Friday, March 18, 2016

A CRAZY BUNCH OF THANKFULNESS: IT'S NOT A FAIRY TALE!

A CRAZY BUNCH OF THANKFULNESS: IT'S NOT A FAIRY TALE!: As a grandmother, one of my favorite things to do is plan themed birthday parties for my grandchildren.  Atlee, our 4 year old has a birthda...

IT'S NOT A FAIRY TALE!

As a grandmother, one of my favorite things to do is plan themed birthday parties for my grandchildren.  Atlee, our 4 year old has a birthday coming up in July.  I asked her what kind of party she would like.  We discussed a few options and she decided on Sleeping Beauty.  I was thrilled!  There is nothing more fun than a magical fairy tale for a little blond hair, blue eyed princess.  Of course, even though it is March, I, as usual, begin to plan early so there is plenty of time to have it just perfect!

I have plans to cut out foam boards in the shape of a princess bed to use for games (i.e.  sleeping beauty bingo).  I will cut out characters of a princess, prince, evil queen and of course the dragon.  I am planning a face painter to paint princess crowns on the girls foreheads, a corn whole game with a rose in the center...get the bean bag in the hole and win a prize.  Pink chocolate covered strawberries on a stick with red lines to outline the "rose petals" for a desert.  A princess cake, homemade eye masks and more (possibly tutus for all the girls along with nail and toe painting)!  I know...it's extravagant....but as grandparents, you have such a small window of time to celebrate their lives.

As I am planning all this, I am studying Revelation 19 in BSF.  I'm reading about the day of judgment and BAM!, this real life "fairy tale" came to life.  I'm reading and envisioning the following...

John looks into heaven and sees a prince (Jesus - Faithful & True - who will inherit the kingdom) on a white horse, with a white cloak dipped in blood (from those he died for or those who would be concurred).  His eyes are like fire (seeing him on a mission), on his head are many crowns  and he carries a sword in his mouth with which he will strike down his enemies.  His name, Word of God, clearly seen.  He is coming with his army to defeat the evil dragon (beast) and his false prophet (evil queen).  

Though the beast's army rises up against the magnificent prince, they are unable to overcome him and his army, also dressed in white linen.  The prince and his army captured the beast and the false prophet and thew them into the fiery lake of burning suffer.  The rest of the beast's army are killed by his sword and birds feast on them.

The prince has come to redeem/save his princess/bride and take her to his kingdom.  They are bonded in marriage and she reigns with him forever.

Isn't this a beautiful fairy tale?  Except...IT'S NOT A FAIRY TALE!  It's true!  Every ounce of it is true.  We do have a prince/king, who will rise in the end and defeat evil, taking us to his kingdom to reign with him FOREVER!  This is the most beautiful love story ever told.  A handsome prince - to be king, battling for ME!  Defeating evil and carrying me to his kingdom to live and commune with him in the most beautiful love that ever exists.

Do you know this prince, King of kings and Lord of lords?  Do you know how much he loves you?  Do you know he will reign in the end after defeating the evil of this world?  Do you believe this is no fairy tale but the truest and greatest love story ever told?

I am grateful to "The Word of God" for his love and faithfulness.  I am grateful this is not a fairy tale but the love of the One, my truest love of all.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD

I've been watching the news about Nancy Regan's death.  The most wonderful part of the stories being told is her relationship with the late President Regan.  Theirs was a true love story.  From the love letters he wrote her to their complete devotion to each other, they were what seemed to be the most dedicated couple in the world.  

Today, her daughter Patty Davis was interviewed about that relationship and asked if she ever felt left out of their lives.  She responded, "It like if a  band of gypsies came and took me and Ronnie Jr. away, I knew that they would be sad, but they would be okay because they had each other.  They were complete with just the two of them".  At first, I thought....how sad.  Then it began to dawn on me what that meant in my life.

You see, God's love relationship with each one of us is just like that....but even more.  Like Job, who lost all his family, wealth, health, etc., he was complete with the Father.  In fact, God loves us so much, He sent his son away to take the punishment for our sins so that we could have that infinite, complete relationship with Him.  Even if God allowed everything, and I mean everything, to be taken from us, He would still be there.  He would never leave us or forsake us.  This love story is so much greater than the Regan's.  God too, writes us love letters in His word.  He promises we could never be snatched from Him.  He promises his eternal love, his care and his grace and mercy.  

God's love is a love that endures, it is complete and whole.  Most humans only know the love of man....incomplete, sometimes disappointing, often abused and rejected.  But God's love is totally complete.  He gave himself in order that we might know that complete love.

As I read the 10 commandments, I see them as an expression of his love and devotion.

1st & 2nd - God says, "I am your God, who loves you so much, I don't want you to love anyone or anything more than me.  I am a jealous lover who offers complete love....you need not look anywhere else."

3rd - "Don't take my love for granted and say evil about me.  I will always be there for you...love me and speak of my love for you."

4th - "I give you a day of rest from your labor so that we can spend it together, resting, fellowshipping, laying in my arms....Don't give this up, it is important we spend this time together."

5th - "Love those I have given you in your youth.  They raised you and cared for you so that you can I could be together.  They taught you of my love.  I chose them for you.  I entrusted them to care for you, my love."

6th - There is no need to harm another because I have your back.  I will judge justly.  You can trust me."

7th - "Don't turn to another lover or chase after what you may see as greener on the other side.  I will give you all that you need and love you so completely you will need nothing else."

8th - "No need to take from another....again....I will give you everything you need.  Even myself on a cross so that we can live eternally together."

9th - "Don't speak harm about another.  You don't know their intentions or motivations.  I know them.  I will take care of any wrongdoing.  You need only trust me, my love."

10th - "Don't think about what others have and desire it for yourselves.  I promise to love you forever and provide for you, all you need in abundance."

This is the greatest love story ever told.  Do you share in his complete love?  Do you accept him as the love of your life?  Read his 10 commandments and understand His great love for you.  It is complete and eternal.

I am grateful for His love, devotion, grace and mercy.