Leslie's Little Devotional

Inauguration day is almost here. As I scroll through my Facebook news feed, I am struck by how diverse a group my friends are. Seeing your “likes” and comments has been eye opening, in a good way. I’ve come to realize that I don’t have cookie cutter friends. You are unique individuals with strong convictions, opinions, and beliefs. Among you are Christians, agnostics, atheists, Democrats, Republicans, socialists, liberals, conservatives, and everything in-between. Inauguration Day has the potential to cause a great divide, given the many opinions held by my friends. However, I am choosing to reject the divide and love each of you for the unique person you are. I believe that each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made and that we are called to love one another.   Casting love may not make enough ripples in this pond to reach the shore, but I hope it will radiate within my inner circle and outward to others.   With Love,   Leslie   #choosinglove

                Awhile back, I was praying and pondering many things. I sensed I was entering a new season of life and wasn’t quite sure exactly what was in store. Unlike the girl I was in the past, I wasn’t anxious or unsettled. Instead, as I opened my heart to listen to the Lord, I felt a freedom to dream boldly about some longstanding heartfelt desires. Do I dare say that I felt a little like John, “the disciple who Jesus loved”? When I first studied John’s words, I was more than a little shocked. Now, as I’ve grown in the Lord, I have also grown to love that about John. His words have encouraged me to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus. It is wonderful to feel secure in HIS love. But that is a blog for another day!                 As I prayed, I shared my desires and questioned whether or not I was called to certain things. Perhaps, at 52 years old, it was just too late to begin some things. As the conversation progressed, I felt my heart open to new po