God is Wonderful

29 May 2015

Faith

God is Wonderful

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The other day, I came across this reading that I thought was just inspiring. So, I decided to share it with you all today in hopes that you will see the beauty in His love for us all.

God Thinks You're Wonderful! by Max Lucado

God is fond of you.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

If He had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen.

He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Face it, friend. He’s crazy about you.

By the way, it may be difficult for you 

to believe that God knows your name…

but He does.

Written on His hand.

Spoken by His mouth.

Whispered by His lips.

Your name.

I have written your name on my hand. Isaiah 49:16

Our hearts are not large enough 

to contain the blessings that God wants to give.

So try this.

The next time a sunrise steals your breath…

or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless…

remain that way.

Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, 

“Do you like it? I did it just for you.”

So promise me you’ll never forget…

that you aren’t an accident

or an incident…

you are a gift to the world,

A divine work of art, signed by God.

You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13

You weren’t mass-produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product.

You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, 

and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Crafts-Man.

He thinks you are the best thing to come down the pike in quite a while.

Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run.

Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps.

God is for you.

Had He a calendar, your birthday would be circled.

If He drove a car, your name would be on his bumper.

If there’s a tree in heaven, He’s carved your name in the bark.

Maybe you don’t want to trouble God with your hurts.

But…”He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7

He is waiting for you, to embrace you whether you succeed or fail.

Vagabonds and ragamuffins all, He saw us before we were born.

And He loves what He sees.

You have captured the heart of God.

He cannot bear to live without you.

God’s dream is to make you right with Him.

And the path to the cross tells us exactly 

how far God will go to call us back.

"You wonder how long my love will last?

Watch me speak your language, sleep on your earth, 

and feel your hurts.

Find your answer on a splintered cross on a craggy hill.

That’s how much I love you.”

Let a tear appear on your cheek, and He is there to wipe it.

He has sent angels to care for you, His Holy Spirit to dwell in you,

His church to encourage you, and His word to guide you.

As much as you want to see Him, He wants to see you more.

If you want to touch God’s heart, use the name He loves to hear.

Call him “Father.”

He thinks you’re wonderful!

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Stop Faking

17 October 2014

Faith

Stop Faking

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Today's post reading: Romans 12:1-21 (ESV)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. - Romans 12:9

I think today's passage speaks a lot more about genuine love. For the past couple of weeks, I've been talking about loving everyone regardless of the way you've been treated by them. But, I think it is important to mention the difference between showing love and pretending to love others.

In the particular verse above, Paul wrote, "Abhor what is evil; hod fast to what is good." This can take a whole different meaning to anyone. But to me, I think Paul is trying to further clarify to us what false love is. False love is evil where it begins and comes from sinful and fake desires towards others.  It came come from a place to show others that you an example of God's child. This type of mind set is absolutely wrong, and needs to be stopped immediately.

The moment we perceive life to show others how Christian we are, ruins the entire meaning and purpose of why Jesus died for us in the first place. By doing so, we are basically making a mockery of His love for us.

In the passage, Paul reminds us that brotherly love continues to be important, especially a key difference between showing and pretending to love others. This idea ties perfectly to our internal love we have for our physical siblings and parents. Yes, of course we may have arguments and fights with them here and there, but that doesn't change the way you love them. We need to embody this internal love and now reflect it onto others. Why? Because we are all children of God. And we need to show our appreciate to Jesus through our actions, thoughts and words towards each other.

This can be hard, but it takes time. Believe me when I say I had my fair share of people who've hurt me in the past. I shown love towards them by simply respecting them and not hurting them back they way I've been hurt. Rather instead, I removed myself from the situation - which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not only am I releasing myself from a bad situation, I am also avoiding the possibility of pretending to love that person if there is ever an interaction.

To love is to comes from within. The moment we begin to pretend to be happy for others, or pretend to care for others is a true reflection of your appreciation for the Lord and all that has happened for us to start a life without sin.  Jesus showed love to all His disciplines and followers. Remember when got down to wash the feet of His disciples and followers? Are we really not able to show the same, if not more?

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Today is the 10th day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started!

