What is Love?

My counselor challenged me a year ago, early 2015, to write about love…What does love look like? What does love feel like? How do I know love is real? How do I love others?

1 Corinthians 13 was the first place I went to, obviously. I have read the passage a hundred times and each time I glean something new. Writing these verses in my own words isn't enough though.
I read books. The Love Dare, Love Isn't Supposed To Hurt, The Cure, Safe People, Boundaries and more.
I love quotes and articles online. My youngest asked me one time why there are more screenshots in my photo album than pictures of him.

And, of course, countless songs that seem to be speaking to me.

It took me some time to think about it. Then I scribbled notes. I talked to siri in the car, she takes notes for me, because I think best while driving. Then I composed it, rewrote it, again and again… I changed words, add or delete, as I learned more about love and about me… It may change again in the future but for now this is what love is to me:





What is Love?
Love is an extension of God's love working through me.
Love is Christ in me. He who is perfect makes it whole.
Honest. Humble. Hope fulfilled.
Love is knowing my worth and believing others are worth loving.
Love acts with Kindness.
Thoughtful. Loyal. Helpful.
Love reacts with Patience.
Safe. Listens. Calm.
Love hurts when I love someone who is unable to love me back.
Love accepts the person but not the behavior.
Encourages. Supports. Appreciates.
Love forgives and lives forward.
Love knows when to let go, when letting go is necessary.
Eyes wide open, a light in the darkness.
Love is unconditional yet has boundaries in this world.
Protects. Guides. Waits. Heals.
Love moves me.
Love holds me.
Love comforts me.
Love is free to give, Priceless to receive.

December, 2014

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 from the Women of Faith Message Bible
"So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies."

It is up to each of us to choose to Love,
 to choose who we Love, to choose how we Love.
It is your choice.

Happy Birthday again!

3 years after my 3rd child's 3rd birthday...just noticed when I sat down to write this.  I make a big deal of everything 3, especially when it concerns my 3rd child, to remind myself 3 is good.  My favorite number!  3 is good, even in tough times, and I have good news to share!
     Isaac prayed to receive Jesus in his life!!!  He prayed with his older brother Dom!!  While I drove us home from the High Power soccer camp, my 3 kids discussed Jesus, how we can go to heaven and helped the youngest claim his salvation.  Not ashamed to say I'm proud and thrilled to tears!
Our relationship with God, like other relationships, is a progression of ups and downs and continual growth.  I don't know that it takes just one prayer and we're saved, and I rejoice at every step my children take in their relationship with Jesus, knowing there are big steps still ahead.
God help me raise believers to know you and serve you and stand strong!
4-5-11.  2 years ago Isaac asked me "Who is God? Did He die in my heart? Jesus is God and Jesus is in my heart and in heaven. Auntie Beth is in my heart too."  The sweet innocent thoughts of a 3 1/2 year old.
2-10-12.  Isaac says, "I want to go to heaven and play wii games with Jesus! I think there will be cloud stairs to heaven."
7-5-13.  Isaac had a great first year at Eagle Fern Camp (Grandpa's summer camp) He had lots of fun, of course, and told me everything he learned about Jesus.  He understood he needs to pray but he "didn't now how to pray" at camp.  I wait on God for guidance.
7-18-13.  I took Dom and Isaac to the mummy exhibit at OMSI.  Not recommended, very disturbing.  But it got Isaac asking me, how do our bodies get to heaven? what happens to our bodies? I told him our spirit/who we are on the inside goes to heaven and we get a new body that will never get hurt or sick.  He says, "A new body that is bulletproof, but only if you believe in Jesus.."(small pause [unusual for Isaac I might add] probably thinking about what he heard at camp and the many times I've asked if he wanted to pray)"..Is it ok if I tell him in my brain? I say it in my brain every day!"
8-1-13.  I "coached" a group of 12, 5-6 year olds at the High Power soccer camp, including Isaac.  On this day all the campers were asked if they wanted to pray.  Most of my group raised their hands but followed me out, wanting to stay with me, so I led them in a simple prayer they repeated.  I didn't hear Isaac.  After camp in the car Isaac says "I still don't know how to pray." Dom says, "it's easy, repeat after me..."

It is easy to pray and believe but it can be a struggle to trust God with everything (all our heart, mind, body and spirit  Mark 12:30-31)  Did Isaac just need reassurance from the person he looks up to the most, wants to be like, his older brother?  Dom shared his prayer with me earlier this year, the one he prays often, and I'm so glad he was the one Isaac prayed with.  It's a beautiful, simple prayer..."Dear Heavenly Father, I know that you died on the cross to save us from our sins and rose from the dead to redeem us.  Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live better.  In Jesus name, Amen"

Where am I?

I was Swept Away.  I have not resurfaced.  I don't know if I ever will.  That's ok.  As long as I keep swimming.  Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

According to Him

According To You by ORIANTHI, caught my attention. I struggle with low self-esteem. Strange, I know, since I also struggle with pride. I find a balance when I see myself through God's eyes. This is a song about a girl comparing how she is viewed by one boy and another boy. I changed a few words to make this my song: comparing how I feel viewed by people and how I am viewed by Him, my Heavenly Father.


According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.
According to you
I'm difficult,
hard to please,
forever changing my mind.
I'm a mess in a dress,
can't show up on time,
even if it would save my life.
According to you. According to you.

But according to Him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
He won't let me out of His hand.
According to Him
I'm pleasing,
wonderful,
everything He created.

Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like changing it,
so why do you tell me what I got to lose.
He accepts me for everything I'm not
according to you.

According to you
I'm boring,
I'm moody,
you can't take me any place.
According to you
I'm bad at telling jokes cause I always give it away.
I'm the girl with the worst attention span;
you're the only one who puts up with me.
According to you. According to you.

But according to Him
I'm beautiful,
incredible,
He won't let me out of His hand.
According to Him
I'm pleasing,
wonderful,
everything He created.

I need to feel appreciated,
like I'm not hated.
Why can't you see me through His eyes?
It's too bad you're seeing me your way!

According to me
you're special,
you're lovely,
we can't do anything alone.
And according to Him
we're beautiful,
incredible,
He won't let us out of His hand.
According to Him
we're pleasing,
wonderful,
everything He created.
Everything is opposite,
We don't have to change it,
He's told us what we have to lose.
He accepts us for everything we're not.
According to Him.

Psalm 139:13-14.