{em-brace} 2013

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering 'it will be happier'...” ~ Alfred Tennyson

I love the quote above. Its so hopeful and very true! Last year was a great year for me and the husband. We spent a month vacationing in Australia, New Zealand and Bonaire, the husband graduated from medical school and began his residency in family medicine, I accepted a new job, we officially became homeowners, we bought a new car for the husband, and for me, friendships and relationships blossomed. 

It truly was a great year, but there were definitely some hardships in there too. A lot of growing and healing took place, which I thank the Lord for that both happened and continues to happen. Last year, I chose for "grace" to be my word of the year. Looking back now, I laugh at myself because I didn't really understand what grace meant when I chose it, but it truly was fitting for me. I think God placed that word on my heart because he knew it was something I needed to understand, take hold of, accept, and heal. I am a recovering perfectionist. I have these limitations ideals that I held for myself, and I  would often punish myself mentally if I didn't meet them. Living in a fallen world, I am destined to fall short, but that didn't stop me from pain of comparison, expectation, limitation, etc. 

A friend encouraged me to seek therapy from our church. I met weekly with the therapist for a few months, and she really brought to light that I didn't understand grace, wasn't accepting God's forgiveness and didn't understand who Jesus is or what he did for me. Ouch. I was mad at her. We dealt with a lot of past sins and struggles. While it was painful, it was also a blessing. 

My trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Bonaire was another blessing God had given me. Such an eye opening experience that really challenged me to push my self-imposed limits and witness God's love and beauty that he had created with me. I cage-dived with a great white shark, scuba dived the Great Barrier Reef, skydived over New Zealand, kayaked a fiordland, and had amazing experiences with the ocean. There was even one point, when I was praying praying praying and asking for God to let me see an eagle ray, one of my favorite sea creatures. After minutes and several diving trips of having not seen one, it appeared out of nowhere. Sounds crazy, but I know he was a gift from God. 

After the vacations, it was back to real life. Back to facing the reality that I needed to learn to accept God's grace, love and forgiveness. I felt lost and hopeless. Was I ever going to really understand what Jesus did for me on the cross? Yes, he died for me, Julie. Still confounding at times that God sent me a Savior to pay the ransom for my sin, and that my Savior, who loves me unconditionally and more than I could ever know, is also preparing a place for me in heaven one day. Confounding, yes, but I can say I believe it, accept it and cleave to it. He brought me and continues to bring me healing. 

I remember the day when the same friend who encouraged me to seek help, also pointed out that I had acknowledged that I was and felt forgiven. It stopped me in my thoughts. I had accepted God's grace and didn't even realize it! After all those years of  agonizing over my sin and imperfections, I had accepted God's grace, forgiveness and love, and I was free. This same friend also pointed out that the healing brought forth color. I love that she noticed that! How observant. Before, I only wore neutrals, decorated in neutrals and earth tones. These were part of my "restrictions," I guess. But now, I embrace color. I wear it, decorate with it, exude it, and dare I say, even push the limits on it. God's gift of grace physically set me free in so many ways.

I can honestly say that when I cry now, its not because I'm ashamed, but because I am so filled with love and gratitude for my Savior. My fear, shame, guilt, pain, etc., are gone. Yes, of course, those thoughts of unworthiness come back now and again, but I can immediately see what is going on, and stop it in its tracks. The Lord is my strength now; I don't depend on myself for that anymore and instead can find rest in Him.

Because of all these things, I have chosen "embrace" as this year's word of the year. God definitely placed this word on my heart. The stories I read in the Bible last year were all about redemption (although aren't they all?), and one thing I noticed with all of the stories from Adam & Eve to Paul, was that they involved people embracing one another after having experienced pain and redemption. The act of embracing involved crying, hugging, holding on tightly to one another and ultimately healing. In the dictionary, it means to cherish, love, to take up gladly and readily, to welcome. 

I'm embracing God this year and all that He brings me. No limitations, no expectations. I'm ready to welcome all that He blesses me with, the good and the bad, for I know that He works through all things for my good.

p.s. If you are still reading, I want to thank all who were involved in this process. Specifically, my husband. I am so thankful for his love, patience, forgiveness and encouragement. I also want to thank my parents and my friends. I am so blessed to have you all in my life, and I love you.

