Each Christmas, I find myself thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. When I was 15, I played the part of Mary in a Christmas play at our church. Since then, I’ve always loved reading her story in the first chapter of Luke and thinking about her life.
In recent years, my admiration for Mary has grown . . .
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Filed under Daily Devotion, Holidays, Truth, Who is God?, Writing
Today, my writing is featured as the Daily Dose of Encouragement at Zookeepers Ministries…
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)
The story is too familiar. We have become numb to its power. Take a moment and imagine you’re hearing it for the first time. The story of a baby who was:
Born in a stable,
To a young virgin,
Conceived by the Holy Spirit,
The literal Son of God.
It sounds like a fairy tale….
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When I was in elementary school and junior high, I brought my lunch to school. My mom would sometimes include little handwritten notes along with my lunch. Although I pretended like they weren’t a big deal, those notes meant the world to me. I still remember that feeling of being completely loved, knowing I truly belonged to someone.
It’s the same type of peace I feel when I read verses like:
The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.~Zephaniah 3:17
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
~I John 3:16
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.~Lamentations 3:22-23
As a single woman, Valentine’s Day always held this power over me. Being alone, I felt disappointment and emptiness. This year, I’m so grateful that God has filled me with love. Because I know I’m unconditionally loved by him, I can celebrate love and share that love with my friends and family. If you’re also alone on this holiday, I know that a simple “God Loves You” isn’t going to make it all better for you, especially when everyone else is getting flowers and chocolate.
It took me a very (very!) long time to realize that God’s love and acceptance is the only thing that would fill the void in my heart. I chased romantic love, believing that I would be complete when someone loved me back. I chased success, believing that my value would finally be established with a VP-title. God patiently waited for me to finally understand that he created me to crave his unconditional love.
My mother’s love was something God used to prepare me to understand the greatness of his love. Even if you didn’t have the same kind of experience with your parents, whether you are single or married, I pray that you’ll open your heart to God’s love today and let him show you how much he loves you. If you ask him to show you, I promise he will answer!
Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!
Content Copyright 2012. Allison @ Anointed With Grace.
Photo credit: stock.xchng
Filed under Faith, God, Holidays, Singleness
By the grace of God, I am what I am. 1 Corinthians 15:10
This beautiful verse is printed on the back of the necklace in the By Grace Alone Jewelry Set sent to me by DaySpring and (in)courage.
Isn’t the whole set beautiful? It includes the necklace, a cuff bracelet, and drop earrings. You can buy the set at DaySpring here, and it’s currently on sale. Or if you prefer, it’s also sold by individual piece. While you’re there, check out their other great products (hint: think Easter gifts!)
I love the theme of the jewelry: “By Grace Alone.” As you know, I write about grace a lot on this blog. It’s so meaningful for me to have this jewelry—especially during this Easter season—to remind me of God’s grace. It’s by grace alone that we live each day and we can be in a daily relationship with Jesus. Sometimes I need to be reminded that it’s not about me. I am held by God solely because of his grace.
I wore the necklace this weekend and received so many compliments. And I have great news for you . . . my ears aren’t pierced. I know, it’s crazy. But there was an episode when I was 10 years old that involved doctors and infection. Anyway, why is this great news for you? Because I’m hosting my first giveaway here on Anointed With Grace! I’m giving away the earrings from this jewelry set to one person who comments on this post.
To enter the giveaway for a chance to win the beautiful earrings above, please leave a comment on this post and include a favorite Easter memory (or your plans for Easter this year). The contest will remain open until next Tuesday, April 19, at noon CDT. I will use random number generator to pick the winner. Don’t forget to leave a valid email address so I can contact you.
I can’t wait to read all of your comments!
Edited to Add: If you decide to shop at DaySpring, use this link and enter the coupon code to receive free shipping on purchases over $25: Receive free shipping on $25+ order. Coupon code: shipping25 through 06/09/2011
Disclosure: I was provided this jewelry free of charge to review by DaySpring. I am also an affiliate of DaySpring. I was not compensated in any other way for the review, and all opinions expressed in this post are fully my own.
Filed under Extending Grace, Holidays, Recommendations
Allison K. Flexer, Author 