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His Strength vs. My Weakness

March 24, 2014 by thompsons5

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV 1984) If you have gone to church for any length of time, you have probably heard this statement at least once, maybe more.  Recently, my understanding of this verse grew.

I had just finished a book project entitled The Father’s Study last year.  It was a set of forty parables about the relationship between the Heavenly Father and His child.   My thought was, now I can work on this other project The Rose of Calaria a Christian fantasy/suspense novel.  This was the second time I started writing this novel.

Three years prior, I had deleted the whole manuscript, based on the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Now I thought it was okay to start once again, since the Father’s Study was complete.  For seven months I worked on it and wrote about ten chapters,  However, there was a problem.   I wanted God’s blessing as I wrote it.

The more I wrote the more the Holy Spirit nudged me to stop.  I wouldn’t listen.  The prodding was so strong, but my disobedience bordered on and then turned into rebellion. My quiet times were hindered, and I would push the Bible and the study workbook away.

I argued with God about it for a few days.  “Why can’t I write this?”  The answer He impressed on my heart was that it not only interfered with our relationship but it interfered with what He had for me.  It became an idol.

When I finally gave up the story, a desire to take the The Father’s Study in a new direction welled up within me.  Immediately I responded, “I can’t do that.  I don’t have a theology degree, so who would listen?”

Then as if I the light bulb over my head turned on, this thought came to mind, “Precisely.  You can’t, but I can through you.  You can write the fantasy piece but those were your ideas, thoughts, and desires – not mine.  If I allow you to write it, you would definitely take the glory. However if you do what I ask, you can do it because I will give you the ability to do it.”

Isn’t that an awesome thought?  How many times do we not do what God asks us to, because it means getting out of our comfort zones, or beyond our talents? Or better yet doing something we have no skill in.

He wants us to rely on Him.  Take Gideon, for example.  The angel of the Lord came to him and told him he would defeat the Midian army.  He addressed Gideon as a “mighty warrior”.  Gideon was a farmer – not a soldier.  However, through him, God was glorified.

What about the novel?  I wiped it out completely – hard copies and all.  Although, taking that step was difficult, I had peace.

How about you?  Is there something God has called you to do, and you have not obeyed due to insecurity?  Oh loved one, take the risk and step out of the comfort zone you have set up.  Let God show Himself to you and work through you.  You will be amazed and even surprised at the results.

 

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having

 all sufficiency in all things at all times you may abound in every good work.”

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)

 

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A Thankful Heart

February 11, 2014 by thompsons5

There is a book that came out several years ago entitled One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  To be honest I couldn’t get through the entire book due to the style of writing.  However, the underlining message, so I have been told, is to be thankful for even the small things in life for they are God’s gifts to us.  Our co-teacher for  Sunday school started writing down 7 things he was thankful for every morning.  He said by doing so, he started his day in a positive way.

Lately, thankfulness has been put on the shelf.  Not that I haven’t thanked God throughout the day or week, but it hasn’t been a priority.  Sure I have been thankful as I have seen God work in the lives of my family and friends.  For myself though, thankfulness has been few and far between.

I have taken up the challenge to start writing two things every morning that I am thankful for:

Day 1

  • Friends  who love me for who I am and pray for me
  • The writer’s group I attend. Who with godly love and encouragement they critique and share the talents God has given them
  • My daughter Emily and her sweet nature
  • That my ipod didn’t lose its charge while I was doing car line duty.  The warning  “low battery”, came on at the beginning of a 45 minute job of directing cars out of the local elementary school

Day 2

  • A God who is creative
  • The wonder and uniqueness of imaginations
  • An answer to death
  • For scientists who are not afraid to say that they believe in a God who created the world and universe in which we live.
  • The student I mentor who God is now using to stretch me as a person

As you can see the list didn’t stop with just two a day.  He wants us to have a thankful heart.  The amazing part is what happens when I write down the things I’m thankful for;  the smallest item puts a smile on my face and reminds me that God is at work in all areas of my life.

