One of the best things about winter...for me...one of the ONLY good things about winter is my desire to hunker down and read. I get 3/4 of my reading done each winter.
After literally YEARS of postponing reading of a Christian "classic" (at least according to all the other readers and NON-readers I've met), I finally read Francine Rivers, "Redeeming Love".
Understand that literally everyone I've ever met whose read this book went on and on about how it changed their life. It didn't have the over-emotional reaction I expected (based on these references), but it was a really good read and it did teach me and remind me of a few things. Perhaps because in some ways I have much in common with 'Angel', this story taught me that our experiences and our life before Christ should not define our life. If anything it should show how great grace and mercy and forgiveness really are. It also reminded me that no matter how often or how far I get form God, He will always...ALWAYS be there for me.
I've shared here and with others that one thing I've always struggled with is how great God's love is. I just can't always wrap my mind around it and it sometimes trips me up, as it did 'Angel'. Even when I can hear the voice of God or feel the touch of an angel, I struggle to understand HOW He could love me that much.
I have a husband much like Angel's husband. He loves me more than anyone I've ever met. He loves me completely, totally and honestly. He is compassionate and caring. He is gentle and firm. He is giving and giving and giving. He is forgiving and peace-filled. And I don't understand how he can love me that much either. He loves me as he was called to...as Christ loved the church.
I've grown to realize he does this out of his love for God. He's always loved me, even before he was 'saved', but it's clear how much more, now that he walks with God. What an incredible feeling...this love. On top of that, this weekend as our pastor spoke, I was reminded of how we were created out of LOVE from our creator.
Perhaps it's a Valentine's Day gift from God, whatever it is...I'm thankful of His love and His desire for my very best!
I pray this greater & redeeming love surrounds you this week.
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6 comments:
I love that book as well. And went back to Hosea to see the parallels to the love of God.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, and have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
I loved that book as well. Yes, we are gifted redeeming love still today....by people who represent Jesus with skin on. My husband, too, has been a significant influence in my life and my healing! Thank God for our husbands.
Diane
Where are you? I miss you.
Me too - where are you?? I"ve been gone a while too, but I popped in to see how you're doing.
I miss your inspirations! I pray that God has you on an incredible journey and that you will soon be able to tell us about it. Remember, you do not walk through the valleys alone... I've been and will continue to pray for you. Hope you are able to return soon.
I treasure days when my great outdoors is rainy or filled with snow drifts. Those opportune times bring me to reflection. A quadriplegic from birth, God has revealed to me the many blessings that come with limited mobility.
Today is one of those days. It's raining hard outdoors. I lift my head to look through the window with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share.
Thank you!
Blessings,
Mary Cox-Pace
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