God LOVES You – Free Printable to Share

valentine-i-have-loved-you

The song says, "All we need is love. . ." but what happens when we look around our life and we just don't feel loved? You may feel forgotten, invisible, dismissed, or even a low priority in the lives of those who you love. If Valentine's Day leaves a bitter taste in your mouth take a moment to print out this scripture, Jeremiah 31:3, ""I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Stick it in a pretty frame or just post it on your refrigerator. This week when everyone seems to be talking about roses and valentines and chocolates. . . remember that all of those things are temporary. In fact, none of them will last longer than a week or two. But the love from God is eternal. He has drawn YOU, and with … [Read more...]

Devotion: As Long As I See The Light I Long For While Facing Illness Each Day

dafodils

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) The sky is overcast as I type this. It's cold outside. And that pretty much describes how I've been feeling for two days. Yesterday I had several periods of sobbing. "I can't keep doing this Lord," I cried. "I'm tired of pushing myself to get the most basic things done. Tired of dealing with a mind that works so hard to focus on the task at hand. Tired of interruptions to care for physical challenges. I need a rest, some solitude, some time to unwind, to have my mind and heart renewed by You." I think back a couple of weeks. One morning, when the cheery daffodils my husband gave me for … [Read more...]

Devotion: How Can We Love Others When We Don’t ‘Feel The Love’?

valentine

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19 As I am writing this on Saturday, my husband just left to take my son to an activity. He asked me if I wanted him to drop off a prescription I'd mentioned I had. I said yes. Then I saw he had a book. "Are you going to Starbucks or something to read?" I asked. "Well, what if I am? Maybe. Is that okay?" In my head I was thinking, Two hours on a Saturday morning where we could actually have a conversation and you are leaving? While also telling myself, You still aren't dressed and do you really feel like having a conversation right now? You are barely awake! My husband could see my rambling thoughts and said, "Okay, I will spell it out. I need go Valentine's shopping for you, okay?" I … [Read more...]

My Valentine’s Day Gift… of Pain?

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By Dana Kennedy In a holy whisper, compassionate eyes searching my soul, He hands me a gift. “I love you, my child. As the cross is a symbol of my love, so is this gift. It’s not what you desire, but it will bring you more than you ever asked or imagined. Remember, all my gifts are good.” Tears course off His face as He leans down to kiss my forehead. As I carefully open the gift avoiding the thorns twisted into a bow, the blood red paper drops to the ground. I lift off the lid and peer into the tiny box. Before my mind can comprehend that it is empty, I am brought to my knees. Pain, fatigue, and weakness crash through my body pulling me under. Instantaneously, I am stricken with illness. “Oh, God! What have you given … [Read more...]

Longing for Someone to Say… “I’m Proud of You”?

When was the last time you heard these words? A touching book that Lisa recently read & gives 5 stars is I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers by reporter Tim Madigan. And if you really do have a hankering to hear someone say those words, drop by Mister Roger's web site where he will sing "I'm Proud of You" as well as other classics like "You are Special" & "I'm Still Myself Inside." And we thought this Presbyterian minister was ministering just to kids! Here at Rest Ministries we think most of us can relate with his messages. Related articles by ZemantaSpirit of Mr. Rogers warms neighbors in need (fremontuniverse.com)Give Back: Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive (seattlest.com) … [Read more...]