so be it

I heard someone once say, "Intimacy breeds conflict." This is so true. As you become closer to a person, there's going to be conflict, something that needs worked out. The only way to resolve this is good ole communication. Sorting out mixed-messages, expectations, figuring out where things got out of alignment.

I admit to struggling in the area of giving back. It's difficult for me to find ways to return provision, care, love, etc. Giving is just a weak area. Sure most of my generation and I are ungrateful, unappreciative, and take a lot for granted. We haven't really known what it's like to be "without" so consequently we can't fully appreciate our situation of being "with." Therefore, when those around us deserve having something given back to, after giving so freely, I must say it becomes so ridiculously challenging to SEE that there needs to be more given back. It is totally blinding.

Yes, blindness. There can't really be excuses, but giving is a learned thing. Giving must be practiced. Giving must become a way of life. So I'm sorry for all the ways and all the times I've failed to give back when not being told I should give back.

Dear Lord,
Please teach us all lessons on giving back. On our own we are selfish. On our own we only think about ourselves. That's where You come in. In our weakness, You are strong. In our selfishness, You break those walls down and let love flow out of us. By Your grace--power of Your Holy Spirit within us--may we come to have hearts that freely give and constantly seek ways to give.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

A free will

God has a free will. So do we. Jesus lived with a will entirely submitted to God's. In Christ there is no bondage whatsoever, nothing constricting in the least. The Holy Spirit dwells in Christ. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Jesus came that we would have and enjoy life. So it is in submission to God and His will that we will have and enjoy our lives, in abundance, to the full. In Christ there is life. In obedience to His will and His way there is freedom, life, and liberty everlasting.

A revealing of the Heart

God is so good at revealing His Truth at just the right time. The issue of the heart is a tumultuous thing. Have there been times when you think and feel things that you know aren't right? I suppose that's the division line between the carnal/selfish nature of the flesh and the Truth within us.

Sometimes it's plain difficult to let things go, to forgive, to place aside. Relationships are good like that. We so want to let it go, but something in our heart holds onto the pain, the offense, etc.

"But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.
Luke 7:47

That is a key. In the past someone may have acted very unforgivingly towards us. That created an unseen/unconsious stronghold which unfortunately affects the way we see others when things go haywire.

So with this in place it makes it difficult to truly love others, which definitely includes forgiveness.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for your precious and unconditional love. Thank you for your forgiveness that can never be exhausted. Reveal the power of your forgiveness to our hearts in perfect ways so that we can know grasp it. Then may we be empowered to go out and love with Your love, forgiving others readily and freely just as You have forgiven us in Christ.
Amen.

House of Love

Recently I visited a house of Love. It was big, open, spacious, and free. The joy, love, and laughter that must be there so much lingered in the air. Everything was so inviting and comfy! The toys and games and everything left out for all to see all spoke of the fun had. Every object and every person in the house speak of genuine care. Of full attention. Of freedom to speak. Of joy. Of laughter. Of wonder and amazement from sparkling eyes.

I wonder what it would be like. The power of knowing we are so delighted in, cherished, and valued speaks volumes to the heart. Such a foundation can never be moved. To know that your voice is heard... To not be criticized, judged, or condemned... To be able to give so freely and not be shot down... All because someone is there to love it, and more importantly to love YOU!