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The Greatest Love

10 October 2014

Faith

The Greatest Love

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Today's post reading: John 15:1-27 (ESV)

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

This is the most, if not the the best example of what trust love really is. Jesus has done something for all of us that is a true reflection of loving others. He did this through the act of putting others needs before his own with the intention of love.

There wasn't an alternative motive for him to die on the cross for our sins. He show His love by giving His life for us. We didn't deserve it, especially with all the sins we've all committed. He took on our sins with him on the cross as well and gave the impossible gift. His story was the ultimate "real and costly love". And it was for us.

So, how do we do this in our everyday lives? Well, there is the option of laying on the cross for others... but I think in our society with all the different religions and perspectives on life, it can be seen as something for show in order to prove something, and that's just unnecessary.

I think the best way to share what Jesus has done for us is by thinking about the best possible outcome for others. Have you ever realized the littlest things in life affect someone else's day?  Smiling to somewhere can instantly change their mood from a crappy tired morning person, to a happy person for the rest of the day. So, why can't we do this to others?

So, I say start out by making a difference in others lives through the little things. It makes a huge different on the individuals life. Love goes a long way!

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Today is the 9th day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started!

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Golden Rule

03 October 2014

Faith

Golden Rule

Today's post reading: Luke 6:1-49 (ESV)

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.  - Luke 6:31 (ESV)

Treating others the way I would want to be treated is a value I truly live by. It is a thought that is always in the back of my mind whenever I am talking to others - my loved ones or even my not so loved ones. This verse has a lot of meaning. What stands out the most is the fact that it really makes you think twice before you decide to act, speak or even think in a certain way. 

Personally, it makes me want to put myself in other people's shoes. I'll admit it, whenever I am mad/angry at someone, I tend to show that anger through the act of ignoring and not acknowledging the other person. I know, it is catty, but that is how I deal with things/people - choosing not to deal with it/him/her directly. (It is something I'm definitely working on). But, whenever I am feeling the sort of the same treatment from someone else, this verse really comes to mind. 

Being a female, I've had my fair share of emotional pain. Whether it was being on the other end of a rumour, or having really rude and hurtful things said to me, like you all, I've experienced it. How has it changed me? Well, it changed the way I want to deal with others. For one, I don't deliberately say hurtful things to others, because like I said, I know words hurts. 

But this of course does not happen over night. It takes time to learn from your past and to use it as a positive experience to affect the present and future. So, what's one way to show love to others who we really don't get a long with? I say the first thing is respect. Think about it... We don't like feeling small and unimportant. I think a smile goes a long way and can even change the course of a person's life. 

Start by saying hello and smiling to others. Show respect to others. How will others show respect to you if you are guarding yourself if negativing and an unwillingness to open up. Be friendly with your thoughts, words and actions. Actions speaks LOUDER than words. Your actions show you who you really are, and if you acting negatively towards other pushes other ways and you won't get that chance to build something new. 

It is a one day process, and not a very easy one. But, showing love to others will bring more positivity into your life - which is something you'll definitely be looking forward to every time you wake up!

Smile beautiful its the weekend! 

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Today is the 8th day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started!

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Grudges

26 September 2014

Faith

Grudges

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Today's post reading: Proverbs 17:1-28 (ESV)

Today is the 7th day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started!

Pardon my language, but I've been through sooo much shit - shit that you probably would have never imaged someone my age would have ever gone through. These experiences are so haunting, I am ashamed to say that I sometimes do live in the past. I've experienced the whole cheating thing; whether I seen it with my own eyes, or I've been cheated on, or I've cheated (I'm providing different varieties of one situation here), it doesn't matter. Hurt is hurt. And being hurt is never fun.

Whenever someone hurts me, I am soooo down with no motivation for life - literally. I get this feeling of being soooo little where no one understand what I am going through, nor do I even give anyone a chance to understand. It is a complicated circumstance to be in.... But, I guess that is life. And life can make us do crazy things; like forgive those who continue to hurt us.

Whoever covers an offence seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. - Proverbs 17:9 (ESV)

There is one person, who I am not comfortable mentioning, who has seriously hurt me so much. It was like I've been beaten down to my weakest state after witnessing what I've witnessed. The worst part was, I didn't understand at the time. And worst of all, I didn't do anything to stop it. I could've stopped it then, but I didn't. And now I am living in hell. I am living with the regret of not telling others who were involved, and I still have this someone in my life continuing to hurt me.

