"Get on the scale, please," the medical assistant says. I make a joke to ensure my overloaded purse won't be part of the measurement. Sigh. Even without the purse, my weight is more than I hoped.     

The same day, I stand in line at the DMV for my driver's license. They want to know my weight. So does the fitness trainer, the passport office, the amusement park, and the Burro ride at the Grand Canyon. Weight...weight...Wait!

I'm tired of waiting for the extra weight in my life to lessen. I'd be happy to be rid of a few extra pounds that stick to my frame like a double-dose of super glue. But there are other kinds of weight I'd like to get rid of, such as the weight of worry, sadness, or anxiety. The list could go on.       

One morning while praying, the following words came to mind: "I carry You in my heart, Lord." And, "My heart is full." It was then I thought about the "weight" of something good—like love.

If there is any weight I'd desire, it would be the weight of love. Lord, fill my heart with an overload of care, compassion, and kindness. Fill my heart with a love that deeply extends to my family, friends, and God's people everywhere.      

In my imagination, I picture the Lord measuring my heart for a "spiritual checkup." (Would he use a scale?) My usual joke about weight might work in this situation. I could say, "Jesus, I hope my heart weighs as much as my purse!"    

I can see it now. The Lord smiles, then chuckles at my dry humor. It's okay. He knows me well. I'm glad He loves me just as I am!      

And He loves you the same!

My prayer for you this week: May your heart be on overload—with the weight of something good. 

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"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." - Hebrews 12:1

The weight of Christ's love for us is immeasurable. He carried the weight of sin of all mankind when he opened his arms and was crucified. He died to save us from the sin of the world.     

The message of over 2,000 years ago stands true today. Jesus Christ is the Savior, the Lamb of God, our hope and our Salvation. If you are seeking a personal relationship with Christ, ask Him into your heart. You will be glad you did. If you need prayer, feel free to leave me a message. God's Blessings to you. 
 
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

 Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com

When I was young, I had many excuses for not cleaning my room (perhaps you did, too). In those days,  we didn't have walk-in closets, but if we did, mine wouldn't have had one inch of space in which to walk. My room was almost as bad.    

One evening, we had company. As my mother proceeded to give the guests a tour of the house, she gasped when she opened the bathroom door. She quickly closed it and led the guests elsewhere.  

When our company left, she approached me, holding up my nightie. "Does this belong to you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.   

'Oops," I remarked sheepishly. "Sorry, Mom." Then she saw the wet towels I'd left in the tub. She wasn't happy.    

Fortunately, eventually I outgrew my slovenly habits. But, as an adult, sometimes I wish there were things that didn't belong to me. I'm talking about things like worry, indecisiveness, apprehension, sadness, uncertainty, anxiety, despair, and the list could go on.

Recently, I had a lousy night of sleep. When I don't get enough rest I get emotional. So, I said my morning prayers, but worry flooded my soul. Then a quiet question was posed to my heart. "Does this belong to you?" 

The question caught me off-guard. "Oops," my heart responded. "Yes." The worry was mine. This was a wake-up call, a reminder to avoid holding on to things that shouldn't  belong to me. 

The Bible is filled with Scripture telling us not to worry or be anxious (including all those sub-sets of undesirable feelings that attach to those emotions).   

Instead, might we hold on to faith that God can supply good things for our lives? 

Regarding faith, if the Lord were to ask, "Does this belong to you?" I would respond with a resounding "Yes!"     

 My prayer  for you: "Dear God, may the person reading this know how much You love them, and may they have faith to look to you for all the good things you provide for their  heart and soul." - In Jesus' Name, Amen.        
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"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." -  Isaiah 41:10
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -  Joshua 1:9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

PHOTO  COURTESY OF VECTEEEZY