Sunday, May 31, 2015

"Love Does Not Hurt"

Reflections4Life May 31, 2015
“Love Does Not Hurt”
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:5-8
Scripture Contemplation: 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5; 1 John 5…
            ©Vladmir Kush

I am certain many will disagree with me. But the truth is: Love. Love itself does not hurt. But endures and brings hope, as well healing. People "hurt" people. We hurt ourselves and others and still say we love you. Whereby, whenever we love it is immediately associated with hurt and disappointment. Which leaves us guarded and unable to be vulnerable or to love completely and unconditionally in any of our relationships.
I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Whatever you believe you know about love, let God teach you. Allow the Father to show you, Himself. For He is love. And through him we learn how to truly love.

When we are hurt by someone who says they love us, we sometimes unknowingly shut a part of hearts down. That part that allows love to move freely and grow. That part that loves unconditionally. And sometimes we consciously make a decision to never let someone in close enough to hurt us again.
We do a lot a damage in the name of love. But love had nothing to do with it. Love does not hurt. It heals. Love is not disrespectful or disregarding. Love cares and shows concern. It brings hope in dark places. Love is not reckless or careless or in a rush. Love takes it time. It is thoughtful and kind. Love does not tear down and destroy. Love builds and restores. Love does not blame or keep score. Love is unconditional, forgives and moves on. Love is action. It is compassionate as well as passionate. Love is God.
In our lives, we will be disappointed. And yes we will be hurt at sometimes. However, when you have love, understand unconditional love; it teaches you how to navigate life's journey. How to go through a storm. How to continue to love in spite of it all. It also teaches you how to be strong, how to endure, and to move on.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Love is many things; powerful above all. But remember: Love does not hurt; people hurt people. Love endures; it is patient and kind. Love—real, sincere, true love—brings healing and is unconditional, as well as wise. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.









Sunday, May 24, 2015

"In Service of Others"

Reflections4Life May 24th, 2015
“In Service of Others”
“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
Scripture Contemplation: Romans 9; 12; Philippians 2…

As we spend this weekend celebrating Memorial Day, it is an honor to remember those who served and have given their lives in service of others.
Each day we are granted is an opportunity to make a difference in not only our lives, but the lives of others. To be in the position to help others, gives us a chance to change lives.
I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Our Heavenly Father has given us a great gift: the opportunity to serve. When we understand the heart of a servant, then we understand the power we have to change lives. Allow God to show you how to serve and change lives.
In this life, I would hope that we could learn to give without the thought of only doing to receive something from someone in return. It is so much more than give and take. It is about selflessness. The ability to make a difference in the lives of others; even if you get no recognition for what you do. It’s not about being seen or heard, just about serving and making a difference.
I am in awe of each and every service person that makes a decision to serve their country. For whatever their reasons, it is a great sacrifice that they make. Not only for self, but also their families. Never knowing if one day may be their last while in service to their country and patriots.
When I think on the goodness of God, I think of all that He grants us each and every day. But mostly I think upon the freedom He grants us to choose how we will live our lives and affect the lives of others.
Life has its ups and downs, but it is how we live our lives personally that determines our quality of life. When we make a choice to serve others, we choose to give a part of ourselves. And when we do, we open up our hearts to unknown blessings and joys.
Not everyone gets it. Not everyone understands the heart of those who desire to serve. But everyone receives a benefit from those that choose to.
I give thanks and prayer for those men and women who have served and given their lives in service for the freedoms that we enjoy, and some take for granted. I honor you for the sacrifices that you have made. For the honor of your service. Happy Memorial Day. Blessings to the families that made the ultimate sacrifice in servitude.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. May you be blessed with the heart that has the capacity to serve others; to make a difference in the life of someone who you may never even know. Be open to the will of god. It will change your life in unexpected ways. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing.
©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.


Sunday, May 17, 2015

"Just The Way You Are"

Reflections4Life  May 17, 2015
“Just the Way You Are.”
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
Scripture Contemplation: John 3; Hebrews 6; I John 5…

For so many of us, we try our best to always look our best; even when we feel less than our best. There are also times when we try to be someone that we are not, just to be accepted.
I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Let the love of God wash over you. Walk into His embrace with the knowledge that God already know you, and knows exactly what you need.
Why? Why do we do these things to ourselves? Why do we accept less than we deserve just to be wanted and desired by others? Trust me: if you are not being you, your authentic self when beginning a relationship; you are short changing yourself. The truth of the matter is that you should be accepted and wanted just as you are. Not for the facade you put on. Sooner or later the truth will manifest. And when it does, then what?
Thank God He accepts us just the way we are. You don't have to pretend. You don't have to change. You don't have to hide or fake a thing. The Father accepts you AND wants you just the way you are.
Isn't that wonderful? Doesn't that feel liberating? To know that our Creator, when we come to Him, accepts us just as we are; faults, flaws, and all. We don't have to pretend with God. We do not have to worry about looking perfect, being perfect, or saying the right thing. The only thing God cares about is the heart. And that we desire Him.
So many "religious" folk and "church" folk have really screwed things up for people. Their religious pomposity and hypocrisy giving God a bad rap. This is why we must seek and know God for ourselves. To understand that, you cannot get yourself together first; you cannot come correct or perfect; you don't need the perfect garments; you don't have to be sinless; and you don't need money to come to God. You just need a willing heart and a teachable spirit. God will take care of all the rest.  He loves you...just the way you are.
 My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. You do not have to change yourself in any way to be accepted and loved by God. He already loves you and accepts you, and waits patiently for you to show up…just the way you are. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing!
©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.


