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Unconditional Love

By Fran Caffey Sandin

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ( I John 4: 7-8 NIV).

Judy's teen-age daughter, Corine, battled an eating disorder for years. Her revelation of it shocked Judy and her husband because outwardly Corine appeared the picture of health. When they tried to piece together a puzzle of shattered dreams Judy wondered…What happened? Where did we fail? How can we help our daughter overcome her problem?

Step by step, Judy discovered she had to wait for God to work in her daughter's life. In the meantime, she learned more about God's unconditional love for both of them as He met each at her own individual point of need. Isn't it great to know that God loves us as we are and that He loves us so much He keeps moving us to a higher spiritual plane?

Judy struggled to "let go" of her expectations and place her daughter in God's hands. Can you identify with her dilemma? Judy reached a turning point when she realized she could not change Corine, but could change her own attitudes. Have you ever been challenged in a similar way? Have you extended unconditional love, only to have the other person reject you? What happened then?

Exercising love is not just having a mushy, soft feeling; it is doing what is best for the object of that love and leaving that person's response in the Lord's hands. Sometimes it involves confrontation while other times it means staying quiet and prayerful while God weaves His Word into the fibers of our souls. Human love will often fail, but God's love never fails. As Judy learned, our goal is to become more like Him, the One who is love.

During life's trials, we can rest assured that God loves us. Nothing we do can make Him love us more. Nothing we do can make Him love us less. His love is unchanging, unfailing, and everlasting. God's demonstration of love for us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, when we did not deserve it, is the ultimate assurance of His unfailing love.

Dear Father, in a world filled with emptiness, and counterfeit "love" help us to obey your commands and set our hearts toward You first. Give us authentic faith that is loving and giving. May we recognize divine appointments and share Your love with others. In Jesus' name...Amen.

*Read the detailed account of Judy and her daughter in my book, Touching the Clouds.

Hello and Welcome!

Life is tough, but God is good.  God’s Word is a strong foundation that is indeed practical and relevant in our world today.  Scripture surely molds and changes us as we integrate it into our hearts and lives.  Paul’s example in I Thessalonians demonstrates spiritual fruit that remains.  I want these same elements to characterize my life to:

  • Present the gospel with boldness,
  • Give myself—in loving, supporting, cherishing,
  • Live without blame and above reproach,
  • Exhort and comfort others (as a mother to her children),
  • Expect God’s Word to work powerfully,
  • Condition others for persecution and suffering,
  • Always be ready for Christ’s return.

A personal relationship with Christ is the most exciting element for daily living. He came to give us an abundant life! (John 10: 10). He loves us and wants us to experience the fullness of His grace, joy, and peace. A joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 15: 13). I pray that you’ll find encouragement and hope through my writings and that God will bless you abundantly as you seek His face.

Warmly,
Fran __________________________________________________

Nothing is so warm and friendly as sharing a meal together with people you love. Each month I include a family-favorite recipe. You are welcome to copy and try it, and if you like it, share it with others.

Chocolate Brownie Cake

1 stick butter
1 cup cold water
1 cup salad oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
4 Tablespoons cocoa
½ cup buttermilk (or 1 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar in milk)
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda

Bring butter, water, and salad oil to boil. Pour over dry ingredients. Beat until creamy. Add buttermilk, soda, and eggs. Beat. Grease and flour a jellyroll pan (cookie sheet with sides) or use non-stick spray. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Prepare frosting.

FROSTING
1 stick butter
¼ cup cocoa
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 box powdered sugar (about 3- 3 1/2 cups)
1 tsp. vanilla

Bring butter, cocoa and buttermilk to a boil. Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Spread over cake while it is warm. The frosting will set when cool.

If you love chocolate, this is delicious, quick, and easy…perfect for a Valentine's Day treat.

Contents Copyright 2003-2012 by Fran Caffey Sandin
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