Like I said in previously posts, things are easier said than done. Forgiveness? I promise you, it is a working progress. But, it is hard. It is hard to see what her actions have done to not only her family, but to everyone else, from her nieces and nephews, to the friends she had. It is sooo hard to not be able to talk about it, when I know people know. If I was able to see it with my own eyes, I'm sure others did to... I don't know.

But over the years, I've learnt to forgive. I know I want to, but its the trust I am trying to gain back. From this experience, without forgiveness, you are closing yourself to others. And without opening up to others, we are unable to build new and continue relationships.

Forgiveness is just the first of many steps that open you up to love. Forgiveness teaches you who you can and can trust. If that someone does something hurtful towards you a second time, then you know for sure that you tried your damn hardest to open up and beginning something new. Forgiveness also teaches you more about yourself.

Forgiveness shows the kind of person you are; and this is something that God wants for us. Yes, he wants us all to love and treat others with respect and kindness. But, he cannot physically tell us what to do, and how to do it on a 24/7 basis. Yes, he is there within us all the time, but not there physically. Therefore, it is up to us to learn who we are on our own pace. The way we treat others is a true reflection of who we are - and this begins with forgiveness and love. 

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Turn the Tables

19 September 2014

Faith

Turn the Tables

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Today's post reading: Luke 6:1-49 (ESV)

Today is the 6th day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started!

I'll admit anytime as I am not ashamed of this - I am someone who constantly puts others before me. Why? Well, no I am actually not a push over (anymore), I've learnt what my limits are, and I've learned right from wrong. But is more about me being okay with this attribute because I know how hard it is to find someone good now a days.  I'm not talking about people who are the true definition of good; I'm talking about having a good heart.

We all have that one friend who is just selfish and malicious. Everything has to be done their way, or else you have to face the wrath of their self-pity party or even the social exclusion from them. These, are the type of people I do not ever want to surround myself with, ever again. Why? Because they bring the worst out of us... you know that saying, "You are who your friends are". If I am secretly disliking someone who treats me so badly, what will others see me when I stand behind this so-called friend when they are hurting others?

So instead of being that person is peoples lives, I choose to be the good friend. The friend who will talk to you until 2am because you and your boyfriend got into a fight, the friend who will never drink at a party because I know you will, the friend who will always want the best for you, and the friend who will want to push you to do your best. This is exactly who I am attaining to be everyday, to be a good influence for not only my friends, but for my sister. Now that she is living away, it is of course hard to give her advice when I don't see what she is doing, but the great thing about sisters is that we always talk.

So, let me guess what your thinking. "okay, we get it Vanessa, you're a good friend to your family and your friends. That's easy." And, your right. It is extremely easy to love and care for those who has been apart of you since forever. But, it is easier said than done when it comes to those who've hurt you in the past.

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and you reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6: 35

I've said it already, why would you want to surround yourself around those who bring the worst out of you? I know I don't. Some characteristics people display is truly ugly, and I honestly want no part of it. So why does god as us to stay away from our enemies? He doesn't necessarily want us to ignore them, thats for sure. But, in modern terms, "be the bigger person".

Everything we do has a consequence, whether it is a good consequence, or even a bad one. But, there is always something that comes out of our actions. If we retaliate against out enemies, of course their reaction is to do the same thing. This is what creates "fights" between friends who decide to just "get back at each other" instead of working things out. Speaking from personal experience, the fight will continue on and on that you eventually forget why you guys were fighting in the first place...

What He is saying here in the quote is an honest test to see what we do with the abundance of love He has given to us. Are we sharing it with specific people, and sharing none with others? Or are we sharing it with everyone? Just as everything has a consequence, good choices do to. And sharing our love with others will always return back to you in one shape or another. Whether it is through the simple act of someone holding the door for you when you're carrying heavy textbooks, or someone helping you carry your stroller down the escalator, or someone physically taking care of you in the hospital bed, love is one of the most powerful feelings that truly makes us all feel better about ourselves. Love from others is a true testament of the kind of character you are, and how God's love is affecting us.

