That's love for you

Yesterday I was in the car and I heard this song. The lyrics to this song just moved me. It is a love song, but not your average love song.... it is a love song from God to us. It reaffirms his love for me everytime I hear it that I can't help but sing along with it -- loudly.

I Love You More - - by Matthew West

Take a look at the mountains

Stretching a mile high
Take a look at the ocean
Far as your eye can see
And think of Me
Take a look at the desert
Do you feel like a grain of sand?
I am with you wherever
Where you go is where I am
And I'm always thinking of you
Take a look around you
I'm spelling it out one by one


I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more

Just a face in the city
Just a tear on a crowded street
But you are one in a million
And you belong to Me
And I want you to know
That I'm not letting go
Even when you come undone

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

Shine for Me
Shine for Me
Shine on, shine on
Shine for Me

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more

Than the sun
and the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you, yesterday and today
Through the joy and the pain
I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

And I see you
And I made you
And I love you more than you can imagine
More than you can fathom
I love you more than the sun
And you shine for me

Yes, yes... it's been a while hasn't it. I know, you've missed me haven't you? I've missed me, too. With all of lifes pressures and daily grind, does it ever make you wonder how we come out alive? Sheesh. I know I wake up in the morning knowing that I have got to make it the best day I possibly can. And yet, I am still human.. I get caught up with the 'curve balls' as we know them. It's not always a walk in the park, sadly. However, I fully acknowledge that my life has merit and meaning and that it is entirely up to me to put it to good use. You see, life is all about choices. It's all about making choices that can make or break my life and effect not only my wellbeing but also the wellbeing of my family, my children as well as possibly people I would have never of guessed.
When we go about our day, we must be consistantly aware that as women, as people and as individuals we owe it to ourselves and to those we love and may not even know to truly understand that our lives have meaning. They do. Great purpose, actually. The choices we make - even if they seem very simple ones have a signifcant affect on the outcome of everything we do. For instance, who you choose for your friends has a great impact on who you are and who you become. Their influence on you is greater than you think. Who you choose to date is huge. Is this guy someone whom you could see yourself marrying? If they are not... then why date them... truly? When you choose a man to marry - - is he someone who brings out the best in you or causes you to stagnate in your life? Does he encourage you to pursue your dreams, desires, goals? To be the best you can be?
These are real honest questions to ask yourself. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting and encouraging people. Those who are not can only break you, not make you. Keep in mind that your heart is the most important part about you... if you allow a source of discouragement or destruction enter into your heart it can be difficult to overcome that. You must love you and who you are to love those around you. Allow yourself to discover the greater parts of who you are. You deserve to live life - beautifully!

Value

My mom and I had a short visit today while my son was having a descent afternoon....being that he was in good spirits it made it easy to have a relatively positive experience out and about. I've noticed something lately about my relationship with my mother..... that it works. As a teen, I was one of those rather rebellious souls that couldn't have cared less if I melded well with the parental units and more often than not - I was at odds with them. More specifically, my mother was the hardened culprit of my misfortune in my eyes. It was the smoldering of female hormones mixed with all the bitter feelings that I soured towards the world around me. It was never my fault, it was always her fault. Even when my friends were always arguing, my grades were horrible and I had cigarette lighters hidden above the ceiling tiles of my always private bedroom. Yes, it was my sanctuary, but really... what in the world was I planning to do with those doggone lighters? I didn't even know, truthfully, would I light the house on fire?? God only knows. Thankfully, my parents (both of them, mind you) found them before I could do any damage with that stupid idea. Obviously I had a lot of helk to pay for even having them in my possession and in my room, I might add. Whenever I was questioned, lectured, 'bossed around' or whatever... I never ever had a reasonable excuse for my misgivings. It was always my angry, bitter attitude that was the issue. I hated the world and the world I lived in.

