Something that I’ve come to learn is that our plans are not as good as God’s plan. The reason I say that is because I have laid out my own personal plans on the topics I want to write about and in what order. However, each time I sit to write, I am directed in another path. Well, that is exactly what happened with today’s topic. Today is going to be a little different. I usually write about one topic, but these topics are so complex that I want to give you guys a snapshot of what we will be getting into these next few blogs.

For the longest time, I have loved the quote “Live Laugh Love”. It is so simple yet you can pull so much out from just those three words. I have seen many expanded versions of this quote and it inspired me. I decided to make my own little expansion on it that tie into some of the most important things I’ve learned in these last few years.

Live Your Life in Him

When you first start a relationship with God you become a whole different person. You start walking in His light and having faith that He is with you at all times. By accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are born again. You are made new. As it states in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”

I believe that one of the most beautiful things is when someone fervently seeks the Lord and wants to spread His good news to everyone. There are many ways to do that. Some go into ministry, join the choir at the church, or try to lead groups in their church. However, we can’t undervalue the little moments too. Giving a homeless person a meal, talking to a stranger about the things God has done for you, or by just being kind to everyone you meet. When Jesus lives in us, we are meant to be an example to others of who He is.

In today’s day and age, being a Christian is no longer popular. In fact, it is now seen as a bad thing. It is because of that that so many people try to hide their beliefs out of fear of being scrutinized by others. However, we can’t be afraid. We need to stand firm in our faith and know that God is with us. Jesus knew that the world would turn against us and He told us not to give up.

“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Mark 13:13

We need to be an example to this world of who He is and the amazing things He has done for us. Jesus is the light that shines within us all. It is our job to let that light shine and then Jesus will do the rest. Be an example. Live your life in Him.

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Laugh and be Thankful

I love to laugh. You can ask anyone who knows me well and they would tell you that I’m always laughing. I laugh because I find things funny, I am having a good time, or because I am thankful for that specific moment. I think that we get so wrapped up in our own little worlds that sometimes we don’t appreciate the world around us.

Every year we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving and seem to only limit our thankfulness to that one day. Sometimes it can be because we are busy or we don’t feel the need or maybe it’s that we don’t feel there is anything to be thankful for. Well, the truth is that we need to be thankful at all times. In the good times and the bad times, we need to be thankful.

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:28

I know that at times, it can be hard to be thankful. It could be that things in your life are not going so well financially, physically, or mentally. However, there is always something to be thankful for. The sad thing is that we tend to focus on the big things and forget about the little things. We need to stop remembering all the bad that has happened and start focusing on the good. There is so much to be thankful for. Laugh and be thankful.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Love Without Limits

Love is one of the most talked about subjects in the Bible. It is so complex, that we cannot fully understand how it works. Love is hard to put into words. We can try, but it is hard to describe. Especially since everyone feels it in their own way. However, have you ever stopped to think who it is you love? Who is it that you have chosen to love?

Love is a choice. It is important to remember that. Especially when someone hurts us. It is so easy to love our family and friends, but it’s extremely difficult to love someone who hurts us. However, we are told to love them. Jesus himself stated in Luke 6:27-28:

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”

To some, it may seem easier to hold a grudge and to stay angry at someone. However, in truth, it is a burden. There you are holding onto all this strife and for all you know, that person could care less that you are angry. You are only hurting yourself in the process.

On top of that, how can we justify our anger towards someone when we make so many mistakes? We are not perfect. We sin. Even if we don’t want to admit it, we sin. Yet, Jesus loves us even when we have wronged Him. He was betrayed, tortured, and wrongfully killed and yet, even until His last dying breath, He loved those who wronged Him. Anything and everything He does is out of love. We need to follow that example and learn to love, even our enemies. Love without limits.

“…For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful just as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36

There is so much comfort and knowledge that we can gain from the Word of God. I, myself, am not an expert on it. However, I am an avid student that will share her knowledge with you. As I dive deeper into these three topics, I pray that in some way it brings you closer to Him.

“let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22