Pages

Friday, November 2, 2012

If you live in or near the Columbus, Ohio area, sing up below for a chance to win!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, October 13, 2012

A little more about Oregano and Cancer.....

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States, with more than 240,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2012.

doTERRA's Oregano Essential Oil has so many beneficial effects such as antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties. There is also some literature that shows this compound has some effects against breast cancer and other cancer cells.

They are still running tests on carvacrol, one of the main components of oregano - but preliminary reports have revealed that the compound is an extremely potent anti-cancer agent – eliminating nearly all the prostate cancer cells it was tested against.

A new study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental
Biology highlights the cancer fighting effects of one of the main components of
oregano called carvacrol. While some research has been done previously on the herb's
medicinal properties, this is the first study of its kind to study the effects of
carvacrol on prostate cancer.

Read more on the effects of oregano on prostate cancer:

[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Q6VfCJEjYC0HWnqs0pqRCIHaRSfalAcw80Cl7Z-e7eQJJ7ouSH1gmHtwm1D9lwYoQ9Peou0MeCRCjsnGAZrT-hgYYXS5SsJcC7fUFaglhZ-5nsP4DfYl2h4avbP9s3MoixIRJS1bSOn4lZisajB9-ilO1MaD7JGQItHSPRC1EUYGFc6pCwqRrPO5Ydy6pg_jDNb_K4C8j6JZruGQFCzwVlCejeD1zkcIa15sCCYopxb6pJghOIatRIY1rhwSeeKCwY_ilA8IczioAPIKrTstmIx91Fww4lukrasNZtdkWvH1koXaxK9YF6lKawj6CM-c8yE5o7Qikitc3c0S428DR8LdTnTu7Y5qRBBheJeSAAju0tkc0dEvSQz-Ug5kLBO0rMpYv8Rycgg=]


According to the article, the really challenging part [for scientists] is to find out how this is working, They know that the oregano causes these cells to commit suicide [apoptosis], but they want to learn "how" the oregano does what it does so that they can try to DUPLICATE it in a drug that they can patent and sell to us!!

HELLO!!!??? They need to manufacture a drug because they cannot patent the essential oils since they are a natural product that comes directly from plants. My opinion is that everyone needs to be taking oregano essential oil in their daily regiment in order to keep from getting cancer in the first place!

The article goes on to say that figuring out why carvacrol is so effective against prostate cancer could have a significant impact on the future of cancer drugs and research. “We have to remember that this is from oregano which is considered to be a safe food component,” Bavadekar says in the article. “So we’re hoping this translates into a drug with lesser adverse effects in patients.

Come on people!! This amounts to such big business and enormous profits for the drug companies, that [and this is just my opinion] they will NEVER 'find' a cure for any cancer...... they will just keep producing these cancer fighting drugs for giant profits instead.

If you would like more information about doTERRA's Oregano Essential Oil, or find out how you can purchase it, please don't hesitate to contact me - my website is listed below.

To your health,
Teresa
www.teresagrace.com


Monday, October 1, 2012

Update about using the Oregano essential oil for my cysts.....



Back in July, 2012 I wrote a blog entry about using doTERRA’s Oregano essential oil for the cysts that I get under my arms. (click here to read previous blog). All of my life (since my teenage years) I have gotten these cysts in various places on my body and when I began to use the oregano on them (topically) as well as internally (taking 3 drops in a capsule once each day), I literally began to get them every single day!!

This went on for about 2 weeks, and then all of a sudden I realized that I haven’t had a single cyst anywhere since!! Looking back, I believe that the oregano essential oil was making whatever it is (perhaps candida) that gives me cysts to come out of my body, and that’s why I went through a brief period where I literally was getting them every single day.

Oregano essential oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antiseptic to the respiratory system, anti-viral AND an immune stimulant!! Now that my cysts are gone, I take 2 drops of oregano along with 2 drops of on guard in a capsule once each day at least 5 days per week.

If you would like to try some doTERRA Oregano essential oil, please be sure to let me know!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Free Radicals!! Taking Action TODAY so that you don’t develop CANCER tomorrow!

One of the reasons I encourage people to use oils daily in their lives is to keep the possible cancer creating debris at very low levels. Clove Bud Oil has a very high rating on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) Scale. The Higher the ORAC score, the more capable that particular food or oil is in destroying free radicals, thus retarding the aging process and preventing cancers and other diseases.

