Giving Thanks!

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Romans 14:1-7 NIV

Today–encourage all to enjoy the day–giving thanks for all we have, all we didn’t get when we wanted it and for all the miss-steps we’ve taken in life in order for God to get us where we are. I love me–just the way I am–but didn’t always for the way, I used to be. But now, I have a reason to give thanks–daily–the grace of God that has sustained me through trials and wrong directions for over 65 years.

Listen, I’ve been there and done that–facing all the challenges and struggles I know many have and are facing. I know what it’s like to be a single mother raising two children in the depths of the ghetto, always praying for their safety as well as my own.

But I’m a big girl and I learned to take life’s knocks with a spring-back attitude. I never let one failure or disappointment keep me down. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t discouraged from time to time, but I refused to allow discouragement and discontent keep me from my destination even when I wasn’t sure where I was headed.

I had a dream and I put a lot of credence in dreams. For years, I dreamed that I was running through a school, trying to get to class and though I always started out fully dressed in the dream, I always ended up naked–wondering why people were staring at me. When I got a chance to go back to school in my forties, I stopped having the dream. Not only did I complete my BA in Sociology and English, I kept going until I finished a MA in English and Speech and then completed all the coursework for a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English and Special Education.

During a lay-off in which I didn’t have a full time job for two years, I had an opportunity to really look at where I was headed. I realized that teaching was no longer a viable career and I couldn’t/wouldn’t attempt to encourage anyone to go into a field that did not offer a wage comparable to other professions and one in which very few people respected teachers. When I finished the coursework, I stopped–no longer interested in completing that particular path for it no longer had meaning for me and my passion subsided. Don’t get me wrong–I still love teaching–it is my passion, but I could not look another person in the eye and encourage them to get into that field.

At any rate, I retired and am working seven hours a week–teaching college courses. But then came the 2016 election and Hillary lost (with Russia’s help). I, along with millions of others railed against the rigged election, and started working social media to vent. On the night #TraitorDon launched missiles into Syria just to flex his muscles, I dreamed I had a conversation with him. In the dream, I told him I was running for president and he told me, I couldn’t because I wasn’t qualified. I told him I was more qualified than he was and then I woke up. I was attending a tax march and watching others and listening to their concerns, I reflected upon the dream and here I am, months later, preparing my run for president in 2020.

Not everyone understands what’s driving me to do this–especially since I have no previous political experience–but I have a passion to represent all Everyday Americans and to make sure they have a voice in the White House. People I’ve talked to are more concerned about Republicans digging up dirt than I am. I’m not afraid of any discoveries since my life is outlined on the Internet in various mediums.

No matter what others say, I will not be deterred; especially if Democrats are successful in flipping the House in 2018. If I lose, I lose, but no one will ever say I didn’t try. After all, I’m planning to win and I’ll never know what I can do, unless I try.

I may not be the perfect candidate, but there are none. So, here’s what I have–a desire to serve, considering all and not supporting or promoting any policies that cause harm to people, planet or economy. We do not need to build a wall to keep immigrants out; we need to build relationships that solidify positive forward movement. We need to provide accessible, affordable healthcare to every American. We need to focus our attention on making sure our children have access to a quality, free college education. We need to make sure our senior citizens never have to worry about where or how they’re going to live because of their limited incomes. We need to shore up our justice system so justice is equitable and fair no matter a person’s income, gender or race. We need to secure our standing on the global stage by being #1 again in the eyes of other world leaders and doing all we can to make sure the world can live in peace and we can keep our planet sustaining life, not destroying life.

My ancestors were not immigrants, they were imported to make life better for those who migrated from Europe to live in this land. There are groups of hate-filled, bigoted people who desire to deport every person who is not white in order to “preserve their race” with white privilege. I’m not a hater, don’t understand hate and don’t want to understand hate. But I will not stand by and silently allow any group of people to attempt to silence or denigrate others. I’m a known rebel and I won’t stop when I know there’s something I can do to help others.

If you care to read more about my plans to serve as president of the United States of America, please check out my facebook.com/YesIAm2020 page and let me know what you think. It matters a great deal to me since I want to address those issues that matter to all. Thank you for taking the time to engage in the process of making America truly safe again.

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30 Days of Prayer and Praise–29!

Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111 NIV

Day Twenty-Nine

O Lord–How excellent is Your Name! How wonderful You are to consider those of us to be used by You. How delightful it is to serve You, knowing that our reward and eternal place of rest is secured by our obedience to You.