I would like to challenge you to purchase a small notebook, for a month  write down at least two things you are thankful for everyday.  If it’s small enough you can take it with you  and write items down throughout your day.  Don’t disregard the “small stuff’ like my ipod situation.  When those rough days come, re-read what you have written and let your heart soar.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances

For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV 1984)

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Why or Why Not?

January 19, 2014 by thompsons5

Why or Why Not?

I am a “why” person.  I need to know the whys and wherefores, the details.   This is especially applicable in my spiritual life, and God’s answers to prayer requests.

The other month I sent a letter out to an individual to ask them to write an endorsement for a manuscript.  For two years God impressed on my heart to send it to this individual.  I have to admit, fear ruled me; however, I finally pushed through the fear and sent her a copy with peace in my heart.

A month later the manuscript was sent back to me with a letter of regret.  Disappointment was definitely my reaction but their reasons were understandable, and sound.  God’s reasons were not understandable.  To be more precise, I didn’t know what His reasons were.  By the way, this is all part of the writer’s life, so I wasn’t surprised.

With tears streaming down my face, and looking to Heaven I said, “For two years You asked me to send the manuscript to her? So I did, and “regrets” is Your answer?  This is the second time you “nagged” me to send this devotional to specific people and in return I receive a rejection or regrets. Why did You want me to do this in the first place?  I was afraid this would happen.”  Nothing. No answer came.

The doubts started to creep in,  “Maybe I wasn’t being faithful in doing what He called me to do, not writing enough, or writing the wrong thing.” or  ‘I didn’t have enough faith that God could do it.”  Even as I write this, “Maybe the reason was because I didn’t send the manuscript two years ago,” comes to mind.

Several friends who had been praying on my behalf, responded this way, “He may not tell you the reason, Christine.  Maybe this was a lesson in obedience and trust.  Don’t be hard on yourself.  Yes, be disappointed but don’t second guess yourself or let Satan in to wreak havoc.” Not what I wanted to hear.  I needed reasons.

After getting over my snit I thought about what was said.  “Trust” could be the reason.  Trusting without an explanation could be the area that needs to be grown.

The next day one of those friends sent me a devotional confirming what they had been saying.  God is good. Although, I did have one other problem, I covered my feelings of disappointment and rejection with “It wasn’t God’s will” or “God is good”.  These statements are true and I believe them, but I thought they made me sound strong and spiritual, when in fact, I was hurting and confused even angry.  Until I took my true feelings of hurt and rejection to God, the emotions controlled my life

Sometimes He gives us reasons, and other times He doesn’t and wants us to trust Him.  It could be that I wasn’t ready yet to receive another endorsement.  Maybe the lesson was pushing through fear to obey.  I don’t know.  And to be honest, this concept will be a struggle for me.  To move the idea of not receiving an answer from my head to my heart will not be easy. But what I do know is that He is good and wants the best for me like any good father.  What better reason could there be?

How about you?  Are you a “why” person like me?  Is God withholding His reasons?  Sit back knowing that He is the sovereign God and wants the best for you.  He doesn’t shrink from our true feelings but wants to love us through them.  I can attest that not knowing is not easy, but He has something better in mind.  Trust Him with whatever the situation is in your life.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,

the conviction of things not seen.”

 

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

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The Greatest Gift – Honor

January 5, 2014 by thompsons5

Christmas is over, the new year has begun. Usually, I have a let down the days that follow. Not because of the lack of gifts or not getting what I want, but it’s over so fast. There is so much anticipation, and preparation,  and in it’s over in one day.

This time is different in many respects, my emotions have been through a lot of ups and downs, but this has also been the best Christmas ever. Not because of the gifts received but because of the one gift that was given to my parents.

My husband has been doing a series in our Sunday school about being biblical care givers to our parents. For two weeks we talked about honoring them. We looked at the Ten Commandments and smack dab in the middle of all the “do nots” is number five, “Honor your father and mother”. Later on scripture says “so that it may go well with you”.  Strange? With all the “big” commandments, God holds honoring our parents with the same importance. Honoring is not a choice but a command.

