Monday, April 29, 2013
[insert and April themed title of your choice] My brain can't think of one!
Monday, April 1, 2013
See ya later March!!
So happy that another month is down! And it was a very productive month too!!
-I constructed an entire bedroom set from Ikea, AND it is not falling apart.
-Hung some more stuff up on the walls.
-Organized stuff to put in the new furniture.
-Aaaand well I guess that's it.
Okay so it feels really productive for me!
This past weekend was EasterFest and Easter. It is so wonderful to be apart of a church that does an event like EasterFest for the community. Seeing the joy on all the kids' faces throughout the morning was so wonderful! And contagious! I can't wait for next year!
It is officially April and next month is MAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been a little less than 8 months since I've seen Devin. It's crazy to think that I have spent the majority of the last year without him next to me physically! But he's coming home SOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!
One of many conclusions that I have come up with over the course of this deployment is that we as humans are not meant to live life alone. Whether it be a spouse or group of close friends, everyone needs to connect. I can honestly say that I would not have made it through this time if it weren't for the blessing of friends and family. Relationships are important! Remember that!
Here are a few photos from the past month.
Trigger wanted to play with this one piece of cardboard, so we drew a mustache on it for him.
Alex was my rockstar of a helper for some of the furniture. Clearly my critters wanted to help too...
Here was my view of EasterFest as a greeter. Got to welcome in the families!
I got to wander around the festivities for myself and of course got caught up at the petting zoo! Look how sweet this baby duck is!!! They were so soft and fluffy! Reminds me of college days when me and a couple friends decided to buy a couple ducks as pets. Hahaha So cute!!
Hopefully I will have a few more fun pictures this month. I cannot put pictures up yet of the finished rooms, but I will once Devin is home.
Happy April Fools everyone! I will NOT be participating this year, but hope everyone is having good clean fun!
Love Always,
Emily
-I constructed an entire bedroom set from Ikea, AND it is not falling apart.
-Hung some more stuff up on the walls.
-Organized stuff to put in the new furniture.
-Aaaand well I guess that's it.
Okay so it feels really productive for me!
This past weekend was EasterFest and Easter. It is so wonderful to be apart of a church that does an event like EasterFest for the community. Seeing the joy on all the kids' faces throughout the morning was so wonderful! And contagious! I can't wait for next year!
It is officially April and next month is MAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been a little less than 8 months since I've seen Devin. It's crazy to think that I have spent the majority of the last year without him next to me physically! But he's coming home SOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!
One of many conclusions that I have come up with over the course of this deployment is that we as humans are not meant to live life alone. Whether it be a spouse or group of close friends, everyone needs to connect. I can honestly say that I would not have made it through this time if it weren't for the blessing of friends and family. Relationships are important! Remember that!
Here are a few photos from the past month.
Trigger wanted to play with this one piece of cardboard, so we drew a mustache on it for him.
Alex was my rockstar of a helper for some of the furniture. Clearly my critters wanted to help too...
Here was my view of EasterFest as a greeter. Got to welcome in the families!
I got to wander around the festivities for myself and of course got caught up at the petting zoo! Look how sweet this baby duck is!!! They were so soft and fluffy! Reminds me of college days when me and a couple friends decided to buy a couple ducks as pets. Hahaha So cute!!
Hopefully I will have a few more fun pictures this month. I cannot put pictures up yet of the finished rooms, but I will once Devin is home.
Happy April Fools everyone! I will NOT be participating this year, but hope everyone is having good clean fun!
Love Always,
Emily
Monday, February 25, 2013
February In a Nutshell
Trigger's favorite part of the day is morning cuddle time.
Blaze figured out something that was even more than the playing in the water bowl.... thank goodness he doesn't know how to flush it!
I gave in and got a "trendy" shirt here for Tuscaloosa. Tuskwear is like THE stuff to wear, next to The Shirt Shop. It was too cute to pass up! AND super comfy! However I will not be wearing it for public events with tights and boots. You can go on campus if you want to see that, no need to wear it anywhere else like that.
