Yet as we suffer, even every detail of every man's life, who has ever walked on the earth, has not impacted the world as much as the few recorded details of Jesus' life. The Word says Jesus was not just a man, He was God's son, manifesting himself in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16). He suffered and died for us so He could rescue us.

So why do we feel so alone at times...Why does He seem to abandon us? Is there really a God of love out there?

Let's take a glimpse into the life of Christ. In Acts 10:38 Peter gives a very brief, yet descriptive summary of the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus was annointed with power and with the Holy Ghost.

The Word says, He used this power to do good, not evil. This is one of the main characteristics of Christ and is one of the easiest ways to discern what is from God and what is from the devil. God is a good and therefore the devil is bad. So one good say, if it's bad, it's from the devil and if it's good, it's from God. However, this still doesn't help us know if God's love for us is real or why experience so many trials and pain in our life.

If you think of it, tragedy can come from three sources: God, Satan, and natural law. God has used nature to bring judgment to human kind. However, according to the Word, the New Testament believer is exempt from this punitive judgement of God since Jesus bore it for him at the cross.  Christ says, "I have come so they may have life and life more abundantly." He also declares, "I know the plans for you and they are for good not harm.".

John 10:10 NKJV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Jeremiah 29:11 New American Standard Bible

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:10-12 (in Context) Jeremiah 29 New Century Version

I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.

Satan is the source of much of the calamity that people often ascribe to God. Many problems arise because people violate the natural laws that God put into motion. For example, if a person drives recklessly and kills himself, it's not God or the devil that killed him. He violated natural law and thus paid the price. God will not push His will upon us, we must make the choice to be in His will and to understand the natural laws. So He allows natural laws to operate on this earth and for us to make choices regarding them and how we interact with them on this earth.

Please understand God is in control, protecting us and proclaiming that He want us to have life more abundant, yet, I ask you, is it incorrect to believe that God takes controls of everything?  I know He doesn't want us to be His puppet.  It is clear He allows us choices...to be in control and interact with the natural laws, as well as choose to follow Him.  Therefore, God surely aches when we make choices that will harm us...He wants to work all things for our good and not bring harm to us. 

Many times, when bad things happen God is just waiting for us to ask Him to intervene, to work the tragedy into something good. However, we must be willing to allow Him to do so. God always has some redemptive design in tragedies. He is there to comfort....reaching out His hand. If we truly listen, He cries out, "I love you my child. I am here for you...just reach out for me and call out to me and I will answer in due time." Often the situation, the pain, and the suffering drown out His voice and we feel alone. He wants to shine light into our darkness.

2 Corinthians 4:6  New American Standard Bible

For God, who said, " Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

1 John 1:5 New American Standard Bible [ God Is Light ]

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

New King James Version 

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

God's love is great for us and that is why He sent is son to this earth as a lowly child born in a manger. He wanted a way to relate to us on a human level. -A way to experience life as we know it, so He can relate to our pain and sorrow. To reach out and touch us on a human level...to make a bridge so we could know His love.  If you have not watched the YOUTUBE video, you MUST see it to understand God's true love for us.  Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tQwI7EY4KM   Please take the time to view it.  It is so powerful.  It helps us understand how God choose His son, just one to save many...it is how great His love is for us, that He gave His only son to reach out in love to each of us.

Be cautious about thinking God has taken control of everything because that will lead us to ignore the devil, thereby giving him a free hand to destroy our lives. We must use wisdom concerning natural laws and not think that things happen unless God wills it. He does allow us to choose. We must remember that God is a good God and God is Love.  He wants us to choose His love, His protection....He wants to help us make wise choices and to be there when we fall.

1 Chronicles 16:34 The Message

Give thanks to God—he is good and his love never quits. Say, "Save us, Savior God, round us up and get us out of these godless places, So we can give thanks to your holy Name, and bask in your life of praise." Blessed be God, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then everybody said, "Yes! Amen!" and "Praise God!"

II Samuel 22:29 The Message

Suddenly, God, your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. I smash the bands of marauders, I vault the high fences. What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him Makes it.

His love is so great that He does not force Himself on us...so during this holiday season when we remember the Christ child in the manger, take the time to listen...hear His cries...He is reaching out to us in love.  He is “loving us” every step of the way and is there when we call.  Let His cry this season touch your heart...Let Him hold you and comfort you...Let Him help guide your life and find the blessings He has given in each day.

