2016 // He is making ALL things new!

As 2015 ends and 2016 begins... I can't help, but stop, take a step back, and examine my life right now at this very moment and where I've been and where I'm headed.

Like every year for us it seems, 2015 has been BUSY to say the least. If you know me, you know busy is where I like to be and where I tend to stay. My life is very high energy and motivated and I attribute a lot of it to the great role models I had growing up, while the other small part I guess to my personality in general.

Although we incorporated our business, Dallas Aeration, in late 2014, we officially launched in early 2015. For our first year in business, I couldn't be more pleased. We saw God's hand in our plans, in the details, and in every aspect of our business it seemed, time and time again. There were SO many things that happened that all we could do was pretty much say, "Wow, God did it..." It's an incredible and surreal feeling and one that I never get tired of.

We celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary and 8 total years together in February and celebrated our beautiful daughter's 6th birthday in May. These may seem like "small" things, but to us, they continue to be magical each year. I have learned that so much of life goes on in the mundane. Appreciating the mundane and letting God rule even your mundane is not only necessary, but crucial. I read an awesome quote in a book I read, "Glimpses of Grace", that reads: "if God doesn't rule your mundane, then He doesn't rule you, because that's where you live- in the mundane." So eye opening.

In July, on my Dad's birthday to be specific, my Papaw went to be with Jesus after a long, arduous fight with Diffuse Lewy Body Syndrome and after several years in the nursing home. It was a hard time for my entire family, but we know that he is healed now and has been made completely new. As hard as it is to let him go, the rock of our family on my Dad's side, we know that it was unfair to wish him here in the condition he was in. I treasure the memories made with him so dearly and hold close all of the photos I was able to get of him with my 3 sweet children.

In August, we found out we were pregnant with our baby boy, Silas! He is due May 7th, although we expect him early April as I have had all of my children early. We could not be more elated about the soon to be birth of another life gifted to us. Finding out I was pregnant with Silas brought back so many memories of when I was pregnant with Gavin which was also when I lost my precious Mam-ma. I was reminded yet again of Job 1:21, "Naked I came out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return thither. The Lord gave and The Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!" This verse has become even more real in my life over the past few years and shows me every time I read it that the Word of God is LIVING and ACTIVE. I cannot read those words or say them aloud without my eyes filling with tears. The emotions I feel overwhelm me for more reasons than one. It is not only regarding my loss, but also my gain- my gift- new life given to me from The Lord Almighty. It is not only these things, but also the very real and present reminder that Jesus is undeniably who He says He is and proves Himself over and over again in every aspect of my life. Even in the ones that are hard. Those are the ones where it seems He proves Himself even more and I can feel Him carrying me.

In December, we celebrated both Mason's 4th birthday and Gavin's 2nd birthday! We can't believe how big all of our kids are getting and it has seriously been the biggest blessing this year just watching them grow and change in the neatest of ways.

We stayed very busy all year with sports and school activities along with Awana's for the kids at church. We feel like we are going somewhere nearly every day of the week it seems like and surely enjoyed the Christmas break where we did not have anything, but family events going on.

As much as I am prone to stay busy and love being productive, I value my seasons of rest. I value the weeks that we can enjoy each other a little more as a family and slow down enough to soak in some of the things we often fly by and miss. I know I have a lot more to learn through my relationship with Christ about seasons and the importance He places on each one.

As we start 2016, I know many things will be similar in some ways: Savannah will resume soccer here in about 6 weeks and Mason will start baseball (he did soccer in the fall, but we are giving baseball a try this season as he has expressed much more interest in it compared to soccer.), Savannah will resume the second semester of first grade here in a few days as will Mason resume preschool. Gavin will be mad again that he is left at home while the big kids are at school. He'll be okay though ;) and will get to start preschool himself in the fall.

We look forward to all of the things that God has in store for Dallas Aeration in 2016. After seeing His blessings poured out in 2015, it overwhelms me in the best of ways to attempt to fathom what He will do in 2016.

Most of all, I look forward to April for the upcoming birth of my sweet baby boy, Silas Mitchell Hayes. I absolutely cannot wait to hold, snuggle, kiss, nurse, and love on my sweet baby boy! If you know me well, you know that the newborn stage is my absolute favorite. Seriously, I don't know how I'll ever stop having babies!! JK- or am I? ;) Truly though, I adore that stage and it is so amazing to me every time I get to experience the miracle of life and bring life into this world. It is not something I take lightly and I cannot wait to bring baby Silas into this world and do my very best mothering him and loving him unconditionally. The kids and Zach are so excited as well. We love our family and love the thought of growing our family even more- the more to love on, the better, in our eyes!