Videos that have been going viral are these Harlem Shake videos. TONS of people have been doing them and its a clean fun thing to do. Someone organized one on the quad for UA and Alyssa and I decided to go. I wore my haloween costume for it. You can see how it went here: UA Harlem Shake Fail Regardless, I still got my first picture with Big Al!
My wonderful furry family. I know it may seem silly, but these guys are the best comfort on lonely rainy nights. They have unparalleled snuggling abilities!
And as of this week/once I get all the paperwork done, Devin and I will be the proud owner of a new to us vehicle. Our friend Paul wanted to make the MPG friendly upgrade so we bought his truck. This will be Devin's new toy when he gets back, HOWEVER I will have everyone know that on paper... it's mine! ;)
Well that is it, short and sweet! I'm awful with remembering to take pictures, so that will be a goal to get better at for next month. Love you all!!!
Love Always,
Emily
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Exciting, Excited, and Swamped?
As February has begun I have realized a few things.
1) My husband comes home in about 3 months. THREE MONTHS!!!!!!!! :)
2) I am wayyy behind on home projects before he gets home.
3) My goal of being Wifey 2.0 has turned to Wifey 2.Forgot
4) I love learning my camera.
Three months can still sound like a long time. As Devin put it, its the same amount of time that he was at Basic training for, which seemed like forever! But when I break it down, it sounds so soon! February, is a short month. I also have one of my best friends from Illinois coming to see me at the end of the month! I have known Kim since the 6th grade, have stayed close ever since, and I even had the honor of singing at her wedding this past summer. March, will be slow around the beginning of the month, but come Spring Break my parents are planning to come for over a week and also spending Easter with me! This will be the time when many of the home projects actually get done. April, it will officially be warming up and staying warm consistently. Why is that important? Because spring is tied with Summer for my favorite season, and it means more walks/runs in the great outdoors with my pooch! Then May, when DEVIN COMES HOME!!!! No official date has been given yet, and we have no idea how long they will keep the boys to debrief; all I do know is that my husband will be back on US soil and on his way home!
Home projects. Yeahhhh about that. I have a headboard to finish once I can paint outside and it not get below 50 degrees. A trip to Ikea to make. A whole bunch of wall hangings to make/hang. A dresser to completely redo, short of cutting the wood and nailing it all together. Hanging up curtains. patching walls up with paint. Aye! What all these projects are missing? Time. It is slowly coming and I am inching away at a few of these, but some of these cannot be done with inching.
Wifey 2.0 was a concept I came up with right after Devin left, of all the things I wanted to do for me. How to become a better me, so in turn he would have an improved version of the wife he left at home. Welllllllll I wont say I'm the same by any means, and I think the greatest improvements haven't even been outward ones, but still nowhere near the dream I had in my head. If anything these goals made me realize how much I suck at follow through and conjuring up motivation. Seriously I suck! But I have always been a bit of a procrastinator, so with the last few months having snuck up on me, February has started the month of getting my butt in gear. Literally and figuratively. (I'm being vague on details because he reads this, and there has to be some sort of surprise element when he gets home!)
The past month has been exciting, and I am so excited for the months to come. Although it may get a bit crazy, I have found that crazy is becoming my norm. Enough of the typing. Pictures!!!!
While waiting on my sister to pop out her second little girl, it snowed at my parents house. Jack frost visited the windows and so did I!
THIS is my wonderful, beautiful niece number two! Lena Mae Fuller. You can check out my sister's facebook for other pictures. This little girl was my first subject for a newborn photo shoot. Really I was just using as nice camera to take picture because I have SOOO much to learn still. This is one of the good ones.
My two nieces and I. Also, my new hair coloring. The red has now faded to pink.
In my first real big person portrait session I got to shoot my beautiful roommate Alyssa!! She was a great model, and very patient with my noviceness. I can't reveal them all but here is a nice one.
I am still learning lots with my camera, but it is so fun! I also have to tackle the monster of an editing software. Eeek! But I am so thankful for the camera that my wonderful husband got me so I can learn all this!
