Jesus Comforts Those That Mourn

Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

When we face painful circumstances, sometimes they seem overwhelming. A feeling of despondency and sadness encompasses us and we feel nothing else. Jesus assures us when we mourn, we shall be comforted.

Mourning takes on many different faces. While many people associate mourning with death, mourning is also any expression of sorrow. We mourn about our own personal struggles, loved ones facing health problems and the loss of those close to us. Loss may also occur through death or other separation.

Lately I've seen many touching Gather posts requesting prayers and support. This is exactly what we need to do for each other when we are mourning. When we offer ourselves to those experiencing sadness and challenges, we provide comfort. We can all be ambassadors for Jesus by giving a little of ourselves to those mourning.

When you are mourning, talk to Jesus about it in your prayers. Reach out to the people around you. In turn, you may find they share your mourning with other understanding folks and you receive more blessed comfort than you ever imagined.

Recently a friend connected me with one of her friends, indicating we shared similar circumstances as caregivers. Her ability to see this connection really touched me. I know she has her own situations to deal with but she was able to reach out to us to help.

In turn, I made a wonderful new friend who reached out to me at just the right time with the reassurance to go on. Her kind words and understanding at that moment meant so much to me. I felt comforted when I needed it most. I knew Jesus answered my prayers by bringing such compassionate people into my midst.

We can all do this for each other. You do a world of good when you take a brief moment to share a bit of comfort with someone mourning. If you are mourning, take time to pray, meditate and reach out to those around you. You will be pleasantly surprised by the immediate presence of His healing grace in your life!

Are you mourning right now? Do you find it hard to pray or share your feelings when you are sorrowful? Do you take the time to reach out to others in mourning? Please feel free to comment and share your prayer request.

Have a beautiful, blessed weekend!

What Is Reconciliation All About?

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray to you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

II Corinthians 5:18-20

Now that we are into the Lenten season, we reflect on Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. God gave His only son so we can be forgiven. He recognized the frailty of human nature because He loves us. Jesus was a human being who suffered just as we do.

So what is reconciliation? Often we think of the Sacrament of Penance at the Catholic church, dramatized in countless movies over the years. Catholic reconciliation involves conversion, confession and celebration. A Catholic confesses their sins to a priest who offers a judgment to deliver the person from guilt and sin so they are reconciled with God.

What is reconciliation in a broader sense as a Christian? I turned to Webster to explore the meanings of reconciliation.

1. To restore to friendship or harmony. Jesus wants to be our friend as well as a spiritual guide to righteousness. He loves us and asks us to give our woes to Him. Our faith in Him gives us harmony with the world around us even during tumultuous times. When we are lonely, we are never alone with Jesus.

2. To make consistent or congruous. Jesus asks us to be consistent in our faith. He wants us to live by his Word everyday and turn to Him for our needs. Sometimes we only remember Him when the going gets tough. He wants us to pray consistently to maintain that spiritual connection.

3. To cause to submit or or accept something unpleasant. In His infinite wisdom, we will be confronted with hardships as well as happy times. We must endure through these difficult times and accept our circumstances. When we submit to His will, the path becomes clearer for us.

4. To check against another for accuracy; to account for. Catholics "check against" a priest to determine their accuracy and account for their sins. Jesus is there for all of us whenever we need him. While it helps many to go to a formal confession, He is there for you right now to confess your sins to Him. Share your doubts with Jesus, follow His word and He will guide you in the right direction to achieve reconciliation.

Reconciliation involves faith and humility. We need to believe in His grace and forgiveness. We also have to be honest with ourselves about our sins. If we don't take time to identify our shortcomings, it becomes impossible to achieve reconciliation. We wind up on a "roller coaster" that is hard to get off. Identifying our sins helps us to stop them and become better people.

I found my greatest fault is berating myself for my sins. Once I recognize them, I feel bad about them. There was a time I wondered if He would ever forgive me. I turned to Him with all my heart. He made His love and forgiveness clear to me by giving me new opportunities and perspectives. I learned I had to let go of my sins to Him and let in His healing grace. I discovered that felt much better than "beating myself up" over the things I did and did not do. By giving them to Him, I was free and would never make those mistakes again. I also learned if I do you can go to Him, pick yourself up and start all over again in the right direction.

Once we experience the incredibly healing joy of His forgiveness, we are called upon to be ambassadors for Christ. He wants us to spread the word to everyone about our experiences and the freedom of reconciliation. When we tell others, they can turn to Him to find the healing they need and then there will be more ambassadors for Him.

Are you overwhelmed by your own sins or behaviors? Have you made mistakes that make you feel far from His grace? Did you turn to Him and find the reconciliation and new start you needed? Jesus came for the sinners so we can find our way to salvation. Please feel free to comment or share your posts about it at Gathering 4 Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Giving It Up To Jesus Starting Today

"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."

