Life's Character Filled With Hope...

Life's Character Filled With Hope...

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

Life: definition (n.)  The physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that constitute existence. (thefreedictionary.com)

Character: definition (n.)  The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another. (thefreedictionary.com)

Hope: definition (n.) The theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help. (thefreedictionary.com)

It's taken a while for me to return to my blog but I want you to know that the desire to do so has been strong. My journey continues...

I wrote a small note to a friend the other day expressing gratitude for the season we shared in my life. I spoke of  perseverance and character and my belief of how our lives, our character, and our outlook on life, along with other attributes both negative and positive, are developed over time through our joys and sorrows, happiness and sadness, and victories and defeats.  The fact is we cannot change these experiences.  We should, however, embrace them, and maybe learn a lesson or two that allows us to grow from them.  I have this idea that if we're in a particular chapter of our lives, we may not be open to receive nor accept the love another has to offer and it's sad to think of not being open to the hope of love.

Scripture tells us to rejoice in our life's sufferings which creates perseverance while constructing strong character thus providing hope through the love of God. 

Continuing the journey.. 

Mel

Moving Forward

Moving Forward...

"You were running a good race.  Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" Galatians 5:7 (NIV)

Moving: definition: (adj.) changing, or causing to change place or position; causing to act; impelling; influencing, etc. (yourdictionary.com)


Forward: definition: (adj.) directed toward something in advance, ready or eager.  (yourdictionary.com)


In the book of Galatians, Paul writes to the churches regarding salvation by faith and how to live a spiritual life.  As believers, it's important that we understand that our salvation is simply by faith and faith alone and that living a spiritual life based on the principles of Christianity are what is needed to allow us a Christian life of love and peace.  (Galatians 3:14, NIV).

This race is like no other.  No, it won't take you to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London to compete for gold medals however the reward at the end of this race is more precious than gold, silver or bronze!  The promise that we've been given if we endure until the end doesn't come from earthly desires or self-gratification but from our gracious Heavenly Father.  Along this race, we are faced with one obstacle after another.  Yes, there is something always knocking us off course.  "Who cut in on you...?"  I admit that I chuckled when I read this scripture.  It's that simple...who cut in and knocked you off course?  There will always be something or someone that cuts in keeping you from obeying the truth that is Jesus Christ.  I'm just thankful that God's undeserving grace allows me to dust myself off, assess my bruises, and get back in the lane of righteousness and continue my race.

Thanks for allowing me to share my journey!

Contentment

Contentment is Synomous with Happiness!

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Contentment: definition:(n.) the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind. (dictionary.reference.com)

In the above listed scriptures, Paul is thanking the Philippians for their concerns for his needs. He tells them that although he appreciates their concerns but no matter what his current circumstances are or have been he has learned to be content.  Paul's contentment came from believing that God would supply all of his needs and provide strength along the way. 

Can you imagine waking each day filled with a contented heart? A heart filled with happiness?  Yes, I know skepticism rears its ugly head at the thought of being able to awaken each day filled with happiness.  I do however believe this can be our day to day reality but lets face it...we are control freaks!  LOL. Instead of waking each day and letting go of our daily "concerns" and trusting in God, we spend the day attempting to control every action and moment of the day.  Guilty as charged!  I actually begin each day with prayer from a humble heart stating that I'm going to allow Him to take charge.  I don't get very far because as soon as I get up from my knees the control begins.  I go into "Supermom" mode and drive my girls crazy while they are getting ready for school (although they are nearly 16 and don't require my assistance).  As I persist in reminding them of their responsibilities as students they are quick to say "Mommy, we got this!" (I would like to make a disclaimer that I have relinquished the reigns on my 24 year old graduate degreed son...woosah). Although, I'm not driven to being easily stressed, I do place more on my "plate" than I should everyday (need for control) thus ending my days in total exhaustion. 

