I have loved you wrong

I've been on a music kick lately. Well, more accuratley...I've been on a music kick for my entire life. My mom can tell you all about how easily affected by music I have been from a very young age. But recently it seems there have been a lot of songs that God has used to remind me of truths which I have forgotten, or that express exactly how I have been feeling.

This week I've been thinking about how I relate to God, and how I think he thinks of me. Sadly, I'm realizing just how distorted my understanding of God is. Well...sadly probably isn't the right word. It has been sad, but at the same time, recognizing these distortions has also been healing.
This week in chapel, I have had the opportunity to listen to the teachings of a beautiful woman who truly loves God, and has a wonderful understanding of his love for her. Watching her talk about her Father was truly beautiful. The contrast of her beautiful truths and my ugly distortions have been very challenging.

As I was getting ready for work this morning, I was thinking about God, and some amazing things which I just love about him, and it just felt so...right to be loving God. The song, I Have Loved You Wrong came to mind as I reflected on where I've come from and where I hope to be going with my relationship with God. While not originally intended to be a song from daughter to Father...this song somewhat captures the theme of my week.

I am so thankful for God's patience with me, for his unchanging love as I fail and doubt and forget so often.

Sun, Sun, Sun...Here it Comes!

Today is a simply beautiful day!
I haven't yet ventured outside, as it is Saturday and I'm taking it slow...
But the sun is pouring in through my windows,
Filling my room with its glorious light so that I don't have to turn on the florescent lights (AMEN!).
I am so thankful for the sun!

Today's song is most definitely "I was Made for Sunny Days" by The Weepies
Give it a listen, and enjoy the sun! :)

Trusting in Love

I've been learning a lot about love lately...love and trust. I think that's been a reoccurring theme in my life, so bear with me if some of these thoughts seem recycled.

At this point, when I think about the concept of love, two quotes automatically come to mind:

1) "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." -1 John 4:8

and

2)"Love, it will not betray you, dismay or enslave you/ It will set you free/Be more like the man you were made to be."- Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More

Somehow, I think these both capture where I am right now.
I'm learning to trust in the love of my Father...without fear.
I'm learning to accept the love extended to me...without fear.
I'm learning to give love...without fear.

Without fear, I am learning to live in the freedom of love.
Without fear, I am becoming who I am made to be.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Let. Love. Win.

We interrupt this previously scheduled funk...

It's been a while since I've taken time to make a thankful list, and as I'm currently sitting and stewing and stressing, I think this list might be past due...

So world, I am thankful for
music which says what I can't
classmates who make hard classes enjoyable because of their cheerful company
(I have one of in every class...even the class where I was determined to remain detached and alone)
friends who know
lavender bath salts (seriously, best idea ever)
ab sculpting laughter work outs (aka laughing so hard that it hurts)
a job that I enjoy...even at 8am
and
hope when i have run out of my own.

And that's all I have to say about that. :)