ABCs of Jesus’ Love
Visit this page anytime and let me know if you’d like to add to the words describing Jesus’ love along with a verse supporting it. Remember, there is also a print-out of the original list.
This month I have added another “G” Word:
❤︎ Giving Love ❤︎
“That is what the Son of Man has done:
He came to serve, not to be served —
and then to give away His life in exchange
for many who are held hostage.”
Mark 10:45 The Message
Books
I am not always able to keep up with the abundance of books that promote hope, healing, and freedom, so I haven’t always read every one I post here and on the Books Page. Though many are on my long wish list. 🙂 Many will be from recommendations of online friends. If you ever know of a book that is not listed and that supports this website’s mission, please let me know. 🙂
66 Ways God Loves You by Jennifer Rothschild
(I love how Jennifer portrays every book of the Bible as a continuing love letter from God. I found so much hope in this book. I read it as a devotional, focusing on one way each day.)
“God’s Word is many things—instructive, historical, poetic. Yet to Jennifer Rothschild, the Bible is also an incredible love letter. In 66 Ways God Loves You, she walks you through each of the sixty-six books of the Bible and shows, in concise and thoughtful ways, how every book reflects God’s love for each of us, such as:
- In Genesis God fashions me with His hands.
- In Esther He makes me royalty.
- In Acts God’s Spirit comes to live in me.
- In I Peter God gives me victory over suffering.
Each chapter includes a short, meaningful reading on the message of that book in the Bible, along with a simple takeaway to help apply the message to your own life.
Whether you are a new believer, struggling with doubt, questioning your self-worth, or just looking to celebrate God’s unwavering love for you, join Jennifer as she opens the Word in fresh, beautiful ways to show you how God’s love is the common thread that runs through every single page.”
Here is an inspiring, hope-filled 5-minute video of Jennifer’s Story.
She lost her independence when she lost her sight,
but she gained a deeper dependence on God.
Hope Harbor
💞 Links That Inspire Hope and Healing 💞
💞 What You Believe Matters by Dr. Michelle Bengston – “When the way is unclear, when the road is rocky and painful, when my heart feels shattered, I have to remind myself of what I believe, what I know to be true.” – Michelle shares several hope-filled verses for when we feel broken and battered in life’s storms.
💞 Do the Next Thing by Vaneetha Rendall Risner – Are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed? “I had to do the next thing in the strength that God provided. And trust he would supply what I needed. While the future looked dim and unknown, I knew that everything was under his loving sovereign control. I had to take God’s hand in the dark, trust he would guide me and then act on the information I had in front of me.”
💞 Searching for Signficance – This 7-day devotional by Wycliffe Bible Translators dives into God’s view of our worth. Each day explores a different part of God’s perfect plan for our lives, how nothing can satisfy our longings for significance and worth besides Jesus, and how He ultimately wants us to find purpose and significance through bringing Him glory.
Nature Retreat
” While I know myself as a creation of God,
I am also obligated to realize and remember
that everyone else and everything else
are also God’s creation.”
~ Maya Angelou
I took these photos in 2013 while my husband and I were driving the Wildlife Loop Road through Custer State Park and through Bear Country.
🐾 On The Wing Photography – Mia McPherson’s bird and nature photography site contains blog posts with her photos and the stories behind the images plus her photo galleries of more than 6000 photos of birds, wildlife, and flowers and trees along with landscapes.
🐾 Evosia Studios – You can’t help but be awed at the beauty and power of our Creator when you view Henry Jun Wah Lee’s spectacular photos and videos.
🐾 Ocean Galleries – National Geographic’s ocean galleries of various beautiful views of the ocean and of fascinating sea creatures
Quotes
❤︎ “Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” ~ Mother Teresa
❤︎ “Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action.” ~ Mother Teresa
❤︎ “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Freed to Fly 
I love your photos, Trudy! There is such amazing variety in God’s creation. And the book sounds good too- it sounds like a great way to reflect on the message of God’s love all through the Bible. Thanks for sharing these!
