Live Love

Little did I know when I chose to pray Isaiah 26:3 for my family this year, the need we would have for the Lord's peace. Just two weeks after I wrote that post, Jeff fell hiking the Appalachian Trail and injured his knee. I was over an hour away. My heart threatened to leap out of my throat as I fought back the tears and wrestled to remain calm so that I could figure out what to do. Friends came to his rescue and long story short....Jeff tore his patella tendon and had emergency surgery to repair it and to reconnect his knee cap.

I have to brag on my man for a minute and say I have been astounded by his optimistic outlook and his positive attitude post-surgery. I was prepared for an ill-tempered brute who would dictate multiple demands, but instead I've been pleasantly surprised to see my laid-back prince of a guy continue to act loving and kind in the midst of his pain.

For this I am thankful. My heart is heavy tonight as I write because one of my dearest friends is learning to say goodbye to her mom. While women across the nation march for women's rights, I have witnessed a remarkable woman fight for her life. Politics tend to bring division and strife...days like today remind me of what really matters -- people.

Whether you are compelled to protest in the streets or to make your opinions known on social, I pray that you will do so with love. The catch phrase seems to be LOVE NOT HATE. This begins in the heart of each one of us. How are you treating those who are different from you? How about those whose beliefs conflict with your own? Are you able to love despite these challenges? Jesus said the world would know we are his children by our love. Sadly, I wonder how we are doing in that department.

Today I have witnessed tremendous love as I've seen the Body of Christ come together to honor a remarkable woman of God and to comfort her daughter. I challenge you to look at the hurting people around you...find ways to demonstrate love to them today. Don't just preach love -- live love.

My Prayer for My Family in 2017

I asked the Lord to show me a verse to pray over my family for 2017 and I want to share it with you. I believe He led me to Isaiah 26:3 which says,

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Father,
I pray that you would help us to keep our minds set on you; remove any impure thoughts that prevent us from seeing and hearing you. Help us to trust in you no matter the circumstances. Give us the peace that surpasses understanding as we seek to know you more this year than we have in the past. May our home be a place of peace and may all who enter experience the peace that comes from knowing you. As we strive to know you more, may others be drawn to you through your work in our lives to transform us into your image. 
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Is there a passage God is calling you to pray over your life or your family this year? If so, I'd love for you to share it with me so I can pray for your family as well.