The Posture of My Hands by Lorilee Guenter

I hold my hand open, fingers straight, palm flat facing the sky. It remains empty as items placed upon it roll off. Burdens that are not mine to carry are released since my hands, when open, won't hold them. Likewise, distractions and temptations that threaten to overwhelm and drag me down are released. They are not allowed to drown me. The weight disappears with hands wide open.

With empty hands, I begin to curl my fingers until my hands resemble a bowl to be filled. God is waiting to fill these open hands. He lavishes compassion, grace and everlasting love on those who trust Him. To lavish is to fill to overflowing. It is extravagant giving. Ephesians 1:7-8 tell of God's forgiveness and riches of the grace He lavishes on us. From there we receive the gift of His wisdom and understanding that makes His will and good pleasure known to us. 1 John 3:1 lets us know the Father has lavished His great love on us. We are filled to overflowing with God's gifts when we hold our hands cupped and waiting.

My open hands are filled beyond what they can hold. God's rich grace and great love spill over the sides. Through my pen, they fall as words on a page enabling others to experience the same gifts. When readers open their hands in trust, trickles turn to floods. God's glory is seen and heard not because of us, but because He spills out more than anyone can hold. He spills out in words and actions that touch us and those around us. We are not meant to hold it all. Our cupped hands are no match for God's extravagance.

I'm tempted to close my hands around this flood. I want to hold on, but that is not a posture of trust. The more I trust, the more I am able to hold these gifts loosely knowing God will continue to pour them out, filling me and filling His people.

God's extravagant love includes discipline. I don't like discipline, nor do I like the storms of life that come from living in a broken world. Still I can trust. God is in the storm. He puts limits on the trouble [Job 17]. He oversees the discipline. They are different but many times look the same. My hands closes as I hold on to the promise of God's presence. I am still surrounded by His extravagant, unending love. I am still being taught through His wisdom that brings understanding. 

I have two hands with three postures: hand open wide, fingers curled to form a bowl, and hand clasped tight, holding firm. Each posture has its place and purpose in my life. I strive to use each posture well as I release what is not mine. Someone else will tell the stories that are not mine to tell. My overflowing hands spill forth stories of God's everlasting, unchanging, incomprehensible character. My clasped hands hold firm to the promises I have been given. I trust God will continue to teach me to use these postures well so that no matter the circumstances, my hands will be full of God's presence and the stories of His work in and around me.

Lorilee Guenter is a writer and artist from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She enjoys exploring God's creation. Her hobbies and interests are varied which leads to an eclectic set of books she is reading.

Come Again by Susan Barclay

 

What Jesus says...

In January, I talked about how God's invitation to me this year was to "come and worship." I planned to start reading a 30-day devotional by Adam Palmer based on the Tim Hughes' song Here I Am to Worship. I planned to do a 7-week workbook by David Sherbino called Reconnect: Spiritual Exercises to Develop Intimacy with God. I planned to start the day with worship music, scripture, and prayer. 

How did all this planning pan out?

Not so well, honestly. I completed the 30-day devotional, but didn't get far with Sherbino's book. I started the day with music, the Word, and prayer...for about two-and-a-half months. I forget what happened mid-March, but something got in the way of my routine and I never regained my footing.

One thing I read in the first month was John Piper's definition of worship on the Desiring God website. He says,

 The inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.”

From this I discerned the following "action steps":

1. be in His Word and spend time with Him in prayer, silence and solitude so that I get to know Him (experience Him, hear from Him, gain a better understanding of His character and what He wants/desires/expects of me);
   
2. value, treasure, prize, enjoy God, and put Him before anyone and anything else; 
3. praise Him with my words and songs; 
4. serve others in Jesus’s Name. 

This year, it's been hard for me to experience silence and solitude. It's been hard to enjoy God and put Him first. I've been sporadic in Bible-reading, more consistent in prayer, certainly able to praise and worship Him in word and song. I've spent a lot of time serving others, whether in Jesus's Name or not, I can't say, but only in His strength and with His ability to persevere. I have not always served with patience and a smile. Trials, struggles, and the demands of life, however, have set my face toward the cross and drawn me closer to God. I cannot do without Him.

