"Only one life, 'twill soon be past
Only what's done for Christ will last."

Thursday, March 19, 2015

The Love of Christ

I think that the Heavenly Father teaches us lessons by emphasizing certain things through various means.

For an example, this morning I was reading in "The Commandments of Christ" the command "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Then I opened Paul Tournier's book "The Healing of Persons" to a chapter about acceptance, and the whole passage was about loving people.

They will know us by our love.

The faith of a believer is characterized by love. Love for God, love for self, love for a neighbor, (that is, anyone you meet), love for a brother, love for those who serve you, and those you serve.

Love, love, love.

God has no greater message for us.

And loving is not always easy. There are hurts and wounds that make it hard. There are selfish desires that thwart our attempts to put others first.

But I can say that acceptance ---and love---of everyone is what God requires of us, in fact, it has direct effect on our own being, health, and mentality.

To accept is to live free.

Paul Tournier brought up a story of a man who had lost everything in the Russian Revolution. His acceptance of that loss had made him one of the happiest men that Tournier knew.

Acceptance, and love, forgiveness and selflessness---these ARE the keys to happiness.

This is the love of Christ.

This is true joy.



Ed had another dose of Erwinia yesterday. He reacted a little, but he felt better in the afternoon. The dose was a half dose, so it is nice that it works.

Our trip to Duluth, and Gooseberry Falls was pleasant. We also stopped and hiked at Banning State Park, along the river rapids. That Sunday was unseasonably warm, and we enjoyed the sunshine and the fresh air. We stayed overnight on Canal Park, and then drove up to Gooseberry Falls in the rain on Monday. We walked the trails by the falls, some muddy, some full of snow. The ice made spectacular sculptures. The river was running there, too.

After a slice of "Great Lakes" pie at Betty's Pies (I had that----we also ordered Turtle Coconut, Coconut Cream, Cherry Cream, and Cherry---is your mouth watering yet?) we headed home as planned. If you are wondering, as I did, what "Great Lakes" pie was---a combination of berries and I think peach, with a crumbly top crust. Very good!

It was a nice little get-away. And no fever for Ed!

We are now in the process of exploring a Move. The sale fell through with Ray and Jay! Thank you for praying regarding this whole issue. I don't know what will come of it, but we are looking at making an offer. I have my hands open, knowing that God will put us where He thinks we should be. Please pray with us.

Life changes. They happen no matter what.

There is a series of concerts this Saturday in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach, here in the cities. I call it the "Bach Walk," and you can find information on Pipedreams website. Perhaps I'll see you there. Ed and I are looking forward to it. We are looking forward to having friends come and stay with us this weekend, too.

I still need to wash my windows....

Too much fun happening around here!

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