Unconditional Love

It’s not dog breath that makes a best friend. It’s the unconditional love flowing your way that seals the deal. I kept my new grandpuppy, Bunker, while our son and daughter-in-love were out of town for the weekend. I noticed I spent a massive amount of time playing with him. It was hard to get his picture because he didn’t sit still except when he was asleep.

So it seems animals and children can teach us much on the subject of unconditional love.
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7

Then there was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry.”

Everyday Epiphanies

You've heard of paying it forward. You've heard of random acts of kindness. You've probably heard about the book Love Dare, made popular by the movie Fireproof.

I've been interested and intrigued by all of these but have fallen short of implementing consistent actions that embrace the intent of these honorable concepts. Then the idea of Everyday Epiphanies blossomed in my thoughts.

I now resolve to challenge myself to 40 days of showing love in an intentional and unexpected way to someone every single day. I realize I can learn so much if the plan is multiplied through my bloggy friends, so I invite you to join me for Everyday Epiphanies.

The goal is to show love in some small way, whether it be to a spouse, a neighbor, a child, a stranger… whoever you have opportunity to be a blessing to. It can be a note, a smile, a word of kindness; it doesn't have to cost more than a moment in time.

This Weds. Feb. 24th is the beginning of Lent. It matters not whether the church you attend formally commemorates Ash Wednesday and the time of reflection that leads up to Resurrection Sunday (mine doesn’t). I think the timing is perfect for this 40 day commitment.

Epiphany means “manifestation of the divine.” Will you join me in looking for simple ways to be a breath of hope and love in someone’s life?

I will post every Friday with my updates and give you opportunity to link up and tell what you are experiencing in this journey. Your post can be in whatever form inspires you; a diary, a story of one day’s epiphany or ideas for simple things to do for others. You can post anytime during the weekend, ideally sometime between Friday and Monday. This challenge will go to Easter Sunday, April 12th. Whether you participate for one day or 40 days, blog about it and link up!

I’ll figure out this week how to post the HTML code for the tag in case you’d like to put it on your blog and share the challenge. I’m excited to see what God will do through Everyday Epiphanies.

How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

I think I'm in love. I wasn't looking for a puppy. My daughter-in-love sent me this picture this week of their new puppy. He's the second one in with the most black on him. The other 3 are available.

We have 2 dogs and a cat. Do we need another pet? Probably not. Do I want another pet? Yes I do.

I have never had a dog that is mine. Don't get me wrong, I love our Labradors. But their first loyalty is to my husband. I'll do if he's not around. They are also outside dogs. I have never had a little dog. Oh my, I think I'll have to call today and say, "How much is that doggie in the window."

Life-Changing Day

I have watched this about 10 times and still have to have the kleenex ready. What a treasure that their wedding memories are on video. This is a 3 minute clip. So much for the anonymity of names that is sometimes recommended in blogs but I just have to share this!

Word photos of a Wedding

Every element of this special occasion whispered, “I love you.” It brings to mind a love song we sing in church: There is none like you. No one else can touch my heart like you do. I could search for all eternity long and find, there is none like you.

Here are my pictures of the wondrous event as our son got married:

Beautiful Bridal party photos in the sunshine that miraculously appeared about 2 hours before the wedding. Hurricane bands ceased and we rejoiced in fair weather.

The joy of greeting friends and family in the foyer as a string quartet played gloriously in the church.

Music that soared to the heavens as gifted and annointed April Lupo offered her heart in song, inviting the presence of God.

The innocence & joy of the 4 little flower girls, ages 2-5, and the 3 year old ring bearer who scampered over white marble floors and sat happily on a bench at the front as the ceremony proceeded.

The deep love and emotion on the faces of all as we witnessed the glory of 2 becoming one in the sight of God and man. Covenant love is a wondrous thing.

The love of the bride’s parents expressed in every detail of a reception planned with intricate care.

The fragrance of hundreds of white roses & white orchids creating fountains of floral beauty on every table.

The elegance of chairs decorated in black with blue bows, coupled with black napkins in blue satin ribbons. Each place setting was graced by a silver ice cream scoop favor topped with a blue bow, lovingly tied by the bride’s mother, that read “Love is Delicious.”

A ceiling draped in white silk twinkling with white lights to create a fairytale scene with the bride sparkling like a princess.

A DVD that took untold hours to create that played in the first room of the reception area, showing hundreds of photos of the bride and groom since birth with their family and friends.

Food fit for a king. From the Beef Tenderloin cooked to perfection to the primo pasta to the succulent vegetables and potatoes, it was a banquet that the bride’s dad and brother had planned for months as they welcomed us to their restaurant, Galuppi’s.

Wedding cake, a chocolate fountain, pastries, crème puffs and a tuxedo groom's cake topped off the sweetness of the night.

Dancing and cavorting of guests from 2 to 82 as the celebration of a marriage kicked into high gear.

A happy goodbye through the front door bedecked with a heart made of roses as the bride & groom were whisked away by a limosine. They are now in Jamaica for some much needed relaxation.

To Love Extravagantly

Love is the most powerful force on the face of the earth. It can heal, forgive, restore, overcome, repair, compensate, fortify and fulfill. Today is our 30th wedding anniversary. I stand in awe at the wonders of it all.

In a toast at the wedding of her brother on Sunday, Uncommon Blonde said, “This weekend our parents celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, and in doing so give to us a legacy of commitment. “

I am so grateful that the grace of God has covered all of my weakness and failure and filled me with all the fullness of God, so that I can give away what isn’t even mine. I am truly blessed as I say, “Look what the Lord has done.”

Transcending Love

I had a conversation yesterday that was deep and touching and real. I just pray that I said the “right” things. My heart told me to speak words of love, and I’d rather err on the side of extravagant love, if I’m going to err.

Someone I care deeply about that is gay called and said, “I want to know how you handle my sexuality in light of what I know you believe about the Bible.” Wow – let’s just get right to the point. You can believe I sent up quick prayer for wisdom and guidance!

I responded by saying, “I love you. I can handle it because I love you. And Jesus loves you. That’s why he came. He sees us in our humanity – all of our mistakes, our wrong thinking, our sin, and knows we aren’t qualifed to have a relationship with a holy God. So he comes and offers forgiveness and shows us right into our Father’s presence. There are no big sins and little sins. Homosexuality is not a bigger sin than addictions, or unforgiveness or gossip, or anything else we can name that separates us from God. The Bible says that ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So in that way, your need is not any greater than mine was when I came to Jesus and confessed my need of Him.”

She then told me that the biggest weight she carries is shame. A heavy burden indeed. Jesus knows all about it.

I didn’t tell her what she needed to do. I didn’t take the opportunity to preach. I’m pretty sure that caught her by surprise, since when she had started the discussion, I had sensed her defensive tone. I am so thankful that she initiated an open dialogue and listened. When we got off the phone, she thanked me for talking to her about it! I am humbled. I pray that another chunk of the blinders fell from her eyes so that she can see the light of heaven drawing her.