I'm thankful that when He says, "Come, now is the time to worship," and I then fail in my efforts, I am not defined by my failure. "In Christ, [my] failure can redefine [me]" (Don Miller, quoted in Emily Freeman's Grace for the Good Girl). When I fall short of my own expectations, Jesus reminds me that He still loves me. He invites me to come again, to lift every burden in His presence and to receive His mercy and peace. How can I refuse such kindness?

Lord, I come. I come again.

______________________

For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com

Surprise Visits and Unexpected Words by Pamela Mytroen

 

Her knock on the door wasn’t a surprise – I had invited her. It was a surprise how it ended. I hadn’t heard from my friend in several weeks and I was concerned because the last time we were together she had been quiet, looking away from me to the sky as her children squealed circles around her. She had whispered to me with head dropped to her chest how lonely she was. I felt she was going into a depression. That’s not surprising these days. So I asked the Lord this morning during my devotional time, what special verse He might have for me to share with her. I wrote out a card for her but my mind was scattered and I couldn’t settle on a specific verse that I should add so I decided to play it by ear and just listen to her. I hoped she would know that she was loved and not forgotten.

When I opened the door, her eyes lit up. She joked with me for a minute and then her French braid bobbed on her back as he bounced off the stairs and headed to the back deck in the sunshine. She seemed herself again. We talked about light-hearted and fun things, had terrible instant-coffee lattes, laughed, and then talked some more about sobering issues. She talked about some truths that she was holding onto, which warmed my heart and then she stood suddenly, and pulled me into a long hug. “Do not worry. It always will be okay,” she said. She patted my back – this girl who I have prayed for, carried in my heart, encouraged, and taught. I have been her mother when her own mom lives oceans away. I have been a grandma to her boys when they needed a cuddle and a bed-time story. In a reversal of roles, she became the word – in broken English - I needed to hear.

 That morning, I had received a disturbing email. It was from an organization that told me I would be required to attend a meeting where they would force me to listen to their ideals, and then they would discuss my beliefs, and decide whether or not I would be allowed to continue volunteering. I hadn’t told my friend about the email. The visit was supposed to be about her, not me! I had hoped to share a good word with her, some inspiring truth! Instead, she comforted me with her encouraging and hopeful words  – even though she had no clue as to what I was going through.

Some surprise visits with unexpected words are good. Especially the one when The Word came down to us as a baby. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth,” (John1:14). This baby Who came from another Kingdom, Who spoke words we do not always understand, became the One to encourage us. This baby who at one time needed to be carried, fed, taught, read-to and cuddled, surprised us. He is the Word from whom all Good Words come.

I’m still a little anxious about the upcoming meeting. But I will remember that good surprises still happen; that warm and unexpected words can suddenly cheer a heart of despair. Like the time when The Word suddenly surrounded me with a warm hug on the back deck, while drinking coffee, and laughing with a sweet friend. May my words be good too, even if they are a little broken. May they be a surprise visit, full grace and truth, for someone who needs hope in the middle of a hard day.

 

Pam Mytroen

Stories to Tell by Susan Barclay

Martin Luther, that great theologian of the Protestant Reformation, described faith as a “living, bold trust in God’s grace.” It is an act of the will. We choose to put our faith in God. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please [Him].”

But when someone says that “faith feeds writing and writing feeds faith,” what does that mean? I think the first half of that statement means that the experiences of a faith-filled life give us stories to tell. When we trust God, He rewards us. He may reward us with opportunities, He may reward us through the adventures on which He takes us, He may reward us with answered prayers. The rewards are as limited as our limitless God’s imagination. That is, only He knows all that He has in store for those who believe!
 

When we put our stories in writing, they feed our faith. If in a journal, they can provoke reflection on God’s character and the truths we find in His Word. If written for others, our stories often resonate in ways that prompt sharing. Knowing that God is at work in similar ways in the lives of other people builds our faith and prompts us to praise Him even more.

