Love...What is your definition? / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Sunday, February 11 This week's promise: God pursues us with his love What is your definition of love?
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 14:2 NLT
About this week's promise
A healthy definition of love is crucial to understanding the central message of the Bible. According to the Bible, love is not confined to sexuality, not is it primarily a feeling at all. The Bible teaches that love is a commitment. As a commitment, love is not dependent of good feelings, but rather on a consistent and courageous decision to extend oneself for the well-being of another. That commitment then produces good feelings, not the other way around. Jesus became the perfect demonstration of God's unconditional love for us by laying down his life for our benefit.
My definition for love... That is really something to think about. In fact, I actually think about it a lot. We all know how to love, hopefully we have all experienced love on some level, and probably none of us have felt love at the upmost highest realm.
There are so many kinds of love or maybe a better way of thinking about it is there are so many different ways to experience love. I'm not sure it's different kinds of love, I think it all comes from the same place and given all the who's, when's, where's and what's determines how we react to love and how we receive love.
I believe that love is not necessarily about receiving it but more about giving it. Others can love us, Jesus can and does love us, but if we never return that love then it holds no value or meaning. If the Lord loves me but I don't love him back, I am the one who loses something. I am lost...
If my husband loves me and I just keep taking that love and never return it, then there will come a point when it doesn't matter anymore, I will eventually be indifferent to it, become used to it and expect it without my having to put anything into it and it would be meaningless. Exchanges between the human heart is what air is to the lungs.
Love is something that should be given without expecting anything in return. It should never be used for selfish gain of any kind. To not give love when love is needed or to take away your love as a way to punish or control...surely that is a sin!
I've heard so many sayings and cliches about love throughout my lifetime like; Love means never having to say your sorry...for me love is wanting to say your sorry when you have done something to hurt someone! There's a thin line between love and hate...yes there is, and that line is forgiveness. That's all that stands between love and hate. The unforgiving heart grows cold. No matter how much you love others, no matter how many others love you, if you hold on to grudges, refuse to forgive, that part of you will eventually infect all of you. I use the word infect because that's how it is; the bitterness grows, frustration turns to anger and anger to rage, it eats away at you slowly...it will steal your peace, your joy, it will put out the light within you that is love! Hate leads you into darkness, it renders you hopeless and it screams inside telling you to not trust anyone or anything! It encourages you to hurt others. Hate eventually kills...hate steals life, from the one who harbors hate in their soul and often from those that come in contact with that dying soul...
Love never fails... Jesus is love, God is love... Jesus will never fail you, God will never forsake you... Jesus is the light; Love is light~ Jesus sacrificed to save us all; Love sometimes requires sacrifice~ Jesus lifts us up; Love gives encouragement~ Jesus washed away our sins; Love forgives~ Jesus understands; Love cares~ Jesus is our friend; Love is kind~ Jesus loves us unconditionally; Love doesn't judge~ Jesus died for us; Love gives life~ Jesus saves; Love saves...
My definition for love? In a word, it's Jesus. In several words; Love is~good, kind, encouraging, caring, acceptance, non-judgemental, tolerance, joy, understanding, patient, comfort, warm, light, peace & pain... Pain? Oh yes, like the song says, Love Hurts... It definitely does! Sometimes the price we pay for loving is so great! Look at the price Jesus paid. Love can and will break your heart...but I'd rather risk it and pay the price than never have loved at all! I am blessed! I am loved!
Lord, let me always remember how much you love me and let me be a reflection of your love to others as I seek to do your will today.
Peace & Love, Lynda
Prayer For Those Who Have Passed On... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Prayer for One Who Has Passed
Almighty God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servant Brian; and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive him more and more into thy joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served thee in the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Christian source: Book of Common Prayer 1979
Mom
Megan had her baby Brian!!!! / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Well Rob's an uncle now! Megan had a big girl! 9lbs, 3oz & 21" long! I know you love the babies Brian and I am sure you watch over them all! I think you even know them already! I hope Taylor will always feel an angel by her side. She & Ella can share about it with each other!
