Love

It's almost Valentine's Day, and everyone is giddy with excitement. =] Here is a writing assignment I did a few months ago, I thought it was appropriate for this time of year.



“I love you.” This is a phrase commonly used, especially during Valentines Day. However, people take delight in saying it year around. Often times it looses its meaning as it is used to describe feelings toward objects as well as people. Love is a word which is nowadays abused as a common word. Looking deeper at the word love, it is evident that there is more to this word than meets the eye. A clearer understanding of love can be found by examining its definition, the five love languages, and some excellent examples of true love.

In today's society, love is defined in so many different ways, it quickly looses its true meaning. In the dictionary love is defined as “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.” Obviously the original meaning was meant towards a person, not an object. It is the immense liking of another person that grows into the word “love”. In the Bible, love is defined in this way in I John 4:10: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” God has a passionate love for us, so much that He let His only Son die for us. The definition of love began with God himself, as He created the world, and sent His Son.

Another way to examine love is presented by a Christian writer, Gary Chapman, and he explains that there are five main ways of expressing love. He calls them the five love languages. The first is words of affirmation, meaning the act of giving a compliment, or encouragement. The second is quality time, spending time with those you love, and showing them how much you care. The third is giving gifts, expressing your appreciation towards a person. The fourth is acts of service, going out of your way to provide aid to a person. The fifth language is physical touch, which is giving hugs or a shoulder to lean on. The five love languages presents a clear look of what love means.

Finally, there are many examples of love throughout history that show true love. The best example of love is when Jesus died for us. By doing this, He showed what true love is, laying down your life for someone else. Another example is much more recent, but still relevant. In 1979, Chuck Colson started a ministry called Prison Fellowship, because he felt a love for inmates and their families. History reveals a picture of how people from long ago defined love, and how they demonstrated this love.

Now that love has been defined, sorted into five love languages, and expressed through history, it is easier to see what love really is. The dictionary tell us how love is a strong feeling of affection towards someone. By exploring the five love languages, it can be seen how to express this love. Then, searching through history, it can be found how people all around the word value love. Everyone wants to be loved, and have a true understanding of what love really is.

Heroes

^^ My heroes
It has been a very busy week, and I am enjoying looking forward to a nice, calm weekend. I hope... =]
Remember, God made you special, and He loves you VERY much!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. --I Chronicles 16:34

Courage

Update on teen class at church:

David and Goliath. A popular story about courage, faith, and willing to do God's will. However, there is more to the story, as we all know by now. When David saw how the Israelites were terrified of the Philistine's giant, he was shocked, and probably angry. His words, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" This young man, who was a shepheard, and only a little brother... saying things of such wisdom and maturity. The Israelites could not remember that they had a champion on their side even greater and stronger than the Philistine giant. David remembered however, and he was able to bring the Israelites to victory because of his obedience to God's commands. He stood tall in the face of adversity, and didn't back down, even when the situation looked hopeless.

I have seen so many of you stand up for what you believe. I've seen you battle your own giants. I've see you conquer. Thanks for being that encouragment for me.

Memories

I have been reading Like Gold Refined, a book by Janette Oke. The characters were talking about memories and Clark Davis says, “Treasure 'em. The days when yer young and spry- an' hardworkin'... Ya don't really have time to treasure 'em when yer rushin' about. But at least set 'em down as a memories so that ya can pull 'em out an' treasure 'em later.”

Sometimes I feel like I'm always rushing, never taking time to really stop and look at my life. What do I want to remember most years from now? Sometimes at the rate I'm going, I think won't remember anything, and it will all be a blur. I don't want that to happen. It's hard to make time to spend time with the people you love, to create memories with them. But it is well worth it (and you can probably get an amen for that from your grandparents. =]) It comes down to the great commission. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." --Matthew 28:19-20

What are we doing with our time here on earth? How can I spend it to make the most of every opportunity to spread God's love with others?

When I look back to when I was younger, I remember mostly, all the fun stuff that I did with my family. How they spent so much time teaching me how to love, care, and respect others. They are still teaching me, as well as all my fantastic friends from SL and elsewhere. Sometimes I can be stubborn and hard to get along with. (ask my family... =D) Somehow, they all stick by my though, and for that, I am VERY grateful.

As I continue making memories, God, please remind me to slow down, and enjoy even the smallest things you placed here on earth. Thank you for everyone who has stood by me, even through the storms.

A Lesson From David

In my teen class at church we just started a Bible study on David. Right now we're at the very beginning, when Saul disobeys God and Samuel has to search for someone to anoint as the new king. The Bible describes David as handsome , brave, and it says that the Lord was with Him. David's gentle spirit, his courage, and understanding of God's commands stands out to me. It makes you want to be like him.

We also read a very encouraging verse in I Samuel 16, when Samuel is searching for a king. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." In this day and age it's hard to keep from only looking at the outward appearance. Thankfully, God never changes, and will continue to look at our hearts, no matter what we look like on the outside.

What am I here for?

What am I here for?

That is a question a lot of us ask. Softly and tenderly Jesus reminds me daily of the great commission, and how we as Christians are sent out to spread the good news of eternal life.

Remember this verse:
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. --Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 121

Where is God when we need Him? He's waiting right here, with us, to take us by the hand.

I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you, the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
--Psalm 121