Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - Loving Expressions

See the twinkle in my 98 pound daughter's eyes and her half smile as she wields the bat and fakes a "Take one step closer and you'll get it!" look? This was a pre-Addy picture, but I assure you the twinkle and the half smile would evaporate if anyone threatened that precious new baby daughter of hers. She would be a force to be reckoned with as she whacked and cracked skulls and it would all be from a deeply protective and instinctual love. That's the same face of love God also shows toward those who threaten and oppress His children. 

"At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you;" Zephaniah 3:19

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. 

The LORD helps them and delivers them; 

He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him." 

Psalm 37:39-40. 

Then there's the tender, joyful love we experience when we draw our children as closely to us as they'll allow simply to delight in their touch, their presence with us. Parental love knows a deep satisfaction when the young man we've raised suddenly shows an unexpected tenderness, protectiveness, or appreciation towards us or when a daughter touches our heart with understanding because she "gets" us  or shows she believes in us.  We'd move heaven and earth to help them, to make them happy, or to simply to hold on to the moment.

"The LORD your God is with  you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 3:17
"In that day you will ask in My Name.  I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.  No, the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God." John 16:26-27
Thank You Father, for delighting in us as we delight in our children and grandchildren. Thank You for drawing us to You; help us let You swaddle us close to Your heart. Fill our hearts with trust in You to be with us whether we sense You there or not. Help us "get" You, appreciate You, believe You, and show tenderness toward You. Thank You for Your protection. One day maybe You'll show us how often You crushed those who wanted to destroy us or steal our faith. Thank You for being our refuge and for Your mightiness to save us! You satisfy our souls; help us satisfy Your fatherly love for us.
In the Name of Jesus, Your Firstborn Who showed us how to please You!
Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest and Jesus Calling
photos from the family album