Antioxidant (ORAC) Scores For Selected Essential Oils.......
Sandalwood 1,655;
Rosemary 3,309;
Cinnamon Bark 103,448;
Clove Oil 10,786,875


Using essential oils can be effective at keeping the internal environment of the body healthy without side effects of leaving debris behind or hurting healthy cells in killing off pathogens, cancer producing elements and free radicals.


Clove Oil has the Phenylpropanoids (like in Cassia, Cinnamon, Oregano, etc.) that can create conditions where unfriendly viruses and bacteria cannot live, the most important function they perform is that they clean the receptor sites on our cells. Without clean receptor sites, cells cannot communicate, and the body malfunctions, resulting in sickness.


Lime interferes with the cell to cell communication for the genetic expression of pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria…this means that disease cannot take control of your cell reproduction due to the combined compounds of dōTERRA’s Lime.

dōTERRA’s Lime inhibits (Stops) enzymes which can activate compounds to form cancer in the body.



Massage Blends: Remember to drink lots of water to cleanse toxins released during
Massage out of the body…...

For each massage blend please use 4 tablespoons of Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Lymphatic Detox Blend: Lime 5 drops, Rosemary 5 drops, and Geranium 5 drops
Stimulating Detox Blend: Lime 4 drops, Grapefruit 5 drops, and Helichrysum 2 drops



At Convention earlier this month, Dr. Hill pointed out that preschoolers are one of the fastest growing markets for prescription anti-depressant drugs. Seriously?? Pre-schoolers?? I was shocked. One suggestion Dr. Hill has is to diffuse Melissa and Frankincense together for depression. Blend Melissa and Patchouli in a capsule to be taken internally for cognitive diseases.


Check back often to see what other essential oils I will be talking about!!

Until next time - God Bless YOU!!
Teresa
www.teresagrace.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

doTERRA's 2012 Convention!!

Wow!! What a wonderful time I had in Salt Lake City at doTERRA's Convention. I learned so much more about these amazing essential oils!

Did you know, that according to MSNBC stats:

- There are 5 new home based businesses (MLM)every minute
- 70% take 3+ years to earn a profit
- 20% of home based businesses make $20K to $100K per year
- you have a 5X greater chance to make > $100K per year in a home based business


....you need to have a "workout partner", someone to hold you accountable.
....make 90 days goals. a) plan, b) do, c) review, d) adjust, e) repeat.
....work on personal development,
....believe in yourself,
....read for 30 minutes each day and have a mentor.
....find your "why". When your "why" is clear, your "when" will appear!


"If you want to make a change, you have to change something!" -author unknown.

Fear and Faith cannot co-exist. Don't let your fear BIND you!! Why are you fearing that thing so much?

It's like sky-diving -- JUST JUMP!!


"It's not who you are that holds you back - it's who you think you're not!" - author unknown.


When it comes to essential oils and taking care of your family's health - DON'T WAIT until you have cancer or diabetes to wake up! WAKE UP NOW!!


Take control of your family's health NOW!! To find out more about my upcoming essential oils classes or how you can receive your family's oils at a 25% discount and/or earn rewards points towards free oils, visit my website at

www.teresagrace.com/upcoming-eo-clases.html

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

My Friend, Debbie Downer....

People are so selfish!! Have people always been so self-centered and selfish and I just have never noticed it before? Or are people really getting more and more self absorbed as the years go by?


Last week I had a conversation with a friend of mine about her holding on to anger and frustration with members of her family and a close friend who she felt were ignoring her for no good reason. She was beside herself with bitterness and anger toward this family member and friend. When I tried to tell her how her bitterness and anger and frustration was not only not getting her anywhere, but it was also not hurting anyone but herself, and that she should try to learn how to "let it go", that she would eventually be a much happier person for it, she adamantly disagreed with me. In fact, she was very upset with me for even suggesting it, and abruptly ended the conversation.


Several days later - an entirely different story -another friend of mine received bad news about her car that was in the shop for repairs. This friend is also going through a divorce, and now to find out that her car repairs would be around the $2000 mark - was almost more than she could handle on this particular day. So I left work early to take this friend to her job and when I came back to work I put a note on facebook asking people to pray for her situation. I said "please pray for my friend - she is going through a divorce and has just found out that it will cost over $1700 to repair her car. Please pray against fear and frustration and pray that God will give her a sense of peace as He works all things out for her good."


Well, my first friend - the bitter one - read that post on facebook and got so bent out of shape that she posted this remark on her own facebook wall. "Why is it that when I am going through a rough time, people tell me how I should feel and what I should do, and that I should "let it go", but when someone else is going through a rough time, they get a prayer request?"