Psalm 4:5-8

For many Christians, today is the beginning of Lent. During Lent we make sacrifices to show our love and devotion to Jesus for giving his life to us. From eating fish on Fridays to not eating meat at all to quitting bad habits, everyone has their own personal way to show Him their dedication.

While these are certainly noble acts, He asks us to offer the sacrifices of righteousness. He wants us to do the right thing and live by His word. As human beings subject to error at any moment, that might seem like a tall order. This is when we remind ourselves He gave His life on the cross so we can be forgiven. If we make a mistake, He wants us to admit it, learn from it and change it. Everyday is another opportunity to offer the sacrifice of righteousness.

When we feel there is no "light at the end of the tunnel", Jesus lifts us with His eternal light. He turns to us and gives us the good love we need to endure. With Jesus in your heart, you can overcome all adversity and wrong-doing to live a life of righteousness.

The Psalm further reminds us the gladness in our hearts from doing the right thing is far greater than if we focused on having plenty of corn and wine. Sometimes we get caught up in a competitive situation with friends, family or co-workers. Our focus is on earning money and accruing the best stuff rather than living His word everyday.

It calls to mind my first job in a law office. In my legal career, I worked in several municipal law offices as a manager, paralegal or consultant. It was not my intention to pursue a legal career but I was tempted by the money. I was self-supporting at a very young age and I knew more money payed more bills.

When I entered the office, I was a teenager in college. Their offices were set up in an old colonial house in a very prestigious neighborhood. I was impressed by the area, the beautiful architecture, the abundant legal libraries and the well-dressed, polished employees.

I landed the job right at the end of the interview. I was walking down stairs when the attorney who interviewed me stopped me and said with a smile that did not reach her eyes, "Congratulations, you've got the job."

Even though I was a honor student with excellent office skills, I could not understand why they chose someone with no experience for such a key position. I soon learned their reasoning.

To summarize a lengthy story, the partners of the firm were acting with great impropriety. They were collected multiple pensions from school districts, which was just the tip of the iceberg of what I observed. I mentioned it and was told I didn't know what I was talking about.

Oddly enough, after stating my thoughts I was given a lofty raise and benefits. I was instructed not to tell anyone about my new salary. I discovered people working there for 10 years were making less and had no health benefits. This amazed me since the law firm negotiated to get these perks for administrators, mayors and other power players.

My discontent continued and again I spoke my mind to the managing partner. I was then offered a cushy political position in Albany. I left to start a cleaning business, figuring scrubbing toilets was less dirty than working in this law office.

The firm was clearly displeased with my decision and even tried to pursue a moot legal case against me as an intimidation tactic. Much like their excuses, the lawsuit held no water. Either way, they tried to make me feel foolish and paranoid about my observations. I was told I just "didn't understand".

Clearly I did. Twenty years later, I was sitting with my hubby and kids writing an article on my laptop while they watched the news. A film flashed across the screen with one of the attorney's faces. As a law writer and managing partner, he was clearly facing serious legal ramifications for the actions taken by the firm. This confirmed I knew all along what was right and wrong. I was glad I did not let them redefine righteousness for me and bribe me with money, power and position.

This brings me back to our sacrifice of righteousness for Lent. It's not always easy to do the right thing. Our jobs, families, friends and even the media tell us to act in a way that may not be in accordance with His word. We need to seek the truth so we can be examples of His word. Doing away with our preconceived notions about what we need versus what we want is one of the greatest sacrifices we can make for Lent.

Why not make a commitment to live by His word everyday during Lent? If you fall one day, commit yourself to admitting your wrongdoing and asking for forgiveness. We tend to forget these two simple steps more often than we'd like to acknowledge.

When we follow His word and live by righteousness, we can sleep peacefully each night because we did good things. He shines his protective grace on us to keep us safe when we live by His word.

What are you giving up for Lent this year? Have you already made the lifestyle change to live by His word everyday? How has that changed your life? Please feel free to comment below or write your own post for Gathering 4 Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Leaving The Past Behind To Follow Jesus

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before."

Philippians 3:13

Often we get caught up in the past and forget to look to the present and future. When negative circumstances occur, it can be difficult to get past them. Jesus asks us to pick up and move on with him in faith. When we get stressed out by events that already happened, we are ignoring all the blessings He has for us now.

In his infinite wisdom, you will experience many conditions as a human being. Some are wonderful and others are more painful. Health problems, loss of a loved one, abuse, rejection and stress are all memories that are hard to erase for many people. Other folks get caught up in their past sins, forgetting Christ came to save the sinners.

