God's Gift

Happy Valentine's Day!!  Today is about celebrating love.  God made us with two basic needs: to love and to be loved.  Everything we do is motivated out of those two things.  He has shown us His love by sending His Son to come and die for my sins, so I can have a relationship with Him.  He also shows us His love everyday with all He provides.  James 1:17 says:
            
                             "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from
                               the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."


I like how the Message describes the gifts, "The gifts are rivers of light cascading down the Father of Light."


God has given us gifts that flow from His heart to ours that light up our world.  There are so many things that can darken the light of those gifts in our lives.  Life can overwhelm us and we can go days or weeks without noticing the little, wonderful things God brings across our paths.  


One gift that God brought into our family four years ago is our Yorkie, Ziva.  She was unexpected, but was an answer to a desire of my heart.  She is a source of joy and laughter when I am sad or discouraged.   A faithful companion when I am lonely, sick or overwhelmed.  She is funny and goofy and fits perfectly in our family.  So many times Dean and I look at each other and say how much life and hope she has brought to us.  God provided the light to get me through some of the darkest moments of the last four years.


He declares His love for me every time I am loved by His gift.  I am thankful for her, but I am more thankful to my Living, Loving God who knows me and showers me with His love.


What has God given you to show you His love?  Look around you today and notice the beauty we often miss.  A moment in time when God is giving you a gift from His heart.  Be thankful for that gift, let it lighten any darkness in your world.  Let's take a moment and thank God for His love and all that gives us! 


I would love to hear about your gifts...


I hope you are blessed today, not only by the people in your lives, but your Living, Loving God who declares His love everyday!!


Have a fab day!

xoxo ~ Jodi


I can't believe I figured out how to post a picture!!!  Yeah for me!! (This is going to be fun...)  She is dangerous with that tongue!