The Woman In Me...

I've had the chance to really observe my closest friends the last few days, and I came to the overwhelming conclusion that all of us are different...I know, what a revelation right? :)

All of us have these different types of woman inside all of us, none are better than the other, none are more important than the other...in fact we all mix quite nicely together.  We all have different ways we need to be loved, cared for, talked to, listened to, laughed with, etc.  What's good to know is we have a God who loves us more then anyone ever could.  Someone said to me today, "If God is for me, then who can be against me?"  And I thought that was so true!

Sometimes as women, we feel the need to compare ourselves to each other; stacking ourselves up against one another.  When instead we should be appreciating the very essence which makes us all different.  Im so grateful we have a God who made us all differently, I personally would get bored with a world full of look-a-likes...so the next time you try to compare yourself to your friend, know that you have a God who sees you for you...Let your light shine friends...let Jesus be the reflection you give off, because that is truly beautiful...

Love and Peace,

G

World's Collide...

Have you ever been in a situation when someone's world collides with your own?  It can be with a new friend, a new boss, a new co-worker, a boyfriend/girlfriend.  We live our lives as if we are the lead characters, that is, until we meet someone else whose world is just as entertaining as our own...

I had the chance to go to a wedding this past weekend, and I couldn't help but think how scary and exciting it is to be a part of someone's world besides your own.  And in return for them to be a part of yours.  What part of ourselves are we willing to compromise, in order to be a part of it?

I've seen relationships blossom, because the new world in which they're entering is helpful, it's uplifting, it allows room for growth.  But I have also seen people enter a world of temporary satisfaction, nights of blacking out, and even broken hearts.  Both worlds can be very exciting, something you've never seen or experienced before.  But in the act of going into a new world, what are we in fact looking for?  Is it contenment, someone to fill that loneliness, a friend, a party, laughter, a drinking buddy, a best friend?  What is it you're looking for?

So I challenge you!  That whatever world you enter, go in knowing what you're getting yourself into...

Love and Peace,

G

My Teacher...

Today I attended a memorial service for my friend Cynthia Wheat.  And while I am saddened by the loss, I'm encouraged that she is in heaven with my Lord even now.  Cynthia would call me her teacher; and I never understood how I could teach someone who was more experienced then I in ALL areas of life.  We studied the Bible together, looked deeper, prayed harder.  And while I can no longer be in her presence, I feel her legacy with every part of my being.  She encouraged me to always ask questions, never give up, always be honest and genuine. 

I wrote a note to Cynthia, which I never had the chance to give to her...this is a little of how it went...

Dear Cynthia,
Thank you for loving me.  Thank you for making me feel beautiful and intelligent.  I pray that I could have the ounce of strength you have; I believe you have the strength to move the mountains.  You've left such an impact on me, and I wanted to tell you that you not only have an effect on your family, but on the all the people that come in contact with you.  I pray for you and your daughters always, thank you for showing me how to love harder...I love you, MY teacher...

We may hope to have impact on other people's live, but more times then not, it's the others who impact on us...Cynthia showed me how to have strength despite adversity, to say, "I love you," more often, and to embrace everyone around me...she may have thought I was her teacher, but in fact, it was her who was mine...

I love you sweet friend, I'll see youone day in paradise...

Love and Peace,

G

Falling Head Over Feet...

Recently I've noticed the greatness of being a follower of Jesus Christ.  Nothing is more freeing, purposeful, and straight-forward then Jesus.  There is nothing deceiving about Him, He won't lie to you, and He won't drag you down.  It's so refreshing to have a Lord who wants a personal relationship with me, He cares for me, He loves me, He is jealous to spend time with me.  I want nothing more then to be near his presence daily...

It seems like things are falling apart around you, nothing is working out the way you planned; and you just want explanations.  In Jeremiah 29:13 it says, "If you seek Me, you will find Me, if you search for Me with all your heart."  God is there, in our midst daily He is waiting to speak to us...In such an unconsistent world, it's great to know I have such a consistnent God...We all go through relationships that fail, but God offers a relationship that is everlasting...falling head over feet has never been better...

Be still and KNOW that He is God brothers and sisters...

Love and Peace,

G 

World Spins Madly On...

Do you ever wake up and wish you were still dreaming? I do all the time time. I wish I could take the time to be with all of you, to even think of you. But I notice that the world spins madly on...

Today I was at home reading everyone's comments, and I got the feeling that the whole world was moving and I was standing still. And usually I don't feel that way; but today was different...do you ever get that feeling?

I pray that as our worlds spin madly on, that we take the time to tell each other hello...

Love and Peace,

G

The Truth About Me...

I've come to know myself a little better the last couple of days. And while it's scary, and not always what you'd like to see; it's also freeing and very enlightening. I was disappointed this weekend; but by being bummed out, I also found out the good which was inside me all along. I got to see the truth about me...I encourage you to write a list of things which describe you...I bet you that you will admire yourself a little more...I did:)...