But you know, as I said before, there's always a silver lining. Whether you choose to find it is up to you. Back then, I really didn't care. Truthfully, the only time I ever felt really loved when I was a kid - was never. When I was interested in guys as a teen, I wasn't attracted to the guys who seemed to have a real interest in ME. It was always the guys that I deemed as 'hot' who really didn't pay me the time of day. Too bad! I look back on those days and think, 'if I would have known what I know now....' 
What I am getting at here is that there is so much more worth to our hearts and our lives than meets our own eyes. I had never looked at myself and thought... I am worth so much! No, I didn't. And no one ever really tried to make me believe that either. But, I am going to tell you that right now - - YOU are worth SO MUCH!  You may have so much weighing on your shoulders these days. You may not even really look at your parents and think that they really love you. I will tell you this, however, regardless of how you feel about yourself and the world around you... you are loved. You are valued and you are desired. By Jesus. He made you, he formed you, and he made you perfect in his image. And because of that, girl, you are beautiful.

Do not let the world around you make you small and insignificant. You are gorgeous and significant. You are loved. And you are treasured.

Imagine this

It's been said that the sanctity of life begins at conception. Where the beginning of life takes place and is completely new. It is where we as creatures of the human race take our position in life - in the womb. It is where God formed us, shaped us and molded us into his likeness. We were perfect, irredescent, and irreplaceable at this stage of our lives. As we grew in our mother's womb, we were completely dependent upon our mother. We ate what she ate. We had the warmth of her body for protection and the comforts of her body against harm. We could hear the outside world, like the sound of the vacuum or the dog barking every time the mail man delivered the daily mail just outside the front door.... it is the perfect setup to begin adjusting to the outside world, isn't it? There wasn't a single thing from the outside world that could touch us. Nothing. It was just our job to grow and become a healthy living being. We thrived.

Does it ever make you wonder what goes on inside the mind of a brand new baby once they've emerged into the outside world brand new from their mother's womb? I wondered it the very moment my son was laid into my arms just after giving birth to him. His eyes met mine... he and I stared into each other's eyes, studying them, fixating on them. Yet, he was so very calm. As if he definately knew the voice behind the eyes that stared back at him. There was a very strong bond that formed at that very moment.

Girls, this......... this is the very bond that your Heavenly Father desires from us. Our hope, our lives, our breath comes from him. Our hearts were formed by him. Just as we were dependent upon our mothers from the time that we were conceived, it is our hearts that are dependent upon Jesus. He is our validation, our comfort, our peace.. he longs to have that strong bond in our hearts for us to live in the freedom that he truly desires for us. Our value and belonging is our core, yet, he is creator of our value. How beautiful. Beautiful you.

Who we are

Did your mother ever look at you when you were in trouble as a child and say, 'who do you think you are?' When she asked that very question, everything in your will wanted to say something back but you knew the better part of  you best just keep your mouth shut or it wasn't going to end well... yes, I had my moments as a child. Many times. (as I chuckle) I want to say I was an innocent child.. the little angel that I was... AHEM! But really, I gave my parents a lot of helk to deal with. I was very much in a state of rebelliousness growing up with not much of a limit or boundaries of what I could say or not say. Truth was, I didn't really feel good about myself or life in general. Why? I allowed the world to tell me my worth and my value - - and not God. I didn't know what it meant to be a female. To embrace the feminine heart.

Femininity is depth and mystery and complexity, with beauty as the very essence. Every woman has a beauty to unveil. Every woman. Because she bears the image of God. She doesn't have to conjure it, go get it from a salon, have plastic surgery, or get her teeth capped. Beauty is an essence that is given to every woman at her creation.  So, the next time you look in the mirror or are just thinking to yourself and ideas of invalue flood your mind, please remember this: Your beauty is already a part of who you are.... you just need to tap into it and embrace it. It's the fiber of who you are inside. Outwardly what you see is simply what enhances the essence of which you carry in your precious heart.

Search your heart and your soul. Begin to understand and unveil the majesty of what moves you - and love you! Once you capture the true you and revel in that... it'll begin to pour out of you. Let your beauty be unveiled.

