the way of love.

A drop of love is more than an ocean of knowledge.

“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.  If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all His mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, ‘jump,’ and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.  If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.  So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always ‘me first,’
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies.  Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit.  We know only a portion of the Truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete.  But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1-10 (The Message)

flannel shirts & the art of listening

One of the things God has been opening my eyes to more and more lately is the concept of truly listening. I think learning more about how to listen has the potential to revolutionize our relationships.  I think it’s something that takes patience, time, God’s grace, and lots of practice.  I’m not claiming to be an expert on this one, but I do want to learn how to relate to people in a better way.

When someone we know comes to us and honestly shares a challenging situation, I think sometimes we can easily rush and quickly offer a ‘scripture verse fix’ or immediately want to pray with them for ‘breakthrough.’  I’m not downplaying this in any way, but I think the key is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s timing.

What if the person hurting just needs you to be there?  What if they just need to know they’re not alone?  What if they just need you to understand?  If there isn’t a level of trust and sincerity, is that Bible verse really going to ‘soak in’ and resonate with that person?  In some cases, I think it could be more effective to pray that verse over them when they come to mind in your own personal prayer time.  In other cases, it may be totally appropriate to share God’s Word or offer to pray with them.  Again though, I think it’s all about timing and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I think the art of listening takes flexibility. It’s not forceful, it’s not intruding, it’s not offensive, it’s not selfish.  The best kind of listening is bathed in just plain love. It’s caring, it’s understanding, it’s patient.

Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us when we come across someone who just really needs a loving, listening ear. Let’s allow Him to be the one that speaks.  I don’t ever want to ‘assume’ the role of the Holy Spirit.  I just want to be a vessel that is sensitive to Him and can aid in His healing process.  Ultimately, the Lord is the only One who can heal.

On a side note, I discovered that guys’ flannel shirts are like the best things ever.  My friend from Fuller let me borrow one, and I realized how cozy they are!  I bought one of my own today in the mens’ clothing section at Target and I am so in love haha.  They’re great to sleep in or just throw on when you’re at home.  I highly recommend them!

Have a wonderful night.  Let’s keep in step with the Spirit day by day and allow Him to be our Leader.

destined for greatness

One of my friends from Fuller shared this quote yesterday.  It’s a good reminder to be on guard for the enemy’s deception and then to be proactive about refuting him with the Truth found in God’s Word.

“Silent the devil when he speaks about your past failures, your inadequacies, or your blotches – they don’t define you. If you are a child of God, you are destined for greatness.” – Phil Chan

“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Phil. 1:6

leadership inspiration

I wanted to share these great points about worship ministry & leadership from my friend David Santistevan in Pittsburgh, PA.  He’s the Worship/Young Adult Pastor at Allison Park Church.  Check it out!  I am very challenged and inspired by these thoughts…

10 “What-If’s” for Worship Leaders to Ask:

• What if I spent an undistracted hour in God’s presence before I went to lead worship?
• What if I spent an entire rehearsal simply worshiping with my team?
• What if I spent more time memorizing Scripture than listening to new music?
• What if I spent a little time everyday practicing and sharpening my musical craft?
• What if I prayed daily for the congregation that I lead?
• What if I admitted I’m not the best at everything and allowed other musicians/singers to rise up?
• What if we had band prayer after worship in order to cement the truth that our acceptance before God isn’t based on our performance but because we’re his children?
• What if we intentionally applied the truth of every song that we sing?
• What if we experimented with worship services without music?
• What if I tuned into the Holy Spirit’s voice as I led worship?

salsa dancing!

So tonight I went salsa dancing with some friends for the very first time ever at The Granada in Alhambra, CA.  Getting ready for the night was so much fun… I bought red lipstick, a flower for my hair, slipped on some heels, and completed my sleek black dress with a silver medallion belt.

When we got to the Granada, they were having dance lessons to prepare for the night.  Then at 9:30, a live band came.  It was about a 10-piece mainly percussion driven ensemble.  The music was done so well!  The band was comprised of all guys – it was fun to watch them dance while they were playing.  You could tell they were having a good time, too!

