True Love: Love is Kind

1st Corinthians 13:4-7  "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, trusts all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

2.  LOVE IS KIND - A situation may arise when we need to be KIND - considerate, friendly, warm-hearted nature, showing sympathy or understanding; charitable, agreeable; beneficial.  All these are the characteristics of being kind.  Whatever situation, even if you feel like you have the best advice for someone -demonstrate it in a kind way.  In a way that you know that will be beneficial for THAT person.  Not just to prove that you know better than they do.  Also in daily life - be kind to all.  Have kindness  inbred within your actions.  Let all your actions and words express kindness. That is the KINDNESS in TRUE LOVE.

NEXT: Love does not envy

Growing in God's Love - TIM

PS - Hannah's bedroom is now completely painted. Waiting on the furniture to arrive. Maranda is doing well. Our specialist suggests that as long as she stay's stable - all is well!! Praise the Lord. Our doctor said "Hannah is beating the odds". That's not a surprise. God has His hand on her life. Thank you for your continual prayer - it is sincerely appreciated.

Love suffers long

1st Corinthians 13:4-7  "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, trusts all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

What is love? Let's look deeper in the Word.

1.  LOVE SUFFERS LONG - When we feel like giving up on us or on others - The Love within us needs to rise up and set it's feet firm planted - and say to ourselves - "self,  I'm not giving up today.  I'm going show commitment and steadfastness in ALL that I do.

NEXT - LOVE IS KIND

Thank you for your prayers - they are powerful -

TIM

WHAT is LOVE ???

In 1st Corinthians 13:4-7  "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, trusts all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
  
If the body of Christ would only embrace and live by these principles - we would be perfectly in His image.  GOD IS THE PERFECT REFECTION OF LOVE. 

These are NOT EASY tasks to accomplish - but if we set our minds focused on God - they would be fruitful and evident in our daily lives.  The messes that we seem to find ourselves in with situations, people and daily lives - if only we could apply these principles to life, we would be so more better off.

In the next few posts I will go through each attribute of LOVE and give my point of view.

1. LOVE SUFFERS LONG
2. LOVE IS KIND
3. LOVE DOES NOT ENVY
4. LOVE DOES NOT PARADE ITSELF
5. LOVE IS NOT TO PUFFED UP / PRIDE
6. LOVE DOES NOT BEHAVE RUDELY
7. LOVE IS NOT SELFISH
8.  LOVE IS NOT PROVOKED
9.  LOVE DOES NOT THINK EVIL
10.  LOVE DOES NOT REJOICE IN SIN
11.  LOVE REJOICES IN TRUTH
12.  LOVE BEARS ALL
13.  LOVE TRUSTS ALL
14.  LOVE HOPES IN ALL THINGS
15.  LOVE ENDURES ALL

Growing in God's Love - TIM

I pray that your day is blessed beyond your expectations. God's plans are always better than ours.

Hannah 28 Weeks

A great report from the Dr. today!! Great news!! The specialist looked over the ultrasound and everything looked good. Maranda's amniotic fluid was at the highest that it has been. And the blood flow to the baby was normal. The specialist has the opinion that if Maranda stays stabilized as she is now - that they will keep Hannah in as long as possible. His thoughts are that if she can make it to 36 weeks and stay stable they will reevaluate what to do then. He much rather have the baby be born later - as Hannah wouldn't have to stay in the ICU for a long period of time. He much rather see the baby stay with the mother.

The specialist says that the signs are pretty clear when to deliver the baby - but as of now - Maranda has no signs of needing to be delivered. Signs to look for in Maranda are constant high blood pressure (160/105+) or blood work returning showing damage to the liver or kidneys (Maranda shows no sign of that), or extreme headache which can produce seizure (absolutely no signs of that). Signs from the baby are lower amniotic fluid, low blood from to the baby, or consistent drop in growth. (Hannah has none of those). We are now in holding pattern -- believing that Maranda will stay consistent and no signs for delivery. So we will continue to be monitored closely.

We have another appointment with the specialist in two weeks where they will do a more detailed growth study - to see if she has dropped off her growth pace. He is not too concerned with her size - as long as she continues to grow. It was a lot of information and a lot of good news. Sorry if it seems a little scattered. We are very happy with this report.