When we cling to the past, we are giving our full attention to the possibilities of what is right before us. Failing to reach forth means we remain in a stagnant, unhappy position. Embarking on a journey with Jesus opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Some will be pleasant and some might be unpleasant. All of them will take you to where you belong because He knows best what we need.

If the answers aren't coming to you, it is essential to take quiet time to pray. Jesus answers all prayers when you turn to him with all your heart. You may not get the answers you were looking for, but He always has a wiser master plan for you.

I experienced a very painful divorce. I will not detail the circumstances here but I chose not to wallow in the negativity. I prayed constantly and shortly thereafter, reconnected with the man who is now my husband. He was a friend of a a friend and definitely not on my mind as a romantic interest.

Our friendship grew richer and stronger over the years until our romance simply exploded. He, too, is divorced and felt despondent that his dream of being a family man like his dad would ever come true. I felt my "biological clock" ticking and wondered if I would ever be a mother.

We prayed constantly and took a leap of faith together. We left behind divorce, bad memories and distress. It comes back constantly to peck at us but we don't even flinch. We both have Jesus and know the present and future are what matters. We refuse to let the past hold us back from living life today and tomorrow with our two blessed children. Jesus sacrificed His life for us so we can be forgiven and sow positive seeds here on earth. That's too important to overlook and keeps us from dwelling on bad memories.

Does the past hold you back from being who you want to be? Are negative thoughts overwhelming you so you cannot see the light of today and tomorrow? You are not alone because Jesus is waiting to offer relief. Have faith and give it up to Him so you can move into the present and future without the weight from your past. Please feel free to comment here and share your posts about it at Gathering 4 Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Give Your Woes To Jesus

"Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O, Lord heal me for my bones are vexed."

Psalm 6:2

Do you ever have what is popular to call a "bad day"? Everyone has days that seem to involve challenges at every moment. Is the time our day goes "bad" right around the time we forget to give it all up to Him?

I am learning there are many circumstances beyond our control. We can offer support, make sensible recommendations and give our endless love. But ultimately the answers are His.

My BIL was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. I cry because he was raised Catholic but like many, lost touch with Him. My husband and other BIL recently visited him. My other BIL brought a Bible and we hope he opens it in his quiet moments.

My mom was hospitalized a couple of years ago with deadly pneumonia and yellow jaundice. She is an incredible woman who prayed and did tai chi. When she got out, she continued to pray and live right to combat diabetes and other health issues. She inspires me to give it up to Him.

I could not visit my mom while she was in the hospital because I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr, strep and sinus infection which she could not afford to be exposed to. I was not allowed in a hospital as I was vulnerable too. I fight back everyday with prayer and healthy living.

My husband had skin surgery for skin cancer this summer. He was diagnosed with precancerous colon lesions this fall. With prayer and a healthier lifestyle, he is improving everyday. I have no control over any of these situations so I give them to Him. I ask others to pray with me. This gives me the ability to do all the other things that need to be done for everyday life.

There are days we are all weak. There are moments when our health conditions seem overwhelming and beyond our ability to endure. He is always there to turn to and ask for help with your weaknesses and vexations. Jesus came for everyone, not just the bold and the beautiful. Each spirit matters no matter what type of body it is housed in. Give it to Him and you will feel lighter, better and turn a "bad day" into a good one!

Do you have any weaknesses or vexations? Have you given them to Him and seen them turn around? Does praying for and helping others help you feel better about yourself during difficult times? Feel free to comment. If you wish you share something you want us to pray for, please feel free to include it below.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Be A Child With Jesus

Except ye become as little children, ye will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:3

With the weekend ahead, I thought this passage was an excellent reminder to let the child within come out to play. As we get older, we are weighed down by past experiences, financial business and everyday responsibilities. While we look to the future, we forget to enjoy the present. Children are always ready to have fun when their school and chores are done. Are you?

If we cannot relieve ourselves of our daily burdens, we show a lack of faith. There is a time to work, to sleep, to eat and to relax. It is only when we clear our minds that we can hear Jesus speak to us. When our heads are filled with worries, it pushes Him further away. He wants us to believe with all our hearts and souls that He will take care of us.

Economics are a driving force for many of us. Bills need to be paid and food needs to be put on the table. As we scurry to make it happen, we forget to give ourselves the essential time to celebrate the child within. To let go of our misconceptions, fears and anxieties is to let our inner child out to play. It's great to look at the world and Jesus with childlike wonder and admiration!

My children have no problem taking time out. When the bus pulls away on Friday, it's time to have a great time. As adults, we need to "let the bus pull away" for awhile. Even if it only leaves for a couple of hours, play is necessary. It helps us reconnect with ourselves, our families, our friends and the natural world around us.

