My Utmost for His Highest

I am sure you recognize the title of this blog. Oswald Chambers is without a doubt one of my favorite saints to read. His book is one that I use along side of my Bible daily. He brings understanding to what God is teaching me and gives me no room for excuses.

I guess what I want to leave with each of you is that we MUST give our Utmost for His Highest! It is not a choice. If we are to do eternity work, kingdom work, it is going to take giving my all to Him and allowing our God to do whatever it takes to bring His purpose for each of us to fulfillment.

There are many commands, but Jesus clearly told us the most important. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength. And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself."

There it is sisters. This journey we are on is not about us. We have been specifically called by our God to fulfill His purposes. That means He will be removing what is not part of that purpose, He will be requiring obedience without questions, He will be asking for our time, our money, our family, our ALL.

Friends, it is worth it and it is difficult! I look forward to meeting each of you in eternity, but let's begin now preparing, sharing, serving with all our hearts, all our minds, all our strength! See you forever!

Think Like God Thinks

As wives of ministers we often feel set apart from those around us. We sometimes feel we have unrealistic expectations put upon us. What other people think about us can cause us great stress, unhappiness or joy.

As Christians, we are taught in scripture how God wants us to think. He gives us very specific instructions for His expectations for our lives. Most of the battles we fight are in our minds, therefore, we must begin to "Think Like God Thinks"

Philippians 4:9 "Finally brethren (or sisters), whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, think on these things."

The things listed in the above passage are the very characteristics of our God. As we come to know Him better, spend more time with Him, listen and obey Him, we begin to think like Him. As we think like our God, what those around us think becomes less important and serving them becomes a joy.

Spend time with Him and listen to His thoughts. Allow His thoughts to become your thoughts and watch Him love those around you through you.

Time To Move On

Hi Ladies,

This is my last week to blog for you on this Minister's Wife blog. I have prayed about God's will for me and He has been rearranging my schedule. I am so glad He is in charge and not me!

As God changes His call in my life, I am going to miss sharing with each of you, yet eagerly look forward to those He is bringing into my life in new ways.

Let me remind you that God has the perfect plan for you and your family. It is never hidden or just out of reach, it is just a matter of obedience. Being in ministry often causes us to forget the importance of obedience because we are constantly responding to the most urgent, loudest complaint, biggest hurt or newest problem.

I want to encourage you to stop and listen to His call. It will always be perfect, if you will just obey. I know that it is not always easy, but it is definitely always best.

I pray God will give me wisdom to share with you in these last few blogs this week and we will continue to grow in Him together. Everyday, I love Him more, I pray this for you.

Tthe Discipline of Endurance

Ministry definitely requires endurance. There are times when it seems all we are doing is enduring. Yet, I do not believe the Lord wanted our service to Him to be about tolerating and making it through. I know He wants to use everything that comes into our lives to prepare us of His Kingdom in eternity.

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”

Witnesses – We are being watched! Not news to a minister’s wife is it? There are those who are watching that love us and are praying and those who are watching that are not on our side and criticizing. In spite of this, we should be encouraged to endure, for there are those who are watching that are waiting to share eternity with us.

Lay Aside – Sometimes the reason enduring is so difficult is because we are weighed down with the things of this world. Lust, greed, selfishness, laziness, gossip, unforgiveness; the list goes on and can be identified as SIN. Sin is very heavy to carry which is why Paul says, “lay aside.”

Keep Eyes on Jesus - This is definitely the key! Endurance will be there when we need it if our focus is on Jesus. He is our strength and our joy!

– We will not give up if we are looking to Jesus. Instead of trying to get out of our circumstances we need to ask to be “perfected” in our faith. Rejoice in the race because eventually you will be with the Father.

Discipline is not easy and in Hebrews it says that it is painful, but if we endure we are promised that we will yield the fruit of peace and righteousness! I want that, how about you?

The Discipline of Witnessing

A sweet friend of mine sent me a prayer she was praying about her fear of sharing Christ. I was touched by her prayer and asked her if I could share it with you.