The Silver Lining

Ever have moments when you wish you could just crawl up into a ball and just be invisible to the world? Where everything in your life seems to be just pear shaped? I had one of those moments for about all of last week. You name it, it happened... and it all came crashing down like a ton of bricks. Where do you find the comic relief in there. Oh... I had it, but then just when I was about to read the most HILARIOUS story out of the Parents magazine I somehow carved out a few minutes to read to my husband (only cause I knew that with our sense of humor - - he would have laughed histerically just like I did..) it was literally snatched away from me before I even had a chance to say Uncle. Yes... I was deeply and utterly distraught. I had nothing to look to for even a smidgen of a smile, a smirk or not even a chuckle. Ever have those days?? Instead, he had to watch the very important interview with this basketball star that had just won his team the last three points they needed to score in the playoffs....blah, blah BLAH. I know what you're thinking. Get over it woman!! But seriously, this is not about my wines and gripes. Really, it's not.

This, my dear, is about the silver lining. It is the silver lining that we each need to find when life presents itself in such a fashion that at the moment seems quite unbearable and 'OMG... will I ever survive this?!'  YES. Yes, you will. And how do I know? Because Jesus promised us that we would never endure more than we can handle. But, we have to trust in him to see the lush valley at the other end. He gave us hearts that are made to love, to nurture, gentleness and grace. Beauty beyond understanding along with the ability to pour on the understanding and ears that listen like no other. I had a hard time seeing the brighter side of things, only because I had moments of pure fear. Truthfully though, that fear is not a part of who I am nor who I was created to be. I had to look past the present and what stood before me and understand that there was a bigger picture than what I was choosing to focus on. I am better than that. And so are you! There is a silver lining to everything. Yes... I mean everything. You just have to choose to see it and remember it. That silver lining might just be your comic relief when you need it most - - it was mine!

The Alabaster Room

It is nightfall and imagine you are sitting in the home of a very good friend of yours who is having a nice dinner gathering to just enjoy everyone's company. Everyone is sitting at the table enjoying themselves- having fine food, conversing and taking in the good company. When in comes a woman, long tousled hair from the day's work. She has a pleasant appearance about her as she walks in the room past each friend visiting. She walks slowly and gracefully but with purpose... her eyes shine as she makes her way to the guest of honor. In her hands, she holds a beautiful, distinguished jar filled with expensive perfume. Carefully and gently she holds the jar in her hands as to not waste a single drop of this divine ointment. As she makes her way closer to her desired guest, a beautiful smile emerges, as though she is carrying an intriguing secret.  Then, as she stands before Jesus, she gingerly lifts the jar she is holding and slowly pours the delicate ointment over his head as it beads down his head and hair.
This beautiful jar, this jar filled with such expensive perfume was the only possession that the woman felt carried any value of her - and she used it to show Jesus her love and adoration for him. That is all she felt she had to show how much she loved him. And that was her worship to him. The disciples scoffed at her for 'wasting' such expensive perfume and pouring all over Jesus' head. Yet, Jesus was in awe of her selfless action towards him. He knew that she took the only thing that she felt she had of value and honored him with that.

Thus... The Alabaster Room. It is a dedication for the female heart to celebrate their value, their beauty, their feminine heart. To have joy in the fact that indeed, the female heart is to be cherished, loved and celebrated. That you matter to Christ. You were formed with a great purpose and everything that you possess is worthy to bring to the table as a form of love. To love God, to love your family, to love yourself. It is priceless, timeless, breathtaking, gorgeous, beautiful... girl, the list could go on and on. Literally. So... don't waste the possessions you have in your heart. That's what The Alabaster Room is all about.... being that place to embrace all that you are - - in your beautiful heart.

Matthew 26:7-10

Mirror Mirror on the Wall..

