Faith Friday: Life NOT According To Plan

original source via Marjorie West

I'm a planner. With anything and everything in life, I like having clear guidelines and an action plan. I love steps and knowing what I want the end goal to be, but sometimes, we can't always have our way. We can plan, plan, plan all we want but God will either say yes or no, and as hard as it may be we have to accept either one. 
Here's where I think the problem lies. While we ourselves think our minds are capable of coming up with the most beautiful, idyllic situations, God's mind can come up with things that you can't even imagine. I mean, just think about the fact that He created the entire universe. That takes quite a bit of creativity huh? There's just one thing we have to be alright with: things could get messy! Our minds fabricate a pathway to an end goal that usually has little to no road bumps or mishaps. It's all smooth sailing. God on the other hand can work in somewhat messy situations. You don't have to be perfect or have a perfect path to get to the right endpoint for you. God is more than capable of taking you where you're at, helping you along a few hurdles here and there, and bringing you out on the other side. A side that you didn't know existed. 
Just think about those moments in your life that seemed insignificant. Moments that seemed like just that, another moment in time. Give it a little while though and some of those seemingly insignificant moments turn into moments that change your life. Not even on your best day could you have imagined things turning out the way they did. That's where I see the beauty of who God is. He can take the simplest of moments and make them life changing in the best way possible. 
So maybe today didn't go according to plan. You wanted to go out, but you lost your transit card (happened to me the other day!), you thought you'd aced that test but instead nearly failed it, you had your life mapped out with someone but they turned out to be the wrong choice for you.... it happens. However big or small the detour is, there's a reason for it. The best times in life, where you get a chance to really challenge yourself, are when things don't go according to plan and you're left to take it as it comes. Your move! You could sit there for days thinking of why you didn't get your way and what you could've done differently. But the truth of the matter is that making the best of every situation is necessary for your growth. Realizing that you can make all of the plans you can come up with, but in the end, His plans for you will be so much better. Yes, this requires patience, something we don't like to have, but the most beautiful things can happen when life doesn't go according to your plan, but in His! 
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" Proverbs 16:9
This isn't to say that all of your dreams and plans are horrible and completely off target. Just know that the specifics are something He'll take care of and if you do your part and "commit to the Lord what you do" (Proverbs 16: 3) He will establish your plans! 
Have an amazing weekend! Xo 

Motivation Monday #2

via @theeverygirl

I think this week is a great time for me to write another edition of a Motivation Monday post! I've only been doing this whole blogging thing for about 9 months but this week was the first occasion where I kinda felt like I just didn't know what to write. This came as a surprise because I usually have lots of things I want to write about but I fell into a bit of a rut and didn't know where to direct myself.
In life, we deal with moments like these all of the time. Maybe it doesn't always have to do with blogging, but we fall into ruts and routines where we feel stuck. If you're feeling like that in any area of your life, especially with your relationship with Christ, know that this is temporary. There will always be highs and lows but what matters is that you don't start feeling defeated by it all. Sure, things won't always come as easily, but that just makes the journey that much more interesting! 
This week I've been feeling really inclined to pray for newness and freshness in my relationship with Christ. Again, just like with any relationship, you can get into moments where you feel like you aren't progressing or maybe things aren't as exciting anymore. I think we need to actively pursue Christ in new ways. Discover new approaches to drawing near and just enjoy that discovery process! 
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!"- 2 Corinthians 5:17
I hope the start of your week is nothing short of spectacular! 

Faith Friday: It Takes Two

Whether you're single or not, let's just get straight into it and clarify that our relationship status is taken. The most important relationship in our lives is the one we build day after day with our Heavenly Father! But there's just one thing I want to remind you of - it takes two to dance. Like in every relationship, both people need to be in agreement and in the same spirit. They have to work together to grow in their relationship and nothing will get done successfully if one person is the one doing the heavy lifting. My point with this example? Don't let your relationship with Christ be one sided. He's pursuing you, but you need to do the same! 
It's very common to hear people talking about the fact that God is with them at all times and that He will never leave them, but what kind of relationship are you building if you aren't willing to do the same on your end? It is of the utmost importance that you give it YOUR all. It's not enough to say that He is with you when the relationship relies on the fact that you can say, "I'm near to you, too!" The connection we build with God is based on constant give and take. As he pours out of His love into you, you respond by giving your love and affection back. There's nothing more beautiful than that dynamic! 
I find that often times we go through seasons of not investing into our relationship with Christ. This all gets extra complicated when the reason behind it is the fact that we're investing more into our other relationships. Just know this, the more your connection with Christ grows, the more you can better love people in your other relationships. Never buy into the lie that you're wasting your time giving your all to God, because the product of that sacrifice is more than you could ever achieve through your own strength. Period. 
For my single ladies, stop being so worried about getting into a relationship when you already have one that should be keeping you busy! If you feel like developing a relationship with Christ is too easy, then you probably need to reconsider how much effort you are actually putting in. It may seem simple when you're the one receiving, but as soon as you see how much it takes to give as much as you get, well, your ideas may just change! Investing in God means investing in your future. One that is bright, filled with love, and so promising. So respond to Him, just like you would if you were establishing something with potential life partner. When God calls, pick up the phone. Set apart some time to talk everyday. Go on dates. I am 100 percent sure that if you can play your part in your relationship with Christ, you will be more than prepared to do the same when the right person comes along. Just remember, when someone does come along, it's not an excuse to place God on the side. Now you have yet another relationship to invest in, but don't lose sight of the fact that God was there from the beginning, He's your #1. If the person you potentially want to date doesn't understand that, then we've got another issue on our hands. 
It takes two. No matter what stage of life you're in right now, be mindful of the fact that you need to respond to Gods love. Stop giving Him the scraps and leftovers, the only thing He deserves is your very best. As He gives to you, give it all back in thankfulness. 
Enjoy the weekend! x

Faith Friday: Moments of Clarity...