O Lord, grant that my heart may be truly cleansed and filled with Thy Holy Spirit, and that I may arise to serve Thee, and lie down to sleep in entire confidence in Thee, and submission to Thy will, ready for life or for death. Let me live for the day, not overcharged with worldly cares, but feeling that my treasure is not here, and desiring truly to be joined to Thee in Thy heavenly kingdom, and to those who are already gone to Thee. O Lord, save me from sin, and guide me with Thy Spirit, and keep me in faithful obedience to Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord.
- Rev. Thomas Arnold (1795-1842)
Do Good to All Men / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Do Good to All Men
Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us. John Stott Galatians 5:25-6:10 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if any one thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each man will have to bear his own load.
Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
I Cannot Do This Alone... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) I Cannot Do This Alone
O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray And to concentrate my thoughts on you: I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, But with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, But you know the way for me… Restore me to liberty, And enable me to live now That I may answer before you and before me. Lord, whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I am never alone and as long as I remember this, there is nothing that I cannot survive. God is the Almightly Healer. He is my strength, my comfort and my friend. He supplies the fruit for my spirit, I need only ask for it and it is mine. Peace, Love, Joy, Patience (Long-suffering), Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control...everyone of these are mine for the taking, mine to use and mine to receive. I pray I always remember that I have a choice, that I can choose to use my free will which is a gift from God to glorify him! It's really not so hard to practice these things and to make them a part of your everyday life. The benefits of doing this reach way further than any eye can ever see! Today and everyday let me be fruitful as a way of thanking the Lord for his free and precious gift he gave us all, life... Peace & Love, Lynda ...and the greatest of these is love. ~ 1 Cor 13:13
Just For You... / Mom (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Just For You... / Mom (Brian Colletti's mom ) Look! It's my dancing baby! Remember him?! I hope you're dancing with the angels!
Prayer for God's refuge... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Prayer for Times of Fear
Almighty God, the Refuge of all that are distressed, grant unto us that, in all trouble of this our mortal life, we may flee to the knowledge of Thy lovingkindness and tender mercy; that so, sheltering ourselves therein, the storms of life may pass over us, and not shake the peace of God that is within us. Whatsoever this life may bring us, grant that it may never take from us the full faith that Thou art our Father. Grant us Thy light, that we may have life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- George Dawson As I read this prayer and I look at the title, I wondered, 'Is there ever truly a time without fear on some level in this world?' What does the word fear really mean?
I think it means anything from horrified to worried. We have fear when others provoke it within us through threatening behavior, or fear from those who are mean and verbally threaten us, fear of a severe weather storm, fear of finances, fear of being alone, fear for the unknown, fear of change, fear of creatures-ie-spiders, snales, roaches, bears...
Some people live with a constant nagging fear that completely controls them. Most of us have some kind of phobia-fear of heights, water, dogs, cats, the dark... I think fear is present in our lives in some way all the time.
We all react to fear differently, and we have different reactions to different kinds of fear. If we are startled, we might scream! If we are alone in the dark, we may cry, if we are undergoing medical procedures we might become irritable or withdrawn...
This prayer helps me to focus on how I need to live each day. Just because I have fear of something does not mean I am lacking in faith. Only if the fear immobilizes me or causes me to react in an unacceptable way, then I think this may be more of a faith issue. I face some type of fear every day. I also face a constant, consistent and loving God every day. So I guess some would say I have nothing to fear! I guess I really don't as long I keep my eyes on the Lord, but alas, I am human and my eyes wander sometimes! My faith keeps me able to move through fear. Depending on the fear itself I sometimes go around it. However I am never alone and as long as I stay close to my loving Father, I can deal with fear!
Nothing can seperate me from the love of Jesus, nothing! What a comfort that is for me. Thank you sweet Jesus, thank you my heavenly Father, my loving & caring God! I am yours.
May God handle your fears every day! May he bless you with his peace always. Peace & Love, Lynda Close
Old Scottish Proverb...Hope... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Old Scottish Proverb...Hope... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
An old Scottish proverb says, “Were it not for hope, the heart would break.” An attitude of hopefulness can allow us to respond openly to the possibilities that life offers. Hope entails clear vision; we are conscious of the problems in the world and see the obstacles in our daily lives. We do not blithely suppose that all will be well. In times of hardship, we look backward at our collective history, examine our spirituality, listen to the stories of our ancestors, and see that we can triumph over difficulty. The memory of the past offers a promise for the future and we are able to declare our confidence in the goodness of this world.
