The Gift of Love

As summer wedding season comes to a close, I enjoy thinking back to all the beautiful weddings that I have been able to be apart of this summer. Pure, young love is truly a beautiful thing in the midst of a broken world. I may be a romantic at heart, but there is something truly special about two people committing to love each other for the rest of their lives.

Although beautiful, it’s easy for me to get caught up in the idea of the dress, the venue, the flowers etc.  As important as those elements are, they are just two small pieces to an ever-larger puzzle. I have to remind myself that true love isn’t shown in the number of bridesmaids you have or how expensive your dress is. It is shown by the way you share God’s love with others. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13: 34-35)

Love can come in many ways, but it isn’t easy to find. If you’re like me, don’t get lost in the beauty of the wedding. Remember the love behind it. A love adorned under God flowing directly from Him. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!” (Ephesians 2:4-5)  We are able to love others because God loved us first. We are saved by grace today and every day! Join me in thanking Him for the gift of love and the beauty that comes with it!

Dream Big

Dreams. We all have them. Some may be big and some may be small, but nevertheless they all mean something special to us. And no, I’m not talking about dreams you have at night when you are sleeping. I am talking about something you have always wanted to do but never thought it would be possible. Disney calls dreams “a wish your heart makes”. Some call dreams “a bucket list”. Others may call them a life goal. But no matter what you call dreams; they all come from a deep-rooted passion that burns inside our soul to fulfill a certain purpose.  This past weekend I got to hear Chris Hodges the pastor of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL. He started a new series called “Dream Again” which inspired this post. (If this topic interests you, I highly recommend watching it online!)

Hodges discussed the importance of dreams in our spiritual lives and made it clear that dreams have the ability to be the language of God. I have always had dreams, but I never thought about writing them down or giving them a second thought because I immediately wrote them off as never being possible. The sermon today made me realize that God is a God with no limits who can do the impossible. “Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." (Luke 18:27) His power knows no end. “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27) Who am I to put a limit on what God can do with my life and with my dreams?

If you get anything out of this, I want to encourage you to dream. Even if it seems silly and never attainable, let God use your dream to show you all the things He can do. Let Him speak to you through your dreams. Trust Him, Seek Him, and Dream Big. You never know what could happen ;)

10 Relaxations Tips

With only 9 days left of the semester and finals coming up, the term ‘busy’ is an understatement. The demands of life become overwhelming and stress is the only emotional state we can remember. That being said, I thought it was only appropriate to put together a list of ideas to help you relax and free your mind. Enjoy! :)  

10 Relaxation Tips

1.    Read a scripture. The Word ALWAYS lifts me up! Remember God is in control and His plan is perfect :)
2. Say a prayer. Reach out to God if you feel overwhelmed. He is ready and willing to hear our concerns. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
3. Sleep. You may think you can make it with 2 hours of sleep, but our bodies are simply not made to work that way. You need your rest, so go ahead & take that powernap :)
4. Call a friend. Friends always help when you feel overloaded and they probably can relate to your stress.
5.  Exercise.  Exercise produces natural endorphins that make you feel more calm and energized. Plus, it’s good for you :)
6. Just breathe. Take a minute, take some deep breaths, and remember the end is near!
7. Take a hot bath.  Use your favorite scented bubble bath, lean back, and forget your worries.
8. Bake cookies. Red velvet, snicker doodle, and gingerbread are great holiday flavors to try.
9.  Drink green/herbal tea. Green tea not only is soothing and
   relaxing, but is also packed with healthy antioxidants.
10. Fake it till you make it. Attitude is key! If you think you are going to fail then you probably will. Stay positive. Stay focused. Keep the faith. You got this!