Maranda has her scheduled appointment (twice a week) with our her regular OBGYN tomorrow. We pray that he takes the specialist opinion. I believe that he will.

Thank you for your continued prayers. I know that people standing with us in faith and prayer is making the difference with Hannah.

Growing in God's Love - TIM

Yet I Will Praise You

Tonight I heard a great song - I pray that it ministers to you. Praise God in the midst of our troubles. "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord." "Come unto me, all ye who are weary, and I will give you rest."

Song Title: "Yet I Will Praise You"
by: Melissa Boraski

I will praise You, Lord my God
Even in my brokenness I will praise You Lord
I will praise you Lord my God
Even in my desperation I will praise You Lord
And I can't understand all that you've allowed
I just can't see the reason
But my life is in Your hands
And though I cannot see You
I choose to trust You
Even when my heart is torn
I will praise You, Lord
Even when I feel deserted
I will praise You, Lord
Even in the darkest valley
I will praise You, Lord
And when my world is shattered
And it seems all hope is gone
Yet I will praise You
I will trust You, Lord my God
Even in my loneliness
I will trust You, Lord
I will trust You, Lord my God
Even when I cannot hear You
I will trust You, Lord
And I will not forget
That you hung on a cross
Lord You bled and died for me
And if I had to suffer
I'd know that you've been there
And I know that you're here now
Even when my heart is torn
I will trust You, Lord
Even when I feel deserted
I will trust You, Lord
Even in the darkest valley
I will trust You, Lord
And when my world is shattered
And it seems all hope is gone
Yet I will praise You

WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING and the SPIRIT

{pregnancy update} - Maranda is doing great - her blood pressures have been normal - and Hannah's is kicking quite a bit. I have felt her numerous times. That is such a thrill. We are looking forward to the new addition to our family. We have been working hard on rearranging our home to make Hannah feel comfortable. (First time in my life to share a closet).

Our next ultrasound is next Monday the 21st of March. This will be the first ultrasound in Maranda's third trimester. We are looking forward to some great results. I will keep you posted.

Thank you for your prayers - they are so much appreciated. My heart sincerely says thank you.
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My word for you today is - GET WISDOM - and while you ask for wisdom, also ask for UNDERSTANDING. Let the SPIRIT of God lead you. If you need direction in a situation - ask for wisdom AND understanding. God freely gives these gifts to you if you just ask. Wisdom and understanding together are a powerful tool. You can make confident decisions about your life.

Proverbs 4:6-7 "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding"

Another great verse on WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING and the SPIRIT: Isaiah 11:2 "The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him- the SPIRIT of WISDOM and of UNDERSTANDING, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD"

God is the true giver of wisdom - Look only to Him for your answers. When making a life changing decision: He will give you WISDOM to decide, He will give you UNDERSTANDING of the outcome, He will give you the SPIRIT to comfort you.

BE Encouraged Today!

Growing in God's Love - TIM

Baby Hannah - a poem by Tammy Cooley

I want to share a beautiful poem written by my sister for our baby Hannah. This is special.

HANNAH
You are so precious and small,
Your arrival is anticipated by us all,

We know you are in God’s hands,
Your life is ordained and already in His plans,

We’re praying you make your entrance safe and sound;
And trust God’s grace and mercy will abound,

You are fearfully and wonderfully made,
Our creator is to be worshiped and praised!

You rest now little one,
When you arrive we’ll have so much fun,

You’ll be taught all about Jesus,
The one that saved us, kept us and loves us,

You are a little miracle child sent from above,
You’ll be cared for dearly and truly loved,

Hannah, you are a gracious gift from God we know,
We can’t wait to watch you grow!
-Auntie Tammy Cooley



Thank you Tami - this will be cherished by Hannah and us. I pray God will continue to use you in the gift He has placed within you. With Love - TIM

Picking up the new - laying down the old.

