a love WITH life

 I tell my soul to love the Lord WITH all my heart, WITH all my mind, WITH all my strength.

For as far as the east is from the west, so has the Lord separated us from our sins. And as high as the heavens are above the earth, so strong is His love for us!!!

He has conquered death! His love comes with an unshakable life. Yes we all die and wither away at the end…but we rise above that with Jesus, for He has risen above all things!

Let this be a truth to hold onto. Let His life that comes WITH His love empower us.

Psalm 103 MSG

^1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
   O my soul, bless God,
      don't forget a single blessing!

 ^3-5 He forgives your sins—every one.
      He heals your diseases—every one.
      He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
      He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
      He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
      He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.

 ^6-18 God makes everything come out right;
      he puts victims back on their feet.
   He showed Moses how he went about his work,
      opened up his plans to all Israel.
   God is sheer mercy and grace;
      not easily angered, he's rich in love.
   He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,
      nor hold grudges forever.
   He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
      nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
   As high as heaven is over the earth,
      so strong is his love to those who fear him.
   And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
      he has separated us from our sins.
   As parents feel for their children,
      God feels for those who fear him.
   He knows us inside and out,
      keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
   Men and women don't live very long;
      like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
   But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
      leaving nothing to show they were here.
   God's love, though, is ever and always,
      eternally present to all who fear him,
   Making everything right for them and their children
      as they follow his Covenant ways
      and remember to do whatever he said.

 ^19-22 God has set his throne in heaven;
      he rules over us all. He's the King!
   So bless God, you angels,
      ready and able to fly at his bidding,
      quick to hear and do what he says.
   Bless God, all you armies of angels,
      alert to respond to whatever he wills.
   Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
      everything and everyone made by God.

   And you, O my soul, bless God!

a life WITH love

I walked Back Bay one stunning morning a few weeks ago. By about the second mile mark, my pace became quite careless. I saw an older woman (looked about 70), moving right along with a great glowing smile...and eventually passed me! I thought: “hey, if she can keep her pace up steadily, then so can I!” I did just that, for the final mile stretch. It was a simple encouragement to my heart. Truly a beautiful example……

When we trek up next to a fellow walker, anticipation forms. As we share the trail, encouraging words naturally develop. We have been made for human interaction. No matter how many ways we may try test out isolation…in the end we realize that community is vital. Friendship is necessary. 

 There are several precious women in my life, who have been so much for me in just the past year alone. It amazes me how the Lord carried us in our past to be who we are today. He has delightfully positioned them as sisters for me, and I for them.

I am an earthling with the Spirit living in my soul. And Father God has intensely planned out for me to be in fellowship with Him as an individual and as a member of the Body. 

We are held together with Him; sealed by our Beloved

Jesus says it the best: I have eagerly desired to break this bread WITH you. (Luke 22:15)