Barriers to Love

When I started writing 13 Decisions that will Change Your Life, I hadn't considered how many barriers there were to unconditional love.  As it turns out, there are many.  More seem to rear their heads every day.

Love is curtailed by distrust or mistrust.  We've all experienced betrayal and the bitterness it leaves.  Love is unable to live in an atmosphere of unforgiveness.  Roots of  malice burrow into our lives and take years of diligence to get rid of.

Love closely related to joy and a zest for living.  Neither is possible if a scimitar is poised over our head.  Purging grudges, putting away hard feelings, and defusing feuds unbars the road to love.  Unfortunately cleared pathways don't always stay clear, so this demolition must be a constant chore.   Don't put off your spring cleaning so love can blossom. 

Generosity is a Decision

A baby no matter how precious is born with a clenched fist.  Part of the fallen nature of man, we are doomed to be selfish and think of No.#1.  When we are converted to Christ, our nature changes and the old Scrooge must go and we take on an attitude of giving.  Generosity is something we can cultivate.  Each tiny bit of giving unclenches that fist.  We give until it hurts and then it feels very very good.  Take every opportunity to share with another.  It's a decision that will change your life.

Surrender Opens Doors

Two of my favorite modern day heroines are Corrie Ten Boom and Elisabeth Eliott.  Corrie chose a prison camp rather than turn away the Jews being persecuted in her town.  She provided a haven for many before being arrested herself.  She saw her sister, Betsy, waste away and die but Corrie was faithful to her task. She surrendered but never gave up.

Elisabeth became a widow at a very young age.  Her husband, Jim, was slaughtered as he attempted to preach Christ in Ecuador.  Instead of giving up, she surrendered her life to reaching the people in that tribe. The journey was long but fruitful and proved to be a lifelong adventure.

What adventure are you missing by resisting surrender?

Satan's Toolbox

Everyone has a resource they pull from.  Writers read voraciously and persuade, create worlds, motivate, or make us laugh.  Carpenters use their hammers, planes, and blueprints to fashion cathedrals. 

Satan is like that.  But he isn't clever enough to use innovative methods.  Instead he digs into our conscious and subconscious minds, invades our dreams, and finds enough emotional baggage to be a guilt trip agent.

Don't fall for it.  Let your toolbox be filled with love, peace, and joy.

Packing Lunches

My grandson woke his mom early with "Mom, Mom - today is the day!"

 "What day?"

"The day we take food to the kids, get up, they are probably waiting on us!

 Where did we lose the sincere, innocent heart of a child?  Hunger is all around us even in the most sophisticated suburb.  When young ones like my grandsons are aware, we should be too.  Service like love, peace, and joy begins in the heart.

Service From the Heart Lasts Forever

A dear friend just went to his reward.  My memories of him include service - whether it was preparing supper for the women's retreat, repairing a wall, or leading the choir.  He tackled each task with a big smile and a "how can we make this fun" attitude. 

My friend learned the lesson long ago that serving is not just doing.  Going through the motions doesn't touch anyone; only service can do that.  A heart that is cleansed and a mind that's renewed is where serving from the heart lives.

Opportunities abound for us all.  Let's renew our vow to look for them and serve with a glad heart. Decide to serve others - that's a decision that will change your life.