Luke 2:12 New King James Version

And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Isaiah 9:6 New King James Version

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

So you ask, "Is there a God of Love?" The answer is, "YES!" and He is right here waiting for you to reach out and take His hand...to give your hurt and pain to Him...to know you are loved!

Isaiah 41:13 NKJV

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Psalm 59:10 New Century Version

My God loves me, and he goes in front of me. He will help me defeat my enemies.

Psalm 59:17 New Century Version

God, my strength, I will sing praises to you. God, my defender, you are the God who loves me.

Psalm 107:1 The Message

Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas.

New Century Version [ God Saves from Many Dangers ] Thank the Lord because he is good. His lovecontinues forever.

There is a God who loves you...and it all began in a manger...

Prisons of Life

I am NOT speaking of "prisons" where criminals go to be locked up, but of those we create in our own lives.  It is the choices we make or uncontrollable events in our lives that capture us and "lock us up" on the inside. It is the "prisons" from childhood models that taught us not to speak or to not be who we real are in God's eyes. It is the prisons that the world places on us to be "just so" to fit in.  It is the prison's of the media images of the perfect body or designer clothes.

I have thought about these prisons for quite sometime in my life.  I have worked to "reprogram my mind" against what the world and others are saying to entrap me into their prisons of life.  It has been a hard fight.  It is a struggle that is not yet over.  I struggle each time I look into the mirror, or strike out to do something, when that small, yet powerful "inner child" voice begins to speak out to tell me I am not worth it, I am not good enough, I am not pretty enough, I am not smart enough and I will always fail!

But I choose to renew my mind against the evil one and His lies, for I am God's best! His masterpiece! YOU ARE GOD'S BEST too!  We are ALL His masterpiece!  We must stand against life's prisons so we can walk in the light of our Savior's love.

Did you know that when God's looks upon us, He sees His Son, His child?  Yes, it is true, He sees us perfect and forgiven as His child because of having Jesus Christ in our lives.  What a gift!  What a victory in our lives!  If we could only continue to view ourselves in that way...through the eyes of our Savior, washing us with His love and presenting us to the Father as whole and perfect, without blemish.  WOW!  Think of that!  What a gift!  Can you hold that in your mind?  Can you fully grasp it? I am still trying too.

I have added a few attachments to my page because this subject as inspired my art and heart.  My friend and awesome talented singer, Alisa Childers has just written a new song titled: Pretty Prison.  It speaks to the image the world places upon us and much more. It talks about how woman are taught to NOT say what we really mean. How we always try to please others. I am awaiting her permission to post the blog she wrote that inspired the song.  I know it would really touch your heart and speak to many of you, especially women.  So until I can download Alisa's song, (you can hear it on her webpage for now.)  I have added to my downloads the music of JJ Heller, called "Love Me', which speaks to our desire to loved for who we really are.  I felt it was very fitting.  It is a song that will touch your heart. You can hear it on Truthvine or on her webpage.

I have also attached my artwork titled: "The Gate" to speak to the gates in our lives that lock us out and hold us prisoners.  You see, this painting was inspired as I took care of a child with autism.  She was trapped in her world, not making eye contact with life. Each day, she would make her way to the big rugged gate in the back yard.  She would reach up and touch the gate, saying, "Want out, want out!"  She yet, would never look at the gate directly.  It spoke to my heart deeply.  It is here, she is trapped in her world and she so desperately longs to find away out, to find a way to escape her bondage...A way to be free of this world's prisons, her world of autism.

This experience began me to think of all the "gates" in our lives that keep us prisoner.  I thought of the courage it takes to move forward in action as well as, the willingness to first look straight in the eyes all the gates in our own lives that stop us from being ALL that God has called us to be. One gate can lead to another gate...there may many in our lives.

I thought about the "gates" in my life and the prison it has built in my life. I have thought of how it stops me from moving forward with so many opportunities in this world.  I see how it keeps me locked up inside and places a fear blocking from what I truly can be. So I began my journey by painting "The Gate" and began thinking of ways I can have the courage to look my gate straight in the eyes, to step forward and reach out to open that gate and see what God has for me beyond the gates of my prison.

