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Do not rush the solution

Psalms 16:5 (AMP) The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, my cup [He is all I need]; You support my lot.

I am a stay-at-home mom to a twenty-one-year-old and a seventeen-year-old. That transition happened for me nearly seven years ago. The reason this is the season I am in is because my husband is BI-vocational pastor, as he works at a manufacturing plant for our income. He leads but I am his helper and am referred to as co-pastor. This works for us, because I know his heart and we trust each other. Being helper is not that I am less than, nor does it mean I take on his role. In Hebrew, the word for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 and 20 is ezer, it means strong support and powerful rescue.

What happens when trust is not in a marriage? What happens when trust is broken? What happens when you want to keep secrets from each other? The Word says that any household divided against itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25). It takes both of us to have a strong marriage. It is the most important covenant that God ordained other than our new life with Christ.

I have quite of few responsibilities that I have taken on so that my husband does not have to worry about them. One of them is managing the business aspect of running the church. I have accountabilities put in place with board members and I seek council before major changes occur. Anything that my husband wants done I have a great support group that helps me with implementing things. That includes managing the church calendar. I also make sure to surround myself with those who seek the best for others, and not just for a particular group, when seeking counsel.

I recently had three big things on my plate to take care of. One thing to know is that we are not going at anything alone. Do not be rushed, but do not be lazy. I dedicated some time to each item each day. Above all, I sought wisdom from the Lord. I am also keeping my husband informed but not overwhelming him with the mundane. When I got to a place that I could not do on my own, I did not push, I waited. I listened. I did not become impatient. Patience has a lot to do with our attitudes in the waiting. God will even empower those we are meant to do life with for the next portion.

Isaiah 25:9 (AMP) It will be said in that day, “Indeed, this is our God for whom we have waited that He would save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us shout for joy and rejoice in His salvation.”

This has been such a shift of peace in my life. I am in awe of how God works things out behind the scenes. I tell Him of what I am trying to accomplish. I do not stop doing my research, but I do not make the next move until my mind has become clear. What happens when we know things need to be done, but we do them in haste? We make mistakes. We can become easily irritated. We can even take on offense easier. This is something I had to grow in. I am growing in it because I have become rooted and grounded in His love. Knowledge of the Word without application of the Word is not doing much transformation. I want to be transformed. Here are two scriptures to get your mind around:

Lamentations 3:20-26 (AMP) My soul continually remembers them and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind, therefore I have hope. It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul; “Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, to those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word]. It is good that one waits quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Psalms 37:3-7 (AMP) Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him also and He will do it. He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, and your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun]. Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

Yesterday, we had movement in all three areas. It was an answer to prayer. Today, I was able to be productive because of the peace that God provided in the waiting. Through putting prayer of thanksgiving before I see the promise fulfilled. I am not rushing the solution to get there. I have to put my trust in God that He is working everything out, and I still have to do my part. There is not strife, there is no uneasiness, there is just peace. I continue to put Him first and foremost in my mind. We continue to seek the best for all those that are involved. We know where our trust lies. We are not in a rush; we want His solution at His time. There is peace in the waiting. Will problems arise? Yes, but I do not have to fret. My God is my portion. My God knew that this would happen. He has the solution, so do not rush it, be patient in the waiting. Do not get fixated on the issue, but on the God who sees the end from the beginning.

Abba, Father, our Portion, we value You before anything else in our lives. You are so Holy and Wonderful. Thank You for Your Son to bring us back to right standing with You. He has made us righteous through our faith in Him. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit to be our Teacher and Comforter. Thank You for the throne room of grace and mercy that we can be with You all day long. You are the God who sees and hears us. You are the God of our inheritance, because all we are is through You. We repent for trying to go at life on our own and in haste. Thank You for the promise of the wait and to be still in You, that You speak to us in the Peace. We put our trust and our confidence in You that You are working all things out. You know the end from the beginning. Any problem that arises can be resolved. We choose to wait. We choose to forgive. We choose hope today. We choose love today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Position of Salvation

Ephesians 6:17 (AMP) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

A few months ago, on Mother’s Day, I got to share a message titled “Love is a Weapon.” I had no idea of how much a controversial title that would be on social media. Whether we want to admit it or not, we have seen love used as a weapon for manipulative reasons. However, when we redeem love as God intended and put in on as our garment, the weapons of our warfare fit better. I shared about two such pieces and I would like to share them with you as well. When studying for this message I was in a verse by verse read of Ephesians. I used my Bible, google search and Sparkling Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner.

The helmet, that a Roman soldier wore, was fitted to their head specifically. It was heavy, but it was ornate. Highly decorated and looked like a piece of art. Your salvation is the most gorgeous, most intricate, most elaborate, most ornate gift God had ever given you. When we walk confidently in the salvation given to us, we are a noticeable individual. If your salvation is not worn tightly around your mind like a helmet, the enemy will come to chop the multiple blessing of your salvation right out of your faith. The enemy will try to hack away at your foundation, telling you that healing, deliverance and soundness of mind were not really part of Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross. By the time the enemy is finished with your mind, the only blessing he will leave you with is the promise of Heaven. What all does my salvation receive?