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Least of These

12 September 2014

Faith

Least of These

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Today's post reading: Matthew 25:1-46 (ESV)

Today is the 5th day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started!

Driving down the highway and getting off the exit, I'm sure you've had your fair share of seeing those who ask stand in front of the stop lights holding up a sign that says something along the lines of, "I'm homeless, no work. Please help. God Bless." There are days where I do not hesitate to give money to those who ask; but then there are days, especially when I'm with my parents, I don't.

Why? Well... sometimes my parents can be right. How do I really know they don't have a job? How do I really know that they are homeless? Or a question I'm sure everyone asks... What do they really do with the money we give them? Is it for more drugs? Alcohol? Or for paying their rent. It is an honest question, which is why I tend to also not give spare change.

This goes the same way when I see those sitting on the sides of the streets when I am walking downtown. Many holding signs with an empty cup, many just sleeping in blankets on the side of the road, or those who play music for extra cash. What is it about them that makes my heart break? I can truly say that I have shared my spare change with those who definitely needed it more than me. But, is it bad that I feel like I selectively choose? I think its bad actually...

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me,  I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. ' - Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV)

Sometimes, it is easy to forget what we are blessed to have in our lives. Fortunately, there was never a time I experienced that starving feeling, or had no where to sleep or even felt like I had to ask others for money and steal just to survive another day. But, thinking about the lives of those I see on a daily basis... I'm sure that they had this luxury once upon a time. And, it changed in an instant; or even as a slow process.

It is easy to take for granted for what we have; and it also easy to forget to thank others - especially the Lord. We always need to be thankful for what we have, and that is through the act of showing love towards others who need it.... how? Sharing. Sharing what we have will go along way as one day when you need help, the Lord will provide you with abundance of joy and care.

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Neighbourly Love

05 September 2014

Faith

Neighbourly Love

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Today's post reading: Leviticus 19:1-37

Today is the 3rd day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started!

Have I told y'all about the time I was betrayed? Until this day, I firmly believe it was a form of betrayal from a cousin... something I won't forget but can definitely let go... if that even makes sense. But, long story short: I grew up with a culture that strongly believes in education comes first waaay before relationships - so yes, that mean absolutely no boyfriends/girlfriends until it is time to get married. Add that with a protective father; that's who I grew up. I was someone never able to go out, hang out with friends, especially boys, and I was definitely not allowed to have a boyfriend. Luckily (I think), I had my sister and all my other cousins who had to endure the same overbearing rules, so at least I had people who could actually relate to me. But, being kids, of course there are gonna be time when we disobey our parents or even lie to them.

My cousins and I used to be very close. We would tell each other everything, show pictures.. literally just share every thing in our lives with each other since we trusted each other. Like I said, long story short... this of course did not last very long.

One day, two of my cousin (whom shall not be named) decided to share intimate photos of my cousin Neisha, and I (and some of my sister) to their mother; who in turn decided to "anonymously" send it to EVERY SINGLE FAMILY living here in Toronto. What a shocker to come home and see pictures in a yellow envelope with Neisha's pictures of her and her bf. And it was shocker how my pictures of me and bunch of other guys were sent to her house. Luckily for me, my pictures were only sent to her place (that I know of). Neisha wasn't lucky as her pictures were sent to OTHER family members in another city, and worst our families in other countries.. just dreadful and horrible.

It was a time where Neisha blamed me for doing all of this; and it was a horrible time where I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything out of embarrassment of the family. I don't think you'll understand how embarrassed I could feel whenever family members, uncles and aunts, started to look at us differently, and looked down upon us whenever Neisha and I were together.

So much for a short story... I know. But, I could say Neisha ended up doing some investigating and found out that it was our other cousins who did this; mainly their mom (our blood aunt). It didn't make sense as to why. In fact, I still don't know why they would ever do that to family - especially us... our families were nothing but nice and caring to them... I just still don't get it.

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord. - Leviticus 19:18

I can't lie... I was really angry at them - I wanted absolutely nothing to do with them. I didn't want to be near them nor talk to them and I just didn't want anything to do with them. When Neisha and I finally patched things through and found out who've done this us, our first instinct was to get our revenge... send photos of them. But, we couldn't... we are not those kind of people. Instead.. we decided to just be civil with them and just try and be friends with them.. In all honestly, I still haven't forgotten what they've done.