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought that you weren't sure if you liked what you saw or even knew what you saw looking back at you?  And no, I am not not talking about that huge zit on your forehead saying 'Surprise! I found you!' for the whole world to see. Truthfully, it was years before I could honestly look at myself in the mirror and say, "Hey - I know you!" and have the confidence of knowing that I knew exactly who that reflection belonged to and being proud that it was ME. So much of the outside world comes in and corrupts our thoughts and minds about who we are and what we look like on the inside out. It shouldn't have to be that way. It really doesn't. Some would say, 'a strong woman wouldn't have that problem'.  OH Puulleeasse! Gag me. Since when is it up to a female to be strong. Girls, yes, we are a strong species.... we have a protective and nurturing nature about us when it comes to our families and what we value. However, our hearts are lovely, beautiful, tender and long for intimacy and adventure.

It is not up to the world, per say, to define our reflection in the mirror. It is what we allow to define our hearts and our minds. Does this surprise you? It shouldn't. The voices we allow ourselves to hear say, 'Try harder', so we bury our hearts and try to get on with life. Yet, that's not the wise thing to do, scriptures tell us that the heart is central.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for is the wellspring of life"  Proverbs 4:23

Your heart is the core of who you are. Your heart as a woman is the most important thing about you. It is what defines your femininity - truly.  Today, as you are folding a load of laundry or doing the dishes... take a moment to ponder on what is in the inner most part of heart. What are your dreams or deepest desires? What makes you shine and radiate beauty? Do not be afraid to take a moment for YOU. You are worth every moment of every day and you are of tremendous value to the world. Without you, the world around you would not be the same.

“You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. -1 Peter 3:4

It's happened...

Well well well. Today I have the case of writer's block. I sit here at my computer thinking, 'what the helk am I going to write about today????' Usually, I have something running through my heart before I even sit down to the computer... and it usually just comes pouring out. But today, all I can think about is the rain, the crazy weird dreams I was having last night (and NO... I am NOT prego.. in case some of you were wondering), and well, gosh, I haven't had lunch yet so what am I gonna have? But doesn't it ever make you wonder if our minds as women will have have a moment to just 'stop'? As if we'll ever take the moment that sits right in from of us to just -stop thinking-??  Ummmm..... not in this lifetime!  HA! Isn't it true though? We're known for our multi-tasking skills and how we somehow manage to balance the whole world on our shoulders.
Even so, we have so many balls that we are managing in the air, if just one person tried to catch one of those balls - - our whole world would crumble into little eetsy beetsy pieces. It would wouldn't it...  that's just how we are. Yet, in the midst of that, our hearts are longing to just be held and told that it's all going to be ok. That no matter what life seems to throw at us faster than a speeding bullet, it's really going to be alright.

You see, that's what we want to hear. That's what we need to know. Our hearts were made to love and to nurture. Our minds do not slow down to hear the 'it's ok', our minds are racing to BE the it's ok. But do you want to know what's so great about how our hearts and minds operate? We were created to be like that. We were!  We possess a heart that just overflows with the need to pour out love and to nurture, yet, we also need it. We were created to love and be loved. To be beautiful and reveal beauty. God gave us the ability to show love yet need His love. His love is what provides everlasting fullfillment in who we are and what purpose we were created for. He is what makes it all 'ok' in our lives regardless of what is being thrown at us. As he promises, 'cast your cares upon the Lord and he will bring you rest'. 

When you need a moment to let your busy mind to wander, let Him have your cares and your heart. Allow him to renew your mind and your heart. Without a renewed heart and mind, it can be difficult to focus on the woman you were meant to be. You are a vision, you really are. Show the world who you are with a clear heart and mind and then watch how you change the world around you. Put on one of your favorite outfits, try on a new lipstick or that nail polish! Now, put on that gorgous smile before you step out your front door... your best day yet is on the horizon.

Calling all women!

What do you see when you look into the eyes of a child? Really... There is something truly magnificent about looking into the eyes of a child and knowing that our creater had a breathtaking image in mind. HIS image. In fact I look into the eyes of my son and I am constantly reminded of how perfect and pure he is regardless of how much drool he has surrounding his mouth and how his nose is full of snot. Just because he's teething and has every possible fluid exploding out of him, he's perfect in every way. He doesn't know any better. And then when he catches my eye with that four-toothed smile.... it makes my heart melt. God is good.