Isaiah 61:1 (AMP) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners

This was the very scroll that Jesus read in the temple as told in Luke. The good news is that we have been set free as spiritual captives. We are no longer prisoners of sin and death. We are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). One of the prisons that likes to come around again is the thoughts of rejection or not being wanted. I have recognized the cycles that the enemy likes to go through to try to trick me into being locked inside of it again. I am secure because I am rooted and grounded in the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:16-19).

Before I get to the Sword of the Spirit, our only offensive weapon, I want to share with you something I learned about the threshing floor. In 2 Samuel 25, King David purchased a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. It was located on Mount Moriah and later became the site for the Temple. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. What is the significance?

A threshing floor serves as a platform for separating grains from the outer husks or chaff. The process involves beating the harvested crop, typically wheat or other grains, with wooden flails or using animals such as oxen to trample over the crop. This action loosens the edible part of the grain, known as the kernel. The weight of the animals or the flailing action typically breaks the hard outer protective layer of the crop, exposing the kernels. The next step involves tossing the crop into the air, allowing the wind to carry away the lighter chaff while the heavier kernels fall back to the ground. The threshing floor grounds collect these kernels for further processing or storage. (google)

A type and shadow of what Jesus did for us is seen in the story of Boaz redeeming Ruth as she submitted herself at his feet on the threshing floor (Ruth 3:6-13). When we accept Christ as Savior that is not the end of our story. There is a refining process, and it takes as long as it takes. We are in a process of purification. We are made righteous through His righteousness, but that also takes surrender. It takes dying to ourselves (Romans 6:8).

Let’s look at the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. The sword in combat is not the same as the sword used in training. Roman soldiers practiced the art of warfare continually with daily sword practice. The two-edged sword was not used for battle but for practice. It built strength with its weight.

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP) For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The logos (written word) must become rhema (revelation word), so that you can give a heavy blow to defeat the enemy. Training is reading and meditating on the Word daily. Why wait to go to the Word when you are in the battle? Why are we not meditating on it daily knowing the battle is coming. We have mini battles every day. We have to choose what thoughts we allow to feed us daily. I have to choose whether I go down the rabbit trail of why’s or stand on the truth of God’s Word.

The sword used in close combat is called a machura – it caused the victim horrid pain. The tip was turned upward, sometimes twisted like a corkscrew, shredding the insides as it was removed. The Spirit will place a razor-sharp sword at your disposal anytime the enemy gets too close. The sword’s power will be available the moment the Spirit quickens and a specific word for the specific situation you are facing. However, it has to have a reserve to pull from. This is the weapon that Jesus used in the wilderness, it is used for close combat.

Matthew 4:1-4 (AMP) Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After He had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”

What is the thing the enemy has been tempting you with lately? What is the lie that he is trying to tell you? In the garden he said, “surely, you would not die (Genesis 3:4).” One of the lies is that we have to protect ourselves and trust no one. Yes, there are those out there that will try to do us harm, but they have believed the same lie. They want to protect themselves. This will put up a wall to not let others get too close. I have been very active about not allowing this to happen. I will make that phone call instead of hiding behind text. I will have the face-to-face conversations instead of text to set a tone. I do text, it is very handy, but I do not want to hide there. I want to think the best of others. I do not want to take an offense. I do not want to repeat a suffered wrong. I do not want anything to take me from the position of living loved in Christ. I want the same for you. Stand firm in your position of salvation. Live Loved.

1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8 (AMP) So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. 

Abba, Father, Jehovah Nissi, You are more precious that jewels. You are Holy and deserve all of our worship. Thank You for Your Son, the Word made flesh, our Redeemer. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, so that Your Word can become alive in us. We thank you for the Love that You gave with Your Son and that now we can dwell in on a daily basis. We repent for allowing the lies of the enemy to twist what Your salvation truly means to us. We thank You for the freedom from sin, guilt and shame. We thank You for the ability to walk in right standing before You. As we read Your Word and implant it into our hearts, bring it back to remembrance at the times the enemy wants to try to steal it away. We are root and grounded in Your love. We are victorious through Your strength. We choose forgiveness today. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Prayer Request

Mark 11:24 (AMP) For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.

I never want to pray selfish prayers. My prayers are for growth to happen within others. I pray for my family to seek their daily bread from Him. I pray for my church to seek His face daily. I pray for unity in the body of Christ. I pray that I am a good steward with everything that He places in my hands. I pray for courage and opportunities throughout the day to show others love in unique ways that points to Him. I pray over my mind and ask for Him to search within me for any way that is not pleasing. I pray for the needs of others as they share them with me.

