Day 256: Reversing Your Mindset

Please do not think I have abandoned this blog.  I have been very busy with writing academically for my college classes, but I have posts set aside for you to read.  I just need to fix them up a little bit.  Here's a short entry for now.  And Happy Veteran's Day!


What do you do when the mind is willing, but the flesh is weak?

I wanted so hard for today to be a good day.  It started out great but took a turn as I struggled to control my grouchy mood.  I didn't want to be upset.  I tried really hard not to let my interrupted plans and stress over due dates and assignments bother me, but I couldn't help it.  The negativity invaded my brain like a disease.

The key is to keep telling yourself that your situation is not as bad as it seems.  Sure, plans change, but God always makes everything work out in the end.  I often find that all the stress and anger I feel is for nothing, and I wish I could go back and enjoy the unexpected diversions God had given me to enjoy.  It's hard when you're a perfectionist obsessed with plans and lists, but you need to be willing to let that go.  It's good to be organized, but I'm constantly being reminded that I cannot control everything in my life.

So when that seed of irritation takes root, focus on the positive end of the truth.  The truth is the most important thing that the devil wants to take from you.  Don't think, "I could be doing something else with my time, but instead I'm stuck doing this chore.  I don't want to."  Change that to, "I know it will all work out in the end.  I have faith.  Let go and enjoy life."  Turn it into a game.  Look for the fun.  Think how happy you'll make that person feel by doing that favor, or how happy God will be at seeing your obedience. 

Day 241: A Losing Battle

Today is Labor Day.  Summer is officially gone, and I'll be going back to school tomorrow.  I've accomplished a lot over the summer, and it's been quite fun for me.  As the days I have left have dwindled away, I have gotten more stressed about all those last things I wanted to do, much of them involving technology.

Today, I read 1 John 2, and verse 15 seemed to stick out to me.  I love the pleasures in this world, the natural and man-made.  You know you've crossed the line though when those pleasures become work, when it sucks the life out of you.  God did not create those distractions to be work but to be outlets to let stress go so we can go back to work refreshed.  Furthermore, all the things we absorb on the internet and all the various collections we have are vanities.  They won't last, and the more we grasp, the more they will slip away.  We, I, need to let go of these things and realize that they won't last forever.  All the energy I put into diversions should be put into things that benefit others and not myself and further my future doing God's will.  Sometimes this can be difficult with an OCD perfectionist somewhat like myself, but that's when I need to take a deep breath and let go.  Accept that my life won't be perfect.  Give God the reigns of my life. 

Day 158: Are You "Good" at Something?

Should be Day 182.

I just wanted to share a little observation I have made today.  I did not have a good evening.  I won't go into details, but I think part of the problem has stemmed from the fact that I thought I was getting "good" at something.  I think it's a pretty common thought.  Everyone can get "good" at something.  I know there are plenty of things that I need to improve on, but I feel that taking pride in something a person can do can increase self-esteem and be helpful.  There is a fine line to this emotion, and I caution you not to cross it.

When you feel confident about something you can do well, I think you get a false sense of security.  You could get cocky and let things slip.  At least, that's what happened to me.  God sees that pride you've given yourself, and He sends things your way to remind you that because you are human, you can never be perfect.  Well, that happened to me tonight, and I asked myself, "Why must these things happen?!  Why does it seem like I always fall short in something?! Can't I just do it right?" 

Now I tell myself, "No, you silly goose, or you would be a god.  You will never be perfect.  At this rate, you need to accept this and anticipate failures.  The best thing you can do is try to learn from them and move on.  No matter how hard you try, especially on your own, you can't master anything." 

Mistakes keep us humble, and they force us to rely on God's help.  It can be frustrating or a bitter sting, but it can also cause us to look forward to our future with Him where all the troubles of this world are gone.