I pray it will encourage and push you to speak up for our Lord, as it did me.

“Dear Lord,

I pray for boldness, opportunities and words of wisdom as a witness for Christ.

Christ had a job to do while He was here on earth and He left a job for me to do. As more people accept Christ, His Kingdom expands, one soul at a time.

Jesus Christ suffered far too much for me to cowardly or selfishly walk away from witnessing. I can never say that God is asking too much of me.

My personality traits would like to be a convenient excuse for not telling others about Jesus.

I find always, Christ’s strength in my weaknesses.”

This is a simple, yet sincere prayer for discipline to witness. Ask God to allow you to boldly proclaim Him to someone today.

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes.”

Discipline Determines Destiny

I heard Dr. Charles Stanley speak on discipline this week. I am always interested in that topic as it is something I continually ask God to develop in my life.

As your children go back to school they are going to be called to a much stricter schedule than most of us experience in the summer months. I often hear mother’s exclaim that they are looking forward to getting back to a routine. They are actually saying it will be good to have some discipline in our family’s life again.

Sometimes we think of discipline in a negative way, yet it is absolutely essential for us to have a productive life.

Dr. Stanley’s message was focused on spiritual disciplines. They were simple, yet not negotiable if we want to grow in our faith and be used by God.

Let me give you a quick review with a small adjustment for minister’s wives.

1. Read God’s Word everyday. (Ask God to speak to you, listen and obey)

2. Pray everyday. (This is not missionaries and food prayer time; this is time to give your all to God. Asking for Him to control, lead and protect. This is your time to get right with God. Complete honesty.)

3. Tithe. (Are you thinking, “I’m a minister’s wife, I have to tithe or my husband will loose his job!” How about bringing your tithes into the storehouse with joy and worship. How about tithing your body, energy, family. Acknowledge that everything you have is on loan from a generous, loving Father.)

4. Attend Worship every Sunday. (Really? Do you have a choice? What about getting your heart ready to truly worship before you walk into that church? Do you allow God to shine His light into your heart so you can be ready to focus completely on Him?)

We all have weaknesses and strengths. This is a good time to allow God to shore up some disciplines in our lives.

If discipline determines our destiny, then we must desire discipline. As minister’s wives we want to grow, serve, form deeper relationships, have impact on those around us. Ask God to help you be more disciplined for His glory!

Trust In God Alone

I am very grateful for the mentors, teachers, family members that have taught me about my God. I have been give opportunities for me to grow and learn from His Word in the ministry than most people. What a blessing!

As I read some of the past blogs of my sisters, the reoccurring theme was difficult situations. This life we are living here and now is a constant classroom of preparation for eternity. No one is surprised to hear of tragedy or disasters in the news. We expect it, we even get a little harden to it.

This week a sweet young minister's wife shared with me the hurt she was experiencing in her church. As I listened, I was hurt with her, angry, judgmental (of the church) and disappointed in some church leaders. (had to spend some time repenting and forgiving)

When these emotions, feelings and thoughts come into my life, I have learned to RUN to God's Word. Listen to what God said - I love Him!!!

Psalm 62 - vs 1-2"I am at rest in GOD ALONE; my salvation comes from Him. He ALONE is my rock and my salvation, my strong hold; I will never be shaken. vs 5 Rest in God ALONE, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He ALONE is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. vs. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour our your hearts before Him. God is our refuge."

When people let us down ( and they will) remember God will never let us down - Trust in Him ALONE and do not be shaken!

Forget About Seeking God's Will for Your Life

I read the words in the title of this blog in the book, "Forgotten God" by Frances Chan. That statement definitely caught my attention.

As I have journeyed with the Lord these past 50 or so years, I have often asked God what He wanted me to do. As a pastor's wife, the church had many ideas for God's will in my life. Many times I just let them lead me along and sometimes fell flat on my face trying to please them.

I don't think it is wrong to listen to ideas from friends and church members, it is good to hear about needs and places to serve, but God definitely has a plan and we will only suceed when we are in the middle of His plan. If that is true, how do we know His plan, particularly if I just told you to stop seeking His will for your life.

