Forever Beloved

Faith, Love & Truth

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

It was such a beautiful morning for a walk.  After the children were off to school, we were heading on our walk, just him and I.  I was so excited it felt as though a butterfly was fluttering around in my belly.

Right before we were to head on our walk, a car issue happened that was less than ideal.  Although he had lots of car work ahead of him, he still agreed to walk with me.  As we set off, the tone of the walk quickly changed.

He was stressed, I got it.  The more steps we took and the further we walked, the more bitter words were exchanged.  Hurtful, cutting-to-the-bone words were exchanged.  Eventually, he turned around and went back, leaving me to finish the walk myself.

I’m not going to lie, I spent the first few moments alone stewing.  But then something happened, something that left me reeling.  God said “give it to me”.

Now if you know me, you know I am one grudge-holding, stubborn girl.  So for me to give up an argument is crazy talk!  Almost instantly, a song came to mind.

He’s able
He’s able
I know He’s able
I know my Lord is able to carry me through

With that song ringing in my head, the remaining bit of my walk with filled with singing and praying.  I chose respect, humbleness and kindness rather than anger, bitterness and harsh words.

The closer I got to home, the more nervous I became.  I didn’t want to fight.  I didn’t want what had just happened to repeat itself again.  I could see him under the hood of the car.  For a quick moment I thought of scurrying past him and just going inside.  But God had a different plan.  I could sense the tension as I walked closer to the vehicle.  I walked right up to him and, in my kindest humble voice asked if there was anything I could do to help.

That simple sentence changed the atmosphere.  I could see his face soften.  I could feel his sadness over hurtful words said.  I could watch the outcome be rewritten before me.

I chose respect.

I chose to give respect a chance because I am a Christian and try (emphasis on try) to follow the Bible’s teachings on how to live. An attitude of disrespect cuts into a man’s heart like a knife and twists the blade far beyond the moments of meanness from his wife.
I am learning to hate the way it feels to tear down my husband’s spirit, though I still catch myself in acts of disrespect at times. As I grow in my love for my husband, and God continues to humble me more and more each day, I am able to see the destruction more clearly and run from it.

Will you join me in showing your husband r-e-s-p-e-c-t in every situation?

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday {Choose Life}

Today is the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. It’s been 40 years since Roe v. Wade, 40 years too long. In those 40 years, over 50 million babies have been slaughtered in the womb.  That absolutely breaks my heart.  As a Christian, I believe God is the author of life.  He says He knew us even in the womb.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 1:5

Let me tell you a story.

38 years ago, a young teenage girl found out she was pregnant.
She was afraid.
She was ashamed.
She was embarrassed.
She was judged.
She was confused.
The road ahead was filled with tough decisions.
Running away from them was not an option.
In front of her sat a “quick fix”.
It meant no one would know.
The shame would end.
She would no longer have to be afraid.
Though her baby was just starting to develop, she already loved it.
She couldn’t take the quick fix.
Her faith was strong.
She knew what was right.
She chose life.
The most selfless decision she could make.
God brought a wonderful woman into her life.
A woman who heard her story, but never judged.
She reminded her of God’s love and grace.
She told her of a dear friend who struggled with infertility.
And with that, a decision was made.
A decision she knew would leave her heartbroken.
For 9 months, the life grew inside her.
She felt every bump and every kick.
She watched her belly grow twice it’s size.
Every passing day her heart broke a little more.
She knew the hardest day of her life was right around the corner.
Eventually the day came.
She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.
The reality fell heavy on her heart.
Tears rolled down her face.
She had so many fears.
And felt a void already.
But she knew it was God’s will.
She handed her baby over to the wonderful woman.
And watched her walk away.
In her young mind, she had no idea what an impact that single moment would make.
That one day, she would be that baby girls hero.
For choosing to give her to an amazing family.
For choosing to have a selfless heart.
For choosing life.

Abortion and adoption are so very close to my heart.  You see, I’m the baby from the story above.  I’m the life that was spared by choosing adoption over abortion.  

We must stand for life. We must be a voice to the nations. If not us, then who? Who will speak out for these little ones?  Please join me in prayer for these scared mama’s that don’t know where to turn, for the unborn babies that won’t be given a chance and for the doctors that administer the abortions. Let’s pray for the pain so many of them carry in their hearts.

Losing Joy

I’m going to be honest with y’all, I’ve been walking through a season in my life that has been sad. It has felt as if the joy has been drained out of my life. I can’t narrow it down to one specific reason but rather lots of little reasons combined…losing a friend, loneliness, finances, missing my Grandma, body image issues, etc. 

 
I’ve had days when tears flowed easily and I’ve felt like throwing my hands in the air and just being done. I’ve had days where I just don’t even feel like talking about it. Okay, I’ve had lots of those days. And days where I wish I could hang the “unhappy” in my closet and pick out “joy” to put on. Don’t we all wish it was that easy?

I’ve felt myself becoming withdrawn, building walls around myself and just wanting to stay inside my safe little home. That’s when I knew something had to change. When I knew I had to change.

I have decided to have joy.  To actively pursue it.  To fight and battle for it.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do y’all remember my word for the year?  Prayer.  At the time I couldn’t figure out why God wanted my word of the year to be prayer.  It wasn’t until I read this verse that I understood.  This verse commands us to be joyful.  And what comes right after rejoice always?  PRAY continually.  And what was my verse for the year?  1 Thessalonians 5:17.  Smack dab in the middle of having joy and being thankful.  Oh, our God is such an awesome God.  While I was busy complaining because I didn’t get a “cool kid” word for the year, God knew exactly what He was doing and what I would need  †
I found joy explained online as “Joy is an inward delight in God and an outward emotion that flows from His presence and His promises. It’s a state of heart and mind, based upon one’s relationship with God; not based upon circumstances, and very often this joy is shared with others.”

I was basing my joy on my circumstances.  I was pushing my joy to the side so I could make room for a big ole’ pity party.  Don’t get me wrong, some of these aspects still make me sad and break my heart.  But joy is my choice.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, second only to love, it flows from God, not circumstances.  We have a fundamental need for joy in our lives. Life without joy is overwhelming, depressing and just plain sad.

In the short book of Philippians {only four chapters long} Paul uses the word “joy” 16 times.  I find this absolutely amazing.  Do you know why?  Paul didn’t write this book when he was on vacation at the beach.  He didn’t write it overlooking a sunset.  He was in prison in Rome, waiting to be executed. In the darkest days of his life, he wrote the most positive book in the Bible.

So today, I choose joy.  Will you choose it with me?
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Philippians 4:4