My belief is that I do experience a satisfactory degree of contentment due to not worrying about the things that are beyond my control, hence, others actions, my car breaking down, the toilet overflowing, etc.  I have learned to accept people for who they are with the understanding that it is my choice whether or not to allow them into my life and I believe that has afforded me a bit of contentment.  I also adhere to a regular routine of prayer, heathly diet and exercise, laughter, girl and/or guy talk, optimism, music and nightly reading of the Word. I'm a continuous work in progress so there is definitely room for improvement along my journey to fullness and contentment in Christ.

Reminder: Contentment is synonomous with happiness and it is attainable.

A woman whose heart is working on being hidden in Christ...

Mel

Past, Present, and Future

Happy Tuesday!

"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize..." Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Past: definition: adj. gone by or elapsed in time; of, having existed in, or having occured during a time previous to the present; bygone. (dictionary.reference.com)  The past is contrasted with and defined by the present and the future. (en.wikipedia.org)

The apostle Paul in this instance speaks to forgetting the past, ie, LET IT GO! We have the propensity to hold on to the past and not let it go.  I believe it's important to understand where our journey began, to assess what has taken place along that journey and how it has affected us but at some point we have to move forward.  Yes, our past shapes us...for better or for worse...it does shape us.  How our parents loved or didn't love us; love affairs that brought about disappointment or hurt; a best friend who turned out to truly not be a friend, etc.  No matter what has occurred in our past we have to find the strength to move forward, forget and let go. 

How are you allowing your past to shape your present life?

Present: definition: adj. being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current.(dictionary.reference.com) It is a period of time between the past and the future, and can vary in meaning from being an instant to a day or longer. (en.wikipedia.org)

My Motto: Existing to live, not living to exist! In order to be successful at existing to live we have to let go of the past and not allow it to be a burden preventing us from being, existing, growing. We should wholeheartedly live each day like it's our last.  Love like we've never been hurt. Smile like we've never been disappointed.  Cry to bring about healing.  Laugh with glee until you cry.  Forgive because we have been forgiven.  Make a positive difference in someone else's life.  Be open to POSSIBILITIES! 

How are you living your present life to shape your future?

Future: definition: adj. that is to be or come hereafter; something that will exist or happen in time to come. (dictionary.reference.com) The future is the indefinite time period after the present. (en.wikipedia.org)

The future...now this is a tough one.  I suppose the fruits of our labor will manifest themselves as time progresses.  I like the definition - indefinite time period after the present.  Limitless possibilities are in the making as we plant seeds of sincere love, watered with drops of courage and determination, and doses of dreams given to our children.  We reap what we sow.  I will repeat that...We reap what we sow. 

What are you sowing?

A woman whose heart is working on being hidden in Christ...

Mel

A Desire to Know Jesus

Happy Monday!

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
Philippians 3:10-11

WOW!  Is there anything greater than to know Christ?  When we know Christ we are provided with a peace unlike no other.  In times of discord and strife, knowing that through the power of his resurrection he will provide the strength and courage needed to make it through.  My daily prayer includes allowing me to receive courage, wisdom, guidance, knowledge and discernment needed to make it through the day guided by the Holy Spirit, however, as my day progresses I lose sight of whom it is I know as my Savior and I think it's all about me.  Smh.

Today I thank God for allowing me the opportunity and providing the desire in me to know Christ!

Thank you Lord!

A woman whose heart is being hidden in Christ...

Mel

Your Attitude

Happy Thursday!

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)

As I contemplate this scripture as it reflects towards my attitude, I question how much of my attitude is the same as that of Christ?  I use the term "I'm a work in progress" to deflect from my shortcomings. God allowed Christ' existence here on earth to be an example of how our attitudes should be towards one another.  He became a humble servant who sacrificed his very life for others.  We don't have to sacrifice our lives for others to be like-minded with Christ, however, our character should exhibit those very values that made him stand apart from others. 

I've been blessed with an opportunity to allow my heart to become more hidden in Christ and I'm ready for the journey God has been preparing me for the last three years. 

A woman who is working on her heart being so hidden in Christ...

Mel