Yesterday, one of my dearest friends wrote a beautiful blog post about a season of life that we are stepping into and so I thought today I'd feed off of that energy and write about clarity! Have you ever had a moment in your life where things were just unclear? You can't see past your current situation because it feels like you've hit the end of the way - where are you supposed to go? There have been quite a few of those moments in my life but it's so great how God has transformed those situations for the better and now I'm seeing the benefit of having chosen to just keep moving with God. I may have felt like I was walking blindly, but recently He's been giving me some pretty clear sight.

I'm going to touch on a situation that most girls face. The dreaded breakup. No matter what kind of relationship it was, how long it lasted, who ended it, they're just tough. For girls especially, that feeling of "Is there anyone better?" always starts to set in but let me assure you, if you hold onto God He'll show you what else is out there that is much better suited for you. About 3 years ago I went through one of those seasons. I felt lonely and like there was nowhere to go, I was stuck. It's sad that at that moment I couldn't see past my current situation, in my mind this was the end. But over the past couple of years, God has been making it so clear as to why I went through that. All of the pain and hurt were necessary for me to just break down before God and realize that I needed to change. That struggle helped me depend on God and it completely shifted my views on relationships in general. But I couldn't see that then, all I could see was the pain. I now realize that there was truly beauty in the process and that things are becoming clearer because I've asked for clarity. Don't just rub your eyes a bit and call it quits! Ask Him to clarify what you only know in part. The past few days I've seen that become a reality in my life - when you ask the Lord to open your eyes and give you peace in your heart to see what He needs you to see, things just click!

Stay patient and wait on Him. Ask Him to place you in a state of rest where you can fully and confidently say that He is your everything! Trust me when I say that I've asked for clarity and God has answered those prayers in a matter of a couple of hours. It may be quicker, it may take longer, but the point is that it's in His heart for you to see clearly, to see like He does. Just like Diana wrote in her post, your answer may walk in the room when you least expect it. God is really good at surprising us with blessings that our minds couldn't even come up with if we tried. That's just how good He is. Know that this time of feeling unsure and seeing things as blurry is only temporary. Play your part and let God do the rest. You might get confirmation from Him that you really dodged a bullet, even if it takes you a while to figure that out. It may be that what seems like the end for you right now could be the beginning of something beautiful. Trust Him in the process, you'll see clearly soon enough!

This is my prayer for you, and for me as well:

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people" - Ephesians 1:17-18

Hold onto this truth, there is a time for everything!

" He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end" - Ecclesiastes 3:11

Remember I told you that God has eternal perspective, well He's places that in our hearts too! Just don't lose sight of the fact that you aren't getting the entire puzzle and that He knows best. His time for everything in your life will come, and may even surprise you, so just wait for that beauty to unravel!

Motivation Monday

via @aubreykinch

Faith Friday for last week turned into Motivation Monday for this week! I wanted to do something a little different this week and just encourage and motivate. It's great to learn more about what we need to work on, but sometimes all we need is a gentle (or not so gentle) push to continue on the path we're on. It can be tough to move forward when you feel like no one is on the side lines cheering you on, but although I probably don't know you, I pray that God will strengthen you and that you'll be motivated to be the best you can be for Him! 
Psalm 63 was a chapter that really helped me last week. it's such a beautiful declaration of trust in God and just an outpour of love for Him because He really is the best thing, ever. I motivate you to, like David, seek and thirst for the Lord. To know that it's not enough to say that you believe in Him, when you don't put the time in to get to know him better. This goes back to my last Faith Friday post! 
Declare this today:
"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands" (3-4)
"Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me." (7-8)
Know that He is your help and that you can find comfort in His arms. Just think about that verse, 'Your love is better than life" - life is usually what we treasure the most, yet He far surpasses it because He is the life. We don't have life unless it's through Him!!! Push forward and stop looking to your past. I struggle with this constantly and this week during Youth Group, we talked about that. It hit me like a tonne of bricks. I am not defined by who I was. God sees you where you are now and He longs for you to reach your fullest potential. He sees that so clearly but we often struggle because our vision is cloudy. So pray for clarity! Pray that you move beyond this line of division between who you were and who you were made to be. Step over that boundary into what God has for you. Run as fast as you can towards it. Soon enough, in His timing, you'll understand that there was a bigger picture. 
I encourage you and pray that today you will feel a sense of peace in your heart. Have a great week, and for my fellow Canadians, hope you enjoy Victoria Day!

Faith Friday: May We Never Lose Our Wonder

Yet again, the new Bethel album is inspiring a post. (Should this be a new series or something?) The song "Wonder" has been on replay all week and I've felt God really speak to my heart about the act of discovering Him. In our walk of faith, we can get stuck in a rut and think that we've seen it all before. We say the same things in prayer, there isn't new revelation, and that feeling of just being in awe of God is lost. Do you remember when you were just dipping your toes into the Spirit and everything God revealed about Himself, and about who you were, was just mind blowing? The sense of wonder about who He is can get so lost by our feeling of "Well, I've been Christian for "x" amount of years, so I've seen it all before" - but that's the thing, you haven't gotten a taste of almost anything yet! Our lives should be a constant outpouring of love for God and an uncontainable excitement to figure out who He really is. 
In terms of the relationships we build in our personal lives, when you meet new people the first thing you want to do is get to know them, right? It's not often that you introduce yourself to someone and it doesn't lead to further questions about who they are. We have this innate sense of curiosity, and well, wonder! You start with the mundane, and then slowly it leads to wanting to know who this person is at their core. It's no different with God. When we accept Him to come into our lives, we start to discover more about Him and as the relationship grows and deepens, our connection with Him should become more intense and meaningful. It's not enough to scrape the surface with God, we need to strive to make our relationship with Him the ultimate, defining relationship in our lives! Saying God loves you is not the same as knowing it with all your soul, and for that to become a reality in your life, you need to seek Him and begin a journey of discovery together! This is the most fun and surprise-filled adventure you'll probably ever go on in your life - cherish it and cultivate it. 
So what is wonder? - "a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable." I love this definition! That thrill of learning new things about a person and that feeling of amazement is what we should long for in our relationship with Christ. There is a never ending list of awe inspiring things about Him, that an entire lifetime will not allow us to fully explore. But that's the beauty of it all. It will never get boring because when you thought you knew everything there is to know, you'll realize you know almost nothing at all. 
Our sense of wonder is a product of spending more time with God. When you just sit down and spend time with Him, whether you're reading the Word, listening to worship, or even just sitting there in silence, you can't help but be curious and want to know more. It doesn't matter how many years you've been on this journey with God, you will never outgrow that initial period of "getting to know each other" because there is just no end to His beauty and who He is. I encourage you to be in constant pursuit of Him, just as He is constantly desiring you to press in even more! Remember that "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13) If you seek Him with all your heart, you will find yourself so close to Him - you'll realize that He's always been there, you just weren't focused enough to discern that just yet!
This week, make a conscious effort to to spend more time with God and getting to know Him better, never forgetting that this relationship deserves the utmost importance in your life. Pray for that sense of wonder to be ignited even more, that you will be curious and just stand in awe at the beauty of our King.
"May we never lose our wonder.  Wide eyed and mystified, may we be just like a child staring at the beauty of our King.  'Cause You are beautiful in all your ways!"