More updates to come as the months pass :)
Love Always,
Emily
1) My husband comes home in about 3 months. THREE MONTHS!!!!!!!! :)
2) I am wayyy behind on home projects before he gets home.
3) My goal of being Wifey 2.0 has turned to Wifey 2.Forgot
4) I love learning my camera.
Three months can still sound like a long time. As Devin put it, its the same amount of time that he was at Basic training for, which seemed like forever! But when I break it down, it sounds so soon! February, is a short month. I also have one of my best friends from Illinois coming to see me at the end of the month! I have known Kim since the 6th grade, have stayed close ever since, and I even had the honor of singing at her wedding this past summer. March, will be slow around the beginning of the month, but come Spring Break my parents are planning to come for over a week and also spending Easter with me! This will be the time when many of the home projects actually get done. April, it will officially be warming up and staying warm consistently. Why is that important? Because spring is tied with Summer for my favorite season, and it means more walks/runs in the great outdoors with my pooch! Then May, when DEVIN COMES HOME!!!! No official date has been given yet, and we have no idea how long they will keep the boys to debrief; all I do know is that my husband will be back on US soil and on his way home!
Home projects. Yeahhhh about that. I have a headboard to finish once I can paint outside and it not get below 50 degrees. A trip to Ikea to make. A whole bunch of wall hangings to make/hang. A dresser to completely redo, short of cutting the wood and nailing it all together. Hanging up curtains. patching walls up with paint. Aye! What all these projects are missing? Time. It is slowly coming and I am inching away at a few of these, but some of these cannot be done with inching.
Wifey 2.0 was a concept I came up with right after Devin left, of all the things I wanted to do for me. How to become a better me, so in turn he would have an improved version of the wife he left at home. Welllllllll I wont say I'm the same by any means, and I think the greatest improvements haven't even been outward ones, but still nowhere near the dream I had in my head. If anything these goals made me realize how much I suck at follow through and conjuring up motivation. Seriously I suck! But I have always been a bit of a procrastinator, so with the last few months having snuck up on me, February has started the month of getting my butt in gear. Literally and figuratively. (I'm being vague on details because he reads this, and there has to be some sort of surprise element when he gets home!)
The past month has been exciting, and I am so excited for the months to come. Although it may get a bit crazy, I have found that crazy is becoming my norm. Enough of the typing. Pictures!!!!
While waiting on my sister to pop out her second little girl, it snowed at my parents house. Jack frost visited the windows and so did I!
THIS is my wonderful, beautiful niece number two! Lena Mae Fuller. You can check out my sister's facebook for other pictures. This little girl was my first subject for a newborn photo shoot. Really I was just using as nice camera to take picture because I have SOOO much to learn still. This is one of the good ones.
My two nieces and I. Also, my new hair coloring. The red has now faded to pink.
In my first real big person portrait session I got to shoot my beautiful roommate Alyssa!! She was a great model, and very patient with my noviceness. I can't reveal them all but here is a nice one.
More updates to come as the months pass :)
Love Always,
Emily
Monday, January 14, 2013
Blogger FAIL
If there is any few number of you who read this blog you will notice one thing: I am AWFUL at keeping this thing up!! Sorry! So to make up for it.... I am going to TRY to find enough pictures from the past few months that I will create a story for you. :) Enjoy!
Another critter that came into my household early September was a foster kitten. Someone had posted in a local facebook group that they found some kittens in a pipe at their work. I offered to pick them up and find them homes. In the midst of that they found yet another kitten, slightly older. I of course said yes to him as well. The kittens were so young I had to bottle feed them every three hours. After one night of that I found them a surrogate momma cat the next day! However the older kitten I held onto. He was covered in soot, couldn't lift himself up to walk, and his eyes were swollen shut. I later found out that they were found at Hunt Oil refinery which had a fire the previous week. I didn't think he would make it, but after a few baths and some soft food he regained strength. Here is his progress.
My roommate Alyssa and I made our own ASPCA commercial. I was going to narrate it, but would have busted out laughing. But it does a good job showing how pitiful he was.
