Today Is: Have You Ever... Day

"A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God." -- Francis Chan 'Crazy Love'

"Even in our most difficult times, God will always find a way to send you a blessing." -- Iyanla Vanzant 'Peace from Broken Pieces'

Have you ever stopped and thought about life? I mean really sat down to think about the miracle that life is? Have you ever marveled at what God created for us? Have you ever looked out your window and noticed the most beautiful sunrise? Have you ever witnessed one of life’s precious miracles? Have you ever felt the kindness of a stranger or the love of a friend? Have you ever tasted something that you wished you had more of or baked something that left your house smelling delicious for the remainder of the day? Have you ever read a book that filled you with joy or talked with a friend that filled you with comfort? Have you ever laughed so hard you cried, or ever loved so much it hurt? Have you ever helped a stranger, smiled at a child, or made someone’s day? Have you ever received forgiveness? Have you ever forgiven yourself? Have you ever heard a song that you’ll never forget, or danced all night long to the music in your heart? Have you ever had a dream, or pursued your passion? Have you ever received a letter from a friend? Have you ever celebrated a victory? Have you ever donated your belongings, or sacrificed something ‘til it hurt? Have you ever been in love, or held another’s hand? Have you ever prayed and your prayers were answered; sometimes in ways you never knew? Have you ever lay on the beach and soaked in the sun’s sweltering rays? Have you ever seen beauty with your own eyes? Have you ever run with your legs, or felt with your hands? Have you ever gotten a phone call from a friend calling just to say ‘Hello’? Have you ever had a hero or a best friend?  Have you ever taken the time to stop and think about all that God has given us? Have you ever thought about these things as gifts, from God, wrapped in different colors, ribbons, and bows? Have you ever thanked Him? Have you ever told Him how much you love him? Have you ever showed Him how crazy you are about Him? Have you ever understood His magnitude of love for you? Have you ever wondered what it will be like in Heaven? Have you ever wondered if you’ll meet the people you’ve idolized from history, or when you’ll be reunited with your loved ones? Have you ever wondered what the angels wear or if they really do have wings? Have you ever wondered how God will greet you; a hug, a kiss, or with both hands? Have you ever felt your chest rise and fall with each breath you take? Have you ever felt the air enter your lungs and then feel the air as it falls upon your lip? Have you ever thought; ‘I’m still alive?’ Have you realized that God still has purpose for your life on Earth and there is no better time than the now to get about doing what he created you for??

Have you ever thought about what all this means? God loves you beyond words. He loves you so much that he finds ways to show you every day just how much and how great his love is. He shows off his love in so many ways, but it’s up to us to not only stop and see his majestic love but to take the time out of our ‘busy’ lives to thank him for these wonderful gestures of unbinding, unselfish, and never ending love. If only you knew that everything He does He does for YOU because he loves YOU with everything that He has, you would never miss your chance to thank him!

"What did you do with what I gave you?" -- Francis Chan 'Crazy Love'

"...it's better to be fiscally poor yet rich in experience -- living the dream -- than to be traditionally wealthy but live seperate from one's passions." -- Aaron Ralston 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place'