My husband and I decided that on Christmas we would present my parents with a certificate that honored their fifty years of service to the body of Christ.  It was awesome to sit down and think of all the ways they ministered to the church body through volunteering. The tears rolled down my cheeks as I remembered not only what they do now, but what they did when I was growing up and even before I was born.

The question could be asked, “What about those who have a lousy parent or parents?” I thought about that too, for I know of a few and you can read about those parents in the paper. Maybe you’re one who had an abusive parent. I’ll be honest with you; I can’t answer that question only God can. Perhaps it’s just the simple fact that they gave you life instead of terminating the pregnancy (You are very special to God and He has great plans for you) but again only God can give you the way(s) you can honor that parent.

My husband’s parents are both gone so in his case how could he honor them?  Back in Biblical days there were no last names but you were known by your father’s name. For example: My husband would be known as Mike son of Gerald. So the way they lived, reflected back to their father.  I feel my husband does bring honor to his parents by the way he lives his life.

Mind you our parents are not and were not perfect. They have flaws and even handed down bad habits, but they also have handed down wonderful, God honoring traits that are worthy of honoring.

How about you? Do you find yourself focusing on the negative things your parents did? Maybe they were short tempered or displayed some other “negative” issue. Seek God. Ask Him to show you ways that you can honor your parents in the new year. Through honoring them, you are obeying God. You will be glad you did. I am still overwhelmed  that God led us to honor them in the way we did.

“Honor your father and mother –which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:3 (NIV 1984)

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My Father’s Love

December 12, 2013 by thompsons5

Over the past several days, my quiet times have been in the book Identity by Eric Geiger. As he suggests, I am going through it very slowly, so that I can meditate on the words and let them sink deep within me; which also means I look up each and every verse he lists.

 

I can’t tell you how many times in my life, I feel that God is not there with me. Oh sure my head tells me that He is there, but when difficulties, failures, or challenges come and I don’t see Him working or can’t feel His presence doubts rise. Oh and don’t get me started when I sin, there is the feeling that my Heavenly Father separates Himself from me.

 

This morning’s reading focused on God’s love as a Father. The following verse came up, which, by the way I have read many times before:

 

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

Like I said, I have read this verse many times but something new popped out at me, “…the love of God IN Christ Jesus our Lord.” Admittedly, I sat stunned for a few moments thinking. The thought occurred to me if God would go through such lengths to adopt me as His own child, why would He separate Himself from me?

 

His plan goes back to the first Christmas. He sent His Holy Spirit to impregnate at a teenage girl, who could have been stoned to death had not Joseph obeyed the angel and accepted Mary as His wife. This baby grew to become a traveling Rabbi, sharing His Father’s message of love, hope, and redemption taking twelve men with Him. He was hassled by the religious leaders of the day, who eventually sent Him to the cross for heresy. The truth of the matter is, this was God’s plan all along. He sacrificed His Son Jesus so that we could be assured of His love as His child, and be free of the bondage to sin.

 

How dare I even entertain the thought that He isn’t there with me through everything. But even that statement will not separate me from His love. Personally, I think He feels sorry for me when those thoughts come.

 

Someone made this analogy, that His presence and love is like a father who is holding the hand of his child as they cross the street. As much as that little one wants to pull away and run, the father’s grip is stronger and constant. Wow! The best part is, He loves us more than other’s love us or the love we have for our families. That’s huge.

 

How about you? Are you feeling like God has abandoned you or He doesn’t love you? Oh beloved, of the Father, He hasn’t left or stopped loving you. Reread the Romans verse, meditate on it, and allow God to speak through it into your heart.

 

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

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Unique and Wonderful

November 5, 2013 by thompsons5

I love my children and would do anything for them. As the saying goes, you mess with me that’s one thing, you mess with my children, you will have to deal with Mama Bear. With that being said, they also drive me batty. My three girls are all different and as I have watched them grow they change.