Dance to gospel music. Stand out in the rain for a minute and feel it wash over your face. Look at a leaf and notice all its subtle lines. Toss a ball up in the air. Run along the shore. Climb a hill. Roll around in the ice or a green valley. Draw with chalk on the pavement. Sing as loud as you can to Jesus. Smile, laugh and smile some more. You will feel Him right there with you!

Do you let the adult responsibilities of daily life weigh you down? Are you looking to get closer to Jesus but don't know how? Consider letting your inner child out to play this weekend. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the world and people around you. Revel in the innocence of just feeling love and giving love. When we recapture this innocent, trusting love and joy, we get closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Have a beautiful, blessed weekend!

Jesus and Flirtin' With Disaster

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearances of evil."

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

I had a different topic in mind for today but was drawn to these words as I wrote yesterday's Word 4 The Day. It brought to mind that old Molly Hatchet song, "Flirtin' With Disaster". A lot of us flirt with disaster and don't even realize it.

Let's face it, evil usually doesn't walk up to you with a big sign stating "I am evil" with little red horns. Evil is a master of disguises. If evil didn't look "good", it wouldn't have so many supporters. The problem is, evil cannot prove itself. Jesus can and He does. His miraculous presence is right there when we need Him most, even when we don't expect it.

Evil comes in many forms. It may have a contagious rhythm and get you tapping your feet to lyrics you don't even know. When you slow down long enough to hear the words to certain popular songs, you might be surprised to discover you're dancing with the bad guy.

Movies and television are another place we find plenty of evil lurking. The television commercials for horror movies are so graphic and violent, I am appalled. I don't allow my children to watch certain channels because these type of commercials come on. Meanwhile, some of my son's friends (he is 10) are already watching Chucky, Freddie and all these other players. They may seem media-friendly after all these years but what are they teaching our children? Then parents wonder "where" their kids get these ideas when violent behaviors are carried out on playgrounds, in schools and at gatherings with friends and family.

Getting caught up in the daily grind of what your neighbor has is another way evil weaves itself into your life. Rather than being happy and thankful for the food and home you have, you become tempted by the shiny new goodies your neighbor keeps getting. You want them, leave your family for hours to work and buy them then think you are delivering happiness in a box. None of those things bring true joy. Only the love you share with Him and and the people around you brings real riches. Time rather than money is what pleases most.

There are many little ways we all flirt with disaster everyday. When we abstain from all appearances of evil, there is no question Jesus is our savior. We need to carefully consider our actions, what they really say to others and the example we are setting.

I got caught up in it as a freelance ghostwriter. For awhile, I wrote a blog that didn't make me proud. It was for a famous personality and the focus was clearly on sex and exploitation. I was torn because of the opportunity to write for this person but I woke up everyday dreading the assignment. I finally realized it was temptation, plain and simple. I decided to walk away though I needed the money very much. When I did, Jesus blessed me abundantly with meaningful work I felt proud of. I may not get rich monetarily from it, but I feel satisfied inside. Riches are about who you are, not how much you earn and I am holding fast to what is good.

Are you flirtin' with disaster? Have you let evil in without realizing it? Do you have examples of how empty evil is because it cannot prove itself? Do you have stories of how Jesus proved His light in your life? Please feel free to comment here.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Thanking Jesus Everyday

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I was inspired this morning when I a friend shared a poem she found in her mother's Bible about thanking Jesus. It was an excellent reminder to be thankful to Jesus everyday.

Yesterday we discussed the importance of asking for what you need from Jesus. We also know we often turn to Jesus when the going gets tough. It calls to mind a memory of a biker friend of mine from years ago. He did little more than grunt about Jesus but fell to his knees in prayer when a friend was involved in a tragic fatal accident. Our mutual friend's funeral was filled with big, tough guys crying and praying to Jesus.

Jesus is always there for us when we need his love and help. But are we there for Him during the good times? Do we forget Him when everything is going well and we're having fun? He asks us to pray without stopping and to give thanks for everything. When we thank him, our lives become even more fulfilling and productive.

When you are living the good life, remember to include Jesus in the joy. He loves to hear from you when you are happy. After all, isn't it thanks to His grace when something wonderful happens?

It reminds me of day when everything was going well. Hubby and I got a windfall and I really needed a car. We had two very old vehicles we bought for under $500. Both had fallen apart within a couple of months. I was walking with a double stroller to go to church, the library, grocery shopping and to visit friends for months. Because we live in the boonies, it's a long walk to get anywhere.

I used the walking time to connect with Jesus and always felt thankful for my kids, the stroller and my working legs. The children and I sang simple songs together along the way. The one I remember most was "This Little Light of Mine". They would sit in the double stroller, singing and coloring, while I pushed and marched forward. They were very joyful days but we had to get a car as my husband's old truck was barely running. We would be stuck in the boonies with no transportation as public transport is almost nonexistent here. My husband is a disabled veteran and the nearest VA hospital is over 50 miles away.

