
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures."
God is love. We are made in His image. Think about that for a minute.
1 Corinthians 13 doesn't say.... Love is dusting and cooking. Love is not a messy house, and does not get upset with good organizational skills. Love takes pleasure in "doing right" to your spouse and rejoices over a roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Psalm 139:14
"I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well." NCV version
Here's another version:
"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Each and every one of us is wonderfully made. Each in our own unique way. He is a creative God. Who wants us to be who we were made to be. There were times, over the years, when I did wish I was someone else. I would love to have Krista's organizational skills or Betty's patience with kids or Deb's healing wisdom or Winefred's quiet strength or Tamara's kindness and grace. But, I am Anuschka and God has gifted me with other things. I need to accept that, work with it, and see where God wants me to use those gifts.
"Self-doubt will sabotage you before you ever get to the new place God has for you. You will paralyze yourself with your own thinking. The paralysis of analysis."
Joyce Meyer from her book "Never Give up".
Stop wishing to be someone you are not. Accept who you are and the gifts you have. Learn how to improve them and if things don't work out the way you thought they would.... get creative and see what you can do with what you have. It won't be easy.... but it will be real.
Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter through the narrow gate. The gate is wide and the road is wide that leads to destruction, and many people enter through that gate. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to true life. Only a few people find that road."
You know... the people we refer to as "blessed" did not always start their lives that way. They've had their share of challenges and adversities; they've gone through difficulties; they have had to work at it by being diligent to live by God's word; stayed faithful to Him; given to others when they have had little to give; prayed when they did not feel like praying; patient, loving and kind to those God had place in their path even though they themselves were going through a storm. They continued to do these things because they knew, eventually, by being obedient to God, joy would follow.
"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"The more you are open with yourself and God, the more genuine you will be."
Joyce Meyer
My house is a mess... there may be unfolded laundry on the sofa.... muddy paw prints at the back door... and dishes in the sink. If you are okay with that... you are welcome anytime for coffee. I may be at the computer writing, studying or reading... but I will make time for a chat and a laugh... or a cry... if you need it.
...."Go ahead.... help yourself to another store bought cookie."
Stay Real!
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