Loving Yourself and Loving Others

“[Love] it is not self-seeking…” – 1 Corinthinans 13:5

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Mark 12:30-31

Do you ever feel like there is a conflict between loving yourself and loving others? I have found that in my own life, sometimes I get a little confused about this issue. Maybe I am thinking too much about it (which I often do), but when certain situations come up, I can become perplexed about what to do!

For example, imagine that someone asks you to do something for them, but it would really not be beneficial for you or for your own health and well-being. What do you do? Do you act in “selfless love” by complying with the other person’s request, or do you take care of yourself by saying “no” to their request? I truly don’t know the answer to this question!

What does everyone think? Have you ever been in a situation like this before? What did you do and/or how did you handle it?

Photo Credit: Margot Pandone

The Dynamics of Blogging

Relationships. No, I’m not talking about THOSE [romantic] kind of relationships…although I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and I thank God for him. I am talking about a different, unique type of relationship: relationships on the blogosphere.

When I first started this blog many moons ago (*cough* okay, so it’s only been since the middle of last year), I never would have imagined the types of relationships that being a part of a blogging community would expose me to. I have “met” so many fun and interesting people, and I have learned a thing or two [or more! ;-)] from each one of them.

But the thing is, meeting all of these awesome people on the web and getting to see snapshots of their lives through viewing their blogs—only makes me want to learn MORE about them. I want to know who they are, what they enjoy, what makes them tick, what they’re passionate about–and I want to be a part of that.

So if you’ve read this far, I’d like to propose that you participate in a little exercise with me. In the comment section of this post, leave THREE WORDS that describe you. Now don’t think too much about this–I would probably just go with the first things that pop into your head. But I believe that this could be a good way that I could get to know each of you better…and hey, maybe we can all learn something new about each other!

To get things started, I’ll go first: Spiritual. Emotional. Artistic.

Now it’s YOUR turn. Go! 😀

When Fear Surrounds Me

Fear. Anxiety. Worry. They’re not good feelings. I experience them often, and I’m still trying to master practical ways to handle them.

Yesterday I encountered several circumstances that caused me to worry. And I had to deal. Here were a few thoughts that helped me:

  • Nothing can enter my life without it first going through God.
  • My loving Father wants me to trust Him and to let go!
  • I am not in control of the things that happen to me, and I need to stop trying to be.
  • Remember to take deep breaths–physically and spiritually. I need to “breathe in” God’s grace, and “breathe out” His praise (from Your Grace Finds Me, by Matt Redman).
  • “Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, [He’s] never failed and [He] won’t start now” (from Oceans, by United)!

Thank God that we can trust His sovereignty and His good plans for us! When fear surrounds you and me, let’s choose to trust that He is near, and that He won’t fail in keeping His promises. ❤

Image Credit: Unknown