It's More Than A Flag

Old Glory          Star-Spangled Banner          Colors           Red, White, and Blue

     THE AMERICAN FLAG

It was sewn to bring camaraderie and unite people sharing the same dream. It was flown into many battles in which blood was spilled from men, women and children in the name of freedom. When the smoke dissipated, the Colors still flew high. It has been there in aid of other nations in times of need. It has been marched down many streets to promote equality of life. It has landed on the moon. It has been flown into countless fires as heroes rescued those in trouble. It unveils itself in every terrorist attack, natural disaster, or great tragedy across the entire planet. It waves as our men and women travel to and from war. It rises every morning with a reveille and lays down at night in retreat. It blankets the fallen and comforts those left behind. It bares hope, faith, patriotism, inspiration, heroism, the deepest desire to make a difference in a small span of time. It has been envied by those who hunger for power. It has been burnt, trampled and ripped to shreds. It has been misunderstood, labeled evil, and negatively idolized. It has been used as a pawn in political agendas and misrepresented to promote dramatic stories and generate ratings. It has been neglected, abused, manipulated and hated. Despite the trials and challenges, it continues to rise with every new day.  

Some say it is only cloth. Those are the ones who fail to peer deeper into the soul of this star-spangled banner. With a closer look, you can see explorers sailing the ocean, using constellations in a darkened sky to guide them to a new world. Settlers and Pilgrims begin to build new lives through rain, sleet, snow, drought and illness. Blue and white collared men and women working endlessly to ensure there is a future. The 13 colonies alternate red and white stained with the blood of those who pulled us from an unjust ruler. It is stitched together with every American patriot past, present and future tying us all together and cultivating a unity that cannot be broken. If you look close enough, the stars twinkle with glistening tears of sadness, anger, exhaustion, failure, stress, worry, wrath, pain, happiness, hope for a brighter future, grace, mercy, kindness, and compassion. It shines brightest with the tears shed while on bending knees praying for guidance through a broken world. You see, it is not only cloth sewn together representing a flawed government, but one true story of many lives binding together promoting the same cause throughout generations. It symbolizes patriots of liberty for all of mankind across the globe. When you pledge to the Stars and Stripes, remember you are making a promise to those who have gone before to carry on their legacy and make it your own.

It IS all Americans.

Happy Flag Day, America!

Love Defined

           Love! It is the most misused, underused word in the English language. It is misused in that we do not understand it and underused in that we have put a limit on it. Over time, culture has shoved this ginormously huge complex noun-verb thingy into a box. (Here we are, back in the world’s box again).  They have tried to simplify it by taking away its responsibilities through revising its origin and meaning. We are told to only say it if we truly mean it. Well yes, we should definitely always tell the truth. That is actually part of love.  However, it seems as though we are only to use this word when speaking to family members, friends or, more commonly, when dating a person. So is this wrong or is this the right usage of this word? Let’s take a look at scripture: (Read 1 John 4:7-20. The scripture can be found at the end and the main focus is on verses 7, 8, & 20). We can see there that we, as a whole, do not understand what love is. To use the word properly, we need to know where it originates and what it is. When we start to understand that, we then need to know HOW to love.

Origin

God created love, He is love. In verse 8, it says “God is Love.” God always was and always is and so was and is love.

Love Defined

Love (man’s definition): 1-A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

 2- a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affections, as for a parent, child, or friend.

        Are these bad definitions? YES! Not because they are wrong, but because they are only partial. These do not fully define love because it leaves out the responsibility. Here is the world again taking something so immaculate and infinite, trying to wrap their brains around it. They just can’t do it with earthly logic so they reign it in to fit within our measurable grasp and try to gain understanding. By doing that, we assume that love has a limit. If they would just read 1 Corinthians 13, they may could begin to understand that it is a heck of a lot more than just a feeling. It is complex and hard work, but oh my goodness is it more amazing and beautiful than just a feeling of affection for a few people. Let’s look at the God inspired definition:

Love IS long suffering,
Love IS kind,
Love does NOT envy,
Love does NOT boast, it is NOT proud.
Love does NOT dishonor others, it is NOT self-seeking,
Love IS slow to anger, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does NOT delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
Love ENDURES all things.
Love NEVER fails…..

So how do we love?

