God Speaking

Everyone is really God speaking. 

        This is true, God works through us and in us. We would be better off if began to believe this, as it would give value and worthiness to many people's lives. This is not to say that we cannot disagree with someone or use caution while listening to someone, we can and we certainly should at times. This is just to say that it is worth it to remember that we were made in His image and that the Spirit does move on Earth - and it may have something to say through your neighbor.

“...But listen, there will be more joy in heaven over the tears of a repentant sinner than over the white robes of a hundred just men. What is said about men often has as much influence upon their lives, and especially upon their destinies, as what they do.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

One Kiss

One kiss leads to another. 

         Try as I might, I have not been able to find the original source for this widely pinned quote: "Last night I looked at you, and I could feel it. I could feel the love that filled my entire body. The kind that made my toes curl and the kind of love that circulated through my veins. I could feel myself blush from having all types of emotions running rampant against my skin. The kind of love that made me want to scream all my worries and fears out so they have no way of finding their way back in. The kind that took my breath away just by the mention of our love being spoken in your tone. A soft voice that whispered kindness and sweet promises. Last night I looked at you and thought, "Ahhh, so this is how love is supposed to feel."
          That's what love is, the realization that someone wants you for who you are, not because they think they can change you or get something from you or doing something to you, but because they want what it is that makes you, you. I lot of people misunderstand romance as elaborate proclamations of love, flowers every Friday, necklaces that say "forever", etc. Don't misunderstand me, these things are great and have their place, but being romantic is about the a thousand little things you can do in the moments between the big things. The way you let them know you're thinking about them and show that you care. The hand holding, the random "I-miss-you" text in the middle of the day, the constant "I-love-you"s, the pausing for a kiss as you pass in the hall, the compliments, even when they're undeserved, the laughter, the brief pause in life just to hear about them and hear form them.
      Love is in the small gestures, the remembered moments, the all-knowing glances. Love is in inside jokes and sentences only the two of you would understand. Love is in make-believe, in goals, in hopes, in dreams, in castles in the sky. That's romance at its best. That's romance where one kiss will lead to another...and then a thousand more after that.

Forever and Always (2012), Parachute 

Eyes That Once Saw God

You once saw him, so now your eyes are weaving a great net of tenderness that will one day, one day capture God. 

          We once were one with infinite love, divine grace, and selfless character. It is our destiny to return to these things. But how can we challenge ourselves to live as closely as possible to His ways on earth? Probably by regarding others as more important than ourselves, acting with humility of mind, endless love, compassion, and unity.
           I love this song by Ellie Holcomb, "The Broken Beautiful". I find it upbeat, like a modern pop hit, but with a strong spiritual message.

Would You remind me now of who You are?

That Your love will never change,

that there's healing in your name

That You can take broken things,

and make them beautiful

You took my shame

And You walked out of the grave

So Your love can take broken things

and make them beautiful

The Broken Beautiful (2014), Ellie Holcomb

Part Of God

As if it were part of God, everything should be enshrined. 

        Yesterday I was reminded by a pastor that God is a part of each of us. That Christians allow God to work in them. The flesh cannot "work up" humility or dedication; this must come from within by the power of the Spirit. God works in us before He works through us. What a powerful truth. 

Our God (2013), Chris Tomlin

A Beautiful Force Is Active

In the spring God looks happiest it seems, when it is clear a beautiful force is surely active on earth. 

        Today at church, I heard about The Message, which is a translation of the bible in contemporary language. I really enjoyed the following translations of Galatians.

Galatians 5:19-21: "It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom."

       After summing up our human failures (doing things "our way"), the next verse discusses the positive changes we will see in our lives by doing things God's way.

Galatians 5:22-23: "But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."

Blessings (2011), Laura Story

Needs A Laugh

Everyone needs a laugh, but I hope you are not looking for a cheap way to fame by saying you made love with an alien. 

            This actually made me laugh because it was so bizarre. Below is a funny picture I wanted to share.

Easy To Change The World

It would be easy to change the world. It could happen in a couple of days. 

             I'd really like to let this quote stand on its own merit. It's easy to change the world if we believe that our lives have significance, that everything we do matters and has even greater impact on others, that we have an obligation to serve, to help, to leave things better off.
              Below are two powerful photos, the first I had been saving for this post. The second, I came across moments ago.

Balloon Seller In Afghanistan