Through another blessing, we got the cash to buy a car. I felt selfish praying for more but I quietly asked Jesus for the car I always wanted. It was a modest request but I still felt rather self-indulgent. We were buying used so finding it in our country neighborhood would certainly be a miracle. My mom came out to watch the children so we could focus on getting a new family car.

My little tale brings asking for what we need and thanks together. The first car dealer we stopped at had the exact car I wanted right down to the color and detailing. I knew Jesus was blessing me, I felt it all around me. Four years later I still have this car. It will bring my daughter to the pediatrician today, a 60 mile round trip.

The car means much more than the granting of a wish or a self-indulgent desire. It represents the ability to work, take care of my family and get the people I love the medical attention they need. Jesus knows our needs and always provides for them, even when we think it is impossible. To show him how much it means to me, I thank him everyday for this blessing. When I get in the car to drive, I thank him again. After all, He did not have to bless me with exactly what I wanted and I would have been happy anyway. His generosity is truly incredible!

This is just one of the many times Jesus blessed me beyond my ability to comprehend. Because his blessings are so abundant, the feeling of gratitude overwhelms me. At every meal, we give thanks because it's a blessing to eat with today's economy. With each safe trip home, we give our thanks. When a sunny morning wakes me with warmth, I thank Him. With so many examples of His love, I feel the need to sing, dance, write and give thanks in His name throughout the day :)

Do you have examples of Jesus blessing you beyond your wildest dreams? Have you had a prayer answered more quickly and fully than you ever imagined possible? Do you make sure to give thanks everyday to show your gratitude? How do you show your thanks to Jesus? Do you remember to thank him for the things such as your health, family and friends? Please feel free to comment about it.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Jesus Talks About Creditors and Forgiveness

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose the he to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."

Luke 7:41-43

We are living in difficult times. A senseless war rages on and lives are lost everyday. The economic conditions in America are getting harder as the cost of living increases and jobs are lost. Many people have having trouble keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. While a simple dinner is served, often creditors ring the phone endlessly looking for money the debtor doesn't have.

The stress gets overwhelming. Some people lose their sense of self-worth and start to feel depressed. Sometimes we forget Jesus came for the sinners, the despondent and those seeking salvation.

To receive forgiveness, we must ask for it. We must believe, have faith and put our hearts into asking for forgiveness. Jesus died for us to have eternal salvation. God gave us His only son to show his understanding and ability to forgive.

Often we forget to simply ask for what we want. If you do not have money to pay a creditor, talk to them. Sometimes you will be surprised to discover giving an honest answer helps your situation. Everyday lenders write off borrowed money when people take the time to explain legitimate circumstances.

While lenders might wind up unyielding in certain situations, Jesus is never unforgiving when we ask with all our hearts. If we are sincere about living according to His Word and doing better, he will give us everything we need to succeed - including forgiveness.

Do you sometimes forget to ask Jesus for what you need? Are you shy to ask for what you need from creditors, co-workers, friends and family? Do you think communication makes a major difference when it comes to forgiveness? Please feel free to comment or post your thoughts at Gathering 4 Jesus.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

President's Day, Law and Faith

For I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them: and to hear those things which ye hear and have not heard them. And beyond a certain lawyer stood up, and tempting him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself."

Luke 10:24-27

Today we celebrate President's Day in the United States. When we reflect, we've had both effective and ineffective leaders. Let's consider what makes a leader truly great.

The best leaders are not driven by power, money or greed. They consider the rights and privileges of each individual citizen based on God's law. Quite simple, they use their hearts and souls to encourage us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

What makes a poor leader? Often they lose sight of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. They are typically driven by power, greed and other negative emotions. Do we tend to do this in our own lives without meaning to?

The rat race is getting worse as wars rage on, finances get tighter and people work harder. We can lose sight of the big picture in our scurry to keep our heads above water.

We are all the leaders of our own individual lives and families. Effective leadership starts with each of us. We all have the ability to take control of our lives and the immediate world around us. When we show love, compassion and understanding for our neighbor, we know our lives improve.

As we dedicate ourselves to living life according to God's word, the disbelievers and naysayers will become more obvious. When we become united through the words of Jesus, good things happen. Power-stricken leaders are exposed for who and what they are when we all simply live the truth.

Time, patience and the true Word of God are our allies. As we deal with our daily stresses and shake our heads in wonder at world leaders, we need to get past the negativity. Positive energy and actions take over when we live the Word because we more clearly see those leaders who are doing the same.