We cannot love without loving God first. How do we love him if we don’t know how to love? Is this one of those ‘which came first, the chicken or the egg’ situations. NO! In 1 John 4:19 it says, “We love him, because He first loved us.” When we desire God and give ourselves to him, he fills us with his love and that love reaches out to all others. As we mature in our relationship with God, we start learning that responsibility that comes with love. We learn to be patient, because love is and God is love. We learn to keep no record of wrong, because that is love and God is love. LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS, LOVE NEVER FAILS.

If we put love into the world’s box, we cannot love everyone. Those who do us wrong are immediately scratched from our love list. We can not possibly love a stranger because there is no attachment to them. When love becomes only a feeling, we forget to show love and it then becomes selfish. We are missing out on so much love by living with the world’s limits on love. If we just allow God to love through us, we can learn to love our enemy and forgive them, which brings us peace. We can learn to love everyone because we begin to understand that people are in a desperate need of knowing God even if they don’t know that need exists themselves.  The more we love, the more love we have to give.

Let’s end with this thought, 1 John 4:8, “He that does not love does NOT KNOW GOD.” Ouch! As we go along our little journey of life, it is wise to learn how to love. We can practice daily. Take one portion of what love is and practice. (Ex: Today I will be patient, Today, I will bear no record of wrongdoings, AKA: forgive and forget). Remember this with each new situation that arises: Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirreth up strife, but love covereth all sins.”

Scripture:

1 John 4:7-20

⁷ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

⁸ He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

¹² No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

¹³ Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

¹⁴ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

¹⁵ Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

¹⁶ And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

¹⁷ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

¹⁸ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
¹⁹ We love him, because he first loved us.

²⁰ If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Chasing the Light at the End of the Tunnel

          Most of us have heard the old saying, “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” It symbolizes the end of a difficult time or trial. During hard times, we tend to wish for the end. Some pray, “Please God, let it be over.” We are ready for the peak of the mountain, ready to just catch our breath and be done with it. More often than not, it seems as though the closer we get to that light, it begins to fade into the distance. We start to struggle; it becomes a never-ending battle. At these lowest points, we feel defeated and lose hope thinking we will never see the end. Well, what is that light? Is it God? Or, is it only an illusion? Why are we really chasing the light at the end of the tunnel?

We can look in God’s word and find that the famous light is definitely not God. Joshua 1:9 says He is with us wherever we go. He is not waiting at the end of the tunnel , or trial shall we say, ready to high-five us and rejoice in our victory. No, he is right there in the darkest moments. So why, during these times, do we feel so lonely? It is often because we want to focus on the end and we are completely missing the hand of God at work. Ladies, it’s time to dig in the word and figure out what our choices are in dealing with trials. Let’s start with an illustration:

"One day, three men went exploring in a cave hoping to find historical artifacts or even a treasure of some sort. They took a wrong turn and found themselves lost with no idea how to get back on track. One of the men, Aaron, decided to go alone and look for a way out. He aborted his previous endeavor to pursue a survival mission. He started feeling for wind, looking for light. Days had past and he had given up and sat down knowing that he would meet his end in this cave. Another one of the men, Jack, decided that if they split up, they could find the exit faster and get help. He set out on his own as well. The last man, Thomas, looked at the situation and realized that he may never come out and asked God to have his will. He decided while he was there, he was going to explore. In his pack, he had a few survival tools. He struck a match and made a torch. He began to find historical writings on the walls. He became hungry and asked God to provide him some food. He found a few bugs. He became thirsty and again asked God for water. He came across some dripping water. He continued in the cave, amazed at all the historical findings along the walls, and saw something glimmering in the rocks. He looked and saw that it was gold. He pulled a piece out and thanked God for the rare opportunity to find such an earthly treasure. He then heard Aaron moaning and began to search for him. He found him, lifted him up and began to walk with him to get him water and a taste of that buggy meal. He talked with him and encouraged him. He began to show him the uniqueness of all the stalagmites and stalactites along with the writings on the walls. They ran into Jack and together found an exit in a short time. When they finally got out, Jack mentioned his thirst and hunger pangs. Thomas asked, “Did you not eat the bugs or drink any of the water? Jack shook his head no. They decided to head home. Jack said, “So much for exploring and finding anything. At that moment, Thomas pulled out the gold piece and said, “We certainly did find something.” The other two looked and asked where he found it. Thomas replied, “While I was looking at the drawings, I saw it glittering along the cave walls. It was the most remarkable thing, far more than anything I could have envisioned on my own.”