Wow. Seriously? I must admit, I was so pissed about that remark that I had to wait 2 days before I could respond to it. There were so many things that I wanted to say to this selfish person who clearly WANTS to hang on to her bitterness and anger -but when I finally calmed down enough to say something resembling "civil". I wrote this on her facebook post in response.


"I'm sorry that my prayer request offended you. The difference between you and LA [the other girl] is that you clearly WANTED to hang onto your bitterness and anger and frustration, and LA did not. "


Well of course that started it. She said that she didn't realize that people had to meet a certain criteria before they could receive prayer. I told her she was being silly, and that I never said anything like that. Then she proceeded to tell me that since she is this angry, bitter person, she can see why I don't want to be around her. Again - I have no idea where that came from - I never said that. I told her that I thought she was being silly and that it seems like she is not happy unless she is stirring up drama and that I just don't get that. I also don't want to be part of it. She simply replied back "Yep! That's me -drama queen!"


She then proceeded to unfriend me on facebook. Honestly - I'm glad. It was such a draining experience and an emotional day - with friends like that, tell me, who needs enemies, right? I just said Thank You, Lord!


Friendships are too hard when one person is always down, or negative, and the other person is always trying to help them to see the positive side of life - the glass half full if you will. That gets old after awhile. Friendships are supposed to be between two people who both bring something to the friendship. Not one person always "giving" and one person always "taking". Now don't get me wrong, we all go through down times and bouts of frustration, anger, depression, hurt - all of it! But there is a serious problem when one person is ALWAYS Debbie Downer and doesn't hesitate to make it known that they don't even want to TRY to make their life better. It's like the saying about bitterness being like someone hating someone so much that they take poison expecting the other person to die. Yep - that's it exactly!


Yesterday, in the midst of all of the "drama", someone posted a cute little saying on facebook: Sometimes God simply removes people from your life. Don't run after them. Wow. Enough said.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

America - We NEED to PRAY!!

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Oh Father - how we need for You to HEAL our land!!

I think that one of the enemy's BEST tricks is to keep Christians so "busy" that we don't have time to pray.  

In the upcoming election, it really doesn't matter who you are gonna vote for, or what 'side' you are on..... I think that we can all agree that this country is truly going to hell in a hand basket and that we need to begin to intercede for America! 

In 1 Timothy 2, the Bible tells us we are to pray for our leaders - for those in authority over us.  It doesn't matter how we personally 'feel' about President Obama - we should be praying for him and for the decisions he has to make for this country!

We need to HUMBLE ourselves and pray.... we need to make more effort to MAKE THE TIME to spend quality quiet time with the God of the universe and humble ourselves before Him.  We need to get down on our knees and our faces before Him and cry out to Him to forgive us for our sins -- for our pettiness, our jealousy, our pride, bitterness, complacency, anger, disobedience, and the list goes on and on. 

We need to SEEK His face...... we need to spend some real time "seeking" God, not just a couple of moments muttering a prayer at the end of the day when we get into the bed and are so mentally and physically exhausted from the days many activities.  How long has it been since you really "sought" God about something in your life?

We need to TURN FROM our wicked ways........ wow, now this is a big one.  Don't keep doing the things you've always done and then asking God to forgive you after.  May God convict each one of our hearts on this one.  From 'road rage' to anger and bitterness and unforgiveness with a spouse or children or parents. Too many Christians are out "partying" through the week and going to church on Sunday morning! 

Too many people want God to come into their hearts, but they don't really want Him to sit on the throne of their life - they don't want to give Him ALL of themselves.  For example, I know many Christians who have given the Lord many areas of their life - they've been great Christians for years, but they just won't give God their finances.  They just can't, or won't for a variety of reasons.  Do you tithe?   Do you give over and above your tithe to support a mission or a ministry that touches your heart or that you are passionate about?  Too many Christians are 'stuck' in the same rut (financially) year after year, decade after decade - and wonder why God doesn't answer their prayers about their finances!! 

