Love - Creating in Faith

  I was going to write a long piece about the different types of love and the way in which we love our family and friends, but looking at Corinthians 14:4-7 it shows us quite simply the qualities of love.

Love is patient

love is kind.

It does not envy,

it does not boast,

it is not proud.

It does not dishonour 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 

This is a very useful measuring stick that removes doubt and confusion we can clearly see the character and quality of what love is and equally clearly what it isn’t.  Many things over the centuries have been done in the 'name of love', and caused more harm.  But when you start to think about the qualities that are listed in the scripture, you can begin to understand that the thoughts we have and all the terms we use for love don’t really add up to much...

 
What Love isn’t

It does not envy,

it does not boast,

it is not proud.

It does not dishonour others,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

 

What Love is

Love is patient

Love is kind.

Love rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails.

 

Take some time to think not only about how you love others, but equally how you love yourself.  What are you saying about yourself to others?  We can be quick to bring and let ourselves down. Do you keep your promises to yourself, and look after yourself the way you would want someone to care for you?  Take time this week to give it some thought, make the necessary change.  In a nutshell anything less just isn’t Love!

 

.....the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel ...  Collosians 1:5

Gratitudes - Recycling

Recycling

I’ve been able to make so many lovely things by recycling products, paper and also up- cycling materials...

What are you grateful for today?

Authenticity - 52 Weeks of colour and Inspiration

Thought for the week...

The doors are opening, are you ready to walk through? The time is coming - you have put in the hard work, you stayed up late and got up early, you made the sacrifices and carried on making your mark despite the circumstances. The time has come for you to look back at where you came from, look at all your achievements, no matter how small, you have come a long way!

Life is like music: it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. ...Samuel Butler 

"...those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:10

Spirit - Creating in Faith (Happy Mothers Day)

My mother has always had a very loving spirit and nature, always wanting to ensure that the needs of others were taken care of before she thought of herself.  Despite the many hardships she faced from first arriving in the UK to start a new life in 1962 with her husband Kenneth Lloyd Trought.  Raising 3 children and going on to see 5 grandchildren.  She still remains strong in spirit. Her humour and understanding is what sets her apart, and as a mother she worked tirelessly so that her children wouldn't lack, and I have seen the impact that she has made in each of our lives, and still continues to.  Despite the things she didn't have she maintained her grace and believed in God for his provision. 

During my father’s 5 year illness she never looked on her role as a chore, but she care for him until the end always concerned for his well-being.  Mum has taught me much as a mother myself about responsibility, unconditional love and remaining true to who I have been called to be as a child of God.  With the holy spirit that dwells within me and I too have known that whatever I go through, I am never alone and have drawn strength from my belief in God.

To all mothers out there and those who have cared and supported children as if they were your own, your efforts were not unnoticed, and were appreciated.  Your strength and your wisdom is valued and most of all you are so very loved.

Happy Mother’s Day to you, may you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.

My grace is sufficient for thee for My strength is made perfect in weakness.. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own..1 Corinthians 6:19