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