No Greater Love!

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  John 15:13 NIV

This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.  John 15:13 MSG

No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.  John 15:13  AMP

Nadie tiene amor más grande que el dar la *vida por sus amigos.  John 15:13 NVIC
(I really enjoyed saying the spanish version...amor mas grande.)

I know that there will be alot of 9/11 posts...so just count me as one.  ;)  I love what a fellow firefighter wife posted...

 

 

I know that there were many other types of people that died that day...not just firefighters.  There were people on planes, Port Authority officials, at the Pentagon, all the people in the Twin Towers...so many...too many.  I don't ever want anyone to think that I don't recognize and appreciate that.  Firefighting is what I know though.  The men and women that ran into that building 11 years ago humble me.  The 343 that perished that day...that would have wiped out the Asheville Fire Dept.  That astounds me!  I am honored to be married to one just like them.  I know he would have done the same.

Firefighting.  Yes he gets paid.  Yes it is his job.  Yes he chose to do it.  None of that takes away the danger of it though.  It is more than that though.  Kenny couldn't quit even if he did quit.  haha!  We go on vacation, shopping, or even to church...there is always someone in need.  It is funny really (not that people are in need).  It isn't really a job for any of them...it is who they are.  I can't ever see him doing anything else.  :)  And I wouldn't have it any other way.  I am so proud of him!

I like to live in a bubble.  :)  I like to think that he isn't in danger at work.  At night though..nights are when I worry.  Kids are in bed.  House is somewhat quiet.  I have to crawl in bed alone.  That is when it hits me sometimes.  If you give the "what ifs" an inch...trust me they will take more than a mile.  That is when I have to hold on to verses like this...
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jer 29:11
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.  Is 41:10

My husband risks his life for people he doesn't even know when he is at work...and I love that about him.  I am so blessed that He chose me to come alongside of Kenny and to be his helpmate.  I truly do not deserve a man as giving and generous as he is.

I know that Tuesday will be a normal, busy day for me.  It will be for most of you too.  I pray we never forget those brave people that lost their lives on 9/11.  All of them!  There were all kinds of heroes that day.  And close to home for us...are the 343.

Be Bold!

Watch out folks!  I am posting again....and it hasn't even been a year yet.  lol!

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

I know that people who know me well might say I am bold....or at the very least not afraid to say what is on my mind.  Well that is true for the most part.  However when it comes to "hot topics" I try to be nice and not step on toes.  I don't want anyone to be mad at me or "unfriend me on Facebook" for having a different view or opinion. Yeah I worry about stuff like that.  I don't want anyone to think I am being mean.  I try to be mindful of who might hear or read what I am saying.

Question though...how does it make me mean to say I am a Christian...or that I love Jesus?  Shwoo that was the easy one.  What about that I am pro-life?  That I want to protect those unborn little ones.  Getting a little deeper here.  Eeks!  Okay how about the fact that I believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman.  Oh mercy!  I am already anxious and I haven't even hit publish yet.  I will not vote for Obama in November.  Oh my stars!  I am really hanging it out there now.  How does that make me mean?  Or judgemental?  Or close minded?  None of these make me a "hater".

Better yet...why would someone not like me because of that?  I have many people that I run into in daily life.  I would never be mean to anyone based on their views.  I always try to be nice and offer a smile.  I don't dislike people that don't agree with me or feel the way I do about my relationship with Christ or my political views.  Everyone has a right to choose their own view on life...to choose their own path.  I don't think you should dislike me for mine...I don't dislike you for yours.

I have mentioned my personal views regarding Christianity and politics together because they co-exist for me.  My values and my faith guide me in politics.  It would make no sense for me to vote for a person that is pro-choice...because I am not.

I am sorry if anyone has ever wronged you in the name of Jesus.  I truly am.  For instance the group out of Kentucky that picket soldiers funerals.  Yeah I am a firm believer that God is going to have a talk with that woman....and Lord help her...it ain't gonna be pretty.  ;) 

I am not afraid...but I am guilty of wanting to be liked.  I am a Christian.  I am not perfect....not even close.

Bold - a Christian perspective
With the hope of Jesus Christ to look to, why wouldn't Christians live bold and courageous lives in God's service? With sin and death defeated, there is nothing left to fear. From www.biblegateway.com.