The verse above says it all beautifully - Love and treat others the way you would treat yourself. It is obviously easier said and done; which is exactly why I shared my personal story with you all. It wasn't easy for "forgive" my cousins for they've done to me. It took me years to learn to love them again - although not the same extent as I used to; but I definitely took the words of God and started to love them again.

So, how is this done? Loving someone as you love yourself? It is spoken clearly through the other verses:

1. Loving others with our possessions (Leviticus 19:9-10): Not only do we need to learn to plan our lives for ourselves, we need to learn to share with others. Need an example? We all work hard for money, I get it. We save our money and we are saving it for something big. Giving at least a dollar to a homeless person will go a long way in their life than you think. 
2. Loving others with our words (Leviticus 19:11-12): The things we say to each other either hurt or encourage one another. Would you rather receive hurtful words from strangers and people you love? Or words of encouragement. Think about it. 
3. Loving others by our actions (Leviticus 19:13-14): The way we treat others speaks volumes about who we are and our values. We must bring people down but lift them up. Think about yourself again in this situations.. how would you like to be treated whenever you are sad and down?
4. Loving others in our judgements (Leviticus 19:15-16): Why is it okay for one person to judge others differently from others? Who gave them that authority? Who gave you that authority to judge and continue to judge others for what they think, believe and do... It's never fun when we are judged for liking a band (like One Direction), so why do the same to others? 
5. Loving others in our attitude (Leviticus 19:17-18): Doesn't matter what people have done to us. It is out of control of what "should happen" to them. Why not just take the high road and treat others the way you want to be treated? 

Moreover, if you read the readings for today's post, you would have noticed that each phrase ended with the phrase, "I am the Lord". Why does God remind us of who He is at the end of each verse? Our actions, thoughts and words are a reflection of Him. What we say or do is a mere reflection of who and where we come from. It is also a reminder that the way we treat other, is the way we are treating Him... We hurt our brothers and sisters, we are hurting God. 

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Love God

29 August 2014

Faith

Love God

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Today's post reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 (ESV)

Today is the 3rd day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started! 

I think it is safe to say that when we think of the word "love" we think about loving our family, friends, our pets/animals or even our significant other. We all, including myself, think about love on a physical level by showing affection. But, many of don't instantly think about love from someone even more important - God. We have trouble thinking about how much His love should really mean to us; or how much He loves us. Like I said, we think of love in a physical manner and hardly take the time to consider the spiritual meaning of love. 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your should and with all your might - Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)

Choosing to have a relationship with God, is not only showing that you are willing to obey His commands, but shows our love towards him. Loving Him has to come from your heart with all your soul and strength. Loving Him wholeheartedly is one of the very few ways to show thanks for all He has done for us. 

WE are here.  Loving God isn't only about going to church every Sunday and praying to him at every meal. It is also about a day-to-day love that isn't as obvious as we think.  Treating others is one of the most important (yet less obvious) way of showing our love for him. He is in every one of us. The way we treat our friends, family, and strangers, is the way we are treating Gods' creation. 

Think of it like this. Women love the little things their boyfriends/husbands do for them - well I know I do. Why? Well, for example I love when Jay takes the time to do something special for me. It could be just listening to one of the minor details I said in a previous conversation and creating something beautiful for me. The same goes for men; they like us to do little things for them here and there - and we ALL appreciate it. Same goes with the Lord - the littlest things speaks sooo much more volume about our actions and our hidden motivations. 

Treating others around us with love and respect is ultimately showing that we respect and love all that God has created for us in His name. It is important to show love to Him through others. This is something not all people believe, but it surely is something I truly believe.

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God and Love: Part 2

22 August 2014

Faith

God and Love: Part 2

Reading for today's post: John 3:1-21 (ESV)

Today is the 2nd day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started! 

Before I begin what I would like to say, I really think you should all take the time to read the passage John 3:1-21 (ESV). Even if you already know this chapter by heart, still take the time to read it once more as the message becomes more meaningful every time. Have you read it? 