Since it was my first time, I definitely needed some ‘coaching.’  A really nice Cuban guy taught me the basic steps, and then once the music started to get going, everything came together.  In salsa dancing, the men are responsible for leading and they tend to guide you through everything.  This made it much easier for a first time salsa girl! I was so impressed by the Mexican and Cuban culture represented there.  The guys were such gentlemen and everyone was having a genuine good time. I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire night!

I know there are different views about dancing in the Church, but for me, it is so beautiful.  It’s freeing and expressive. I felt like I came alive tonight in a way that I never have before.  I was able to express the joy that was in my heart (and be a little sassy, too!)  I will never forget tonight.

Let’s not take life too seriously.  Christ has come to set us free from bondage, sorrow, and the troubles of this world.  We are way too blessed to be depressed!  Let’s walk in the freedom that He freely gives us.  Our chains are gone!

the fab 5

I had a wonderful night last night hanging out with some pretty awesome friends.  We seriously talked about everything.. it was really great.  One of the things we talked about was the “Five Love Languages” book by Gary Chapman.  Have you ever read it?

Maybe this is a little extreme, but I think so much in this world (and in the church) would be solved if we just learned HOW to love each other more.  It’s something that we’re called to do.. Jesus placed a very high importance on loving one another.

The Greatest Commandment

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating.  Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

“Well said, teacher,” the man replied.  ”You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.  To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. – Mark 12:28-34

But how do we really ACT and LIVE out love?  We can say “I love you” as many times as we breathe, but if our actions and other words aren’t following suit, there is a disconnect.  I want to make it a focus in my life to learn HOW to love people – individually as they are.  I think deep down, everyone wants to be appreciated, known, noticed, and loved.  You can make someone’s day brighter by expressing your love to them somehow.  You can also change the most difficult situation upside down in a positive way if you approach it in love.

Here’s the list of the 5 love languages.  I found these definitions on “The Five Love Languages” website.  Check it:

1.  Words of Affirmation – Actions don’t always speak louder than words.  If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward.  Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

2.  Quality Time – In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention.  Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved.  Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

3.  Receiving Gifts – Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift.  If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you.  A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

4.  Acts of Service – Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love?  Absolutely!  Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes.  The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.”  Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

5.  Physical Touch – This language isn’t all about the bedroom.  A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy.  Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love.  Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Lots to think about.. what is your primary love language?  I want to know so I can express it to you!

staying in love & dreaming, part II

Today, I just found out that one of my college roommates is pregnant!  I also wanted to share that I finally bought my very first acoustic guitar last night!  I think I will have a separate series on that… more to come!

I too am looking forward to the day when I will be married and will be able to have children.  I was so happy to hear the news from my friend!

I was talking to my best art sister last night, and she said something really funny.  We always tease that our husbands are best friends, too, and that they are probably out in the jungle being missionaries, going on adventures, and spreading the Gospel somewhere together.  But mine will have a guitar strapped across his back because I love musicians so much.. too funny.  She told me that he is probably “serenading the monkeys” out in the jungle.  I laughed so hard - what a thought.

For now, as I’m waiting to meet this amazing man, the Lord has comforted me with the promises in Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I know this is a pretty common and well-known scripture, but it really resonated with me today.  The Lord always knows how to speak to our hearts and how to reach us.

As I am waiting for this new season to come, I will stay in love with Jesus and put my relationship with Him first.  I will also dream about the future and trust fully that He has good, amazing plans in store. Maybe someday I’ll be out there “serenading the monkeys” in the jungle right next to him… who knows?  I have a feeling we are going to have some pretty amazing, crazy-awesome adventures together.

For now, I will be God’s Adventurer (yea MCM & SOS!) on my own and keep looking up to Him for love, guidance, direction, and patience.  He is good!

a day I’ll never forget…

 

We love you Punxsy Phil!  And I love you, best art sister!