Crazy Love

Spa for the Soul

May 21st – 23rd – The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage.   Cost is $150.00

To Register:

1.  Click here.

2.  Make a One Time donation under “Special Events” and put $150.

3.  Be sure to include “Spa for the Soul” and the Registrants Name in comments next to the amount.

Communication Isn’t Easy!

In the book, The Relationship Principles of Jesus, by Tom Holladay, he refers to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary which defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.”

Tom continues on:

With apologies to Mr. Webster, havent’ you found the real-life definition to read more like this: ” a process by which information is confused by individuals through a conflicting system of emotions, behaviors, backgrounds, and desires”?

I do not know about you, but in my experience, I agree with the later definition. My husband, Billy, always calls me out on my communication methods or lack thereof.  He often says, Annette, you might have said that in your head but what I heard was…. And often he is right. I had this entire conversation in my head but by the time the words hit my tongue it comes out completely different, and the real problem is that I treat my husband as if he heard the conversation in my head! So we immediately fall into this quick sand of communication failure!

I pray that as we read about how Jesus communicated, that we learn when we follow His example that our words have the power to take our relationships to a new level of impact and intimacy.

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”          Proverbs 12:18

How’s loving everyone as your neighbor going?

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John 4:11

How can we show love to the people right in front of us – today?

We want to hear from you..how is loving everyone as your neighbor going? Thoughts???

Help us God to love as you love us!

Active living versus auto pilot

Isn’t it amazing how we get in the habit of just “being”, much of the day is done on auto pilot? This 40 Days of Love journey has awakened my senses and reminded me of the little things. I am sure that as you read my last blog you might have thought, “the Director of Spiritual Development has to work that hard at love?” I thought it myself, shouldn’t I have already figured it out. Well, the answer is yes, I have figured it out many times, and I suppose the reality is that I have to keep on figuring it out. Following Jesus and following the two commands that Jesus basically said summed up the entire Bible is about making a choice and commitment to live our lives for Him everyday.

It is easy to fall into old patterns of behavior and not be held accountable for thoughts and actions that “no one” knows about.  I remember hearing a sermon once where the pastor asked, “Who are you when no one is looking?” 

That person that no one sees, worries too much; thinks thoughts that are not loving; criticizes too much; and gets caught up to easily in the things of the world… so I am going to hear Jesus this morning as He reminds me that the relationships in my life are the most important part of my life.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?”  Matthew 6:25

Today I am going to love God with all my heart…how about you? How are you going to live today…on auto pilot going with the flow or by faith and loving God with all your heart?

Alot easier said than done…

It is easy to hear a sermon on love; read a book about love; think about love; but doing it all day long is exhausting!

I feel like I am learning how to walk all over again…baby steps. I woke up this morning and asked God to give me the ability to love the way He wants me to; I prayed for courage and endurance. Endurance, yes, endurance. It is hard work to love all day long. I am exhausted and feel like I need to have a new bedtime, like 5pm.

I was wiped out by 4 today. I had to call an agency today that has one of those systems where you answer questions. After answering a barrage of silly questions I ended up with please hold next available agent (if the computer could’ve it would have said, hold on dummy for an agent). I was on hold till I received a recording stating please call during business hours. WHAT???!!!!???? I was on hold for an hour! LOVE…what is that?

I had to breath in and refocus my energy, and just as I did that, about ready to lose my mind on the first poor victim that walked by, I had my study Bible open and read:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness adn patience. Bear with each other adn forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

Talk about a Scripture to put me in my place. I ended up forgetting I was angry and frustrated, and have moved on to a happy place. As I type this I am reminded that God was glorified today because I did not lose it. I kept my cool and stayed calm. I did not say something to an innocent person out of frustration. I did not have to apologize to anyone. I did not have to deal with a minute of guilt. My kids witnessed their mom staying calm under pressure and saw love overcome anger. 

I realize as I type this at 8pm this evening that I am in training to break some bad habits and create some new habits. I want to become habitually loving! How are you doing?

Relationship Principles of Jesus

Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39

Hello Rancho Vista Church,
I believe that the teachings of Jesus are entirely summed up by the above passage. There are basically two things God is looking for from his people: loving God and loving one another. That is why we have set aside 40 days (February 22nd – March 29) for our entire church to focus on loving God and loving others. Our 40 Days of Love campaign will include:
o Gathering once each week for 7 weeks in Life Groups of 8-15 people. The meetings, held in neighborhood homes, will be for fun and focus on relationships. (Groups will be available every day of the week to fit your schedule.)

o Daily readings for 40 days from the fantastic book “The Relationship Principles of Jesus.” (The book will be available for sale at church on Sundays in February.)

o Gathering on 7 consecutive Sundays for a special message series on relationships.

o Joining together in acts of kindness in and around our community.
During this 40-day period we will focus our attention on the following themes:

o Valuing relationships
o Loving others as Jesus loves us
o Communicating from the heart
o Refraining from judging others
o Treating others the way we want them to treat us

I think God will use this campaign to change lives and move us together while we reach many around us in His name. Will you please begin to plan and pray for this event? Specifically, will you pray that in this campaign we would see Receptive Hearts, Meaningful Friendships, Spiritual Growth, Opportunities to Serve and Changed Lives? We will focus on renewal of relationships and I believe this campaign will allow many of our friends to draw into a more committed relationship with Christ and with one another. I challenge you to be bold enough to invite 2-3 of your friends to participate. Who among our friends and neighbors would not benefit from learning more about the principles of relationships?

I look forward to seeing God do great things as we love Him and love one another.

Annette Link