I have known many good christian singles who have asked the Lord Jesus into their heart to be their Saviour, many of them have been Christians for years and they too have given Him most of the areas of their lives - except their sex life.  Yep!  They just won't give up sex.  Sex outside of marriage is sin.  Period.  Stop reading the trashy books, listening to the sexually charged music, dressing provocatively and spending the night or living with your boyfriend!!  Keep yourself busy doing things with your friends, or doing things with the church - or join some clubs - hiking, biking, traveling - there are all kinds.  Get active in something that really touches or saddens your heart like visiting people in prison, helping to rescue girls from the sex trafficking industry, or helping serve food at a homeless shelter or food pantry.  I think that one of the greatest things about being single is that I don't have anyone to answer to except God!!  I want to encourage you - don't sit at home and be bored, or "lonely".  Make plans to get out and do things with other people - there are many things that are very inexpensive too!  Email me if you are interested in finding things to do like I have mentioned above.  The list really is endless! Or feel free to email me if you simply want prayer.  Ladies, there is an excellent DVD that you can check out from the library called "No More Sheets" by Juanita Bynum.  You can even check out excerpts from it on YouTube.  

God is the same in this 21st century as He has always been - He doesn't change.  Sin is still sin.  We must stop trying to sugar coat it.  The enemy doesn't have any "new" tricks - they are the same tricks he has been using on God's people since the beginning of time. 

God is calling us to be HONEST with ourselves as well as with Him.  In order to be free, you have to be honest! 

At the end of that verse in 2 Chronicles God says " then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Praise God, that gives me hope.  That tells me that there IS hope for America.  But we need to pray!! 

Sunday, July 22, 2012

My favorite Essential Oil - Oregano

(some excerpts are taken from the book Modern Essentials - A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils), as well as from WebMD. 

By far, my favorite essential oil is Oregano.  It is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiseptic to the respiratory system, antiviral, and is an immune stimulant.  It contains thymol which is also anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplaque, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, deodorizing, and has exprectorant properties.  Wowsa, right? 

Oregano essential has been shown to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as:

escherichia coli (e-coli),
campyobacter jejuni (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma),
staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),
pseudomonas aeruginosa - These infections are hard to treat because the bacteria can resist many types of antibiotics.  Healthy people often carry these bacteria around without knowing it and without having any problems. Sometimes these germs cause minor problems like swimmer's ear and hot tub rash. But for people who are weak or ill, these germs can cause very serious-even deadly-infections in any part of the body.

E-coli??  Non-hodgkin's lymphoma??  MRSA!!??  Again, I say wowsa!! 

Oregano Essential Oil helps to stimulate your body's own immune system.  Some common primary uses include:

Fungal infections (ie athlete's foot and toe fungus)
calluses,
Candida,
Canker sores,
Carpal tunnel syndrome,
Ebola virus,
intestinal parasites,
parasites,
MRSA,
nasal polyp,
plaque,
viral & bacterial pneumonia,
ringworm,
staph infection,
vaginal candida,
genital herpes,
viral infections,
warts
whooping cough
inflammation,
chronic bronchitis,
pulmonary tuberculosis,
chronic rheumatism

Personally, I have always been one to get cysts underneath my arms (axillary area) and sometimes behind my ears or in my ear lobes.  Whenever I feel a small cyst beginning to form, I apply 1-2 drops of oregano and 2-3 drops of melaleuca directly on the cyst.  Usually, if I catch them early, they will literally "dissolve" within 24 hours and sometimes overnight.  Sometimes, for the larger ones, it might take several days to a week before they will go away.  I put the oil on them once in the morning (after I have put my contacts lenses in!!) and once in the evening (after I have taken my contacts out!!!)  Always be sure to wash your hands after applying the oil topically - because if you accidently rub around your eye or your nose - it will feel like fire!!

Oregano is a very aggressive oil and is considered a "hot" oil.  If you have sensitive skin, or when you are first starting to use this oil, you should dilute it with fractionated coconut oil, or even olive oil.  (Don't dilute it with water).  In my case, I use the melaleuca to "dilute" the oregano and apply it directly on the cyst.  You should ALWAYS dilute it when using it on children, and you shouldn't use this oil on small children. 

A friend of mine had toe fungus underneath both of her big toes.  Her doctor prescribed Lamisil and told her that it would take at LEAST 14-16 months on Lamisil to clear it up - not to mention she didn't have insurance and it was VERY expensive!!  She began putting 1 drop of oregano on each big toe twice a day (morning and bedtime) and just massaging it into the toenail and surrounding toe area, and it completely cleared up in less than 2 months

I have another friend that has had genital herpes all of her adult life and even though there is no cure for the herpes virus, the medication that the doctors give you that is supposed to help to suppress it (which doesn't always work either, by the way) is about $80 a month (and she even has insurance!!).  She now takes 2-3 drops of oregano oil internally via a capsule (you can purchase 'empty' capsules at any health food store and fill them with the essential oils yourself) and has not had an 'outbreak' in months

As I said in the beginning, I love this oil!  But then, anyone that knows me knows that I love all of my doTERRA Essential Oils!!  They are 100% CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) which means there are no fillers, no synthetic additives, no chemicals or pesticides -- just 100% pure essential oil!! 