Grace

Grace by Enstrom

I've seen this photograph a lot throughout my life, but I recall it the most from my childhood. I have seen this photo either at my grandparents' home or at my childhood church home. Either way, it has always stopped me in my tracks. 

The sincerity, deference and humility in his face and gesture is very convicting to me. And then, I read the story behind the photograph. In 1918, Eric Enstrom, the photographer, was approached by the bearded, old man, a peddler with foot-scrapers to sell. It was a chance encounter, and Enstrom asked if he could photograph him. He was preparing for a portfolio of pictures to take with him to a convention of the Minnesota Photographer's Association. "I wanted to take a picture that would show people that even though they had to do without many things because of the war they still had much to be thankful for," Enstom said. 

God has blessed me beyond what I deserve. Hence, grace. He has given me so much more in life than I could have ever dreamed. An amazing, sweet husband, encouraging and supportive parents and in-laws, so many loving and unconditional family members and friends, a new job with kind and caring co-workers, and, and, and. The list goes on forever...

...But, how often do I take the time to truly thank God for all that I have been given. To get down on my knees, bow my head, fold my hands and thank him. Not enough, I can tell you that.

I am reminded to be thankful this season. Not just on Thanksgiving day, but every day. 

Every day is a gift; everything I have is from God and I am beyond blessed that He took the time to think of me.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..." ~ Eph. 2:8 

courage

 

Hmm...where to begin...

Well, if you are still reading this blog, then you probably guessed from my last post that I have been a bit down. This period of sadness began after I returned to the States from my almost one month of traveling to Australia, New Zealand and Bonaire. Traveling, exploring, chasing after sharks (which totally freaked out the hubs; an unexpected response to seeing sharks), living life on the edge, and seeing God's beauty, really awakened my soul. I found myself pondering a lot of things about life, and I felt like God was pushing me to do something, but I didn't know what to do. I just felt helpless and lost. I won't go into details, but I finally decided to do something about it. 

I began to pray. 

I asked God to reveal to me what he wants for my life. If he wanted me to stay put, then I prayed for him to help me to be more content, joyful and grateful for the life I have been given. But, if he had a different plan than what I was currently doing, I prayed for him to lead me and I would trust in him and follow. 

I became more and more restless, but I also was clinging tighter and tighter to God putting my complete trust and faith in him. 

I also began reaching out to others. Thank you God for friends and family. He has given me some amazing, wonderful and supportive people in my life, who have really given me so much love, joy and encouragement these past few months. Not too mention, a wonderful, patient and loving husband. Thank you to all who prayed, emailed me, sent me an encouraging song, scripture, positive quote from Pinterest :), sat and cried with me, and simply love me.

Joy was slowly restored, hope replaced despair, peace came over me and God healed my broken thoughts.

A job opportunity fell into my lap. A completely new career path that would take advantage of my skill set in a new and productive way. 

I prayed earnestly to God about it. As did many others.

And in 3 weeks, I will start this new path. I am still in shock how quickly God moved. I was chosen over people who had experience, who were certified, who were more knowledgeable.

But, they chose me. In fact, I was told that they "loved" my personality and enthusiasm. 

That is all God's doing.

I tell you this not to boast about myself, but to boast about what God has done for me. Just in case you are where I was, I truly and whole-heartedly believe that if you bring it to God, trust in him, completely surrender to his will, he will do things in your life that will amaze you. Because he loves you that much. It may not be what you expected or planned, but it is what he has created especially for you. 

"Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!" ~ Psalm 66:16-20

Heart notes

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I've been thinking about God a lot this summer. Just thinking about all of his creations - flowers, birds, fish, rain, humans, relationships, love, joy, sorrow, etc. These are the things that consume my life currently.

Here's our patio with all of our flowers. I am kind of obsessed with flowers this summer. We don't have cats or dogs, so flowers are my pets, I guess. I love our patio, and when its not too hot, I enjoy sitting out here in our "jungle" and sipping on lemonade.

