Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

These beautiful words from 1 Corinthians 13 are often read at weddings, and for good reason. They provide an excellent guide for how we should strive to love not just our spouse, but all people.
Love is more than just a feeling. It is an action, a choice we make every day to treat others with kindness and respect, even when it's difficult. This type of love is patient and kind, never envious or boastful. It does not seek to dishonor others or seek its own interests. It does not hold grudges or keep a record of wrongs.
This kind of love rejoices in the truth, never in evil. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. It never fails. This is the kind of love that God has for us, and the kind of love that we should strive to have for others.
Of course, it's not always easy to love in this way. We are all human, and we make mistakes. But when we choose to love others in this way, we become more like Christ, who is the ultimate example of love.

While it's not always easy to love in this way, we must remember that when we choose to love others with patience, kindness, trust, and hope, we reflect the character of Christ, who is the ultimate example of love. Let us make a conscious effort to love others in this way, knowing that love never fails and that it is the greatest of all virtues.

Words.  We choose just the right ones to express our sentiments in cards.  We try to find descriptive language to convey meaning so that another person can visualize a scene the same way we see it. Words express love and joy, compassion and encouragement.

You might say we are overwhelmed by words in this age. Email and text messages invade our space continuously.  Social media keeps everyone connected, with words. It can be a bit much. I've been reminded this week, once again, that it is immensely important to take breaks, to breathe, to just be. Quiet and still.

Words express wonderful, positive things; but when said with a certain tone, or placed in a certain order, or used with such an intent, they can express the ugliest and most damaging sentiments as well. This week ranks up there as one of the most challenging weeks I have had.  It probably won't seem as bad once some time passes and it is no longer the scenery of the present, but right now, it is exhausting.  It is always surprising to me when things are extremely ...busy, tense, challenging... I notice the smallest whispers of grace.  Perhaps it is because I am broken enough to stop trying to rely on my own strength, because my own strength is depleted.

This week, that whisper came loud and clear on Tuesday morning.  The sound of it has been resonating throughout my world ever since.  The verse of the day that appeared on my phone app that morning could not have come at a better time.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ~Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)

Monday had been exceptionally challenging.  It seemed that I was facing an attack every way I turned.  The attacks that affected me most were with the weapons of words.  It made me think about the placement of words together in sentences and sentiments, and about the choice of one word over another.  Often we speak without much preplanning of the make up of the sentences that will convey our thoughts. When we write, at least a little bit more forethought is utilized. When our emotions are involved, however, it seems one of two things happens. Either we toss what little bit of thinking  out the window, or we magnify our thinking, very carefully choosing our words in order to cut right into our adversary.  When we are attacked with words, it seems the natural reaction is to return the attack, blow for blow.  Maybe not right away, but in our attempts to defend ourselves, we often retaliate with jabs of our own.

Following my Monday of being battered down by the words of others, I think I was fortunate that my strength was so sapped that I was willing to listen.  As a result, Tuesday morning, as I prepared for my day, I was reminded very clearly to use my words for good.  I was reminded that it is my responsibility to build others up.  This is not contingent upon them returning the deed. It is my purpose to be a living, breathing expression of His love and grace.

As we begin the new year, I'm beginning my commitment to reading through the Bible. My husband has maintained this practice for decades, but I have never completed the task.

What better way to love Him with all of my mind than to daily read his Word, and to read it in its entirety.

Short and sweet, but I'm back to work tomorrow, so this is good night. More soon.

     This morning, my church sang the lyrics, "Take all that I am, Lord, use me for Your glory."
     I found myself unable to speak the words. I pay close attention to words used, sometimes, probably more than I should. I'm very particular, and read meaning into word choice. Many times, there will be a song that I'll ask my husband to listen to, and it's for the lyrics rather than for the tune.
     I do love music, and the tune is important to me, but once I know the lyrics, it's hard for me to overlook them or stop thinking of them.
     I also take care in choosing the words that I speak--well, most of the time at least. I pay attention to the word choice of others as well. Language fascinates me.
    "Take all that I am Lord, use me for Your glory."
     Voices throughout the building lifted these words up. I just couldn't say it. Only because I had to stop and think, do I really mean it? Truly? Take ALL? What does all mean?
     Everything. Every little and big detail. Every aspect of who I am.
     Take all I am, Lord.

Luke 12:24-28

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? ²⁵ And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ²⁶ If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? ²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

It is the end of the school year. For most of my life, this has meant vacation. Last July, I started in an administrative position in the school district...and waved goodbye to summer breaks.

Therefore, it is even more important that I learn to rest in Him, in the midst of my busyness. The pace at the office will relax with school not in session, but I still have a lot to do.

Thankfully, I have a heavenly Father who finds joy in caring for my needs. I need not worry or be anxious.

Philippians 4:11-13 (RSV)

11 Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

Recently, I'm afraid I've been "busy as a bee." I have formed many posts in my mind, but haven't taken the time to put pen to paper (or hand to keyboard , as it were).  

I have been relying on His strength as the days and weeks have been passing. I continue to be thankful that His words fill my mind as I go through my days (sometimes flitting, sometimes drudging).  

One of the key elements to loving Him with all my mind is to take time away from it all to focus my full attention on Him.  To find rest in His presence. 

Hebrews 4:9-10 (RSV)
9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God; 10 for whoever enters God’s rest also ceases from his labors as God did from his.

This morning's Daily Light reading was just perfect for the start of my much, much needed spring vacation. Here it is in English Standard Version.