We named him Blaze because he was in a fire and also because his coloring was white and orange.
About two weeks after I think. Eyes finally cleared. Still weak though.
And let me just say that you need to check facebook for many more overly cute pictures of Trigger and Blaze. Trigger has been his over protective big brother since day one!!!
Well as an early Christmas present, Devin said that Blaze could stay as a member of our household!!!
And now he is healthy and handsome!! However as diagnosed by the vet, Blaze was born with a virus that affected his brain development. It has affected his motor skills, but other than bad balance and a goofy walk, he is just as active and cuddly as a normal kitten! I just call it his swagger.
The next adventure that has unfolded over the past three months is my tattoo.
I have faith on one foot, hope on the other, and I had to make love the biggest and most important. 1 Corinthians 13:13. And three things shall remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love. I try to make this a verse to live by daily. And the grace and love of God is so beautiful I wanted to express that in a way that I enjoy.
3 sessions, about 3-4 hours each time.
I wont lie, the second session hurt the worst. Cuz of the rosebud being so high on the ribs. But I love it!!! So worth it!
The in-laws came to Tuscaloosa for Thanksgiving. It was so nice to have family there so I didn't spend the holiday alone! Of course had to do a little family shoot for the Christmas card too!
The family on SEC championship day!
Awkward family photobooth at the Youth Christmas Party!
Got to go home for Christmas unexpectedly! I surprised my family and also got to see my BFF's Jen and Alex. It was SO wonderful!!!
Then after getting back from Chicago, I got to turn around and go back up to Louisville, KY for the Wesleyan Youth Convention. It was so much fun to see God moving in major ways within the next generation!
And latest has been my birthday! January 10th was my birthday and I had friends surprise me with wonderful cupcakes after dinner! Then we went bowling. Even though I had an absent husband, he still had his part in it, and it was a great birthday!!!
So there you have it!!! 3 months all wrapped up in one blog! Hope it wasn't too long or dull for you!
Love Always,
Emily
My Halloween costume. With all the ladies costumes out there that barely cover anything, I figured I would go with the most conservative costume I could find. :) It also doubles as something to wear to games...right?
About two weeks after I think. Eyes finally cleared. Still weak though.
First brotherly cuddle session that they allowed to be public.
The next adventure that has unfolded over the past three months is my tattoo.
I have faith on one foot, hope on the other, and I had to make love the biggest and most important. 1 Corinthians 13:13. And three things shall remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love. I try to make this a verse to live by daily. And the grace and love of God is so beautiful I wanted to express that in a way that I enjoy.
And the hubby still gets the hubby of the year award even though he's gone. I was having a rough week, and one afternoon I walked into White House Black Market to work and these were waiting for me!!! He's so sweet!
Love Always,
Emily
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Crazy Life Crazy Wife
I cannot believe it has been TWO MONTHS since I last wrote!!! Oh how times flies and NOT in a good way! It seems like life is just flying by while I am moving at snail speed!
The past two months have been filled with LOTS of self discovery. Soul searching one could say. Being responsible for only me, has really shown me how irresponsible I really am. Sure I get things done that have to get done, but do I do them when they should get done? No. I so desperately want to be one of those wives that has the house spotless, enjoys cleaning, has everything decorated to a T, and still has time to do her nails and work out; all while working. Two part time jobs and my lack of motivation makes for nowhere near that goal. I have created a list of things I want to get better at, yet some I have no idea how to get myself to do them. I know how but its putting things into action part that I really suck at. I'm open for suggestions here.
I know I am not the only one who finds curling up on the couch with my puppy and a good show more appealing than doing dishes and organizing closets! My limited free time is not something I want to fill with those projects, yet I know it has to get done eventually. How do some of you super wives do it??? Cuz I am driving myself CRAZY trying to keep up with you!