Here is a photo of my crazy hibiscus tree. It decided today that it wanted to bloom some yellow flowers in addition to its pink blooms. Next to the hibiscus tree is my crazy lantana flowers. I have found with these little guys that they need lots of water, nurturing and room to grow. Kind of like humans, huh?

In addition to flowers, we have fish! The hubs finally completed his year-long project of building a fish tank, and its a beauty folks. Here are two newest fishies - Bon and Jovi. They are a mated pair of cardinal fish. They are kind of high maintenance, only wanting the best food.

So, back to God. Sometimes in this big world made smaller thanks to the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc., I begin to compare myself to others, and begin to feel heavy thoughts of worthlessness. I find myself comparing my body, my clothes, my career, my home, my successes, and feeling less than everyone else. Once these thoughts/lies take hold, I find myself striving for perfection in all areas of my life, which makes me tired and want to give up because I'm never going to be enough. I'm never going to meet the expectations of this world. These thoughts are so futile and hurtful to my heart, and I know they are hurtful to God's heart as well, since he has blessed me with so much more than I deserve, and loves me enough to send his only Son to die for me as a ransom for my sin so that I may have eternal life with him in heaven. 

Thankfully, God has been speaking so much truth to my heart lately. I like to think of them as "heart notes" - reminders of God's love for me. On Saturday while I was preparing to go spend some time with a sweet friend, God began to tell me about how precious, beautiful, perfect and loved I am by him. He created me to glorify him. I am his creation. His masterpiece. He delights in me. In his sight, I am perfect. And he wants me to see myself as he sees me. He does not want to me to live up to the expectations of this world. He has overcome this world. And in him, I am enough. I am free to be me. And that is such a beautiful and precious gift. I am so thankful for God and his truth he speaks to me.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6: 25 - 34

Hope

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Eyes open and hearts full

Image via Katie Daisy

Something happened to me while I was in Australia, New Zealand and Bonaire, N.A. I became a full-on nature lover. I always loved nature, but the ocean, rainforest and mountains gave me a new appreciation for God's creations. Also, I've been reading Genesis in the Bible and read that we are to be stewards of God's creations. Reading that gave me this sense of responsibility to protect, love and nurture God's beauty. For example, when I was in New Zealand, there were two young women throwing rocks at the ducks, and I yelled at them. Yea, ME! I yelled at two complete strangers. And they stopped, but not without talking back to me. But, I think the ducks appreciated it and then proceeded to show their love by surrounding me and getting a little too close for comfort. But, I let them and even fed them some bread.

This little lady loved me and wouldn't leave me alone.

Anyways, I digress...I felt responsible, and while traveling, I began to see the beauty in birds, fish, trees, plants, etc. One of my favorite things the Hubs and I did in Australia was see the bird exhibit at the Cairns Tropical Zoo. Birds are seriously cool! And, while in Bonaire, I had the most amazing experience with turtles. One turtle swam so close and spent a lot of time with me and my friends, and another turtle, who was perched on a sea fan, let me swim right up to him. I was literally a foot away from him and he leaned into me like he wanted to kiss me. I melted. 

A friendly sea turtle.

And of course, there was my experience with the manta ray at the Great Barrier Reef and the eagle ray in Bonaire. The Lord really blessed me  on these trips. 

Me and the Manta Ray diving the Great Barrier Reef.

I returned home wanting to serve God in my own little way. I began planting and planting and PLANTING lots of flowers. The more flowers the better. I've been planting zinnias, daisies, cosmos, basil, geraniums, marigolds, ferns, hibiscus trees, a vibernum bush, and lots more flowers. My hibiscus tree has attracted a hummingbird, which I'm very excited to watch feed this weekend as I sit on my deck drinking coffee. Also, my mom gave me a some bird seed for our bird feeder that we got from the Hubs' "Mammy." I filled it to the brim the other day, and the birds are loving it! So far, I've seen cardinals, robins, mourning doves, chickadees and finches. I'm excited to observe them too!

The Hubs and I also will be digging up two trees that died :( and planting two new trees, but we're going to wait for the fall to do that. BUT, we are thinking a ginkgo tree and possibly a globe locust or a smoke tree.

