Tuesday, April 13, 2010

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS! (and giveaway)

Reading, writing, letting God's love drench me each and everyday. It amazes me how much I still need to learn about His unconditional love. He loves me because He loves me because He loves me because He loves me. That's who He is. Nothing that I can do or not do will ever change the waterfall of love that He has for me!

Literally soaking in this truth, I am splashing my children as well. Isn't this a foundation for everything, to know, dance, and breathe in His love. Imagine my delight when a children's book This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano arrived in my mail. The delightful pictures danced into my heart and I began to read.

Whimsical text, colorful snapshots of childhood complete with tossled hair and puppy kisses adorn the pages. A simple heartfelt prayer of a little one, revealing how our Abba God delights in the details of life and created childhood to delight all of us. Dreams, mistakes, childhood wrapped in words. Sweetness like "But most of all I'm grateful for your love that never ends" made me smile.

This book almost won my heart and was read to my boys, until alas, I turned to the last page. A simple phrase, seemingly harmless "I'd like to ask again. Please love me God, forevermore" cut to my core. Such a simple mistake, but one that would not be read in my home.

We don't ask God to love us, He already does! We cannot plead for Him to love us forever. He IS love. He created it. It is His nature to love us always. He cannot change who He is. Maybe it's because of all I am learning. Maybe it is because of this mommy's heart fighting to only represent the TRUE nature of God to my boys. Maybe it's because I am wrapped in His love and I only want others to be as well. His love that never fails and cannot be asked for because it already exists in such enormous measure, we just need to believe it.

Remember, I started reviewing to give books away. And I still am. I struggled a bit on how to give these books away (I have two) until a hint of creativity bubbled up. I cannot mail the book like it is to any of you, I care for your too much. So, the last page has been a bit doctored. You couldn't give it away as new, but maybe you'll smile each time you read it and feel splashed by God's love.

To enter into this giveaway, simply leave a comment about a cherished childhood memory (from your childhood, children you know, or even an encouragement for those of us with precious little ones at home right now). This book was provided for review by the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

13 comments:

Heart2Heart said...

Please don't enter me in your wonderful giveaway because I already have been blessed with reading this book as well. My niece confiscated my other copy and because it really blessed her life so much it became hers.


Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Unknown said...

I LOVE what you did to the final page! BEAUTIFUL!

AMEN AMEN AMEN! I will NOT read anything that tells a different story about the love of God - it is, it was and will forever be there for them NO MATTER WHAT!

I does sound like a book our children would enjoy. I would love to share the funny thing you did to ensure no child read this copy without hearing the TRUTH - completely!

Hugs and blessings Jill

Who is wrecked by the name Adonai today and His complete desire to be that in my life! Whoa to me! Oh how I long to serve You and You alone LORD! Help me in my unbelief and grow me to new heights with You! Humbled by Your love!!!!!!!

Searching for God in the everyday said...

Just wanted to say that I am so glad you are still posting. I really enjoy reading about your desire for God and how you follow Him with such passion...no matter what. Inspiring.
Cory =)

Karin Katherine said...

I can feel the outpouring of love. How sweet it is to remember the TRUTH.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that God has taught me and reminds me of His love. I went through a phase when I first became Christian. I thought if I messed up he would love me less. What a sad lie. God loves me not matter what.

Thanks for splashing.

Kristen Love said...

Your posts are great! :-)
My cherished childhood memory comes from my son:

He drew me two cherished pictures when he was five. One has a picture of the earth and it says, "God's True Creation" and the other is a picture of a big, red heart that says, "Nobody Can Love You Better Than Me!"
I like to think that God uses that big, red heart to remind me that He loves me so much!

Linda said...

Wonderful Sara! It is His love that draws us. It is so amazing, we can hardly believe it is true. If we can capture that truth from a young age, we will have a precious treasure. You're doing a great job, Mom.

Denise said...

Praying for God to bless your precious family always.

Joyce said...

Hi Sara...thanks for stopping by and for the sweet comment. I'm trying to get packed to go to my moms tomorrow and then she and I are off to Florida for the Living Proof event there. I'm excited...I've never heard Beth Moore in person but have done many of her bible studies.

I'll stop back and visit when I get back home Monday...it looks like there is lots to see here : )

Have a wonderful weekend!

Andrea said...

I totally agree...GOD loves us know matter what we do and I will not sway from teaching or implying that in any way with my kids or grandkids!

Blessings, andrea

Karen said...

Good for you in revising this book...the truth is what sets us free....

prashant said...

I can feel the outpouring of love. How sweet it is to remember the TRUTH.
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Dana said...

My favorite memory is one from my daughter.
We adopted her this past Dec. at age 8. Last year for her birthday, we took her to the beach for the very first time. I have a picture of her standing on a bench on the boardwalk, totally still, mouth agape. It was her first ever view of the ocean and she was just enthralled!! When it was time to leave, she turned to me and said, "Mommy, God is so cool." And i said, "Yup he is!!" And then she said, I think He must have made that beach just cause He loves us SOO much."
I will always, always remember that. :o)