Matt. 25:34; Luke 12:32; Jas. 2:5; Rom. 8:17; John 16:27; Heb. 11:16; Rev. 21:7; 2 Tim. 4:8; Phil. 1:6

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”—Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?—Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.—“For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me.”—Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

“The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”—Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.—He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite worship songs focuses on asking The Lord to speak, and reminding us (me) to listen....

Word Of God Speak by Mercy Me

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty

To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty

To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty

To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay



Read more: Mercy Me - Word Of God Speak Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -- Philippians 4:11-13

Remember when you had all sorts of dreams about how your life would be?  For me that started about 35 years ago.  As a young girl, I had it all figured out!  My dreams and plans changed often, as I would learn new things, but they always ended with a “happily ever after.”  Thanks to my wonderful parents, I never had any doubts about my dreams coming true.  I always felt I could and would become anything I wanted to be.  Even as I moved into later teen years and early adulthood, I never doubted that I would find “success.”

So, am I ending this book before beginning?  Am I about to tell you that I’ve always been content and all you have to do is dream? Not hardly!  I’ll share a little bit about myself as we go, and you will quickly find that the road to contentment is a one long traveled by me.  

My parents got married right out of college and shortly thereafter started a family.  I have been blessed beyond measure by being allowed to witness their love for one another and to be the recipient of their never-ending, unconditional love for me.  The only problem with their marriage is that they set such a high standard that I was completely unwilling to settle for anything less than pure bliss (if you can call that a problem).  My parents never fought.  Really. Never.  They modeled for me a perfect example of how two decidedly different people could work together to create a beautiful life as one through love.  THAT is what I wanted!  But . . . I also expected that I would follow in their footsteps and marry in my early 20s . . .That wasn’t the plan for my life.

In my little girl dreams, I imagined getting married in my early 20s.  Shortly after getting married, I would have a baby and start my stay-at-home-mom life.  My house would be clean and tidy.  I would be neat and petite, trim and lean.  I would have a home cooked meal on the table for dinner every night.  My kids would adore me (at least until they were teenagers).  I would be involved at their schools--baking, crafting, whatever.  We’d play outside in the evenings in our nicely manicured lawn, surrounded by fully weeded flower beds.  Whatever my husband needed, I would have for him.  I’d never lose my temper or feel sad.  In the summer, we’d vacation with family and enjoy the “get-away” time.

Yeah, uh, that is a far cry from my reality!  I didn’t get married until I was 32, I didn’t even MEET my husband until I was 27.  Instead of babies, I had stepkids --- that were 12 and 16 when we married (remember I said at least until they were teens . . . ). I work full-time rather than staying at home (ok, so I AM a teacher . . .I do get a lot of time at home, but still!). I get to go visit my family, but I moved to the other side of the country as an adult, so it’s not easy. And, yes, I lose my temper sometimes and I get sad sometimes.  But before you think I’m complaining, let me point out that I have a wonderful life.  I just want to say it isn’t all how I dreamed it would be.

I’ve been thinking a lot about being content lately and just what exactly that means.

One simple dictionary definition for the word content is: satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.  This seems rather straight forward.  But then, what is satisfied?  How do we reach that state?  Where is the balance between being content and being complacent?   I would conjecture that being content includes being at peace.  That is where the spiritual aspect enters.  Since one cannot be content without being at peace, you will not be able to remain content apart from God.  Growing in your relationship and reliance on Him will be our logic first step.

One of the key things I have learned is that contentment is not a final destination.  I will not give you the key that unlocks the content room, where you can stay and be content forever and ever – day in and day out.  I do hope, however, to give you some directions and road signs to help you along your journey.  Won’t you join me along the path towards being content?

Throughout these pages, we will look at scripture to see how we can apply it in our lives as we journey.  Through prayer and purposeful study, I hope you find the road of your life’s journey and the road towards contentment become the very same path.

C – Calm Down
O – Open Your Heart
N – Name Your Blessings
T – Talk it Out
E – Enjoy the Details
N – Near to God
T – Take Action

Matthew 8:26

But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"  Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 

Recently I was driving home from my friend’s house.  About half of the hour and a half drive is on a two-lane highway across the high desert of southern California.  It’s quite exciting . . . as you watch mile after mile of sand, rock and desert flora pass by (and stretch expansively in either direction). Ok, so not terribly exciting, but if you allow it to be, it can be relaxing.  It’s a very straight, very flat drive.

On this particular trip, I was the second car behind a truck carrying a big backhoe (or some such piece of equipment).  I fell in line and thought to myself that the truck was traveling at a pretty good pace (between 60 and 65 miles per hour) all things considered.  Shortly after noting this to myself, I watched the car in front of me (directly behind the truck) poke out to the side, checking oncoming traffic. This was during a designated “do not pass” zone, mind you.  There was, in fact, traffic coming, so the car got back in line.  

This particular stretch of highway is broken into “do not pass” and “pass with care” zones periodically.  Ironically, every time we entered a “pass with care” zone, we were faced with oncoming traffic.  The driver of the car in front of me checked the traffic to see if he could pass the truck every few minutes for about a half an hour.  I felt bad for the driver.  I could imagine the anxiousness that he must have been feeling.  That constant “check and see if I can go faster and get ahead” feeling can be quite wearing.  I noticed myself thinking, “I’m glad I’m content to just travel along at this comfortable pace.  Hey!  This is a perfect illustration!”

We need to calm down . . .relax . . . and enjoy the drive.  When we are distracted by our own agendas, we lose sight of the journey the Lord has laid before us.  We become discontent with where we are, and anxiously try to change our course -- even if it means dodging oncoming traffic.

We need to take the time to slow down.  We need to take the time to be in the Lord’s presence, to learn His will for us.