AND, here's something crazy...I want to own chickens. Like really bad. I even got pamphlets educating me about chickens and building chicken coops at an Earth Day exhibit. And I posed with a chicken too...

Can't you see the love in that chicken's eyes for me!

One day, I will own chickens, ducks, goats and a donkey. Maybe even a cow and horse, if I'm really lucky :)

I think the Hubs is feeling this sense of responsibility too because he has been building a fish tank for almost a year! And last week, he finally completed it. I believe its a 65 gallon tank with a 40 gallon tank below it to help filter, monitor, etc. the tank above. Currently, we have 2 hermit crabs (Barnacle Bob and George), 2 snails and 1 coral, but we hope to get more soon. He has put a ton of work into the tank, but I'll feature his craftsmanship in a different post. 

Anyway, the Hubs and I are loving God and all His beauty, and are doing are best to glorify Him.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend basking in the sunshine, sipping on ice tea and smelling the roses. 

"Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." ~Job 12:7-10

Singing for Joy

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 My heart craves joy and peace. And these winter months make me crave it even more with the cold temps and cloudy skies. Thankfully, this winter has been kind. I love sunshine, so during these dark months, I strive to find the light in the darkness. 

One positive I have found is that the winter allows for quiet hearts and self-reflection. God has been searching my heart this new year, and revealing to me His truth, love and even joy that I can find in Him. There is much sadness in our world, and you will easily find it if you should turn on the TV. But, God has created a desire for me to find joy in His word. And joy I have found. He knows me so well and provides me with all that I need. 

Joy. I know I said it already, but I crave it. And not only have I found it in His word - I am reading through the whole Bible. It is one of my New Year's resolutions  - but I am finding joy in the dark months of life. One wouldn't think they would find joy in the story of Adam and Eve, but there is! God has given me new eyes, and I feel like I am reading and hearing the story for the first time. I guess it could be because He is teaching me about Grace and there is so much joy to be found in that. 

Grace. I crave and desperately am in need of Grace.

I've also found joy in two little girls getting adopted by a lovely family. Both little sweeties just celebrated their birthdays and express so much joy in the video their parents made for them. 

There is joy in a baby's smile...

And I find that there is even joy in the changing of a baby's diaper. 

What a lesson about humility for both parties.

Conversations that bring about repentance and forgiveness; bedtime prayers with my husband; letters of encouragement to friends in need; songs of worship; cooking dinner for loved ones; and the sharing of laughter with friends all reveal joy. Grace upon grace.

I am thankful for the grace that has been given to me during these winter months. The darkness has given me time to dwell in the light of savior. And I have tasted such sweet joy, love and grace.

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I hope you find joy, grace, faith, hope, and the greatest of these, love during these winter months.

"My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for JOY." ~ Psalsms 63:5-7

Today is my birthday

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And while it is an insignificant one (28 years old), I feel more blessed and loved this birthday than any others I can remember. Yes, last year's birthday was AWESOME with my Hubs and mom surprising me with a trip to Chicago to see Wicked - truly an amazing blessing and gift. But as I get older, I realize its not about the gifts or the facebook messages. It's about love and friendship.

I'm sure its all in my perspective. God has really been doing a lot with my heart this year. And this birthday, I feel so much gratitude and humility for all the love I have been given and shown. In the past, I took it all for granted and just expected it or felt entitled to it all. But this year, I've realized how much it all really is a gift. This birthday, my dear friends have blessed me with the gift of time. My hubs is away on my birthday doing med school stuff, so I would be spending my birthday alone. But I asked my girlfriends if they'd spend the evening with me at a Mexican restaurant eating tacos and drinking margaritas. And I am truly blessed by all those who are giving up their friday evening to spend it with me. In the past, I would have been ok and happy spending it alone - watching movies alone, cuddling up on the couch alone, eating pasta alone, drinking wine alone. But God has made me aware that he did not create me to be alone. That life is about fellowship and community. And that is the best gift a girl could receive on her 28th birthday. Friendship.

Happy December

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"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."