Faith Friday: Outside The Bubble

(Background image via College Prepster)

Our life is a series of choices and of paths we can take. There's what "everyone" else does and then there's what we choose; the norm and the not-so-norm. Growing up, I always remember myself feeling completely out of the loop. I observed who I could be, but ultimately I knew God had a place for me and most times that wouldn't be a place everyone else was already. Our lives are unique to us!
Every day you have 86, 400 seconds to live through. Each second will require you to make a choice, big or small. Will you go here or there, talk to a new person or not, choose Jesus or forget Him for the moment. All of these choices, although seemingly insignificant at times, have an impact on how things will end up. This is why it's so important to be connected to what God has in store. While you can't even begin to imagine the amazing things He has planned, being in constant connection through prayer helps you focus on what things to say "yes" and "no" to, and these decisions will get you one step closer!
So you have all of these choices to make but what will be the deciding factor between one choice and another? I had a lot of opportunities to lose who I was at my core in order to fit in with the larger crowd, but I learned that their opinion of me was never going to be the deciding factor because I didn't define myself by their standards. I had been told, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). I really urge you to not settle for what the world thinks you should be! They tell you to be prettier, skinnier, more power hungry, while God tells you to be more loving, faithful and kind. Yes, you will be different, but in a world filled with people who enjoy putting people down, I don't see anything wrong with more having people who are loving! You'll make the difference by being a light where there isn't any, and speaking of a hope that conquers all fears and worries. 
It won't be easy being "outside the bubble", especially when being inside the bubble is what makes you popular or liked. Jesus didn't come to this world to be super popular, we all know how the story went! But it's worth it! Taking the road less travelled and doing things that are out of the norm really do make all the difference. Being considered cool isn't the end all and be all, but being confident about what God says you are is! When I look back now, the times where I decided to not conform to the worlds' expectations of me made me into the person I am now and I'm thankful for that. It may have been hard then, but it was certainly worth it!
What are you going to do with the endless choices you've been given? Will you go on the road less travelled or follow the crowd?
"But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it"  Matthew 7:14

It Is Well With My Soul

Let's start with an apology about the sporadic nature of my posts this past week. After three exams and minimal sleep, I was beyond exhausted so I definitely needed to take a break and sleep my days away, but posts are back to every weekday so not to worry! 
Since I missed this past Faith Friday, I thought I'd catch up with something I've been thinking about the past few days. It's a regular thing for me to wake up in the middle of the night, or not be able to fall asleep at all, so I listen to worship music and take it as time with the Lord. A lot of the time that unrest you feel can be Him nudging you to seek Him more and really press in. I've already mentioned this but I've been loving Bethel Music new album and I've been listening to "It Is Well" nonstop. Through the stress of exams and just life in general, I really needed to just focus on God and know that through everything, He is still good and it is well. 
Because I'm a total nerd, I thought I'd look into the origins of the lyrics to that song and I found a story that was incredibly moving. The song is based on the life of a man who was successful, had a wife, 4 daughters and a son, and who was committed to God. In the span of a few years though, he lost his youngest son, lost all of his property to the Great Chicago Fire, and then lost his four daughters to a ship drowning. Anyone looking at this from the outside would think he had good reason to lose hope, but on his journey to meet with his wife, who had survived the accident, he penned the famous words "When sorrow like sea billows roll, it is well, it is well with my soul." What an example right? It reminds me of Job. He lost everything but he never wavered from his faith. 
The attitude that comes with believing that "it is well" is one that doesn't focus on the struggles, but hopes for a brighter future. Knowing that your eyes are on Him and nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. But I think it's also important to let go of fear and know that it is also well when you receive the good that God has for you. After enduring struggles, it can become difficult to accept that God will still bless you. A friend of mine was praying with me and it was such a shock when she prayed, "God, let her realize that it is also well that you've blessed her!" I never thought I was rejecting the good, but fear can do that sometimes. If it's well with your soul, let your soul be open and joyful to everything God hands you, both the good and the bad - not letting fear get in the way! 
God's plan for you may not be a smooth road, in fact you'll probably choose to make it bumpier sometimes. But know that His will is "good, pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2) We spend so much time questioning, when really we should be taking it as it comes, learning to deal with what's next!
I hope you all have an incredible week - and be on the lookout for some pretty cool things coming in the next few weeks! 
"Let go, my soul and trust in Him. The waves and wind still know His name"

Faith Friday: Yes, It Is A Good Friday.