Sunday, May 10, 2015

"The Power of a Mother's Love"

Reflections4Life May 10, 2015

"The Power of a Mother's Love."

    "She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31: 26-27

Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 31; Ephesians 5...




Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, and mothers to be. R.I.P to all the mothers who have gone on to heaven.

This is my first Mother's day without my Mom. Yes. It hurts, but it is not as bad as I thought it would be, and I can only attribute that to the fact that she is still with me. In my heart. In my spirit. In my everyday life. She is here. More than a memory. She is here, because her love never left.

I pray today's Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it to be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. May your life know the power of a mother's love. Cherish those women that God has bought into your life. Be it biological or surrogate. Take advantage of the gift, and apply the lessons of that love to your life.

If I could choose one lesson my mom gave to her children that has had the most impact, it would be the power of love. My mother showed us everyday of her life what love--unconditional love--looked liked. And the power it had to touch and change lives.

Our mother was a nurturer at best. Always reaching out to others. Always providing and taking people in. Being the mother to so many of our friends and neighborhood kids.

There was no one beneath her. No child to difficult. No situation too taboo, that would keep our mom from showing love. And in doing so, we witnessed the power of love in the transformed lives of those she touched. Not just them, but also their families and friends.

There is power in love. Power in unconditional love. The power to transform the hardest of hearts. The power to tame the harshest of beasts. The power to renew and revive a life on the brink of death.

Yes. Love is powerful. Especially the love of a mother. There is no comparison, in my opinion, of that of a mother's love. That love that reaches out to you even when you have fallen so low and feel like you can't get back up. That love that tells you, you can always come back home when you're ready to. That love that says, no matter how much you screw up, how far you fall, there will be someone right there to love you back through it all.
We were blessed to have the mother we had. It was quite an adventure. There is no doubt in our minds, that our mother's love was a direct reflection of God in her. We were blessed and fortunate to know just how loved we were and are. And so were our friends and family.

There is definitely power in love. Are you strong enough to walk in it? Can you handle its costs? Because what I know for sure: love like this is not simple and it can sometime hurt those who possess it.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. May your life be blessed with the power of a mother's love. Cherish every moment you have. Take the lessons, apply them to your life, and let the love guide you. You are blessed. Now go and be a blessing. 

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, May 03, 2015

"The Best Thing to Do is Often the Hardest Thing to Do"

Reflections4Life  May 3, 2015

"The Best Thing to Do is Often the Hardest Thing to Do."

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6


Scripture Contemplation: Psalms 37; Proverbs 3; Jeremiah 32; Hebrews 11...




Throughout our life's journey, we will be met with many tests, trials, paths, and forks in the road. We will experience love, pain, joy, hate, anger, confusion, happiness, uncertainty, and peace. Just to name a few.

There will also come a time in our life's journey when we will have to make difficult decisions. Our hearts will be divided; even heartbroken. However, if we trust God and follow His instructions, we will eventually see we have done the right thing.

I pray today's Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. When you are faced with difficult decisions, and heart is uncertain; allow God to lead you. Trust Him where you cannot trace Him. And believe that everything is working out for your good.

Sometimes the best thing to do can be the hardest thing to do. Especially when our hearts and emotions are involved. Yet, if we did nothing, did not make a choice; chances are greater that we would lose what we have been fighting to hold onto.

There will be times when we will just have to walk away and not look back. Put everything in God's hands and trust Him to do what He does best, and definitely what we cannot do.

Whether it's a relationship, job, friendship, opportunity--we must do what is best, even though it may be the hardest thing to do.

One of the hardest things I have ever witnessed was a parent walking away from their drug-addicted child. Oh, they were there for them in the sense of support, but they could no longer be an enabler. The hardest thing to hear was their child on the phone, begging, then blaming them should anything happened to them. The hardest thing was to walk away. But it was also the best thing. The separation was heartbreaking, but the deliverance and healing was the sweetest reward.

Yes. Sometimes we will face heartache and pain. We will do all that we can. Then we will come to that fork in the road, where we either continued to do what we've been doing and getting the same results, or we do what is the best thing, even if it's the hardest to do, and walk away; leaving it all in God's capable hands.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Though it may be the hardest thing you ever have to do; always do what is best, believing in your heart that God has you covered, and will see you through. Trust Him. He's right there with you. You are blessed.  Now go and be a blessing.

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.