Good Friday Reflections

Today is Good Friday. A day to reflect and remember what Christ did for us on the cross. It seems strange to go about my day with the usual routine. It is hard for me to even begin to process the depth and scope of His great sacrifice for me. Yes, I've seen the movies portraying the crucifixtion, but to really get my human mind around that kind of sacrifice is mind boggling to me. Christian asked at breakfast this a.m., "If Jesus wouldn't have died for our sins, would we have to? Would we still be able to go to Heaven?" Despite the questions, I think he gets it! That sums it up....if He wouldn't have died for my sins, I would have to...without any hope. I'm eternally and grateful beyond words for His life given for me even when I don't deserve it (which I feel most of the time). It is a day to remember, reflect and be grateful. As sad as it is to think of what He went through on that Good Friday so many years ago, there is so much hope thinking about Easter following that dark day. That wasn't the end. He isn't in the grave any longer!!!!! HE IS ALIVE!!! PTL!!!!!!!!!!! This is a season of new life, hope, humbleness and the greatest love any will ever know.
May you have a truly blessed Good Friday and Easter remembering what He did for YOU!

Loving Well

This past week-end I went on a ladies' retreat with about 25 other women from my church. What a great time. The study was on "Loving Well". So many points touched me:

• We can't really love well until we let God love us.
• God pours His perfect love into my imperfect heart.
• When we feel like we can't love well, we need to dip into His well.

Those are among the many thoughts and points I am still pondering. At the end of the retreat, our leader passed a letter to each of us. It reads as follows:

My Dearest Penny,

Do you realize that I came to meet with you? Do you have any idea how much I love you and how taken I am with you? I have never forsaken you and nor will I reject you! I have been there all along and I will always be there!

I knew everything about you the day you were conceived. I anticipated your life and planned for it. You do have an enemy, my child. But it is not me! He wants you to think it is, though. I am for you!!!

Do you think you need to prove yourself loveable to Me? Deep down inside are you trying to ear My love and attention? As you strive to love Me more, do you realize the key to loving Me more is to let Me love you more?

Why are you resisting Me? Why are you running from Me? To whom have you compared Me, and with whom have you confused me? I'm not like them.

I know what's happened. I know what's on your mind. I alone know the plan for how this turns out well. I alone know how to prosper you through this. My eyes and My affections are on you right now. Quit trying to be so strong! Let Me be strong for you. I love you unashamedly. Even now My banner flies over you. Everyone in the heavenlies knows how I feel about you. I'd leave you red-faced over my love for you...if you would let Me.

Love, Jesus

I think that says so much about God's love for me (us)!