Love. Laugh. Live.

 Have you done any of these lately? Have you shown someone love lately? When was the last time you did something you really love? Have you had a good laugh lately? Have you really taken time to live your life? Today, I want to talk more about these three words: love, laugh, and live. Let's start with love. Love can be defined as a deep affection for others or taking interest or pleasure in something. The word love is said a lot, but it must be shown in action. Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to walk in love just like Jesus showed love when he sacrificed His life for us. We have to love ourselves, God and others. We love ourselves when we are kind to ourselves, speak well over ourselves and get rest. We show our love for God when we obey His Word. We show love to others when we are kind, respectful, caring, showing concern and checking in to see how they are doing. Love is something that should be shown every day to everybody. While you're loving others, don't forget about you! I know it sounds simple, but sometimes we can be hard on ourselves (that can be me!) Don't forget to find things you love to do every day and do those things. It may be spending time outside, playing a game, reading, sitting in your favorite chair in the house, etc. It will look different for everyone and that's okay! The key is to do things that you love to do. The next word I want to talk about is laugh. We should take time each day to smile and have fun. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." I know it's easy to get excited and laugh in the good times, but it can be hard in the tough times. Life has some bitter experiences along the way ( I definitely know!), but we have to make the best of it and find something in each day that will put a smile on our face. That may mean watching a funny or inspiring movie, looking back at old pictures, reading through old journals, listening to a certain song, etc. Happiness comes from what's happening, but joy is found in God. Joy will strengthen us, cause us to lift our hands in praise and smile through the good, bad, pain and tears. I know I've said this in other blog posts, but it's truly God's joy that is getting me through my season of life right now because it hasn't been easy. I'm so grateful!! Philippians 4:4 reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always. Our circumstances may not always be the best, but we can stay joyful in them knowing that God is going to carry us through and that we are not alone. In keeping in mind our words love and laugh so far, let's talk about live. We live because of God. We should thank Him every chance we get for our lives. Acts 17:28 says, "For in Him we live and move and have our being." His son Jesus sacrificed His life for us (I Corinthians 15:3-4), so we should live for Him. We need to live in a way that our attitudes, actions, words and thoughts point back to God. Every moment of life should be cherished and lived to the fullest. I know a lot is going on right now, but let's remember to take time for who and what is important. Each day, let's take time to really live our life and be present. Let's sprinkle each day with love and laughter along the way!