Being Content While Single : Love

 

 

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to my series on Being Content While Single.

 

Today's topic is about love. I know, I know, hold up, you're a single girl, there is no love connection going on for you. So, why am I talking about it? Well, because I think loving yourself is pretty important, man or no man.

 

What do I mean by loving yourself? Nothing too profound, I promise. I think it is important to know what you like and don't like. Treat yourself with respect, and take good care of yourself. Learn to love spending time with yourself.

 

Believe that you really are wonderful. You have value. You are beautiful. You are uniquely special. It's true. I promise.

 

Discover what you like. How do you really like your coffee? Take time to figure it out. (My personal favorite right now is strong coffee with brown sugar and a bit of whole milk.) Don't just like something because you always have. Try new things, and discover what you like and don't like. (I thought I always hated coconut until I made the best coconut chocolate cookies for a friend last year, and quickly became obsessed with coconut! Who knew?)

 

What do you enjoy doing for fun? Get out there and do it. I love to swing on swing sets, put on an apron and bake for hours, go on barefoot walks in the fall, shop for random vintage things, eat ice cream in a cone with sprinkles, and lay in the middle of the grass with a good book and the sunshine to keep me company. Find activities you love, and do them. Do something small everyday to put a smile on your face.

 

Don't let yourself not do what you enjoy because you're always waiting for someone to join you.

 

Taking time for yourself is one of the healthiest things you can do. We all are busy, and it is important to relax.Take yourself on dates. (It's not pathetic, I promise.) (Just think about it, no one to steal your popcorn, or talk over the best parts, and you get to see whatever movie you want!) I try to give myself one date night a week. Sometimes that doesn't work, but I try my best to be alone more than just sleeping. Schedule time with yourself just like you would any friend. Put it in your calendar, and don't break your appointment. It is so easy to be busy, and never spend time with yourself, but I think you miss out on spending time with and getting to know a great girl, YOU! (I know that was kinda cheesy, but it is so true!)

 

Get beautified for yourself. Yes of course, getting all dolled up for a hot date is fun, but why not treat yourself the same way? You are wonderful. Buy the new mascara, and have fun with your lashes. Get those stunning stilettos out of of the closet for a fun night out. Try out a new hair style, just for fun. I recently am beginning to embrace this. I was turning into a bit of a bum lately. In the past month or so I have intentionally styled my hair, and put some make up on (even if it was just mascara and burt's bees lip balm) even if I was just wearing yoga pants and a tee shirt. Looking good helps you feel good.

 

Learn to disconnect. Get off facebook, pinterest, instagram, twitter, your phone, email, and all other means of constant communication. Unplug for a while. Nothing too important is going to happen while you take a three hour break. And if it does, you will get to it when you turn your phone back on. I struggle with this one. I like the idea of it, but sometimes the reality of it is another story. Social media is really good at getting you to compare yourself with others. A break can be a really positive thing, even if its only for an afternoon. On my alone night, I turn my phone off, and put it on the charger in another room, and just hang out with myself. It is an easy way to really focus on you time.

 

 

GiveAWay Info: I will be giving a way a prize pack with some of my favorite goodies at the end of this series! There is only one prize. You can enter every day of the week by answering the question at the end of each daily blog. Leave a comment with your name, city and state, and your answer to my question to be entered in this week's prize pack! I will announce the winner in a post on Saturday, April 13th, 2013. The winner will have to contact me via email at michelletobolivia@gmail.com with their mailing address to receive their prize. Good luck!

 

Tuesday's question: What are 2 ways you can focus on loving yourself this month?

 

Love, Michelle

 

 

 

 

 

The Complete Series:

Intro

Day One: Identity
Day Two: Love

Day Three: Prayer

Day Four: Truth Day Five: Adventure

 

 

 

A lesson from lights in the rear view mirror.

This morning, on my way to church, I was singing along to worship music while driving down the road. It had just snowed, so I-75 was a little slick. I was keeping up with traffic, going a safe speed. It was under the speed limit. So, imagine my surprise when I saw lights flashing in my rear view mirror for me.

I pulled over on the shoulder of I-75. It has always been number one on my list of places I didn't want to be pulled over. But, there I was. Slight panic rose in my chest as the officer walked toward me. He had a kind face, but I could tell very quickly he could turn into the bad cop. He then informed me that my tab on my license plate was expired. I knew this. I then explained my airheaded story. I had been so excited to put my new sticker on as soon as I got it in the mail for my birthday, I ran outside, and placed it on. Well, it had been slightly damp, because of the rain, it lost the stickiness. I was worried to leave it on there and lose it while driving, so I stuck it on the inside of my windshield to remind myself to get a new one. It had just been up there for so long, I completely forgot. The officer was slightly baffled, as he leaned in the window, and saw it.