Happy Valentine's Day With Love and Faith

"For God so loved the world, the He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I could not resist posting a special weekend edition to spread a little love around cyberspace. God's love is so immense He gave us His only son Jesus so we could experience the joy of everlasting life.

The actual name of today's holiday is St. Valentine's Day. Did you know there were numerous Christian martyrs named Valentine? Up until 1969, the Catholic church recognized 11 Valentine's Days! The Saints celebrated on February 14 today are Saint Valentine of Rome and Saint Valentine of Terni.

By the 1840s, Valentine's Day was reinvented to be the holiday we now know. People exchange greeting cards to express their love. In the 1900s, folks starting to give candy, flowers and cards and the tradition continued.

Sometimes Valentine's Day makes people feel pressured if they don't have a "sweetheart". It doesn't have to be that way because love comes in so many forms. You can love Jesus, love yourself, love your pet, love your friends, love your family, love co-workers - love is for everyone! If you need a little more love in your life, there are many places to volunteer your time and share love. You don't need a card or candy to express your love.

Jesus gave us one commandment - to love each other. Let's share the love from our hearts and not our pockets today by showing extra kindness to everyone we meet. If God can give us His only son, we can give our love to Him and those around us. Much love on Valentine's Day :)

Friday The 13th, Superstition and Faith

"I hate vain thoughts: but thy law I do love. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto they word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto they statutes continually. Thous has trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love they testimonies."

Psalm 119:113-119

When we believe in superstitions such as Friday the 13th, we are minimizing the power of Jesus. If you wake up with the thought you will "have a bad" day simply because of the number on a calendar, you are not acting with faith. Negative thoughts attract negative circumstances. When we walk with confidence and faith in Jesus, the number of a day holds no consequence.

Let's consider Webster's first definition of the word superstition:

-beliefs or practicing resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance.

Webster's second definition of the word superstition is even more compelling:

-an unreasoning fear of nature, the unknown, or God resulting from superstition.

When you read these carefully, you see this fear of the unknown or trust in chance can lead to fear of God and the world around us. Faith takes away fear. When you believe in His power and guidance in your life, there is no need to feel concern about a superstition such as Friday the 13th.

Media hype, horror movies and rumors have an impact on our perception of days, numbers and circumstances. If you worried about everything from black cats crossing your path to Friday the 13th, you certainly would not be living the full life He intends for you.

Further, superstitions are vain thoughts. Giving such attention to a day, number or creature takes away from Him. If you feel anxious, you can use Him as your hiding place. Feel the hope He gives you and be unashamed, even if others around you are feeding into such superstitions.

Respect God's commandments and give reverence to just Him. The deceit of superstitions are a falsehood that takes away from His statutes. Obey His law and he will banish the evil like dross so you love His testimonies even more.

With our trusty pal Webster in mind again, you do know the meaning of "dross"? If not, don't feel bad because I didn't either. Dross is defined as scum, refuse or waste matter. He gives you His law so you can follow it with faith and hope, leaving garbage ideas and superstitions behind.

Personally speaking, the number 13 has been equally kind to me over the years as other numbers. I even won a church auction when I was a child with the ticket numbered 13. This proved to me 13 was the same as any other number and everything happens with His grace. In fact, the Psalm I quoted has the number "13" in it!

Do superstitions have an impact on your life? Is luck running your life or does your faith in Him take over? Please feel free to comment or post your thoughts.

Have a beautiful, blessed weekend!

We Must Rest To Renew Our Faith

"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."

Mark 6:31

The hectic pace of daily life can consume our faith, hope and positive perspective. As we scurry to accomplish our goals and take care of our families, we leave little time to rest and renew our spirits.

Jesus lets us know we need to depart from the mayhem to rest for a short time. Without a quiet time away from all the noise, we cannot hear our inner voice. Often we do not make enough time to even eat a decent meal.

Without reflection and nourishment, we are unable to give as much as we want to our jobs, families and lives. It becomes a vicious cycle of trying to fulfill our responsibilities and feeling too exhausted and frustrated to go on.

Last night I realized the importance of slowing down to renew all those tired cells and strengthen my faith. I am participating in a unique online weight loss group with a bunch of other writers. Our latest assignment was to take a soothing bath and get creative, just let it flow.

For a brief moment, I wondered how I could possibly relax with overdue writing assignments, Valentine's parties at school and homework to do. I looked around and realized the house needed cleaning. Should I really take a bath?

Since I'm committed to getting healthier and losing 10 pounds, I did it. I lit a scented candle, put on a soothing tropical rhythm CD and poured a glass of wine. I filled the tub with sea salts and hot water than sank into its depths. Aaahh, the relief.

I spent time praying, visualizing and just letting go. I felt carefree, lighter, completely relaxed. After soaking awhile, I emerged and put scented body butter on my legs and arms to soothe my skin.

