fall and refreshment

Mmmmm...yummy...the smell of pumpkin bread! It tastes like fall, my favorite time of year. There's just something about fall that feels refreshing and energizing, not just physically with the weather, but in the sense that I have a fresh start. I made some pumpkin bread yesterday and it was soooo gooood. I try not to think about the amount of oil and sugar and other yummies I added but definitely worth the treat! I can't wait to wear plaid shirts, pull on my boots with the ribbons on the back, and feel the relief of cool air after a hot summer. I am praying for you readers as you go through your day today. I hope you are finding hope and refreshment this season.

I have been watching a show on tv about teenage moms for several years now, and I was actually watching it today. I mainly began viewing it for counseling classes during seminary, when my internship was at a crisis pregnancy resource center. My heart breaks for the girls I saw then and see now. They voice they desperately want a stable home for their babies with a mom and dad because many of them personally had to see mom and dad separately or did not see one at all, so they do not want that life for their precious babies. I see their pain when the relationship does not work out or when they feel abandoned. I do not know if the individuals know Jesus or not, but I do know that without knowing Him as our Savior, we can never fully know what love is.

God clearly outlines what love is in 1 John 4:7 which states, "Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who has been born of God and knows God." I love verses 18 and 19 which go on to reveal, "There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment...We love because He first loved us." I see the girls on tv and girls in person afraid of losing a boy and the tumultuous life they go through is incredibly stressful. I would love for them to find God's love and let go of tension, anger, and fear, and find refreshment through Jesus Christ. He is the only way to find real love and acceptance.

When God gives us boundaries for relationships, it's not simply a set of rules to keep us from fun, but quite the opposite - to allow us the freedom to have the best relationship possible. Purity before marriage is one specific way God's way is best. Every command He gives is for our good, to keep us from heartache and pain. Strangely, freedom is found in boundaries. For example, a speed limit keeps drivers from speeding, so we have the freedom to drive without fear, knowing we are kept safe by having speeding laws in place. He is love and we are His children, and since He is our Father, of course He wants good for His children. Even if you are already married, or have already raised your babies, this is a comforting reminder for us all.

I pray for the girls I see on tv and in person to let go of tears, pain, and hurt from relationships and take time to first find the One Who gave it all specifically for them! He will protect them. He will take care of them. He will always be there. He will always hold them. Only then will earthly relationships be found that honor God and be healthy and stable. He loves those girls on tv and He loves you, friend, so very much. Let Him take your pain and frustration and accept His refreshing new beginning. Have a wonderful Wednesday, sweet friends!

Love,

Charis