Matthew 2:10

 

Overstuffed with daily bread

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I am horrible at keeping up on things, and so I didn't post all the things I was thankful for like I had planned on doing at the beginning of November. But I have just so many things to be thankful for that I figured I'd list them out in one post and maybe, just maybe, that could make up for it.

In addition to all the others I have listed, here are a few more things I'm thankful for:

1. Old friends - They know your dirt and still love you.

2. New friends - They are learning dirt and lovingly help you grow.

3. My job - puts a roof over my head, food on the table and clothes on my back.

4. My home - a safe haven of love and creativity.

5. Cooking skills and food - Thank God for blessing me with cooking skills because I seriously can whip up some tasty and healthy food.

6. My boss - She is patient and easy going.

7. Wine - I really am thankful for it. Wine warms the heart and reddens the nose.

8. Laughter - It cures a multitude of ills.

9. Forgiveness - I'd be lost without it.

10. Love - most important of all and most thankful for. 

And this is how we spent our Thanksgiving - snuggling and reflecting on all that we have to be thankful for. Every good and perfect gift is from above.

“[Thanksgiving] I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—”  ~ 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly

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I saw the happiest butterfly today. While walking campus, the sun was shining, leaves were softly falling to the ground and the wind was gently blowing. Along came this little monarch butterfly just floating in the breeze. Not flapping her wings trying to get somewhere, but just floating, enjoying the breeze and where the wind took her. It made me smile and think, I should live my life more freely like that butterfly. Just enjoying the many blessings, big and small, that God has given me, and just let Him take me wherever he leads me.

A life of purpose

Sarah Jane Studios - Get your free print here!

Purpose (pur-pose) the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.; an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal; determination; resoluteness; the subject in hand; the point at issue; practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.

Purpose. This is my daily prayer to God. I've never been one of those lucky peeps who just knew what they were destined to do with there life. But, I've always felt a need to nurture, love, share and allow others to feel open to share and love, to serve others (be it cooking, entertaining, hosting, making people laugh at my own expense), and be loved in return. I am a nerd and took a personality test the other day, only to find that my personality is that of "The Helper." I'm in the same category as Mother Teresa. Um, ha! That makes me laugh. NO WHERE CLOSE! But, I've taken a couple of personality tests/career tests and it always comes out the same. I'm a nurturer, a helper, and I've been told this in my job evaluations too.

This is difficult for me to swallow when we live in a world where the focus is more on serving our own needs.
I stumbled on this blog, and found this little blurb that I can totally relate to: Popular culture promises that by recognizing and focusing on our own needs, we will find empowerment. But, in reality this creates a culture of comparison, distraction and discontent, none of which lead to empowerment. The act of mothering … caring for, teaching, and nurturing, has just the opposite effect.  It emboldens us with confidence, contentment and purpose.

Now, this whole blurb is about motherhood, something I know NOTHING about, but I think you can replace "mothering" with "serving" and get the same result. In my life, I strive to serve God, my husband, my family, my friends, my co-workers and the little kiddos I lead worship to on Sundays. I love cooking for my husband and serving him good, healthy meals, cleaning the house and making it a relaxing, comforting place to come home to after a hard days work, and cuddling with him and making him feel loved. With friends, family, co-workers and the kiddos, I just try to serve with love, patience, kindness, time and understanding. It is nothing grand or anything to brag about or put on my resume to help me climb the ladder in my career, but I am believing more and more that God has called me to love and serve others. The "how" part, I'm not sure of yet, but I'm just going to continue striving and doing what I'm doing because I hope and believe He will reveal my purpose to one day :)

Something is in the air...

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I can't remember the last time I enjoyed life this much. There have been more smiles, more laughter, more hugs, {more kisses...ehm}, more joy, and more love. There is just something special about this summer. I think its called "contentment." I am at peace. I have enjoyed cooking meals for others, lounging out at the pool with girlfriends, spooning with the hubs every night, taking walks when its not melting outside, and most recently, leading pre-school worship at my church.