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Thank you, Lesley. Yes, there is such an amazing variety in God’s creation. I am so awed by His unique creations. Jennifer’s book has really reinforced to me how God’s love is in His Word from beginning to end. May we daily dive ever deeper into the bottomless fountain of His love!
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Beautiful photos, Trudy, and what a fabulous list of recommended reads! Like you, I’m way behind the eight ball in books I would like to read for inspiration – have to watch the wallet, too! One book I read a while back by Carol Graham is Battered Hope. One cannot believe all the trials and tribulations Carol and her family endure, but one thing remains – she never gives up hope that God will see her through. Highly recommended!
Blessings!
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Thank you, Martha. It seems lately I am gravitating more to fiction. I still read nonfiction, but it always takes me longer to read those. I usually get fiction from the library, but I purchase nonfiction, but I do have to watch the wallet, too! I looked up Battered Hope on Amazon. I read what little they show and was riveted. It already made me wonder how she could get through it all. Amazing Grace! I put it on my long wish list. Thank you for the recommendation! I found out, too, that she has a website called Never Ever Give Up Hope. May God keep hope alive in our battered hearts and lives!
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Trudy, Once again I am in awe of the way that you find such a perfect combination of books, quotes, photos, and links to share every month! Thank you for the beautiful video also. What an encouraging story! God truly does bring such HOPE to us. Blessings and Hugs to you!
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Thank you for your kind words, Bettie. I enjoy doing it. Yes, isn’t Jennifer’s story inspiring? It encouraged me as well. I’m so grateful for having sight. If I lost it, I would be so lost. But God… Right? Our chronic illnesses can really get us down, but God gives sufficient grace for each day, doesn’t He? And He gives us also a deeper dependence on Him through the losses. Yes, God truly does bring HOPE to us! May we lean hard into Him and His unfailing love and new-every-morning mercy!
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I so understand the abundance of books Trudy! And not being able to get to them all. It can be overwhelming sometimes for sure. I love the quotes you shared on love. I feel my heart softening lately, wanting to spread the love message more, and you help me do this by sharing your heart. Thank you.
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Thank you for your kind words, Lynn. I, too, get overwhelmed with the abundance of books that are out there. You said your heart is softening and wanting to spread the love message more. From everything I have read on your blog, you do already spread it. 🙂 May we daily fill our hearts at the fountain of Jesus’ bottomless well of love so that His love pours out to all around us!
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Trudy, what an uplifting collection of books, links and quotes. Jennifer’s book sounds like a really good one. We need those reminders of just how much God loves us, don’t we? And your photos . . . beautiful! It looks like you guys must’ve had a wonderful, scenic vacation! And the Mother Teresa quote spoke to me. Thanks for providing many reasons to smile today!
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Thank you, Jeanne. I’m so glad you found this collection uplifting and a particular quote spoke to you. I love that it gave you many reasons to smile today! 🙂 I know you’re going through a stressful time lately. Jennifer’s book is a really good one. I like how you put it that we need reminders “of just how much God loves us.” Not just reminders that He loves us, but reminders of the depth of His love for us. May we dive ever deeper into how much God loves us!
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Wow, Trudy. The photos are beautiful but the video spoke to me. I’m going to play it for several others. I have not lost my sight, but vision is very challenging for me. No one expects that. I can’t drive either, so the video spoke right to me. Thank you my friend. I would never had seen this if you hadn’t taken the time to leave a comment. God is good….I see it all the time. Today, in the way he connected two blog friends.
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Thank you, Anita. I’m so sorry your vision is challenging for you. I knew you have a lot of struggles, but I didn’t know it also affected your vision. That must be so scary. I’m so delighted that the video spoke to you! Yes, God is good! I am so grateful He connected us. 🙂 May our losses keep driving us to a deeper dependence on Christ and His unfailing love and all-sufficient grace!