Day 123: Heritage

My sister brought this to my attention the other day.  Think about your ancestors.  Where did they come from?  When?  Every U.S. citizen has relatives that have emigrated from some other country, unless of course this reader is part Native American.  Some have just immigrated to the U.S. sooner than later.  How long you and your family has lived in this country determines how much American history is actually "your story" and how much is simply the story of your country.  I hadn't thought about it before, but the Wild West days, Western expansion, Louisiana Purchase, the Revolutionary War, and even the Pilgrims are not my stories.  My history during all that time period resides with another country (or more).  Whichever case is true for you, it's pretty cool to think about what parts of history you're a part of.  I'm glad we live in a country that, for the most part, is receptive to immigrants and allows room for us to all amalgamate.   

Day 114: Quote from C. S. Lewis

A friend posted this quote by C. S. Lewis, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not because I see it, but because by it I see everything in it.”  Such a beautiful analogy! First, think about the phrase "the sun has risen."  The sun always rises.  It is constant.  It's the thing that the whole earth depends on.  That is exactly what God is for us.  I believe I likened God to the sun in a previous post, but Lewis goes a step further and says that the sun, a.k.a God, lights the world.  

 When we see situations in life through Jesus' eyes instead of through the media or non-believers, we are filled with compassion and love.  We actually want to help people.  Sometimes this view is even more beneficial to helping others.  Think about the people in Oklahoma suffering from the tornado.  Any normal human being would feel sorry for those victims and want to donate money or food.  Christians might take it step farther and volunteer, send even more money, or work even harder to help, all without expecting "thanks" or any type of recognition.  Their motives would be to please God.  On the other hand, a different perspective could cause problems.  For example, having a child out of wedlock or gay marriage might not be considered acceptable, even though it is socially acceptable to most people.

 I am not saying that these are right or wrong ways to looking at things, or that all Christians believe this and all non-believers would do that.  C. S. Lewis did an excellent job of putting it simply.  When you become a Christian, everything changes.  Forever.  Christians become "in the world, but not of it."

Day 109: Letting Go

If my math is correct, I should be on Day 150 right now.  :(  I will keep posting until I get back on track again.  I apologize for taking such a long break.

Last night I went to a painting party.  I am not a very good artist, and I have never painted with real paints on a canvas before.  Even though I was apprehensive about going, I went so my sister wouldn't be alone.  Surprisingly, I had a nice time, and my picture did not turn out as bad as I thought it would be.  That doesn't mean it wasn't perfect though.  I could have spent all night with that paint, trying to fix my mistakes I had made or struggling to make it look closer to my initial intentions for it.  As it was, I probably spent an extra twenty minutes longer than I had to with "finishing touches."  It was an endless cycle though.  No sooner had I tried to fix one mistake then three more had appeared.  I kept trying to fix them until I willed myself to stop and let it go.  I thought I was satisfied with it, but when I brought it home, I still wasn't happy.  I wished I could go back and fix it or had the opportunity to do it over again.  But there came a point where I had to accept that I could no longer change what I had done.  I had to take a deep breath, accept my mistakes, and be happy with what I had accomplished.  It was a learning experience, and hopefully I can apply what I learned into the next painting that I do.  

Day 105: My Dream

I had a horrible dream last night.  It was scary because I felt like it all was happening to me, and it was based on historical events.  It was the Holocaust.

My family and I had a guest staying with us, a woman named Margo.  I believe she is supposed to be based on the woman who eventually gave out where Anne and her family were hiding.  During my dream, she seemed to have the potential to be unstable.  She started acting really irritated and nervous about the whole situation.  I think I felt I had to placate her and make her feel part of the family by spending special time with her or else she'd give away that we were hiding from the government.

We had gathered some of our precious belongings in bags, and we decided the safest place to hide for now was in our house.  We locked everything, pulled the blinds, rearranged things in the house so you couldn't see inside, and blocked every way space of free window.  Then we bundled together in the living room and waited.  More than once German soldiers surrounded our house or were marching around.  I remember seeing two of their silhouettes through the front door window.  One time they came storming in the house, but we were able to hide enough while (I think) my dad killed them.

