We had a wonderful sermon today discussing how much God loves us. It was an eye-opener, as sometimes I really take it for granted. I just think it's amazing that God would show how deep His love is by subjecting himself to human form and humbling himself enough to feel the humiliation. It touches my heart to know our God has done this for all of us. It hurts me to know that some people don't know of His love or turn their back on it.

I also think it's amazing that no matter how much we sin or how bad we may think we've been, God never fails or gives up on us. There's no limit to His love. What a wonderful message!

We went through the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, on love, which we have all heard before, at weddings or at other special times. Yet, if you take each and every characteristic in those verses, it's amazing how perfect love can be. Here it is again, just in case you don't remember each one:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Think of these verses and each aspect of love. Do you practice these with your loved ones, or even people you may not know? I know I need to work on these things but it gives me hope to think there is one who has perfect love - God.

Isn't it amazing when you meet someone new and are able to talk to this person like someone you've known all your life? That happened to me this weekend. I guess the term "kindred souls" comes to mind. It's so nice to be able to connect to someone so quickly and with so much depth. To me, it's a glimpse at what heaven might be. I imagine a place where we all get a chance to know every soul of each person. I imagine it as a place of relationship.

I love meeting new people. I love learning some aspect about people, or learning something new about the world or myself just by talking with another person. Sometimes when I talk to other people, I can solve my current dilemma or predicament. I guess I just like to talk my problems out.

Yet, the connection I feel with others I just meet or converse with can make me disheartened at times. I just know that our conversation might be the last of its kind or will not be the same again. I feel discouraged when others don’t keep in touch or can’t connect in the same manner again.

I live in those special moments, wanting to savor them and cherish them. I know I shouldn’t be scared that these moments will not happen again but I am. I do know that God has given me this ability to glimpse into the depths of each person’s soul, to see the goodness within. I appreciate this sense or gift and know I should treasure it.

Today as I sit, wondering where my life will take me, ready for the next step in my career, I stop to give thanks for everything I have already accomplished and everything that gives me joy.
I am thankful for:
- My kind, respectful, and loving husband, who let’s me be me, and listens to my many thoughts and ideas
- My supportive, loving family who awaits my next writing adventure
- My entertaining pets who make me want to come home and laugh at their abilities and feel their personalities
- My friends and fellow writers around the world, who keep in touch and inspire me to keep writing
- A world of creation that inspires me with beauty and intrigue
- A world of connectivity and technology that allows for quick information retrieval and the ability to connect with the writing community at a mouse click
- An outlet for creative thought through writing articles and journal entries
- Finally, and most of all, our God, who’s constant contact I feel around me, urging me to be the best I can be

This time of year, we're reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us. I guess its impact didn't hit me until I was in church last Sunday. I knew that the Easter season was here but I wasn't ready for its effect on me.

There I was, sleepily attending our church, thinking about how tired I was, and about all the things bothering me in life. I was wrapped up in myself, and how I felt. I didn't want to associate with other churchgoers or greet anyone. I just wanted to sit through the sermon, hoping to receive a message of hope.

I was aware of my actions, aware that my bad attitude reflected on my husband and the others around me. As I chose not to greet those around me, because I didn't want to spread my bad mood, I saw that it did indeed pass on. I sat with my arms crossed, hoping no one noticed me. In actuality, I probably wanted everyone to notice, and feel compassion, wondering what was wrong. I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway.

So, as the worship music started, I stood quiet. I didn't want to sing when I wasn't happy. Yet, I knew the music would get to me, welling up inside of me, ready to change my attitude. I feel God through music. I can usually feel Him in the music at church. His presence was very clear on Sunday, taking only moments to break down my walls.

As I closed my eyes, listening to each voice singing, the words touched my heart. I could feel the love for God rise up through my chest. Slowly tears formed, as I knew I was wrong, and unworthy. The sacrifice of Jesus at Easter came to mind, and urged the tears to spill down my cheeks. How could I think of myself at this time of year?

I realized I had been thinking only of myself. Yet, I knew that my personal relationship with God had been suffering lately, not a priority on my list. I knew I had to fix this part of me, before I could worship in church with others.

So, I mended my relationship with God, asking for forgiveness for my selfish ways. I filled my God-shaped hole, as Audio Adrenaline calls it, with God's love. He knows I have the best intentions in mind, to love others like Jesus did, without judgment. I guess He also knows that I'm not perfect.

I hope that my selfishness did not affect others in adverse ways, yet, I'm glad I realized my wrongdoing in time to genuinely experience Easter this year.