When I was young, maybe about 12 years old, I started doing something that most girls my age were probably not doing.  In the evenings, I would go in my room, put on some praise and worship music (usually church songs from the latest “Hosanna” album 🙂 ), and turn off my lights to remove as many distractions as possible. I would kneel by my bed, and just sing love songs to Jesus.  I wanted to connect with the God of the Universe and so I would talk to Him about everything going on in my life.  I would tell Him that I loved Him and then sit quietly and try to feel His love there in the stillness.  I could always feel it.  It was in those quiet moments when I could really hear Him speaking to my heart…and I knew He was real and that He loved me. To me, He wasn’t some God in a galaxy far, far away…that could never be touched.  He was my loving Father sitting right there with me, speaking to me, comforting me and connecting with me in a personal way.  This relationship with God has continued throughout high school…college…in my marriage…through having children (and losing a child)… and it continues still today.  It is my greatest treasure.

When anyone asks me why I’m a Christian, I tell them this:  It is because He loves me.  It’s not about what is going right or wrong in my life…because let me tell you, life hits you sometimes…but it’s about WHO HE IS and how much He absolutely, head over heels, loves me.  In the most difficult seasons of my life, even when I’ve been mad at God (yes, it’s happened), and I don’t deserve any kindness from Him whatsoever because of the poor choices I’ve made…I simply can’t deny the fact that He loves me beyond measure because I’ve felt it so many times in my life.  His LOVE draws me back, and just like the prodigal’s son, I am embraced by a loving Father who is running toward me…every time!

This blog is about good news.  So here it is!  Do you know that no matter what you’ve done, or where you’ve been…that God absolutely loves you?  He created you with a purpose and a specific plan all with an excited smile on His face.  Do you see Him that way?  Close your eyes and just picture it.  He’s THRILLED at the very thought of YOU!!  The Bible says that He loved you so much He sent Jesus to die on a cross to save you from a life without Him (John 3:16).  He gave His life for YOU!  The Bible says He rejoices over you with singing (Zeph. 3:17)!!  Jesus is LIFE and LOVE and all things beautiful and His heart is FOR you, not against you.  It’s like winning the lottery…only way better! 🙂

So maybe tonight…before you climb into bed, when no one is watching and it’s just you and Him…kneel for a minute and begin talking to Him…or sing Him a little song.  You’ll feel His smile, I promise!