As we press forward in 2016, I want my focus to be more on the One who sits on the throne above and what He has in store for me and what He intends for me to learn and to grasp out of each season and each event in each season as well.

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new.'." -Revelation 21:5

Our tribe is increasing// The news many of you have been waiting for//We are blessed beyond measure!

Well, the Hayes' family is so incredibly elated to share the news that many of you, my Facebook followers, my blog followers, etc. have been waiting for.... some playfully and others seriously...

That's right! Our tribe is increasing and we couldn't be more ecstatic! After a huge scare shortly after we found out we were pregnant, and after many tears and cries out to my Lord later, we were assured that our baby was fine and that my HCG levels were going through the roof! I have thanked Him profusely day in and day out for His faithfulness and protection over our baby. The words, "You are a good, good Father. It's who You are, it's who You are. And I am loved by You. It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am. You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways, You are perfect in all of Your ways, to us." keeps playing over and over in my head. This truth was what I was proclaiming over myself and my baby not just after I found out things were indeed okay, but during the agonizing waiting period of 6 days as well. Faithful He has been, and faithful He will be.

"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12

"Children are a heritage from The Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior, are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full."

Psalms 127:3-5

Zach and I can honestly say we are overwhelmed in the best of ways by our Lord's goodness. We have seen a shower of blessings as of late and are just so grateful. From finding out we were pregnant again, to finding out our baby was okay after a huge scare, finding out I had been elected and appointed to the City of Allen board of Parks & Recreation, Dallas Aeration getting sought out multiple times for business in just a few short days, the list just keeps going... Our God is so good.

What a wondrous thing, I can stand and sing! Because when I fall to me knees, You're the one who pulls me up again.

What a mystery, that You notice me! And in a crowd of ten thousand, You don't miss a thing!

Because You see everything!

I am seen and I am known, by the King of kings and Lord of lords.

When You sigh, the wind becomes a sonnet. When You laugh, the storm around me ceases. You whisper and all my enemies are scattered. You surround me with angels on assignment.

There's no place I could go that Your love wouldn't find me; no place I could hide that You won't see. Because You see it all.

You don't miss a thing- Bethel

Our baby is due May 7th and we have an appointment coming up in October with my midwives here in Allen. We should find out what we are having mid November and cannot wait! Savannah and Mason have already told me they know it is a baby sister and that Gavin told them he wants a baby sister too! LOL I told them that is great, but we will take whatever Jesus wants us to have!! We seriously are so excited and honestly do not care either way, one way or the other. We are just so happy we get the blessing of raising another baby and pointing him or her to Jesus.

My faithful and predictable morning sickness or actually, all day sickness, has crept in slightly earlier this time around and I can already tell it is here to stay for a while. For those of you who don't know, with all of my past pregnancies, I have wretched all day sickness that consists of throwing up multiple times a day (realistically, just all day in general) until well into my second trimester. With Savannah, I was sick from 6 weeks to 17 weeks; with Mason, I was sick from 8 weeks until 14 weeks; and with Gavin, I was sick from 9 weeks to 19 weeks. This time I started getting sick at 6 weeks (I am 7 weeks now) just like with Savannah and it is TBD how long it will last ;) It's okay though, I honestly cannot complain knowing far too well how worth it my babies are. I long to hold, nurse, kiss, and nurture this sweet little baby and I will gladly go through whatever I have to go through to get to that point! I'm grateful for the independence my kids have even more so during this time. It is such a breath of fresh air that they will go and play independently and let Mommy work in the office and take breaks to deal with nausea and everything that comes along with it. ;) Love my kiddos! They really do bring so much to the table and I am so thankful for each of them and that I get to be their Mommy.

For those of you that faithfully request baby bump pictures each pregnancy, here you go:

I just popped out, out of no where, this past week! These were taken at 6 weeks 3 days. 

I will update my blogs periodically with baby updates and if anyone would like to know more, just message me and I am always happy to share!

I find that "In over my head" by Bethel has been like my life song these days and it brings me such peace just singing it out to The Lord. I wanted to share it here:

I have come to this place in my life,

I’m full but I’ve not satisfied, 

This longing to have more of You.

I can feel it, my heart is convinced.

I’m thirsty, my soul can’t be quenched. 