 Sometimes God rewards us through trials. How are trials a reward, you ask? Often it is through them that our faith grows. They cause us to press into our Father more than ever before. My husband and I are going through a difficult situation right now. We are trusting God completely, believing boldly in His grace and what He is going to do, what He is doing. We feel assured that a positive outcome is on the way, but it’s not easy in the meantime.

 I believe we are in the making of a faith story. Right now I’m only journaling about it. But assuming Jesus tarries and He spares me, I wouldn’t be surprised if one day there’s a book. Maybe God will use it to feed others; His stories seem to work that way.

_______________
Susan Barclay maintains a website and currently blogs infrequently at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com

Writing to be Real - Gloria Guest

I think I basically write to be real. If I’m not going to be real, what’s the point? Writing is where I am at my best in expressing authenticity.

As someone who can sometimes have too quick of a tongue or be a bit too blunt in my personal conversations, I love the fact that in writing my keyboard has a delete button. Something sounds not quite right? Delete. That wasn’t said the way I intended? Delete. Start again and this time say it better.

I find that writing has far more grace for my particular  communication foibles than talking does. In my conversations I’ve had many times where I wished that I could take back a word, or two or more. With my written words, I can. Delete. It’s great. J

My personal blog is based around the theme of Hope. As someone who came from a difficult childhood and has spent my adult years recovering from it, I have found hope to be my anchor. And so in finding that hope it is my desire to share it with others. Hope is the solid cord that is found woven through all of my writing and that cord leads to the source of my hope which is God and His faithfulness.

In talking about being real I would like to add that I don’t always feel hope or even follow its light. I have dark days and times where I wonder if God cares or is listening or has forgotten all about me. I have days when I look around at the world and wonder the same thing. Is God even with us or has He just wound up the world like a giant clock and is letting it tick down?

The Chaplin of the Humboldt Bronco’s hockey team, Sean Brandow, spoke about this in his message after the tragic bus crash on a lonely Saskatchewan highway,

#Humboldt Strong

 that took sixteen lives and injured all remaining.

‘Where was God?’ he stated at the vigil. He had been on the scene and saw the twisted wreckage and the dead and wounded. He felt as if he was in the valley of the shadow of death. And he was. But then later in the week he was reminded of the other half of the verse that states, “I will fear no evil for thou art with me.” His message went around the world. He was real and that’s what drew people to want to listen. He didn’t hold back his raw emotions and his questioning of God. I believe his message drew many to God.

May my writing be as real as that Chaplin’s heart felt words were.

May I allow people more than a just a tiny glimpse into my soul and then a quick cover-up. May my writing reveal a deep gaze into who I am and where I’ve been because I don’t have to give in to fear. Sure, people will see my pain and failures but through that may they see God, piercing through the fog of my life as the light from a lighthouse searches out the waters saying, ‘This is the way. Come home.’

May it lead them home too.

Gloria shares messages of hope from the small hamlet of Caron, Sask. You can read her blog by clicking here.  

Ode to a Writer's Joy by Sharon Espeseth

Read God's Word in a Quiet Place
Photo Credit: Unknown/free

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest," Jesus tells his disciples. Travelling two by two, the men had travelled through surrounding villages preaching repentance, driving out demons, anointing and healing the sick.

The disciples, anxious to tell Jesus their many experiences, needed undisturbed time with their Master. The people, seeing Jesus, ran to the other side of the lake and were there when the boat arrived.

When Jesus saw this huge crowd, he had compassion on them, "because they were like sheep without a shepherd." Instead of turning them away, Jesus began teaching them.

Please. . . .

As writers, we also seek quiet, but often we can't get away from the phone, online messages, meetings, and the needs of other people. Sometimes, we feel more harried than joyful, and, in all honesty, this is what I am feeling as I begin this blog. Rushed. Jittery. Frustrated.

Dear Lord, I pray that you will fill me with your love, joy and peace. Guide me and give me wisdom in setting priorities. May your love and grace abide in my heart as I turn my planning over to you. Instead of attempting to meet everyone's needs, help me show compassion for them, but remind me to impress on them that only you can meet all their needs.