These are prayers that I know lines up with His Word. That is what He means by praying in accordance with His will. I have also been praying for us a place for our church to call home (one of our very own). In the natural it looks like we keep making steps backwards. I have to stand firm on His Word. We are keeping our eyes open. We have set the vision before us. We have written it down (Habakkuk 2:2). Our focus is not on the lack, but on the desire for growth within those who have connected. Praying for those that have walked away and that they are planted somewhere that seeks to direct them to the Father’s heart. We have sown seed in others with building programs and seen them receive their land/buildings (2 Corinthians 9:10). We have even helped other ministries in their starting phase.

Matthew 6:33-14 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

We have been praying for a place of our own for six years now. We have leased longer than we thought we would and can tell that the one thirty service time is wearing on some. I pray for strength in their resolve and keeping the focus on the bigger than us vision.

Galatians 6:9-10 (AMP) Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).

Although our need is a building, people need to be our focus. The two greatest commandments are to Love God and to Love people (Matthew 22:37-39). We are looking and we are keeping our ears open. So here is what I am asking. Would you be in prayer with us for a building of our own? Would you pray for us to keep our focus on the vision that God has given us for this community? I know this blog is not about some deep spiritual revelation. This is part of desiring for more. To step out of our comfort, to not be complacent (not saying I am not content), but to desire to step into the fullness of why He has me in this place that He has me at this moment.

I do not believe that prayer is a getting God to do what we want. I believe prayer is aligning our hearts with what He already desires for us. I know that our vision, “we exist to touch the world through our community,” is a God statement (Acts 1:8). We are seeking out opportunities to see our community grow as a church (spiritually) and outside of our church walls. Our desire is for people to come as they are, allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work in them. We do not want a polished place to show as a monument. We are the temple, not a building. We want a place that says come and be loved and grow. We want a place that discipleship can take place without a time restraint and without a fear of getting messy. We want a home to call out to the highways and byways (Luke 14:23).

There are many types of prayer. So, if you want to join with us in agreement, please do so. If you add us to your intercession list, we would love that to. Prayers of petition are also welcome. Above all, we are already thanking God for what He is doing now. We thank Him that we are healthy and a place of healing. We are thankful that those that are allowing us to, will grow deeper in their love of God, and receive His love in a deeper way. We are thankful that we are a church that desires the heart of God, that we reverence Him and stand in awe of His Glory. We are especially thankful that He is building us up together and we are allowing the work to be done within us to bring unity to His body (Ephesians 2:21). We are thankful that the Holy Spirit still speaks and has freedom at Connect Church. We are thankful for you.

Father, Jehovah Jireh, You are so Wonderful and Marvelous. We stand in awe of You. Thank You for Your Son, that we may be in right standing with You once again. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit to teach us Your Love. Thank You for clothing us in Your Love once again. We thank You for being a God who desire to see us face to face. We grow stronger under Your mighty arms as we reach deeper for You. Thank You for the needs of those who are reading this blog today. We stand in agreement with them as they stand in agreement with Your Word. Your Word hold all the precepts and promises for this abundant life that You desire for us. We repent for us trying to make our own way, we want Your way. Thank You for the vison that You have planted deep inside of us. We desire to bring glory to Your Name. We thank you in advance for our building. We choose life today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. We choose hope today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

If you want to help with our building fund, give here. Most of all we appreciate your prayers.

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Second Quarter of 2025 Reads

Colossians 1:9-11 (AMP) For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things], so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; [we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy

The momentum for reading books slowed this quarter (April through June), I have been spending time with people. I have not forsaken getting in the Word. I read Esther through Isaiah, completed my verse-by-verse study of Ephesians (also completing Ephesians Study, Head Held High by Lori Wilhite) and have gotten to chapter three of the book of Galatians doing the same. During this time of studying, I have taken four trips, which is why my book reading was limited to twelve this quarter. Two of the twelve I have ready before and I will tell you why I picked them up again later on, I will also pick just a couple for you to learn about. Here are my books:

  • Get Over It by Kate McVeigh
  • Humility by Andrew Murray
  • The Spirit of Might: A Revelation of Man’s Ability in Christ by Jerry Savelle
  • The Five Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
  • Univited by Lysa TerKeurst
  • The Untapped Power in Praise by Kenneth Hagin, Jr.
  • Mended: Pieces of Life Made Whole by Angie Smith
  • Radiant by Priscilla Shirer
  • Looking for Lovely by Annie F. Downs
  • The Courage to Change by Joyce Meyer
  • She is Free by Andi Andrew
  • X: Multiply Your God-Given Potential by John Bevere

