This past week has been one of controversial court decisions and court appearances. One thing I learned from perusing social networks over the last week is that we as Christians have a very long way to go regarding love. This post will not focus on those decisions that were made in the courts but the decision we face daily to love!

In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 the bible gives a definition of what love is. The NLT version states, Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Being consistent in displaying the characteristics listed above towards all takes great work, care, and commitment. Therefore, I believe that we have to make conscious decisions and efforts to love God, others, and ourselves daily. 
1) I choose to love God

It is difficult to comprehend the agape type love that God showers on us because man has not been able to master the completeness of it. The love many of us have 

Earlier this week I spoke with a friend who after strict obedience and preparation still felt as if she ran into the glass window I talked about in last week’s blog Encourage Yourself. 

It sucks when we work hard, trust God, and move in him but things don't work out the way we planned. In these moments hearing sayings like: everything happens for a reason and find the purpose behind the pain don’t always make us feel better immediately. And that is ok! 

I think many people believe because we are Christian we are not allowed to have human emotions. Untrue! It is perfectly OK to have emotions other than joy. It is even ok to let your feelings out. How many times in Psalms do we hear David cry out and express his negative feelings about his situations to the Lord? Did Jesus not ask for God to “take this cup away from” him? I think it is awesome they were able to freely share their frustrations but I also admire their nevertheless not my will, but yours be done mentality that followed. Are you able to add the but God to your hurtful situations? Lord I hurt tremendously, but you are still able. Lord I feel defeated but your word says I am more than a conqueror. Lord I am angry with you right now but I know that your love flows beyond my current emotions and endures forever.

Have you ever had a back and forth conversation with yourself that goes around and around? It’s like spinning a bottle, a complaining moment (flesh) turns into an empowering moment (spirit) and it 

When you are finished reading today's post download a copy of my newest e-guide "Encourage Yourself: My rant turned e-guide"! The link is at the bottom of the post =)

In December I left my job with a very stable community mental health agency in Long Beach Ca. This leap of faith has caused a whirlwind of events and emotions that are molding me into a completely different person than I was 5 years ago when I began working there. As I follow my long lost dreams and attempt to find who I am and what I need at this point in my life, I am grateful that God remains unchanged and kept/keeps his promises.

A couple months back several doors opened for me that put me in great position for exposure, a new course of financial stability, and what I perceive as a joyous course for my life. Two months later I still have not walked through those doors. Matter of fact I’m pretty sure I was duped—Like the bird that thinks a door or window was open and flies *smack* into the glass. That crash stuns you for a bit 

This is a 3 part series:
Part 1: There’s a war against the mirror. I’m my own worst enemy!
Part 2: I’m a hazard to myself
Part 3: I wanna be somebody else

I wanna be somebody else

“It’s bad when you annoy yourself, so irritating, don’t wanna be my friend no more, I wanna be somebody else”

Watch your mouth, watch the company you keep and:

Dare to be you!
            I will admit to losing myself as I mirrored others in some form or fashion throughout life, many times without recognizing it. I would begin to imitate what was around me, especially if it was appealing. It often lead to greater feelings of insecurity and failure, not only in that arena but even trying to step back into my own shoes.

Rejecting ourselves and attempting to take on the role of someone else only delays our ability to walk 

This is a 3 part series:
Part 1: There’s a war against the mirror. I’m my own worst enemy!
Part 2: I’m a hazard to myself
Part 3: I wanna be somebody else

I’m a hazard to myself
“So doctor, doctor won’t you please prescribe be something, a day in the life of someone else, cause I’m a hazard to myself”

Hazard, an “unavoidable danger or risk, even though often foreseeable; The absence or lack of predictability; chance of uncertainty”.

To be an unavoidable and unpredictable danger to yourself? =( It happens frequently to many people whether they are willing to admit it or not. Sometimes we get stuck and feel we won’t be able to get out of the rut. It doesn’t have to be this way, no matter how deep, we can be pulled out. Maybe we are skilled enough to do it on our own but hopefully we have people in our lives that can help us.  They don’t do it for us they just assist. This leads to the next important truth. Not only must you watch your mouth, you must:

Watch the company you keep!

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits”

When we are constantly around negativity, bad thinking, and especially bad behaviors it’s easy to be corrupted (infected, tainted, to alter for worse). There is no one there for accountability purposes, no one doing better, and no one leading by example.

Just how we must speak life, we must place ourselves around those who will do the same. Sometimes we are in too deep to notice or pull ourselves out. This is when having a good team or even one person who is discerning, supportive, uplifting, and encouraging comes in handy!

Thank you for reading Part 2. Part 3 will be posted next Sunday. Until then check in on the daily devotions. Also, if you haven't already, sign up for the 6 week challenge and forum! I would love to interact with you!