First I pray. Then, applying "bum glue" to my chair, I sit down in my office. As words appear on my screen, I become, not joyful, but calm. I enjoy this time to write.

First, why do I write? Upon arising this morning, my husband asked me this very question.

Because I enjoy writing. I write because it helps me figure things out. (Like right now.)

Because this is a way I can share my faith and what I am learning about life.

Because I have stories and ideas inside me.

To give glory to God.

Because God has blessed some/all? of my writing to certain individuals. Readers responses encourage my doubting spirit.

What hinders my writing?

Distractions, committing to more than I can handle, procrastinating, over-helping and trying to fix people, not discussing specific situations with the Master Planner.

Should I quit writing? 

Funny you should ask, because I just got some answers to that question. Can you recall one long road trip, someone said, let's say from Edmonton to Vancouver? Did you expect to make it the whole way without hitting any red lights?

If you've thought of quitting lately, you must read "Go Ahead and Quit!" by Janice L. Dick. (See janicedick.wordpress.com)

Furthermore, "The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness (joy) in using it. (Goethe)

Am I a good enough writer? (Was Paul a good enough disciple?)

To hear Paul's thoughts on discouragement, read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. To hear his voice, read the passage in The Message. "If I had a mind to brag. . . but I'll spare you. . . , says Paul. "So I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations."

Three times Paul begged God to remove his handicap, but God told him

"My grace is enough; it's all you need.My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

Grasping this message, Paul says, "I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift." God's strength moved in on his weakness. "Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer," Paul says, and he let Christ take over! Paul concludes,  "The weaker I get, the stronger I become."

I have paraphrased Eugene H. Petersons's translation of the story, but I appreciate the entire passage.

How does my writing affect me?

Starting this blog, I admit I was none too joyful. Distractions overwhelmed me, but I prayed. A friend prayed that I wouldn't let Anyone steal my joy. Like Paul, I said, "There (is) no danger of walking around high and mighty!" Speaking to Jesus, I tapped into his strength and understanding. Humbled, I acknowledge my need of guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Dear Jesus, remind me regularly to tap into your strength and understanding in order to overcome my weakness. Thank you for cheering me up, for helping me get this blog written , and for my being able to end this Ode to a Writer's Joy on a higher note. Praise God. Amen. 

Ending on a Higher Note!
Free Musical Clip Art

Have You Ever...? by Karma Pratt

Have you ever felt on point one minute, and hopelessly derailed the next? Have you ever felt hopefully expectant only to be brought "back to reality"? Have you ever wondered why your attempts to be obedient to God's will have you swimming in circles? Perhaps it's that, in your desire to please God you have forgotten what it means to love Him.

I have found myself, in this current season, swimming in circles regularly. Or, perhaps a better descriptor is, I have found myself flailing in the harsh waves of the frosty Atlantic. No tropical beaches here, folks. It's all ice caps and rocky shorelines these days. Encouraged, I stepped out of the boat only to discover, like Peter, that my faith floundered even as I continued moving closer to God. It's a complex thing, entering into the waters.

I have been praying, pondering and meditating on what it all means. How is it that an obedient woman of God, called to write - given the gifts of communication and encouragement even - can have such a hard time sharing her story, much less living it?

In my attempts to walk closer with God, I find myself being called deeper into a life of prayer. I often pray for wisdom, for clarity, for the knowledge required "to take the next right step." In my attempts to be faithful to what I believe God is asking of me, I've been unwittingly filing and compartmentalizing everything He calls me to on my ubiquitous "to do" list. Except I stopped calling it a "to do" list, because the sheer number of "to do's" was overwhelming and God called me to "be" not "do", right? So, in honour of that significant distinction, I changed my "to do" list into a "priority" list. That way, I could ask God what He wanted me to prioritize and then rearrange my list accordingly (it's okay, you can laugh. I did).

