Hello friends and happy February.
Is it just me, or did everyone just get used to January and then it was over. I'm still so very excited for 2017, but amazingly it's moving quite fast. On top of schedules, goal setting, falling back into routine, become better versions of ourselves, things quickly got a tad bit hectic. Anyone else with me on that? January was swell and was definitely filled with new discoveries. I'm glad to report, all the goals mentioned in my post on 2017 goals are coming into action. I'm staying determined and consistent, and I'm beyond proud of myself. There's nothing like achieving personal goals to bring someone true and genuine confidence. I have to say, going into this year having Christ totally in center has made all the difference. I set goals last year, but I found ways to have control over the outcome; this year, I've let go of that control and let God resume His rightful place. Hmm, things are going much smoother, I guess that's how He intended it to be.
Now, February is upon us, and I'm very excited, because it's the month where eating copious amounts of chocolate is totally acceptable. Seriously, hand me a box of chocolates and I'll even eat the weird orange filled ones. Okay, quick question: how do you find out what's inside the chocolate when there's no label!? My methods range from taking a nibble out of each one, creatively scraping away at the bottom of each, and even smelling them like I'm a chocolate connoisseur. We all have hidden talents. I love this month because this month is full of love. I think it's so fun how each month has it's own theme, makes each one it's own kinda special. Anyway, we're focusing on love here. I don't mean the gushy kind or the sappy kind, though I'm a fan of the punny kind because it's so a-peel-ing. Haha, like a banana, get it...nothing...okay. The kind of love I'm talking about and going to be practicing this month is a genuine kind of love. And that's what I'm going to share with you here.
-- "Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18 --
G E N U I N E L O V E -
One kind of love I'm focusing on this month, is a more genuine love. The word genuine is "truly what something is said to be; authentic; sincere." In the scripture above, as Christ followers we are called to have an actionable kind of love, and one can carry out an action but it's the motive behind that makes it worth something. When I serve or interact with those around me, I need to stop and ask myself what is my motive? Am I doing this because it's a have-to? Am I doing this to gain something for myself? Am I doing this so I better display my own name in some way? Or, am I doing this because it's my calling and because by displaying my own love, I'm displaying the Father's love? That's the question. When presented with opportunities (and there are plenty) I need to act in such a way that will promote the Father's love. That is being genuine: knowing the purpose behind your actions and being motivated to carry them out in an authentic, real way. Anybody can serve and show love, but when you personally make it your mission to be real in every aspect of that display, that's when your love becomes genuine.
I N T E N T I O N A L L O V E -
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| Is is just me, or does anyone else have an obsession with stationary? There's absolutely nothing like the feeling of handwriting a card for someone or receiving and handmade card. It's the little things like stationary that brings me such joy. |
I am a strong believer in the fact that God places certain people and relationships in our lives for a purpose, that nothing is by chance. I also take that very seriously. I look at every relationship I have, and ask myself, "What can I do to fully maximize the relationship God has placed in my life?" It's something I take to heart and something I'm feeling convicted about to put into action. It's very easy to ask yourself these questions and mentally come up with excellent answers, but if you don't put anything into action, your relationships won't be effective. This month I want to examine my relationships with my friends, family, and role models, and find ways to become more intentional. Through my actions, I want those I'm close to, to know that they are valued and that this relationship is valued. If it's through gifts, letters, or much needed conversations, then I will do it. Ultimately, what I want most is not what the present can offer, it's the long lasting impact of my being intentional. By being intentional, God is strengthening each friendship and making it's effectiveness increase. This month it is my goal to go above and beyond to make sure I'm being intentional with those God has placed in my life.
R E F L E C T I V E L O V E -
Currently I'm doing a bible study with a dear friend of mine. The topic is on living free and applying God's word to our lives. In the last session we did, something really stuck out to me: what is in our mind will be reflected by our actions. Basically, whatever we let in will come out...positive and negative. That then prompts the question, "What am I letting fill my mind; what's being reflected?" Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:8 to fill our thoughts with what is true, noble, admirable, pure, and worthy of praise. Verses like these give me strength so I know what to actively search for as I better my mind, but my study made something about this verse clear to me that I hadn't fully taken to heart before. It was the fact that so often with Phil. 4:8, I see these characteristics as ways to better my mind and heart. But really these are attributes of God, and I'm are called to be like God in every aspect. This verse was not one more thing to check of a get-better-at list; no this was Paul illustrating who our God is and that we are to be more like Him. By filling our mind and heart with characteristics that reflect our Father, we display our Father and that is the ultimate goal. This month, my goal is to center my thoughts on what reflects God, so I can display my God in my actions and through my character. That is a reflective kind of love. Because God Himself is love, and when I aim to be like Him, I am reflecting love.
So, may this month be filled with decadent desserts, punny valentines, and above all real love. My hope for this month is I take what I've shared and live it out. I challenge you too, to take what you've read and make the most of this month by the way you show your love. Our love is no little thing, it has great power and an even greater testimony, for our love reflects what is on our hearts. My hope is that is always God.
XOXO - Em
One more thing!! I've got a new recipe for you - take a peek at the bottom of this post!
prep time: 25 min - cook time: 5 min - total time: 30 min
These bars are quite possible my new favorite snack bar. They are such an easy gift or a great thing to tag onto your breakfast. Personally, I'd eat 'em for all three meals, but my mom says I can't have a bar at all three meals. Oh well, I'll make a whole bunch and claim them. Did I really mean the whole give these bars away thing...? They're just that good. Their crunchy and chewy, equally salty and sweet, and absolutely scrumptious. They are beyond easy to make, gluten free, and protein packed. Now who wouldn't pass up a bar like that. After you try this recipe, I'm sure it's bound to become one of your new favorites too!!
I n g re d i a n t s:
2 cups Almonds
2/3 cups Puffed rice cereal
2/3 cups Raisins
1/2 cup Unsweetened coconut
1/3 cup Agave syrup
2 tbs Honey
1 tsp Vanilla extract
D i r e c t i o n s:
1. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside
2. In a large bowl combine almonds, raisins, cereal, and coconut an set aside
3. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, stir honey, agave, and vanilla. Stir occasionally until boiling. Let mixture boil for 4-5 min, continue to stir occasionally. (The sauce will bubble up, so make sure to keep an eye on it)
4. Once ready, pour syrup over almond mixture and quickly toss to evenly coat. (the syrup will begin to harden) I started out using a wooden spoon and ended mixing with my hands.
5. Once the bar mixture is evenly coated, transport to baking dish and press bars into the dish in an even layer. (you can use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup)
6. Let the bars cool for thirty minutes in the fridge before cutting. Then remove parchment paper and bars and cut into 8 equal pieces.
7. Store in an air tight container and enjoy!! (bars will last up to 10 days)
I'd love to hear your thoughts!! Let me know in the comments below what you thought of this post and if you gave these bars a try!
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