How Is A Heart Transformed

Giving: A "GIVING" heart is a generous heart. One which allows us to give to others because God has given abundantly to us. The wise use of stewardship and attitude that what we have belongs to God and knowing we are the caretakers for His purpose. To be like Him, we must open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others along our way and give meaningful service each day. 
#christlikecharacterhearts
A heart like Christ is transformed by Christ.

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16:17
#giving #christlikecharacterhearts  #heart#valentinesday #migisboutique #shoplocal#willship purchase your "giving" heart at MiGi's boutique today • a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

What Does A Humble Heart Look Like

This year, as I begin creating artwork for Valentines Day. I started, as I always do, by scoping out other Valentine's Day trends. Such as candy, trinkets, clipart, etc. A common process I use in order to gain inspiration before applying paint to a canvas. As I looked at these things, I begin to realize how much emphasis is put towards, kiss me, you're cute, text me, you rock, love me, etc. And I thought, "you know, you don't really see many focusing on the actual heart, heart of Christ." So, I sought out to hear His voice. He spoke over me to use words honoring His character, Christ like character. I was very HUMBLE•ed by this. He would choose my art to shine His light. In a way others can honor themselves or someone in their life who exemplifies Christ like character. I hand selected 6 Christ like characters; humble, kind, giving, honest, pure and wise. I am certain He wants us to utilize these recognizing His character this Valentine's.

Today's Christ like character heart is "humble".

Visit MiGi's to see this treasure. Take a picture of it. Share with friends. Post it on Snapchat. Instagram stories. Any social media. Purchase it. Keep it. Give as a gift.

•Humble Christians•
strive to be like Jesus
studies God's word
study the life of Christ
empty their thoughts of self
do not need a strong dose of reality because they see themselves as they really are
thinks better of others than their self
see their heart as He sees it, through bible study & prayer
work on strengthening their weaknesses
think the best in others
thinking only of others positive attributes
think of others potential for God
forever thinking how poor he is and how much more he needs to become.
magnifies Jesus Christ
think of the joy of giving his treasures back to the One who is perfect in all things
has God’s perspective on material things. It all belongs to God and biblical stewardship dominants the humble life. A proud man adores his material possessions in a manner, look what I got!
will wash the feet of others. There is no job too low for the servant.
not impressed with the rich man
runs to the hurting

Take notice, there is the path of pride and there is the path of humility. When we walk in the Spirit, we are walking on the right path.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” – Phil. 2:5-8

#migisboutique #christlikecharacterhearts#valentinesday2018 #shoplocal #willship#mississippiartist

• a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

How Honest Should I Be

Honest: we tend to think of being honest as, trusting a person not to steal our material possessions or our money. The Lord wants us to go deeper. He wants us to see honesty as something bigger. If we aren't honest how our jobs, life, etc are going we rob ourselves and those around us. We rob ourselves of opportunities to grow emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Here's my honest story.
I want to be very transparent with you about something. You see me on social media or even in real life showing up as an artist. An artist who's written books, photographed weddings and my latest adventure selling artwork in a local boutique. My vulnerability comes from a place I'd like others to understand, one of those three made me the most money. It's was a trial run of 10 years venturing out to capture couples special moments on their wedding day. Meeting lots of people and growing spiritually along the way. The other two writing books and creating artwork hasn't been my most productful income avenues. Being honest here. Honest with myself. Honest with others. Yet, I know I've heard Him correctly call me into these places to use my time, resources, knowledge, and talents. I share this to help make a connection as your sister in Christ. Don't give up. All of our years might not finically be productful but He is still at work in our lives and the lives around us. Each day is a new piece of our journey which is building our life legacy. Our life legacy will be the inspiration or encouragement someone needs in 10 minutes, 10 years from now or 10 years from the moment you depart from this place we call earth. What you are doing now matters. You matter. In those dry moments like I spoke of which do not bring in the most revenue, the Lord still wants to minster to your soul and the souls around you. Trust. Believe. Listen. Speak up. Show up. Keep pressing forward. Don't stand in the "well I don't see the result I selfishly think I should. So I'll just go lay on the couch watching Netflix." Wrong. Now there is a time to take a break. I am not saying stopping often for enjoyable entertainment isn't necessary. Because in those moments of rest He is ministering to our souls to prepare us for the hustle. Are you a hustler? Are you honest?