This was never more evident than at Halloween. My oldest daughter, Laurel the “cautious one”, doesn’t make decisions quickly; in fact, it can take a painfully long time. She is like her mother in this sense. She dreads making the wrong decision and for her to take risks, forget it. It took her most of her freshmen year to attend a club she waited all summer to be a part of.

However, with all the caution, she surprises us by not being afraid to be her own person. Laurel saved for an entire year to by a cosplay costume for our local Shadocon convention (This is where all the Anime Japanese art lovers go).

She decided she would dress up in the costume for school. I was anxious because the staff had set strict rules in the name of modesty, can you believe it? Yeah, for the principle! This year she would probably be in the minority and she was, green wig and all. It didn’t faze her a bit.

As I watched her go into the school, I laughed. “God” I said, “You have definitely made her, her own person. She is not afraid to take a stand for what is right at school, and not afraid of what others think of her. Thank you for her.”

I love Psalms 139. I will be totally honest; it brings me to tears often, because I’m amazed at just how special I’m to Him. I’m never out of His sight; I’m created uniquely, flaws and all.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s
Womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Psalm139:13, 14  (NIV 1984)

Yes, I wish she would draw other things then Manga (God has given her talent for art and creativity). Yes, listening to songs from Japan, and Korea drive me nuts (I can’t understand the words). Yes, hard Christian rock is not my thing, but the Heavenly Father, has created her with passions, loves, talents and a personality.

That day, I also thought about her sisters. They are definitely not like Laurel. Emily loves soccer, has compassion and a sharing heart. She would rather play then work. Grace has spiritual insight that I have not seen in anyone her age. She loves My Little Pony, swimming with her daddy, snuggling with mommy, and has a hard time focusing on what she needs to do.

God created them, loves them, and gave them to me to rise up in His ways and to love them unconditionally.
I praise you Lord for they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Life would be boring if they were the same.

How about you? If you have children do you see them as a special gift from God created uniquely? Praise Him for them. Or maybe you struggle within yourself in seeing that you are the apple of your Heavenly Father’s eye. Take heart beloved of the Father, you are fearfully and wonderfully made also.

“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth
your eyes say my unformed body.”
Psalms 139:15 (NIV 1984)

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Doing What is Right

October 1, 2013 by thompsons5

“They’re not coming, mommy.”  My daughter sat in the car sobbing.

“Why not, honey?” I had never seen my daughter so upset.  It was her ninth birthday and her year to have a party.

“They are not coming to my birthday party if Georgia is invited.  No one likes her and they told me to un-invite her or else they won’t come.”

“What did you tell them?” my heart ached.  How rude of her friends to put her in that position.

“I told them I couldn’t do that.  Then she would feel left out if everyone else was invited and she would be un-invited.”

“I know that it was a hard decision for you, but it was the right one.  Remember what happened to Jesus when he went to the house of the tax collector Matthew?  The religious leaders criticized Jesus for eating with those who were not liked.  Jesus told them that he came to reach out to those who needed Him and extend the love they were not receiving from them.  Matthew eventually became a disciple of Jesus.  You may be the only “Jesus” Georgia will ever see.  You are treating her just like Jesus would and your friends are acting like the Pharisees.  I am proud of you.  Keep taking that stand and if your friends don’t come because of it, it will be their lost.”

I have thought about that conversation in relation to myself and other adults.  I have caught myself saying “I don’t want her at my table because she seems weird.”  In ministry people have come up to me and said “I will go in any group you put me in but if so and so is in it place me in another group.”  Most of the time for me the issue is a personality conflict, the person rubs me the wrong way.  But God doesn’t see them any differently than He sees me.  Christ loves me, a sinner, so I am not in a place to judge their hearts.  He created them also, and just as I told my daughter, I may be “Jesus” to them.  I may show His love in ways I never thought I could.

My daughter continued to stand for what was right.  No one from her class including Georgia attended, only two friends from church.  But she had a great time with them and her parents who thanked God for her courage.