This innocence and pure heart is exactly what God intended for us as we walk our lives with him. Every child is born with this kind of heart and it is this heart and purity that God desires for us and his children as well. Scripture is chalk full of examples of how he wishes for us to have the 'heart of a child' when it comes to our faith and our desire for the things of God.
"Let the children come to me. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."  Mark 10:14
Jesus wanted us to know that the faith of a child is highly desirable to God because their hearts and minds have not been corrupted by the mind of the world but completely pure with love for Christ. This is the very heart that God desires of us. To love him and put our faith in him without hesitancy or restraint.

As Mother's Day was just yesterday, I'm sure many women were celebrated for their nuturing and loving hearts. If you are a mother or about to be a mother, take a moment to look into your child's eyes or even imagine looking into your child's eyes... their eyes are full of love - for you. Purely and innocently. Even if they are older and don't always feel like they looovvveee you..... rest assured Mom, in their heart of hearts - they love you. A LOT.  As does Jesus Christ. More than you know.

So, ladies, as you read this.... you are remarkable. As a woman, a wife, fiance, girlfriend, friend, daughter, sister, grandmother, and yes... mother. Keep shining because you are loved!

Ever wondered what would happen if you were able to be a fly on the wall in your school, in your place of work or even in your own home? First of all, knowing me and my clumsiness, I wouldn't even last on the wall! HA! Oh wait, did I say that out loud? Anywho... back on track here. I've had moments where I often wonder this. I guess it comes from watching that all too famous movie that I watch every Christmas - It's a Wonderful Life. Ever seen it? Ahh!! It gets me everytime I watch it. You've gotta see it, just once... for me.

It's about a man named George Bailey who takes over his father's financial business when he passes away. Well, there's a money-hungry banker in town who's always had his greedy eyes on George's bank. When George winds up in business trouble thanks to his Uncle, he's at a complete and desperate loss. He jumps off a bridge only to be rescued by his guardian angel, Clarence.  Clarence takes him through a journey that walks him through his lifetime where he doesn't even exist! How different things were without his existance... now, he winds up praying to God at the end saying he wants his life back because he didn't like seeing where his town and family was without him.

Now, the cool thing about this movie was that George got an unusual gift - he was able to witness what the world around him was like without his presence there. It was not so great... it showed him that he definately had a place in his society and in the lives of the people around him. At the end of the movie, it was Christmas Eve and his lovely wife, Mary, went and gathered people from the community that George had helped over the years with the building and loan company that he ran. As he sat in his living room with his wife and children.... the people came pouring in - with money - to help him keep his business and family afloat. And each and every one of those people had wonderful things to say to him as they walked in to bless him! The funnest part - his angel, Clarence, finally got his wings!

What impact do you make on the people around you - whether you know them or not? If you were a fly on the wall, what would they say about you? Would your world be dramatically different if you did not exist? What kind of legacy do you leave? I have to ask myself the same questions... however, I challenge you to truly take a closer look at what image you are portraying to your significant other, your children, your family, friends, co-workers/employer, even strangers. Your actions, your language, even your thoughts. Tricky, isn't it? Even the littlest things make a huge difference! God calls us to purity and holiness... to be a direct reflection of his heart toward his children. As women, we have a unique opportunity to reflect that in such a beautiful and dignified way... so shine on, ladies, shine on!!

Bonus: HILARIOUS!

This is an insert from 'dooce.com':


Observations on in-laws

Me: I thought you understood going into this that we're a glass half empty kind of family.


Jon. No, no, no, no, no.

Me: Why are you shaking your head like that?

Jon: Because I did think you guys were glass half empty people, when in reality all of you are THE GLASS IS TOTALLY EMPTY people.

Me: I see your point, but when the glass really is empty we aren't disappointed. We're like, see? We like to be right.