Being honest is one character trait of becoming, growing in building Christ like character. None of us will ever be fully grown here on earth. Continue seeking honesty for growth.

Do you know of someone who examples honesty? Your Spouse. College student. Elementary student. Child. Teacher. Coworker. Parent. Friend. Honor this character trait. Tell them you see this in them. Write a note. Leave a sticky on their desk. Text them. Give them an "honest" Christ like character heart, shown in picture, for Valentines Day this year. Stop by MiGi's today to inquire about this beauty.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

Are you holding off telling someone something?
#behonest #honest #honestheart#christlikecharacter #valentinesday #migis
• a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

Source of Love

Exemplifying love is an all year reaction.

Many get wrapped up in the "he/she didn't do enough for me" mentality around February 14th, a day marked on the calendar representing love, Valentines Day. All of us want to see and believe we are loved. We want to be and feel special. 

A special person in our life doing things for us on Valentines Day like giving us flowers and a card is great. 

Then, I am reminded of the whole big idea where we are rooted in love and that is by our Creator. God is love. You probably heard those words before in your life but do you really believe them?

We as humans are unable to provide unconditional love from our own hearts. It's not a capability for humans. In fact it's impossible. 

Agape love.

Agape love is something only God can do. He uses us to express His love through us. See, He uses us daily! Think about that for a minute. Any time you express love He is using you. 

He is the One and only Source of love. 

We all fall short demonstrating sinful natures from time to time: selfishness, hatred, pride etc. 

That's when we seek His guidance to cleanse us each day. Ask Him to continue shaping and modeling us like Him. Because He is love. 

I want to love my spouse.

I want to love my kids. 

My parents.

My sister.

My in laws.

My friends. 

My Bible study partners, leaders, pastor, neighbor, people I pass in public, on the soccer fields etc. 

It is only through Him I can do this. Years ago, I learned to take my eyes off those around me. Of what they were doing for me and not for me. Making me feel loved or not. Now, I focus on the One. Until, I did this, me loving and me being loved was impossible. The pressure I put on myself and those around me was unmeaserable. Because they alone can't fully fill my love bucket. 

He tells us in His word, 1 John 4:7 Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 

When we see ourself, when we see others, exemplify what love is….

patient-kind-selfish-thoughtful-not rude-not irritable-believes the best-not jealous-makes good impressions-unconditional-cherishes-lets others win-fights fair-takes delight-honorable- intercedes- seeks understanding-Jesus Christ-satisfied in God-faithful-protects-forgives-not lustful-responsible-encourages-makes sacrifices-motivation-brings unity-completes-celebrates godliness-accountable-God's word-endures-fulfills dreams-a covenant-etc.

we know they are of God and know God. 

Always pray for your heart first. Then pray for those around you, but remember not to get caught up in the he/she's not doing. You can't make others love. It's not up to us. And even when they do love it's not their love that completes us. Only Christ completes us. His love in us completes us and flows out around us. When it flows and those around us aren't full they must find their completion from Him alone. He is the only One who completes us. When you are full in Him and when those around you are full in Him, then you come together and the overflowing love is His sprinkles of love, the extra, good stuff. 

When He is fully allowed in our hearts (not halfway- one foot in Him and one foot in the world) we receive the Spirit of Christ. Not until then are we able to use love's real power. 

He tells us apart from Him, "you can do nothing". (1John 15:5)

The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is the same in us. (Romans 8:11)

My encouragement is you heard His voice today while reading this. 

He stills our soul. He leads us. Even when we might not fully understand and everything gets twisted up He will come alongside us to reassure us. He enlights us. He encourages us. He comforts us. 

May His calmness wash over you. 

Be reminded conviction is from Him. It is good. It is healthy. It allows us the smartness to turn to Him asking for His help. 

Condemning is not from Him. Clearly, it is the enemies way. The stupid way, we must put our foot down requesting to get out of our life. Just as being rush, pushed, frighten, confused, discouraged, worried, obsessing is not of the Lord. Anytime those pop up over our heart, mind and soul we must whisper a little prayer for them to leave. They are not welcomed in this place.

Biggest takeaway...

You can't do this on our own.

I can't do this on my own.

She/he can't do this on their own.

Your love for those around you maybe a simple pray this weekend, they will see Him.

I am glad the pressure's off me.

How bout you?

If you'd like to read deeper beyond this blog post. Check out this book, The Love Dare, on Amazon. I read this book years ago and my outlook on marriage change and I grew spiritually.