Life is Precious.

As you are faced with death, through family/friends/acquaintances...life seems to bring on a whole new meaning for a time. This meaning should be life altering, and often times it is. But when it comes down to the core...the truth is, that LIFE IS PRECIOUS. Beyond our understanding. Something that, if we truly had the knowledge behind this truth, I think we would all look at the world a little differently. I find it a beautiful thing when you come close to a special someone who has gone to the other side. The world will never be the same, there will always be that little spark, once inflamed by a special spirit, now gone. Granted, I believe in life here after, and I know they are doing a marvelous work on the other side. It makes it easier to die, knowing you will be reunited with those you love waiting for you. But that doesn't change the fact that mortal life, living breath is as precious as the sun and moon in the sky. Never truly comprehending the exact miraculous creation that we are as human beings. Each one of us, being children of a powerful God, have a divine purpose and reason for being here, where we are, at this time. That makes life, your specific life, precious. Knowing there is a reason for all things. Some people come into this life to change history (the lightbulb, electricity, technology, etc.), Some come to change others lives and how they live (Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, etc). And some come just to create life and live under God (mothers, fathers, grandmothers...family). Just by knowing that every soul is precious in the sight of God, and that every one of us is important in some way, makes life a little bit more beautiful and magical, don't you think? Never underestimate how important you are as an individal. You never know the lives you can touch, or even change, just by being you. Love the life you have been given. Embrace the knowledge that you are incredible. To yourself, to others around you, and to a loving immaculate God. You ARE precious.

Beauty.

"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness."

This is such a powerful quote. To me, this is what defines pure REAL beauty. Softness, kindness, sweetness. Those are characteristics that make a person, any person--into something beautiful. Too often we find that in the world we are surrounded by ugly people--people filled with HATE, ENVY, JEALOUSLY, REVENGE, BITTERNESS, GREED, DISHONESTY, etc. What happened to decency? Honesty? Love? Charity? Consideration? Times are changing, and humanity is being thrown out the window. We live in a world full of selfishness. But that doesnt mean we cant be the ones setting the stage for a better tomorrow. Find your gift, share it with the world, and let people see YOUR true beauty. Let others come unto Christ, and desire to know him better, because they know you--seeing him in your countenance. That is what will make you a truly beautiful person.

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

I felt like this quote was the perfect opening to my come-back post. Its been almost a year since my last one, and a lot has changed being a mother (of the cutest boy ever). But one thing has not changed--my heart and desire to constantly overcome weaknesses. This is my newest one. Enjoy! :)

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." -Matt 7:1-2

I am sure, as women, we all struggle with this. It is one of the most natural things to do sometimes--judge others. Even when I dont mean to, I catch myself making a judgement on someone I DONT EVEN KNOW, simply from something that was said or seen. Not always negative, but definitely not always accurate. Why do we do this? I am not entirely sure--I just blame it on the imperfection of man. haha But in all seriousness, this is the furthest attribute to becoming more Christ like. 
I, for one, hate when people judge me, especially when they dont even know me. Too young, immaturity, too naive, not capable, or my favorite--ditzy. So I like to laugh, sue me! Life is hard enough as it is to be serious all the time. This one I have learned the hard way. But regardless, no one likes to be judged! Just like the saying, "dont judge a book by its cover", or the one I quoted earlier "be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle". You have NO idea the struggles someone else is going through. Everyone acts the way they do for a reason (even if it is unknown to them). I cannot begin to imagine the battles that people I have judged, have or are going through--if I knew, I would be ashamed of myself. I am always trying to understand people and why they do the things they do, and yet I still catch myself creating judgements when I shouldnt, even when I understand WHY. What is the answer? How do we overcome this? Just like for everything else, the answer is LOVE. You cant judge someone when you learn to truly love them. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Think the best of them, until they give you a real reason to think the worst. Most often times they wont. People are just people, struggling the same way I am...and you are. When you find reasons to love, hate and judgement leave. Its that simple. Not always that easy...but I know, from personal experience, that when we choose to love people, in spite of all our weaknesses, we ultimately see the beauty and the blessing behind it. Lets LOVE. <3 font="">