You already know this but still,

Come and do whatever You want to.

I’m standing knee deep but I’m out where I've never been.

I feel You coming and I hear Your voice on the wind.

Would you come and tear down the boxes that I have tried to put You in?

Let love come teach me who You are again.

Take me back to the place where my heart was only about You,

And all I wanted was just to be with You.

Come and do whatever You want to.

Further and further my heart moves away from the shore.

Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours.

Then You crash over me and I’ve lost control but I’m free.

I’m going under, I’m in over my head.

Whether I sink, whether I swim,

It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head.

Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says The Lord.//Keeping heavenly thoughts in an 'ISIS filled news' world

For it is written, "Vengeance is Mine. I will repay." says the Lord. Romans 12:19b

The Lord is a Man of War: The Lord is His name! -Exodus 15:3

At this point in time, it is safe to say that no one in America has not heard about the rise of ISIS. Thoughts about how we should be handling this particular extreme degree of evil, what action we should take, etc. may vary amongst people, but one thing is for sure, everyone is aware that they do in fact exist and that they are persecuting our brothers and sisters in the Middle East and some from the West as well at an alarming rate.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night. Nor by the arrow that flies by day. -Psalms 91:5

While it is easy to let our thoughts go towards all the awful things we would like to repay them with and how much we want to obliterate them, what is Heaven calling us to do?

**To be clear, I'm not saying we shouldn't stand up for ourselves and I am very pro "our military going over there and taking them out". I just don't think that alone is the answer. Our world has so many problems and they have been getting increasingly worse over time. We treat the symptoms, not the disease.**

America's problem is we have become numb to reality, numb to the world, and very self absorbed. The phrase, "first world probs", made me laugh at first, but now my husband and I talk about how true and sad it is! We worry about such little and meaningless things, while our fellow sisters and brothers overseas are losing their lives. We take our freedom for granted and whether we are aware of it or not, we do nothing about it.

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. -Romans 8:34

As Christians, we need to be bombarding heaven's gates right now with prayers. God wants us to intercede on behalf of the Middle East! Jesus LIVES to make intercession for us; why won't we intercede like we should for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted day by day? For an evil like ISIS to fall on their face before a Holy God and turn from their wicked ways? For our government to stop trying to be politically correct and get spiritually correct?

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. -Hebrews 7:25

Billy Graham's wife once said, "If God doesn't punish America, then he'll have to apologize to Sodom & Gomarrah." As much as I don't want to see His wrath poured out on us, what choice are we leaving Him? It's easy to think, "I'm living my life the way I should; there's nothing else I can do." That is a lie from the pits of hell.

...For we are not naive to Satan's schemes. -2 Corinthians 2:11b

We can always do more. We can always pray more. Every last one of us. Even the most fervent prayer warriors can always increase in Him. Satan wants us to believe that there is nothing we can do. He wants us to keep our heads buried in the sand. But again, we are not ignorant of his devices. We need to be flooding heaven with prayers. 

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger or disputing. -1 Timothy 2:8

What should we be praying for specifically you ask? How do we pray for such evil? As hard as it may be, pray for ISIS. Pray that they will have such a revelation and encounter with The One true God, The Holy One of Israel. Pray that they will fall on their face before Him, the holiest of holiest, and will repent and turn from their wicked ways. This isn't always an easy thing to pray for, but even ISIS isn't beyond redemption or saving. 

Bless them that curse you and pray for them that persecute you. -Luke 6:28

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. -1 Timothy 1:15b

Pray for our government. Pray for our pastors and our churches. Change has to come from the inside out. 

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. -1 Timothy 2:1-4

Pray for the Holy Spirit to fall on the Middle East! Pray for our brothers and sisters: for peace that can only come from The Prince of Peace, for comfort that can only come from The Holy Spirit, for endurance and strength to keep fighting the fight that can only come from our Redeemer, and for a shield of protection that can only come from The Lord Almighty.

My Redeemer, THE LORD ALMIGHTY is His name, is The Holy One of Israel. -Isaiah 47:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. -Matthew 5:4

Pray the blood of the Lamb over your family by name and over your house. Satan and his demons cannot go where the blood of the Lamb is!

For they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. -Revelation 12:11

Pray, pray, pray! He desires this of us! He WILL answer us! We must pray with confidence that He will be faithful and answer us when we ask in the name of Jesus!

