Morning Has Broken!

My heart is overcome with gratefulness, spilling over with joy!  No, we did not win the lottery or fall into some lofty inheritance.   Mercy who has brought me to this place, allowing heavy, dark concrete to fall off my body, mind and spirit at this moment in time.  This joy isn't because of anything I've done, but I am more grateful for these moments than years of "thank you's" and praises could ever express!  

 

The Spirit speaks to me so often through song. Some may remember the old ballad of Cat Stevens' about a breathtaking morning, the peace so tangible, it dances like a mist over the meadow; the delicate birds begin to sing the songs God placed inside them. 

"Morning has broken like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken like the first bird

Praise for the singing

Praise for the morning

Praise for them springing fresh from the world" 

- Cat Stevens 

For the last thirteen years of our roller-coaster Journey, one desperate song has continually played in my mind, body and spirit.  God placed words in my mouth at the beginning, when Ellie Kate was in the PICU as a newborn, as the doctors told us she would likely die that very night.  I had no words - groanings too deep for words.  Some of you know exactly what I mean.   I only remember the chorus, but maybe that's all I'm supposed to have stamped upon my heart . . .  

"Oh, Lord Jesus, Come quickly to me!" 

 

 

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:25-27

At times in recent years, I've felt empty and broken, as if a piece of me were missing - a piece I needed to keep going.  During the trials and heartaches of this life, every single one of those feelings is normal.  Every feeling is okay to have, to FEEL.  Don't be ashamed of those feelings - there is nothing to be ashamed of, Dear One.  You are human; God made you with feelings and created you in a way to express them. 

 

There are no magic words, no specific Christian book to read or Study to go through; your heart and mind won't change when you hope or "wish" it away.  No, it comes in the Lord's timing.  He may give you this joy and freedom DURING a struggle, or He may do so in between the seemingly constant trials.  All we can do, all we MUST do as Believers, is SURRENDER - surrender over and over, our hearts always bent before God. 

 

Your Father WILL sweep in and show Himself in your life, even in the midst of the heaviest trial.  He is, "Mighty to save", continually moving mountains on behalf of His beloved Children (even if we don't see them).  

 

 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; 

he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; 

he will exult over you with loud singing".

Zephaniah 3:17

 

Our God continually PROMISES to make ALL things work out for YOUR GOOD (and the good of your children, spouse, family), and for HIS GLORY.  As followers of Christ, what more could we want in this life than for God to be glorified through our lives and the lives of our children, AND for Christ to get the glory for everything?!? 

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare 

and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

 

This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, 

I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. 

I know what I’m doing. 

I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, 

plans to give you the future you hope for.

Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

 
Oh, Father!  Thank you for this glimpse of happiness, joy and sweet expectation!  Thank you for relieving my heavy burdens, even if only for a moment!  How grateful I am to breathe so lightly, to rest so deeply and freely, knowing I can trust YOU with everything.  Life will always be difficult.  I will continue to live in survival mode because of our circumstances, however, YOU are there.  I find hope and peace, knowing you are using all of this for the good of my children, my family.  How humbled I am that YOU would be glorified in me, a broken and sinful human.  When I'm next in the darkness; if the heaviness of these trials once again dims my spirit, may I remember the feather-weight of these days.  

 

I Surrender, 

Ryan

 

CONNER is enjoying his freshman year at Westmoore and is working hard, playing on the soccer team.  High school is a whole new world, but we are incredibly proud of the young man Conner continues to be - tender-hearted, affectionate, witty, helpful with his sisters and patient with his brother. His life brings peace, balance and LAUGHTER to our Home.  I'm so grateful for Conner (or, 'Boy' as Bowen calls him). 

