Whew! It has been awhile! Lots of learning has happened in the past couple of months - including more learning to lean on the Everlasting Arms :). Honestly, there have been so many times when I have just been at a loss in my teaching or coaching, etc. But, God is always faithful. The plant metaphor still holds true - for if I don't have the Lord to lean on, there is no way I can continue to grow. If I don't cling, I won't climb (just like a vine in a garden).
We are getting quite close to the holiday of hearts - Valentine's Day. The Lord has been reminding my heart this evening that TRUE LOVE is found only in Him. All others are a pale reflection. The following hymn is one of my favorites:
Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.
Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.
Things that once were wild alarms cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms, pillowed on the loving breast.
O to lie forever here, doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.
His forever, only His; Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee, firstborn light in gloom decline;
But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.
But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine
George Wade Robinson penned these words long ago - but oh, how I love them. Because - oh, how they remind me just how much God loves me! What a blessing - to be loved by the Lord.
"Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you..." Isaiah 43:4
May we not miss the joy of THAT love.
