Remembering Whitney Houston ...what an incredible voice.

She had a life of fame, amazing musical talent and yet so many temptations of this world.  I was saddened when I would read of her struggle with addictions.  But I didn't walk in her shoes.  And only God truly knows her heart.

This morning, I watched several tributes to her life and legend.  As I listened to so many familiar and beautiful songs, I wanted to share a video of her singing a simple but profound song.  I pray that Whitney truly knew this in her heart; that Jesus  loved her.



My heart goes out to Whitney's 18 year old daughter, Bobbi Kristina. But this morning I read on Savvy Auntie that Ce Ce Winans is her godmother.  She has made a commitment to be very involved in this young girl's life.  Ce Ce Winans is a wonderful gospel singer who is a Christian.  I was so encouraged as I read this news.

I'm linking up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.





Blessings and love,

Love causes me to be vulnerable.

If I choose to love, I run the risk of getting hurt.

As I consider these two statements, I also look at the opposite side of this equation.

If I choose to close off my heart to avoid getting hurt, I miss out on possible joy and happiness.

Here is what has helped me in this love journey.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 

I trust my heart to Jesus.  He holds my heart is His hand.  He asks me to trust Him.

As a woman who always desired to have children and was unable, I am overjoyed at the gift of love He has given me for each one of the precious children I encounter every day in my work.

Was I planning on returning to work after years of retiring from a nursing career?  No!

But life circumstances happened and the need arose for me to go back to work.  I believe God had this chapter of my life all planned out in advance. And one of the prerequisites for me was to be vulnerable and trust Him with my heart.

I can tell you that He alone is trustworthy.  Being vulnerable has allowed me to love with abandon.  I am able to spend time with other people's children and experience such joy and love in return.

I'm jamming with Bonnie of The Faith Barista today on the topic of being vulnerable.



Blessings and love,

Blessings and love,

I love little children.  They are so innocent.  They can easily give and receive love.  No wonder Jesus had such a heart for children.

Adults tend to make things so much more complicated.



I'm linking up with Internet Cafe Devotions for Word-Filled Wednesday.

Blessings and love,

Valentine's Day is a day for love!

I am excited to be hosting today's "In Other Words Tuesday".

Instead of using a quote about love from a favorite book or author, I decided to go to God's Word; the Bible.

Here's the quote for us to write about this week:


I think it is universal to say that we all want to be loved.  But when you open yourself up to love another, you become vulnerable.  What if that person doesn't love you back or betrays you?  People who have been hurt by others tend to build up walls of protection.  Hearts become hard and difficult to penetrate.

I can tell you that there's a love that will never disappoint.  That love is found in a relationship with Jesus.

When I finally realized how much God loved me, my heart began to overflow with His love.

1 John 4:16 "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."

I couldn't contain the love that was poured out for me in Jesus.  As I truly began to experience it, I was able to love others better.  Yes, I've had scars from previous hurts in human relationships.  But I began to see others in light of His love.

In our Pre-K 3 class, we teach the children what the word 'patience' is. They can now recite that it means 'waiting without complaining'.

• Are you patient with an aging parent who may not be quite as quick as they used to be?
• Are you patient with a small child who takes forever to tell  you something?

I've had three year old children take my face in their two hands and move it so that I was looking directly at their face.  They wanted my full attention.  They didn't want me distracted by anything or anyone else.

• Do you feel the need to always boast of what you've done or have?
• Are you truly happy when someone you love does something well?

• Are you able to forgive a loved one?
• Or do you keep reminding them over and over about how they hurt you?

I truly believe the only way we can love others in this way is when Jesus comes to live within your heart.  He alone is totally trustworthy.  He can offer you hope when you're at the end of your rope.  He can give you strength for one more day.

You can trust your heart to Him.

So how about you?  Can you live out the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13?  It's often read at weddings.

Let's challenge one another to live out that kind of love every day.  I'd love to read your blog posts using this quote from 1 Corinthians.  Or if you prefer, you may leave a comment below.

Blessings and love,