BIG grin from Henry - looking up to Big Bub

 

HENRY has been initiating his schoolwork and chores, showing more and more of the "Real Henry" we know and have missed.  He's growing more responsible and even more affectionate, hanging on to every verbal affirmation that comes his way.  Henry has changed for the BETTER since his IVIG treatment last fall, and we've seen a HUGE difference in his life.  His life is more calm and steady, without as many highs and lows.  He is able to eat and has gained back the weight lost last summer due to PANDAS symptoms.  Henry's playing soccer again this year and has played every game in it's entirety (without taking a mental break , quick walk to calm his mind, not even a break for reassurance from me!  This is HUGE.  I hope to update more on Henry soon.  In the meantime, THANK YOU for praying for our Sweet Boy.  Thank you for giving, helping to provide a way for him to go to D.C., paying for his IVIG treatment - a treatment which has clearly changed his little life for the better! 

Look at the smiles on those faces!

 

BOWEN is a light and complete JOY!  Speaking in sentences now, we take great delight in hearing her speak, which happens to be quite often.  Bowie is athletic and is now obsessed with our "mamboleen" (trampoline).  She's small for her age, which just adds to the fun for me, as I want her to stay a baby as long as possible:).  Bowie Jane is just as strong-willed as our other kids, and has recently said, "Mommy, YOU MUST obey me!", "Mommy, PLEASE, no talk, no sing (I like to hum and sing around the house)".  She's graduated from "Bubba" to "Enry" (Henry), although she still goes back and forth on those.  My parent's dog is named, "Duggah" (Sugar) and Lucy's name is not only "Sissy", but also, "Juicy" (Lucy).  She enjoys singing, "Lucy, My Belle" with me - a favorite of "Juicy's", which PawPaw Stan would sing to her often.  Mike and I can't imagine life without Bow, and the boys often say the same.  

Joyous Bowen!

 

LUCY is growing, which is wonderful!  A year ago at this time, Lucy was so still ill and thin; she barely had energy to move at all on her own, something she loves to do.  Now, she's weighing heavier than ever, which is a MIGHTY blessing!!  Her energy level amazes us, although she still literally falls asleep anytime, in any place, in any position (she's a flexible pretzel due to the affect NKH has on her muscle tone).  She's moving more and more on her own, pulling herself up to her knees.  We haven't seen Lucy this happy and have not heard her giggle this much, since she was an infant.  It is a GIFT we don't take for granted.  

Happy Day at the Park!

 

Mike and I have counted approximately 30 urinary tract infections, which Lucy has had in her seven short years on earth.  This is heartbreaking to us and, through many tests over the last several years, we know Lucy retains her urine and the retaining is only worsening, instead of getting better.  The medications we've tried have not worked.  Lucy's still often in pain and at times, in her own way, can show/tell us what's hurting.  I know how excruciatingly painful my Intercystial Cystitis can be, and I fully believe that is how Lucy feels, likely even worse.  I can't imagine a child in such pain.

 

Even though Lucy is on Palliative Care, we have decided, with her specialists, it would be best to place a permanent catheter.  Most of the time, surgery wouldn't be done on someone on Hospice or Palliative Care, but we all agree this step is a MUST for keeping Lucy as pain-free and happy as possible. The catheter will allow us to drain Lucy's urine as needed, preventing retention, which in turn, helps to prevent bacteria growth, which in turn, eliminates or limits the amount of infections, which in turn, makes a happy and healthy Lucy Belle!  She will have to go "under" and be placed on a ventilator during the surgery, something we are extremely nervous about, as there is no assurance Lucy will wake up from that state.  We've never chartered this territory before; EK never had bladder issues, so it will be a new learning experience for us all.  Surgery is set for the end of April.  

Thank you for praying.  Thank you for loving.  Thank you for supporting us, in so many ways. We'll keep you posted.

Deep Calls to Deep - At My Wits End

Oh Friend, is your heart heavy? Are you at your wits end? Do your tears flow, day and night, wondering where God is in your turmoil and distress?  Do you wonder how God will provide your needs, and does it seem impossible to do so?   If you are any of these things, I AM WITH YOU.  For Ages, Believers have felt this very same way.  Look at the Disciples with their trials.  Look at the tribulation Jesus experienced in the Wilderness.  

Psalm 42:5-9 TLB

My soul is cast down within me . . . 

