Love Is...

"Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffering, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things. Love never fails...but now faith, hope, and love, abide these three things; but the greatest of the three is love." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13

I have done several devotions on this verse and find that each time I read it, I find another application for the message. There have been times when friendships become hard, then I simply think, what does it mean to love a friend. To love a friend is the what 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what love is about. I have had to eat my humble pie several times.

Since Jason and I have been married for almost 2 years now, loving each other is easy. Living with each other and accepting the faults of the other is hard. But when I think of the love it takes to love me and accept me, I find that overlooking flaws becomes easier. Jason has been a wonderful man and have dealt with my heartache, hurt, and excitement right be side me. He has had to lead our marriage several times and then has walked beside me holding me hand. What a blessing from God he has been.

Love is four letters put together but it goes way beyond that. Love is beautiful, heart-felt, emotional, sacred, and easily misplaced. Love can be abused and often buried beneath jealousy, confusion, and frustration. But when we think of the LOVE it took for God to send HIS son to die for me, it is a concept that has to be taken with great humility. God has shown us what love means and takes as His children. We need to embrace the dedication from God and translate it to our daily lives.

Art in Life

"Made a wrong turn, once or twice. Dug my way out, blood and fire. Bad decisions, that alright. Welcome to my silly life. Mistreated, Misplace, Misunderstood, Miss knowing it's all good, It didn't slow me down. Mistaken, always second guessing, Underestimated, look I'm still around. "

These are lyrics to Pink's song "Perfect". I am constantly amazed at how some individuals can possess this beautiful talent of art. Whether they take their art and paint, sculpt, or simply write lyrics that sum up your life....the talent is raw. Someone told me this week that the beauty of art is that it's based on the artist's ability to manipulate their thoughts into something that can translate differently by the viewer.

With that comment, I think about God's ability to create us. He took something so raw as dirt and created human life. He created us to be perfect, and we are in His eyes. We may look different and appear different to others, but to God, he loves us. He love us for our inner beauty, for the simplest components of our lives and the most complex. He took the sinner in me and created an individual that wants to rejoice for His amazing capabilities.

Art is not just lyrics or paint on a canvas. Art is what WE do with our lives. We can create a masterpiece with the talents that God has given us. I thank my parents daily for encouraging me to be me. If I grew up to be someone else that my true self, my artwork would not be so true. My dad taught me to be tough/strong/disciplined. My mother taught me to see beauty/embrace creativity/and settle for nothing less than my best. PRAISE GOD for parents who are willing to embrace who their children are. PRAISE GOD that he embraces who we are and forgives us for our sings.

National Women's History Month

March is considered a month out of the year to pay tribute to all of the women in the world who have fought for something they believed in, made a difference in how we think/act/do, and those who have contributed their life to making the world a better place. So in honor of all of the many women, I want to recognize those who I strongly appreciate. (I know that I will leave out some women who you may think are/is/was important, so please leave a comment explaining.) These women are in no particular order....

First: Alice Paul 1885-1977

Alice Paul fought for women's right to have a voice in the political arena. During President Woodrow Wilson's reign, women were not allowed to vote. Alice formed a group of women who later became known as the National Women's Party. The women developed peaceful marches to protest the unequal rights, had picket's in front of the White House--holding banners that spoke of women's suffrage and the need for women voters, and many were force-fed through feeding tubes when they went on a hunger strike in prison but continued to speak out about women's rights. Alice and the National Women's Party ultimately won the fight and now women in American have the right to vote based on the 19th Amendment that developed from Alice Paul's hopes and dreams.

Second: Eleanor Roosevelt 1884-1962

Eleanor Roosevelt stood by her husbands side through the Great Depression and WWII. She became a political activist speaking out about women's rights in the workforce. Eleanor was a humanitarian speaking out on the importance of education, realities of poverty, and women's role in society. Eleanor once stated, "A woman is like a tea bag- you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."

Third: Harriet Tubman 1822-1913

Many of you may know that slavery is a big part of the history of the United States. It was once a cultural norm until Abraham Lincoln came a long and changed history. Most individuals would be able to say that their ancestors were slaves in either the US or in other countries. One woman wanted to help free slaves. She help construct what was known as the Underground Railroad. Many slaves took this path, from house to house, hiding place to hiding place, until they reached some of the most northern states. Harriet Tubman was a woman with great compassion for human being....to her....I tip my hat.

Forth: Mother Theresa 1910-1977

Mother Theresa is the true definition of humanitarian. She put her faith in God and worked to better the world. Ministering to those who were poor, sickly, orphaned, and dying became her life work. Mother Theresa endured hardships and criticism but continued to show the world compassion.

Like I mentioned earlier....I have not covered all of the women. There are many more such as: Helen Keller, Jane Austen, Jane Addams, Marie Antoinette, Princess Diana, Rosa Parks, and many others. Who do you admire for their ambitions, dedications, and service to the world? This month, lets pay tribute to those who have gone before us to pave the way.