GRACE

>
>
> I AM THINKING THIS MORNING OF GOD'S GRACE IN OUR LIVES. GRACE FILLS THE SPACE AROUND US AND WITHIN US UNCONDITIONALLY. GRACE IS NOT BASED ON OUR DESERVING IT. GRACE IS GOD'S GIFT OF LOVE NO MATTER WHAT. IT IS GRACE THAT KEEPS OUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN DIFFICULT TIMES AND WHLE WE WAIT FOR WHAT WE HOPE TO COME ABOUT. AND IT IS IN GRACE THAT WE HOLD ONE ANOTHER AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER DESPITE OUR IMPERFECTIONS. IT IS IN GRACE THAT WE WAIT FOR THE FRUITS OF LIFE TO RIPPEN. ANYWAY YOU CAN CARRY THE THOUGHT FORWARD .......
>
> GRACE, PEACE, LOVE TO YOU--
>
>

I can not NOT believe

>
> "While they were claiming to be wise, they made fools of themselves." (Romans 1:22) - Everyone has the freedom to question the reality of God, but when I look around me at the absolutely beautiful creation we enjoy each moment, when I experience the healing of compassion and kindness......i simply cannot not believe. We often express our sense of beauty and love in some tangible form and in so doing bless another person...so is it with Holy Spirit...
>
>

Valentines

>
>
> "....remain in my love." -John 15: 9- This phrase got my attention this morning. What does it mean to remain in Christ love? Stay present to, abide, stay put, be aware. Seems to me that if we are mindful of God's love for us in all kinds of life situations, we will be better able to "keep our feet on the ground" and function better. In the context of love we will eventually prevail, come out into a better way. Anyway, Valentine's Day is rooted in Christian tradition. Somewhere along the years it became associated with Romantic love, but it still gives focus to the importance of love in all life.
>

Love is….

>
>
> LOVE IS PATIENT, KIND, NOT JEALOUS, NOT BRAG, NOT ARROGANT, NOT RUDE, NOT SEEK ITS OWN ADVANTAGE, NOT IRRITABLE, NOT KEEP A RECORD OF COMPLAINTS, NOT ACCEPT INJUSTICE, IS HAPPY WITH TRUTH, PUTS UP WITH ALL THINGS, TRUSTS, HOPES, ENDURES........(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) - usually I read this as a admonition for how my attitude and behavior should be characterized. However it occurs to me that there is another point of view in reading this scripture. First and most important this word on love speaks to the nature and character of God. This describes God's love for us and the way God behaves toward us, no matter what we do or how bad we are. Secondly as I realize I am receiving the benefits of God's love it sort of helps, encourages me to give expression to love in the same way toward others.
>

Faith

When you ask God/Christ to be in charge of your life it is a high risk. No telling what God may call upon you to do or where He may send you to serve. He told one guy to sell everything  he had and give it to the poor. He called on others to simply  get up and follow him. So if things are not going in your life like you want don't get too upset. Trust the One who works together in all things for good with those who trust him and are called according to his purpose.That includes you and me. Don't "throw in the towel" and quit. Wait upon the Lord and he will renew you....in patience wait upon the Lord.....and so these are the thoughts in my mind and heart to share with you this morning.

Love

IT IS BED TIME. SHE IS SITTING ON THE EDGE OF THE BED. SHE LOOKS UP INTO MY EYES AND SAYS, "I LOVE YOU". WE HAVE BEEN SAYING THESE WORDS TO ONE ANOTHER FROM THE MOMENT WE REALIZED THIS TRUTH. WE HAVE BEEN SAYING THESE WORDS TO OUR CHILDREN FROM THEIR EARLIEST TIMES TIL NOW. WE HAVE BEEN SAYING THESE WORDS TO OUR GRANDCHILDREN FROM THEIR BEGINNING TIL NOW. NO MATTER WHAT WE HAVE TAUGHT ABOUT GOD AND RELIGION, RIGHT AND WRONG THESE WORDS, "I LOVE YOU" SAY ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID AND HOPEFULLY OUR BEHAVIOR TOGETHER BEARS IT OUT..

D