I greatly underestimated the stress level of living life as a "single" woman. I do have to say though that it has made me increasingly more aware of the blessings that God puts into my life. Whether it be in the form of people, circumstances, items, or words. Just when I am about to go into full blown pity party mode, God reminds me of all the ways He has blessed Devin and I. It's those blessings that keep me going during the tough days. Though time seems to be going by so fast with a lack of accomplishment, it still feels like forever till my Other Half will be with me again.
He is doing well, and making the most out of the time he has over there. I am excited to hear of the many stories he will have when he gets back. Technology has been a HUGE help and blessing. I get to have almost daily contact with him, and a Skype chat about once a week. It almost feels like we are doing the long distance dating thing again! If you'd like to send him a letter or care package feel free to contact me for his address. He loves getting those!!! For a faster, slightly less special approach, he also has access to his computer with email. Devin has truly felt the prayers and hand of God while out and about over there. Divine protection is VERY evident. So thank you to all who are praying for him and us!
A couple fun things that have happened since I last wrote. One of my very first best friends from elementary school got married last month!! I took pictures, but haven't uploaded them yet, so they will be in the next post, or just on facebook. Katie Muir is now Katie Faser!!! She was a beautiful bride and it was so great to come home and share that day with her and her new hubby!
One goal that I made when Devin first left was to be able to run 3 miles without stopping by the time he got back. He has to do this as a normal thing for both military and police training, and I wanted to say that I could too. Slowly I started running more and more. Running with my roommate also helped because she is a speed demon! I had to run faster just to stay within one block of her so I didn't get lost on campus! I heard about a 5K called The Color Run that was coming to Tuscaloosa. While you run the 3.1 miles every 1K they throw colored powder on you. I got a team of friends to register with me and we did it! I did not stop jogging the ENTIRE time!!! I have met my goal early and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Now just to push myself further. Here are some pics from that fun morning!
I do interesting things every once in a while, so I will try to post when those things happen.
Blogging is not exactly on the forefront of my mind these days, so sorry if it ends up being another 2 months before I post again. I will try to not allow that, but I am making no promises!
The past two months have been filled with LOTS of self discovery. Soul searching one could say. Being responsible for only me, has really shown me how irresponsible I really am. Sure I get things done that have to get done, but do I do them when they should get done? No. I so desperately want to be one of those wives that has the house spotless, enjoys cleaning, has everything decorated to a T, and still has time to do her nails and work out; all while working. Two part time jobs and my lack of motivation makes for nowhere near that goal. I have created a list of things I want to get better at, yet some I have no idea how to get myself to do them. I know how but its putting things into action part that I really suck at. I'm open for suggestions here.
I know I am not the only one who finds curling up on the couch with my puppy and a good show more appealing than doing dishes and organizing closets! My limited free time is not something I want to fill with those projects, yet I know it has to get done eventually. How do some of you super wives do it??? Cuz I am driving myself CRAZY trying to keep up with you!
I greatly underestimated the stress level of living life as a "single" woman. I do have to say though that it has made me increasingly more aware of the blessings that God puts into my life. Whether it be in the form of people, circumstances, items, or words. Just when I am about to go into full blown pity party mode, God reminds me of all the ways He has blessed Devin and I. It's those blessings that keep me going during the tough days. Though time seems to be going by so fast with a lack of accomplishment, it still feels like forever till my Other Half will be with me again.
He is doing well, and making the most out of the time he has over there. I am excited to hear of the many stories he will have when he gets back. Technology has been a HUGE help and blessing. I get to have almost daily contact with him, and a Skype chat about once a week. It almost feels like we are doing the long distance dating thing again! If you'd like to send him a letter or care package feel free to contact me for his address. He loves getting those!!! For a faster, slightly less special approach, he also has access to his computer with email. Devin has truly felt the prayers and hand of God while out and about over there. Divine protection is VERY evident. So thank you to all who are praying for him and us!
A couple fun things that have happened since I last wrote. One of my very first best friends from elementary school got married last month!! I took pictures, but haven't uploaded them yet, so they will be in the next post, or just on facebook. Katie Muir is now Katie Faser!!! She was a beautiful bride and it was so great to come home and share that day with her and her new hubby!