How about you?  Do you treat others differently because their personalities cause you to cringe?

It can be hard to love them as Christ loves them.  However, God doesn’t play favorites and neither should we.

“My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 (NIV 1984)

*reprint of an article I wrote in May 2010 for Purpose Sunday School Periodical.

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The Flowered Fork

August 15, 2013 by thompsons5

“Move in the back.” My ten year old’s voice was agitated.

“No it’s my turn in the front,” answered my niece with much determination.

“Then get out so I can get in the back.”

“No!”

Listening to the tension, heightened my aggravation already present from a day full of stress.  The muscles in my neck flexed, and my eyes narrowed.  “Why the pettiness?  Who cares who sits in the front?”   I said.

I turned to lock the front door as the words continued to come.  “Why did we fight over such stupid stuff?  Like who sat behind mom or who used the flowered fork for dinner.  Oh especially that fork.  No wonder my mom was annoyed with us.”

“Mommy, we don’t have a flowered fork,” chimed in my oldest and most observant eleven year old.

A big smile formed on my face. “I wasn’t talking about us, but your Aunt Stacey and me.  Growing up our family had one fork that had etched flowers on the handle.  I used it one night and your aunt had it the next.  But every night there was an argument on whose turn it was to have the fork, similar to the fight about who gets to sit in the front.”  Looking back, what a waste of time. What selfishness, arguing over an insignificant item that in the grand scheme of things didn’t really make a difference in our lives.  “I guess we thought it made us important or special.”  I decided.  My girls looked at me then continued on with their disagreement.  All I could do was shake my head.

As an adult I laugh, but ask the question that must be asked, “Have things really changed?” I get upset over the dishwasher loaded “wrong” or the Christmas tree not decorated “right”.  Do these things really matter? Will the dishwasher loaded neatly, influence godly character.  Will the Christmas tree decorated “right” bring others to know the Savior?

The problem is it doesn’t seem to stop with the dishwashers or decorations.  I have heard of churches bickering over the color of the rug or what version of the Bible to use or the type of music to use in the worship services.  Or others complaining about how another accomplishes his/her tasks in ministry.  Should our worship or fellowship really be based on these things?  How sad if it is.

Sometimes I think God cringes at the pettiness.  We are supposed to be family, and united on the basics: Who Christ is, what He did on the Cross, and the free gift of Salvation.  He cares more about His relationship with His children then what color the carpet is, or how special we think we are because we use a flowered fork.

The Father wants our hearts, and then desires us to extend love to others.  We are special because God made us and loves us.  When people see the disunity, then they see a lack of love.  We are called to oneness and to love others, no matter what.  We are to make compromises on the small stuff but stand firm in His word and to love the sinner.

I resolved not to make a big deal over the dishwasher, even the Christmas tree that had spots crowded with ornaments.  After all, the tree is about working together as a family and having fun, and as for the dishes, they are getting clean.

What about the girl’s fight?  Well, I made the suggestion that each time we go some where they take turns sitting in the front.  I haven’t heard the bickering about it since.

How about you?  Do you yourself being petty about the little things in life, or with certain people? Ask God to give you a spirit of peace and love.  If your irritation is concerning big issues or those that are clearly right or wrong, ask God to give you wisdom to work through them with love, patience and self control.

“Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible  so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Romans 12:16-18 (ESV)

 

 

 

*Due to being on vacation, I would like to share this  article I wrote in 2010.

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God’s Jealousy

July 15, 2013 by thompsons5

1 Corinthians states, “It (love) does not envy”.  However, I like the synonym jealous better.  The word has a stronger connotation and scripture uses it when describing God, Himself.   If love is not jealous then how can scripture tell us God is?

Sure God has a right to be jealous, for He is the One and only God.  He created everything.  But there has to be more to this jealousy thing than just that.  Take a look at this verse in Exodus.

