Wear Love

What is love? And how exactly do you wear it? I wonder.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)

All of the ladies in my group inspire me so much, each and every day. It's a blessing to receive the opportunity to become a part of such a strong support system of wonderful ladies who love Him. I'm so blessed to know these gals and to be able to grow with them.

The artwork for this week was inspired by a scripture read by my lovely friend, Clovia. Her sweet voice reading this passage painted an amazing picture in my head that I couldn't wait to capture on paper:

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." Colossians 3
The Message (MSG)





(This was also the day that I learned that the Bible has ??how many?? different translations? I'm currently reading my church's version and the King James Version. I tend to trip over the wording of King James but I like to see both views.)


The Lesson:

Its funny that the one thing I have been searching for my whole life eventually lead me right to Him.

I've been in love with the idea of love since I was 13. I began reading my mom's romance novels as soon as I was able to hold those big books up.

But relationships were never anything I was particularly good at. I always felt left out, damaged, unloved.

All of that changed for me one fine day in September of 2010, when I finally felt peace in my heart, when I realized that He loved me unconditionally, when I realized that what I had been searching for was there for me all along.

Now I'm falling in love with Him. Together, He and I are breaking apart the parts or qualities of me that are less than desirable, and rebuilding it all to the way He originally intended. (He's doing all the work; I'm just the one being too emotional). Its not easy looking your worst qualities in the face every day, but I refuse to give up. How can I when such an amazing God/man won't give up on me.

All this time that I felt unlovable, He was simply saving me for something so much better than I even know how to ask for....I can't wait to find it. Until then, I'm focusing on being the Mindy He wants me to be, and taking it one day at a time. And praying. And reading His word. And hoping that one day "someday" will be here.

Fireman Dad by Betsy St. Amant

The Book:

Fireman Dad (Love Inspired) by Betsy St. Amant


"Mommy, I Want To Be A Fireman."

Widowed mother Marissa Hawthorne's little boy wants to be like his new hero—firefighter Jacob Greene. But Marissa and her son lost too much to the profession of firefighting already. She can't possibly let either of them get close to the man, no matter how noble he is. Especially because her own father is Jacob's boss. But when Jacob hires her to plan a special birthday party for his niece, Marissa soon learns that Jacob is a hero in many ways. And that taking risks for love is what life and faith are truly about.

The Author:

Betsy St. Amant has a heart for three things - chocolate, red polka dot shoes, and sharing the amazing news of God's grace through her novels. She resides in northern Louisiana with her husband, Brandon, and they are currently expecting their first child. Betsy has a bachelor's degree in Christian Communications from Louisiana Baptist University and is actively pursuing a career in inspirational writing.

Mindy’s Musings:

It amazes me how everything seems to come full circle. I put my writing life on the backburner while I grow my art and beautibusiness. But it calls to me. Each and every day. Reading this book by my friend Betsy was a blessing.

This is a time in my life where I am learning to use my singleness to grow closer to God. I’m learning to be less selfish and more in tuned with others through service. I’m learning how to be Me, only better.

I’m learning that when there are lessons to be learned from Him, they seem to come at you from every angle. The sermon somehow applies to you. The commercial while you are working out is a message for you and you alone. In regular conversation with a stranger, their comment is geared toward whatever you are working on in life.

Did you write this for me, Betsy? You have a spiritual gift, a lovely gift, and His words reach out loud and clear.

Betsy’s book was a lesson for me. Here's why: I’m doing a bible study about how I’m “worth waiting for.” The first line made me say, “Hold up. You took the words right out of my mouth.” The lesson that things happen in God's timing not my timing proved to be a biggie for me. And the fact that no one gets in my own way better than I do.

I must say I am hooked. After finishing this story, I’m adding her to my “must read” stack. Betsy’s writing is compact and precise. Her descriptions true to life. I can smell the smoke and taste the hotdogs.

Thank you Betsy for writing such a heartwarming story. I look forward to the next one, because I will be reading it the second it finds its way to stores.

Learn more about Betsy and her newest book on her website at www.betsystamant.com .


My Lesson of the Day: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13