Which one of these men can we relate to? Let’s take a second and think about our most recent trial. When we are ready to just run to that light at the end of the tunnel, like Jack, we miss out on the remarkable things God had planned for us to learn. When we take matters into our own hands and follow our own plans, we may fall into a rut like Aaron. But, when we place our hope in God, as Thomas did, and allow His will to be done, we will see that He is walking there with us. He is ready to open our eyes to see His mighty works that are all around us. We should never worry, as He will provide for our needs. (Matthew 6:34).We should be constantly living in the moment, asking God what He wants to show us because, here’s the thing,  we will always see trials here on earth. When, or if, we finally get to that light, we need not grow cold or complacent. We need to be preparing for the very next trial because we know it is coming. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). When we start a new one and we are prepared, we can rejoice in our hope in Christ. (Romans 12:12, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6).  If begin to feel hopeless, remember that praying and seeking answers in The Word will guide us through our darkest times. (Psalm 119:105). He is our light. That one at the end of the tunnel is just a distraction from God, who is right beside you. So let’s strike the match, light the torch and start exploring. Better yet, open the Bible, let God ignite your heart and He'll guide you through.

                Stop chasing the light and choose to see God in your trials. Believe it or not, trials are one of those crossroads. Making the Godly decision will keep you on the right path.

Scripture:

Joshua 1:9  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4  “…that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.”

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”

Introduction: To Cross or NOT to Cross?

                Throughout our lives, we face many transitions and the world has set its standard on women. The world tells us where we should be at certain ages and what should and shouldn’t be accomplished by those times in our lives. They like to navigate through our life transitions for us acting as a guide to true femininity. Let’s assume that the world has decided that you are to start shaving at 10, start wearing make-up at 13, first date/kiss at 16, go to college at 18, left abstinence behind by 20 leaving you with your first broken heart, graduate by 22/23, start that career by 25, get married not much sooner than 30, have no more than 2 children by 35 (any earlier than 25, women encouraged to abort), and continue focusing on your career soon after. We can say the new retirement age is…. never mind!  Who really retires anymore? Grandbabies by 65, and then you and the husband you have put on the back burner for the past 35 years are to conquer the many ailments of old age together until life just ends and your remnants are buried with many others.

This is a ‘great life to look back on’ according to the world and many MODERN feminists. But… the world has missed out on the true uniqueness of God’s creation through the individuality of every single woman out there. They have put womanhood into a box with the label WORLD in permanent marker and duct taped every possible opening of that sucker. They have used illusions to keep you there: This is how to be a real woman. This is women’s equality. This is how to be loved. This is the ONLY way. Be who you are. Be diverse. Yes, be yourself; be unique as long as you are within these here guidelines.  So… WHAT’S OUTSIDE THE BOX and why do they seem to hate it so much?

On the outside of this box containing the world’s plan for you is a much bigger picture with a more fulfilling purpose and love that is so grandeur and has no limits. This life doesn’t end in the dirt, but continues through eternity. There is no box, no confinement, but true freedom. Exploring these things takes the power out of the hands of Satan and the world and exposes true intended diversity through the power of Jesus Christ.

How do we get through that indestructible Duct Tape? How do we decipher what is illusion and what is truth? The main question we should ask ourselves is: To Cross or NOT To Cross? With every new decision that we make we must decide if we will follow Jesus or follow the standards of the world. Will we be set apart, be unique, diverse?  (Romans 12:2). Will we choose to the will of God at every opportunity or choose the world? (Acts 4:19). Will we choose the Cross? (Luke 9:23). It is a daily decision Ladies and the focus of every transitional period needs to be God’s perfect planning for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11). We need to understand that sometimes we just won’t understand. Over time, you will see the missing pieces falling into place. But in the meantime, seek him and listen to that still, small voice. (Psalm 46:10).

I, myself, am hoping to learn and grow in this area of my life and will be sharing the different things God has laid on my heart here. I am by no means a Bible expert and will probably misunderstand things along the way. Please feel free to bring up any question and we will seek answers together. That is how iron sharpens iron. (Proverbs 27:17). In the blog, I include scripture references as it is important to study the Bible yourself simply because I am human and still learning. Below, I will provide the full scriptures for those who do not have a Bible on hand or do not have the immediate time to look into it.

A special thanks going out to the beautiful young ladies who sat for several hours as I photographed for this purpose and have waited patiently to see these photos. Kaylee Durand and Payton Simmons are both admirable young Christian ladies, who I will introduce to you in the near future.

Scripture:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said to them “Whether it is right in the sight of god to listen to you more than to God, you judge.”

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God…

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.