If you notice in my painting, I placed a garbage can behind the little girl.  I did this to remind us that has we have the courage to go forth and step through the gate and to give it all to God, allowing you with God's help to place the trash of our lives where it belongs to never imprison us again!

So what are the prison's in your life?  What "gates" stop you from being all God has called you to be?  Let's discuss them and encourage one another so we can go forth in boldness and touch this world with God's freedom, hope and love!

P.S.
I hope many of you will be willing to share the "gates or "prisons" in your lives.  I think it can be an awesome tool in our lives to encourage one another to let go!  Let's build one another up as God instructs us too!  We can walk with a renewed mind, prison/gate free!

-------------------------
If you would like to see more of my art go to:  http://laurieh.myexpose.com

JJ Heller's music can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/jjhellermusic

Also Alisa Childers site can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/alisachildersmusic
Be blessed!

The Curve Balls of Life's Journey

Life's Journey continues and boy oh boy is it full of "curve balls"! I continue to learn how to allow God to take the bat in every circumstance of life, but it isn't that easy.  If you are like me, you have preconceived ideas of how to right a problem, find a solution or the steps it will take to make things o.k. again.  It is not often I want to just sit back and roll with the punches. No, not me! I must find the answers, search for the solutions and take some control of the situation.  If you are truly honest with yourself, I bet there a few of you out there who can relate to what I am saying.
We are the "doers", the ones who get into the game and strive to win at all costs. We do not want to just sit at the sidelines as a spectator. Most of us want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.  We are the ones asked to join the team. We do not sit idle as we see the curve balls of life pass on by.  Instead, we are determined to catch the curve ball no matter how difficult it is to catch. We do not easily give up, but welcome the challenge.
We are the ones that have experienced success in finding solutions, whether others notice or not. If by chance someone does notice, it is like a bonus win that cheers you on to do it again. The bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward to find the answers, the solutions and to never give up.
Personally, I think God loves cheering us on to never give up, to face the trials of this life and to meet each challenge with open arms.  Yet, I also believe that there comes a time in life we must surrender and take a backseat. We must face the fact that we do not have all the answers and that sometimes in this life there isn't a solution.  We must admit that we are merely human. It is time to let God be the solution, to let Him be the hero and allow Him to bring victory.
During these past years, this is exactly what God is teaching me.  He has allowed me to strike out, to miss catching the curve balls of life and to finally realize in my human weakness He is made strong.  We all know life is not a game, but we often live it as one. We view the problems and trials of this life as the curve balls of life.  We allow ourselves to believe that if we only try harder and keep practicing that we can win over any life's challenge.  We don't stop to listen to God still small voice saying, "You don't have to go it alone. You do not need to have all the answers. You can rest in my strength and let me grant the victory."
I am no exception, for as each curve ball has headed my way, I have stretched out my arm with mitt in hand, determined to catch that curve ball and stop it dead in its tracks - never to affect my life again. Other times I have readied myself with a solid bat, determined to hit each ball out of the park. But to my surprise as I looked up to deal with the first curve ball, there before my very eyes was a second curve ball and then a third, a fourth and even a fifth! Soon it looked like a hailstorm of curve balls and my mitt and bat became the only shield to block each balls blow to my head.
Fear over whelmed me as I questioned how I could have the strength to continue to block each curve ball from their blow. No longer was I thinking how to catch them or hit them out of the park as they rocket down from the sky like an intense meteor shower.  I felt this was the end.  I could see no hope in sight. I had no answers, no solutions or strength to continue at such a pace.  I had to look beyond myself and ask for help.  I had to reach out to other believers and lend on them for strength, for encouragement and to borrow their hope.  I had to say to God, "Here I am, I must trust in you to met my needs, to help me survive this storm."
It was time for me to surrender my mitt and hand over my bat.  It was time for me to sit on the side lines, to rest in my saviors arms and let Him have control...trusting fully in Him for the outcome no matter what it may be...To know He does work all things for good for those whom love Him whether or not the storm continues for a time or stops to shine forth a ray of light.
My storm is not yet over, there are more dark clouds ahead as the curve balls continue to fall. Yet, I will not give up, but I also know my in my weakness He is made strong.  He will protect me, grant me hope and bring the victory.  I must know with Him there are answers and solution, but I must patiently wait, for His timing is perfect.  He knows how many curve balls I can handle.  He knows that each one serves a purpose and will bring blessing for all those who wait.
So as I sit here with all my bumps and bruises of lessons learned, I patiently wait...God is my strength, my victor and I will hide myself in the shelter of His wings.  I will not be afraid of the curve balls ahead, I will not go it alone, but trust in each moment of life God has given me...to count my blessings and to rest in Him, trusting that He has the answers.  God is on my side.  He is the captain of my team. He has victory over every storm. Aaaah, peace be still...catch some joy and let the curve balls reign for I will not fear...I am journeying on!

