Unconditional Love

Ok, so I’m an addict.  I admit it.  My name is Jennifer Taylor and before I get out of bed every morning I don’t check the weather, I don’t check the time, I check Facebook.  Go ahead.  Judge.  I know its coming.  

In my defense, it helps me know who and what to pray for at the start of each new day along with many others things.  ;-)

The very first thing I saw during my morning ritual was a post from a friend’s son.  I wanted to reach out to him and remind him that Jesus loves him no matter what others say to him or about him.  

God created that beautiful smile and gorgeous face for a reason and use it to please God NOT others!  

I wanted to remind him that once saved always saved and it’s not a Christian’s job to place judgment. 

We should all love unconditionally just like Jesus loves us.  

Each one of us will have our chance to stand in front of God. 

It is important in life to know where you stand in your faith, why you stand there and who you are in your faith so that you can share your faith with others. 

People and outside influences will try to steer you in different directions but as long as you are confident in who you are and why you are there then stand firm! People will see that confidence and trust you.  

Don’t waste time trying to be someone or something you aren’t.  It’s simple, just like wearing a pair of shoes.  Why wear a gorgeous pair of stylish heels if they kill your feet just to look good and impress others if you are in a bad mood because you are uncomfortable? Why not wear a comfortable, favorite pair of shoes and be in a fabulous mood! 

I guarantee your mood will be contagious in either scenario.


~Paper Plate Prayer~
Dear Lord, 
I pray for all those feeling unloved, unwanted and judged today.  Hug them.  Send them a message... a reminder that they are loved unconditionally and made perfect in your wonder and grace.  You are their savior.  May they turn to you, find strength in you and build their faith upon you alone Lord.  
     ~Amen

Unconditionally Yours,

Jennifer

Psalm 86

Hear, O Lord, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.

Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.

You are my God; save your servant

who trusts in you.

Have mercy on me, O Lord,

for I call to you all day long.

Bring joy to your servant,

for to you, O Lord,

I lift up my soul.

You are forgiving and good, O Lord,

abounding in love to all who call to you,

hear my prayer, O Lord;

listen to my cry for mercy.

In the day of my trouble I will call to you,

for you will answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;

no deeds compare to yours.

All the nations you have made

will come and worship before you, O Lord;

they will bring glory to your name.

For you are great and do marvelous deeds;

you alone are God.

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and I will walk in your truth;

give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;

I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me,

you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

The arrogant are attacking me, O God;

a band of ruthless men seeks my life-

men without regard for you.

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Turn to me and have mercy on me;

grant your strength to your servant

and save the son of your maidservant.

Give me a sign of your goodness,

that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,

for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Celebrating Firsts and Lasts

The last couple of months, we have celebrated many milestones in our family.  Some may seem small to many but huge to us.  Some may seem unobtainable to others but I promise you they are very achievable.
Just yesterday, we had a "Graduation from Therapy Party for my son, Grant.  Grant is 10 years old. Eight years ago, he was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.  We began therapy right away knowing that with the right services he would thrive.
I never felt led to pray for a "cure" for something that did not need to be "cured." I am certain God did not make a mistake when he made Grant.  It is up to me to help bring out all of Grant's gifts that God instilled in him and nurture those gifts to fruition.

I challenge every parent whether a parent to a special needs child or not to focus on their child's strengths not their weaknesses.  Focus on the gifts that God has given them.  Remind them that the gift is from God.  Build their faith daily. (and yours)  Treat each day as if it were the first day of your salvation.  Be thankful, be bold, be kind, be giving, be tender, be loving, be Christ-centered, be an example to your child and to others.
Build your Paper Plate Prayer collection, put it under your pillow, under your bed, in your drawer or on your wall. Then be prayerful!
My Paper Plate Prayer collection started when I was 10 years old.  At that time, I kept it a secret.  I would hide them under my dresser and not tell anyone I was doing it.  I watched God answer those tough prayers and knew he was watching over me in a tough situation.
Later I prayed for a blonde, blue-eyed little girl.  God answered that prayer over a decade later!
Each one of my children have already started their own collection.  It is a journal to keep and cherish. We decorate them, share them, hide them....they are our pride and joy.  It is amazing to go through them at the dinner table and watch the children's expression when they realize which ones God has specifically answered.

I pray they become sacred in your home as well.

~Paper Plate Prayer~
Dear Lord,
Thank you.  Thank you for answered prayers.  I humbly cherish them both big and small.
     ~Amen

May God Be The Glory,
Jennifer

1 Thessalonians 1-3  To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace to you.  We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.  We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.