Deep calls to deep at all your breakers and your waves, 

the roar of your waterfalls have gone over me.  

The Lord commands his steadfast love, 

and at night his song is with me,

a prayer to the God of my life.  

I say to God, my rock:  “Why have you forgotten me . . . ?

Psalm 107:27-28, 

"They were at their wit's end.  

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, 

and he brought them out of their distress."

"Wits End Corner"
By Antoinette Wilson

Are you standing at “Wits End Corner” Christian, with troubled brow'
Are you thinking of what is before you, And all you are bearing now'
Does all the world seem against you, And you in the battle alone'
Remember at Wits End Corner Is where God’s power is shown.

Are you standing at “Wits End Corner” Blinded with wearying pain
Feeling you cannot endure it, You cannot bear the strain.
Bruised through the constant suffering Dizzy and dazed, and numb
Remember at Wits End Corner, Is where Jesus loves to come.

Are you standing at “Wits End Corner” Your work before you spread?
Or lying begun, unfinished And pressing on heart and head.
Longing for strength to do it. Stretching out trembling hands
Remember at “Wits End Corner” The burden bearer stand.

Are you standing at “Wits End Corner” Yearning for those you love,
Longing and praying and watching, Pleading their cause above,
Trying to lead them to Jesus Wondering if you’ve been true'
He whispers at “Wits End Corner” “I’ll win them as I won you.”

Are you standing at “Wits End Corner” Then you’re just in the very spot.
To learn the wondrous resources Of Him who faileth not!
No doubt to a brighter pathway Your footsteps will soon be moved
But only at Wits End Corner Is the God who is able, “proved.”

When Ellie Kate was born the song, "I will Praise You in this Storm," came out.  I remember my Precepts teacher playing it in class, singing it over me and physically holding me close.  With all of my heart and soul, I believed our "Storm" would soon pass.  I was realistic, of course.  My Daughter had a terminal genetic disorder but, I was sure the Storm wouldn't last forever.  And yet, here we are, still in what feels like the very middle of the storm, not anywhere close to the end; not anywhere close to the shore, to calm waters, to the day when the heaviness is all-together lifted.  

I don't understand why the "Storm" still lingers.  In my weakness, when my heart is weary, as it has been these last weeks, I find myself wondering if it truly will ever come to an end.  YES, God provides.  YES, He is still God and He provides and holds us; yet, the Storm continues to rage and it's so easy to get lost in the sorrow, heartbreak and unknown of what that is.  I know I am not alone in feeling this way.  I cling to this knowledge: God too has tasted such Storms, in the human form of His Son, Jesus.  Even Jesus asked His Father to "take this Cup from me . . . " knowing the brutal beatings, crucifixion and earthly death would be too much for Him to bear.  

Lord, brand this TRUTH on our hearts . . . 

• Until He brings us out of our distress and heartache, He has promised to be with us and to never forsake us.  The GOD of Creation, who knows the number of hairs on your head, has promised not to let you walk this heavy road alone.  To me, what's even better than that, is the promise God will draw us closer to Him through the deep waters, no matter how long they last.  

• It is THERE, in the deepest of deep, in the hardest of hard, when there seems no end to heartache and distress, where GOD draws us ever-so-close to HIM.  It doesn't happen when everything's going right or when you don't have reason to depend upon God.  It doesn't happen when you are in "control" of your schedule, finances, and plans.  It happens when you walk through the DEEP, when you cry out to God for His intervention.

Even if the Storm doesn't stop, even if the Storm doesn't seem to ease up immediately, or gets worse . . . we CAN trust Him.  I am learning to CHOOSE to trust and CHOOSE to believe, even when it feels impossible.  In these times, may we ask Our God, "I believe, help my unbelief," Mark 9:24.