She is Free: Learning the Truth About the Lies that Hold You Captive by Andi Andrew was one of my favorites this quarter. Over the past six years I have been going on a journey in freedom and a lot of what she says is spot on. The chapter titled “Chaos and Real Love” was one that hit home for me. “We have to take responsibility for our own hearts. We’ve got to stop expecting someone to fix them for us.” “Allow Him to search your heart. Be intentional about it and allow Him to lead you in a way that brings real healing and wholeness.” Andi had a hard time with forgiveness with those that were supposed to love her. Healing comes through God only. Get in His Word daily, pray and worship. Put God in the right place in your life. Other Chapter titles were: “Freedom from Unforgiveness, Freedom from Anger, Freedom from Shame, Freedom from Control and Freedom from Isolation.” The lie she writes about, “Isolation from honest and vulnerable relationships will keep me safe from rejection, betrayal, and pain.” I am a woman in ministry, co pastoring with my husband, I had believed that lie before. I had kept people at a distance because I had felt the sting of rejection. Here is what we are doing; by isolating ourselves we are attempting to stop potential rejection when in reality we are simultaneously rejecting the love of God. We are rejecting the possibility of thriving in community, friendships and relationships that are a part of our purpose. Isolation will breed an orphan mentality and here are some characteristics she lists: a sense of being self-defective, lack of identity, self-defense, lack of trust and/ or a sense of deep injustice. The truth that God wants me to know is that I am a daughter, deeply connected to the heart of the Father and my connection to those in a loving community brings healing. There is so much more to this book. It is definitely one that I would recommend.

If you are looking for a quick read, I recommend checking out The Spirit of Might: A Revelation of Man’s Ability in Christ by Jerry Savelle. A quick seventy-seven pages and it was very impactful. Many times, we ask God for wisdom and then try to go out and do it in our own power. This book helps you put your focus on where our power comes. Christ dwelled with the Father, and we need to as well. First thing is do not entertain those negative voices in your head. Secondly, saying God can do it and believing that He wants to are two different things. God wants us to prosper (and that is not just talking about money). Ephesians 6:10 (AMP) “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.” Jesus not only had wisdom but the might to back it up, and that was given to Him by the Father. We have that too. God is able and willing, believe it!

The two books I pick up again were X: Multiply Your God-Given Potential by John Bevere and Univited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely by Lysa Terkeurst. Two of my all-time favorite authors and they have put out lots of good books. Why do I read these again. First, I believe that stewardship is an important part of being a member of the body of Christ. I glorify God when I build up His body because of His great love for us. We are His temple, and that means I am one part, but what I bring is unique and I cannot keep it to myself. John Bevere challenges you to grow past yourself. Second, loving well comes from being loved and accepting His love. I cannot love others if I am not living loved myself. I first picked up this book by Lysa Terkeurst over six years ago when I had an opportunity to hide in hurt, shame and embarrassment. I chose to hide myself in His Word and allow the broken things in my life to become exposed. I did not want to live with a shell of who I could be any longer. I found freedom in the Word and reading this book. This is one that I have bought for many in hopes they will find love in the only place that is truly fulfilling and empowering. I fell in love with Ephesians 3:16-19 and have held those verses close ever since then. I am rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, and I get to discover just how big that is by living the life He wants for me to live.

I hope this encourages you to read. Most importantly, read your Bible. Reading through the Psalms this time, the words ‘His lovingkindness endures forever’ over and over really drove deep that God is love (1 John 4:8). When He created us in His image, we were created in love. We lost that and sin clothed us in fear. We are clothed in the garment of love (Colossians 3:14) again because of the love of Christ. How amazing His Word is. Do not go a day without reading it. Allow the Word to challenge you and grow you. The Word will bring strength to your soul. Have a blessed week!

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I do not have to live like this

Galatians 2:20 (AMP) I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Currently I am going through a line-by-line study of the book of Galatians. If you use the YouVersion App there are so many tools available to help with your study. When reading in the New King James Version it gave me a list of accompanying verses to look up. I was amazed at how many times Paul wrote about us being crucified with Christ.

Romans 6:6 (AMP) We know that our old self [our human nature without the Holy Spirit] was nailed to the cross with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.

Romans 6:8-11 (AMP) Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live [together] with Him, because we know [the self-evident truth] that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin [ending its power and paying the sinner’s debt] once and for all; and the life that He lives, He lives to [glorify] God [in unbroken fellowship with Him]. Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin [and your relationship to it broken], but alive to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:4-6 (AMP)  But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus

Colossians 3:1-4 (AMP) Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Ephesians 5:2 (AMP) and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

We no longer have to go through the motions of life. What I keep my mind focused on will determine how I feel that day. I choose to focus on the good, not saying there are not problems and trials that will come, but I choose to focus on the good. When we look ahead and think of all the things that can go wrong, what are we putting our trust in? I love reading verses like this. I am no longer a dead being walking this earth (my spirit man is alive). I do not have to go through the endless cycles that lead to being unfulfilled any longer. I am not waiting for something to happen for my happiness. I have everything I could every want now because of Christ.

