How great is the Father's love for us...

I am taking a class right now on the book of John. It is a great class and I am grasping all over again the love of the Father for me. I can't explain it exactly...I wish I could record the exact words of our teacher who explained it so well...

What I'm learning is His love for us is the same love He has for His Son- Jesus. I guess I have a hard time accepting this because I am a sinner and Jesus is not. I don't think I am worthy of the same love. Knowing He loves me this deeply, purely, completely is so humbling and makes me want to share that love with everyone around me. In John 17 we are invited into the love and unity the Trinity share. This is supposed to be the example unbelievers see and want a part of. But how many times have I (and other believers) not shown the world our love or unity? I am looking inwardly at my own heart that doesn't love or stand united with other believers and am trying to change it- asking the Lord to change it. I am praying other believers would do the same. Can you imagine what the world would say about Christians if we all did this? Most people see us as hypocritcal, judgmental and anything but loving. "Oh, Lord, may we grasp your LOVE so we can love those around us! May they see our unity and want to be apart of it. In spite of ourselves would your draw the lost to you?"

Cousins

That's right I'm an auntie! Nope, not of the human kind. Maggie now has a kitten cousin. Harlow came up to visit this weekend. We wanted to make sure she met Maggie before she was too big so they can be friends. They loved each other! Maggie like to follow Harlow around and wished she could fit in the tight corners like Harlow could. Harlow loved playing with Maggie's tail. By the end of the weekend they were cuddling with me on the couch. It was heaven! Maggie knows the name "kitty" now. It's fun being an auntie!

Giveaways...

I'm determined at some point to win something...anything! I have never had good "luck" with contests/drawings but I figure at some point I might be the recipient of a giveaway. Maybe it will be this one.

Fall

A fun blog I read asked us to share what we love about Fall.

What I love about Fall...

The leaves changing color...there a few spots in Portland I drive through that are gorgeous- tree lined streets with every tree a different color.

I love, love, love Pumpkin and Apple Cider candles- I burn them constantly in my house!

Decorating my house for Fall- it's the only time of year I like having orange decorations.

Adding mums to my pots on the front porch.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Baking- Fall reminds me of baking Zucchini or Pumpkin bread, coffeecake on Saturdays and pie!

Pulling out my sweaters and jeans (I'm not a big fan of summer clothes- though I like summer shoes better).

Starting fresh with a new school year, new programs at church, etc.

Last year was my first year to go to the Apple Tasting Festival at Portland Nursery and it was so fun!

I like Fall fruit- apples, peaches, pears.

I really enjoy the Holidays!

What do you love about Fall?