Can you imagine how well my priority list has worked out for me? Rather than truly adhering to God's rhythms of activity and rest, I repackaged His guidance and wisdom and stuffed it all into my own little box. I tied a neat bow on it and wondered why, if it looked so pretty, was I still feeling overwhelmed and out of control? Why was I still burning the candle at both ends, and wondering why I felt a disconnect between me and God? 

The answer is that I was continually striving to please God, rather than be with Him. I was searching for acceptance when I've already been accepted. I was looking for love and approval instead of showing God how much I love Him. 

God always tells you what you need to hear. He finds you in the storm, even (perhaps, especially) when it's a Category 5 hurricane of your own making. This past Sunday, He spoke to me through this spoken word poem. He helped me recognize where I was striving to survive rather than embracing His loving presence in my life and, by extension, in my writing. Perhaps it will encourage you on your journey too.

*********************************

Karma Pratt is a faith-driven mom of twins, a communicator, a writer, and an encourager from way back. She offers professional writing and editing services at redraincoatcreations.com. 

Practicing Positive Disciplines by Karma Pratt

I love this month's blog prompt because it's required me to come face to face with the fact that I am just not that organized. I mean, it's not like I don't try to be organized. I create to do lists, calendar reminders, write on post it's, download apps, anything - anything - that will help me remember my priorities, and stay focused and present. 

In truth, I'm not the best goal setter. I have high expectations and set lofty goals for myself, but become discouraged if (when) I slip up. I'm learning to rely on Jesus more and less on me. It's a practice and I'm a work in progress.

Despite my best efforts, I find myself continually plagued with two common frenemies: Distraction and Overwhelm. Now, Distraction can seem more like a friend, on the surface at least. Distraction beckons me with the shiny stuff of life; the "I wants" that tempt me away from the keyboard because they're just so fun! At the outset, Distraction appears rather harmless, but I have learned this is not the case at all. Recognizing Distraction as the wolf in sheep's clothing has allowed me to see that he actually takes me away from the priorities and goals God has given me rather than drawing me closer to God.

Overwhelm is a trickier beast in that he can sneak up even in moments of uber productivity. Sometimes Overwhelm takes the form of too many "yeses" and takes over in the moment I realize there's no way I can accomplish all the tasks I've committed to in the time allotted. Overwhelm, if not reigned in, can run rampant in my life like a wild horse. Don't let the beauty of the horse fool you; it will trample you if left unattended. Definitely more enemy than friend, I find Overwhelm to be the thorn in my flesh that Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 12.

Therefore, in order to keep me from being conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NIV)

I have found the best way to prioritize my writing goals (and any goal!) is to keep going back to God for guidance. The reality is, life can be busy, distracting and overwhelming. When I forget to go to God first, I get unfocused, and have trouble sticking to the routines that will help me reach my goals. 

In order to prevent Distraction and Overwhelm from taking over in my life, I practice positive disciplines that I've established through prayerful consideration. I've pleaded for the thorn to be removed. Instead, God gave me these daily practices to apply in my life:

1. Serve God first & foremost - every day, every choice begins with prayer
2. Worship, Prayer & Devotion - daily
3. Physical Movement - daily
4. Conscious Eating - eat well, live well - daily
5. Write Everyday
6. Focused Intention - every task
7. Fully Present - in all things, but especially with family and relationships
8. Aim Higher
9. Pray Continually
10. Rejoice & Give Thanks - in all circumstances
11. Breath

Never discount the importance of breathing: 

FEAR - To Run or To Rise by Terrie Lynne

Recently, I came upon a quote by Zig Ziglar:

" F-E-A-R has two meanings:

'Forget Everything And Run' or

'Face Everything And Rise.'

The choice is yours".

I have to admit I've acted upon this quote at different times in my life. I know there have been times in the past when I have felt afraid to write what was really on my heart because of fear - real or imagined - of other peoples' opinions, backlashes or facing my own pain. But then there have been times I have trusted my heart, rising instead of running. 