I do not have to live any certain way anymore. The old way of fulfillment has been done away with. I am secure in Christ. Being crucified with Christ means that I get to walk in freedom. Condemnation comes because our flesh is wanting to defend itself. Conviction comes because the Holy Spirit is alive and is changing me from within. I have died with Christ so that my flesh can no longer rule. I do not have to live in fight mode any longer. I do not have to live in defense mode with those that I am supposed to do life with. I can live in peace and joy. I can have stability in my life. I can live a life of surrender, because that is how Christ lived.

John 14:20 (AMP) On that day [when that time comes] you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.

Christ in me. The Passion translation has Galatians 2:20 as this, “My old identity has been crucified with Christ and no longer lives. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives His life through me – we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that He gave Himself for me, dispensing HIs life into mine!” I am not trying to live anymore for myself. I am living this life in Him. I had asked God ‘how can we live our lives worthy of this calling?’ He gave me Ephesians 4:2-3, “with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].” The possibility of all of this is because we have died with Christ. If we try to do this in our own selves, we will fail time and again and live lives frustrated and unfulfilled. We do not have to live that way.

Father, Adonai, Jehovah, You are so Marvelous and Wonderful. You are Holy and full of Majesty. Thank You for Your Son, we have died with Him so that we may live with Him as well. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Your voice, our Teacher and Comforter. Thank You for Your Word. We choose to eat of it daily so that we are empowered to fight for the battles of our mind. We repent for living lives with emptiness and looking for other ways to fill our every need. We are choosing to see our identity in Christ and the fullness that He brings. We are choosing to not take on the dead things any longer. We can choose to think differently of others and our situations. You want us full of joy, so we choose joy today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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We all have needs

Psalms 27:8 (AMP) When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”

What is the greatest desire in your life right now? What you spend the most time thinking on is what is the most important to you. Every Sunday morning, I get notification on my phone about how much screen time I use. My goal is to keep it under five hours per day, I would really like to keep it under three hours per day. Why? I do not want it to be what I spend most of my day on.

Matthew 6:19-21 (AMP) Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.

God wants us to live wonderful, abundant lives. Where does my joy come from though? What is the most important need you have right now? Does it make sense to work two to three jobs, stop your involvement in your local church, or even stop attending, stop giving, all for the need of one day having more than you do right now? What does God ask us to do? Seek Him as your greatest need. I do not want anything from anyone, but for them to seek God for their vital necessity. If I ask to spend time with them, it is not to get in their business, it is to point them to Christ. I want to share the fullness that I have with you and let you know that it is possible, even with all of my imperfections.

Matthew 6:24 (AMP) No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

You will grow lukewarm in your love for God if seeking Him is not your first priority. Being a good person is not what He asked of you. He said to seek Him as your vital necessity. Whoa, this is pretty serious blog. Yes, it is. This is life and death when it comes to what you seek after. We live in a society that want to see what they can get from others. What relationships will drive them higher in the social status. None of that is important. None of that lasts. Whatever you have to strive for and sacrifice for to get, you will eventually have to keep hustling to stay there. This is the biggest trick of the enemy for your time here on earth. He wants you focused on anything other than God. He never wants you to live in fullness here. You may say, “that is why I am hustling so hard.” Putting your hands to work is necessary, especially if you want to eat, but with what heart are you doing it. What is the intent behind it. There is a promise with the seeking.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

I am girl that likes nice things, and my husband spoils me with gifts and trips. That is not where my joy comes from though. Yes, we have a house, and everyone has their own car, but we are not living beyond our means. It was not always like that for us. When we got married, both of us had started jobs that very month. The furniture we started with was given to us. Our first home was bought from the bank because it was a repossession, and it was awful looking. We still own the first piece of furniture we bought for ourselves, and it was from a discount store. We almost lost our home, we had to go without internet and cable, and our power has been turned off. What we did not do it stop tithing, attending and serving in our local church. We did not stop seeking God as our vital necessity. I believe we are in the place we are today because we have matured deeper in what that means. I see it when I serve others, that I am seeking Him as my vital necessity.

Another thing that I love about our family is that we encourage each other to put God first. Secondly, in my marriage there is nothing that I would prefer to do than to spend time with my husband. When we are in a room together, we are available intellectually to each other, not just physically. Nothing is more important in that room than each other. If he is playing a video game or watching a show and I want to share something, it goes on pause. If I am reading and he comes in the room and wants to share something, the music goes on pause and the book goes down. This is what makes each other feel valued.

Isaiah 30:18 (AMP) Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them].

What are you longing for right now? What are you looking forward to? What are your dreams for yourself? What are your hopes for your family? Do not leave our the most important thing, seek Him as your vital necessity. Seek His face. Seek His heart. All that other stuff I can trust Him with because He cares for me deeply. What I press into matters. So, I am choosing to press further into His Presence. Here I am God. I know I am secure because my God wants good things for me, and He does for you too.

The More I Seek You

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Love is a Weapon

Isaiah 52:2 (AMP) Shake yourself from the dust, arise, O captive Jerusalem; Rid yourself of the chains around your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion.