The worse part about all this was the fear that I felt.  A terror seized my heart like none I had ever experienced.  I had to stay indoors all day, forget about college and the assignments I had to do.  I had to be deathly quiet, no TV or loud conversations, because we didn't want the soldiers knowing anyone was home.  Everything safe and familiar I had known was stripped away from me.  Fear that we would be caught, fear that we would be separated from each other, fear that we would die.  These fears were so strong that I could not relax.  I was always on alert.  My heart ached from the prickles of fear.  The only time I felt it soften slightly was when we prayed over dinner.  Knowing we were talking to a higher power took me away from the terror of that world.

The dream ended with all of us gathering what money we had and our possessions as we prepared to leave the house and make a run for it.  The alarm abruptly ended it all.  In the dream, I had thought, "It would help me feel calmer if I live every day like it was my last day to live," and I thoroughly believed it.  Believing in it seemed to prepare me for a death that seemed sure to come.  When I woke up from my dream, I thought, "God's grace gave me a second chance." 

I can't tell you how relieved I was to find our it was all a dream, but I was still in shock.  I tried to imagine how horrible life must have been for them, but I never felt it until now.  The saddest part is there are people out there right now who are living with that fear.  They fear persecution from their government, that they will be imprisoned or killed.  Christian missionaries live in secret because governments may kill them and break up families.  The people from the Boston marathon and Texas plant have already had the fear of losing lived ones become a reality.  Be thankful we live in the country we do with all the glorious freedoms it has and pray for those who are still living my nightmare.

Day 97: Lost and Found

"Sometimes in life you have to lose something in order to find it."  My mother said this in her yoga class the other day, and the more I hear it, the more I love it.  It can be relatable to so many situations.  For example...

• My sister says it's her sanity, probably due to the stress that comes from too many responsibilities or tough math problems.  I've experienced the pressure that makes you want to throw in the towel.  It's through these times that push you to the edge that you get some clarity.  Think of Thomas Edison.  You struggle and keep coming up with the wrong answer.  Nothing seems to work.  Your "sanity" could be your patience or ideas.  Then, when you think you've exhausted all your strength, you get success and "find" the answer.
• Sometimes when you lose something, you have an epiphany on the journey that it takes for you to find it.
• The most important example is found in Luke 15 with Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son.  He lost all he had before he found the truth.  This tends to be true for most people before they become Christians.  It also reminds me of Britt Nicole's song, "Lost Get Found."   

Day 96: Commitment

Over a week.  This is crazy.  I have a lot of writing to catch up on!  :(  I had a lot of work this week, but there were some days where I could have come on for a little.  I just wasn't motivated enough.  You know what, though?  That is how problems are.  You put something off for a day or too, and the more time that goes by, the less motivated you become.  Your tiny problem that can be fixed easily soon snowballs into something overwhelming.

This leads back to commitment.  The definition of the word is "the state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action" or a pledge, which means "a solemn binding promise to do something."  When you promise to do something small or large, you need to be aware of the compromises you might need to make in order to fulfill that promise.  Stay emotionally involved and remember why you're doing it.

As Christians, we have a commitment to God.  We might not want to take the time to pray or read our Bibles, but if we really love God, we need to.  I struggle with this too.  What would happen if Jesus didn't follow through with His commitment on earth?  We'd be doomed!  He didn't want to die, but He loved us.  We owe Him, even if it's only five minutes.  I know it can be hard, but you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Day 74: Devotion Comments

This blog post is to make up for the one I missed on Monday, March 11.  I might share more of my devotion comments in the future, if you find them interesting.

Currently, I am reading the book of Acts.  In Acts 25, Paul is enduring the unfair accusations that the Jews have brought against him, just as Jesus had to patiently endure in front of the High Priest.  Verses 7 and 8 of Acts really struck me.

When he [Paul] had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove,  while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.”