Lord, we thank You for the insight You give us when we seek understanding of what’s going on around. Only You, Lord could provide us with answers since sometimes, we don’t even know what questions to ask. But You, in all of Your magnificence–know all and give us what we need when we take time to hear You.

As we continue through this day and enter the fray to right the wrongs we see--continue to keep us focused on hearing You. Continue to strengthen us with boldness and courage to keep calling out lies and liars, enablers and users, the corrupt and the greedy. Continue to pour wisdom into us and insight beyond the surface of the matter so we may warn with vigilance of impending danger and speak to the hearts of those who listen so they too may become watchmen in these clouded days–shrouded with deception and cloaked with all manner of unrighteousness. Seer to the core of their beings all those who take advantage of the vulnerable, the weak-minded, those easily influenced as well as those who are mentally incapable of making distinctions between those who love them and those who are using them.

Lord, we know that You will not withhold any good thing from any of Your children and so we wait–having placed our petitions before You, having boldly approached Your throne, trusting our hope and faith in You for all things–knowing that You see and know all things and will not allow us to be dismayed for long.

Lord, look upon this nation of people–use those who love You and set aside those who profane You and disdain You–keeping them out of the way–so the victory cry–will not be hindered by any who pretend to know You.

We are marching forward–eyes wide open–with joy in our hearts, knowing with Jesus in the forefront of every battle–victory is won and we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Hallelujah for victory in Jesus!

In Jesus’ name we pray and thank You, Amen!

 

 

30 Days of Prayer and Praise–19!

LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long? Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame. Psalm 6 NIV

Day Nineteen

Lord,

Thank You for Your love, mercy, and kindness. Thank You for Your compassionate that overwhelms those who love You. Thank You for delivering us from the evil plots that harbor in the hearts of those who don’t know You. Thank You for giving us strength and boldness and courage to keep moving forward–standing up and speaking out–against injustice wherever we find it. Thank You for healing our bodies of every sickness and disease and creating mental stability within us all the days of our lives. Thank You for seeing us for who we are–in You–and loving us enough to keep us encouraged to do all things according to Your Word.

Lord, while we yet have breath in our bodies, we’ll praise You daily for we know that You can make the rocks cry out. We don’t want rocks to out-praise us--so we lift our hands and our hearts to You, acknowledging You for who You are–Wonderful Savior, The Guiding Light in darkness, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords; You are an Awesome God, worthy of our praise, glory, and honor. It is to You–we sing and voice our love for Your enduring love and mercies that are new every morning. You indeed are the joy of our lives and no one can compare!

In Jesus’ name we praise and thank You, Amen!

30 Days of Prayer and Praise–4!

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;  the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121 NIV

Day Four

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for waking us this morning–with a heart and mind to praise You–to seek Your face while we’re able to do so. We know we can look to You to help us in every situation that may arise in our lives–for You are our source–of everything we need. We thank You for watching over us–day and night--never allowing us to slip or slide in the pits of darkness or any of the traps the enemy has laid out for us. We thank You for watching over us as we go in and come out of our homes, our schools, our workplaces and everywhere we go–You make Your presence known.

We thank You for the sun that warms, the moon that shines in the darkness and the stars that cause us to marvel and hope beyond what we see. We thank for the summer heat and rain and the cold that helps to regulate our climate. We thank You for the use of our limbs that work--some days better than others–as we lift our hands in praise of You and use our fingers to spread hope and joy by sharing The Word of encouragement for all who may have a feint heart.

We thank You for a time of silence we use introspection and reflection about we see and do. We thank You for always speaking a word to our hearts–guiding us on our daily mission so we might encourage ourselves and those around us. We thank You for the invention of all the technological platforms that give us avenues to speak up and out against injustices everywhere and to fight against hate and bigotry wherever we see it spring into action.

And most of all–we thank You for not only speaking to the hearts of all who have decisions to make regarding this great, but also for giving them the desire to hear and obey, making the interests of the nation a priority over political party affiliation.

Now, Lord look upon each of us and ignite in us a desire to do all that is right and live a life that is pleasing to You and You alone. If You find anything in us that is not like You, remove it and re-direct our thoughts so we will not bring shame to Your name. Though we are not perfect, we know we serve a perfect God, flawless–omnipotent–merciful and loving, taking of Your imperfect, children.

You, O Lord are all that is Holy, and True and we submit ourselves to Your molding to shape and prune–making us more like You.

In Jesus’ name we pray and thank You, Amen!