Today I woke up with an instant smile on my face... along with a bit of sniffles but that's besides the point. Everyday is a good occasion to think about what God has done for us but today we can all, in unity, thank Him for sending His son to set us free. When I was younger I used to think, "Why do they call it Good Friday? Jesus died today. That's sad!" It was only until I matured that I realized today is just one extra special day to celebrate. Whereas all of our days would've been sad otherwise, we can now be joyful because we have been cleansed and renewed by that sacrifice. 
So what is this Easter all about? If you've paid close attention to your television or stepped into any drugstore lately, you'll see bunnies, chocolates and eggs. Now,  I have absolutely no clue where this came from but it has sadly been used to take our eyes away from the meaning of Easter. I mean, tell me how both Christmas and Easter, two holidays which centre on the life and death of Jesus Christ, have been masked by fictional characters and traditions that are only there to stop us from realizing why we are actually celebrating. It weighs down my heart knowing that we live in a world who would rather endorse bunnies and chocolates because sharing the truth about this season is unacceptable. In that case, I think it's time to get a handle on what Easter is and why today is a good day. 
For a few weeks now I've been reflecting on the fact that Jesus died for me. It's something we are taught and that we speak about but I'd never really understood the profound truth behind that act of selfless love. The biggest shock factor came when I realized that the amount of pain Jesus felt and the situations He went through were to save me. What did I do to deserve that? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I am standing here today as a testament of God's grace and forgiveness. He knew I was imperfect and would mess up day after day but He chose me from before I was born. He had my life planned out and His love for me was so big that He sent His own son to die for little ol' me. 
Let me set one thing straight for you. Yes, Jesus died to set you free and to give you life. (I know, weird concept but it's as if you were dead before that...) But after that was done, and He said "it is finished", that's it. The slate that was filled with all of the bad things you'd done was cleaned. His sacrifice was to rid you of any shame or guilt and feelings of unworthiness forever. There is no measure of how long this sacrifice is good for. It's not a limited time offer. He gave us eternal life. 
One other thing to settle. The grip of the enemy was broken that day. You are right, Jesus died to set you free, but from what? From the creator of lies and of everything God does not stand for. I see so many people, including me some days, that live their lives acting like the devil still has a say. It's like bullies, the more you pay attention to their lies, the louder they get and the more they affect you. If we could only realize that Jesus has already defeated the enemy and he is literally irrelevant, things would be very different. He will always be there whispering things that completely go against who God says you are, but they mean nothing. You stand on solid ground, he doesn't. He is literally shaking and you know how you can really scare him? By not paying attention to him. By living your life showing him that you know Jesus did it all that day, you are exercising the power God gave you. I love the lyrics from Bethel that say, "The same power that raised Him up is the power that lives in us". Hold onto that. You have a say now because of what Jesus did. 
I wrote about Kari Jobe a few weeks ago but today is the best day to sing out her song "Forever." "Now death where is your sting? Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated." It gives me chills. So yes, today is a GREAT day. We get to celebrate that we were given a new life. God chose you that day, live to choose Him today and every day because He is good and has broken every chain that bound us to the darkness. 
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit"  - 1 Peter 3:18
"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. and who ever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"  - John 11: 25,26
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"  - John 3:16
"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy, and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us.  - Ephesians 1: 4-8
Happy Good Friday! 

Faith Friday: Courage To Be Bold

(background image via The Glitter Guide Tumblr)

I'm actually pretty glad that I waited until today to publish this weeks Faith Friday post because I got really inspired by the occurrences that took place yesterday night. After having finished my first exam, I met up with a few people from my Youth Group for a bit of a Creative Worship night, in which we decided to worship through sharing God's love to others around our city. Now, I've touched base on this before but one of the biggest reasons I started this blog was because it gave me a platform to reach other people and share my love for Christ. 
It's always a bit nerve wracking when you walk up to someone and you share God's word because you wonder how they'll take it. I remember as a kid we'd do those little evangelism excursions and I always felt shy and like I was intruding into other peoples space. One of the coolest things I've learned from my youth leader has been that sharing God's word is all about showing love to people above all. Sometimes you don't need fancy words when a simple "God loves you - Have a nice day!" will suffice. Or maybe it's taking that moment to encourage someone when you see that they may be struggling. I always thought that you had to do all of the work, like if people didn't accept Jesus into their hearts you had failed. I have good news though - planting a seed is just as good. I mean, snaps for you if through your testimony someone comes to Christ automatically but sometimes Gods' plan may be to use you in the first step and then use someone else to keep watering that seed. All in all, the point is to do something! Take a look at this poem written by a friend of mine - so much goodness, right? 
You know that feeling you get when you wish you could just tell someone that although they are going through a tough time they can rely on God for their comfort? It's there for a reason. You aren't here to judge anyone but there isn't anything wrong with a little encouragement and showing people some love! You'd be surprised at how much it is lacking in our society! For me, my first step has been writing things down. Even yesterday, when my friend (mentioned above) wanted to share something with a girl she simply wrote a little note and handed it to her. The girl was probably quite surprised but it was the perfect way for my friend to share since she isn't completely comfortable with speaking those words yet. I feel like I'm in the same position. I feel so much more comfortable writing about what God is doing than saying it but there will come a time, and I've probably let some times pass me by, where I need to speak out loud. And it's in those times that I just need all of the courage to be as bold as I can be.
Walking in the faith isn't always easy but it certainly is rewarding. It might be scary to share your feelings about Christ but it's not impossible. He gives you courage when you need it most. So I'm going to try to expand the ways in which I am bold for God. Writing is great, but let's try something out loud next time, as simple as it may be. Your words shouldn't be condemning, they should be healing. People out there need hope and hope has a name; Jesus. Always remember that your testimony also speaks for you most of the time so always keep that in mind but remember that it really isn't the thought that always counts in this situation, we need to act. 
So I just encourage you to be a bit bolder and speak words of love, strength, encouragement and beauty onto other people - and I accept my own challenge! I know it's time for me to go beyond my writing. Some people may not to be open to it and reject you, others may listen and say thanks at the end. Whatever the case may be, we need God's grace and compassion to know how to approach those situations regardless of how the outcome may be. 
have you ever felt this way? How do you share God's love with other people?