Dear faithful readers,

I just wanted to write and be real today - I'm doing well. I woke up this morning with a new type of energy. I seem a little more focused and have a brighter outlook. Last night I started draining my old water bed - which in some ways was sad but also symbolized to me a new beginning. Strange as it may sound - but is the truth. I've put it off and put it off - but now that I've started it - I've realized that I had a hold on my old stuff. I didn't want to get rid of my stuff. But as God is giving us a new gift - I must lay down my stuff for God's plan.

We are preparing our precious Hannah a place to call her own. Furniture ordered and colors picked out - we are now embarking on making her room. This brings more of a reality to me. - picking up the new - laying aside the old. As we are to do in our spiritual walk. Laying down our old self (human desires, wants) and picking up God's plan (which is far more perfect). I hope you take what I've written today and apply it to you in your spiritual walk. Giving up your life for God's...

Be blessed today -

Growing in God's Love - TIM

Stable is our God - Let's praise Him!

Let's take this moment and praise the Lord. Here is a great verse in the word that will encourage you to do so. He is so awesome - marvelous, excellent, compassionate.... PRAISE THE LORD

1 Chronicles 16:27-30

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.


God is so powerful - that His glory and His presence fills the earth - and "the world shall be stable, that it be not moved." - Remember that today if you feel that your life is a little rocky right now - HE IS STABLE.

Have a blessed day!

TIM

REMEMBER!!! A powerful weapon

"When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, `At home even the hired men have food enough to spare, and here I am, dying of hunger!" Luke 15:17

The story of the prodical son is a powerful example of restoration and reconciliation - but have you ever wondered what spured the prodical to want to return. HIS MEMORY!!! He remembered that His father had food on the table - He recalled that his father provided for Him. The bible says "When he came to his senses" - in other words - when he REMEMBERED.

Think and remember the things God has done in your life - recall the blessings - recall the victory's - recall the day He set you free. The enemy can't steal our memory -- let's use this tool as a weapon - When you remember and come to your senses of what God the Father has done for you - speak those things out of your mouth - proclaim your victory. If you feel defeated - I can confirm to you that if you speak and proclaim your blessings, your victory's - you will start seeing a change.

For me here are a few things that I can recall and remember how God has had His hand on my life:
- "Lord, you have been so faithful to me..."
- "God, I thank you for directing my life, I look back and see my steps being ordered"
- "Father, I thank you for your spirit comforting me, when I felt alone"
- "I thank you for healing my body - I remember a time, I couldn't hold food down and KNOW I have the victory"
- "Lord I thank you for loving me, when a lot of times I don't deserve it".

These are a few examples you could apply to your life - speak what God has done in your life - REMEMBER and RECALL. A lot of times the enemy tries to make you forget that God has done something in your life - don't let him steal your victory's - speak them out of your mouth.

Be blessed today! - Growing in God's Love- TIM

PRAISE THE LORD

If you feel a little down today - remember to PRAISE THE LORD - Life isn't worth worrying about - God tells us to lay our issues down at His feet. God is here for you - right now - lift your hands and surrender your worries to HIM - PRAISE HIM.

When clouds seem thick around you,
and troubles seem to drown you,
PRAISE THE LORD
When you suffer grief or pain
and you've prayed in Jesus' Name,
PRAISE THE LORD
When your prayers bring no relief
from your agony and grief;
PRAISE THE LORD
When someone says things that offend
remember this, my friend,
PRAISE THE LORD
When trouble comes in like a flood
remember you are under the blood
PRAISE THE LORD
When it rains or when it shines
when folks are mean or unkind
PRAISE THE LORD
When life goes into reverse
and things get worse and worse
PRAISE THE LORD
-author unknown

White as snow

What a snowy day here in Michigan - it's still coming down. As you look around today- (if you live in the white snow states) see the pure white snow on the ground. As I look out the window this morning - all I see is WHITE. God has washed over our hearts with His blood - making us as pure WHITE AS SNOW. Just my thought for today...

Here are things in God's word that are "WHITE AS SNOW"

Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Daniel 7:9
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

Matthew 28:3
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.

Revelation 1:14
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

This may give you a new perspective on SNOW...

Please continue to pray for my wife- that her blood pressure remains stable. Thank you so much.

Growing in God's Love - TIM