GOD IS LOVE

Today is Thankful Thursday hosted by Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. I have come to really love this particular event as it so blesses me to visit all the happy, grateful hearts who participate. To find and read all the other blogs who participate, click HERE. You too will be so blessed if you do.

As always there are many things I could chose to focus on for this post. Honestly I have a hard time choosing. I am grateful Melody came for a visit and that all of my other kids were here as well to share a meal and some time together. There are so many of us, and with the busy times we live in today, it is hard sometimes to accomplish. But I think as I was dwelling on things this week, I decided to focus on God's love. It really is the foundation for everything it is I am so grateful for. My salvation and relationship with Him, is at the center of everything that means so much to me.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

I love this verse...It was one of the first all of my kids memorized, and has been put to song, so every time I read this verse, or hear it in any way, the song floats through my mind and memory and makes me smile.

The Scriptures are quite clear that God IS love,(1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love) and so when we don't love we can't know God intimately. There has been many times in my life where I have known someone for just a short while and yet discovered that they were a "kindred spirit".. Why? Because this person radiates the love of God. God's light truly shines through them...How sad it seems to me that there are so many people in this world who do not know of this love from God...how many people who feel truly alone and don't have the support and love of a good spouse or family...how many people whose lives are meaningless, desperate and empty? How grateful I am for the people in my life who love me, and for a God that loves us all with an unconditional and everlasting love.

1 John 3:11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another..

As a young girl growing up the words "I love you" were not ones I remember hearing almost ever at all. I don't think it was because I wasn't loved, just that it was never actually said. My relationship with my father was a difficult one, and I seldom "felt" much love from him either. So for me, saying those three sweet words have always been somewhat difficult. Looking back now I regret that I didn't say these words more often to all of my children, husband and loved ones over the years. It certainly wasn't because I didn't feel it for them, as my heart overflowed many times with an overwhelming abundance of love. But dwelling on it now, I feel it is important that these words are said OFTEN to all of our loved ones. People who know they are loved have a cheerier outlook on life. There is a sparkle in their eyes, and they can look you in the eye with a face that reflects confidence. This inner peace will radiate in all of their relationships. It is most difficult to not like someone who says that they love you. In fact, it is almost impossible to do so. So for all of those who know me GET READY you will be hearing these words A LOT from me....

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another..

Romans 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Much love to you all!