Death's Door - All Things Become New

Time passed, it looked I was closer and closer to death. It felt as if I would meet my maker soon.  Nevertheless, God reached out and touched me with His healing hand.  It was a few days before Easter, April 16^th to be exact. I had caregivers around the clock to move me and tend to my needs.  My breathing stat of 42 was not compatible with life.  Pain racked my body. Every joint felt as if it was on fire.  The joints felt like they were fused together by the “molten-lava” that seem to flow through my body. My muscles ached and hurt so badly I wanted to rip them off my bones. My breathing was labored and thinking was not clear, but God’s peacefulness and joy filled my heart.

It was on this day that a friend of mine brought by a person with the ability of healing prayer.  Many people had been praying for me, it was clear I had not been physically healed; although, much emotional and spiritual healing had occurred and that was wonderful…I was in a place of acceptance.  I knew God would heal me when I was with Him if He did not heal me on this earth.  There was such peace in that thought.   My friend asked if her friend could pray for me and I agreed.  There is never any harm in turning to God in prayer…it brought me comfort.  However, this time, things were different, I was comforted, but I could feel my body changing…the “molten-lava” flowing in each joint was melting like ice; I began sweating as my body cooled.  My joints became freed up and the muscles been to understand the messages of nerves to move. My breathing began to work without a struggle. My lungs began filling with air and working as they were intended. I knew God was healing me here on this earth this very moment.  Every cell within me praised Him and shouted with joy!  It was a miracle!  I was so thankful for all those who helped me - friends, school staff, medical staff and the church family of believers.  I had so much to be grateful for…my heart was full of joy!  God had become real through the “hands and feet” of others.    My life was beginning to change.  I shared my story with many.  God gave me a vision of using the art talent he had given me for Him.  I was setting forth to serve Him with all my being.  I wanted to reach the world with His love and message of hope.  Doors were opening and I knew God would put the talent He gave me to work to help others, especially abused and hurting “at risk” children, as well as orphans. It was the beat of His heart flowing through art.  His heART in ART…His life-blood flowing… It was a miracle! I was even able to return to teaching while continuing to plan missions and art for the summer! In addition, more healing work was taking place as I worked on “Restoring the Foundations” and breaking the curses and bonds of death Satan held on me.  It was like having a new life!  “Behold in Christ I am a new creation, old things are passed away; behold all things become new.”