Faith Friday: Divided Loyalty

Have you ever asked God for something for so long and with such persistence.... and then not received it? You may think, but God you are so powerful and can do anything - why won't you give this to me? You know what He could reply? Your loyalty is divided - you are unstable in everything! If this comes as a shock, good. God is merciful and loving but remember that as a loving Father he needs to discipline us! 
When I read through James 1 and stubbled upon verse 5 to 8, it left me speechless. 
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do"  James 1: 5-8
Were those times when God said "try again next time" because I was wavering like that wave? It brings to mind when the Bible refers to the lukewarm Christian (Revelation 3:16) and how God prefers for us to either be hot or cold - but why? If I'm lukewarm it still means that I love Jesus most of the time.... God says, but you are unstable and your loyalty is divided. You can never, ever, without fail, be of God and of the world at the same time. It just doesn't work that way. Jesus spoke out about the things that the world did because people needed to learn that choosing Jesus meant leaving behind everything else! 
Think back to my post about being firm in our faith, this is yet another reason why standing firm in your faith is important. God can't trust you with His blessings if you don't even trust in Him. He needs your 100% choice to be His child and define yourself as such. He wants to know that you are wholeheartedly loyal to Him and come what may, you won't be dragged along because you know of who you are! This is the only way that He will ever pour out the full extent of His blessings upon you - when you aren't shaken and your faith is in Him alone. This means not putting your faith and trust in what others can do for you or what you think you can do on your own. You may barely survive on your own merits but it could be so much better if you let God be your guiding post. 
Like the Word says, don't expect God to give you what you ask of Him unless you are willing to say "Jesus, I put all of my faith in you. My loyalty is not divided!"

Faith Friday: Eternal Perspective

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Another week has gone by - TGIF. No matter how your week went, don't fret! Today is another Faith Friday (my favourite day) and I'm excited to share my thoughts, well mostly God's thoughts because I can't take the credit for these posts. I woke up today and to be truthful, I had no idea what to write. After having breakfast and doing some more homework, I found my self on Pinterest - which isn't unlikely! I kept seeing those pictures on Instagram and Pinterest where you take a photo of a landscape through a pair of sunnies and then it all clicked! Here's what God revealed to me through these photographs!
Have you ever thought to yourself, how does God see creation? I've always wondered about it because when I was younger I thought of God as this really giant man holding the entire universe - which to him was small enough to hold in His hands - in His palms and having this amazing aerial view where every single thing was accessible. It brought me to the conclusion that God must have some seriously good eye sight to zoom in on little ol' me when He has the hole universe at his disposal. One of my favourite things to do in life is to explore different perspectives. It is so incredibly important to see the world through not only your eyes, but through the eyes of others, from a distance, very close to you, from an aerial view; basically from every possible angle because one picture isn't enough!
This week a friend of mine confided in me that she had a really lousy week and I could completely understand why she felt this way. I just remember telling her that God had a plan with what happened, mostly because He didn't see the situation for what it was right at that very moment - God has eternal perspective. He sees you for what He ultimately created you to be, for what you will slowly become. He's not done with you or your life yet so why do you keep seeing it from only one perspective?
In the past, I've had some close friends just chat with me about different things they go through and I get the question, "So what do you think? Is what I'm doing wrong?" My answer is simple and always quite similar: If you were in my shoes, listening to exactly what I'm hearing, what would your reaction be without all the emotions you have attached to them? So you're dating this guy but you just know he isn't right for but you like him soooo much - if you thought this guy was bad news when you didn't have feeling attached to the idea of him, just walk away. Do you see how much perspective and taking a step back from the situation can completely change what it looks like? Simple photography skills make a great analogy. Depending on how close or far you are from the subject and how you focus on one particular point, the end result of a photograph can be drastically different. This is the same with a life situation. Don't be stuck on taking your eye's lenses and focusing on one point when the entire panorama that is still blurry paints a different picture. (Oh snap, I'm even revealing stuff to myself while writing!)
A few years back this phrase "Look at the world like He does, with eternal perspective" came into my mind out of nowhere when my life felt like it was in complete chaos. When I began to see my situation like God saw it, that made all the difference. The Lord sees you as His beautiful creation, filled with beauty that hasn't been tapped into yet, with a glorious purpose and eyes that was shaped by His own hands. When you walk out today, put on your God seeing glasses and see the world like He does. See the beauty in the girl or guy that people call ugly, see the colours that you never notice because you're always in a rush, focus on the good that people do and look forward! Think eternal.
Remember that you are a child of the light, open up that aperture and let light flow inside! You can't see the way God sees when the darkness is clouding your vision.
"You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness" 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Have a lovely day! Don't forget that you were made for more...

Faith Friday: I'm Just Not Good Enough

Lily & Val Bible Verse Print

Happy Saturday y'all! I know, it's not Friday but yesterday was hectic beyond belief. I'm basically the only one in my family not sick at the moment so I am a temporary nurse to four people and a puppy. But here I am, offering up another weekly dose of Faith Fridays! I wanted to share a very simple principle that helps me on days when I don't feel like I'm enough. 
I'm sure I'm not the only one who experiences days where absolutely nothing you do or say seems to be good enough. This spans across diverse situations and personal relationship but you may have gotten a bad grade on a paper, you mom may have gotten mad at you for something, and you friend was ignoring you all day. It's not uncommon for this to happen in a single day if you're really having an off day, but the problem is that in the end you think "why wasn't anything I did good enough for my professor, mom, or friend?" It makes you feel unwanted and like it's no use to do anything further because, in any case, it won't be enough. But I have really, really good news for you. 
On your best day, and on your very worst day, God loves you just the same! Don't let your head be filled with lies from the enemy that tell you that someones reaction to you on Earth has anything to do with how God sees you. That bad grade you got should push you to do better next time and prove that professor wrong (don't blame it on you not being good enough if you didn't put in your best effort... you have more to give!). Your mom loves you greatly but she must follow in God's teachings to instruct you - you have more to give! Your friend might be mad today but it is easily fixed by confronting the situation with a kind disposition - you can always be a better friend, you have more to give! Remember that as much as God gives you certainty that you are enough for Him, you need to prove that in that way you live your life. It's not a one ended agreement! 
When you feel like nobody wants you or that you aren't good enough be reminded that the King of Kings chose to die for you, in the most brutal way, because He thought so much of you that he decided that you were worth it! If that doesn't put a smile on your face, then boy oh boy I don't know what will. Here are some verses for day's when you feel less than good enough:

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us..... and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" Ephesians 2:4,6
"But he said to me. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" 2 Corinthians 12:9
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" Ephesians 2:10

Feel encouraged in the fact that you were chosen and your sins were paid for through the highest price. Don't let those lies fill your mind! You are worthy because your identity lies in who made you. What other people say about you temporarily has no effect on how God sees you eternally - His very words created your existence. Have a great weekend!