If you've been in a relationship, then you would have known that finding someone special is just half the battle. The rest of the battle is continuing the relationship with all these bumps along the road - trust me, I know... it is definitely a difficult and daunting task. But, have you ever been that girl who wanted your man to put himself over the edge for you? Stand-up for you? Constantly be there for you? If it one thing I've learned from relationships, it is that you can't just depend on one individual 100% of the time. Reality is, they are not depending on you constantly, and have their own lives and problems to deal with as well. 

No, I am not talking smack about Jay, in fact he is a wonderful man to me. I am just speaking from what's really in my heart, and it is to not completely depend on him, but to depend on Him. (Before you get upset Jay) In this passage, there was one particular verse that stood out to me which can really explain what I am trying to say here. It is a famous and well-known verse that many adore and memorize since they were little. It found almost everywhere, a huge symbol that everyone carry's with them:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life - John 3:16 (ESV)

I personally find this scripture extremely important as it is truly to ultimate love story. It is a love that is not just experienced exclusively two individual people, rather God and every single one of us here today. Jesus' actions - selfless actions - was a really a true testament of love. This verse really shed's light onto the selfless motivation He has for humanity, and how far He is willing to go to show us the love and faith he has each and every single one of us.

Why should this verse be important to you? Well, that is definitely hard to answer as we all find our ways to God differently. From my experience, once you realize the love He has for you, it becomes both an unforgettable and an amazing experience with Him. He is love; he has shown love for us way before we were all born. Believing in his love is just the first step to the enteral life he has awaiting for us all. 

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God and Love: Part 1

15 August 2014

Faith

God and Love: Part 1

Reading for today's post: 1 John 4:1-21
Today is the 1st day of the 16 day plan in my journey of reading, reflection and responding to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey! Ready to go on this journey with me? Well then, let's get started! 

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. - 1 John 4:16 ESV

Negativity comes in the form of many things, actions, thoughts, and people. It can be expressed to us deliberately or even unnoticeably. What sucks the most about negativity is that is can literally eat our minds away slowly, but very efficiently... I guess to the point where people can no longer handle it all. There was this one year of my life where negativity upon negativity occurred to me daily. I was lost for words and I beginning to no longer have strength. This is a difficult thing to even think back to, but it even got to the point where I told my sister and cousin that I would hurt myself (that's just the PG version of what I really said).

I didn't think I had anyone to help me get through anything, not even my parents because at that point in time, I was just terrified of them. Not only them, I was just so terrified of everything and just waking up the next day to see what will happen next. 

Then, I turned towards God. I was always someone who believed in God, and did what I was suppose to do when I was suppose to do it. (Keep in mind, I was in grade 10 at the time). But during this point and time, I really turned my energy and focus towards God. 

I don't know what I was doing, but I knew that I really needed someone to be there for me because I just felt no longer in control of my life. Then one day, as I prayed before I went to bed, I realized that God would never put me through things that he knows I wouldn't be able to handle. That there was something bigger to come for me. I could easily say that I could meet better people in my life who would influence me for the better, or that Jay was the next best thing who turned my life around. 

But, I realized that when I truly began to put my trust into God, I really felt his love. When I put my faith back into His hands, He took it with love and helped me through one of the toughest times of my life. And for that, I am truly thankful.

This is what John really wanted us to understand in this passage - the abundance of love that God has for each and every one of us. John repeats "God is love" from verse 8 onwards, emphasizes the love He has for each and everyone of us and how real it is. Some it may not be as obvious to others, but His love is real and always with us. The verse ends with the emphases of not only loving Him, but our brothers and sisters. To me this makes sense, He is in each and everyone of us, and the way we treat others is a reflection of how we are treating God.

God is love. Love is positive. Let us surround ourselves with positivity, and that begins with God. 

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What is Love?

08 August 2014

Faith

What is Love?

Have you ever sat down and wondered who in your life truly loves you? I have. And with so many unanswered questions, I usually find myself looking through passages to see what the bible says about love. I realized that there was a lot. I had no strategy of how to approach this, so I wandered my way to the first few posts of She Reads Truth when they first started. I noticed that their plans were from YouVision, and then it hit me.
I decided to start my own weekly journey in the reading, reflection and response to what the bible says about love. If you'd like to follow alone, join HERE and perhaps start your own journey!
So when will you see my posts? I decided to do this 16 Day Plan on Fridays, Making this a 16 week plan about "what is love". Interested in my journey? See you back next Friday!