A little over six year ago I really dug deep into the Word. I had read it here and there. I had devotions, but I had not really just sat and read the Word on a daily basis. What changed? I was going through a rough time of rejection and humiliation. That song Surrounded, This is How I Fight My Battles really was my anthem. It was not a pity party song. It was a song of surrender. We hear about the love of God. We know the scripture of how God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, so anyone who believes will be saved and have eternal life (John 3:16). There was a dept of that love that I did not know yet, and I am sure some of you have been there or are still searching for that fullness.

In the summer of 1998, a short time after my husband proposed to me, we went to California to attend a Camp Meeting (weeklong revival) that his parents were ministering in. My husband came back changed. He was completely sold out to Jesus and had quit drugs cold. I had never known him like that in our two and half years of dating. He was a different person, yet he still loved me. I was sitting in a service listening to his testimony, really uncertain of how I now fit into this new life of his. God spoke to me in that moment, he told me that the pedestal that I had John on was not for him, that He belonged there. That if I would surrender what I thought love was, He would show me a love that would never leave me empty. I gave my life to Christ that night.

However, I did not know the fullness of that love until I surrendered the broken pieces of myself. Even the stubborn pieces.

Ephesians 4:21-24 (MEV) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off the former way of life in the old nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new nature, which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.

I have been given everything to live a dynamic spiritual life in Christ (1 Peter 1:3), I have to put it on. What was I lacking? The Fullness of His Love. The love we are so familiar with is transactional. That is how I knew it. When you are pleasing and do what is right then you are rewarded with affection. If you do not do right, then you are punished with silence. In transactional relationships love is used as a weapon, but the wrong kind of weapon. It is meant to harm in all the ways that it is meant to empower you and make you strong. This kind of love is warped and is the cause of many of the emotional battles we are facing. The love we knew did hold onto hurts, was jealous and envious. It rejoiced when we failed with “I told you so’s”. It never believed we would succeed. It could not be our cheer leader. It would not bear with us. It would never admit they were wrong. They never asked for forgiveness.

You do not have to live with that definition of love. You can let that go. I did that when I finally surrendered everything and just sought God on His Word. Here is the scripture that I started to hold onto:

Ephesians 3:16-19 (AMP) May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

This is the love that I longed for. This is the love that is available to all of us. This is the love that we put on with the garment of love (Colossian 3:14). What happened when I started reading the Bible and searching for God? He revealed Himself is such a deep way. I started to take hold of this truth and make it my own. I was able to start defining myself in this truth. The fullness of God was a practical reality to me. It was not just some abstract quoting of scripture anymore. The fullness of God and dwelling in Christ made me complete in Him. I was made whole through the grace of Christ. This was a process that I had to go through and am still going through day by day (2 Corinthians 3:18), but I will forever be changed by His love.

Ephesians 3:19 (TPT) How enduring and inclusive is it! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding – this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!

Abba, Father, our Banner, You are Holy and Marvelous. You are the Creator and Sustainer of all life. Thank You for sending Your Son, who became the fullness of all You are in bodily form, through Him we are made whole. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Through Him we are able to know the fullness of who You are. Through Him we are empowered to grasp Your love in all of its entirety. We repent for allowing the spirit of fear to warp how love is defined. Your love is not conditional and not transactional; we are sorry for belittling the power of Your love. Thank You for the ability to grow in our understanding of this love, through our continual surrender we will meditate on what it means to be fully loved by You through Christ. We desire for all people to have the power to comprehend the largeness of Christ’s love, which without the Holy Spirit is beyond comprehension. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Garment of Love

2 Peter 1:3 (AMP) For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Last week I celebrated my forty fifth birthday. This week I am celebrating twenty-five years of marriage with my husband. In all my years of life I have never felt more loved. It was not because of those that told me happy birthday and celebrated me. It is not because my husband spoils me with extravagant gifts. It is the security of who I am in Christ. It has been a journey to get here. I have more growing to do but I have a new outlook on what it means to grow glory to glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMP) And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

In the garden, at the beginning, Adam and Eve were clothed with the glory of God. It was when the glory was gone that they realized they were naked. Did He remove His glory? No, they took it off. My husband and I have been talking about the garment of love for some months now. Our base scripture came from Colossians 3:12-14. In the Message translation it says, “And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” What garment were they wearing, the Love garment. What happened when they took it off? They were clothed with pride and fear and shame came in; they hid. God asked them, who told you that you were naked? Pride did.

Pride tells us that we are too broken. Pride tells us that we should isolate ourselves. Pride tells us they we are protecting ourselves with the criticism before they judge us. Pride tells us we to defend how we are. Pride tells us that others just have to accept this is how I am. Love does not need to defend. Love does not take an account of wrongs. Love always expects the best of others. Love does not get jealous because someone else is getting attention. Love celebrates other’s successes. Love lays down their life for a friend.