 

“for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD,

whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”  Exodus 34:14 (ESV)

When I think of jealousy, the word “negative” comes to mind.  Someone gets jealous over another’s brand name sneakers, or career or degree.  I have a hard time believing God being jealous in this sort of way.  So if this is true, how does His jealousy and love for me fit together?

I looked at the notes for another verse Exodus 20:5 in two different versions and what I read hit hard.

“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I am the LORD your God am a jealous God…”  Exodus 20:5a

  • The first likened His jealousy to a marriage.  A husband or wife expects that his or her spouse will be faithful, loyal, and love them. When I became one of His children I entered into a relationship with Him. Therefore, when I put others, or things before Him, I am saying in essence, You’re not important to me. God wants me to put Him first, like my husband wants me to put him first before anything else including our children.¹
  • The second stated that His jealousy can be renamed zealousness.  He has a zeal (*a strong interest, intense enthusiasm; fervor) for me and therefore wants the best for me.  When other things or people replace Him, it’s not in my best interest.²

To be honest these two ideas brought real conviction.  Both exhibit how much He loves me and His strong desire to be in relationship with me.

The sad part is I am not always faithful to put Him first.  When I come willing and confess my wrong and ask that He change my heart, He will restore the relationship.

I think that His zealousness (jealousy) for me is one of the mysteries concerning His character I will not understand fully until we are face to face with Him.

How about you? Does knowing that God is zealous for you cause you to think differently about your relationship with Him?  I challenge you to ask Him today to show you how zealous He is for you.  I would love to hear how He chooses to show you His love.

“So that Christ may dwell in your hears through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV)

*Webster’s dictionary definition of zealousness

¹Taken from Exodus 20:5 notes NIV 1984 Study Bible

²Taken from Exodus 20:5 notes ESV Study Bile

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Love is Kind

June 28, 2013 by thompsons5

Kind:  adj: sympathetic, gentle, benevolent Syn: loving, compassionate, generous

To describe God’s loving kindness was a challenge for me.   I never really sat down to think about what kindness looks like.  When my girls fight, I automatically say “Why can’t you be kind to each other?”  It seems like common sense and to a certain point it is.

I love how the Book of Ephesians describes the ultimate act of His kindness to me.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead I our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ –by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:5-9 (ESV)

 

Even when I was full of sin, He loved me.  God made a way for me to be one of His children through His Son Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

But His kindness doesn’t stop there.  Because He is my redeemer He will have compassion on me (Isaiah 54:8).  He will provide what I need and will do kind things and give blessings (Isaiah 63:7) just because He can.

My youngest daughter came home with a medal for being on the honor roll. She was so proud that she took it with her when she walked our dog.  Upon returning she was sobbing.  Somehow it came loose from the ribbon and was lost.

We retraced her steps and could not find it.  When I asked where she thought she lost the medal my daughter said the drainage ditch.  Unfortunately we had a heavy rain the day before and the ditch was full of water.

I sent her back into the house empty handed then sat on a bench and prayed, “Daddy, help me find this medal.  I know Grace is important you therefore what is important to her is important to you.  Please show me where it is.  I will not leave this golf course until I have it.”

I walked the path taken earlier, nothing.  I even went into the ditch and kicked around the high grass, still nothing.  Frustration set in, and I began wondering why God didn’t show me where the medal was. “You cared about the woman who lost the coin, and the man who lost the sheep, I know you care about this lost medal.” I decided to check the ditch again.  There on a narrow strip of grass that I had walked through five or six times and saw nothing, now presented me with the shiny medal.

I felt like the woman who found her coin.  I clutched it to my chest as the tears rolled down my cheeks.  I praised and thanked God all the way back to the house for showing His kindness to me and my daughter.

He certainly didn’t have to do that, but He did.  Why?  Because He loved me, loved my daughter and wanted to demonstrate His kindness to us.

How about you?  If you have seen His provision, or been given an unexpected blessing, or just had a good day, you have experienced His loving kindness. Praise Him and thank Him for it.

“I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted [*me] that he has granted [*me] according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.”

Isaiah 63:7 (ESV)

 

*added for emphasis 

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