Are you captivated when looking out on an ocean where it seems the water flows right into the horizon? Isn’t it mesmerizing to watch the waves and the tides? Why can’t we see the ocean’s end? Maybe God created it that way so we could marvel and be immersed in His awesomeness and His love. Continue reading “AN OCEAN OF LOVE”
Tag: Godslove
HIDDEN TREASURES
Do you often think you are in charge of the events in your life? Truthfully, I like to think I am in control of things, but more and more, I realize and see God’s orchestrations in my life. When I see the beauty of something that happens, even something as small as finding a hidden treasure, I am in awe of seeing God’s divine goodness in the many little steps that occurred that led to that point.
A case in point was being in the perfect spot getting out of the passenger side of the car to see this hidden treasure—a leaf in the shape of a heart sticking out amidst the blades of grass in our lawn. It started with planning a get-together with a few people to celebrate the newlyweds, aka my youngest son and daughter-in-love, who were home visiting us after their honeymoon. Some unexpected events led us to eat at a different restaurant than I planned, and an unexpected event led to the timing of things to see this. Continue reading “HIDDEN TREASURES”
GOD’S LOVE
Welcome to hopetoinspireyou.com’s 400th reflection! My heart is filled with gratitude to God for providing weekly inspiration for the last eight years. Thank you for being a part of this ministry through faithfully reading and your encouragement. Book #3, God’s Compassion Illuminated should be available before year end.
God is love! God and signs of His love are all around us. Our lives should also be reflections of His love that we share with one another.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. –1 John 4:16 (NIV)
And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. –1 John 4:21 (NIV)
God, who existed from the beginning of time, is love. His love is lavished upon us daily because we have the privilege of being children of God. We have the responsibility to spread that love to all we encounter.
How many times do we miss God’s love that is right in front of us?
It was a question a friend pondered and shared while I was visiting. I was glad I finally followed through with going for a walk with this friend. We joked ahead of time that we probably wouldn’t get too far because of possible frequent stops to check out “hearts” I might find along the way. It was a beautiful fall day, so after our walk, we sat on her deck, which consisted of a huge array of plants, herbs, vegetables, and more. I was most impressed with the many unique crops that they were growing, many from seeds. As I looked at the vegetation life before me, I pointed out two heart shapes that stood out to me. This was one of the biggest! Continue reading “GOD’S LOVE”
THE CEDAR TREE TREASURE
I received another special treasure from a friend that I consider a masterpiece from nature. Once again, I was in awe and wonder at God’s creations where I see His presence and love shining forth. It made me think about how all of creation gives glory and praise to God, the Creator.
This is from a cedar tree that was on my friend’s property. He knew I would appreciate having this to add to my heart collection, which God uses to remind me of the importance of love in our lives. Notice the outside is heart-shaped as well as there being a red heart-shape on the one side. I find it quite unique to see the wood grain color present in the rectangle area on the bottom right of the red heart. This is what the tree heart looked like when I received it. Continue reading “THE CEDAR TREE TREASURE”
GOD DAY
I want to share a simple yet profound thought, which I heard at a recent day retreat I attended. It will also serve as a challenge for us this week.
What does it mean when we say, “Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, good night, or even good day” to someone?
I believe in all these cases we are expressing “good wishes” to the person for whatever time of day it is.
Don’t we wish even more for the person? Continue reading “GOD DAY”
HEART OF STONE
My latest treasures from God on my daily prayer walks have been physical hearts made of stones or blacktop. God reveals His great love for me with the heart theme that has been ongoing in my life since mid-December. I am in awe of Him, and how He directs my footsteps to find these reminders of His love. I have a collection of seven hearts that He blessed me with this week. Different thoughts will come to me when I discover one of these hearts.
When I picked up the first stone, “walk in love” came to mind. The second stone made me smile, as it could be the “big brother” of the first one. When I found the third heart stone, I thought how special that I now had the Trinity, —the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Yes, they all walk with me. Continue reading “HEART OF STONE”
INTERRUPTIONS are OPPORTUNITIES
I have a proposition for you this week!
Try to look at interruptions in your day as opportunities!
Opportunities to communicate God’s love to another person or maybe experience God’s love in your life.
Isn’t it really true that people and God’s love are ultimately most important? Continue reading “INTERRUPTIONS are OPPORTUNITIES”
LONGING
Can you reflect on times in your life when you really “longed” for something?
–Was it for a baby that you really wanted to make your family complete?
–Was it for a child to return home after a semester at college in another state? Continue reading “LONGING”
LIVING WATERS
Spending time near bodies of water, like the ocean, always renews my spirit. I see and feel God’s presence in the living waters that He has created and blessed us with.
A week at the beach this summer brought me time to read some inspiring books and time to reflect on…. Continue reading “LIVING WATERS”