Blessings and Babble

I read this last week when looking for words of inspiration for my day.

It has held my attention and filled my heart with a deeper desire to see love in those who cross my path. I do not like everyone, most people, but not everyone. There are a few I struggle with if I'm being honest. And Jesus whispers, "That is okay. I do not command you to like everyone. I command you to love"

Thank you, Jesus, for sweet reminders to see you, to see love, in everyone.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:34-35,

Our world is very heavy for some, for many right now.

I have opinions on the situation, they mean very little. What acutally matters, is having a heart that desires to serve God and to ask Him boldly, what do you desire from me Lord.

My job is not to judge others, to walk away from need or to point and tell someone if you only would, could or shoutl. My job it to lift those who have fallen. To love those who know no love. To give where I am able. To speak kindness and grace. To walk with those who are healing, beside those who are broken.

We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Lord, lead us today, open our eyes, our hearts and open us to the opportunities to speak love to all who cross our path today.

Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" Matthew 25:40

Today, as I look out to see the Beautiful Blue Mountains looking up to welcome the sun, I have to simply pause and say THANK YOU, GOD.
Some may find it absolutely ridiculous how I look to the mountains, the fields, the moon, the stars, a sunrise, a sunset, a goat's sweet little face, or a fur babes nuzzle and find myself overwhelmingly filled with joy. Sincere, deep, it makes my heart smile with joy. Seems too simple to some. I mean, it's not planning my next vacation, purchasing the next in vogue shoe or outfit, the next amazing kitchen gadget or piece of jewelry. It is simply pausing and looking at what is right in front of me.
This morning, as the sun rises over the mountains, I hear the whispers of Jesus, "Joy should be this simple." If I am filling my time looking for things to fill my heart, material things, I'm looking for the wrong things. It should not take buying things to fill my heart. It should be so simple, so easy. Nothing needed but a pause, a desire, and a heart filled with appreciation to appreciate what is already before me. Don't get me wrong, I like nice things. I truly do. However, I don't like them so much that I'm on the pursuit of them and miss being still and appreciating what is already before me. The beautiful (priceless) canvas painting that God puts in front of me every single day and whispers, "You can not put a price on this. I give it to you freely, enjoy!"
Thank you, God, for this beautiful (imperfect) life that you have gifted me, and may I always look to see you before I seek out anything else to fill what feels missing in my life. My grateful heart sees you this morning and desires to see you throughout my entire day!

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

I believe I've shared the joy in looking for "hearts" in the world. A friend and I share images of the best, silliest, and most precious images of hearts with one another. A number of times this week, I have been watching the clouds in the sky while driving to find hearts. And each time, I was blessed to "see hearts" in the clouds above.
This morning, as I'm reflecting on this, I am hearing the whispers of Jesus, remember love is often found in places we least expect it to be: in a conversation with a friend, after a visit with a stranger, in the cuddles of a dog, or a song that feels like it was sent just to you over Spotify.
Whatever it is we look for, we find it. I am being reminded, our path follows our vision, and if we look for the positive, encouraging, and kindness around us, we find it. Every single time. Sometimes it may come sliding in unexpectedly in a way that makes no sense, but it's there.

"Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others: Be concerned with the well-being of others, not just your own personal concerns. " Philippians 2:3-4.

Today I woke up and couldn't be happier to be celebrating another year around the sun, and I can’t help but feel so thankful for the gift of life, love, and growth. Every blessing, every challenge, every moment — all part of a beautiful journey that God has guided me through. The collections of friendships along the way, the moments of growth and overwhelming joy... ALL OF IT. My heart is grateful, so incredible grateful.

Thank You, Lord, for Your endless grace, protection, and favor. Here’s to another year of faith, purpose, and gratitude ~ Thank you for turning the page to chapter 56, I cannot wait to see how beautiful this chapter of my story will be!

Today I woke up and couldn't be happier to be celebrating another year around the sun, and I can’t help but feel so thankful for the gift of life, love, and growth. Every blessing, every challenge, every moment — all part of a beautiful journey that God has guided me through. The collections of friendships along the way, the moments of growth and overwhelming joy... ALL OF IT. My heart is grateful, so incredibly grateful.