It really irks me when someone says something incorrect or misinterprets what I say or think.  I want to speak up immediately and correct them, defend myself from their false opinions.  Yet Paul patiently takes all the blows.  It might not sit well with him that they slander him but does not let it show outwardly.  A couple chapters ago, he is even polite and civil when he stood before governor Felix to be judged.  Paul doesn't deserve to be subjected to that, but he still maintains his faith in God and the truth.  All the world can deny what he says, but Paul can rest assured because God is on his side.  The truth always prevails.  I just give Paul a lot of credit because I am not sure I could have that kind of composure.

Another thing, I relate to doubting Thomas more than I thought.  I like to think of myself as an optimist, someone who trusts in God and still believes in miracles.  Other times, I am cautious before jumping to conclusions, can be bluntly critical, and try to look at things realistically.  Normally, this means "bursting someone's bubble" or inadvertently hurting feelings.  I was in one of those later moods when my sister called me "doubting Thomasina."  I wasn't insulted, but it made me realize how quickly we can fall into that sort of attitude. Perhaps Thomas did not purposely disbelieve in Jesus rising but chose to be realistic.  He was protecting himself from getting his hopes dashed.  I suppose sometimes we have to put our hearts on the line, especially when it is concerning God or something important.  There might be pain, but God is there is to catch us.

Day 73: Memories & Memento

 I'm not sure what to write again today, so I'm sharing what I wrote earlier for school.  Hopefully you won't mind if I do this more.  I just don't want to write something that I don't feel passionate about.  I want these posts to be pleasant for us both.  :)

Anyways, in English class, we read a short story called "Memento Mori" by Jonathan Nolan then had to watch the film adaption by Christopher Nolan.  Here's some info about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memento_%28film%29

I had to answer the response questions, and here are a couple.

A. How does memory (or lack of memory) impact are culpability or responsibility for our actions?

B. How does the loss of memory change the way time affects us?

A. If I do something wrong, I tend to relive that moment repeatedly.  By remembering what we do wrong, we are reliving the guilt and pain.  We are not allowing ourselves time to heal and move past our mistakes.  The more we relive the memory, the more it gets distorted.  Additionally, our emotions can manipulate the memories into casting more blame or innocence on us.  We deceive ourselves into thinking that we did something worse than what actually happened or that someone else hurt us more than he actually did.

B. We use memories to create a timeline of our lives.  We refer back to them when something happens in the present, and that helps us move forward in our lives.  With those memories gone, we can get stuck in an endless loop of the present, just as Earl did.  We lose part of our identity with those memories, so we also become no different from the people around us. 

Day 70: Updates

I can't believe I missed a whole day.  :(  I was so busy yesterday that I didn't have any time.  I will make it up though by making two posts.

I have another story that I need to write for fiction writing.  This one has to be longer.  I'm already trying to brainstorm.  I was thinking of trying to invent some more humorous characters this time.  You might see some posts related to that project.

Spring break is coming up...yay!!!  I feel like I've been busy nonstop with either housework or homework these past couple of weeks, so my break will be very welcome.  From what I've heard, there are a lot of college students out there who are craving that bit of freedom too.

Now for a couple quick nice things to end the post.  I had two power point presentations to do with a partner, one last week and one today.  Normally, I get really nervous doing them, but these past couple of times I actually felt somewhat relaxed as I was talking.  I even *gasp* enjoyed myself a little.  I guess I might be able to come out of my shell after all!  Praise God for bringing that change over me.  If He can help Moses, if He can help Paul in front of people who want to kill Him, He can help give me courage for a presentation.  He can help you too.

We're watching The Bible mini-series on History Channel (some inaccuracies but pretty good overall), and something that was mentioned in there struck me as pretty amazing.  The people living in Jericho were afraid of the Israelites and their God because "How can we fight a people whose God can do that?"  These people, complete non-Christians, admired God more than the Israelites, God's chosen, did.  Let's hope that situation is not for me or you.  Have faith and awe for our God!

