Fuel for Joy's Flame

It was a few days ago
I remember it so clearly.

Holding tiny newborn flesh on our front porch swing
my favorite meeting place with God.

Finally alone for the first time
and I looked upon his small face...

and I heard my Beloved say, "Do you see Me?
  Do you see Me in his face?
  Thank you for loving Me."

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me... I was in prison and you came to me...
...as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers,
you did it to Me."  Matthew 25:35, 36, 40

How in the world am I am to do any of that?  How, Lord?  I cannot.  But you can.

Thank YOU, dear Jesus.

Thank YOU, for loving me.

"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

Grace.

It's all grace.

Thank you for grace!

"Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love and whisper surprised thanks.  This is the fuel for joy's flame."  Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

made in heaven

Welcome to our home, little Terrance!  We will love you and pray for you always, caring for you as long as God sees fit.

(compiled from various scriptures)

I have called you by name,
from the very beginning
you are mine and I am yours.
You are my beloved.
On you my favor rests.

I have molded you
in the depths of the earth
and knitted you together
in your mother's womb.
I have carved you
in the palm of my hand
and hidden you
in the shadow of
my embrace.

I look at you with
infinite tenderness
and care for you with a care
more intimate than that of
a mother for her child.

I have counted every hair on your head
and guided you at every step.
Wherever you go,
I go with you,
and wherever you rest
I keep watch.

I will give you food that will
satisfy all your hunger
and drink that will
quench all your thirst.

I will not hide my face from you.
You know me as your own
as I know you as
my own.

You belong to me.

by Henri Nouwen

"A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.
God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity."  Psalm 68:5-6