If you have any questions, or you are interested and just want some more information, or you want to know how you can purchase these incredible oils for yourself and your family - PLEASE don't hesitate to contact me via my website (email or text, or even a phone call!)   There is also a link on my website to take you directly to my doTERRA page where you can purchase any of the oils and have them shipped directly to your home!! 

Also, feel free to drop me a line and let me know YOUR experience(s) with essential oils!!  I would love to hear your story!!

In good health,
Teresa
Independant doTERRA Consultant
www.teresagrace.com

www.teresagrace.com






Saturday, July 21, 2012

AromaTouch Massage - the massage Special for July!

I have recently incorporated dōTERRA's AromaTouch™ Technique into my relaxation massage at the Herb Center.  I have been doing this massage now for a little over a month and EVERYONE just raves about it!!  Seriously! 

Widespread acceptance of essential oils has led many to choose a more natural approach to healing and prevention. dōTERRA® CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils have been recognized as the most therapeutic oils in the world and play a leading role in positive health choices.  This incredible massage was developed to capture the powerful nature of the essential oils.  Each of the oils was selected to be used based on their individual aroma and composition.  The AromaTouch™ technique increases the effectiveness of the essential oils by improving absorption, and enhancing their systemic benefits.

Most individuals encounter factors in daily life, from both their internal and external environment, that have negative effects on their overall health and wellbeing. These negative disturbances cause an imbalance in homeostasis, the natural balance of body systems and health. Even though these disburbances may not directly result in disease, they still cause our bodies to function at a sub-optimal level. The AromaTouch™ Technique works to restore homeostasis, and minimize the impact of these factors.

The technique was created to combat four systemic constants: stress, toxic insult, inflammation, and autonomic imbalance. 

This 30 minute massage is normally $35, but it is my massage special for the month of July so you can experience this incredible massage for only $25.   But don't delay - July is almost over!!

Make your appointment today to come in and see what everybody is talking about!! 

You can book your appointment online at www.teresagrace.com.

Teresa
www.teresagrace.com

Saturday, June 2, 2012

doTERRA Brand Essential Oils!

I have recently begun using the doTERRA Essential Oils both at A Touch of Grace Massage & Wellness Center and at home for my own personal use!  I'm very impressed with the quality of the oils as well as the reasonable prices.

Anyone that knows me or has followed my blog at all, knows that I have lost about 35 pounds since this time last year.  But I'm really only about half way to my goal weight.  I have recently begun using the Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend in my water a couple of times a day, and already I can tell a difference as far as feeling more "full" when I eat (thus being able to STOP EATING a little sooner!)  Since there are no "drugs" in this product - not only am I feeling better, but I know that this product is not harmful to my body in any way.  The Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend is a combination of grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon essential oils and you only need to add 4 drops to 8 ozs. of water!  I drink this between meals to help manage hunger, calm my stomach, and lift my mood!  It is a blend of 100% pure essential oils and does not contain diuretics or stimulants of any kind.  It also has 0 calories! (0 is great!!)  

I am also taking the LifeLong Vitality Pack vitamins and getting ready to start a Candida Cleanse.  Things like Candida (yeast infection) and toxins in your liver and kidneys can cause you to have the dreaded muffin top or "dunlaps disease" - you know, the one where your middle has dunlapped over your belt?!  No amount of sit ups or crunches has been able to take much off of my muffin top.  Oh, don't get me wrong - with losing 35+ pounds, I have lost several inches off of my waistline and hips over the last year - but that darned muffin top is still there......

I'm so excited to be able to share the doTERRA line of products and you can come and check the products out in more detail at my next class "Your Medicine Cabinet Makeover" which will be on Monday Jun 11 at 7pm at A Touch of Grace Massage & Wellness Center . 

Please shoot me a quick email if you intend to come and check out this event!  [email me]

I look forward to meeting you! 

Teresa
www.teresagrace.com





Saturday, May 12, 2012

5 Things to do Every day.....

A friend recently forwarded me an email regarding 5 things to do everyday to build your business...... in it, the author talks about how the best use of your time is to invest in RELATIONSHIPS.  That makes sense.  When people know about you and they like you, and they need you - they will buy from you.  That's not rocket science.

