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.          
1 Corinthians 13:4 

 This scripture has inspired my heart the most this year. I have learned to be more patient with my husband, my kids, my parents, my friends, and just people in general. I have learned to slow down and really listen to people. Most of the time, misunderstandings happen because people do not take the time to listen or even ask what or why. I have found that what I thought or believe is often skewed from what is. I have realized that I love people and that God loves people because we are his people. God made each of us and we have to take the time to see each other the way God sees us. My life has been blessed in so many ways this past year. I am working on seeing God's blessings in all things and living a life that is rich with God's love and light. I pray for each of you friends. I pray that you are able to trust God with all of your heart, forgive each other as Jesus has forgiven us, and to love each other. Fill your days with love, laughter, and the light of the Lord and may each of you have an inspired heart.