Faithful hearts

Over the years, there has been a number of tragedies that have happened that have stuck with me.  A few years ago, I ran across a blog where a mother had created a Face Book page for her son who was battling a rare form of cancer in his brain.  This little boy was only 2 years old, but boy did he change my life.  At the time, I was growing spiritually in my relationship with Christ, but it wasn't until I read his story and and how dependent and obedient of a child of God his mother was, that I truly understood walking by faith.  The little boy ended up losing his battle with cancer, but was greeted by God into our heavenly home and his mom with grace and dignity, stirred something in my heart.  Another story was of a man who lost his wife in a car accident and was left to pick up the pieces of life for him and his two children with out her.  Today I read another story, about a family that lost everything in the Arkansas Tornado.  They lost their house and their precious two boys.  Other precious lives were lost that day, but this family in particular has impacted my soul.  

What do all of these stories have in common?  Loss, grief, but most of all the faithful hearts and bountiful love for Jesus.  How does one pick up the pieces after so much of their normal is taken from them?  How does a parent pick up and move on after losing the most precious part of themselves?  Thinking about each of these families and the loss that each of them has experienced has literally taken my breath away.  I look at the blessings in my life and can not fathom how I would be able to find normal again.  Each of these families do, but not alone.  They have found the inner peace in knowing that each of their loved ones were simply passing through and that Earth is only their temporary home.  They understand that each of us have a mission on Earth and when that mission is complete, it is time to return home to our Father.  

Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

When tragedy strikes and your normal is taken from you, take comfort in knowing that your loved one is happy and free from the burdens and constrictions of Earth.  They are home with Jesus singing praises in the holy kingdom.  

My relationship with Jesus was strengthened by the bravery that each of these families exhibited.  Regardless, if I have physically ever met them, I was affected deeply and will forever be changed.  

God's Love

Have you ever been so mad at someone that you have said or done something that was fueled by anger or hurt and later felt regret?  I have... I'm sure we all have.  We are all made to be self reliant and with self reliance comes emotions.  Emotions are tricky and can be fuel for Satan, he loves it when we are angry!     

Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” (NIV)

Such a powerful statement.  Do not go to bed angry, but how many times do we go to bed angry?  It's so easy to be angry, but it's so hard to forgive.  Why is this?  When Jesus was on the cross dying, his main concern was for God to forgive those that were sinning against him.  Being the emotional human that I am, this is hard for me to understand.  Why and how was Jesus able to do this.  He LOVED us that much and continues to love us, even as we sin in anger and go to bed angry.  We must ask ourselves then, how do we get to a place where God is in control and our self reliance is not?  

Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (ESV)

God is the epitome of love and forgiveness, but what does that really mean?  We all experience this unconditional love with our children.  We are very good at copying the love our father in Heaven gives us and then in turn giving it to our children.  Most of us are really good about having that same unconditional love for our spouses. What about that important commandment, Love thy neighbor.  We are not so good about having that same unconditional love for our neighbors.  If we look at the cross and what the cross signifies, horizontally it is God's love, and vertically it is the love we are to give to everyone else (our neighbors, this includes children, husbands, friends, neighbors, and even strangers).  


Be quick to forgive, remember this:
Titus 3:3-5
“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
But – “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” (NLT)

I have hurt many people with my words over the years and looking back it was because I was hurt or angry.  I needed to be validated, heard, understood.  Looking back, I realize that this was not what I needed.  God's Love was needed.  I needed to ask God to forgive me for my hardened heart and allow his love to fill within me, so that I could in turn share that wonderful love with others.  Forgive each other friends, do not go to bed angry.  Do not place blame, but allow God to show you the heart of your friend, family, or neighbor.  

Inspired heart

My heart has been inspired this year. God's love is shining all around me and I have learned to trust the Lord with all my heart and soul. I understand what it means to fully trust God, I understand what it means to completely forgive someone, and I understand that love is patient, kind, and never proud. What hard lessons each and every moment has been for me, but looking back now, I realize that with each trial and tribulation, I have gained an inspired heart. My heart is inspired to share with you, what I have learned and how my life is being transformed daily by the awesomeness of our gracious, loving Lord. 

  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I struggle daily with this verse. I am stubborn and independent, but I am learning to be humble and dependent. I am learning that when I try to take measures into my own hands, I fail, and fail miserably. God never falters though and is always there to pick me up, when I am ready to humble myself and admit that I can not do it without him. I am learning to pray continuously and not just in the morning. I am learning to drop to my knees and give myself wholly to the Lord. I am also learning that by doing so, the things that God helps me with surpass measurably what I was trying to do myself. Are you in the midst of a hardship or bad storm of life? Humble yourself my friend, and allow God to take over. You will be utterly surprised what blessings can come out of horrible trials. 

  For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 

Society has taught us every man for himself, seek revenge, etc. Forgiveness doesn't mean that we forget what has been done to us. Forgiveness means that we give something up, release the notion to get revenge. Give it to God and humble yourself in front of God. I have been hurt a lot over the years and still find myself hurting at times. I have wanted the people who have hurt me to hurt. Will that take my pain away? Maybe for a little while, but then I would probably be left with feeling guilty for hurting someone else. What I have learned is that when someone hurts me, I start to pray for that person. I pray that God will forgive them and bless them. If needed I also ask God to forgive me for any negative feelings I might have towards that person. I am always amazed at how quickly my the burdens of my heart are lifted. Are you struggling with forgiveness? Are you struggling with wanting revenge for someone who has hurt you? Allow God to heal your heart and ask God to bless those that have hurt you. I dare you to give it to God. I love God, he is AMAZING!!! 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.