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

A heart of compassion

The day was beautiful, and the weather was perfect! The family was hustling about decorating and making final preparations. It was my brother's wedding day, and I stood there humbled as I put pictures of children on white lattice for a display for the wedding. No, the pictures were not of the young bride and groom. The pictures were of children in Peru who reside in an orphanage. On their wedding day, my sister-in-law and brother were thinking of those in need and wanted to give. I was amazed at the thought of someone wanting to use their wedding to do good for others. My sister-in-law had come up with a game to raise money for the precious children at The Josephine House at the same time as raising awareness for this organization.

The Josephine House is a home in Cusco, Peru whose goal is to provide safety for children who are in difficult situations of alcohol or physical abuse, extreme poverty, and abandonment until they can be adopted into a home. Many of the children at the Josephine House have special needs and require extra care and money to provide for their needs. Please visit their website here and consider Sponsoring a Smile. Sponsor a Child.

SO- Counting gifts today-

#1050 Family working together

#1051 Purple and silver decorations

#1052 Twinkling lights

#1053 Excitement for a special day

#1054 My sister- in-laws heart of compassion for The Josephine House

#1055 Purple dresses 

#1056 A beautiful bride and a handsome groom

#1057 Family and friends

#1058 Yummy BBQ

#1059 Dancing the night away

#1060 Sparklers

#1061 Tired but very good kids

#1062 The mercy and goodness of God in providing everything to 

work together for a special day for 2 special people.

BECAUSE it's the 21st

As I read the headlines a few weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions. "FBI rescues more than 100 children, arrests 150 pimps in sex-trafficking raid." Yes, those were the words in the headlines on foxnews.com. A 72 hour mission. 105 children and teens rescued. "The youngest victim being 9 years old." NINE. YEARS. OLD. This happening in U.S. cities. 

The range of my emotions went from joy and thankfulness that these children were rescued, to sadness and sorrow for what they had and will endure, to anger that people prey upon the vulnerability of these children, to fear that this is what is occurring all over the world including right here in the US.

We need to be educated on the facts of trafficking, and we need to pass this education on to our children and anyone else who will listen.This is not something easy to talk about. This is hard stuff! We also must NOT turn a blind eye to our sisters and brothers who are suffering. We can all do something!!!

Here are some thoughts on what I want the girls in my life to know:

Precious Girls,

For those of you who have had the privilege of growing up in safe homes and learning about Christ, my prayer for you is that you always find your identity and hope in Jesus Christ. May you find your satisfaction in Him and be grounded in Him. There is much evil in this world that will feed upon vulnerability and will promise you the love of a person and a better life. Do no allow promises of love from any man pull you away from the promises of God. There are hardships in this life, but being grounded in God's Word will provide you a safe refuge. Know that when hardships come, strength can be found in Christ. 

For you Precious Girls who have been hurt and harmed in this life, know that you are precious in the sight of God who offers unconditional love to you no matter where you have been. Know that nothing is impossible for God. He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. He alone, can bring peace, comfort, and healing. May you find healing and comfort in Jesus Christ, and may He bring others into your life who will encourage you. May you know that you are beautiful, and may you find strength in Jesus Christ who loves you and gave Himself for you. 

In Christ Love,

Stacey

If you are interested in becoming involved in the fight against slavery and trafficking, check out The A21 Camgaign's website. Here you can find ways to become involved and sign up to become an abolitionist or advocate.

"Who told you life was going to be easy?"

Have you ever had times in your life when one thing happens right after the other? When you feel life the waves just keep crashing and knocking you down? You feel like you are sinking and just want a break from the waves of trials that keep crashing down on you.

Thinking over this summer, I cannot remember another time when my husband and I have made so many visits to hospitals and doctor's offices with family and friends. Not to mention some difficult emotional situations, long hours my husband is working, and hard decisions that have to be made regarding the future. As someone who likes things planned out and tends to worry, taking things day by day is challenging for me. I think I need to meditate on Matthew 6:25-34 more often (sheepish smile here).

Several years ago, we were in the middle of another difficult time in our lives. I remember having one of my pity parties. After listening for a few minutes, my husband looked at me and said, "Who told you life was going to be easy?" His words brought me back to reality. For some reason I had started thinking I didn't deserve trouble in my life, and that I had been through enough. How SELFISH! What I don't deserve is God's mercy and grace. What I don't deserve is His unconditional love and forgiveness. That day my husband reminded me that sometimes life is hard- really hard, BUT we have a sovereign God who is in control. A God we can trust, and Whose plans are for our good.