Life is balanced. I am filling up my cup emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually with a healthy heaping of good eating to top it all off. Most recently, I cooked the most delicious dinner for the Hubs on "Steak Sunday" - its the one night a week that we eat red meat; other days of the week we eat fish, chicken, turkey pork, etc. But last night, I had the Hubs cut some fresh basil and mint from our garden, and I made this and this. Good lord, it was delish. I think I found a new hobby! I LOVE cooking for others. Who would have thought! It not only allows me to be creative in the kitchen, but create a good meal for my loved ones be it the Hubs, friends or family.

{I need this apron from Anthropologie}

Life is really good. I think the last time I felt this happy and peaceful was in middle school to be honest. There was no drama in middle school...at least for me. My biggest dilemma was how to get the rat's nest untangled at the nape of my neck! Ugh, drama. I believe it is all made up in our heads. And, I am all about less drama these days. This summer has taught me a lot about myself. I'm not perfect, I make mistakes and I fall down, but I have the choice to learn from all these experiences and grow from them. This summer, I have learned to open my heart wider, love deeper, and extend and accept more forgiveness and mercy. 

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I use to think I could survive this life alone, on my own. But then, love came into my life. Not just the love of a husband, mother or father, but the love of friends. I realized I don't want to just survive life. And, I don't want to be alone. Where is the fun in that? God created us for relationships and community. For our friends, family and loved ones to be a "helper suitable" for us.

To sum up this summer :) Love is a home-cooked meal, a smile, a joyful song, a listening ear; It covers all things. Community and Friendship is vital and necessary in our lives. God loves me, forgives me, is always with me and gives me purpose.

And, I am at peace.

Limitless

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"Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds."

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Heavy quote there from dear, old FDR, but it brings clarity to a lot of the thoughts I've been having lately. I'm 27 years old, although my Hubs would tell you that I'm 30 years old. He would be wrong. He just likes to age me like that, when in truth, he is only 1 year younger than me, and yes Hubs, you will be 30 one day too. You can't escape it.

The ever-looming 30, summer and my new role as a Pre-School Worship Leader at my church has brought so many thoughts to mind. As I watch all the pre-schoolers singing about Jesus with huge grins on their face, I think about who I was as a child. I was very care-free, joyful and innocent. I laughed a lot, caused some trouble, but I was just a baby. My faith was the same as my childhood. Care-free, joyful and innocent. God came first. Well, I might have put myself first at times :) But he was always in my thoughts. I thanked him for everything - the moon, the stars, the sunshine, the grass, my cats (when they were alive :) ), etc.

As I grew up, my innocence along with my care-free and joyful nature slowly got chipped away. I hurt people and people hurt me. I experienced pain and caused pain. People stole pieces of me and I gave up pieces of myself out of shame from my sin. This caused separation between me and God. I didn't feel good enough for His love anymore, and I slowly lost bits of my joy and love because He IS my joy and love.

I also have been thinking a lot about the Apostle Paul and what he has to say about our pasts and sin.

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Phillippians 3:13 - 14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

Hebrews 12:1 - 3 

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, 

 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
   and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
   and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

 

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.“Make level paths for your feet,”so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 

Hebrews 12:4-13

Man, if only I knew then what I know now. We are human. We make mistakes, we burn bridges, we break hearts, we have our hearts broken, we lie, we cheat, we sin...Somewhere in life, I let all that "stuff" put limits on my life. "I can't be this or that because I did this," "I am this because of this or because he/she thinks I am this or that," I would tell myself. But we do not have to allow our past sins, failures, mistakes, etc., put limits on us or define who we are. God's love and truth defines me.

And, I am still that cheerful and joyful little girl. I have lived a little bit more than she, but I have also learned a lot more. Life is limitless. The only limits in this life are the ones I set on myself. "Forgetting [and forgiving] the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling [me] up to heaven. I am not lame or disabled by my past, but rather healed.

Thank you Jesus for the sunshine, for the flowers, for my Hubs, for my family and in-loves, for my friends, and for your grace, love and forgiveness.

It's Good Friday, Good Friday!

Mary and Jesus in the Cathedral of Salamanca, Spain. Photo taken by the Hubs.

““He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”” ~ 1 Peter 2:24

 Just want to give a shout out to my Lord and Savior! Thanks Jesus!