He loved me first ...

"We love each other because he loved us first." 1 John 4:19

Do you ever read/ponder/meditate over scripture and then later realize there is a (deep) lesson there for you? duh!

I studied this verse, among others, just recently and ... It’s really the gospel in a nutshell.

As I mulled it over in my own heart, I realized that while it’s a small verse, it holds great power.

The power to love.
While I was still dead in my sins, Jesus loved me enough to lay down his life for me. He freed me from the chains of sin that bound me. It’s this powerful truth of the gospel that gives me the freedom to love. The power of the gospel propels me to love. It’s so powerful, it’s a matter of cause and effect; He loved us, we now love each other.

Because I have been forgiven of much, I can love much. Because I am loved, I can love those who won’t love me in return. Because I didn’t do anything to earn His love, I can love unconditionally. Because He loved those who hurt him and deserted Him, I can love those who hurt me. Because He laid down His life for me, I can lay down my life in love for others.

I hide this truth, deep in my heart where the other treasures of His word are stored. Then comes a day of running late, whining, losing things, bickering and I’m pushed hard. And then one more argument breaks out. My irritation builds and the frustrated sarcasm begins to rear its ugly head. I breathe deep and pause. “He loved me first, He loved me first, He loved me first…” It’s like a mantra I repeat over and over in my soul. The gospel of love reminds me of all I’ve done against my Savior and all He’s done for me. Slowly the irritation and impatience lessens, like air being released from a balloon. I can love and am loved by God–because He loved me first.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:7-10

Had a God appointment a couple of days ago .. friend O' mine (let's call her "flip") and I went to do coffee on a Monday of all days. I (we) never do this kinda stuff. Pouring our heart out over coffee, laughing, solving the world's issues and then ~ an ordained God appointment. A horrific event happened and one of the waitstaff working was distraught. What do godly women do? they console, care, touch the brokeness and offer the only 'thing' they have .. to pray ~ offer a face to look into. So we did ... and off we went into the week.

He loved me first ... and He so totally completely loves you too!

neighborly love ..

 
this is my darlin' neighbor. She (and bill!) are great ... not just because they have a pool and it's hot outside. Just great neighborly love!!

isn't it GREAT to remember these .. and so much more

 
and He shall be called .... A through Z ~ what a reminder, what a blessing, what a wonderful thing to do!!

flowers

 
 
 
I enjoy all types of flowers. Wild, roses, annuals and perrenials too!! all colors too ~

having one of 'those' days ...

 
KWIM? well, take a look at this collage. It proudfully hung in Grandie's closet for years. Some old old photos, older photos and ... memories!! we all got 'em. So, I'm having one of 'those' days, do you ever???

tortillas ...

 
 
 
 
so fresh and delicious!!

capturing I N T R I G U I N G ...

 
 
 
 
This magnolia was beautiful! liquid sugar anyone? how fascinating is that??? loved the 'BB' initials (for you know who!!) alongside my Bible! intriguing to ME ~ MOI! .. and look at this palm tree at the Grand Wailea ... perfectly symmetrical ... I live with one of those kind!! captivating it was!! Simpleton I am with the extraordinary from the ordinary! What captures your attention & INTRIGUES you???? Happy Friday ... see you Monday

L U N C H ~ wanna join me???

 
 
okay, this is my lunch today! yum!! however, what is this 2nd photo? I've seen it sold in Vallareta grocery? It's kinda a lettuce ... help me out if you can! Thx!!

Garden of Eatin' .... Neighborhood Church

 
 
LQQk at this? This was created/planted during 'Serve Visalia' ~ there were many helping hands. It's growing and growing and growing. Over 60 lbs. of veggies (primarily yellow squash & zucinni) have been harvested. And the blessing part = Warehouse Community Church gets meals from this. The hope is also to supplement Wednesday nite dinners at NC Church also. I have a freindly hummingbird that will play in the water with me and a Robin that talks to me ocassionally. Only what God can do .... got veggies??!!

nameplate ...

 

LQQk what Tosha & her family found at Magic Mountain. Her nameplate ~ only one left and ... baby Makayla!!

sing with me or to me!!

so love this song .... turn off my music player over to the right ...
and sing with me or even better sing to me!!


You Are My Sunshine!

dang ....

 
I kinda like this word 'dang' ... dang ding-a-ling etc. dang this dang that ... dang cowgirl!