Once I was dry and wearing my flannels, I looked up at the clock. It only took about a half hour to completely unwind. For some reason, I always think I'll lose the day if I take time out for awhile.

I woke up energized and refreshed this morning instead of tired and stressed. I still had Valentine's preparations for school, backpacks to put together, kids to send to school and an inbox full of messages from clients. Instead of feeling anxious, I felt calm and well-prepared.

Jesus found little time to himself on Earth because so many people wanted to experience His healing grace. Despite his importance, Jesus never got egotistical. He realized He needed to step back and rest so he had more to give. He let us know we need to step away, eat and rest so we have energy for the many tasks at hand. Our faith waivers when we don't take essential time to rest and rejuvenate.

Do you forget to take time out and wind up burnt out? How to you relax in the middle of a busy day? Please feel free to comment about your experience.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Fear Gets In The Way Of Faith

“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him and say unto him, Master carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”

Mark 4: 38-40

Yesterday I spoke about the important of childlike faith. We must shed all our preconceived notions to really believe. When we cling to the familiar, we lose part of our faith. The impossible is always possible with Jesus.

Fear gets in the way of faith. When you are afraid, you are actually minimizing His worth in your life. We know with Him all things are possible but do we really believe when the going gets tough?

Picture yourself out on the sea in a wind storm. The boat is rocking back and forth in the rough winds. You start to feel nauseous and wonder if the boat will capsize. Let's face it, we'd all have a moment of fear. Will the boat go under? Will we drown or get eaten by sea creatures? Can we make it to the shore alive?

But do we ever think to pray for peace? Do we ask Him to stop the winds, just as Jesus did or do we jump to the conclusion a disaster is eminent?

This reminds me of one the first dates I had with my hubby. He is an avid fisherman and I was no slouch either. With our demanding work schedules, we finally set a date to rent a little boat and go fishing in the bay.

The day arrived and the clouds were stacking up thick. We decided to take the ride anyway since we both really wanted to go fishing and waited about two or three weeks to get there. The forecast indicated a wind and rain storm were possible later in the evening.

It was still morning so we figured we had at least a few good hours of fishing. We rented the craft and headed out into the bay to catch a few flounder, one of my favorites.

Hubby caught the first first and was very puffed up about it. Suddenly the winds started to pick up and within ten minutes, our boat was being tossed around like a tiny mouse by a very large cat. Hubby turned pale and said he would try to get us to shore.

I remained calm and continued to fish. We prayed together that we would return to shore safely and catch enough fish for dinner. As hubby navigated the waters, I caught two more fish. While he put them in the bucket, I helped navigate the boat toward the shore as lightening flashed in the sky and thunder rumbled. We took turns and landed safely back at the dock with thick sheets of rain falling, minimizing our visibility.

Today hubby says this trip is what let him know I was a “keeper”. Though we didn't stop the storm with our prayers, we returned to shore safely in a highly unlikely situation. In fact, several boating accidents and incidents were reported that day by people in much larger, stronger boats than ours. We even managed to catch three fat flounder and eat them for dinner!

This is the power of prayer. Instead of feeling fear, let prayer take over during those moments when you think something terrible is about to happen. He is right there, ready to listen to you and help you when you need Him most. Fear gets in the way of faith because our minds are filled with negative thoughts and “what ifs?”

Can you remember a time when you were afraid and gave it to Him? Do you think fear stands in the way of faith and personal progress? Feel free to comment.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Do You Have To See It To Believe It?

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are unseen are eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:18

We are human beings, made of flesh and blood. We see, feel, taste, touch and hear to know we are alive. If we cannot use our senses to process something, we often believe it is untrue. In other words, "I've got to see it to believe it."

This reading from Corinthians is the very essence of faith. It is difficult to believe in something that is intangible to us. For this reason, there are probably billions of statues and likenesses of holy figures. People needs something they can hold so they can believe.

Of course, graven images is a topic for another day. Today our Gathering 4 Jesus topic is about faith. Jesus asks us to believe even though we cannot see or feel God. For this reason, God sent his only Son to reach out to us. Much like giving us only one commandment, our loving God realized as human beings we needed something to see, feel, taste, touch and hear.

Jesus was that tangible evidence of God. We know he was here on earth and his words live on for centuries. Time itself is measured by his appearance in this world. Clearly Jesus was a very important person.

Faith is much larger than Jesus' walk on earth. It is about believing in his words and the promise of eternal salvation. This is a concept I struggled with for years, not realizing he will make his presence known simply for asking.

Jesus wants us to talk to him with open hearts. He wants us to believe with the innocence of a child. Here is a clear example of his love when you have faith.