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord. -James 1:6-7

I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. -John 14:13-14

For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. -Isaiah 56:7b

This awful state of our world doesn't mean we just give up and throw in the towel. We keep the fight until Jesus comes back for us! In the meantime, we pray for as many souls to be saved, as many hearts to come to know Him as possible.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled, so that you can pray. -1 Peter 4:7

The Lord your God is in your midst, The Mighty One WILL save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. -Zephaniah 3:17

There is coming a day very soon where they will be no more war, no more sadness, no more pain. Regardless whether they acknowledge His deity now, one thing is for sure, they WILL bow then. Let us pray for them to recognize Jesus' deity here, so their souls can be saved. 

For it is written, as I live, says The Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue will confess to God. -Revelation 14:11

That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth. -Philippians 2:10

He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. -Isaiah 2:4

Put your faith in the God who has always been! It is by His will that we were created, that everyone on this earth was created, and He is in control. Let us do our part now!

Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of The Lord has risen upon you. Deep darkness covers the peoples. -Isaiah 60:1-2a

And they do not rest day or night saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" -Revelation 4:8b

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things and by Your will they exist and were created. -Revelation 4:11

"To Our God" by Bethel

Up from the ashes Your love has brought us
Out of the darkness into the light
Lifting our sorrows
Bearing our burdens healing our hearts

To our God we lift up one voice
To our God we lift up one song
To our God we lift up one voice
Singing Hallelujah

Chains have been broken eyes have been opened
An army of dry bones is starting to rise
Death is defeated
We are victorious for You are alive
Hallelujah Hallelujah

We'll make His praise glorious glorious, glorious
For His name is glorious, glorious, glorious
Make His praise glorious, glorious, glorious
Shout His name Glorious, Glorious, Glorious

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzZmE5Ngeqo

Phase 2 of our move // last couple of weeks in Texas

This past weekend, Zach and David drove down my stepdad's trailer that he so graciously lent us, loaded up with all of our furniture from our house. I reserved a storage unit locally that I was very pleased with (super nice, clean, great location, super nice owner, great service- if any of my local friends ever need a storage unit, message me! I would highly recommend this one.) the day before they got here, after doing research on literally all the ones in Allen (15+) plus a couple ones in Plano. I met them at the storage unit about 7:15pm Saturday evening. My Papa had an extra lock lying around in his garage, so that was a blessing to not have to buy one! Zach and David got everything unloaded and stored in under an hour. I was proud of them and as always, impressed by their hard work. We went back to Papa's afterwards where Savannah and Mason were watching a movie and waiting on Daddy's arrival (Gavin came with me to the storage unit to meet them) and unloaded a few boxes there.

The next morning we had a great service at church and then went to lunch with Papa to eat Mexican food (I have seriously missed real Mexican food!!)! Afterwards we got some other random things done around the house while the kids napped.

We went to Sunday night church and the kids had Awanas. Mason earned two patches for his cubby vest for memorizing 2 Bible verses. Savannah memorized 3 Bible verses that night also. I'm so proud of them. **Since then, Mason has memorized 2 additional verses and is ready to recite them this next Sunday!!

Zach drove back to NC one last final time on Monday with David. (He will be moving down 2 weeks from today and I cannot wait!)

Savannah has had a great week of school so far. Last week, on Friday, in honor of a great first week of school, she and I got a treat at Braum's while Mason was napping at home with Papa. I'm so proud of her! Yesterday, was Chick Fil A night at her school, so after eating the family favorite dish, cheesy BBQ pasta that I make, we all (Papa, the kids, and I) went to Chick Fil A for ice cream! It was a nice, fun time. We went by my aunt's house afterwards to look at some logos for Zach's business, Dallas Aeration. I'm so thankful for all of her advice, input, and overall eye for things we may not always notice. She's just awesome! I'm also thankful for our great friends, Tyler & Michelle, and all the hard work Tyler has spent working on our website for Dalls Aeration. It will up and running soon and I will have a post about the business then.

Mason also had his first day of his new preschool yesterday and he absolutely loved it! It is a great school and we are so blessed to have gotten in mid year like this. The teacher said that you would have thought that he had been there all year. His school even does computer class and Spanish class too! I think that is just awesome! After I picked him up at 2, we went to the park right by Savannah's school and played until it was time to pick her up at 2:50. Mason and Gavin both had a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed (and am still enjoying) this amazing weather!

