Greetings!

I recently got a chance to hang out for dinner with some of my favorite nephews and niece. (Quite honestly, ALL my nieces and nephews are my favorites! I LOVE being an aunt!) It was an unexpected due to a change of events that I was able to be at dinner. Since they have been in school all day, our visits are fewer and more time in between than they used to be. Ahhh.... the price of "growing up".

I stood in the parking lot as they pulled in with mommy. The car was barely in park before they were out the doors and piling over for hugs with loud voices (It's OK we were still outside!) "I missed you!"

Fast forward a few hours. I have quiet time. My focus is on listening to God instead of telling him what I need/want. It's been awhile since I've done one of those. My head usually tries successfully to overrule what my heart knows. God is there when I show up. I expect disappointment. I find reminders of love.

I have usually pictured myself entering God's presence with God saying I've missed you and I feel guilt and shame that it has been so long. I realize in my quiet time, I can run with excitement into quiet time shouting, "I've missed you" and I am welcomed and hugged.

I share in case you have similar fears. Too often I put human qualities on God's truth. Greetings! Go get your hugs!

Luke 1:28 (NIV)

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

 

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
(Final Greetings)

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
(Final Greetings)  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Go To Hugs AKA the POWER of a HUG

Not sure why this is so heavy on my heart today, but I keep thinking about it so maybe it's for someone.....

When I was at my stressful job, I had a hard time keeping life in perspective. Some days were worse than others. I'm not even sure how the hugs came up or started. I do know they helped tremendously. Knowing I had a person to get a hug when needed even in passing, helped. I was proud of myself that I asked. Sometimes I didn't even have to. It must have been the look on my face.

The hugger I refer to no longer graces our planet. She has moved on to a better place. I pray that she knew the difference she made in my life. "Just" from being a go-to person for a hug when needed.

Do you have a person like that for you? Can you find one? Can you be that for someone else?

We don't get through this life on our own. It is very lonely if we try. Reach out. ESPECIALLY when you least feel like it. It helps. It really does.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)

A Prayer for the Ephesians

 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.