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Introducing: My New Tumblr

17 June 2014

Faith

Introducing: My New Tumblr

Hey bloggers! It has been a while since I've made a faith post, and since I've been busy all day, and probably for the rest of the week, I decided to share my new tumblr page with you all! It is a completely different take from my other tumblr page, She Writes About You. This tumblr page is devoted completely to my faith as I reblog and share spiritual and faithful photos with others. So, if you're on tumblr and feeling the need to look for some spiritual enlightenment, check out it out, My Lord, My Love.

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God Stays Close

30 May 2014

Faith

God Stays Close

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God is watching us every step of the way. It's amazing actually, when someone deliberately hurts us, God reacts. He doesn't and wouldn't just sit back and watch us try to deal with all the pain on our own. Instead, He goes to work, not by punishing others, but bringing light into our lives. We are His most prized possession, and he would never want anything bad to happen to us. 
In Psalm 34:18, "God is close to those that are hurting. God is close to the broken hearted."
He knows what we are going through - all the good and all he bad - because He is up there watching us. Although it may be difficult to see what He may be doing for us, need not to forget... He is here for us, close by every step of the way. He has a solution ready, and with your faith, He will bring you out better off than you were before. 

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7 Bible Verses in Times of Stress

08 May 2014

BEDM

7 Bible Verses in Times of Stress

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I think it is safe to say that we ALL go through times of stress. Whether it is stressing over exams, boys/girls, friends, stupid drama... we all go through stress that can really shatter us into bits of pieces. I don't know about the rest of you, but whenever I feel stressed out of my mind, I tend to just keep to myself. I don't know how to explain to others what I am going through, so I often don't seek for comfort. And it can be frustrating to both myself and others, especially Jay. We all have someone in our lives who want to help and be there for us... but sometimes we just don't have the words to explain what the heck we are going through.   So today, I have gathered some of the greatest bible verses for times of stress. If you can't find the words to seek comfort in others, seek comfort in God. 7 Great Bible Verses for Stress In my distress I call upon the LORD, Yes, I cried to my God; And from His temple He heard my voice, And my cry for help came into His ears. (2 Samuel 22:7) And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14) Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (Psalm 55:22) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can [mere] man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4) "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD you God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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Pray Without Ceasing

22 April 2014

Faith

Pray Without Ceasing

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Prayer is one of the most important parts of my day. I find it a true and real moment where I open up myself up to God with the reflections about my days and most inner thoughts. When I pray, it doesn't necessarily mean that I shut the whole world out and refuse to speak to others. To me, a prayer is a way to show my readiness and willingness to go before God.  I feel safe in prayer. Having an intimate conversation with a best friend who will never use anything I say against me. A friend who genuinely cares and listens without judgment. Nothing is ever too small or too big for God to care about.

Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ towards you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 

Not only praying for yourself, but praying for others is the best way to show your love and thankfulness towards His other children. I think it is always important to give every person and everything in your life to God in prayer, so that they will be in the best of hands. 

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Broken Silence

19 April 2014

Faith

Broken Silence

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"Brokenness" isn't necessarily a horrible word yet, this word may still strike fear amongst a lot of us. God doesn't desire and doesn't want to break our spirits. Rather, He wants to break that outer shelf that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. Breaking off things like pride, selfishness, rebellion and independence. God was us to be dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point.

Whether it is through our sufferings to realize the good in God, or it is through Jesus' suffering and crucifixion... We cannot deny the need for our grace, and the need for Jesus. In Luke 19, we read that Jesus tells the Pharisees that if His disciples are kept quiet, the rocks would cry out in praise of Him. On this Holy Saturday, lets sit in silence together - whether you are in church, or praying at home - sit in silence and think about the good that came to our lives because of His everlasting love for us. The beauty of Holy Week is the realization of all that was done for us by His love. 

Sunday is coming.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. - Romans 6:5, ESV.