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Hi Trudy! I always love to see what books you are recommending and as usual you definitely didn’t disappoint this month ;). 66 Ways God Loves You looks wonderful. I’ll have to add it to my list. Your online space looks beautiful! I think you’ve had a bit of a makeover while I’ve been offline. I hope all is well with you, friend.
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Thank you, Candace. Yes, I did change the site some since you’ve last seen it. I hope all is well with you, too. It’s so nice to “see” you again here. I have missed you, but I understand. How is your daughter doing with her marine biologist work? I hope I can see some photos someday. 🙂 Jennifer’s book is wonderful. It helped me to see how God’s love runs through His Word from beginning to end. May He lead us ever deeper into His healing love!
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Hi Trudy! Your photos of Custer State Park brought back memories of our trip there a few years ago. We brought carrots for the burros, and my husband loved feeding them. They seem so tame, and man, are they pushy! I stayed in the car while hubs fed them, and they came up to me and stuck their heads into the car looking for more. Yikes!
I have heard of Michelle Bengston, but I’m not sure from where. Thank you for sharing her book here, and what an inspiration Jennifer Rothschild life is. Losing your sight would be such a tough burden, and yet she looks so happy. With God, so much is possible.
Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Ceil
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What a good idea to bring carrots, Ceil. 🙂 We both stayed in our van, but we had such fun with how they put their heads through our windows. It was a memorable trip. It’s hard to believe it has been almost 4 years ago.
Michelle is a counselor who herself went through a period of depression. She wrote a book called Hope Prevails. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s about her journey through depression. Her blog posts are encouraging as she is going through a lot. It’s amazing how God is using Jennifer. As she says, her loss of independence has given her a deeper dependence on God. I love her book 66 Ways God Loves You. May we daily depend on God, trusting Him and His plan with all our hearts!
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Lovely assortment this month, friend! Your photos are great! What a neat drive.
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Thank you, June. Yes, it was a neat drive. I love vacations where we can admire God’s painted landscapes and unique creatures. 🙂 God’s love and beauty are so clearly displayed, aren’t they? I hope you are feeling better! May God lead us ever deeper into the wonders of His love and beauty!
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Hi Trudy,
Those donkeys look just like the ones I met in Georgia! Love all the wildlife — in its proper habitat, of course! (haha) Is Custer State Park near where Custer fought his last battle? And Jennifer’s life story and books are inspiring — she’s a remarkable writer. Happy spring, Trudy! xoxo
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I love wildlife in its proper habitat, too, Valerie. The wildlife are protected and free to roam at Custer State Park. Sometimes they even roam into campgrounds. I love the wildlife loop, because it takes one out into the animals’ normal habitat. Some animals though, like the donkeys, get pretty chummy with the tourists. Custer State Park is named after Custer and is in the Black Hills of SD, but his last stand was actually near the Little Bighorn River in Montana. Yes, Jennifer’s life story and books are inspiring. Technically it’s not spring here yet. We just had almost 8 inches of snow on Friday and another inch or so last night. But I’m so glad we can now say this month is spring! So Happy Spring anyway! May new life renew and refresh our spirits!
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H Trudy- This book looks great! What a great idea to do- look at each book from that lens. I like that- It has a pretty cover too!! I am going to add it to my list! I love the pictures! Thats crazy that you saw all them so close! How fun! Thanks for bringing me peace tonight- Just by being at your site! xoxox
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Thank you for your kind words, Susie. I’m so glad you find peace here. Jennifer’s book is well worth reading. Inside pages have that same pretty design throughout the book for each love letter each book teaches us. I can imagine you coming up with such a pretty design. 🙂 I hope you have been able to keep up with your art lessons. May God impress it into our hearts that He has specially and beautifully designed us, too, for a unique purpose!
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Just watched the video with my husband. Thank you again.
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You’re so welcome, Anita. Thank you for sharing it with others. It’s amazing how God works and sends us timely encouragement. I’m sure your husband was encouraged by it as well. When we are hurting and struggling, our husbands hurt with us, don’t they? I actually just watched it again. It’s such a blessing that even if it isn’t well with our situations, it is still well with our souls. May God be with you and give you an extra measure of grace as you go through all these struggles!