The Truth About Me:
1.When everyone disapproves with what you do; I'll be the one who will try to agree...

2. When the world gets a little dark, I hope to be the light you'd see...

3. When I go too long without seeing you, I'll be at your door...

4. When you're up against a battle, I'll be by your side, ready to knock em' down...

5. Know you're in my heart for good, it's the one thing I know how to do...

6. I know how to be there for you...

7. I'll look deeper into a person, and find something that no one else sees...

8. I have a wonderful mix of bravery and compassion...

9. I'm introspective and extroverted at the same time...

10. I'm full of boundless energy...

11. I'm upbeat, enthusiastic, hopeful perseverant and childlike...

12. Although I struggle, I never give up...

There's a quote I have written in one of my many journals, and I've always held on to it's words...

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."
~ Unknown

Keep going friends, life is hard, its a bummer, but I know hope is whispering, "Keep going, try it one more time..." Don't be discouraged, the journey may be tough, but I'm sure the Lord is going to reveal just how great you are...He did that for me.

Love and Peace,

G

Moving Past The Disappointments...

Today I had a real bummer day in regards to the people I thought I knew. And then it began to dawn on me...how well do we really know each other? I may call someone a friend, yet they might not consider me one, or I may think I'm close to someone, but they might consider me an acquaintance. And then I thought again...am I being a friend, or someone who doesn't represent love at all?

I know I get bummed out when I don't understand the people I have relationships with; but then again, maybe I shouldn't put that much pressure on that relationship...

I was disappointed in a friend today. And while I was angry and saddened by what this person did, I realized that I had no room to judge; or to have an opinion on the situation. It's God alone who knows people's hearts. And while I feel He knows mine by heart, I need to trust in Him that these certain ordeals will work out in the end. If I remained stuck in the disappointments of life, the lost of trust between friends, and the lack of love in relationships, I would never grow. But if I can move past the disappointments, then I know there will be growth. Not only in the relationships I share, but with the God who grants me grace daily. The Lord said, "Be holy for I am holy..." I'm gonna try to move past the disappointments life has to offer, and try to live a holy life...I just have to remind myself, one step at a time...

Love and Peace,

G

Gravity, Always Keeping Me Down...

There's a song by Sara Bareilles called "Gravity," and to me it's one of those quintessential songs that has to be a part of every playlist I've made. I've always felt it was a sort of a love song.


But then I remembered the So You Think You Can Dance Performance to this song; and Mia Michael's(choreographer) interpretation was completely different. She took the song meaning and felt like it had to do with addiction. And as I watched the piece being brought to life on stage my eyes began to well up, and my heart began to ache. I could see how often an addiction is like gravity. It brings you down, causes you to continually go back to something unhealthy and harmful. And then I began to think of my friends who have been addicted to anything at anytime in their lives. Whether it be drugs, alcohol, sex, men, women, friends, etc. I started to think about all the times I myself have tried to escape from things which hold me down, and I just wept. Sometimes our strength isn't enough.



God said that He would never leave us or forsake us. And as I began to really take hold of that statement, my tears disappeared and my heart began to fill with hope. I have assurance that those I love, those I need patience with, those I need to be more loving to, those who frustrate me, and those who I just don't understand; will remember in times of darkness and literal gravity; to cling to a God who is faithful and a giver of hope. I pray that whatever we are drawn to would be beneficial to our minds, body and soul. I personally hope that I would draw nearer to a God who promises peace, hope, joy and love...


And like the song says, "Something always brings me back to you, it never takes to long..."


Love and Peace,

G

A Duty Of Love...

"The first duty of love is to listen."-Paul Tillich

I've realized the last couple of months that the best thing we could do for one another is to merely listen to each other. One of my closest friends just recently lost her grandfather; her "Opa," she called him. And although she knew her Opa's health was ailing, she still hoped for the best. And during the times of hospice visits and of their ritual Friday night dinners with her family; she waited to listen for her Opa to speak...she just wanted to listen.

Her Opa passed on Friday, and all I could think about was how often we just want to talk; get our point out, and have everyone listen to us. But what I really learned from my friend's situation, was that sometimes it's best to just cling to the words others have to say.

The quote above says, "The first duty of love is to listen." I've begun to realize that if I want any relationship to work, I have to step back and listen to the person whom I care for. Sometimes it can be a lot of listening, to the point where you yourself feel neglected...but often times it's a privilege to be the one people talk to.

I encourage you to just listen with focus and make eye contact, no interrupting! Put the cell phone down, the iPod away, the laptop down. One of the magic questions I've learned to ask is, "how does that make you feel?" Support your friends answers with emotion, never argue with their feelings; otherwise you'll shut them down and they will refrain from talking to you.

I always think of Proverbs 16:23-A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

I pray as I meet with my friend today, I refrain from talking; and instead listen and love. I would want her to do the same if I needed someone to talk to...

It's Been A While...

Hey you guys, so obviuosly it has been since April since I have written anything...sorry about that...

Anyhow I'm back and I'm glad to be...updates soon...