Overtaken By His Blessings!

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. “The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Deuteronomy 28:1-9 NKJV

There is so much more within this passage of scripture–blessings through the 14th verse, but then comes the 15th verse to the end–the curses of disobedience. We know the story of what happened to the Children of Israel in their journeys–when they obeyed God they were blessed; when they didn’t, they suffered the curses of their choices.

From the beginning–after Moses met with God–commandments were given and expected to be followed. And then there were added various sundry laws and policies until realistically–God’s people–like now–decided it wasn’t worth trying to keep up. And this is why when God walked the earth in the person of Jesus Christ–He said–Love Him, and Love Your Neighbor–everything He wanted us to do–summed up in two commandments. Why? Because He is love and He wants us blessed beyond measure!

If we love Him, we desire to please Him, and if we endeavor to please Him at all times, we won’t do anything that would create any cracks in our relationship with Him.

If we love each other–we won’t do anything that would cause harm to one another or injury or damage of property. If we love each each other–we lift each other up and encourage one another to stay on the path He has established for us. Loving each other doesn’t mean we have to agree with one another, but we know how to disagree, agreeably, maintaining the love relationship. That’s what God wants from us and when we endeavor to obey, He blesses us–with more love, peace, joy, happiness, self-discipline, and wisdom from on high.

Most of us (I realize not all will feel the same) have a great deal to be thankful for on this day. Some have watched loved ones suffer and leave this life. Some have agonized over the fate of our nation and loved ones abroad. But in the midst of all the turmoil and upheaval, if we look hard enough–we can find a reason to be thankful.

I’m thankful for His love that never abandons me. I’m thankful for the peace within when I know I’ve been obedient to Him. I’m thankful for my family–a husband who loves me and for my children and grandchildren–who I admit–I’ve spoiled with love. I’m thankful for the friends who love me as much as I love them–even when we don’t agree. I’m thankful for life, health and strength and determination to keep moving forward in His name. I’m thankful for the desire He has placed in me to rise up and speak out against injustice, hate and bigotry everywhere. I’m thankful for the wisdom He keeps pouring into me and directing my thoughts and actions in sharing with others.

I am blessed and highly favored, overtaken by His blessings and will continue on the journey He has established for me. And I pray that anyone and everyone reading this today, will feel the same way–overtaken by blessings.

His Faithfulness and Our Determination!

Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:23 NKJV

Instead of being fearful, we need to be wise and courageous, knowing our God is faithful to all who love Him.

This applies to anything we do–whether in the church or anywhere else–we must know–not believe–we serve a faithful God. And when we know, we can proceed with courage to do all we need to do–knowing we will accomplish the goal.

Yesterday, as I was walking around our high school track, in the midst of a sprinkle, strong winds, and chilly temperatures, I thanked God for being faithful to us. Though the sprinkles continued, I said to Him, “Daddy, I know You love me and I thank You for moving the clouds and warming our bodies as we do this for the kids.”

Within minutes, the sprinkles stopped and before long, the clouds moved and the sun shone brightly and more kids came out to participate. Although the temperature rose slightly, so did the wind, but through it all–we were determined and we stayed the course. My personal goal was to walk 20 laps (5 miles) and I walked 26 laps (6.5 miles), not because of who I am, but because of Whose I am. His faithfulness and my determination made it all possible.

God’s faithfulness to us–His children–is never-ending, but what makes the difference between our experiencing victory or defeat is a matter of our own determination. It is our determination that wavers–not God’s faithfulness. So if we want to see victory–in all areas of our lives–let’s work on our determination to endure until the end–because His faithfulness–never wavers.

Be courageous and brave and determined in all you do and His faithfulness will bring it to pass!

Give Thanks!

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,

On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.

For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

O LORD, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep. Psalm 92:1-5 NKJV

“O Give Thanks” appears 19 times in the King James Version and a reminder to us of thanksgiving–giving thanks 28 times.

If we are yet alive, breathing and able to see, hear, and move; have family that love us and friends who care, we have something we can give thanks to God for and if we have received His Son–the work on the cross–our means of salvation, then we can truly shout–Thank You, Lord!

Every day should be a day of giving thanks for if it had not been for The Lord on our side, where would we be?

I start each day, thanking God for life, health, strength, ability to move, see and talk. I thank Him for the wisdom He is constantly pouring into me and for loving me enough to use me to promote Him. It is His mercy and grace that have kept me thus far and it will be His mercy and grace that keeps me until He desires me to be with Him, for all eternity.

