Wear Love

What is it about love that makes us weak in the knees? What is it about love that makes our hearts sing ? Why does God put such emphasis on love? Why does He expect us to love our neighbor? To love one another? Why does He specifically tell us to "put on love" as if it were a piece of clothing. He refers to wearing things many times in the scriptures. Even, He tells us to wear wisdom like a crown. I am reminded of the verses that say to "put on love" and to "love the unlovely" today on a day where everyone seems to have chosen the wrong garment to wear.  I think they must have gotten dressed in the dark or perhaps they just put on their angry capris and their selfish sweater-set by mistake that day. The longer I live the more I understand why our Heavenly Father put such emphasis on love.

I always like to give folks the benefit of the doubt, but some consistently choose to wear the wrong things. In today's society there is so much emphasis put on what to wear and how to wear it. How to look beautiful and how to look young. I see so many striving for this glorious external appearance while in the meantime their insides need a complete overhaul. Some have such a spiritual stench that it is hard to be in the same room with them. They can talk circles around me when it comes to their fifty degrees from every fine institution known to man- but they intend to talk just to hear themselves speak, never connecting with their listener, missing the opportunity to hear the desires and needs of another, and they are really too filled with pride and arrogance to be much of a friend to anyone. 

It is in these difficult moments that I am gently reminded to check my own clothing. What am I wearing today? Did I put on my love coat? Did I remember my hip humility jeans or my fancy forgiveness wrap dress? More often than not I need to do a better job of getting dressed in the mornings. I need to do a better job of loving the unlovely- of overlooking the unmet needs and unhealed hurts of others- when Jesus is the only one who can heal them from the inside out. A deeper level of compassion, mercy and grace with the friend who has declined lunch with me only to call back later and say that she will see me at the restaurant because she ended up being invited by someone else. The friends who cancel coming for dinner yet again, after I have cleaned, cooked and prepared myself, my home and my large family for their arrival. The friend who just never shows up or calls because she got a better offer.  A well planned outfit for those who invite me to an event and then when I get there act like I am invisible. A better outfit for those who only call because they want something. Tomorrow I will wear patience and wisdom so that I am prepared for the friend who continues to make hurtful comments about my family or the fact that we are "having another baby"-  and for the other friend who makes negative comments about my weight, my pregnancy, my home, my family and so on. I will choose self-control when I am laughed at and made fun of by friends -when I confide in them that I am writing several books and have hopes of getting published. I will wear forgiveness the day after that, so that bitterness and resentment will not become my "this years must haves" when another celebration or momentous occasion goes by, and there is no family anywhere to be found. I refuse to believe that bitter is "the new black" when our family goes through yet another setback, another disappointment or another tragedy and there isn't so much as a morsel of support other than "it will be alright". I will overlook the selfish comments, the harsh words, the rejection that can send one reeling, the stinging criticism and hurtful gossip and tomorrow morning when it is time to get dressed again~I will pass over the hangers filled with my old choices and worldly options and pull out my well worn Galatians 5:22's. If you don't have them- you have got to get them. Timeless and classic. This year and next years must have. It is a perfect fit every time. One size fits all. Created by the greatest designer ever known........

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control."- Galatians 5:22

My Vessel of Joy!

Happy Birthday my sweet Prince Bennett! I can hardly believe that you are turning three years old today. You stole our hearts from the second you were born and have made your place in our family in joy and in laughter. You are the best of me Bennett. You are the best of me and the best of your Father. You are every bit your Mommy and every bit your Daddy. I see glimpses of myself in you~ in your moments of gentleness and sensitivity and then I see glimpses of Daddy in you in your curious, adventurous nature. You are so meant to be here and so belong to this family. You made our family whole the day you were born and our hearts have never been the same. You love life.  You love people. You are a walking, living breathing vessel of joy made manifest here on earth. What did we do to deserve such love? I can remember holding you in my arms that glorious day three years ago ~feeling so humbled and so honored that God would trust me with a son. A baby boy, to love and adore. I didn't know a thing about boys. No father. No uncles. No cousins. No brothers. I couldn't believe that He would trust me with such a huge responsibility. To grow a boy into a man - a real, God fearing, loving, kind, respectful man seemed like something that I wasn't qualified to do.  But with each day, as I love you more and more~ I am up for the challenge. I see that I am your guide. I am your teacher. I have been given the incredible gift of being your first example of the love of Christ.  Your first demonstration of love. You have made it so easy for me. You exude love! I am so honored to be your Mother and to call you my son. You are so full of life and enthusiasm. You are 100 percent all boy. From your hilarious antics that make me laugh so hard I cry~ to your gentle and sweet spirit that makes me cry so hard I laugh.  I am overjoyed that you are mine ~that you are a part of me ~that you belong to Him and that He entrusted you to me. I celebrate you and honor you and rejoice on this~ the day you were born. You are so loved my sweet, precious son.

Daddy's Boy

Yesterday we went in for a twenty week ultrasound and I was so relieved to hear a good report. The tech used words like "textbook", "perfect", "beautiful" which made my heart fill full to overflowing with abundant joy! We were ever so thankful and at the end she confirmed that it is definitely a boy! During the ultrasound there was a very special moment when my husband was leaning back in his chair with both arms behind his head. At the same moment the tech showed us on the screen that our newest baby boy was in the exact same position in the womb. Both arms behind his head- just like Daddy. It was a very special and proud moment for both of us and I was just so thankful that he could be there to share it with me. She gave us lots and lots of pictures and one of my most cherished ones is of both tiny feet . So precious. We are at the half way point now and things seem to be going well. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my prince.

A Day to Celebrate!

This past Sunday we celebrated my sweet Prince Bennett turning three! We had a wonderful party at My Gym with many of his little friends from school! I've never been to such a terrific party! They did such a great job of making my little guy feel so special! At one point during the party the host had everyone chanting his name and another party host brought him out in a little red wagon to the Rocky theme song! He flew across the party room on a zip line, jumped in balls, swung from a trapeze and rode a battery operated train around on a real track. I was beside myself, as was Bennett! It was worth every penny and was really just the best birthday party he has ever had. I felt so blessed to watch him just enjoy every minute of it and to be able to celebrate with all of his little friends! Here are a few of the party pictures!