Let's Get Back to Basics <3

Matthew 18

At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, "Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?" For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, (humbles himself-NIV) like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account it's the same as receiving me. 

Isn't it time we become childlike again in our love? Not just toward family but towards everyone in our life. 

When I was a child I often made statements such as, 

"You're the best dad/mom in the WHOLLLE world!" 

I remember that every morning of second grade, during the "moment of silence," I would quickly pray, "God, help me not to be scared and to feel like mom is right beside me today." 

I often told my sister that she was my hero. And my brother and I saved the seat beside us for each other on the school bus everyday. 

When the teacher needed something, there was nothing wrong with raising your hand eagerly to help. When a friend didn't understand something, it was okay to set down what I was doing and help her get it. 

As a child, love was so evident. Love was genuine. It was patient. Quick to be given. Pure. 

Now-things don't always seem quite as simple. The world has made the impression as you get older that loving that way shows weakness and makes you vulnerable or weak. A friend of mine said it like this, "It's like we work so hard all those years just to grow up and when we finally get there- we work the rest of our life trying to get back to the childlike heart."

Love hasn't changed. We have.

Maybe by a series of event...or hurts or false judgements. 

But today is new! I am new! In Christ we can all be made new.

(2 Cor. 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!)

He loves us enough to change our hearts if only we'll be humble enough to let him. It doesn't have to take a lifetime.

Let's get back to basics. 

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Ezekiel 11:19

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 

Realizing What You've Already Got

           

We constantly ask for upgrades. We forget the worth of what we already have.

Family.

Is yours disfunctional?

broken?

"crazy"?

It seems like such a common prayer to ask God to fix what we've got. 

How often do we just thank him for what he's already given us?

Maybe your circumstance isn't perfect. 

But at least there is a circumstance.

I have a family. A safe, alive, healthy, loving family.

Could things be better?

Sure.

Do I believe they will be better?

Yes!

But do I have reason to complain?

No way!

God, I Thank you so much for my family. For my parents who raised me with love and instilled the fear of you and passion for you within my heart. Right now we may not all be together but I know that we are united in our hearts because we all have one thing in common- you live with us and in us. Thank you for placing me where you have in life. I appreciate the hand you've dealt me and I wouldn't trade my cards for the world. You know the desires of my heart and I am learning more of yours daily. Let your will be done. 

Jordan- My best friend. You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. Your love is genuine and you are not afraid to show it. You work so hard and I am so proud of you for stepping out of the old and into the new this year in your life. Keep going! God is with you every step of the way. 

Joe- You are one of a kind. You are hilarious. My love for you only grows as we grow. I believe in the promises God has for you and I will never stop saying, "Look how far you've come!" This is only the start.

Daddio- You show such great balance in being a real, hardworking, disciplined man, but with the most soft, loving bear hugs and smiles. :) Your constant support means more than you know.

Mom- As I grow up I realize how much influence you've truly had on me as a person. I'm already saying things I never thought I would! haha You are one of the strongest people I know and I am always believing alongside with you in the dreams and visions God gives you. To sum it up I have to say, "thank you."

Love you all,

Grace

Just thinking today...

Doesn't it seem like we so often turn our life into a set of deadlines..? It's like in everything we are always looking for the next thing. Like for instance...the expectation of Christmas. We count down from pretty much the day after Thanksgiving, every day, until the 25th. Then we count the days till the new year begins. With a new year- for students, they count the days till school lets out for summer, while other people count the days until the weekend off from work, or until the promotion, or until the big event next month, or until you get married, or until you move, or until dinner is ready, or until that movie comes out etc...etc..etc.. 

When does the counting stop and the enjoying the present moment begin? 

I am actually really happy to be where I am right now. I know it's going to be better and get better but right now is actually really great too.

"I can't wait till ______"  or "Only __ days till ____" is something I often think or verbalize. But man how often do I say "This moment right now, I will never forget." "This day is one of the best days." Or "God, thank you for this hour and what you are doing in my life right this minute." 

Jesus came so that you may have life and have it to the fullest. (John 10:10)

 That isn't a promise made for ten years down the road. It's for right now if we'll only accept it. 

Just something to think about...

Are you thankful for today? 

Are you embracing life to its fullest right now? 

Honestly, I think I need to work on it.