Faith Friday: ... But I Can Change Them!

I love being completely honest with people who take the time to read my blog, and of course, today is no different. When thinking about what I could share today, I was reminded of a chapter of my life that although I have let go, taught me so much! Going through a breakup or a tough relationship can be difficult on someone whether it be emotionally, mentally or even physically. I learned a very big lesson from a choice I made almost 4 years ago and I think girls, and guys, need to learn from it to so here it goes. 
Experiences in my life as a child formed ideas in me that made me feel like a relationship would make up for all of the hardships I went through as a child. Looking back it almost seems like I had an obsession with it. I've only been in a "serious" relationship once in my life and I was fairly young at the time. He was a boy from church and I thought he was perfect for me... or at least as perfect as a guy may seem for you when you're a teenager. He was relatively new in his faith but I made a huge mistake: I thought I could change him. I thought since I had been a Christian for longer and felt more mature about it, that I could help him do better and be better. I would suggest that we pray together over the phone and tried to involve him more in church activities in the hopes that he would develop a relationship with God like the one I had. The only problem is that this wasn't my job! I have no authority to change the hearts of God's creation because that can only be done through Him. Yes, I can plant a seed but no matter what I could ever do, the job is ultimately finished when God steps in. I had no part in the change. 
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" - Philippians 2:13
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws" - Ezekiel 36:26-27
I find that people make this mistake all of the time, which is why I wanted to share my experience. First of all, if you've made the effort to nurture your relationship with Christ and pushes Him like He pursues you then it seems only right that you share this with someone on the same path as you. With the same goal in mind and the purpose of your life as a common element between two people, God can be glorified. But, things can get really tricky when you settle for anyone because you believe that you can change them through your own doing. I posted a video where Pastor Mark Driscoll is talking about being single and one of his points was that people start to cut down their list of what they want in a future spouse - including erasing the part where they love God. You may be satisfied with the other person just believing in God or at least having had a relationship with Him some time in the past. I can't begin to explain how many problems can arise from this. God hasn't created you to pick just anyone or "go with the flow" because at some point along the way they'll follow where you're going. Most likely, at the beginning of your relationship, whether you know it or not, you and that other person have chosen a path to go on. 
When you settle for one thing, you'll soon settle for another and at some point you'll lose who you were in the first place because you made it not matter. You will probably forget that your whole intent was to change them because it'll be you who was changed. I'm not saying that you have to stay away from people who don't share your beliefs, but when it comes to a relationship you need to guard your heart with the utmost care. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" Proverbs 4:23 
The job to change someone is not yours and ultimately, if you feel like the person has to grow spiritually before they can be in a relationship, then give them that time. That person may be perfect for you but not until they realize that Christ was the answer to their problems, not you! We all have to change certain aspects of who we are in all of our relationships but when they are usually deal breakers for you and you let them slide... that's the ultimate red light warning for you. Just don't do it. Many times getting into a relationship when you aren't spiritually ready can have an incredibly negative effect on both people and that's not what you want in the first place if you truly care for someone. Let the heart transformation be in God's hands and take a look at what areas of your life you need to change as well. I spent a long time thinking that the guy I was dating needed to change his life around, when I was just as unprepared! Are you in that same position?

Faith Friday: Being Thankful

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Happy Faith Friday y'all! I apologize for the later than usual post but I've had a day full of unexpected occurrences so being able to sit down and write this up kept getting pushed back. Today I wanted to share a reflection on something that God placed in my heart last night. But first, I think you'll need some background information. 
Without going into too much detail, I wanted to share an event in my life that really changed me and challenged me to seek God's comfort and love. When I was 8 years old my mom was diagnosed with two kinds of cancer. She was a single mom at the time and her and I had always been besties. Needless to say, even at that age, it was a tough time. I didn't understand the situation well at the time and it was hard to see my mom go through such a drastic transformation. I remember one of the most painful moments was being told I couldn't hug her when she was in the hospital because they couldn't risk having her get any infections. I was heartbroken. I wasn't able to hug my best friend, my mom, the one who was always there with me. It was through this unthinkable circumstance that my mom and I found the Lord and I can't be more thankful to Him for just being there. 
Back then I remember thinking, "God if you love me and my mom, please heal her!" I didn't want anything else. Two years later my mom was free of cancer and I had her back. Looking back now I just think, Lord with what purpose did you give her a second chance - and for what reason did you spare me from being left alone? There can only be one reason for this - God wanted me to glorify Him for keeping me safe through that storm the rest of my life and making my life be all about Him. God doesn't need my praise, He's got a million angels doing a pretty great job already. But, He wants it! And I will gladly tell the world that He died for me and has never left my side. He's given me the gift of life and the gift of being able to share it with the people I love so incredibly much. Praise is our acknowledgement that we can't do it our own, we need Him!
I was reflecting on this last night and just going through all the little things He has done since then, and even before then, that have been such amazing blessings. Starting off with the most basic fact that I have a roof over my head, food on the table and I have the right to an education. So many people don't even have that. He's given me air in my lungs, the capacity to see all that He created. These are basic, but the most fundamental. So much of our lives we spend thinking that we need more to be happy but if you only had Christ and you acknowledged his presence, you would be just fine! But He is so gracious that He has offered us the opportunities to have so much more. What does He want in return? For you to love Him and other people. 
We've lost our sense of gratitude. We take things as a given. As if we deserve it. Sorry to break to you, but you don't deserve any of it! He saved you from your sins by grace - a gift that was freely given to you! That alone just starts to open up a whole box of things you should be thankful for. If you slow down and open your eyes to what you get to enjoy every single second, you would be surprised at all that you miss. One of the things I give thanks to God for is being able to see Him in other people. No, I haven't seen Him yet but in a sense, I have. I see him in peoples smiles, in a sincere hello, in someones laughter. He's everywhere and for that I just say "thanks"!
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever" - Psalm 136:1
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" - Colossians 3:17
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offs to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" - Hebrews 12:28
Maybe you haven't been through a similar situation to me, maybe you've been through something worse. Give thanks! He is good, in all circumstances! Like Hebrews says, you have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Remember that the war is already won! Christ fought for you and he won - you need not fear anything. Thanks him for each morning, for your eyelashes, for the rhythm of your heartbeat, for the sky, for everything that seems insignificant to you. You only have those things because He has been good to you. 
I love you all, even though I don't know you. Because Christ loves me so I love you! Let's be filled with gratitude!