We have God's Word, Godly people, prayer, circumstances and God living in us (Holy Spirit)to give us direction. Yet as you study His Word, you will find, that He called people to go without much detail.

Abraham packed his bags and began to walk - he had no idea where. Noah built a boat when he had never seen a flood or even rain. Peter went to a deserted road to wait for someone for some reason.

The list goes on and I believe each example is there to remind us we are to walk in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit.

I recommend this book, "Forgotten God". He teaches us to seek the Spirit's leading in our life not God's will for my life. Is there a difference? Yes, we will never make a mistake when the Spirit is leading because His job is to reveal the Father's will to us. When I am personally seeking God's will ( on my own), it is easy to rationalize, compromise, people please or even disobey.

The Holy Spirit will never lead you contrary to God's will. Begin to ask Him to lead you today.

Boasting and Pleasure

I was reading in 2 Corinthians 12 this week. I came to the passage where Paul began to list the things he had experienced as he shared Christ. I am sure you are familiar with this passage, but take time to read this list with me again.

Many more imprisonments - far worse beatings - near death many times - five times I received 39 lashes - three times I was beaten with rods - once I was stoned by my enemies - three times I was shipwrecked - I spent a night and a day in open sea - dangers from rivers - dangers from robbers - dangers from my own people - dangers from Gentiles - dangers in the city - dangers in the open country - dangers on the sea - dangers among false brothers - labor and hardship - many sleepless nights - hunger and thirst - often without food - cold - lacking clothing -daily pressure on me - my care for all the churches -thorn in the flesh - a messenger of Satan to torment me

Let me ask you a question? Have you experienced trials lately? Are you discouraged? Is the battle making you weary, stealing your joy, challenging your faith?

As I read Paul's description of the things he had and was experiencing, I had to stop and thank God for His great mercy in my own life. There have been difficult situations, hard times, disappointments, loses and conflicts, yet I cannot relate to Paul's life.

Let's now read what Paul decided to do with all these experiences.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly BOAST all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So I take PLEASURE in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Dear Sisters in Christ, I am not diminishing the fact that you may be suffering, but I challenge you to BOAST in Christ - take PLEASURE in His strength and make His Name Famous as those around you watch!

Finally Brethren (or Sistren)?!

Philippians 4:8 has long been a favorite passage of mine. I have memorized it and have it on a plaque in my kitchen. God has used this particular Bible verse in my life during times of stress and worry. He has truly used in to change the way I approach difficult circumstances in my life.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate of these things."

It was 2:00 AM and I was awake. I replayed all the solutions to the problem my oldest son was experiencing over and over in my head. I called out to God, begged, pleaded, gave suggestions and worried. He is a Godly young man, seeking God's will, surely God will remove these circumstances. I remind God that He is suppose to love Mark more than me and if I could, I would remove this unfair treatment from life.

Does this sound familiar? I know the verses, "Trust in the Lord," "Be anxious for nothing," "The victory is mine, says, the Lord." I am quoting them, claiming them, why am I still awake, still worrying, still without peace?

God took me to Philippians and began to teach me how to think. A change of mind. The mind of Christ replacing the mind of flesh. Listening to the right voice and not the voice of my enemy. He began to show me what was true (His plan is best). He began to remind me that He is just and this situation was not unfair, but part of His plan. He began to show me His pure motives and line them up against my 'motherly motives.' He reminded me that He is the Only One Who is Praiseworthy!

I began to praise and sleep came. God's Word never returns void!

Simply Seeking

I recently came across an old Bible study which gave some very simple steps to seeking God first. The following suggestions are very familiar, but I believe it is always good to be reminded.

Sometimes the excuses we give for not seeking are given because we are believing the deceiver instead of the Savior. Jesus clearly tells us in Matthew 11:30 "My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Let me give you these simple steps to help you keep those priorities in the right order.