Jon: And then the longer I know all of you I realize that if you even talk about the glass, the glass will explode.

Me: Which is why I'm protectively covering my head while having this conversation with you.

Quiet please!!

As I sit in my quiet living room to eat my breakfast... I smile. This is nice. It makes me appreciate the moments that I get like this when the babe is resting peacefully without a battle (yea!!) and I get a little bit of down time to relax and enjoy the peace of knowing that yes, I am capable of being a good mom and feeling confident in that. Even more... feeling confident in my womanhood. Does that sound weird? 'Womanhood'?  It shouldn't. We women do a lot in our daily lives. That's not to say, "I am woman, hear me roar!!". No, not at all. But what I am saying is, take pride and blessing in being a woman and possessing a feminine heart.
I used to think before I even became pregnant that I could possibly lose myself in motherhood and being a wife. That I would drown in the responsibilites of everything that suggested and forget what made me - ME.
The truth of the matter is that whether you are a mother or not, celebrate who you are as an individual, your character, personality, your talents and gifts, your nurturing heart, your passions, even your quirks. Yes, I know you have some of those, too, so don't kid yourself.  ;)

So, based on that, when I was pregnant with my son I made a purposeful effort to allow myself to enjoy who I was - even with prego brain! But now that I have these moments to reflect and relish my time like this, I appreciate those efforts even more. Yet, maybe you don't think you have any traits or gifts about yourself to enjoy... you sure do! You might just have to take a few moments to allow yourself to think about what your heart truly finds joy in. Maybe they are things that are a little more unorthodox or uncommon - which is completely wonderful, too. That's what makes you incredibly amazing! God did not make mistakes when he created you. Scripture states that you are fearfully and wonderfully made - really!!

Take a few moments and revel at YOU. Write a list if you need to and hang it on the refrigerator or on your mirror so that you see it and see it often. It will remind you daily of how fantastic and fabulous you are.

Much Love, mel

Stubborn as a mule

I sometimes wonder if payback is really as cracked up to be as they say it is.... cause if it is, I'm in for a real dousey! (wince) As I'm what feels like constantly struggling to put my son down for a nap, it occurs to me (funny how I get this right around Mother's Day) that as my son is less than a peach with going to sleep during daylight hours, I was about as sour as a bad apple to my own mother as a kid. My, God must  have some serious hindsight for me. As I'm trying to train my son that 'night-night' means GO TO SLEEP, I'm recollecting the conversation my mother and I had on the phone not too recently where she said, "you might just have to pray for patience".  That in my mind is a recipe for disaster! Why? You might ask... it has been known from many a conversation I have had with believers and non-believers in Christ that I've known that when one asks God for patience.... it is tested to the BRINK!  as I chuckle... is it really something I need to be tested with? Can't God just grant me patience when I need it? Gosh, why do things always have to be so difficult? I've always had to learn things the hard way it seems. And no.. this is not me having a pity party or just complaining. This is me saying, 'hey - wake up and smell the roses!'  - - - to myself.

Honestly, everything comes with a lesson in life. My son, is that lesson. Where's the significance here? Well, I'll tell you.  :)   Even though at the very moment I am listening to the baby monitor waiting for my son to quit wailing for me to come and get him but rather for him to get tired of waiting and just lie back down and go to sleep.... I am thinking of patience and how I keep telling myself to not go to the place of frustration.... again. God is whispering to me to continue to love that little boy and that patience comes with persistance. He's also telling me that I am the very mother that that little monkey in there needs and that God created me just for him and vise versa. Never mind his stubborn as a mule personna. Scripture says to 'Train a child as they should go and they will not wander.' So, with scripture in my heart and on my tongue, and love as my guidance I will be the mother that God has made me to be and train my child in the way he should go.

What does God say to you about your weaknesses? No matter where you are in your life, your weakness if overcome do not break you but make you.... that is if you give them to God to mold for his likeness. I challenge you to take your weaknesses by the horns and channel them to positiveness. Change your world and change your life.

With Love, mel