When I write I try to balance having compassion and respect for others’ beliefs and opinions while not losing my own convictions. When I finish writing something, I'll set it aside then go back later to read what I've written, giving myself a chance to think and to see if what I am writing is from my head or from my heart. If I still feel a conviction in my heart and believe it's going to be beneficial, either to someone out there or even just for my own personal growth, I will post it.

 

I believe that there is healing in our writing and that it is a way for our voices to be heard.  The pen is our “microphone" and the paper our “stage”. Our audience is the readers. I heard it said that what we do, we do for an audience of One, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Which is the most important voice of all! So whenever I write, I try not to let my fears get the best of me or keep me from being true to my Savior and to myself. I hope you too will be encouraged to do the same. 

 

photo courtesy of photopin.com

 

Serenity Prayer - full version by Terrie Lynne

Ever since I read the suggested theme topic, Taboo or Controversial Topics, for the month of March my mind has gone several different directions, but this morning I felt at peace that this is the article I want to post.

The Serenity Prayer is probably one of the most widely known prayers ever written. I have seen the short modified version on fridge magnets, mugs, and posters and it is commonly used in Alcoholic's Anonymous and 12 step programs. But, I wander how many people know the full version. I know I didn't until just a few weeks ago as I stumbled upon it quite by accident or perhaps a God incident maybe more accurate!

My hope is that, with all of the controversial topics that have been posted and the feelings and emotions that may come to the surface, this little prayer will bring some peace and serenity!

  SERENITY PRAYER

 By Reinhold Niebuhr - full version

God give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

courage to change the things which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

 Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that you will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen

I have to admit I enjoy the second part of this prayer as much as the first and hope to delve a little deeper into it, perhaps as a devotional topic at a later date. I think we can find peace and serenity if we do try to live each day at a time and enjoy one moment at a time, whether it is during good times or in bad, happy times or sad. I do believe the scriptures encourage us to cast our cares on God for He cares for us. For me that is something I need to constantly remind myself to do!

Reinhold Niebuhr himself quoted yet another slightly different version of the first part of the prayer and it goes like this: 

O God and Heavenly Father,
Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed;

courage to change that which can be changed,

and wisdom to know the one from the other,

through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Here is the version we are most familiar with:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

I hope you have been encouraged and blessed!

References: If you would like to learn more about the author, Reinhold Niebuhr, or the Serenity Prayer, you will find some good information on Wikipedia.

God's Many Faceted Love by Bryan Norford

Creation reflects the nature of God. Its varied splendour, its abundance, its joyful activities, and predominantly its faithful and loving relationships. That is a measure of God’s love for all humanity.

Of course, since Eden, humankind has been able to mess it up and introduce characteristics that are contrary to the nature of God, destabilizing the good earth, destroying its abundance, and turning joy into misery.

Even so, God provided a strategy that enables us to rediscover the missing joy we crave: He set out the Law—too often maligned by Christians and hated by those opposed to Him.

The Law was not an arbitrary set of rules to kill our joy—as many assume—but like creation, a further reflection of His nature; guidelines to a less natural, but temporary, refurbishing of His image formed in us at creation but lost at the fall.

The Ten Commandments summarize the components of love. Even Jesus summed up the Law as loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbour as we care for ourselves.

If we love God, we will not place other gods or goals before Him. If we love our neighbour, we will not kill him, steal from him, or covet his wife or anything else he has.

In fact, it was at the giving of the Law that God revealed His nature. As God set out a law that contained the ingredients of love, He also indicated the values by which He would apply that law: with compassion, grace, patience, love, faithfulness, forgiveness and justice. Exodus 34:6–7.

We humans recognize these characteristics because God has shared them as part of His image in us. Distorted though they are, as we express our love to one another with those values, we show evidence of our transformation to Christlikeness.

Does this sound like the love of a valentine? It should. For this is the standard of love God has set. Anything less is a thin veneer of self-serving affection posing as the real thing.

And that fullest expression of love: compassion, grace, patience, love, faithfulness, forgiveness and justice, should show first in our closest relationships, to our wives, husbands, and children, and then to the wider community.

Find God's direction in the Norfords’ marriage devotional, Happy Together, available in paperback or kindle from Amazon.