Jesus, your ways are always higher than mine.  You know my past and future; you know what is best for me, for my marriage, for my children.  YOu've felt human heartache and you know it deeply.  I choose to give you my Storm and I ask you to be in control, to take it and use it for YOUR glory.  Father, I ask you to use our Storms to take me deeper with you, to develop my character and the character of my family.  I ask you to be glorified, for that is the main purpose of your Children here on earth - to know you and make you know.  Even when I don't understand, even when I fight against the plans you allow and cause, I CHOOSE to believe you will cause it all for OUR good and for YOUR glory.  

May our storms and lives bless you, even if we don't understand!
Ryan

Psalm 107:27-32 The Message (MSG)

23-32 Some of you set sail in big ships;
    you put to sea to do business in faraway ports.
Out at sea you saw God in action,
    saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean:
With a word he called up the wind—
    an ocean storm, towering waves!
You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out;
    your hearts were stuck in your throats.
You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk,
    you didn’t know which end was up.
Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
    he got you out in the nick of time.
He quieted the wind down to a whisper,
    put a muzzle on all the big waves.
And you were so glad when the storm died down,
    and he led you safely back to harbor.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
Lift high your praises when the people assemble,
    shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!

An Upcoming Milestone and Movements of the Heart

So, it's been a while since I've posted an update on our family.  I will certainly do that here on this blog but as usual, I want to share some things God has laid on my heart.  You see, I'm on the verge of turning 40 - yes, 40 - later this month!   I've been settling my heart on so much lately.  I'm focusing more on my family and less on social media and the world around me.  

My passions are still the same, loving and advocating in the world of special needs, disability, and child-loss, but I've found IMMENSE JOY and PEACE the last few weeks, staying away from "noise".  

While I can hardly believe I'm about to hit this 40th milestone, 
and as the stun of it all slowly wears off, 
God graciously reminds me of His Unwavering Faithfulness, 
and He's done this away from the noise.  

Last weekend, I spent time with my best girlfriends from college (who are still close friends of mine today).  It had been too long since we had all been together, breaking bread and talking about life and even longer since we had been in college (20 years of friendship!).  The main theme which kept coming up was GOD.  Suddenly, amidst our conversation over yummy wine, I was taken back to my college days, days that were full of a lot of personal heartaches as I struggled to find out what I believed on my own, as I struggled to find out who I was apart from what I had accomplished up until that point. 

It was a scary time in many ways, as I left an extremely protected environment at home, released into an environment that was unlike any other I had ever experienced before.   I absolutely admit to making many wrong choices and many times, I didn't like who I was or what I was doing during that time in my life. Of course, it's totally normal for young people to go through this at some point - some go through it during high school, some during college and some even later on in life.  All of us must face the BIG things - who we believe, what we believe, why we believe it and it's taken me up until now to really sort those things out.  No, I don't have everything figured out in any shape or form, but I AM more grounded and I know who I am more than ever before; I know what I believe and I feel more secure than ever, for which I am extremely grateful for!

90's Girls, For Sure! 

So, back to the dinner with friends - I remembered all of those feelings from 20 years ago and how this group of friends stuck by me through ALL of the ups and downs, the messiness and wonder of life at that time.  Our bond has never broken because of our FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ - knowing He is the Lord of each of our lives, knowing He is the Lord of each of our families, knowing He allows or causes all things in each other's lives, in the lives of our children, and more!  It was so beautiful to look around the table that night, knowing we've walked through children in the hospital, rare diseases, catastrophic diagnoses; troubles in our marriages, job changes, big moves, and more - God has brought each one of us through all of it.  Sweetly, He's allowed us to walk through it together.  He had a purpose for all of the ups and downs and brought us closer to His heart!  He has made us better women, better mothers, friends, wives, sisters, daughters, and Believers and only HE can redeem all of it for His glory!

I think back to some lonely times when I had no idea what God would do in my life or with my life; how would my life even turn out?  And just as He has walked with me and with my friends together, through life and death and everything in between, He has FAITHFULLY walked me HERE, to where I am now at 40 - this beautiful, messy, broken, happy, intense, journey with Mike, Conner, Ellie Kate, Henry, Lucy, and Bowen Jane.  And while I wouldn't always have chosen the hard places, the dark places, and broken places, HE has a purpose for it all and I can TRUST Him.  He has allowed things and caused things to happen, for OUR good and ultimately, for HIS GLORY!  