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Beautiful as always Trudy! Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King are two of my favorites. They both can supply an endless amount of quotes. I bet you loved being able to take those photographs of the animals. They are amazing. Here’s to a new month and all that it will bring!
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Thank you, Mary. I love their quotes, too. So much insight and wisdom in them. Yes, I loved being able to take the photos. 🙂 I love taking any nature photos, so it’s nice when there’s more variety. I love your nature photos, too. May God give us a deep trust that He who created it all has all things in control in this messy world!
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Trudy, it taken me ages to access all areas here today, because I just couldn’t help but click over to the links and read on… and on…but I’m so pleased I did. Vaneetha Rendall Risner’s post and Jennifer Rothschild’s trailer and book spoke profoundly to me. I needed to be reminded to just “do the next thing”, because I always stall when too many things are clamouring for my attention or life gets more demanding.
Jennifer’s story is so moving. I saw her as a guest on James and Bettie Robinson’s ‘Life Today’ show many years ago and was deeply touched then as now. Your wildlife images are great too! And I can truly relate to the saying “so many books, so little time” when there are a huge number I desire to read but probably will never complete in this lifetime. I haven’t even touched on the fabulous quotes either, of which Mother Teresa’s are a firm favourite. Thank you for gathering such treasure for us each month. It’s always a great discovery and enjoyable feast for mind and soul! Bless you. xo ❤
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Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to read and watch the video, Joy. I’m so grateful God used some of it to speak to you. Vaneetha and Jennifer have both been through deep trials. They understand us and can offer so much hope in Jesus. Vaneetha has written a book, too – The Scars That Have Shaped Me. It’s still on my long wish list. I know her blog posts are encouraging. That “Do the Next Thing” really spoke to me as well. May God help us day by day to keep taking the next step, trusting He’s got us! I hope and pray your husband is improving and you are getting enough rest.
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Trudy! What amazing pictures. I haven’t read Jennifers book, but I did see her speak one time at our church’s women’s retreat a long time ago… she walked dangerously close the edge of the stage once and then laughed at all of us that where holding our breath. I love your pictures too. such clear, crisp shots… I am your neighbor at #CoffeeForYourHeart -sorry I am a day behind in comments, I was working on getting my first blog linkup up and running and solving some technical issues… I would love for you to join me and link up your posts if you like… here is the link (feel free to delete it, if you feel it should be here) https://www.facebook.com/Dare-2-Hear-213736681987432/
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Thank you taking the time to visit, Debbie. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. Thank you for sharing a story about Jennifer. Her loss has given her a deeper trust in God, hasn’t it? I’m sorry, but I am not on Facebook, but I will leave the link here in case someone else wants to check it out. 🙂 May we learn an ever deeper trust in God and His plan!
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Thank you for sharing Jennifer’s video. I use to read her blog. I needed this encouragement today for my own life. Blessings!
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Oh Barbie, I am so glad this encouragement came at a time you really needed it. God has perfect timing, doesn’t He? Blessings to you, too! May we through all our losses gain a greater dependence on God and a deeper understanding of His unconditional love for us!
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So many good things you recommend here, Trudy! Michelle’s book and “Do the Next Thing” both sound particularly relevant to me. I love these pictures you took of the animals. I wonder what it would feel like to look outside our door and see those animals every day. 🙂 Such a powerful quote: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Thanks for sharing all these goodies!
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Thank you, Lisa. I’m so glad you found goodies you enjoyed or are relevant to you. Oh yes, I’d love it if we could look outside our door and see those animals every day! I love that quote, too. I have heard a lot about friends becoming enemies in these last months because of the election, and it’s so sad. My heart aches when we can’t love each other even if our opinions differ. I know you are a promoter of love as well, and I love that about you. May our hearts fill so full of Jesus and His love that it will overflow to all around us!
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