Day 69: Why I Love the Rain

It has been intermittently raining island-wide (I think) for about 24 hours now.  It's unusual for our house because we're the dry side of the island, and even at the house it will be dry while two minutes away it's pouring.  So the rain has been a pretty big deal for us.  At the moment, all is quiet, but we're expected to get more rain tomorrow.

I'm somewhat looking forward to it because I love the rain.  I do miss good thunderstorms (those are rare out here), but it can rain with blue skies or be dark in one part of sky and blue on the other.  Only in Hawaii.  I find the rain to be very cleansing and calming, rarely ever gloomy.  The air gets cool and crisp, and the rain pouring around can make the air feel almost like it has a  vapor in it.  If I could without getting really cold or sick, I'd run out in the rain.  I'd stand under the clouds with my arms outstretched and face upwards, feeling the large cold drops fall on my face.  Take a sharp inhale in and accept the new, refreshing air that comes, smelling of grass.

The storm is so much fun to watch.  The clouds can look ominous, looming grey masses overhead.  Sometimes there are streaked grey stripes going across the sky.  Other times there is a mass of white vapor shrouding a town where the rain is pouring upon it.  The individual raindrops can keep one amused for hours.  You can watch the ripples the drops make into the puddles, stare as the rain pours from a rooftop, or admire the drops on the windows.  Those are most fun.  Drops are splattered on the window to look like Braille or fish scales.  Then the drops drip down.  You watch as the big drops gobble up the smaller ones or watch to see who will win the race to the bottom of the pane.

I also appreciate the sound of the rain, especially when it pours.  It makes me feel like something is happening in nature.  I even heard a bird chirping in the distance today, enjoying the free shower, I'm sure.  It sounds so rhythmic, especially if it falls on something metal.  It makes me want to curl up in something warm (like fuzzy socks or a blanket) and either stare out the cool window for a while or burrow under my covers with a good book.  I did some of that today, but the rain never lasts long enough.

The rain gets bad though when people are caught out in it, when it causes accidents on the road, or when it causes some flooding or other damages.  Let's hope none of that happens tomorrow. 

Day 62: Good Always Wins

So tonight, I was watching Once Upon a Time with my family.  I absolutely love that show!  I mean, it has handsome, brave princes, beautiful princesses and queens with gorgeous dresses (loved Snow's mother's red dress!), fun stories with new and beloved fairytale characters, and different lessons about love, good, and evil.  In tonight's episode, young Snow White had to make a decision over whether to watch her mother die or save her mother by letting someone else die.  She couldn't let someone else die.  Her mother told her this wasn't weakness but strength and showed she was good.  Then adult Snow White/ Mary Margaret was tired of always doing the right thing and never feeling like it was paying off.

Being discouraged is a terrible feeling, and feeling like choosing bad or giving up is even worse.  It might look comforting to stop fighting, but in the end, it is the wrong decision to make.  I know someone who has been tired of always doing the right thing and feeling like it never pays off.  It's hard!  For me, I occasionally think that although striving to be pure and good is the right thing to do, it makes you feel like an old bitty who doesn't have much fun in life.

It is times like this where we have to hold on even harder to what God has promised.  Consider the verse that BibleGateway.com says happens to be the Verse of the Day, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJV).  Or these two verses?

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"When I cry out to You,
Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because God is for me." Psalm 56:9

Good will triumph!  Even if the situation is the bleakest, that's when the light shines the brightest.  Referring back to my situations a couple paragraphs up, try not to give up hope that good will win.  Some things require more patience.  Jesus knows exactly how we feel about being picked on by people at all sides.  As for my thoughts, did I become a Christian because I thought it would reap the most rewards?  You're mistaken if you think that.  We are warned in the Bible that we will face trials.  In heaven is where things will start making sense.  Christians do get rewarded for being good, but I can't expect to get what I want all the time.  Christians do have fun, and it's the right kind of fun!

Note: I will be making the Top Posts for February entry, sometime this week I hope.  Have a blessed week!

