Love is...

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast,

it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, 
always trusts, 

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails.

1 Cor. 13:4-8

Happy birthday to the man who lives this out 

every day in our family. 

Rob, you're an incredible husband and father,

provider, encourager, and friend.

Happy Birthday!

I love you!

Always and forever!

Roaring like a lion

All week, the song "God's Not Dead" by the Newsboys has been roaring in my head!

Take a listen: God's Not Dead...

Does God's love roar in your life?

Or do you live more like a mouse?

I believe in miracles!

Did you read my post on freedom last week? I shared how I sometimes ignore the Holy Spirit's prompting -- on purpose! Really. I've been thinking about that ever since.

Why would I ever ignore God's prompting through the Holy Spirit? Why? Why? Why?

Scripture says:

• "I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
• "The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." (Psalm 145:9)
• "But as it is written, no eye has seen nor ear has heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those that love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)
• "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Now, now.... Go back and read the scriptures. Don't skim over them. See, I might say something amazing, but I'm nowhere near as amazing as God. 

So here I am, little old Karen who knows that God's plan is beyond anything I could ever do on my own. He wants me to live an abundant life, which he prepared just for me. He can do more than I can ask or imagine! And I DREAM BIG!!! And what do I do? I take matters into my own hands. I ignore the Holy Spirit. I. AM. CRAZY!

Can you relate?

I'm so guilty of being the holy spirit to my kids. That's not my job, though. God wants me to guide them, instruct them and correct them. He wants me to encourage and nurture and pray for them. He wants to be the one to convict their hearts. Those rare times when I do my job and stay out of His, He does pretty amazing. Okay, more than pretty amazing -- He is jaw-dropping FANTASTIC at being God!

Maybe your marriage isn't all that you want it to be. Are you trying to fix it? Or will you let God work on you and leave your spouse to His care? Instead of pointing out your spouse's every short-coming, ask God to show you where you need to improve. Do it, God's way.

Do you hate your boss? Your coworkers? Maybe hate is a strong word.... Maybe you just find them clueless? Ignorant? Selfish? You know what, God didn't put you there to judge them. (Yes, I'm stomping on toes -- mine included!) He put you there to shine HIS light -- not your judgment -- into their lives. How? By following him. You don't have to do it! You just need to honor God and do things His way, walking by faith not by sight.

And when we do that, the most amazing thing happens. God moves. He intercedes. Problems we dread "suddenly" evaporate. Situations we fear resolve. Relationships we struggle with improve. God moves in every situation -- "[He] works for the good of those who love him." (Romans 8:28)

We get it backward. Bless me, then I'll follow you. He wants us to follow him, and then the blessings will flow.

What challenge do you face today? Will you commit your situation to God's care? AND ask Him to work on your heart while you're at it? Do you believe in miracles? I do!