Love~The Word
His Creation Reflects His Love — squint and you’ll see a heart
“Let them give thanks to the Lord
for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,”
Psalm 107:8 NIV (and recurring throughout the Psalm)
The word kept ringing in my ears. It was shouted from the rooftops and whispered from the pastor’s podium. It was tucked in every encouraging note that slipped across my table. It was spoken as wisdom from those closest to me and even given with a wink from a young man who swam in competitions with my son when they were kids.
How could I possibly ignore IT? God had written it in the clouds last year as a heart-shaped form of fluffy, white puffs floating across a blue sky. He was assuring me of His love in a most dramatic way while keeping me focused on the fact that my HOPE was in Him alone.
These were clouds in a different spot and now I see a heart pattern
Last year the Lord was teaching me that He is worthy of my hope and trust. That He is faithful to meet my every need in His time. That every longing of my heart is to be fulfilled in Him. This year, He is calling me to focus on
LOVE
At first, I thought He desired me to follow the Christians’ call to “Love One Another.” And I was prepared to decorate my bathroom wall with a poster declaring 1 Corinthians 13:3-8 with a special emphasis on verse 5. Not easily angered. Keeps no record of wrongs.
My heart has been storing up hurts and wrongs for too long. Jesus whispers softly to the deepest wound within me that He wants to heal those hurts.(click to tweet) He alone stores the healing balm for my heart and soul.
Can you find a heart?
In the quiet time, I flipped through my Scripture cards and the Word that swept peace across my heart came from Psalm 59:16.
“But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.”
It was then I knew that this year would be one of drawing me closer to experiencing and knowing in my deepest being the measure of His love as well as being a vessel of that love to others.For how can I live LOVE–the love of Corinthians without first being filled with His love? (click to tweet)
Warmth seeped into my soul. All striving ceased. How much easier to rest in His work than creating my own.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NIV
Where is Jesus calling you this year? In which area does He want to give you rest while He works in you?
Linking with Spiritual Sundays, Sunday Stillness, Scripture and a Snapshot, the Sunday Community, Still Saturday, Weekend Brew, Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday, Monday Musings
Thank you for this beautiful personal blog! I have to unlearn my fear this year 🙂 Yes, I see it in your heart tree. What a beautiful picture. I love Matthew 11:28. Thank you. He is the only Shelter, where I find rest.
Hi Jedidja,
Thank you for visiting. Letting go of fear is a challenge. I think that’s why Jesus often mentions to not be afraid. I think we do it in bits and pieces as our trust in God grows.
From my heart to yours,
Janis
Janis – This year the Lord is calling me to “faith” – “And without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) May we learn & grow all that He shows us this year. Blessings!
Janis … YES! Jesus does whisper softly to our deepest wounds. I love how you’ve shaped that truth. Now … to give our woundedness to Him for His gracious, healing touch. For we sure are weary from dragging those hurts around …
It was lovely visiting with you today!
My word for this year (and I don’t normally have one) is endurance, knowing that endurance produces hope and that hope does not disappoint
Photos and Words always fill me with joy, interest, new understanding. Thank you for sharing so beautifully.
This year the Lord is calling me to “trust” while waiting. Trust that He is working in all circumstances even though I don’t see it. Great writing!!! You are amazing!!! Love you my friend,
~Ceal~
I LOVE this. Praying that you are overwhelmed with God’s love for you in 2014!
My word this year is GRACE…..
I enjoy visiting and reading.
Have a blessed day.
Donna~That’s a beautiful word to embrace this year! Thank you for visiting.
From my heart to yours,
Janis
Wonderful word, Janis! And I just know that the Lord will work His wonders in your heart as He weaves this word in your life this year.
My word is JOY – and it has already proven to be a challenge. My father passed away, rather unexpectedly, last week. Though I am sad, God continues to make His joy present in my spirit. And that, my friend, is against my nature – therefore, it is truly God’s work in my heart.
Will look forward to seeing what He does for you with LOVE!
GOD BLESS.
Sharon, you are in my prayers. I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I know it’s been a difficult road this past year as you cared for him yet watched him slip away. Grateful you are seeing the Lord’s joy still.
From my heart to yours,
Janis
My one word for 2014 is LOVE! So we are on the same page Janis. Beautiful photos of snow. It’s been awhile since I last jumped in it. We used to have a cabin in Flagstaff and oh how I loved to get away there. Happy New Year!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I didn’t choose a word this year, but I do feel as if the Lord is calling me to learn to see differently. Loved your writing today!
Barbie~you will learn to see amazing things when the Lord opens your eyes in a new way. Glad you liked the post.
From my heart to yours,
Janis
Where are you getting these snow pictures from? They are absolutely beautiful!!!
Karen
Thank you, Karen. I took the photos almost two years ago in California. It was during a difficult time in my life so it’s a special blessing to hear how beautiful they are. God brought beauty out of the ashes.
From my heart to yours,
Janis
It will be fun comparing notes, Debbie, just to see how the Lord tailors that word for each of us. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year to you, too.
From my heart to yours,
Janis
Dear Janis
Although I am not taking part in the One Word assignment, I feel that this year is the year that God wants to lead me so much deeper in the freedom for which Jesus has set us free. That freedom to live from the one moment to the next in the love of God.
Blessings XX
Mia
Love–it’s such an all-encompassing word. I was listening to something yesterday about all the fruit of the Spirit being summed up in Love. I pray you have a fruitful year with it. Great choice! My one word this year is compassion, which without love, is meaningless.
I remember my husband telling me, one day he asked the Lord “Why don’t I love people more?” God spoke to his heart and said, “Because you need to LOVE ME more.” Thank you for sharing your hearts and love with us here at “Tell Me a Story.”
Hi Janis! So great to reconnect after my blog break. Did you change your blog? It looks so pretty, I love the white flowers in the background!
I love that you have felt God calling you to his love. Wow. That is so powerful. How can it not just overwhelm you? That love is so powerful and protective. I hope you will fall right into that love every morning, and shine through each day. You shine here! How blessed am I to know you.
Have a great day my friend,
Ceil
Janis, as usual you amaze me in your photography & writing. I’m assuming you write first & then find the appropriate photo,…? You must be always on the lookout for both. I don’t know that I have a unique word, but my 81 years are bring
ing forth new surprises month by month. One month fear turns to faith & weaknesses to strength, but above all are His surprises! I guess my one word is just Promises…His. They are in & thru all things that happen. Love you & your sharing. Keep it up. Marilyn