Day 47

A short one today.  Time got away from me!  God has been telling me something these past few days.  He wants us to put Him first in our lives.  I know we try to keep Him first by reading our Bible and praying, but too easily we get lost in our priorities.  When you wake up in the morning, what do you think about?  What's the thing that motivates you throughout the day?  It's easy to think about your family or that TV show you're looking forward to watching tonight.  Even your friends can make you happy.  Nothing lasts forever though.  God is the only One who is constant.  That's not to say that all those things are bad.  They can bring us joy, and God uses them to bless us!  Just put your anchors in the best spots.

Day 35: Trust

Another "freestyle" entry.

How many times have you worried about your future?  How many times have you imagined all these different things that could happen for you or played the pros and cons of a huge decision in your head?  Don't you just wish you could ask God what He has in store for you and what you should do?  I know I do.  I've prayed, "Just tell me what to do and I'll do it!  Even just a hint, please!"  Everyone wants to feel like they are in control or have their plans all laid out for them.  It makes Christians uneasy and even stressed out when they have to leave everything up to God.

Ironically, that is the best place it is going.  Humans make mistakes.  I want things done our own way, but our ideas are flawed.  God's plans are perfect and are intended to help us.  Why wouldn't we relax and let God handle everything?  Because we would be losing control.  It's uncomfortable knowing that we are not control of something.  This is when we have to take the leap of faith and trust God to handle everything.  He doesn't want us stressing needlessly over something.  It's a lot harder to do than say though.  It can take all your strength sometimes.  It's worth it though.  You'll look back a few years later and think, "Now why was I so worried about this?"  Everything turns out alright in the end.  Hold on, and God will hold on to you.  Praying that He gives you the strength to trust.

Day 34: Word of Advice

I did not use my time very wisely today and don't have enough time for the prompt today, so I am writing a bit of advice my mom shared with me a few days ago.  Before her yoga class, she always says, "Let go of expectations and judgments."  She means that you don't have to worry about getting perfect poses in class.  It's all about the experience.  She realized that it can be applied to people.  You can't expect people to act a certain way, or you'll just get hurt because they didn't act the way you thought they should.  That's no real friendship or relationship.  In addition, you shouldn't judge people, you have no idea what their situation is or what they've been through.  It's none of your business.

My mom's advice is easy to say, but it's much harder to do in practice.  It's hard not to make assumptions about why people are acting a certain way.  It's hard not to be hurt when someone didn't answer your email/post/text right away or expect a little compassion from someone who should have been your friend.  As my mom reminded me, "People make mistakes and will let you down.  God won't."  That's why Jesus is the best, only friend to have.

This advice can also be applied to your own actions.  Don't expect yourself to act a certain perfect way.  Accept your abilities for what they are.  You can improve them, but be happy for what you are and how God created you.  Trying your best is all you can do.

Day 32: My Future

The Prompt: When I grow up, I want to be a ______? Why?

Technically speaking I am already grown up, but I believe you're always growing and can have several "dream jobs" in life.  When I was growing up, I didn't want to go to college.  I didn't know what I wanted to be.  I pictured I would live with my family until I got married then become a stay-at-home mom, just like my mother.  That was the only job I ever needed.  Later on, I was convinced I was going to be a professional ballet dancer.  God had other ideas for me.

Now, I am still not sure what I want to do, but at least I have clearer picture.  One day, I want to publish a book.  It might be one short-lived novel.  It could become part of a series for preteens/ teenagers.  It would probably be similar to the type of writing I am doing in my blog.  I have learned that writing is my passion, and I want to be able to inspire people in the same way books have inspired me.  I think a younger audience fits me because I'm a kid at heart.

Okay, enough about me now.  Thanks for reading!  Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Day 18

Today's prompt was supposed to be about what a pastor does when terrorists kidnap his family.  I did not want to write about that, so I chose a topic from my secondary list of ideas.  So the new prompt is something that is illegal that you think should be legal.

