Jesus Didn't Die For Butterflies

So ya know, it's Valentines Day, so this post is pretty fitting in my opinion. I think it's important for everyone (whether you're in a relationship, you want to be or you're just taking time to do you) to realize that love is so much more than an emotion.

First off, love is NOT the same as lust. Loving someone for their body or what they do or make you feel physically is not love. That's lust and it's wrong. However, I'm not saying that you shouldn't be attracted to your significant other. Because that's important in a relationship. Just don't confuse the two. Basically, you shouldn't only be with someone because they're "hot", "cute" or "handsome/pretty" but you should think those things about your partner. That should not be the sole purpose of the relationship, though.

Also, love is so so so much more than the feeling of butterflies in your stomach. Love isn't an emotion. Jesus did not die for you because He felt butterflies when He saw you. It's not a romantic kind of love He felt, but the point still applies. Even as parents, its the same concept. Love is knowing every flaw some one has and loving who they are despite of them. Love is choosing to see the good in a flawed person. That's what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross- He knows our every thoughts and actions (past and future) yet He loves us. He yearns for a relationship and chose to give up His own life so we can find ours through Him. You can't properly love someone without seeing the love Jesus shows us throughout the Bible and even now in our daily lives.

I think that's the biggest concept to grasp. Jesus showed us what true love is, is the relationship you're in honoring to this?

The Joy of The Lord

When I get stressed out, I sometimes feel like everything in the universe in against me. I can't stop it and it's like every one does something to purposely upset or frustrate me. 99% of the time, that's not true at all but it's so easy to overlook all the good in our lives.

Life gets busy and it's easy to let work or school or whatever overwhelm us but we have to remember to take a step back and breath. The things we take for granted, someone else is praying for. That's humbling! It puts things in perspective and gives me a grateful heart. So maybe you still live at home and you're arguing with your parents, someone in the world just lost theirs (or both) and would do anything to have them back. Maybe you're really stressed out in a relationship, work or college. There is someone out there who is praying that they don't get laid off, can afford their tuition or praying for their spouse/marriage because it's falling apart.

The trap of negativity is easy to fall into. And it's paralyzing. We have so much to be thankful for, even if our life seems like it's a failure. Pray about it. Trust God. Stay humble and kind. At least try to see the good in every person and every situation you come across. That outlook can change your mindset and change your life. Talk about your joys. The things in life that make you smile. Even little insignificant things like puppies, sunflowers or the way the rain hits your tin roof. God is with you and He loves you! Even if it seems like He's a million miles away.

~ For the joy of The Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 ~