He then asked for my driver's license, just to check everything out. I reached into the backseat to grab my purse. I did, and very quickly realized my wallet was missing. I frantically looked in the other random bags, but it wasn't there. I then in a very shaky voice admitted that I didn't know where my wallet was, but if I had to guess, it was on the kitchen counter, in my apartment. This never happens. I am normally a pretty responsible girl. I have been so good at having my purse and wallet together.

I must have looked close to crying, because he reminded me that I was not going to jail, and then he laughed. He asked me if I actually had a valid driver's license. When I replied yes, he told me to have a wonderful day, and to drive safe. That was it.

He never asked my name, he didn't give me a ticket for having my sticker in the wrong place, or for not having my license on me. He didn't lecture me, yell at me, or belittle me.

He showed me mercy and grace by not giving me what I deserved, and what I couldn't have earned in that moment.

All I could think of as I drove off, was how often does that same thing happen to me, but with Jesus.

When I make mistakes (sin), Jesus forgives me. Not because I have my act together, not because I'm cute, not because I am doing good things. He doesn't have to. But He does because of His grace, mercy, and love for me.

He loves me. I have His favor. I'm His girl. He has shown me grace and mercy.

It doesn't make sense. It isn't fair. And I am so grateful.

Have a wonderful start to your week.

Remember, no matter the situations you find yourself in, He is there.

love, M

Valentine's Day...my day of adventures

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is a day when kiddos will bring decorated shoeboxes to school to trade goodies, husbands will bring flowers home, women will prepare candle lit dinners, girls will enjoy a boxes of chocolate with friends, daddies will write sweet notes to their kiddos, couples will get engaged, and the whole world will stop, and think on this idea of love.

Well, the store was out of my favorite candy, I don't have a significant other, and my plans for tonight are Bible study. But, instead of being cranky about it, I want to share why Valentine's Day is one of my favorite days.

The last few years of my life have been pretty adventurous. I have had many moments where it feels like everything pauses for just a moment, and then life changes drastically. A couple of my biggest moments happened on February 14th.

Last year, on Valentine's Day, I hopped on a plane (actually four planes) to go to Bolivia. Alone, and ready for adventure, I lived in South America for 6 weeks loving and caring for orphans, people on the street, sick babies, and people everywhere. I went not knowing what to expect, slightly scared outta my mind, but ready to watch what God would do. It was incredible. By far, one of my favorite things of my life.

Three years ago on Valentine's Day, I moved out of my parents, and into my first place. I was nervous. I had never lived alone. But, I found out who I was, I taught myself to cook, I had so many adventures in that little apartment. It was incredible. My relationship with Jesus became more real. He became my everything.

So, today, I embark on another adventure. Nervous, excited, and ready. A few girls and I are launching our new website today. Our heart is to share the Gospel, and God's grace. There are devotions, declarations, recipes, diy projects, places to ask for prayer, and even giveaways. Something will be posted every day, so keep stopping in. :) I encourage you to check it out. Today is our launch party day! Wander around, enter giveaway contests, and be encouraged. :) 

www.graceeveryday.org

So, today enjoy sweets with your sweeties, and know you are loved.

You are loved by a real God, the Creator of the universe. He desires to be the lover of your soul.

Happy Valentine's Day. Have a lovely day. Love, M :)

high pursuit.

I was reading a book (Praying for your Future Husband by Gunn and Goyer) earlier this week, and a sentence stopped me in my tracks. I underlined it, starred it, and pondered it a while before going back to reread it.
"The inexplicable beauty of God's forever love is that, as the Relentless Lover, He never stops pursuing us because He always wants us back."
It blew my mind.
I know that God loves me, but I think in the midst of a busy life, I forgot what that really means.
He is actively pursuing me. His love doesn't change depending on my actions, or lack of. His love doesn't run out. It's always there. It is constant, even when it doesn't make sense, I forget about it, refuse to acknowledge it, or don't feel it. He loves me.
I know this isn't a new concept, but I just needed to be reminded of this. I needed to take the time, to sit at the feet of Jesus, and rest in His love for me.
"I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." - Jeremiah 31:3
"We know what real live is because Jesus gave up his life for us." - 1 John 3:16
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me." - Proverbs 8:17
"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” -  Zephaniah 3:17
Resting in His love, M :)

Cemetery. Love. Sleep.