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His Love is Strong

18 April 2014

Faith

His Love is Strong

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Today is the Good Friday. Ironic isn't it? How can we call a day "Good" when this was the day Jesus was condemned to death? When this was a day when he died? If you ask me, when a loved one passed away, I never once said it was good. So how is it different with Jesus? Why is today considered Good Friday? Today was the day Jesus died on a cross.. for us. I personally think that today is known as "Good Friday" because His death was for our good. His death was not an accident nor a mistake. 

"...Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." - Ephesians 5:2

The death of Jesus was not an accident nor a mistake. His death is a prime example of actions speaking louder than words. God loved us and sent His Son, Jesus, to met our needs of a Saviour. Jesus died on the cross to not only take away our sins but, to show us the love of God.

His love is what is so good about Good Friday. God loved us with agape love, a type of love that is unconditional just as described in the famous 1 Corinthians 13. Jesus willingly and purposely came into this world to live among us and then to give His life, dying on the cross so that we can live an everlasting life. 

So on this day, I hope we all reflect and understand that Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. He gave us the opportunity to either accept or reject His love.

To all who receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:12

This is the "good" on this Good Friday that we need to recognize - His everlasting love.

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Betrayal

17 April 2014

Faith

Betrayal

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Thousands of years ago, this was the week Jesus endured betrayal, trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection.  We call this week, Holy Week - a week where our hearts enter the written Gospels to live and breathe real events that took place here on Earth; the events Jesus endured in order for us to live a sinless life filled with love.  It is through the story of Jesus where we can learn and change while humbling ourselves in worship for our Saviour. 

Since today is Holy Thursday, I think it is appropriate to talk about one of the few powerful moments of Jesus' life that really made me look at things in a totally different manner. 

On the night they gave thanks and broke the bread at the last supper, Jesus had already known that sometime before, Judas had already made a deal to turn Jesus over. Jesus still broke bread with him at dinner, prayed with him, and even talked to the Father about what Judas later actions. And when the soldiers came into Gethsemane, Judas identified Jesus with a kiss and in exchanged received the amounts of silver that he was promised. And Jesus did not speak in anger or unkind words towards Judas. Instead, Jesus went with love and obedience.

Although he had already known that Judas would betray Him, Jesus still called Judas "friend".  His reps ones to Judas was not a sign of weakness, it was a sign of love.  Love for Judas, love for His Holy Father, and a love for us, His children in our most shameful moments. 

As Holy Week is a time of reflection, it is time for me to be honest here. There are days where I identify with Judas and being in the role of the betrayer. It makes me very ashamed to say that there were days that I put other things before Christ, or even pushed him to the side to further myself.  I cringe to acknowledge my greed and my selfishness that I portrayed during times where I should have listened to Christ. I think we've all been a betrayer to Christ, whether we admit it or not. 

But, there are those days where I identify with Jesus, in the role of the one being betrayed. I must say, it is extremely hard to still love someone with all your heart when I'm filled with anger and sadness. So yes, there were days where I didn't respond in love... but I need to acknowledge that there were days where I did, which is definitely not easy.  But that night Jesus was identified to the soldiers for arrest, He taught us all what love and obedience to the Father looks like. 

Through His love, he was led to trial and later sentenced to death for us.  He died for us on the cross to take away all our sins, and betrayals. He calls us "friend".

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God is Bigger

15 April 2014

Faith

God is Bigger

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God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1

We live our lives in constant motion. We are always looking around us, wondering at what is going on in our world while facing temptation, fear and sorrow. We are so preoccupied with getting things done, we don't seem to take the time to just laugh and smile or to just enjoy the moment. Good and bad things are constantly occurring in our lives, but we dwell so much in the bad. We let it ruin the rest of our day, and we sometime lash out on other. Who knows... you may have done bad on a recent essay, or having relationship problems, or you have lost your job. 

It is during these times of struggle that we need to remember that God has promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. In fact, not only is He with us, He has promised to strengthen us and harden us to difficulties. When tough times come, they will just bounce right off of you. We cannot allow for these negative circumstances to take away our joy. Like the image above says, we need to have the attitude, "this may be a big problem, but my God is bigger."

When we stay connected to our father, through prayer, or our actions towards others, you will constantly stay hand in hand with God. And with Him by our sides, we are side through all the struggles that we may face. He will never allow us to go through things that He knows that we are unable to handle. He loves us all equally, and he won't leave our side.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13 

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