Young Mamas (notice a pretty-in-pink Ellie Kate on my lap)

Now, we sit as mothers and wives; made up of two counselors, a teacher, children's ministers, and two speech pathologists. Two of us have ministries going on in Africa, two of us have started non-profits and two of us have adopted children.  We have a total of 18 kids amongst us, ranging from ages 1-18 (which is crazy and fun) and our children proudly come from a rainbow of backgrounds including Hattian, Hawaiian and Hispanic!    Seriously, if you would have told us, back when we were in college, that THIS is where we would be, living THESE beautiful lives, entrusted with THESE precious Beings . . . I don't think we would have believed it.  It sounds too good to be true, in many ways!  But GOD has been FAITHFUL, going above and beyond what we could hope for or ask!

How precious is it that the Lord truly IS faithful?!  

I can SEE it and I KNOW it from my life in the past.  

I can trust that it will continue to happen in the future, 
always and forever, because of HIM. 

It reminds me of a song I learned in childhood; 

one I still find myself singing to this day . . . 

"My Redeemer is Faithful and True,

Everything He has said He will do;

Every morning, His mercies are new!

My Redeemer is Faithful and True."

Remember, especially if you are struggling or in a place of doubt or despair . . . GOD IS faithful and true!  

He will do everything He said He will do and SO much more - 

more than you could ever dream up on your own.

Ask Him to remind you of His faithfulness, 

just as He has so sweetly done for me; 

I know you won't be disappointed.

1 Corinthians 1:9 - God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

*******************************************************************************

Family Update: 

LUCY: Sister Sue's had two hospital admissions since I last posted and continues to have good days and bads days.  One of the hospital stays was due to a severe staph infection and we are seeing signs of that returning tonight.  I will be calling the doctor first thing in the morning to see what we need to do.  Obviously, it isn't too concerning at this point but I have no idea how they will want to proceed since the first infection was so intense.

HENRY: This Little Man continues to respond well to the IVIG treatment he received this past summer in D.C.  We are STILL struggling with the payment, which was made upfront on our behalf.  We are still trying to get it approved by insurance and at this time, we are thinking of other ways we can find the funds to pay this large bill off.  IVIG has been LIFE-CHANGING for Henry, in the very best way!  In fact, he needs another round of it now.  We are absolutely choosing to trust the Lord in this as we have NO idea how the initial payment will be paid OR how to pay for another treatment, much less a trip to D.C. for the specialized treatment.  We've been working hard with our doctors here in OKC but at this time, there is no immediate chance (nor chance in sight) of receiving the needed transfusion here.

CONNER: He astounds us each and every day, showing us what a wonderful big brother he is to ALL of his siblings!  Conner doesn't have an easy job, we know that as his parent and yet, he joyfully plays and loves his siblings so well.  He proudly pushes Lucy's wheelchair to this day and now, even proudly pushes Bowen's stroller as well (not at the same time, of course). Conner will be in high school this fall, which is hard to believe for ALL of us (him included), so we treasure each day we have with our son, protectively overseeing all he does.  We are beyond proud of Conner and pray God will set goals and godly desires deep within the heart of this young man who has been entrusted to us.

BOWEN: Bowie Jane continues to be the light of each day for me, each moment, even.  All of us have fallen head over heels for this Little Girl who proudly knows each of our names (and says most of them correctly;)).  Each morning, she wakes and immediately says, "Momma!  My Momma?!", and her busy little self is all around the house each and every moment, never slowing down except to sleep.  This GIFT is not lost on me - we are ALL very much aware of this rare blessing we have in Bowen Jane.  Truly, she is a Gracious Gift of God!

Forever and always, THANK YOU for your continued love, support, encouragement, and prayer.  

I say it often, but not nearly enough, we live off your words of life - 

God gives them to us through you, just like manna.  