I visited the cemetery again today. It was an impulsive visit. With the cemetery being only half a mile from my front door, the thought occasionally passes through my mind, but rarely do I find the courage to go.
I was there for just a moment today. The busyness of the day was catching up with me, but I needed to sneak in a moment of solitude. I wandered over to where she was buried. I sat for just a minute on the cold ground.
This time, instead of being angry at God, and fighting with bitterness bubbling over, I had peace. I rejoiced that Jesus, conquered death, and now our Redeemer lives.
A line from a song became wedged in my mind as I walked back to my car.
"In death, in life, I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love."
I focused on His love, and its power. It never fails. It is overwhelming. We are so undeserving, yet He gives it freely. It is unconditional. It is ours.
There are so many things I could focus on as I fall asleep tonight. But I will choose to drift into dreams reflecting on His love for me. What a sweet way to end the day.
More tales to come. But for now, rest in His love.
Goodnight.
Love, M.

Love.

Love is something I thought I was good at. I love everyone. Nothing really upsets my love. Hmmm. I was wrong. The past few days the Holy Spirit and the Bible have been teaching me truths about love, and where I am falling short.
Here in 1 Corinthians 13 is a snap shot of what it really means to love. People think this a beautiful scripture for weddings, but the truth is that its good for everyday, for everyone, and for everywhere.
(I am using the message version today, because it helped me a lot this week.)
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first",
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.
The one I have really been focused on is, love doesn't keep score...
Wow. That's been a game changed to really remember that.
Which one sticks out to you? Why?
Have a great Sunday. Stay safe on the wintry roads!
Love, M

His love is true.

Things that are truly true remain true, regardless of circumstances.

One plus one will always equal two. Even if I don't believe it.

The same is true of our Jesus.

His love is larger and more consuming than I ever thought possible. It rushes in to the deep, dark crevices to heal and restore. It never gives up. It binds up the broken hearted. It gives hope to the hopeless. It gives life and truth to the lost. It changes lives. It never runs out. It is intimate and personal. It is for every person ever born, in every place, in every time. It brings light to a darken corner. It melts stone hearts. It never fails. It calls the weary to rest. It is a father's unconditional, all consuming love. It is a free gift. We have it. It is ours.

So often, we forget it. We deny it. We ignore it. We run from it. We hide from it. We don't live it out. We act like this amazing love isn't for us. It isn't really real. It is only good in theory. We don't believe it.

But it remains true. Even when we don't believe it, His love for us is overwhelming.

So, embrace it. Jump into the ocean of love. Accept it. Run to it. Cling to it. Celebrate it. Bask in it. Run to it. Live it. It is yours, you already have it.

Focus on His love. Focus on Him. Focus on what He thinks of you.

If financial woes plague your mind, focus on the fact that He is provider.

If health worries are bothering you, remember He is healer.

If you are tired and want to give up, rest in Him, He renews and restores.

If life doesn't make sense, know that He is all knowing.

If you weep, believe that He is the Comforter.

If you just want to run away and hide, trust that He is your refuge.

If you just want to give up, let Him fight for you.

If you want to share Him, but don't know how, never forget that He will fill your mouth with His words.

Focus on Him. He is always consistent. He never changes. His love for us never wavers.

When life is so uncertain, He is our rock. Our emotions and feelings cloud our judgement of what is true, but always remember, He is always true.

Happy Friday. M.

He is faithful.

Tonight I was driving home. I was tired, frustrated, and exhausted. I was praying to a real God, who at the moment didn't feel very real. I was telling Him, "I know you are faithful. It just doesn't feel like it. I feels like You forgot about me. I know You love me, but I don't feel it."

And then, I saw it.

The prettiest rainbow in the world. It was a full, across the road, double rainbow. The clearest and largest rainbow I have ever seen. Ever.

At the exact second I needed to be reminded of His faithfulness. He showed Himself to be faithful.

The rainbow in the Bible represents God's faithfulness, His love, and His promises.

