the beginning of love

"the beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image.

otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them."

-thomas merton

clarify

"Clarify your purpose. What is the why behind everything you do? When we know this in life or design it is very empowering and the path becomes clear." -Jack Canfield 

"He loved us not because we are lovable, but because He is love."
(C.S. Lewis)

"Now then, stand still and see this great thing that the Lord is about to do before your eyes!" 
(1 Samuel 12:16)

Some days, life is CRAZY and some days, I have three different to-do lists to complete. Some days, it takes about 7 cups of coffee. That's how it needs to be if I'm ever going to change the world. Right?

Here's the thing: it is so insanely easy for me to get wrapped up in my own work and my efforts and my small corner of the world.

God is about to do great things before our very eyes. It's good and important to work towards our dreams and goals. But sometimes? Sometimes, we need to stand still and allow ourselves to be awestruck in the presence of our Savior and Redeemer. And while we're going about our crazy Mondays, remember to open your eyes to see and feel how Jesus is moving in the midst of all that caffeinated chaos. Because it is happening. And I don't want to miss it.

FEAR

Fear. Everyone's experienced it. Even those who appear to be constantly strong and brave. Fear begins as a thought. Something you were previously so excited about takes on a different tone and all of a sudden, you begin to doubt your capabilities. What if. Those two words begin to rise up and clench their fists on the steering wheel of your mind. What if I fail? What if I get hurt? What if? The fear that started out as a twinge begins to turn into a swirling inferno, a fire that consumes every shred of hope that stands in its way. There's an ache in the pit of your stomach. You feel as though you are frozen in time. Paralyzed. And you have no idea what to do about these voices in your head that continually dictate what you can and cannot do. So, you give in and give up. You stop taking on challenges. You stop saying yes and start saying I don't think so. Saddest of all, you stop growing.

Fear. Over time, it turns into a dull throbbing sensation in your heart. Sometimes you forget it's there because of how quiet it is. But it's always there. Eating away at your confidence. Telling you that you can't. That you never will.

But those voices in your head? They don't know you. They don't own you.

And one day? One day, you'll realize that you have imposed these limitations on yourself. One day, you'll tell the voices to simmer down and you will relight the fire in your heart that knows exactly how special and capable you are. On that day, you'll realize that failure is a part of living and that it's not as bad as you once thought. You'll be able to walk with your head up and your spirits raised. You have a powerful God. He's on your side and he won't let your feet slip. You have a passion that He gave you and a specific set of skills to fulfill your dreams. So go for it, darling. Don't hold back EVER. You CAN do it. And it will be marvelous.

I give myself permission to fail. I have permission to look stupid and mess up and make mistakes. I have nothing to fear.