Faith Friday: Build Each Other Up

Background image by Jodi Miller Photography

Hey guys! Well here I am, relatively in one piece and happily proclaiming that I have survived the storm that is midterm season! Today's Friday so you know what that means - it's another instalment of Faith Fridays and this one is about something that's been on my mind for quite some time to write about. If you got the chance to read this Monday's post on comparison then it'll serve as a good precursor to what I'm going to tackle today. 
For years now I've seen first hand what competition can do to girls, especially when it's based on false ideas of comparison! The whole "I'm better than you because _______" is a theme that keeps coming up between women and even though I'd hoped we'd grow out of it, it seems no one really got the memo. The first chance we get to put someone down, whether it be explicitly or subtly, we take it. Instead of building up someone in love, we choose to tear them down - and I'm not talking falling Jenga pieces, I'm talking wrecking ball coming at ya at 10000 km/h. Why is that? Why have women, especially, learned to use that as a tool to feel better about themselves? When you compare yourself and feel you aren't as good, the only option left is to tell that person that what makes you jealous is the one thing that makes them ugly or unwanted. I'm not one to purposefully bring up negativity but it just hurts me when I see (and have participated in) people stepping on others to get ahead or lift themselves up higher!
One for the saddest things to see is when people live for the constant compliments and affection of others but when another person who should be someone they love accomplishes something they haven't yet been able to, all of a sudden it's either not good enough or not a big deal. We feed off of this sense of competition and we choose to let it breed hatefulness into our hearts. Letting it transform into a silent "I'm better than you" feeling inside and letting it out in small doses through our actions and words. Trust me, people have done this to me and even though they think they're subtle, I can sense it! Situations like this have got me thinking. How much more beautiful would life be if we decided to truly be happy for others and lift them up. No conditions, just straight up I-want-the-best-for-you behaviour. 
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" 1 Thessalonians 5:11
As a Christian myself, I often look for support in other Christians. You know, because we're all on the page in a way (or at least we should be) and our common beliefs should give rise to positivity. The worst part is that I often encounter Christians who are down-builders. Who have one goal in sight and that's to be the biggest and greatest, and that sadly comes along with them putting you down to get to where they want to be. I've obviously found this same behaviour everywhere else but it hurts the most when you see it at church and among people who you could grow to call your friends. These past few months of starting my blog have been exciting and certainly challenging at times but it feels so good when someone tells you that what you wrote came at the right moment or just a simple thank you for encouraging them that day. Ultimately even though I'm the one writing my blog, I have a bigger purpose for it and Lord knows that my desire is to honour Him no matter what. The coolest thing so far is having people that I haven't seen for years message me saying that they read and that they are encouraged by the way I share my beliefs. They may not have the same ones but being genuine does that to people. So these people build me up. But you know the worst part? I was surprised by this. I expected people to automatically be thinking negatively about my blog because they don't believe the same thing - so what does that say about my expectations? The more we build people up, the more we can see that others do the same! It's not some kind of anomaly. 
The kind words I get from people, especially those who were unexpected, make sharing my faith through this blog even more enjoyable. Remember that they inspire you just as much as you inspire them. It's a mutual act of lifting each other up. Encouragement is such a powerful tool to reach other people and show God's love. This life we are privileged to live isn't supposed to be about being on top. How many times have I heard from people who wanted to get to the top that when they got there, there was nothing there. I encourage you (and me) to look for opportunities to sow into what people are doing. It's not about being better than someone, it's about helping them be better and allowing for other people to do the same. I've had to start learning to stop being cynical at times and stop expecting others to tear me apart with their words. You'd be surprised how healing people can be when you let them. 
You are called to "pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (Romans 14:19)
Learn to feel the best when you say something nice about what someone else is doing - not when you're being encouraged only. Because when people stop drowning you with compliments and encouragement, will you be humble enough to shower someone else with them?

Faith Friday: Stand Firm In Your Faith

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Hey y'all! I'm here for another edition of Faith Fridays! Most of the time, I let God sort of guide me to write about something that's on His heart for me and the people who will read my blog. Today I decided to do something a little different and God didn't disappoint... He's full of surprises. So I flipped open my Bible and did the "show me what you want to show me Lord" thing and I opened up to a page with only one highlighted verse. It was incredible because it was a verse that was perfect for what I'd been feeling to talk about all morning so I took it as a sign of God's approval ;)
I've been sharing a lot about people who inspire me on previous posts and a lot of the time I'm most inspired by people who are firm in their faith and aren't shaken by the world. It's a tough job a lot of the time but we have to face it with courage, knowing that: "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all" - Isaiah 7:9
This verse says so much in such a short sentence. There is nothing that will make you stand other than standing firm in your faith. Faith is "Being sure in what we hope for and certain of what we don't see" (Hebrews 11:1). Picture this: if the ground that you walk on is shaky and uneven, walking will not only be difficult, but according to this verse, you won't even be able to stand! There is so much that the world tries to throw in our faces to get us away from the word of God, which is the truth that gives us life! People ridicule Christians all the time, and there are no signs of it getting better any time soon. Especially in the adolescent years, you are bombarded by the media who present to you things they say are fact, but which Jesus spent his life speaking against. If you aren't grabbing onto the Lord and being certain of what you don't see, you won't even know what to stand for. 
I decided to dig deeper into the notion of standing firm in the Word and found that a lot of my favourite verses mention that phrase. So obviously God thought it was pretty important! We must stand firm in battle, in faith, through opposition and in Christ! 
"Stand firm and you will win life" - Luke 21:19
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain"  - 1 Cor. 15:58
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong" - 1 Cor. 16:13
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" - Galatians 5:1
It is no coincidence that most of these verses are messages to people who were facing opposition for following Christ at that time. We are in their same position! I love to work with imagery so just imagine our time right now where Christians are being placed in the middle of fierce storm. Not standing firm in God's promises to you will have you quickly swept away by that wind. But if we don't let this world shape us into something that God didn't intend for us to become, we will have nothing to fear. Our feet will be crazy glued, duct taped and secured to the ground no matter what hits us - WE WON'T BE MOVED. I remember going into high school honestly being so afraid of how people would react when I said I didn't want to take part in what the "normal" teen population was doing. But I soon learned that holding on tight to God was the best decision I could ever make!
I've come to the conclusion that any doors that are only open to me if I push aside my faith, are ultimately doors I don't want to be walking into anyways! I'm sure that people will try to persuade me to stop following Jesus, but that's not going to happen because I stand firm on the rock of my salvation. It doesn't matter how good the prospect looks - it's not good if you can't have Jesus to celebrate it with you. Don't you let anyone talk you out of standing up for Jesus, ever. Live by this quote: If Jesus died for you, why not live for Him! People who stand firm in their faith are the ones who move mountains and truly impact those around them. Like Corinthians 16 says, be courageous and strong - you'll see that the storm will not move a hair off your head because You. Stand. Firm.
Wishing you an amazing weekend! Thanks for stopping by xo

