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Spiritual Sundays ~ Flamboyant Love

I was shopping for a birthday card during my lunch hour last week when I overheard an elderly woman in the card aisle talking to her niece, a woman about my age. Here is what she said: “I threw out all my cards. They never meant those words anyway.” Lots of laughter followed. How sad I thought to be unable to receive the love sent to her in the sentiments of a card. This incident got me thinking about the love of God and resolving to embrace it when it is offered to me. It doesn’t matter if I think I’m worthy of such extravagant love; He thinks so!

In contrast, just a day later I received one of those gorgeous hand-crafted cards in the mail from my friend, Kay, who loves paper crafting. It was so pretty and love and joy just oozed out of it when I opened it. This is a sample of her designs at Creativity is Good.



Kay wrote a beautiful note to me in the card reminding me of God’s tender love for me. She ended her thoughts with “The God of the universe loves us more than we can ever fully understand.” I don’t think it was any coincidence that Kay’s card arrived when it did. I’m meditating on God’s flamboyant love! Look at how The Message speaks of Ephesians 3:17-19:

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, 18 you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! 19 Live full lives, full in the fullness of God

God loves us!

For more Spiritual Sundays inspiration, be sure to drop by Charlotte's and Ginger's website where many good writers gather!

Comments

  1. LorenSeptember 4, 2010 at 1:20 PM

    This is the very thing I shared for SS this week! Gods love!! How HE adores, cares, provides and LOVES us!!

    HE LOVES YOU SOOOO Mary!!! It's no coincidence at all~ It was sooo God! He gave you a tangible gift in Kays card and she was a obedient vessel sharing HIS message to you!! ISN'T HE AWESOME!!

    I just LOVE it when HE shows up like this and blesses everyone who chooses to see the TRUTH of the situation!! :)

    Have a blesed holiday

    ReplyDelete
  2. LisaSeptember 4, 2010 at 3:53 PM

    You are so right! We must endeavor to receive God's love directed towards us. It will take all eternity to do it.:)
    PS I love the beautiful cards! Your friend is so talented. I know you were thrilled to get such a beautiful card.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RCUBEsSeptember 4, 2010 at 4:34 PM

    Not only His love fills our hearts to the full...It also overflows! Glory to God!

    Those cards are awesome and amazing when the Lord does surprise His children, making His presence known! At just the right time.

    God bless you sister Mary and have a great weekend! Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ThenaSeptember 4, 2010 at 5:18 PM

    This is the second time today I have been reminded just how much God loves us. I don't think we can really phathom just how much.

    ReplyDelete
  5. VirginiaSeptember 4, 2010 at 5:35 PM

    Wonderful post...
    God is so AWESOME! His love is what sustained us all.
    Sweet Blessings,
    Virginia

    ReplyDelete
  6. Joan HallSeptember 4, 2010 at 6:28 PM

    Oh yes, His love knows no boundaries.

    Blessings,
    Joan

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2010 at 9:01 PM

    Wow. Those cards are beautiful! What a blessing your friend is.
    She knows just how to use the talent God gave her to share His love. I, for one, miss cards. It would be nice to get some snail mail for a change. Happy Spiritual Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  8. DebbieSeptember 4, 2010 at 9:12 PM

    I LOVED this post. Can't tell you how it blessed me this evening. Soo glad you shared it...Blessings to you, Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  9. CharlotteSeptember 4, 2010 at 9:43 PM

    Your friend Kay certainly makes beautiful cards. I think it is sad when people are skeptical about the sentiments expressed in cards. When I get a card expressing love, I always think the person who sent it meant it. I end up throwing them away eventually but only because I can't keep all of them forever.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  10. DeniseSeptember 4, 2010 at 10:10 PM

    Really liked this post.

    ReplyDelete
  11. RuthSeptember 5, 2010 at 5:13 AM

    i believe Gos has so timed the arrival of the card for you.God's love.. if only we could fathom the depth of it..
    Thanks for this awesome post!
    Blessings,
    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kathleen September 5, 2010 at 6:39 AM

    Isn't that the way blessings often arrive, in the little things? I relish a card, or a brief email, or even a blog comment that contains words of affection. I think that's why I so enjoy God's word. It's chocked full of them!

