Between the Blogs

Quick Quote: Half of spiritual growth is learning what we don’t know; the other half is unlearning what we do know. It’s the failure to unlearn irrational fears and misconceptions that keeps us from becoming who God wants us to be. ~Marty Thurber

Painting a Masterpiece (Unlearning Love)

Along the way I’ve discovered that often the hardest thing about learning is the unlearning. I’ve desperately needed to unlearn many things in my life, but the most difficult thing I’ve unlearned is what love looks like.

During my childhood love often yelled at me, called me stupid, talked down to me, and convinced me that I was unlovable. Sure, sometimes love laughed with me and taught me about nature. But more often love painted with the broad strokes of impatience and frustration. It taught me, one painful stroke at a time, that I was unworthy of love and if I didn’t straighten up I would spend the rest of my life alone with only my books as company.

Without realizing it a masterpiece was painstakingly painted—a dangerous picture of love, its dark, distorted shadow painfully stretched across my consciousness, insidiously infecting my every action.

The Bible clearly states that God is Love (1 John 4:8). But, for me, these three words conjured only distorted images.

Thankfully, God is the Great Healer. He too wields a paintbrush, but His is filled with peace, hope, and unconditional love. And with those colors He turned all my pain, all my anger, all my tears, all my hidden frustration into joy—painting a masterpiece called my life.

So join me as I unlearn the hurt, unlearn the pain, unlearn the lies, and allow God to use His delicate touch to make the mess of my life a true and honest masterpiece—a truly joyful journey.

Naked and Vulnerable (Thoughts from the Pot): Broken people produce broken love. Like a shattered glass, love is distorted at every angle, twisted it into something that no longer resembles the original image.

Between the Blogs

Bible Blessings: Love puts up with anything and forgives everything. It looks for the best in everyone and it never brings up past failures. Love never stops trusting, it never loses faith, and it never gives up. Love never fails! ~1 Corinthians 13:7 (Randy Reed Paraphrased Version)

Between the Blogs

Bible Blessings: Love finds pleasure, not in the vices, but in the virtues of others. ~1 Corinthians 13:6 (Randy Reed Paraphrased Version)

Between the Blogs

Bible Blessings: Love is not rude, it’s not selfish, and it doesn’t get angry at the drop of a hat. Love does not keep score of the wrongs other do. ~1 Corinthians 13:5 (Randy Reed Paraphrased Version)

Between the Blogs

Bible Blessings: Love is always patient, always kind. Love never gets jealous, it never sings its own praises, and it never shows off. ~1 Corinthians 13:4 (Randy Reed Paraphrased Version)

Discovering My Mission (Loving Like Jesus)

Along the way I’ve been lost, wandering through the desert looking for my way. I’ve discovered that without a clear mission my life is destined to be filled with wandering. Without that beacon of light to illuminate my path I wander aimlessly through the parched desert without water.

Recently, through much prayer and quiet contemplation, I have discovered my mission. With Christ at the center of my life I have discovered that His mission has become my mission. After years of wandering, I have finally listened to His voice whispering, “Trena, take up your cross and follow Me.”

Now each of my actions can be examined against that goal to determine if I am still on the right path. I have found that without living intentionally, I will—perhaps without even realizing it—wander off God’s perfect path.

Finally I listened to the cry from the deepest well of my soul, the cry to follow my mission—to love everyone so completely that by knowing me they will experience the love of God.

So join on my joyful journey me as I continue listening to God and allowing Him to reveal His plans for me. Join me as I listen to His gentle voice speaking to my heart whispering the mission of my soul.

Naked and Vulnerable (Thoughts from the Pot): Only when we listen with our hearts can we truly understand.