So, even if we don't respond or are very late in responding, please know that each message, 

text, and voicemail truly mean the world to us!  

I'm praying this week, for God to richly encourage your heart 

the way He uses you to encourage mine.  

Ryan Elizabeth (the soon-to-be 40-year-old!)

. . . and then she was FIVE

Lucy turned FIVE today.  I don't really know how that's possible and I wasn't really prepared for the flood of mixed emotions that hit my heart today, as precious memories of both Girls came to mind.  FIVE - it's a huge milestone for Lucy, and I remember well celebrating Ellie Kate's fifth birthday . . . wasn't that just a couple of years ago?  How is it that time crawls by and goes at lightening speed, all at the same time?!

Ellie Kate, 2005

Lucy Belle, 2011

It hit me today - Ellie Kate was five when Lucy was born.  That seems unreal to me!  Once Ellie turned five years old, we barely had two additional years with her.  Lucy is now only two years away from the age Ellie Kate was when she left this earth and ran into the arms of Jesus.  It's sobering and confusing and gut-wrenching; it's a roller-coaster of emotion in every possible way, bringing up fears and questions and doubts.  

Ellie Kate, age 4

Lucy Belle, age 4

Ellie Kate, 2006

Lucy Belle, 2011

It's a step of faith - loving someone in a fragile state because there is so much at stake.  There is so much on the line for oneself, for one's well-being, but true love doesn't think of oneself, does it?   True love puts another person above your own desires and feelings, in every possible way, and Jesus is the perfect example of that. God the Father knew, when He sent Jesus to earth, that His only Son would one day die a terrible, painful, earthly death.  He knew it and He continued to love Him like only a perfect Father can, providing His every need and being there at all times.  As Believers, we die to ourselves and as parents, we love recklessly with every fiber of our beings, no matter the consequence, no matter how much it may hurt.  And that is how we will continue to love Lucy, just as we loved her Big Sister.

Ellie Kate, age Five

Lucy Belle, age Five

Our Sweet, "Beautiful Light".  Our unexpected Baby, our Lucy Belle McLaughlin.  She has brought so much joy, so much hope, so much laughter.  God has given us the gift of  enjoying life through death, because of Lucy.  His ways are ALWAYS higher.  His plans are ALWAYS better than what we could ever hope or dream-up on our own!  I'm so grateful that the Lord created Lucy and gave her to us at the absolute perfect time for Ellie Kate, for me, for Mike, for Conner, and for Henry.  God gives GOOD and perfect gifts, and that is exactly what we have in Miss Lucy.

Oh, Father! Thank you for the precious, priceless gift of our Lucy.  I can never express my gratefulness for her Little Life!  Thank you for giving Lucy to us at the perfect time and thank you for granting us dreams better than we could ever hope for!  Thank you for healing my heart through Lucy Belle.  Thank you for the precious gift of Ellie Kate and Lucy being so close in appearance and mannerisms and for daily reminding us of how richly you truly have blessed us.  May we never forget your goodness, your kindness and your faithfulness to our Family.  We are so unworthy, Father.  We give you Lucy and ask that you continue to orchestrate her life according to your plans.  

Lucy, 2 Months

Lucy, One Year

Lucy, Two Years

Lucy, Three Years

Lucy, Four Years 

Lucy, Five Years

What is Love?

Do you remember that song, "What is Love?"?  I think it went something like this, "What is love?  Baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more."  

I know, I know.  By now you are busting out laughing or rolling your eyes; OR maybe you've just decided to delete this blog post.  Please, Friend - do stay with me, because I promise there is more to this blog than just reliving some silly 90's song.  

In my life, I have so gratefully been able to experience many types of love.  I have been blessed to see, first-hand, the most beautiful types of this intricate emotion - this verb and noun.  Up close, I have witnessed what love should be, what love is meant to be, and what love could be.  And unfortunately, I have seen love abused and manipulated; evil and selfishness masked as "love".  

