LOVE

It's something each of us wants, but many never find:  genuine love.
All around us we can see an endless pursuit of love.
We look for it everywhere; in our homes and families, friendships, dating, relationships, marriage and religion.  But, what is love, and where can we go to find lasting love for our lives?

Speaking about the "fruits" of spiritual well-being the Bible states in 1 Corinthians 13:13.....
"...But the greatest of these is LOVE...."
                                                                 

So, what is LOVE?   "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails."     (1 Corinthians 13:4)

"......and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

(1 Corinthians 13:1)

There are several different meanings of LOVE.... in all cultures, languages and religions.  This may be seen as a defining trait of humanity, this is, love is a quality that makes one human. 

                       Love is essentially an abstract concept, easier to experience than to explain.  

In the Christian faith, it is believed that God is the source of love.       "Let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love."  (1 John 4:8)  

There are several Greek words for LOVE that are regularly referred to:

**Agape - Agape is charitable, selfless, altruistic and unconditional.  It is love that requires nothing in return.  It is parental love seen as creating goodness in the world, it is the way God is seen to love humanity.

**Phileo - Phileo is a human response to something that is found to be delightful.  Also known as "brotherly love".

**Eros - Eros is passionate love, with sensual longing and desire.  It does not have to be sexual.

**Storge - Storge means affection; natural affection like that of a child-to-parent love.

Regardless of your cultural or religious view - Love is a splendid thing!  It is powerful!  

We must love our Creator, love ourselves and love one another.  We must even go so far as to love our enemies and those who try and hurt us.  

Matthew 5:43-48

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁴³ You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;

⁴⁴ But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

                                                

A Brisk Morning Walk

A BRISK MORNING WALK

A brisk morning walk, allows you to be, all that you can be.
It causes you to look at things in a way so differently.
You observe much closer the smaller things that many times go unnoticed;
the things that we would appreciate most, if only we took the motions.

A brisk morning walk gets your heart and your soul up pumping.
Your mind begins to clear of all the noise and mumbling.
You get time to spend alone with yourself and your God that comes so scarcely.
These are the times that you will cherish most, both in near and distant reverie.

A brisk morning walk begins the day with a brighter can-do attitude.
Even though you may be tired and grouchy, it can turn into an excellent mood.
It's hard to not stop and pat the head of a puppy, or say good morning to a stranger.
Somehow it brings the "humanity" back and takes away some of the danger.

A brisk morning walk has affected and changed many a life I'm sure.
It has kept many walking and strengthened others wounded and maybe even been a cure.
Your lungs can't help but to breathe in deeply, the wondrous breath of life.
Your heart will pump strong and steady while oxygenating your body with less strife.

A brisk morning walk can renew a body, old and tired and worn.
The walk can do so much good, and change an attitude of scorn.
If people would park and walk instead of driving, no matter how hard it seems to be,
we wouldn't have an epidemic of overeaters and the diseases it causes to many.

A brisk morning walk can start your day off in a positive way.
It's good to take a little more time to get to where you're going.
We miss so much for so little time captured that passes on fleetingly.
Sometimes we may even get there sooner as we plod along consistently.

A brisk morning walk can bring a pleasant surprise if you stop for a cup of coffee.
You might see old friends stopping there too, and you can talk together softly.
But then it's off again to finish up the walk you'll come to treasure.
As time goes on more good will come as the inches grow less you'll have to measure.

A brisk morning walk is a wonderful gift from God that many persons miss.
Be sure to take your opportunity to open up your present that so freely gives.
A gift of life, breath, and appreciation for nature and others is what you will receive.
You've got to take personally the first step in receiving; on faith first, later believing.

Author - B.J. Olvera