Real Love 277

Well, hey folks!

And happy September 16th!

Did we all survive Friday the 13th?!

Did we all watch our favorite Halloween/horror movies to celebrate?!

Or did we all make a list of every single Christmas movie that we want to start enjoying?

Because we all know that out there in the aisles of the grocery stores and Target, that Christmas decorations are just a few moments away from being placed on the shelves.

I mean…I honestly am one to talk because I’ve been listening to Christmas music samples for our Christmas Eve church service this year.

And I still haven’t landed on much quite yet…the light bulb moment is still out there waiting to hit me on the top of my head.

But I’m sure it will. Probably at like 3am.

When the vivid dreams during my sleep seem to kick in.

Also, while I’m side noting with my words, if you are interested in participating in our Christmas Eve service (whether it be with your voice or an instrument), please reach out to me and let me know!

And if you don’t want to participate musically, showing up and being present in the pews would also be beautiful.

So, thank you in advance.

Mark your calendars.

Tuesday, December 24th at 6:30pm: a musical prelude, your favorite Christmas hymns, candlelight, an inspiring message, and Holy Communion.

A traditional service worth checking out.

I promise.

Well, I guess I should stop getting sidetracked and distracted.

But that is part of my blogging charm.

Or at least I think it is.

Speaking of getting sidetracked and distracted, where do we all stand on the entity of pumpkin cold brew?

Is it worth the hype?

Or should I just stick to my hot coffee with vanilla flavoring, sugar, and cream?

I’ll anxiously listen to any and all thoughts that you might have.

And while you are at it, I will also take any and all thoughts you might have about pumpkin spice butter.

Basically, what I’m saying is that I will take your thoughts on pumpkin spice anything.

Also, before I forget…BREAKING NEWS…this just in…I’ve just been informed that there is pumpkin pie spaghetti sauce.

So, if you’ve had that, let me know your thoughts.

Anyhoo, I probably should actually start writing what I actually came here to write.

I’ve already forgotten.

What is the title of this blog?

Oh…that’s right…real love 277.

What does that mean?

Well, I’m SO glad you asked.

Do you have your pumpkin flavored drink in your hand ready to go?

You don’t?!

Well, what are you waiting for?!

Sidetracked once again…my goodness gracious.

What is with me tonight?!

I’m so sorry.

Real love 277.

What does that mean?

Well, this is post number 277.

And REAL LOVE is the campaign that I would run on if I was trying to take office of The President of the United States.

And while I don’t like to talk politics or become political at all, after watching the debate on Tuesday, I just have to say that the state of this Country and what I fear could happen in November makes me incredibly nervous.

Politics has become more about whose team you are on and not about listening, not about figuring out solutions.

It has become so divided that it is sad, disappointing, and frightening.

And that is all I will say about that.

Anyway, real love.

I recently read a book while in Wildwood titled Single on Purpose by John Kim.

And one of the most important quotes that I took away from the entire book (which is an excellent read by the way that I would highly recommend for anyone) were these words:

“Real love holds up a mirror.”

Read.

That.

Again.

“Real love holds up a mirror.”

If we can’t love ourselves first with real love, well then, we will never be able to give real love to others in the world around us.

Real love is something that I have worked tirelessly on in the past couple of years (post pandemic) and it is something that I’m still evolving with…and always will be. Because no one is perfect.

I’m not perfect.

You are not perfect.

But I have come a LONG way with real love.

Breaking down what I need, what makes me thrive, what stories I tell myself that aren’t real, dealing with jealousy feelings or negativity—it’s all part of the process to figure out who we are as a person.

I need real love.

You need real love.

The world needs REAL LOVE.

Hold up a mirror and figure out what real love you need and start the process.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!