A Hallmark Moment

A hallmark is an official mark or stamp indicating a standard of purity, or any mark or special indication of genuineness and good quality. I had a bit of a "hallmark moment" in the middle of the Hallmark store this week.

I've never been a fan of those store created holidays. Reading Mother's Day and Father's Day cards reminds me of all I have missed over the years. "Thank you for always being there for me." "Thanks for supporting me and loving me unconditionally." "You molded me to the person I am today."

I didn't have a hallmark family, but I have been adopted into a new family, the family I received when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. Because of that I have my own hallmark (a mark of good quality). Ephesians 1:13 says "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit." When God looks at me, he doesn't see my sin or weak attempts to do good. Instead He sees my Hallmark, given to me through Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

I'm not a fan of those Hallmark (store) holidays, but with my Hallmark of Christ, I really have a reason to celebrate. God...He cared enough to send the very best: Jesus.

Ephesians 1:13-14 -- And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. (NIV)

Romans 8:15 -- So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (NLT)

Galations 4:4 -- You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. (The Message)

Thankful Thursday - 6/17

Five things I'm thankful for this week.


1. I heard back on my book proposal. The agent really likes the idea, but thinks it needs more work. So back to the drawing board. But so thankful she took the time to go over the pros and cons of my work with me. Really good feedback.

2. Friends, local & internets, who care about how I'm doing. Thanks y'all!

3. My in-laws are settling nicely into there new home at the Assisted Living Facility.

4. That I have neither 8 kids, nor the paparazzi following me around as a try to parent the 2 kids I do have.

5. To be home. I missed my bed, my shower, my dog, everything! It's lovely here (because it's home), and I appreciate it all the more after being away.

What are you thankful for this week?

Tasting the Difference

When I was dating my husband years ago, I was a big fan of frozen yogurt. I loved it. One evening we were on a date at the ice cream parlor. I had a scoop of my frozen yogurt treat, and he got an ice cream cone. As we sat enjoying our treats, he said "I don't know how you can eat that stuff."

"What do you mean?" I asked. "It tastes just like ice cream."

"Taste this," he said. Then I did it. I tasted his ice cream, right after I had eaten some of my yogurt. Oh my gosh! Where had he gotten that creamy delicious heavenly treat?!? And why was I eating dirt in a cone? It was disgusting. And so, next to the real thing, I realized I was only having an unappealing imitation, not the real creamy, yummy goodness of ice cream. (And a few pounds later, I'll bet he regrets showing me the difference. LOL!)

In life, we often fill up on many things. Our careers, our hobbies, our kids, our friends, food, television. We think these are all good things and we stuff ourselves with them, enjoying life. Then somehow, someway, we get a taste of Jesus.

Perhaps a friend shares with us, or we visit a church. It can be an accidental viewing of Billy Graham as you switch the channels, but you get a little bit of Jesus. Then suddenly all the things you were filling up with seem less appetizing. You realize they were just imitations. Nothing can compare with Jesus. He's the real thing. Accept no imitations.

And He's 100% calorie free. ;-)

Psalm 34:8 -- Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Matthew 26:26-28 -- While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.