This recognition of the underlying goodness of things helps us view others sympathetically and enables us to be open to the world around us. Hope encourages us to see things differently and imagine creative solutions to our problems We are willing to set aside our fears, take risks, and work to bring about changes in our environment.
Hope is essential for living. Hope gives life, supports life and it sustains life. Without hope there is no true life. Although you may be alive physically, you will die spiritually without hope. I've been spiritually dead...I don't think there is anything worse. Hope is the small flame that glows within, it's the tiny voice that beckons you to keep going, it's the driving force that keeps you from giving up.
Hope is the warmth of God, the light of Jesus and it is the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you. It comforts, it guides and it encourages.
Hope is where dreams begin and it is also where dreams are realized! Hope relies on past experience to show us it's power and it's faithfulness. It gives promise to what lies ahead and it helps to bind up the broken heart and keeps it beating.
Hope is that gentle urging that keeps us moving and allows us to trust our steps even when we are unsure of where they are leading. It is what helps us to operate on blind faith until we can see the many gifts it has in store for us. It shows us how to dance in the dark...
Hope never, ever gives up! It keeps us hanging on until we begin to feel truly hopeful ourselves and we begin to live once again with anticipation of good things to come. It instills deep within us that all is well no matter what is going on outside of us. It persevere's through any and all circumstances and it is always victorious!
Our hope becomes an attitude of hopefulness which in turn makes us feel encouraged...
Hope is the epitome of God's tender mercies and gentle grace! May you have hope today and every day and may it show you that life is worth living and that God is so good! God Bless you. Dance with hope today... Peace & Love, Lynda
We are all one...prayer & thoughts... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
We are all one...prayer & thoughts... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
We Are One
I pray we, all children of the earth, no matter our path to enlightenment, come to realize that we are one. We may walk our own paths, but we are not alone, for we walk at the same time, toward the same end/beginning. From our individual perspectives, be we Pagan, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddist, Taoist, or Hindu, are the same. I pray that we all feel the love of our Creator(s) and by example learn to see each other as brothers and sisters, allowing the boundary lines of religion to fade away. May the Lord and Lady bless your path. May you always have enough, and may you give enough in return. Blessed Be.
- Beliefnet member FaeAisling
I do believe that there are many paths that lead to the same end... I believe that we are all one, we are all the same but different (as my dear friend, Sue & I like to say), and I think simply as human beings we all are searching and we long for the same basic things, to love and be loved, to connect with something and find our place in this world. Who am I to say which path is the right one, or the best one... I believe it is meant for me to journey on a certain path and to share that journey with others and then it is for each individual to decide which path to choose. The path that I choose is to walk with Jesus Christ whom I proclaim as my personal savior and the son of God. My journey is in the direction that leads me to God through Jesus Christ. this is my path. I believe that God wants all of his children with him in eternity. It's my responsibility to share with others how they can be with Him in his kingdom one day. It is also my responsibility to respect my brothers and sisters that live in this world with me and to allow each person to choose their own path. We are all striving to arrive at the same place and I am not one to judge or condemn another's chosen way. How do I know that their is only one way? I don't know. I know that their is only one way for me, Jesus is the way. This is the message I will share on my journey. This is what I believe with all of my heart, but I also believe that God wants us all with him and I trust that He will make a way for us all to be with him. In heaven, there is no religion, there is nothing to separate us from one another... It is like there is a mountain and there are many paths that wind all around and up to the top of that mountain, and which ever way we choose to travel, as long as we are traveling up to the top, we will all arrive at the same destination, because there is only one top to a mountain, just one highest point... That's where I'm headed to and I look forward to seeing others along the way and wish them safe travel... Peace & Blessings to all, Lynda Close
Just for you... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Just for you... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
We miss you Brian! I pray you are walking with Jesus and that your life in heaven is glorious! I know I will see you again one day and that is the hope that gives me the strength to keep going each day! Love you tons! Mom
Beautiful.../ Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) O' Beautiful Affliction
O Beautiful Affliction’ Merciful pain This mortal wounding bringing me to life again In suffering there’s healing This darkness revealing Silence speaking volumes to my soul O Beautiful Affliction Blessed brokenness that makes me whole
— David Baroni
Such a beautiful poem and it was written from the heart no doubt. My experience is very much like Mr. Baroni, there is healing in suffering, the darkness is revealing, it reveals the light that God has for you, and in my silence I hear God whisper to me...