1. Practice His Presence. Jesus tells us in John 15 to "abide in Him." He knows that we need Him in order to go through our day and accomplish His Kingdom purposes. David says in Psalm 16:8 "I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
Continually wait on God for your words and your actions. He has a plan and is waiting to give us His instructions.

2. Guard Your Quiet Time. Jesus was our example for getting alone with God. In the gospels we are told repeatedly that He sent the multitudes away and prayed. We are told He rose a long while before day light to spend time with the Father. If our Savior needed that time everyday, you and I cannot take a step without it. We all have the same amount of time everyday. If we are seek God first, we will spend time in His Word and in prayer and in His presence every day.

3. Seek God in some extended sessions. I know this sounds impossible with the many meetings, obiligations and family things we each take care of. The thing is, Jesus spent and entire night in prayer - He is our example and we are to follow His example. If the Son of God needed that time to carry out the kingdom's work, how much more urgent is it for us to do the same? Look at your schedule and put in a place for extended quiet time and study. This may be once a month or even once a quarter. I believe once you make this a priority you will wonder how you ever made it without this time.

4. Stay Active in Your Body of Believers. This sounds crazy for a minister's wife, doesn't it? Yet, too often we sit and observe the show instead of jumping in and loving and growing with the believers God has put around us. Take the risk of truly involving yourself with the women in your church. Learn to enter the sanctuary to truly worship our God. Ask God to prepare your heart each and every time you go to church.

These are not deep truths, but they are truths. Try it. Look and see where God has slipped in your priorities and allow Him back into His rightful place. Seek God First and watch Him work!

Seek God First

I just returned from West Virginia speaking to a wonderful group of ladies. We studied "Rest." In the course of the study I shared with them that the first and most important way for us to enter into God's rest was that we must "Seek Him First." That sounds simple, doesn't it?

Matthew 6:33 "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these (other) things will be added to you."

We will truly be unable to rest is we do not allow Jesus to be first in our lives each and every day. He has to be at the very top of the list every morning. As we learn this principle we will begin to see the rest of our day flow out of seeking Him.

As women we have many distractions. There are many people in our lives, places we need to be and responsibilities to fill. This would be a great excuse to put God on hold, yet it is the very reason He needs to be first!

Matthew 11:30 "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Jesus assures us that it is not too difficult to put Him first. In fact, it makes things easier. Do not be deceived!

When you and I stand before the Father, He is not going to allow us to excuse our time without Him on an unhelpful husband, challenging children or complaining church members. No one or nothing should be allowed to keep you and I from putting God first.

Satan will tell you to wait, things will get better, but I am telling you that only God can make things better. Spend time with Him before you plan a single step and watch Him multiply your time, efforts, energy and love for those around you.

HE IS ALIVE!!!!!

Mark 15:25 "Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. And the inscription of His accusation was written above: THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Mark 16:6-7 "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go tell His disciples--"

Mark 16: 15 "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

Luke 20:38 "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Luke 22:-65 "Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?" And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him."

Luke 23:33-34 "And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

Luke 24:5-6 "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!"

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words."

Revelation 1:7-8 "Behold, He is coming with the clouds and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty."

Revelation 1:18 "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen."

Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For you created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."

Revelation 6:11 & 13 "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!"

"Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"

Friendships of Women

I am sure you get the idea that each of the writers of this blog are pushing the minister's wives retreat in May. I want to assure you that we are not paid to do that and there is no impure motive involved. In fact, I am speaking out of state that weekend and will not be able to join you.

The reason for the emphasis is because we each know the importance of friends. In ministry there are various opinions about having friends. I believe as women, it is essential for us to develop friendships. It is a need in our lives.

At this retreat you will be able to meet women who truly are facing some of the same issues you face. You will be able to hear solutions to those things that plague you in your service at church. It is a time to share your victories and get prayer for your struggles. Not only do you need to go for you, but the other wives there, NEED you! You are part of a very special body and you need each other.

Jesus said in Mark, "Come Away, Rest Awhile." He said these famous words to His disciples after they had been out serving, healing, teaching and sharing. They had been so busy that scripture said they did not even have time to eat! Can you relate? Jesus, their Creator, knew their need. They needed to get away with Him for awhile.