Today is my birthday and it has been a great day so far! I had a nice time with my Papa and coffee this morning, also received a lovely phone call from my wonderful sister this morning, then got to visit with my stepdad this morning for a little bit, saw my Papaw at the nursing home, along with my cousin, two of my cousin's kids, and my Mamaw. The boys and I drove through afterwards and got a sweet tea for me and Papa from my favorite place to get a tea (BURGER STREET- amazing sweet tea with Sonic style ice). Right now, both boys are napping and after they awaken and we pick Savannah up, we are all going to go by James Avery and the kids are going to pick me out a charm for my charm bracelet for my birthday present from them and Daddy :)

It has definitely been a great birthday so far!

Since arriving in Texas, I have had an overwhelming peace from The Holy Spirit about this being where we are supposed to be right now. I have found myself just singing praises to Him, literally nonstop, all throughout the day. He has given me such joy, not just here in Texas, but before we came as well, ever since I turned my life over to Him 17 months ago. I am so grateful for Him leading me and my family, revealing Himself not just to me, but now to my husband as well, and just literally guiding us every step. I'm thankful again, that He is the God of new beginnings, resolution, redemption, and hope. He has filled me with such hope and unspeakable joy. I literally cannot describe the joy He has filled me with; all I can do is just subconsciously and consciously sing praises to Him all throughout my jobs of the day. He is worthy of all praise! Hallelujah!!

A verse I have been meditating on for a couple weeks is Isaiah 47:4. "My Redeemer, The Lord Almighty is His name, is The Holy One of Israel." He is so Holy and so good! At church last Wednesday, Pastor Jim was talking about how even the demons recognize Jesus' deity and fear Him. Mark 1:24, "and there was a man with an unclean spirit and the unclean spirit turned to Him and spoke, "what have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Let us alone! Art thou come to destroy us? I know who You are- You are The Holy One of God!"" What a powerful verse. This one verse speaks volumes to me. The power contained in Jesus' name, blood, Word, and Spirit cannot be contained and is very real. Even the dark forces of this world recognize that power and fear it. We as His children, have nothing to fear because we have been covered with His blood. Hallelujah!! What a Savior!

My Redeemer lives!! And He is coming back soon!! 

"I'm giving it all to the only Son, who was and is and yet to come!" -Starry Night by Chris August

Love // Our greatest Commandment

My blog is titled after 1 Corinthians 13. I am not too ashamed or proud to admit though that when I first created my blog and named it that, I knew far less about real love and understood far less about real love than I do now. I'm not embarrassed to state this, but rather thankful for the gift of love that The Holy Spirit has since instilled in me. I'm thankful for the growing ability to love. I look back at how much less I used to love and cannot help the well of tears in my eyes at how amazing His grace is. His grace truly is ever so abundant and He is the God of new beginnings and second chances. It's never too late to ask Him to help us better love as He loves.

But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (I Corinthians 12:31 NKJV)

What is the best gift? What is the more excellent way?

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13:1-13 NKJV)

I was reading one of the current devotional plans I'm doing on YouVersion a couple days ago, Joyce Meyer's New Day New You. That particular day was discussing how all of us as followers of Christ, main priority should be love. If our main priority is not love, we're not going to get everything else right. When you truly stop and love people, or rather, stop and truly love people, suddenly a lot of your other flaws start becoming less noticeable or perhaps more forgiveable. It's easy to forgive a loving person, someone who you know really does love you. 

What would things look like in our lives if we truly loved people and not just put on a persona of loving people? If we never delve in deep in our love for people, but rather remain superficial, how's that really love?

Love is love. Love is what 1 Corinthians 13 describes. That is not how most of us act towards the majority of people in our lives. My Mam-ma used to always tell me, it's easy to love the lovely, but it's not so easy to love the unlovely. I understood this example then and knew what she meant, but honestly just didn't want to love some people. I loved loving the lovely to me people, even if they weren't lovely to others, but those people who were unlovely to me, I just sometimes felt as if I almost couldn't bring myself to sincerely love them.

For example... It's easy to drop in and bring a treat to or do something nice for someone you like or perhaps even your family, but it's not quite as easy to do that for someone you don't like or perhaps the odd ball in the family.

But see... That's not really love. If we only love and do nice things for those who are like minded as us or those we like, we don't really know how to love, do we?

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you" (JOHN 13:34 NKJV)

Joyce Meyer candidly points out that we can't love God, but hate other people. 1 John 4:20 This is such an excellent reminder. We want to be like Jesus, we want to love. Well, we can't have it our way. We have to really love the way He loved. The way He showed love to Mary Magdalene, despite her sins. The way He showed love to Peter, despite knowing he would deny Him. The way He showed love to Judas, knowing all the while that he would BETRAY Him.