Genesis 9:8-17 (amplified version)
8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying,
9 Behold, I establish My covenant or pledge with you and with your descendants after you
10 And with every living creature that is with you —whether the birds, the livestock, or the wild beasts of the earth along with you, as many as came out of the ark—every animal of the earth.
11 I will establish My covenant or pledge with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood; neither shall there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth and make it corrupt.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant (solemn pledge) which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:
13 I set My bow [rainbow] in the cloud, and it shall be a token or sign of a covenant or solemn pledge between Me and the earth.
14 And it shall be that when I bring clouds over the earth and the bow [rainbow] is seen in the clouds,
15 I will [earnestly] remember My covenant or solemn pledge which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy and make all flesh corrupt.
16 When the bow [rainbow] is in the clouds and I look upon it, I will [earnestly] remember the everlasting covenant or pledge between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said to Noah, This [rainbow] is the token or sign of the covenant or solemn pledge which I have established between Me and all flesh
That was my rainbow. It was for me. God reminded me right in my exact moment of need to show up.

He is faithful.

He is love.

He is truth.

He is real.

He is overwhelmingly everything I don't understand or ever could.

He cares about me.

He is faithful. So faithful.

I pulled over in a parking lot to take pictures. I stood, crying, worshiping a real God.

He is worthy.

He thinks of me dearly.

Great is thy faithfulness.

His thoughts toward me are precious and many.

Psalms 139:17-18a How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;

Blessed. Loved. Daughter of the King.

Love, M

the journey

February 15

I sat in the Miami airport at my gate sobbing. The reality of what i was about to embark on was staring me straight in my face. I wasn't scared. I just hated saying goodbye. My phone was dying, and once I boarded that plane, no more phone calls, text messages, facebook checks, or emails at my fingertips. The next time I talk to my loved ones was unknown.

So, I cried over that.

And then one of my closest friend's mom called for a quick last goodbye. She said her 39 week pregnant daughter (my friend), went to the doctor, and was having contractions. That was when the full on sobbing began. I wanted to meet that baby, brand new and just born. I know there are countless hours of baby time once I get back in April, but I wanted to hold him before I left. I hate knowing that I missed it. I know its not a big deal, but to me, in that moment, it was everything.

Sobbing in the airport, I began to pray. I needed the Holy Spirit, the Comforter to come in a tangible way.

i cried standing in line to board, I cried boarding the plane, and putting my carryon away, I cried sitting down and buckling up. Everyone on that plane must've had some interesting opinions of the sobbing, snotting American. I continued to pray for comfort.

Almost everyone on that plane spoke Spanish, so I started praying for someone to speak English. The plane was still boarding, and I still had big, fat tears rolling down my cheeks, when a girl with a Mickey Mouse shirt on came up to me. She stopped at my seat, put her hand on mine, and said something in Spanish. I being ever so graceful, blurted out, "Any chance you know English?!?" She responded in gorgeous English, "Yes, I do. I am actually fluent in 5 languages. I am a translator." I was then able to share why I was upset. You know how sometimes you just need to say it to someone listening, and then it is over? Well that was the case. I said it outloud that I was sad about missing my friend's son being born, but how excited i was to know I was going to where God had me to be. She reminded me of some truth, and rubbed my arm, and sat down. That was all I needed. Just the comfort of knowing someone cared, and being reminded that He's got me in the palm of His hand. No more tears after that. :)

More airplane stories...

Just had lunch. I think. Or an early dinner at 3:30. I had a hot, cheesy, turkey sandwich, a small salad, a coca cola, and 2 oreos. It hit the spot. I didn't even realize i was hungry. The man next to me doesn't speak any English, but he and his wife have kind eyes. I know everyone eats oreos differently, but i have never seen them eaten quite like this before. The man next to me opened his cookies, and scraped every bit of cream out of it, and then ate them. Better not get him double stuff oreos! Haha!

On the radio in the plane all of the verses of "I've been working on the railroad" are playing in English. So random.

I opened up my journal to write these tales down, and a piece of paper fluttered onto my lap. It was a verse from a friend. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." True that! Such a great reminder that wherever I go, He is with me, no need to fear!

The overwhelming theme of the past few hours has been God is not American. He doesnt just speak English. He truly is universal. Every man, woman, boy, and girl need Him in a very real way, if if they don't think they do. Religion or English may not translate, but a very real Savior does. I knew that before, but now with every part in me, I know that to be true. The power and love of Jesus can break barriers. I am so excited to share His love with some heartbroken and hurting people. Since He does not only speak English, and He lives inside of me, I believe He can, and will break barriers of language, culture, religion, and my awkwardness to share His love.

Love, M