He explains in detail the 5 things that you need to do every morning that will build your network exponentially.  More people will know about you, and more people will buy from you.  He believes that it's that simple. 

Well, I've recently embarked on a "trial" of my own.... I'll let you know how it works for me! 

But wait!!  What are the 5 things you need to do each morning you ask?

They are:

1.  Talk to a stranger
2.  Share something cool
3.  Show you care
4.  Make an introduction
5.  Hang out

That's it.  That's what I'm going to do EVERY DAY for the next 60 days.  He indicates that if you will do these things as outlined below - your business will grow! 

If you want to know more about the steps and details so that you can try this out as well ..... go to his website  www.matthewkimberley.com  it's a free download! 


I've also recently come across the opportunity to join BNI - which is a Business Professionals Networking group that has a chapter right here in my town.  I've attended a couple of meetings as a guest and believe that I am going to submit my application to join.  They seem like a great group of people - very friendly, enthusiastic, and seem to genuinely care about the other members in the group. 

That's my update for this week .... have a great day!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

RAV-CHESED / Abounding in Love

Aren't you so glad that God's love is not based on beauty, personality or merit?  God's love is a moral attitude dedicated to our good, regardless of whether we are desirable, worthy, or even responsive (see Deut. 7:7-9).  God doesn't love us because we are lovable and worthy of His love but because love defines His character.  Love is what He is all about.  "God is love" (1 John 4:8)

In fact, God's love is deeper and more steadfast than even that of a mother for her children (Isa. 49:15; 66:13).  That can be hard for us to imagine!  It is so strong that it makes Him stay comitted even when we are not.  It is so deep that it causes Him to feel affection even when we do not.  I for one, am very grateful for THAT.  I'm so glad that God isn't as 'wishy-washy' as we can sometimes be!!  Aren't YOU?     

The ladies' group I'm in is doing a Bible Study on the names of God.  It's amazing to me that I can somehow come to know God in a more deeper way by His revealing Himself to me through some of His names.  I wanted to share this one with you.....

RAV-CHESED  (means Abounding in Love)

The LORD, the LORD, . . . abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:6

The dictionary defines love as "a feeling of warm personal attachment or strong affection." This definition is mirrored in the Hebrew word for love, ahab, which means: "to desire, to breathe after, to be inclined toward, to delight in." The Lord has a feeling of warm personal attachment and affection for His people.  He used the word ahab when He said: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jer. 31:3).

The word ahab is used in the Old Testament to describe strong affection for another based on relationship.  The Lord God delights in us and is inclined toward us.  He desires - "breathes after" - us with affectionate (ahab) love.  But there is another - richer, more powerful word that is used throughout Old Testament Scripture to describe God's love for us: the Hebrew word chesed.

Chesed speaks of love that is firmly rooted in God's character.  It involves loyalty, steadfastness, and covenant commitment, as well as kindness, tenderness, and mercy.  Chesed is the type of love that accepts moral obligation for the welfare of the person loved.  It's a love that doesn't depend on the response or behavior of the receiver but rather on the steadfast character and commitment of the giver.

Ahab has to do with feelings, whereas chesed implies a mind-set and mode of interaction rooted in deep values. 

Scholars have offered many suggestions as to how chesed should best be translated.  It is extraordinarily difficult to come up with an English equivalent; thus, different translations use different words: "steadfast love," "constant love," "unfailing love," "great love," "mercy," "kindness," "loyal love," "loving-kindness."  But chesed is so deep with meaning that all renderings in English can only approximate the richness of the original. 

God's feelings of tenderness toward us will never change because His commitment to us doesn't change!  YOU are the object of His love!!  In His infinite wisdom He knows you completely.  He loves you tenderly.  He loves you faithfully.  He knows all of your sins, your short-comings, and your failures - AND HE STILL LOVES YOU!!

(taken from "Knowing God By Name" by Mary A. Kassian)

As single women, most of us long for someone to love us this deeply, but we search for that love in all the wrong places!   A lot of us would rather "settle" for something less than God's best because we are impatient, and because we are afraid of growing old alone.  What if God never brings "Mr. Right" into my life?
I challenge you to take the time to learn some of God's names.  Work on getting to know Him in a more personal way.  There have been nights I have gone to bed and felt exceptionally "alone" and prayed that God would hold me in HIS arms that night while I slept.  And I can tell you that I woke up the next morning feeling more rested and refreshed than I had in a long time! 

I've asked Him this week to let me feel His chesed love - and that is my prayer for you as well!