Yes, I still struggle. I still worry and fall and break, but the voice of my husband that day still comes to mind and brings me back to Christ. 

Today I want to share with you a passage that God gave me last Friday. A passage that excited me, encouraged me, and gave me hope as I read it. May you find encouragement today in these verses from Isaiah 40:28-31-

 "Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

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."

Unknown

Many times in life we are hit with unknowns. It could be related to a family situation, job, finances, or health of yourself or a family member. I am the type of person who likes to have things planned out and wants to feel like things are under control. When I am hit with unknowns, I am faced with a situation where I have no control. To be honest, I struggle. Right now I have unknowns in my life. Where I don't like these situations, I know that it is needful in my growth in Christ. You see, these situations make me totally dependent upon God, which is where I should be in the first place. These situations remind me who is in control and where my strength comes from.

This morning I needed encouragement so I went to the One who is in control and was reminded of some things that are known. I have been memorizing in Romans, so the first place I went was Romans 8. "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Romans 8:15-17. 

Known #1 - I am adopted as a child of God. He is my Abba, Father.

Do you realize the significance of being able to call God, "Abba"?

It's more like being able to call Him, "Daddy" or "Papa."

Looking further I got to Romans 8:37-39- "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Known #2- God is my strength and nothing can separate

me from His love.

I then went to a devotional that has encouraged me over the years- Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon. The verse today was Mark 9:23, which says, "Jesus said to him, 'If you believe, all things are possible to him who believes.'"

Known #3 - "Everything is possible for him who believes."

Today, I am grateful for encouragement through God's Word which is full of things that are known. Today, I am thankful that even though I have no control over situations, I know the One who does, and I can trust in Him. Today, I cry out with the father in Mark 9, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!" 

One of THOSE Days

Have you ever had one of those days? You know, the kind of day where things just don't go right or at least the way you want them to go. A day kind of like this-

I was already dealing with a difficult and emotional situation. As my husband is leaving for work, he wakes me to inform me that we have no water. He would call someone to come find the problem. So, I get up and give thanks (#871 in my gratitude journal) for antibacterial and cleansing face and hand wipes that I had left over from a trip. Finally the person comes to check our pump and informs me that I need an electrician, but they will not be here until after lunch. Well, I decide to head to town because I had errands to run anyway. Lunch turns out pleasant, but when we get in the store- not so pleasant. My little kiddos were more concerned about chasing each other around the store than in obeying their mom. Finally I got what I needed and headed to our vehicle not very happy. I proceed to call my husband to find out the status of the water situation at home when I notice a shopping cart 2 rows over rolling toward my parked vehicle. Thinking I might stop it, I jumped out just in time to watch it plow into the back of my vehicle. Really?? Instead of being thankful that it didn't cause damage, I was fuming. I marched that cart to the return, stomped back to my car, and slammed the door. When I looked back, I was met with the wide, stunned eyes of my kids. Then I realized what a perfectly imperfect mess I really am. 

I have all these blessings surrounding me, and all it takes is no running water at my house, rowdy kids, and a shopping cart to make me "Unglued" as Lysa Terkeurst calls it in her book on "making wise choices in the midst of raw emotions" (which, by the way, I am reading). 

We sat in silence for several minutes. Then I explained to my kids what happened, and I confess that my response was wrong. I apologize, and as a family, we agree to try to help one another.

It is so easy for me to get caught up in what is going on instead of "looking unto Jesus" (Heb. 12:2). This life is so full of struggles and trials, yet in Christ so full of grace and areas to grow in Him. When I am so concerned about a difficult situation that I let simple things throw me over the edge, am I really trusting God in that situation? Probably not! 

In our Sunday school class on the Gospel- shaped marriage our teacher has been talking about how the Gospel changes everything. This past Sunday he was teaching some about the progress of the Gospel. Colossians 2:6-7 caught my attention. " As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." There it was again- with THANKSGIVING. Yes. Faith and thanksgiving. And yes, thanksgiving even in the trials and struggles and even on one of THOSE days. I have Christ- give thanks. I am covered by His grace- give thanks. I am loved with an unconditional love and forgiven- give thanks.

Oh Lord, please continue to help me make thanksgiving a way of life. Thank you for progress- "imperfect progress". (Lysa Terkeurst says, "Imperfect changes are slow steps of progress wrapped in grace... imperfect progress.") 

#872- God's grace and forgiveness when I mess up.