Faith Friday: Love That's Unchanging

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Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Though this isn't my favourite "holiday" ever, I wanted to send each and every one of you lots of love today! I certainly don't think showing love for people should be reserved for one day but since we've got the chance, why not turn this hallmark moment into something special. Truthfully, I've been thinking and thinking about what I'd write about for today's Faith Friday post. I was unsure what angle to take..... love is in everything. Sure, Valentine's Day is marketed towards couples and making a day when people have to show that they still care, at least for a day. But love is something you can share everyday in all things. If you can buy someone some chocolates but can't even show love in the way that you actually care for them, what good does that serve? So today I'm gonna share what love is to me right now; not what love will mean when I'm dating someone. Because the truth is, your definition of what love is shouldn't change depending on if you have a significant other - love is eternal and will remain the same no matter what. If you can't learn to love right now in your singleness, how do you expect to love a future spouse?
God is love. See how easy that was? If you think of what God is, you have the perfect example of what love should be. Cliche as it may be, 1 Corinthians 13 gives you the key. 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part,  but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

So you might be thinking, "I haven't learned to love like this yet!" which may lead to the thought that "I want to love someone like this some day". Ok, hold it. I'm stoping you right there. I know these verses are used very often when it comes to romantic affection, but love isn't bound to those situations! Remember the Bible says to "Love thy neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and neighbour isn't just a boyfriend or husband. We should want to love those around us in a way that exemplifies patience, kindness, a lack of envy, boasting, pride. Don't aspire to learn to love for a particular person only - learn to love now! There's nothing stopping you! The kind of love that we receive from God is unchanging; it'll be the same today as it will be tomorrow. He is completely in love with you. He didn't wait to love you, He's loved you since even before you were born. If His perfect love isn't exclusive, what makes you so special that yours should be?
Today I was speaking with someone and I said, "Girls should learn to love right now... prepare your love skills so they're perfected." To this I got the response "Love will never be perfected." Now, let me explain how I formulated my response to that. Love that is being perfected doesn't mean that it is perfect. Love that is being perfected means that you love others through God's love, which thankfully is perfect. We may not execute it with the perfection that God does but the love that we share, if it is derived from God's love, is perfect. So no, you won't love perfectly, but you will offer up a love that comes from perfect love! 
I'm gonna transition this to the single women reading this now... although girls who are in relationships definitely need to know this as well. This period of singleness is beautiful! For a long time my thoughts were just centred on waiting for a man to come into my life. That to me would be the finishing touch. But if you haven't understand what love should be, how can you expect to love someone else well? This is your time to fall in love with Christ. He's your Valentine. This brings to mind lyrics from a song by Tenth Avenue North that I love: Why are you looking for love? Why are you still searching, as if I'm not enough? Think about that. Have you been looking for love because God's love isn't enough for you? I've said this for months now and it's something that I've learned as I walk through my singleness. If you are waiting for a man to complete you, stop searching! No man will ever fill whatever void you have. The man God has for you will compliment you but never complete you. You can't live life without God! He is your completing factor and nothing or anyone else! How many times have I fund girls who say they aren't who they are because they don't have a guy?1 It hurts me so much because I used to be that girl. I was in a relationship thinking that because he was with me, I was all good. But in the end, after I was left alone, I realized that I'd lost sight of the love that completed me. The love that makes my whole existence. I was now single but God hadn't left. So again I say, if you are apparently "alone" and think you're missing something when you already have Jesus, reevaluate your situation. This isn't the time to be looking for love in the wrong places when you haven't grasped the love that is eternal and perfect in Christ. 
"Dear friends; let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" - 1 John 4:7
I'm not encouraging any single girl to become bitter about Valentine's Day! It's actually so horrible to see a girl be angry and unhappy because she doesn't have a man in her life, yet she can't take the time to thank God for the love she receives from the people near her. Remember that it's better to be single than to be in the wrong relationship! Love is beautiful. From my position in life right now, love is amazing and because I know that God is love, I know love will be just as beautiful when I have my person! Whenever that is, I'm not sure but I'm grateful to the Lord for these moments. Moments when I can search for His heart and find out what love is. Knowing that love is unchanging and that it is not bound by a relationship status. Look to complete yourself through Christ's perfect love! More and more I have found that I am absolutely nothing without Him. I'm a speck of dust in the universe, yet He chooses to give me love and care for me.  I love this quote from Lauren DeMoss: "When you give everything to God, when you find your very identity in Him, He becomes the completer piece to every part of you." Whatever void you want to fill, God is that completer piece! 
Know that this time won't be forever but don't let it pass you by without enjoying every second of it! God gives you singleness as a time of discovery. A time to discover His love, to know that it is constant, to give love without asking for anything in return and to know that He is what you are missing! When you figure these things out, a relationship will be that much more meaningful. And you'll know who you are, with or without that person, because you will know that God made you you long ago! Because truthfully, without knowing your identity in Christ, being in a relationship will likely make things worse. 
Know that you are loved beyond measure today, and everyday! Have a beautiful day everyone!