Love

Love. That is the word that has been floating around in this brain of mine over the past few months. It may be the weddings that I have attended or different family activities, but I think this word has been on my mind so much because of life circumstances for me and those around me.

This year has truly been a year that God has used many different circumstances in my life, books, and Bible study to grow me in my relationship with Him. One thing that keeps coming up in these books, Bible studies, and life situations is love.

So, what is the definition of love? The dictionary has quite a paragraph on this little word with only 4 letters. The definition that goes along with my thoughts over the past months is, "unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the good of another." That is a definition that you can chew on for quite some time. So often we associate love with a feeling and butterflies, but when we open the Bible and see what God says about love- this is the definition.

God commands us to love one another. Yes, I know, easier said than done sometimes because of these sinful bodies we dwell in. We are so prone to judge, be negative, find fault, and point fingers. Unfortunately, I have been one of those to judge rather than love in situations, and thankfully God has given me the opportunity to apologize in some of those situations.

Love takes effort, but we are commanded so many times in Scripture to love. Here are a few passages-
John 15:12, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Romans 13:8, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."
Hebrews 13:1, "Let brotherly love continue."
1 John 4:7, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."

As I have thought about love, I have thought about this world and people around me. The hurt and pain that we humans endure through this life. People all around who need the love of Christ in their lives. Christ gave us such an example of love in His earthly ministry. So many times He showed love and compassion to those hurting and in need around Him. Men and women who had been caught in sin, yet He met them with compassion, forgiveness, and grace. He loves us so much that He died for us and offers eternal life (John 3:16).

I wonder how much more effective our ministry as Christians would be if we chose love. Am I the person that the young single girl who finds herself pregnant can come to for help? Am I the one where that person who struggles with an addiction can come to find encouragement and hope? Do I lend a safe listening ear to the one who is angry and hurting? OR do I speak judgement and am the one that people run away from because I feel I have the answers rather than offering a caring listening ear?At the end of the Bible Study DVD for Not a fan, Kyle Idleman's words are, "Fan or follower, it all comes down to love." 

Oh, Lord, how I need Your help to show love. May I be a light in this world by sharing Your love to those around me. Please give me Your strength to be Your follower. 

Campmeeting Time

 For 358 days of the year this place lies quiet. The grass grows untouched while the mighty pines tower overhead. The wooden shacks that we call tents stay empty and closed up tight. The tabernacle sits quiet in the midst of the stillness.

But, for one week out of the year, this place comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of Campmeeting. We move in our tents and get ready for a week of fun, fellowship, delicious food, and worship and praise to God. It's a time when family and friends come together, a time of worship, and a time of making lasting memories.

As I think back over the week, my heart is full of gratitude to my God for the gifts He blessed me with over the past week-

#1114. Excitement of Campmeeting

#1115. Good food and fun with family

#1116. Hay under foot and smoke in the air- the smells of Campmeeting

#1117. Rest

#1118. Quiet lunch

#1119. Talking with Mom until lights out at the Campground

#1120. Cool crisp air

#1121. Blankets snuggled around

#1122. Warmth from the fire

#1123. My cousin, Mom, and me making breakfast on the woodstove

#1124. Quiet, lazy afternoon

#1125. Kids playing music on the keyboard and guitar

#1126. Fried chicken

#1127. Yummy desserts

#1128. Laughter and squeals as children play 

#1129. The chatter of people talking

#1130. Naps for tired children

#1131. Roasting marshmallows around the fire

#1132. Reliving memories with my cousin as we stayed the night at the campground with our families

#1133. Drifting off to sleep with the sound of music 2 tents down

#1134. Bacon and pancakes cooking on the wood stove

#1135. Our wonderful cook who made the most delicious food and helped us out so much

#1136. My whole family together

#1137. Worship music under the tabernacle with my kiddos and Meme

#1138. Friends enjoying Campmeeting with us

#1139. Family photos- lots of them!

#1140. Sunday worship at the Campground

#1141. Fellowship

#1142. Hugs and Goodbyes as people begin to pack up

#1143. Family working together

#1144. A week full of wonderful memories