Thank You, Lord! If I had 10,000 tongues, I couldn’t praise You enough and there are no words to express my gratitude for all You’ve done for me. But when we all get together, seated at Your feet, my love for You will radiate through the heavens, just as my love for You is now demonstrated in my desire to please You and You alone. For You and You alone are worthy of all praise!

Those are my thoughts about giving thanks! I pray that everyone who reads this today or whenever, will have just as much or more to be thankful for. He deserves our praise and thanks giving just because of who He is!

O Give Thanks!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!” (Psalm 105:1,2 NKJV)

Sometimes, just because we cannot see all that God is doing, we tend to get frustrated and discouraged and forget all the good things He has done. What He has done before, He’ll do again and again and again. We don’t have to see what He’s doing, we just have to believe that He is doing. And with that thought, I have a praise report!

My grandson is in his high school band and I’m a member of the Band Boosters organization–we have to raise money to supplement the band’s needs which are not covered by the school’s budget. Every year, for the past twenty years (this will be year twenty-one), the Band Boosters hosts a Band-O-Rama–a performance by a number of area bands who are using this event as a “dress rehearsal” of sorts for the Band Festival where the bands will be ranked by a panel of judges.

Because of on-going conflict between the out-going president (when they lost the election) and the newly-elected executive board, things had not been shaping up well. Some of the schools we invited, were turning us down for various reasons, but Holy Spirit revealed that they were not pleased with how they were treated last year. This year, I’m chairing this enormous event and discouragement keeps trying to seep in and get in my way, but I know the power of prayer and I believe that my Daddy loves me so much, that He’ll never let me down.

Instead of moping about what is not being done, I just jumped in and started doing whatever I could to make things work. We knew we were running a risk–financially–but we’re determined to move forward. Did I mention that I’m also the new treasurer? I’m looking at the dollars and cents dwindle as I write checks and “I don’t see” how we’re going to make it happen–a positive memorable event, but I didn’t see God working until yesterday.

After a meeting with the food service director seeking their assistance, I went home, determined to keep a stiff upper lip. About five minutes after I got home, I received a phone call from the director and what he tells me leaves me speechless. His boss had decided that not only would they donate items they had given in the past, but the school district had decided to pick up the tab for the items we had purchased from them. I could hardly believe it! This meant a considerable savings to us with our food concession.

I love to praise God and give Him glory for all He does and I did. By the time I got off phone, the director was laughing and calling me “crazy lady.” Yes, Lord, I’m crazy about my Daddy and how good He is! Hallelujah! I quickly emailed the executive board and the band director to let them know and I have a “bear hug” reserved for the business manager.

Glory to God! O give thanks! Wonderful Savior! He is good all the time and all the time, He’s God–all by Himself!

Not to be greedy, we still need donations of a few more items–a couple of tents and a cot, but I’m sure God will provide and as I lay in my bed this morning, thinking of His goodness and thanking Him for speaking to the hearts of people who can help, tears rolled--the magnitude of His love–is always amazing and fills my heart with joy!

O Give Thanks to The Lord For All He Has Done–for the victories He’s already won!

Just in case you’re interested, this year’s Band-O-Rama is Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Harper Woods High School Football Field in Michigan. If you live in the area, please join us for this all day event and if you don’t, please keeping thanking God for the success of the event so we can continue to support our high school band.

Are We Praying?

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:2-6 NIV)

When I think about what I might do if I was in chains, I wonder if I would have had the fortitude that Paul had. I honestly don’t know the answer to that because I’ve never been locked away from people or in chains. I can only pray that my devotion to God would enable me to do likewise.

But that’s the key–devotion–totally dedicated and committed to doing what is needful. Although most of us are appalled with the way the terrorist groups treat Christians, we must admit they are totally devoted to their goal–no matter how inhuman it is. They are so committed to accomplishing their goal they are willing to die to see it come to pass.

I don’t want to be involved with taking the life of a another human being, but wouldn’t it be great if the rest of us were as devoted to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the terrorists are in trying to decimate us?

This, then is why Paul encouraged the church at Colosse (and us) to devote ourselves to prayer–being in constant communication with God about everything that concerns us. He cautions us to be watchful–paying attention to the changes taking place around, hearing Holy Spirit when He warns us of things to come, and taking whatever action we need to take to make sure the way of the Gospel is never blocked or closed to all those who desire to hear it.