    Bless you, dear Mary.

    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nikki (Sarah)September 5, 2010 at 7:21 AM

    my girls have been so busy creating and making home made cards. The care and love they put into each one...taking time to write from their hearts and thinking of who they want to send each one to...cards...they are filled with so much love. great post. His love is the ultimate best.

    ReplyDelete
  14. http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/September 5, 2010 at 9:42 AM

    What a beautiful card to receive at the most perfect time! It sure made your point Mary... I love expressions from the heart too, and we have a book full of them straight from the heart of God.

    Sunday hugs!

    Sonja

    ReplyDelete
  15. CarrieSeptember 5, 2010 at 12:15 PM

    Great post, Mom. Sassy Granny said it best: God's Word is a written love letter to us all! Thanks, God! May we all find a way to show God's love back out to someone else who really needs it right now!
    Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beth E.September 5, 2010 at 12:22 PM

    What beautiful cards! Your friend Kay is very talented. God has given her the gift of encouragement!

    This is a wonderful post. A great reminder of just how extravagant God's love is for us.

    Hugs,
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  17. Country Wings in PhoenixSeptember 5, 2010 at 1:22 PM

    Hi Mary Sweetie...
    I haven't seen you in quite some time. I joined SS last week and was so blessed I couldn't wait to come back this week. I am thrilled to see you. I met you quite some time back at Michelle's going away Arizonan luncheon. You touched my heart that day, and I thank you for that.

    Oh what a beautiful share on Love. I agree with Loren it was no coincident. It was GOD. He spoke to you through your sweet friend Kay. How GREAT is he?

    Please stop by and say hi sweetie. It has been to long. Have a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. Many hugs, Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ginger~~Enchanting CottageSeptember 5, 2010 at 5:01 PM

    This is such awesome post about Gods love for us. It is always a blessing to read his scriptures about his love to us. The card you received is beautiful and you can see how it was made with love.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pom PomSeptember 5, 2010 at 6:27 PM

    I think it is so sweet when people save cards. There are so many to choose from which tells me people still send them and MEAN it. Real letters and cards are such gifts.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageSeptember 6, 2010 at 8:28 AM

    Those cards are beautiful and I do love receiving a card myself. In fact, I have saved every card I ever received; that's how much they mean to me! And yes, God's love toward us is indeed extravagant! We are blessed! Hope you have a lovely week, my friend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cooking Up FaithSeptember 6, 2010 at 10:59 AM

    This is so beautiful!! It is so neat to watch how God orchestrates the things in our lives to show himself. Those cards are beautiful too!

    Big Fat Mama

    ReplyDelete
  22. ReneeSeptember 7, 2010 at 3:53 PM

    I have been meditating on accepting the extravagant love God has for me...your post today solidified what God is saying....He is amazing isn't He. Amen and Praise God! Blessing on you this day....

    ReplyDelete
  23. Mevely317September 7, 2010 at 6:39 PM

    How blessed you are, Mary! Kay's talent is certainly God-given!
    I totally believe, what goes around, comes around - and I'm sure not speaking just for myself when I say, I'm a better person for knowing you!
    Sorry for the late comment - we've been under the weather; I'm just now catching up!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Deborah AnnSeptember 8, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    Aahh, I love the Message!

    I believe with all my heart that giving thoughtful gifts such as cards is the love of God...in action! Gonna check out your friend's blog...

    ReplyDelete
  25. KaySeptember 9, 2010 at 5:17 AM

    I am sitting here amazed at the blessings in this post! Amazed at our God's creativity! This is the first time one of my cards has turned around to encourage me, and I stand amazed in His presence over it. Thank you for loving me and listening to His voice; I needed this boost right now and I am very thankful to you and God! I love you sister Mary!

    ReplyDelete

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