Here's the Bat

When life throws us a curve ball it feels impossible to hit it or to even make it to first base, let alone to make a home run. We all want to succeed in life. We want to be ready for the curve balls in life. We want to win.
God has given me plenty of new opportunities to trust Him. There have been many times to practice hitting the curve balls of life. I wish I could say that I have always succeeded, but I have missed the ball and struck out many times. I wish I could say I consistently and fully trusted God each step of the way, but I haven't - I have missed the mark. The fact is, I had to learn it is because I was relying upon myself and not pulling my full trust in God. I was pushing away all those He sent to help me. They were sent as a part of the body of Christ to bless me but, I wanted to prove I was strong and I could win on my own. I didn't allow others to help me and be the hands and feet of Christ.
But the fact is, I have been scared, uncertain, and at times, very anxious. I knew many times I could not do it on my own. I knew I needed to trust God with health, healing, finances, my well-being, my relationships and the everyday journey of life. But I had much to learn. I had to strike out many times before this stubborn brain of mine would stop and listen to reason. Interestingly enough, all along the way, God has been faithful, as He patiently waited for me to acknowledge His present and keep on asking His help. Yes, although, I took life into my own hands, He remained trustworthy and ready to step in to assist me. He journeyed beside me even when I did not acknowledge Him.
It is humbling to realize you are in need of help and to have the full realization that you are not strong enough to make it on your own. You get discouraged when answers do not come quickly. Other times you wonder if God is even listening to your plead. Yet, His truth reigns, "...for in our weakness He is made strong."  He is faithful and desires to answer our prayers. The question is, am I willing to to place my life in His hands, to give Him the bat, to take full control once I place make my need known? Can I trust fully in Him. Is He really cheering for me to win? Can I believe His word? Will He truly answer my prayer? Is He really listening?
Amazingly enough, God is a God of integrity. He does not lie. He is the Promiser who keeps His promises! It matters not how long you try it on your own, He is always there ready and waiting for you to stop and acknowledge Him and simply ask for His help. He as our heavenly Father wants to provide our needs. He wants us to feel and know His great love. He is a God of infinite strength. His ability to pass all abilities. There is none like Him. He is the Creator of the universe and rules over all, yet He allows us to choose. We can choose not to ask for His help in our lives. We can ignore His Word and the words He gave us to encourage our heart. He communicates through His Word and in His still small voice if we only stop to listen. He is faithful in all He does. He WILL answer our prayers in His time. However, why is it so hard for us to believe these truths? In our humanness we linger our suffering by choosing to ignore the fact God is right there waiting to lean a hand. It must hurt Him to see us suffer needlessly. I can hear Him say, "My child, I am here for you...just reach out and I will help you...just ask me...My child I am here, I will wait, I will remain here for as long as it takes...I love you."
So as life journeys on, I strive to hear God still small voice, to remember He is here to help me if only I call upon Him. I must ask for His help and let my needs be known. Still, I am learning to trust Him and let Him take control...for I may not be able to see what is coming at me in life, but I know I have a faithful, capable and trustworthy team leader. One who has a keen eye, a steady hand and knows all the angles. I can trust Him know matter what lies ahead. He WILL answer in due time, so I cannot give up!  As His word says, "Ask and it will be given to you!"
As I seek to continue this journey in life, there will be plenty of opportunities to trust God anew. So what about you? Can you take that chance to place your life in the hands of God? Can you trust Him to know the next move? Are you willing to ask Him for your needs and not give up?
Though I don't know fully the plans that God has for me, I am learning to step out in faith. For He does know the plan and I can TRUST HIM every plan of my life. For He has said, "For I know the plans I have for you," declare the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So for now, I ask God to join the team, teach me the swing of the bat to trust His keen eye and know His heart is alway cheering for me. He will answer my prayers and guide my life. Can you let yourself hear His cheers? Will you give Him the bat? Come on, I know you can do it...TOGETHER, with God we will WIN the game, for in Christ we are victorious throughout eternity!  OK, I am asking...I am ready - Here is the bat God, I am ready to never give up! Let's play ball!

So Much in Life Leaves Us Wondering...

There is so much in life that can leave us wondering. There is so much pain in life, so many injustices and so many situations that leave us questioning, is there really a God? How can a God of love let all of this go on? If He loves me why do I hurt so much? Why do I see so many suffer? Yes, it all leaves us wondering...especially in this economic situation that is bringing about more suffering for so many.

There is no getting around the fact everyone suffers, some more than others. But "why" is a good question. In fact, "why" is one of the most important questions a person can ever ask in their life. Most of us question "why" when we are in the face of extreme hardship or constant pain. In response a college professor wrote in his book: "Our questioning is not really from a desire to know the particular meaning of the particular event. More importantly, it is from a desire to be assured that it has any meaning at all." In other words, does my suffering serve some purpose? Is there meaning behind it? Or rather is it pointless and arbitrary? Is it simply another random occurrence in this mixed up hurting world? Bottom line does suffering serve a real purpose?
According to one cultural view of "Why do pain and suffering exist?" It has been estimated that more than 300 million people adhere to Buddhism, embracing what they describe as The Four Noble Truths:
1. All is suffering.
2. Suffering is caused by desire/attachment.
3. If one can eliminate desire/attachment, one can eliminate suffering.
4. The Noble Eight-Fold Path can eliminate desire.

The proper Buddhist response to suffering is to attempt to eliminate desire by pursuing The Noble Eight-Fold Path: right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Hence, if one can control his own mind and behavior, circumstances need not change in order for the individual to overcome suffering.