When you walk with the Lord you discover so many paradoxes. Peace in the midst of great pain, hope when things look hopeless, light in the darkness, and I suppose there is a wholeness that comes with a brokenness that's blessed...
I would not say I am anywhere near feeling whole, but I do feel that God is putting me back together, little by little. I feel encouraged to see what the finished creation will be when he is done... Of course I believe that we are not ever fully whole until we actually get to stand before God and here him say, "Welcome Home my child..."
Check it out! Meredith's Cingular commercial! / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
I know Brian is so proud! Here is the link to youtube of Meredith's commercial for Cingular. It ran from Sept. '06 - Dec. '06! A lot of you probably saw it!
Thought for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Thought for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Today's Quote
Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree.
-Marian Wright Edelman
I read this and thought how very true it is! Children learn most if not all of their social skills by watching the world around them, especially the adults in their lives. Parents of course are the most important, because when kids are young they want to be like their parents! They emulate what they see and repeat what they hear. I also believe that attitudes are contagious. the old saying, 'If Mama Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy!' There is a ring of truth to this statement. I believe for the most part that prejudice and hate are attitudes that are taught or passed on by those who have the most influence on the children around them. If adults are harboring anger and ill will towards others, the children around them definitely pick up on the tension and the feelings. I hear children (sometimes teens & young adults) make statements about a certain group of people without any real basis for it, they are just passing on what they have learned. People can be very insensitive and self-centered. Referring to someone by a 'slang' term or using a derogatory term to identify an individuals ethnic race or culture is hurtful. Most do this without any thought, some not even meaning to be hurtful but their own ignorance does just that. When I think about the statement, 'Kids are cruel', I am complete agreement. They tease each other, sometimes physically assualt one another, they bully and withdraw friendship, growing up is so hard and when you are a child you experience so much heartache at the mercy of others. I think that a lot of this behavior is a result of how they see the adults in their life treating others. If there is a general lack of caring about others, kids pick up on this. If adults are busy 'gossiping' and making fun of someone, even in their own home and behind closed doors, although they may not be directly treating someone poorly out in the general public, they are still causing harm to them by their lack of consideration and judgement by talking foolishly about them with others and usually kids are within earshot. Children hear and see way more than we ever realize! By practicing this behavior we are teaching them to be unkind and be insensitive themselves. There are so many times in my own life that I wish I had not said something or had acted in a more caring way. There's a reason why the bible talks so much about watching our tongues and how our mouths are a weapon. the Lord says we are to love one another as our brother and we should encourage and edify one another. We are are equal in the eyes of the Lord. None of us are without fault and sin. Another saying, 'People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.' We all live in glass houses, so let's put the stones down and start looking theough the glass and seeing each other as we want another to see us. Think about a time when your feelings were hurt, when you felt betrayed by someone you cared about or a time when you were embarrassed or ridiculed by a person or persons who just did it for a few laughs or to impress someone. Remember how bad that felt? I do, I've experienced those things more than a time or two. I've been guilty of going with the crowd and participating in embarassing another. I've been guilty of threatening another and causing them to feel fear... I've been involved in physical fights, and none of these acts made me feel better about myself. They made me feel worse. I don't want to be the cause of someone else's pain, especially the pain that pierces someones spirit, attacks their soul and crushes their heart! I want to be kind to others, be helpful when I can and show love to those I meet. this world is plenty dark and ugly, life is hard enough! I don't want to make it any harder for someone, I want to make it easier, I want to share the journey so we can make each others burdens lighter and our spirits stronger and our love greater! It all starts with showing simple consideration to another human being, simple acts of kindness that don't cost anything but can mean everything to the person who receives it. I also know that the giver is also the receiver because the rewards of treating each other with knidness and respect go far beyond what we could imagine. There are no words to explain what caring about others does for the soul... Be kind today. Just for one day and experience the blessings that come as a result. Teach a child to be kind, it will be a gift that will last throughout their life and it will make their world a little brighter and easier to bear. Peace & Love always, Lynda
Angels/ Angelica Grover (Twinless Twin)
"Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you. " -Saint Francis de Sales
There's a better way... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Prayer for Young People
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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