You too, have that need. Make an effort to "Come Away, Rest Awhile" with women who are able to relate, strengthen and encourage you. I assure you, Jesus will be there to prepare you for your next challenge.

Another Weekend - Another Retreat

This is the time of year that I do a lot of traveling. It is spring retreat time! I love the opportunity to speak and share what God is teaching me. I love meeting new women (sisters) and hearing what God is teaching them.

I believe one of the dangers of being in God's service is apathy. We become accustom to sharing and doing and before long we are fulfilling obligations instead of proclaiming the Greatness of our God.

This past weekend I had the priviledge of sharing with a sweet group of women. As we met for the first time we told a little bit about ourselves and what was going on in our lives. I love this, as it helps me to better relate as I share.

As we spent time together, I was reminded of how special it is that because of Jesus we have intimate connections immediately. I listened to different conversations around me and without fail, I heard the Name of Jesus during those conversations.

Let me encourage you to not grow weary in your service. Rejoice that God has placed you in the middle of a very special family. Be bold! Be an encourager! Share what God is doing in your life with those around you. They need to hear and you need to share.

Go to the upcoming retreat for minister's wives! It will be a blessing and give you strength to keep going!

Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said to the, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

Yield and Learn

I spend a lot of time meeting with minister's wives. I love meeting with them and listening to their stories. Each woman is special and has her own strengths and struggles.

Recently I have been meeting with a wonderful young lady whose husband is waiting on God to lead him to a church. In other words, he is currently out of work. This is such a difficult place to be. His heart's desire is to preach, yet as they have been interviewing at different churches, God continues to shut the door.

In order to help with finances he has taken a job at a fast food restaurant. It is hard work for very little money. It is definitely not his heart's desire. It involves a little bit of humility.

As I visit with this young minister's wife, I see her faith growing and her love for God and her husband growing. She loves him for his willingness to work hard to support them, in spite of the job. She loves him because he has been unwilling to compromise his beliefs to fit a church. She loves him!

I know our Father in Heaven is also loving this young pastor. He is refining him and seeing him stand firm. He is testing and seeing him yield instead of resist.

Where are you in your service to God? Are you fighting or yielding? Are you learning or pouting?

Jesus is our example: Hebrews 5:8 "Though He was God's Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered."

Be Ready

I have been absent this week due to the fact that my computer lost Internet access. It is amazing how helpless you can feel with no Internet. I am able to check my phone for messages, but for some reason it was not updating!

I am grateful that I never lose access to my God. What an amazing gift to each of us from our Heavenly Father. He is always accessible and is beyond up to date.

I continue to watch the signs of the times with you. I want to encourage each of you to be on the alert for those God is calling to Himself. As you work along side your husband, never assume that the ladies you see at church are redeemed. I am finding people are more open to discussion and have many questions. I Peter 3:15 reminds us to be ready with the answer of the Hope that is in you.

II Peter 3:8-9 "Dear friends, don't let this one thing escape you: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance."

Sisters, open your hearts and eyes to those around you. He is coming soon!

Shaken

Unless you are in some kind of silent isolation you could not be unaware of what is happening in Japan. The earthquake there is on every station of radio, television and in every conversation as I walk through my day.

As christians, we know what God says about earthquakes, wars, famines, etc. We hear sermons about the 'signs of the times' on a regular basis. As a believer, you must be aware of the fact that Jesus is certainly returning, sooner than later!

How do you feel about that? Are you excited, scared, ready, have a few more things you need/want to do? I have to tell you that when I woke to the news of the earthquake in Japan, every plan I had for the day seemed unimportant. I could only think of one thing. My brother, still does not know Jesus! I picked up my Bible and began to read. As I was reading through my daily Bible plan, God clearly spoke to me. He reminded me of things He wanted me to get rid of in my life. I was reminded of His forgiveness and love. I was reminded that this life on earth is just a flash of time and eternity is ETERNITY - FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER!!!