Please understand, I am not a Buddhist but I certainly understand their logic. So hang in there with me to see where I am going with this thought. The Path, it seems, was designed with the intention of eliminating the emotions related to desire and those ignited by detachment from the object of desire. As for me, I have often been encouraged by fellow Christians to follow a similar path with statements of their guidance such as:
"You shouldn't feel that way, we are all called to suffer."
"Don't be angry, you are letting the situation get the best of you."
"Just let it go. God will take care of it!"

The fact is Christians are not perfect. Sometimes they say things that are roadblocks to our healing. God in His Word does tell us we can renew our minds, (...and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ( Ephesians 4:22-24) for He has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:6-8) He says, :" When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:18-20)

For all of us, whether Christian or not our mind gets the best of us. It can control much of our emotions and the outcomes in our life. As a Christian, we can lean on Christ and trust in His Words to give us strength and encouragement. This gives us more strength, an outlet; something to lean on in hard times.

It is a fact, we can allow our emotions to get the best of us in hard situations, (even if we are Christians) and as a result, we sink into despair and often feel stuck in our situation with no way out. It happened to many in God's word as they doubted in their circumstances, "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper..."(Romans 1:27-29) They allow the things of this world trap them. The stress discouraged their hearts and minds and they shut God out of their lives. As a result, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:4-6) "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-7)

God does have purpose in our sufferings. Thus, He wants us to renew our minds. So we will continually look to Him. He encourages us by saying, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." God promises, "...and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..."(Colossians 3:9-11) The fact is, you see, God will use our sufferings as we renew our minds to help others. For as we have been comforted us ourselves; we will then be able to comfort others through the knowledge God has given us.

Yet, as humans we will continue to ask "why" whether we are comforted or not. Even in our renewed mind, we will want answers. It is just human nature. We want to understand. The word says, "The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." (Proverbs 18:14-16) "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;" (Proverbs 22:16-18)
However, God reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways not our ways. In our humanness, we cannot understand fully why God allows the things He does. Have you ever stopped to think, if we did understand "all" we would become God ourselves.

God does want us to question and to cry out to Him, especially in our time of need. He wants to know our hearts and all the emotions we carry inside. In crying out to Him we learn to trust and let go of what is troubling us inside. Just look at David in the Psalms, he didn't hold back. He spilled his guts out to God. In turn, God placed praise and thankfulness upon his heart. Holding “it” in, gets us nowhere, yet dwelling on “it” gets us stuck!

We can choose to dwell on the negatives of our life or on the hurts of the lives of others, but how will that help us in the long run? Even the Bible speaks to this, "All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt." (Ecclesiastes 8:8-10) We can seek revenge for the hurt we have encountered or try to find a way to make things right in our own eyes, but in the long run we will not find peace. The fact is, unless we fully set our mind on God; to rest in Him and trust Him with everything in our lives we will never have true peace.

God promises, "I will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on me, because he trusts in God."(Isaiah 26:2-4) "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-8) This is not an easy task. It takes practice. It is like the story a dear elderly friend once told me. She said, "Honey, when we turn things over to God and not worry we fully let go. You see, it is like writing a letter to God expressing all that is on our heart and mind, then we fold it, put it in an envelope, seal and stamp, but then when we take it to the mailbox we must let go. If we hang on to even one corner it will NEVER get mailed. When it doesn't get mailed we take the burden back and worry surrounds us." So I ask, are we letting go and letting God?

The Word says, "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:30-31) Often when I am overwhelmed with worry or overcome with the stresses of this life I feel weary. I do not have the strength or motivation for the tasks at hand each day. I may find myself continuing to question God. I may even begin doubting Him and feel He is not hearing me. But God promises to be our strength in the time of need. He says He knows our need before we even ask. All we need to do it to call out to Him. He promises to hear our call. He wants to demonstrate love to His child...we are all His children and He loves us more than we can comprehend.

We are not alone in our wonderings. We are not alone in our "whys" for even in God's word we find those who questioned. In Jeremiah 12 It asks, "Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?" You see, when we get stuck in the "whys" and allow worry and depression to overtake our mind we cannot bare good fruit. We feel stuck, as if we are frozen in our situation. At that time, it is difficult for us to put any good into action. God says, "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-11) Amazingly, we will find if we push ourselves outside of our situation and take action to believe God's Word, we begin to “do good” and in doing good we begin to feel better inside. It is quite the principal God has set up, give it a try; it is life changing, but it doesn't mean we will never struggle again.