One goal that I made when Devin first left was to be able to run 3 miles without stopping by the time he got back. He has to do this as a normal thing for both military and police training, and I wanted to say that I could too. Slowly I started running more and more. Running with my roommate also helped because she is a speed demon! I had to run faster just to stay within one block of her so I didn't get lost on campus! I heard about a 5K called The Color Run that was coming to Tuscaloosa. While you run the 3.1 miles every 1K they throw colored powder on you. I got a team of friends to register with me and we did it! I did not stop jogging the ENTIRE time!!! I have met my goal early and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Now just to push myself further. Here are some pics from that fun morning!
I do interesting things every once in a while, so I will try to post when those things happen.
Blogging is not exactly on the forefront of my mind these days, so sorry if it ends up being another 2 months before I post again. I will try to not allow that, but I am making no promises!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Faith, Hope, & Love
Lately it has really been on my heart to share a thought. Especially in light of world events happening, and even so many events in our own country. The thought can really be narrowed down to one word. This one word could change a life. Save a life. Or even the lack of it could end a life. This word: Love.
As I have gone through school and am now trying to manage the "real world" I have seen how love has lost its core meaning. Sure we love our spouse, our family, our friends; but that is where it seems to end. We live in a selfish society, and I will be the first to admit that my knee jerk reaction in most situations is for me. But as Christians, as human beings, is that how we are supposed to live? Why is it so easy to condemn someone because of a belief or bad past? Why do we write people off for making poor life decisions? Does it really make you feel good if you judge and separate yourself from those who have "messy" lives?
At the end of my first year at college I read something and decided that I wanted to pursue a life that exemplifies everything in that short passage. Many who read this have heard it numerous times. At weddings, around Valentine's day, or at church. Most associate it with romantic love. I want to challenge you to read this next paragraph in a different light. Imagine how your lifestyle could change if you applied EVERY phrase to each interaction you have throughout your day.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
As most most see this, they think of what a wonderful model for marriage, or a relationship. Which sure, it is exactly what you should use in a marriage, but go one step beyond that.
Instead of arguing and bragging to your co-workers, why not listen and use discernment in conversations. When you hear your friends making fun of that certain kid in class or even a close friend that has wronged someone in the group; take a stand for them. Give smiles away to ANYONE for FREE!!! Even if they scowl back.
So far it seems pretty easy, right? No major sacrifices that make you uncomfortable. But here's where I'm going to get serious for a second. Now say someone you know has started living life openly homosexual. How do you react? Do you tell them all their sins, and say they need church. Do you stop talking to them? How many of us have written off someone with an opposing view for what we see as right? Did you LOVE them? What if it was someone who you knew has cheated on their husband multiple times, and they don't seem like they have plans of stopping. Do you give them the cold shoulder? A man with tattoos and non-traditional hair starts coming to church on Sundays. Do you assume he's trouble?
Every person, no matter their background deserves LOVE. Are your deep dark secrets better and less awful than someone elses? Are you not equally separated from God through your sin than the person you're turning your back on? We ALL have ugly spots in our lives. We all live differently. We all struggle. Yet lives are lost, hearts are hardened, and generations separated from a lack of LOVE. You don't have to understand someone to love them. No one wants condemnation. Rather we as humans strive from encouragement. Why not choose to love those around you and encourage through action? Love transcends all barriers, even if people act like they aren't affected by it. Why do you think 90% of songs are about relationships?
Every day we have choices. We have a choice to live selfishly. Or we can choose to live in a way that shows love to ALL people. You never know what life you can change by making that choice.
The passage I posted above is from the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-13. I have made this passage an outline for my life and my attitude. I am by no means perfect at following it, but it sure is humbling to use it as my standard. God loves us this way. Who are we to love any differently when we commands us to love as he loves?! I challenge you to slowly make a life change. Love others. Not just those who you are comfortable around, but EVERYONE. Stand by someone who you see struggling instead of blocking them out. Be real! Don't act all high and mighty, cuz there is only One High and Mighty Judge. You are not it. LOVE!