1 John 4:8 (AMP) The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]

When Moses asked to see the glory of God, God responded that all of His goodness would pass before Him (Exodus 33:18-20). All of His lovingkindness would pass before Him. In the book of Psalms David writes, “Your lovingkindness endures forever,” over and over again (26 times just in Psalms 136). It was the reminder he put before himself and meditated on when he was in the good times and the bad. God is love. The garment of Love what he has laid out for me, so I need to put it on. My dynamic fulfilling life is all because of His great love. Otherwise, the garment of pride would be inviting, and self-pity, fear, shame and guilt will start to be my armor instead of the armor of God. His armor has all of His strength backing it. He is strong so that I can be strong. Stand fully clothed! Be rooted and grounded in His love, immoveable and powerful. Put on the garment of Love.

Father, Adonai, our Banner, You are so Wonderful and Marvelous. Thank You for Your Son, You Loved us so much that You sent Your only Son to die for us. Thank You for the resurrection power that raised Him from the dead for dwelling in us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has because our dearest friend. He reveals the Love of Your Son and You to us daily. Thank You that Your lovingkindness and mercy are new every morning. It is like You have set out fresh clothes for us to wear every day. We repent for choosing other garments to wear that have brought shame and fear into our lives. This is not what You wanted for us. You desire the best for us. You desire for us to live in the fullness of who You are. When we stand fully loved, Your glory cannot help but to be shown everywhere we go. We choose to forgive ourselves and others today. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Teach us how to love well

1 Thessalonians 3:12 (AMP) And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you

This has been my prayer for the last few months for my church. As the pastors of Connect Church, we admit that we have not loved well. We want to be better, but we know we cannot do it in our own striving. We have to surrender that part of us to God. Why? The Lord will get the glory.

For the past few weeks, we have used Colossians 3:12-14 (MSG) as our base scripture and have been building on it in new ways. We are asking God to show us all directions of it, so that we may get the fullness of it for ourselves and in turn for our church.

Colossians 3″12-14 (MSG) So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Too often we have walked away from relationships that could have encouraged each party to grow closer in the Lord. We often forget that the promises that are found in God’s Word were written for imperfect people, and we can be the most imperfect of them all. We have this hope, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).” We often hold close to this for personal reasons, but I cannot help but notice the next verse, “It is right for me to think this of you all because I have you in my heart…” Do we really think this for ourselves and not for others? I want to love better. So, I have changed my thoughts when negative ones come up about someone else, no matter what happened in the past. The first step in loving well is to think better.

The most important place to learn to love well is to abound in the presence of God. John 15 tells us about abiding. Jesus tells us that part of the abiding is the surrender. I have to surrender the hard things too, so that He can make them bear the fruit of what a relationship with Christ looks like. He says in John 15:10 (MEV), “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” In order for me to love well, I have to remain in the love that can never run dry. This is the garment of love that I have to put on. In His love, I can love well.

Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The opposite of love is fear, which is rooted in pride. It was the first acceptance of Adam that sin had entered the garden. Pride was what brought fear, the desire to be God (to judge right from wrong) had brought death and with it fear and shame (Genesis 3:10). When people do not meet my expectation and they disappoint it is because I am still trying to be judge. I have to surrender that. In order to love well, I have to think better. I know not everyone is going to do the same with me and that is okay. I will not take an account and hold it against them; I am going love well. Not everyone is going to keep their word, I am going to love well. There are going to be those that purposely count you out, I am going to love well. Instead of repeating the matter and get people on my side, I am going to love well.

Here is my prayer now, it was taken from Paul’s writing in Philippians 1:9-11: “This I pray, that our love may abound more and more, growing deeper, in real knowledge and in practical insight, so that we may learn to recognize and treasure what is excellent. That we identify with wisdom the best for each other. That we may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. We have a desire to lead others out of darkness and into light. That we are filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ. Our desire is to the glory and praise of God, that His glory may be both revealed and recognized. In Jesus Name, Amen.“

I really have a desire for all to grow deeper in their relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it comes to admitting that in order to grow, I have to love better. Father, teach me how to love well.

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Hope: Women of Joy

Romans 12:12 (NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

This past weekend I had the joy of driving nearly six hours, to and from, the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I was in the car by myself to meet up with a friend. We keep up with each other via Facebook, text and an occasional phone call. We met when I opened up a childcare center, eighteen years ago. Her oldest daughter and my oldest son are the same age, and she coached tiny tikes’ soccer for them that year. It has been over ten years since they moved out of the area, but we kept in touch. So, when she called me last year to ask if I wanted to attend this event with her, a year in advance, I said yes. She made all of the lodging arrangements and all I had to do was show up, she even purchased my ticket for the event. Coming from the planner in the family, it was a big deal of trust to allow someone else to do it for you.

I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.