The fact is many of us have struggled more than we care to recall. We may have searched for answers in this world. We may have trusted God at times, while other times we floundered. It is during these hard circumstances God wants us to remember the times He has pulled us through. He wants to encourage our hearts and give us hope. It is at these times, we must push our mind to recall what is good and to remember what God has done for us. "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope." (Lamentations 3:20-22)

The evil one however, knows our minds can be weak. In fact, he knows our every weakness and so that is the place he will attack. In our humanness, we may not at first recognize that is what is happening, but with practice we can learn to protect our minds. God's Word tells us to call Satan on his lies and demand he leave us alone! "... “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-24)

You must know the evil one will not give up easily. He will continue his attack to try to get us to wear down, especially when times are tough. Satan doesn't want us to trust God for all our needs and rest in Him for the answers to every situation. The evil one wants us to doubt God and not believe His word, especially when finances are tight and everything seems to be going wrong. But God tells us, “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind." (Luke 12:28-30) It is true, at these times it can be so hard to put our trust in Him and not feel anxious, especially when troubles are mounting!

He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" (Luke 24:37-39) It is so human to be troubled and to let the evil one attack our minds. He wants us to fail, to doubt and to suffer. I encourage you to look up to Christ; lean on Him in these times. Don't be like the verse of unbelievers, "They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand." (Isaiah 44:17-19) Don't allow yourself to fall into that trap. Don't allow the evil one to win! And for goodness sake, don't down yourself when this happens; instead see it for what it is or the evil one will gloat in your face. Work to renew your mind and lean on God. Ask for His help. Call out to Him and He will hear your cry. It is time to give the evil one a "kick in the butt" and don't fall into the trap of his schemes. God will work all what Satan has meant for bad and change it for good. He will use these trials to strengthen us and build strong character in us so we can use it for good.

So again, I encourage each of us to look to God. For it is He who will give us comfort and lead us to understanding. He doesn't promise we will understand everything on this earth, but He will give us peace. We can be sure His Word will comfort us and help us through the hard times. God tells us, "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Colossians 3:1-3)

As I stated before, we can't begin to understand the things of this earth. In our humanness, we can't fully know the "whys" of our circumstances, but we can have the assurance that God is here for us every step of the way. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Luke 24:44-46) He has promised, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." (John 14:26-28) Oh that we might know such peace! He tells us if we seek it we shall find it.

You may ask, how can we know such peace? How can we make it through these difficult times? What can we hang on to in this world? The fact is, this world shall pass away and material things will someday have no value, but what is in the heart will remain. God word tells us, "Jesus said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:36-38)
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment."
(Mark 12:29-31)
"So he answered and said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:26-28)
So you see, to have true peace we must humble ourselves and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. At that point we can begin to learn what it means to love Him with all our soul, with all our strength and with all our mind and as a result we will have perfect peace.

But it doesn’t stop there, once we are in Christ, God provides us extra help to make it through the rough times. He tells us that His Spirit intercedes for us. "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."(Romans 8:26-28) So at that point, we will find we are a new creation, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." God will direct our paths and help transform our minds. He will help us find the blessing in each day, even when everything seems bleak. He will encourage our hearts. He will help us see more clearly and become all we can become in spite of our questionings, in spite of our wonderings and in spite of our doubts.

For as His children, "...as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—these things God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:8-10) You see, we may wonder and question all sorts of things in this life. As humans, we will continue to ask "why" and have our doubts. But yet we can be encouraged because there is hope! There is an answer to all this suffering in this world. All we have to do is believe!

For it is true those in this world will disappoint us and let us down. They will hurt us and discourage us, even while circumstances will weigh upon us and leave us with no hope. There will be little peace and rest for our souls. But remember, God is always with us cheering us on. He calls each of us to be encouragers too. He calls us to love one another through the good and bad times. So “brothers and sisters in Christ, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:10-12)
“Finally, may all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; “ (1 Peter 3:7-9) Encourage one another in these hard times. Share the message of hope. Lift one another up. For "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:1-3) For He has overcome the world! He is our hope! He is our strength! It is in our weakness He is made strong; thus it is then He holds us up and carries us. So rest in Him and have peace for today and all your tomorrows, for someday, we will have all the answers to all our "whys" and our wonderings.