We are all no better than those first three examples that came to my mind. We were all scarlet before He made us white as snow. We all were as filthy rags, before He made us a new creation. None of us are righteous and are all deserving of an eternity in hell. 

There's good news though... He came to save us and paid our ransom! Death has lost its sting and hell has no victory! (1 Thessalonians) If we really understand this sacrifice, this love, then why not start by showing others our own love?

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. (I Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJV)

This is a song called, Forever and A Day, by Bethel, that I LOVE! 

I was afraid, Your love set me free.
I was in debt, You paid the price for me.
I was hurt, You took away my pain.
I was alone until You called my name. 
I was broken and You mended me. 
Before I was, You loved me.
You healed my body and You made me whole.
No matter what I do, You don't let go. 

I will sing to the King, I am the ransomed one.
How I love Your holy name!
Holy to the Lamb who was slain!
When I laugh and when I cry,
You are the reason why!
How I long to be with you, forever and a day!

-Bethel

My One Word 2014

As we neared the New Year, I began to think about what my one word should be for 2014. I wanted it to be something really good, something that would truly make me a much better person throughout the year. I began seeking clarity from God on what this one thing should be. It was not long before I had my one word and knew without a doubt it was the most important thing I could work on this year.

My One Word for 2014 is Rid.

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be praise, think on these things."

I want to rid myself, my life, my thoughts, my words, and my actions of anything negative, unholy, or not pure. This means no negative talk, no negative thoughts, no negative anything! If I am sensing myself getting frustrated with someone and just simply thinking negative things alone in my home, I immediately stop what I am doing and begin to pray that God will rid my mind of these thoughts and help my to focus on something more positive today. ....And you know what? I can proudly say it is working! My Mam-ma used to always tell me that most people's problem is they won't ask God for help because they think it is either something too small or too unimportant that it would be silly to ask God for help with it, when in all reality, we should be asking God for help with anything and everything. She used to really emphasize to me also how we should pray specifically for what we need. Don't be vague with God! He is our Rock and anything we do will be easier and smoother with His help and guidance. It is amazing to me how easy it is to rid myself of all things negative when I just simply stop what I am doing and ask Him for help.

Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

I hope you will join me on this journey this New Year with whatever your One Word may be as well. May we all be able to encourage one another in bettering ourself through Him.

Morning Scripture Reading

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. (Proverbs 28:14 KJV)

While reading my Bible this morning (I am currently finishing up the book of Proverbs), I came across this verse. It spoke volumes to me. You may read it and think, "oh I don't have a hard heart", thinking it's meaning having a hardened heart towards God. However, in context, it is actually referring to hardening your heart against people or even certain people.

It spoke to me, because I have a tendency to get so annoyed with a particular person or a couple of people over time that I begin to just think badly of everything they do or say. I know this is not right and is letting the devil get in my thoughts and lead me down that negative path. I never would have considered myself as having my heart hardened toward them necessarily though; that is, until I came across this piece of Scripture.

I know that for these select people in my life, I am going to have to daily fight this battle and make a conscious effort to not let my mind think negatively towards them. I need to distance myself from them the majority of the time and when our paths do inevitably meet for select circumstances, I need to be as cordial and loving as ever. Matthew also has a specific piece of Scripture pertaining to this that my Mam-ma used to remind me of.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (Matthew 5:44-46 KJV)

She used to refer to it as, "loving the lovely" and "loving the unlovely". Anyone can love the lovely; that is easy. This doesn't just mean literally, the lovely. It means anyone who is like you or favorable to you or lovely to you. However, it is not so easy to love the unlovely or those who are unlovely to you. I have always struggled with this. 

While I can easily love the outcast at church or in school, back when I was in school, and I can easily befriend the person that seemingly has little to no friends, I have a hard time showing Christ's love to someone who I'm around a lot, just simply because of these traits about them that overwhelm me or annoy me. 

As I mentioned yesterday, I began my drive home with my family yesterday with a mindset to be different and to be like my Mam-ma was and would have wanted me to be, to be like Jesus. I know I am imperfect and flawed, but I also know that with His love and guidance, it is possible. So here we are on December 2nd, 2013, and I am making a commitment to love the unlovely people in my life, no matter how difficult it may be at times.