Picked

We all want to be loved. We all want to be chosen. We want to approved. We want to be accepted. We want to be picked. We want to know that we are included. We want to know that we are important. It’s only natural. What if I told you that you are loved? What if I told you that you are special and one of a kind?You are the apple of God’s eye. You are one of God’s creations picked to live and exist in such a time as this. You have a purpose. You were bought with a price. You were picked.

Abundant Life

The bible speaks about God's ability to bless us abundantly. God's love is described as being abounding. God’s desire for our life is the exceedingly abundant. How do we get to live the life that God desires for us? Follow God’s word. Heed his instruction. Make prayerful decisions. Seek the counsel of elders. Ask for wisdom. Wait for godly answers. Accept the consequences of past decisions and make an effort to be a good steward moving forward. The abundant life is within reach, but it does require you to do things differently. Change is how we get to live the life God desires for us. Acceptance is the path to the abundant life. Obedience is the key to successfully navigating God’s will for our lives, because it won’t always make sense. God uses the foolish to confound the wise. Trust the plan, but more importantly, trust God.

Affirm

Happy Valentine's Day! For many, this is a day to affirm the love and affection they share with a loved one. For others, this is a day to affirm their love and affection towards themselves. Whether you are single or in a relationship, take the time to affirm yourself. You are beautiful. You are handsome. You are worthy. You are loved. You are gifted. You are driven. You deserve love. You deserve the best. Celebrate you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are God's unique design. Love every part of you. Affirm you. 

Accept

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."- Reinhold Niebuhr

I've always loved the simplicity of the serenity prayer. I've struggled with accepting the things I cannot change. I've struggled with not being in control. I've struggled with my will versus God's will. Sometimes, what I've wanted has superseded what I needed and resulted in very difficult lessons. My prayer is that I accept that which I cannot control and that which I cannot change. I trust God. My peace comes from God. It is the peace of God that allows me to accept and rest in his promises. It is the peace of God that allows me to accept.