Bob Goff

I knew three of the four speakers on the line up for the weekend, Lysa Terkeurst, Lisa Harper and Jackie Hill Perry. The last time I attended the event I heard from Lisa Bevere. With Lisa Harper I have been able to attend other of her meetings. This was the first time to hear Lysa Terkeurst in person. I am a big reader when it comes to the Christian Living genre and those three Lisa’s are my favorites. Annie F. Downs was the unknown to me, however, I did enjoy hers a lot. The theme for the weekend was “Hope.” All four of the speakers had a unique message on the theme.

Lysa Terkeurst was the first night. If you know who she is, then you would know that she had gone through some heart break with the ending of her marriage the past few years. Her book “Uninvited” is what really helped me through the time of feeling like I was thrown away when I lost my job at a Christian non-profit over six years ago. Her base scripture was Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” When she found out her husband was being unfaithful, she hoped that God would keep her family together, she did not want to lose what she had. She had to be joyful in hope. She explained that God has told us to steward what He has given us, not to control it. Control led to anxiety, inviting in fear, depression and resentment. To steward meant she was going to trust God with the outcome, which led to greater faith, surrender and peace. She reminded us that we are to take heart, to take courage and to count it all joy. Then be patient in affliction. Look for ways and opportunities to bless others, keeping the focus off of yourself. Finally, and most importantly, pray continually. It is safe to present our requests to God. Pray for Him to show you someone to forgive. Pray for Him to show you someone to bless. Pray for Him to show you His goodness today. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8).” Lysa announced that she has remarried to an amazing man that has taken her family as her own. He cheers her on and she knows she is loved.

Lisa Harper was our opening speaker for Saturday morning. She makes the who room light up and will have you laughing so hard with her hilarious adventures. 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (AMP).” We have a living hope. We can rejoice because of this living hope. She read the story of Peter returning to fishing after Jesus was crucified, found in John 21. Jesus went to Peter before Peter said he was sorry. One of the biggest problems we have in the church is that we are quick to judge and slow to forgive. The key to living hope is to never forget that we need mercy.

The third speaker, Annie F. Downs, was new to me. I did purchase her book, “Looking for Lovely,” and am looking forward to reading it soon. She is a big fan of looking for fun and inviting others in. She often looks for opportunities to bring in non-believers. “The joy of unbelievers in your life is the joy of seeing God pursue them.” I am one of those who will look for opportunities to hang out with non-churchy people. How can I be the light if I only hide within other lights? When you live in the fullness of who Jesus is, you will change the rooms you enter. Her key verse was Romans 5:3-5 “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (NLT).” We chase hope, by chasing joy, so chase fun. Fun always requires vulnerability. When you are vulnerable then you know that you are known and loved. Fun invites connection. Fun will help you remember what you may have forgotten. We need joy in us, for others. In Christ we are not without hope. “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it (1 Peter 3:15).” Be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have. We cannot only be friends with each other.

The closer for the event was Jackie Hill Perry, on Sunday morning. Jackie spoke of hope from the story of Hannah, as found in 1 Samuel. She talked about the importance of prayers of petition. Her first point was that they must be a problem. Before we send up a prayer to heaven it is because we have identified a problem on earth. Hannah’s problem was her infertility. She felt both internal shame, and external shame. When everything is bad, God is still good. Do not be tempted to redefine things by your circumstances, stick to the scriptures. Her second point was to identify the pattern. Hannah’s issue was not short lived; she struggled for years. Every year when she was supposed to worship, she was reminded and was provoked. Although she was experiencing the love poured out by her husband and his favor, she allowed the irritation of his other wife to depress her. She was not able to eat, means she was not able to commit to worship, she held back her worship. All she had space for was the grief. God is committed to eliminate all avenues of boasting in our lives. Jesus did not go immediately to Lazarus, so that God would the glory. What if God is committed to your sanctification more than your comfort. Her third point was the Petition. Hannah gets up and does not go to her vices to numb her anxiety, she goes to the temple to pray. Instead of bringing her emotions, she brought her whole self. She starts off her prayer not by addressing the problem, not by addressing the pattern, but the Person of God. She calls Him the Lord of Hosts. A name to boost her confidence. The Lord of Hosts can give joy where there should be grief. Everything we have is a gift, and she was going to commit to give her child back to Him. Sometimes we are asking God to give us things that we have not intention on giving back to Him. God will not give you an idol. Nothing we have is ours to keep. When she prayed, she prayed out all of her cares. When she released it, her countenance changed. Prayer of petition is more than getting what you want, it is putting yourself in position for peace to come. Are you desperate enough for Him? Hannah was made to be His created before she was made to be a mother. She worshipped freely in the release, before she had her son. The Lord is faithful.

I hope you enjoyed my notes from this weekend. They do not do it justice from being in the atmosphere of 10,000 women worshiping together. If I can encourage you to do anything is to say ‘yes’ to things that bring you out of your comfort, that will challenge you. In doing so, look for opportunities to bless others. Look for someone to love, to forgive and to show His grace.