Many times I have wondered why God has allowed us to be in the situations we are in as a family.  For me as a woman - what are all of the purposes of these trials and sufferings (I promise,  I know I am not the only one suffering or hurting)?  One of those purposes, I believe is to share Truth.  And today, I would like to share with you what God has laid upon my heart about love.  

You may or may not be a Believer.  You may or may not believe in the power of the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.  Friend, no matter what you believe, you really cannot discard the breathtakingly beautiful true definition of love in the Bible . . . 

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 I Corinthians 13:4-7

For me, love is sacrifice.  Plain and simple.  True sacrifice.  If it doesn't cost you something then it is NOT LOVE.  And sacrifice means SERVICE. That's it for me, Friends.  Bottom line - LOVE IS SACRIFICE and SERVICE. What is love for you? What does it look like? As Easter approaches, the picture of ultimate sacrifice and service by Jesus on the cross, I encourage you to ask yourself some questions:

• What is your love/service costing you?
• Is it comfortable?
• Is it hard to do physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually? 
• Do you "love" and serve in order to get accolades?  
• Are you seeking attention by engaging in this act? 

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing". 

I Corinthians 13:1-3

As Believers, our lives should be reflections of Jesus; the true and ultimate guide, the most beautifully perfect picture Love.  We must strive to live a life of love.  And as humans, we need love to well.  We need to serve well.  We cannot get through life without human love because human love is the extension of Christ's love; the Kingdom of God on this earth.  

Love is NOT shouting out your good actions for the world to see so that you will get the recognition you are craving.  If that is what you are looking for, stop and seek your attention somewhere else.  

Love is NOT doing something out of convenience.  If it doesn't cost you something and if it isn't uncomfortable, then it isn't LOVE.  Jesus loved us in every action - he was constantly giving, serving, sacrificing His reputation and His life.  If you are doing something ONLY because it is convenient, then it isn't really LOVE.  Do more!  

Love is falling on your face and being humble.  It's living out the example of Christ - giving everything up for the sake of others.  

Being in ministry, I have seen mothers change the diapers of their teenagers.  LOVE. I have seen fathers wipe drool from their adult children.  LOVE.  I have seen adult men hold the arms of their elderly mothers as they walk down the stairs.  LOVE.  I have seen a mother hold their child so tight because of the child's need for sensory input.  LOVE.  I have seen precious mommas kiss the lips of their dead children, one last time.  LOVE.  I have seen strangers cleaning up after the sick, helping people who are lost; I've seen people give up their last dime so that others can eat.  Missionaries who give their lives to share the Gospel and their families who stay behind, faithfully keeping things going on the frontlines.  People making life and death decisions, people feeding the poor, those wrapping gifts for others at Christmas . . . the list could go on and on (isn't that breathtaking in and of itself?  Endless ways to love!).  Truly though, love can be so simple.  Reckless love does not have to be life or death.

Sacrifice can be simple - leaving a note for someone who has been having a hard time.  Picking up extra groceries for a family who is struggling.  Maybe you could secretly mow your friend's lawn or shoot an encouraging text.  For someone who has felt much pain and heartache, I can tell you that any act of love means more than you could ever know.  NOTHING IS TOO SMALL.  If you feel led to do something, even in the slightest, go and do it!  Do NOT miss the opportunity to bless others because you will end up being blessed as well.  

My hope is that you will re-evaluate the way you love your family, your spouse, your community, your world, your God.  My hope is that your soul will be awakened to the true meaning of love - God's meaning of love.  Sacrifice.  Service.  My prayer is that your love will change and that it will impact everyone around you, and when it does, it will change your heart and will change the way you view Jesus.  When you understand what true love is, what Jesus has done for you, what Jesus DOES for you on a continual basis, you will fall more in love with Him.  Over and over and over again, you will fall in love with Him as the unveiling of the magnitude of God's sacrifice is unfolded before you.  And do you know how that happens?  It starts with you loving others.  Loving others recklessly, in service and with sacrifice.    

What is love to you?  Go out and love your world today and be blessed by the precious ways God in turn shows His love to you, Sweet One!