Do you believe that? I have always heard that you do what you believe Soooo, I picked up the phone and called my brother in Florida. I did not expect him to be home, yet he answered the phone. He immediately mentioned Japan and I asked Him if he understood what was happening. He was raised in church and commented, "People have been saying Jesus is coming back as long as he could remember." We talked a long time and he promised to call me back later. I still haven't heard, but I am praying.

Do you have family members that need Jesus? Do you have church members that need Jesus? Do you need Jesus? It is time that we live what we believe. Jesus is coming and He wants us to be ready and be telling the Good News.

My brother did not accept Christ this week, but I am praying and will be calling again. He is looking for answers. Those around you are looking for answers and we have The Answer.

Psalm 62:1-2 "My Soul finds rest in God alone. He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress. I will never be shaken."

Outrageous Love 2

So I am continuing my outrageous love suggestions. This time I am going to share things I have done for my children and for our family in general.

I have three sons which makes Valentine Day a little different. As the boys grew, they thought they were too cool for all that hearts and flowers stuff! It did not deter me in the least.

My sons were included in the breakfast in bed routine as soon as they were old enough. I always included a Bible verse with the word heart in it on their trays. (That was not hard to do as there are over 700 verses with heart in it)

I packed their lunches and put heart shaped sandwiches, fresh strawberries, red juice and of course chocolate hearts. I always put a card in their lunch, usually home-made with some things I was proud of them about in it.

I put cards in each school book for each class.

I put hearts in their gym bag with verse.

When they were driving I surprised them with many different decorations in car through the years.

Dinner time was my favorite. This was the time of day that I could scream "Outrageous Love" to each of my family members. The dining room was always decorated in 'over the top' ways. Different every year, from crepe paper, balloons, hearts, pictures, cards and lots of heart verses. We used crystal, silver and china. Menu: Heart shaped meatloaf (with initial on individual meatloaf in ketsup)or heart shaped chicken breast, etc., pink mash potatoes, strawberry bread, sliced strawberries in shape of hearts, pink milk ( Nestlie Quick), cards, bible verses, fresh flowers, and of course various pink desserts - Ice cream, whipped cream - pink, cherries, heart shaped cookies,etc.

Ok, so now you are thinking I am crazy. Yes, crazy in love with my God and my family. It is my day to say I love you more than you will ever know. Through the years my sons and husband got use to the treatment, but never bored with it. Many times I heard my husband (if it was a Sunday,it became a sermon illustration) or sons sharing my craziness with their friends. Of course, they sounded like they were saying I was crazy, but I heard love and security in their voices.

Our God's love is really unexplainable. The world doesn't understand it or even believe it, but it does not stop Him from giving us flowers, trees, oceans, rivers, blue skies, snow, mountains, animals and Himself! Share that "outrageous love" this Valentines Day!

Outrageous Love

I have heard the term 'outrageous love' used several times lately. When I hear that term I think of something that is 'over the top'! It seems appropriate for this time of year.

Let me share with you what some might call 'over the top' things that I have done for my husband in years past for Valentines Day. (Tomorrow I will share what I did for my children)

For 28 years without fail I served my husband (and children when they came along) breakfast in bed on Valentines Day. I served pink, yes, pink scrambled eggs, cranberry or cherry juice, strawberry muffins, heart shaped sausage, small chocolate heart, card and long stem red rose on tray. The menu varied sometimes but you get the idea. There were times it was difficult, but I just set my alarm early and did it.

I found little red cupids on strings one year and went to the church and taped them all over the ceiling of my husband's car so when he came out his car was full of floating cupids.

I bought the giant card and taped it to his door at his office.

I bought red, white, pink construction paper and cut out hundreds (literally) of all size hearts and taped them all over his office.

I hired a woman in a white tux with red hearts all over it to sing to him during staff meeting.

I surprised him with a Valentine lunch at the office.

I filled his car with red, white, pink ballons - front and back seat to the ceiling.

Well, these are just a few - maybe you will be inspired or maybe you would like to share some your ideas. The point is.....Outrageous Love.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believs in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life."

Now that is Outrageous Love!