Nothing exactly comes to mind that fits that description exactly.  Along those lines though is the separation of church and state idea.  I know that the Constitution does not say these words exactly, but it is has been interpreted to say so.  I think it's just an excuse to limit my rights to worship.  The Constitution says we have a freedom of religion.  To me, that means I am allowed to practice any religion I choose.  If I choose to pray somewhere, I don't appreciate people telling me I'm not allowed to pray there because it might upset other people.  What about me?  I'm not forcing religion down people's throats.  It's part of my religion to pray to God.  If it makes other people uncomfortable, they can leave.  In a way, isn't it limiting my freedom of speech too?

Things get a little harder when schools or city property is involved.  I understand that some parents don't want their children to be converted while they are in school, but I think all religions and ideas should be taught, and children can make up their own minds.  It's unfair if you teach evolution as fact when it is not.  Science even dictates that nothing is certain.  It takes just as much, perhaps even more faith, to believe in evolution.

Okay, that's enough of a rant.  What is your opinion?  What would you answer if you had this prompt?

Day 10: God's Love

The Prompt: Write something inspirational.

Yay, I'm into double digits now!  This prompt should be easy.  :)

Here is something inspirational: God loves you.  I know, I know, it seems like a fairly elementary idea, but think about what the words mean for a minute.  God-the Maker of all the universe, the Supreme Being, the only powerful God- loves (definition: to have a deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person; to have a feeling of intense desire; to thrive on or need) you.  Yes, you, a mere human.  A person who has made mistakes and failed Him in one way or another.  A sinner.  Yet, despite all our mistakes and shortcomings God continues to love us!

Now, this realization can either make you feel really guilty (which I don't want you to feel), or it can cause you to love God back with the beginnings of the same love He shows you.  This is actually pretty easy to do once you can appreciate the intensity that God loves you.  After all, God desires your love.  That is why you were created.  I read Luke 15 this morning, and I think that chapter, along with 1 Cor. 13 should be called "The Love Chapters."  In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables: the story of the shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to search for 1, the parable of the woman who has 10 coins and searches endlessly until she finds her 1, and the story of the prodigal son.  All three show us the extent of how God loves us.

• He is devoted to us, using circumstances in life in one way or another to draw us to Him.
• He loves with a love so strong that He is willing to do anything to get our attention.  He is desperate for our love.
• His love is patient.  No matter how long it takes, no matter how much we resist, He will continue to chase after us.
• Through His love, He gives us grace and mercy beyond comprehension.  We don't deserve His love, but He gives it freely, practically begging us to accept it.
• God's love is like a father's love.  It cares, provides, and protects.
• His love has no boundaries.

No other love in all the whole compares with this kind of love!  How can you not love God?

Some of my favorite songs are ones that depict this love for us.  They make God's love much more real.  In conclusion, I'd like to share some of the many that exist.  I linked a video to the title if you want to listen to the whole song. 

Always Enough by Casting Crowns

Your love is peace to the broken
Faith for the widow, hope for the orphan, strength for the weak
Your love is the anthem of nations, rings out through the ages
And You're always enough for me

So Far to Find You by Casting Crowns
You were broken, abandoned
And crying all alone
We were waiting and praying
And longing to bring you home
And then we saw your face
In a moment you were wrapped up in our hearts
We took a step of faith
And now here we are

Will you let me hold you in my arms tonight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you
Will you take my love and give up the fight
I have come so far to find you
So far to find you

By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North
Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough?
To where will you go child?
Tell me where will you run, to where will you run?

'Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Beloved by Tenth Avenue North
You're My beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
My Love it unites us
And it binds you to Me
It's a mystery

Never Gone by Colton Dixon
I'm still standing here
No I didn't disappear
Now the lights are on
See I was never gone

I let go of your hand
To help you understand
With you all along
Yeah, I was never gone

Not Alone by RED
I am with you
I will carry you through it all
I won't leave you I will catch you
When you feel like letting go
Cause you're not, you're not alone

"And remember, God made you special, and He loves you very much!  Bye!"