Let’s face it–we have not always heeded Paul’s advice which is why there are so many changes in our society–and not all of them good. We were not being watchful when Madeline Murray O’Hara decided that her children didn’t need to be exposed to anyone praying in schools. The Body of Christ didn’t think she’d accomplish her goal and did nothing and so today, the school systems all over the country are running amuck because open prayer is not allowed. In other words–the devil won that round. But there are still those who are devoted to praying–and students are leading prayer circles in limited situations. Hooray for the brave, bold students, but what happened to the adults who should have been fighting for the rights of all to hear and agree with the prayers?

Once again, Christian Leadership in the country failed to act on warnings by Holy Spirit and the Supreme Court has led the way for the downward spiral of morality and we shall soon see such decadent immorality that it will make our dead ancestors cringe in unbelief. Were we praying before issues reached the Supreme Court? Were we praying that our elected body of legislators would do their jobs?

Are we praying–even now–or have we become complacent and apathetic–willing to just let things take their course?

My daily prayer includes thanking God for wisdom being poured out upon every leader in this country–that they will hear from heaven and act accordingly. I’m praying that those who made the decision to legalize sin would repent and for those participating in sinful acts would repent and seek God. I thank God for the ability to love, the boldness to teach His Word, and the wisdom to know what to say and when. I thank God for inspiring me to teach my children and grandchildren to learn to please God, not man. And more importantly, I’ve taught them to seek God–communicating with Him on a daily basis–for answers to all their questions and solutions for all their problems.

Are we praying? Are we devoted to seeking God for every situation we encounter–for peace in the world and salvation for all?

Lord, give us insight to know that we will never have the answers for all the world’s problems, but You do. And when You speak to us–directing us in how to help solve them, give us an ear to hear and a made-up mind to do–just as You direct us to do, exercising Godly wisdom at all times. Thank You for loving us enough to give us chance after chance to get things right before You return. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

His Love Endures

“O give thanks to the God of Heaven, His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:26 NIV).

Many times people think they know all there is to love–even though they are often confusing love with lust–and wonder how we end up with songs like, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” by popular artists.

I was listening to a television show a few days ago and my thoughts were arrested by something a character said. She said, “A person can be in love with as many people as they want to love at any moment in time regardless of gender.” This was said to justify her attraction to both males and females. My immediate reaction to that statement was to reflect upon the difference between love and lust. One of the tools Satan is using to confuse people is the misunderstanding about these two issues. In a later episode of the show, “Bones” she breaks up with the woman or rather the female breaks up with her and she marries a male character–supposedly in love.

Lust is a matter of attraction that appeals to and engages the flesh–purely sexual in nature and is all about satisfying an immediate desire, usually in the lower regions of the body.

Love is a matter  of emotional engagement when the heart is engaged–the upper regions of the body, not the lower. A person can love without physical involvement of a sexual nature, but lust demands satisfaction at any cost.

But when we really understand God’s love–the love that endures forever–we can know love and understand that “real love” has little to do with fleshly desire of any kind.

Real love seeks to serve, comfort, protect, direct, guide, and correct the object of one’s affection. Parents (good ones) love their children enough to provide for them, teach them, correct and model a loving relationship that endures–no matter what. Are there perfect children? No, there are no perfect children because there are no perfect people, but we keep trying.

Real love in a relationship exists whether sexual involvement exists or not. If that were not so, then every time spouses are separated for any period of time, they would be subjected to “not loving” until they were able to satisfy their urges.

An urge, a tickling, a feeling–lasts but for a moment, but love lasts beyond the moment. Until we can convince kids–those actively involved in sexual activity–that what they feel is lust and not love, we lose entire generations to the depraved influence of Satan who could care less about misuse of bodies, or diseases and deaths caused by sexual promiscuity. And this is why many kids and adults feel that “urge” can be satisfied by anyone, indiscriminately.

We, who are in relationship with God and understand how He wants us to live, need to use every available avenue to encourage others to live a life that is pleasing to Him–with lifetime benefits–rather than giving into urges for momentary pleasure. God is love and He has provided for us the platform for engaging in sexual activity within the institution of marriage. If love exists in the relationship–lust will not be an issue, but will be satisfied as God intended.

Like so many other people, I’ve often thought I was “in love” with others, but now I know the difference and can say it was “in lust” not love. I do know love and that love includes the love for my husband, my children, family and friends–the love that lasts a lifetime.

Encourage someone today to know God’s love and allow His love to lead them to enduring happiness, that will last for more than a moment. His love endures forever!