Live Loved and Thrive

The Blog

Thrive, P and Confetti
Good Virus, image is close up of a drop of water falling into the water below causing a ripple

Good Virus

At the time of writing these words, the world collectively holds its breath as an ominous virus threatens our daily routines. The media hype ensures that panic sends everyone into a hoarding mode, businesses are taking a hit be it financial, loss of employees or the complete loss of their business.  And then there’s the stock market dive. We need a good virus to overtake the current one.

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God’s Rest

Everything about life finds its strength rooted in rest. That sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Initially, that’s what it sounded like to me. As usual, God’s value system is completely different from ours. Life pulls us all over the place with responsibilities and things we’ve obligated ourselves to. People count on us, so we need to show up in many areas and in a variety of ways.

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Thank YOU!

What are some of the ways we express our appreciation? Maybe we say, “Thank you!” Perhaps we buy a gift or return the favor. In what ways do you show God how grateful you are for all He has done for you?

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two women, sitting side by side, looking out over the water with sun setting.

It’s About More Than Time

Have you been in a situation when you didn’t know which option to choose? Perhaps the choices seem equally risky, and the thought of gambling with the outcome was of no comfort. There have been numerous times when I’ve asked God to walk through the door, sit down in front of me, and show me the choice that will result in His best for me.

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barren field, broken down fence and a white church with a steeple far off in the field

Come To Me

Would you like some encouragement today? Do you need to know you have Someone who is not only in your corner but who makes a way for you, stands beside you, and is all around you? Would a reminder that there is Someone who is closer than your breath and who can steady your heart and mind be of comfort to you? Every time you feel stressed, confused, or less than happy, these are indicators letting you know that there is One who is lovingly drawing you to Him saying, “Come to Me.”

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blond girl with coat and gloves, throwing dirt into the air

Voices

I talk to myself all the time—mainly because I’m the only one who listens to me! I’ve been organizing things in my head so long that I’ll catch myself answering my various dilemmas. Stranger still, I sometimes do this in public … out loud! How embarrassing to be caught responding to voices. One time a woman passed me and said, “Bless her heart” under her breath … but not quite under her breath.

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Gravity, earth from outer space, white topography with light blue outer ring and dark blue outer space

Gravity

As we close out the month of love with music and lyrics, I want to share one of the songs I use in order to fall asleep. This week would have been my husband’s birthday, and this song’s message helps calm my mind and settle my heart. The days can seem long, but it’s at night when I turn out the lights that the gravity of empty echoes through the house, especially our bedroom. There is no warmth coming from his side of the bed and the blankets are all mine. No legs to gently slide back on his side of the bed to give me more room and there’s no snoring inches from my ear. All things I would gladly receive.

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defender, woman sitting on rocks overlooking water facing the sunset, arms raised overhead forming the heart symbol with her hands placed perfectly around the sun in the horizon

Defender

Have you ever noticed that any love song on the radio, minus the sexual suggestions and language can be written to you from God? All the promises that are being made such as “I’ll love you forever. I’ll be faithful till the end. I will always choose you. You can trust me.” etc. are promises that only God can fulfill.

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highs and lows, shilouette of woman facing ocean, sky is dreamsicle orange and blue clouds reflected on the wet sand

Highs and Lows

This week we continue to lean into the heart of the Father through the lens of music. We’ll take a look at the poetry-style lyrics and listen to the melody for further emphasis. I don’t want to mislead you; I’m merely a writer and, while poetry is writing, the only thing that would qualify me as an occasional poet is the fact that poems can rhyme. You know, roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you-type stuff. Thank God literally, that His faithfulness through the highs and lows of life does not hinge on my ability or inability. I simply want to point you to Him. He’ll take care of the rest. If you’ll let Him.

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