Valentine's is right on top of us. Normally I (Sharon) think about
how I can show my husband and children that I love them. But,
I was just thinking about why I love Jesus. Sometimes I forget
to tell Him. Here are a few of my thoughts:
I love that no matter what I think, (i.e. "I feel like I'm
living in a zoo," or "I don't think anyone loves me, just what
I do for them!)He still loves me."Therefore, there is
now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." Romans
8:1 (NIV)
I love that He gave us color. Everything could have been black
and white...not nearly as interesting as lime-green and fuchsia!
I love that He didn't just give us one kind of bird but more than
I'll ever see! I love all the different kinds of flowers...I love
that He even gave us flowers at all! "For by him all things
were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things
were created by him and for him." Col. 1:16
I love that He gets glory when I serve my family. "...whatever
you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did
for me." Matt. 25:40 (Matt. 25:31-46 tells the whole story and
fits moms so perfectly.)
I love that He won't stop loving me (even when I don't like
me very much, sometimes.) "For I am convinced that neither
death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present
nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38-39
(NIV)
I love that He has a plan for today when I don't have a clue
what will happen. "Trust God from the bottom of your heart,
don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's
voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who
will keep you on track." Prov. 3:5-6 (The Message)
I love that I don't have to be in control, He has it all under
control."In his heart a man plans his course, but the
LORD determines his steps." Prov. 16:9 (NIV)
I love that when I don't have a clue about how to raise my
kids, I can ask Him rather than "Google or Jeeves". "If
any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously
to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James
1:5 (NIV)
I love that no matter what time I want to talk, He is ready
to listen."The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator
of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and
his understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40:28
I love that when I am tired and overwhelmed by all the responsibility
of being a grown-up, He gives me strength."He gives strength
to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths
grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those
who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar
on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will
walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
I love that He forgives and forgets."As far as sunrise
is from sunset, He has separated us from our sins." (What a gracious
God!) Ps. 103:12 (The Message)
I love that I can learn to be more like Him by just living
life, in the good times and the bad. "...don't lose a
minute in building on what you've been given...With these qualities
active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your
feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your
experience of our Master Jesus." 2 Peter 1:5-8 (The Message)
I love that He gave me children. Loving them gives me a glimpse
of how much He loves me."If you, then, though you are
evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more
will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
I love that He tells me to give Him ALL my cares because He cares
for me. Even though Jesus dying for my sin would have been enough,
He didn't stop there. He wants to be a part of my days, hours,
and minutes, too. He really, really cares for me! "Cast
all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7
I love that He is not surprised by anything."All the
days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them
came to be." Ps. 139:16b (NIV)
I love that this world is not my home. "In my Father's
house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 14:2
I love that no matter what the circumstances, I always have
hope. "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes
from him. Ps. 62:5 "He puts poor people on their feet again; he
rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, restoring dignity
and respect to their lives-- a place in the sun! For the very
structures of earth are GOD's; he has laid out his operations
on a firm foundation." I Samuel 2:8
Jesus,
You are amazing. Generous, loving, compassionate, trustworthy,...so
many things. Thank You. When we find ourselves looking only at
our circumstances, remind us to look toward You and focus on You.
We love You. Thank You for loving us.
In Your name we pray, Amen.
Mom Tip:
1. What do you love about Jesus? What do your kids love
about Jesus? For the month of February, write down things
that you love about Him. Keep the "I Love Jesus Because..."
list handy (maybe on the fridge) so you can add to it when
you or someone in the family thinks of another reason they
love Jesus.
2. If you aren't currently in a study of some sort, you
might try reading one of the verses listed above each day
and really thinking about it. Ask God to let the truths
go deep into your heart. Life is at its best when our eyes
are focused on Him.
A Request from Sharon and Laurie...
Got any fun, creative Valentine ideas? Does you're family
have a tradition like giving candy in the same box every
year or wearing red all day on the 14th? We would love to
hear about it.
We are collecting ideas with the possibility of writing
a book for moms filled with great ideas and traditions for
the holidays. If you don't mind us using your idea, please
email us by hitting reply on this email.
Thanks and Happy February!
Don't forget that He loves you!!
Is "Mom...and Loving It!" at your
local bookstore?
If not, ask the manager to order several copies from Bethany
House. Your friends will be glad they are available locally!