Our generation of believers cannot grow if all we have is faith and hope. Love is what reaches beyond ourselves and draws others in. Want to know what would happen without it?? Just look around. Love is a commitment! You CHOOSE to remain faithful to a love promise, whether it be romantic or strictly platonic. So next time you catch yourself in mid-judgement, change your attitude and choose to love.
My prayer is that choosing love shapes your life in a major way. I know that I would not be the person I am today if God had not called me love in this way. It is not always easy, it is not always natural, but in the end it can make a huge impact beyond what we are even aware of.
Love.
As I have gone through school and am now trying to manage the "real world" I have seen how love has lost its core meaning. Sure we love our spouse, our family, our friends; but that is where it seems to end. We live in a selfish society, and I will be the first to admit that my knee jerk reaction in most situations is for me. But as Christians, as human beings, is that how we are supposed to live? Why is it so easy to condemn someone because of a belief or bad past? Why do we write people off for making poor life decisions? Does it really make you feel good if you judge and separate yourself from those who have "messy" lives?
At the end of my first year at college I read something and decided that I wanted to pursue a life that exemplifies everything in that short passage. Many who read this have heard it numerous times. At weddings, around Valentine's day, or at church. Most associate it with romantic love. I want to challenge you to read this next paragraph in a different light. Imagine how your lifestyle could change if you applied EVERY phrase to each interaction you have throughout your day.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
As most most see this, they think of what a wonderful model for marriage, or a relationship. Which sure, it is exactly what you should use in a marriage, but go one step beyond that.
Instead of arguing and bragging to your co-workers, why not listen and use discernment in conversations. When you hear your friends making fun of that certain kid in class or even a close friend that has wronged someone in the group; take a stand for them. Give smiles away to ANYONE for FREE!!! Even if they scowl back.
So far it seems pretty easy, right? No major sacrifices that make you uncomfortable. But here's where I'm going to get serious for a second. Now say someone you know has started living life openly homosexual. How do you react? Do you tell them all their sins, and say they need church. Do you stop talking to them? How many of us have written off someone with an opposing view for what we see as right? Did you LOVE them? What if it was someone who you knew has cheated on their husband multiple times, and they don't seem like they have plans of stopping. Do you give them the cold shoulder? A man with tattoos and non-traditional hair starts coming to church on Sundays. Do you assume he's trouble?
Every person, no matter their background deserves LOVE. Are your deep dark secrets better and less awful than someone elses? Are you not equally separated from God through your sin than the person you're turning your back on? We ALL have ugly spots in our lives. We all live differently. We all struggle. Yet lives are lost, hearts are hardened, and generations separated from a lack of LOVE. You don't have to understand someone to love them. No one wants condemnation. Rather we as humans strive from encouragement. Why not choose to love those around you and encourage through action? Love transcends all barriers, even if people act like they aren't affected by it. Why do you think 90% of songs are about relationships?
Every day we have choices. We have a choice to live selfishly. Or we can choose to live in a way that shows love to ALL people. You never know what life you can change by making that choice.
The passage I posted above is from the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-13. I have made this passage an outline for my life and my attitude. I am by no means perfect at following it, but it sure is humbling to use it as my standard. God loves us this way. Who are we to love any differently when we commands us to love as he loves?! I challenge you to slowly make a life change. Love others. Not just those who you are comfortable around, but EVERYONE. Stand by someone who you see struggling instead of blocking them out. Be real! Don't act all high and mighty, cuz there is only One High and Mighty Judge. You are not it. LOVE!
Our generation of believers cannot grow if all we have is faith and hope. Love is what reaches beyond ourselves and draws others in. Want to know what would happen without it?? Just look around. Love is a commitment! You CHOOSE to remain faithful to a love promise, whether it be romantic or strictly platonic. So next time you catch yourself in mid-judgement, change your attitude and choose to love.
My prayer is that choosing love shapes your life in a major way. I know that I would not be the person I am today if God had not called me love in this way. It is not always easy, it is not always natural, but in the end it can make a huge impact beyond what we are even aware of.
Love.
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