When we moved into our new home, my children were very young. I worked as a freelance merchandiser and mystery shopper to make ends meet. One day I was on the way to a mystery shopping assignment with the kids when my car broke down.

I was completely unfamiliar with the neighborhood and broke down in a very inconvenient location. We were at least a three mile walk from civilization and the car konked out right in the middle of an exit ramp onto a long, winding country road.

The heat was stifling, over 90 degrees. I had no cell phone and little money. My husband would not be home until that evening so nobody would know we were gone. My heart started to sink but I put a smile on my face.

"C'mon guys, everything will work out." I grabbed the water bottles, crackers and a blanket from my car and found a shady spot for us to sit so the heat would not overtake us. It was away from the road, too, so the kids would be safe.

We pray at lot at home, so our next thought was to pray. We all said a prayer to be safe and get home soon. My son, only 3 at the time, added to the prayer, "Please Jesus send a mechanic by our car to fix it."

Sometimes we get impatient with children. Our first reaction might be to let them know, "A mechanic coming by on a country road in the middle of the afternoon is highly unlikely. Let's just pray for something we can count on."

But that is not what Jesus asks of us. He wants us to have blind faith and believe anything is possible. With this in mind, I squelched my adult desires to disbelieve and joined in my son's prayer that a mechanic come to help us. We said "Amen" and quietly sipped our water together for about five minutes.

Only two cars went by and one stopped to let us use their cell phone. I called my SIL, who was the only one at home. She was working two counties away and said she could get to us in about two hours.

I hung up the cell phone and effusively thanked the person who stopped to let me use it. The woman was wearing a business suit and apologized that she was on the way to a meeting or she would give us a ride. I assured her I don't take rides but the use of the phone was exactly what I needed. She gave us additional bottles of water and wished us well.

We sat with the water, knowing we would be there for awhile. Suddenly, a large van pulled up with the words "Mobile Mechanic" written on the side. I read the words aloud and my son starting jumping up and down. "See, Mom, I prayed for mechanic and he's here!"

A man exited the van and asked how we were doing. I explained what happened to my car and he asked me to open the hood. I let him know we were broke and he said it didn't matter. I asked if he was from around the neighborhood and discovered he was friends with a neighbor in my town who owns a restaurant everyone goes to. I felt more comfortable and opened my hood for him to check it out.

In just ten minutes, he fixed the problem for free. It was a minor wiring problem that simply required a bit of expertise. He offered to follow me back to my neighborhood since the ride was 10 miles of vast, empty road with no civilization. He took me to the main road in my town and bid us farewell. The power of my son's prayer was brought to life right before my eyes.

This is what faith is all about. My son believed with all his heart and soul his prayer would be answered and it was. I decided not to be a naysayer and allow him his faith. Sometimes we all need to have the blind belief of a child to realize the presence of Jesus in our lives everyday. That also means allowing others to have their blind faith in every circumstance, no matter how impossible it seems.

Do you have to see it to believe it? Have you had experiences that brought your faith to life? Please feel free to comment.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!

Love Is All You Need

"A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

John 13:34

Welcome to Gathering for Jesus! Whether you are a Christian or curious about it, this simple site will give you a greater sense of what it's all about.

For my first post, I decided love was the perfect place to start. Jesus was a man so he knows we make mistakes. As modern people in a media-driven world, we know people have a short attention span. News happens so fast people forget yesterday's headlines tomorrow.

Keeping up with 10 commandments seemed to be a lot for mankind to grasp. Jesus came offering forgiveness and eternal salvation through this one simple commandment - to love one another.

People wonder about salvation for those in areas of the world that have not yet heard about Jesus. If there is love in their hearts, I believe they already know Jesus though it may not be in the conventional, biblical sense we know him.

The bottom line is love. If you think about it for a minute, if we live with love in our hearts and our actions reflected this love, it would eliminate a lot of problems today.

If you feel and act out of pure love, you will not kill, lie, commit adultery, covet what belongs to your neighbor or do anything that violates the original commandments. Hungry people would not be left on the streets with nothing. Sick people without money or insurance would not be left to die.

Unborn babies would not be aborted. Children would not remain in foster care or home while people spend thousands of dollars on fertility and excess fetuses. Imagine if politicians acted out of love and not greed! They could change the world.

I'm a simple person and keeping up with lots of biblical quotes isn't for me. I read my bible but my memory isn't always stellar. Remembering to love one another is easy so I can't forget. From there, my day is destined for success. Jesus really knows us!

Love takes away anxiety, stress and hatred. When we try to understand someone else, we always feel better ourselves. Sometimes we even learn something new about ourselves.

How does love make a difference in your life everyday? Do you believe if we all love one another everything else will fall into place? All comments and perspectives are welcome.

Have a beautiful, blessed day :)