beLOVED

Love...

Never gives up.
Cares more for others than self.
Doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Doesn't strut.
Doesn't have a swelled head.
Doesn't force itself on others.
Isn't always "me first."
Doesn't fly off the handle.
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others.
Doesn't revel when others grovel.
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.
Puts up with anything.
Trusts God always.
Always looks for the best.
Never looks back.
Keeps going to the end.

This piece of scripture has always tugged at my heart, but as the years pass, I'm discovering more and more what love truly is. I've been blessed in being able to uncover this truth for myself. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, I've been able to see. But the more I learn of love, the more I see how it isn't easy. Love--in its purest form, is difficult. It seems unattainable. And I've come to this conclusion: I can't carry all of these attributes at one time--perfectly. I need help. That's why I love that Jesus IS love. He is all of those attributes and more. And with him, I am able to truly love. I am able to carry love into the darkest of places. I'm able to love whom others would call "unlovable." Because, with him, I am able to see as he sees.

These past couple of weeks have been a challenge because I've been living this scripture first-hand. I have been "pushed out" and the door has been slammed in my face. I have seen rejection in a friendship. There wasn't a reason behind the ending of it. I was forced out and yet--I hear the Father saying: Keep loving. Wait patiently on me. Trust me to do the impossible. Trust me to do above and beyond all you thought was possible. Learn to see as I see. Learn to see me in the truest form. My love is constant. It remains regardless of the response. It remains regardless of the attitude. It just is. And I'm going to teach you about this. Lean into me and see that my ways are so good. When you learn to love as I love, your heart will soar. 

And so, though I am "locked out," I continue to wait. I continue to pray. I remain. And it's difficult, but with Jesus in the mix, this discipline has been wrecking my heart. Jesus has been showing me time and time again of a snapshot of his love for us. My prayer for myself and for you is that you will get to experience and encounter his love in a way that you've never seen before. I pray that this scripture becomes alive to you! May you look into the eyes of the Father and trust him to pour out his love on you, so that you can in turn love yourself and love others!!

Keep going...to the end...

Be LOVED.

BRAVE: Advice to 20s from a 30something (Part 2)

Last week, I began a series of advice to my 20something friends out there--pouring out a bit of advice from myself--a simple 30something.  Over the past couple of years, I have found myself repeating advice to numerous 20somethings. They were words that I wish that someone had taken the time to tell me (or that I would have listened to). So, without further ado, welcome back for part 2 of this series. Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of wine and enjoy!

• Listen to those wiser (and older than you). 

I can't tell you how valuable and important this is. I believe that people are brought into your life for a specific reason. I also believe that when you are in your 20s, you are filled with passion, vigor, and wonder as you run (some faster than others) towards the future. There are oftentimes people who are older and wiser than yourself that cross your path. Truly wise mentors enter your life, not to deter you, but to assist you in moving toward your dream/desire. Sometimes, they arrive like a mighty wind and are there just for moment. Other times, they are like the roots in a tree--forever in your life to water, pour, and encourage you along your life. Either way, take the time to listen to them. As difficult as this might seem, you don't know everything. You can't do it all on your own and if you think you can, then you need these people more than you realize. Take the time to welcome them into your life. Trust me, you'll be extremely grateful later on!

• Take time to be still.

This is a word for everyone, but those who are in their 20s and under, have a difficult time with this. Take time to be still--to breathe in the sunshine and the day. Turn off the cell phone. Take a day without Facebook, Twitter, and all social media. Take time to turn off all the technology that sends us spinning. Schedule days that you are intentionally still. Speak stillness and peace into your heart and mind. It is in these moments--the moments that you're still--that you come face to face with yourself and the state of your heart. I know, it can be daunting and challenging. But take the time. In this time, you'll find yourself more comfortable with yourself because it will force you to face things. It will force you to take a look and to have the option to change, smile, move forward, etc. Being still is a blessed gift.

• Don't compare your life's progression to others.

This is a challenge (even as a 30something), but what I've personally discovered is that we are all on a different (and yet the same) track. Some of you have gone to college (or are in college) and will go straight into your professional field. You'll "move up the ladder" and will progress through life happenings early on (i.e. buying a house, getting married, having children, etc). Some of you are already there. And that's great! For some of you, you may decide to go a different route. You may not discover your life/professional calling or obtain it until your 30s or 40s. Life is a progression. Some of you will be single for many years before getting married and setting down roots. And it may go against the grain of your personality completely. Trust me. I know. But refuse to get frustrated. You're not out of the loop. Your path is just different. There isn't a direct line/pattern to how life is to be lived. Although, I recommend that it be LIVED FULLY and this means that comparison needs a good kick in the rear. Keep living and...

• Take your battles one at a time.

This leads me to final word of advice today: Tackle your battles/goals one at a time. Look at one and take it on--immediately. Believe that you will overcome and that the battle will be won. But as you're doing this--whether it's a dream of completing graduate school, starting a business, praying for a loved one, beating cancer, etc., don't go in at it alone. Tackle the battle one moment at a time, but never go in it alone. Relationships are good to keep you vulnerable, centered, and accountable. They also keep you from getting overwhelmed in your battle.

So, friends, take courage. Take courage to keep embracing life and may my life lessons be an encouragement to your hearts. Here's to next week as we approach Part 3 of this ever-evolving series! Continued peace and grace to your heart!!