This week has been hard in so many ways.
Our beloved Mamaw Underwood is slowing fading from this earth. And we are thankful for the almost 92 years she has lived and the way she has loved her family so well. But we are keenly aware that her days here are few and soon she will be healed and whole in the presence of the Lord.
Tuesday I was able to help her hospice nurse give her a bath. As we gently lifted her tiny arms and legs and washed her hair, I thought about what a holy thing we were doing, what it is to be able to care for someone who has cared for so many.
The living room became a sanctuary, the hospital bed an altar, and our hands did holy work because when we love others and serve them, we are offering a sacrifice. And just like the levitical sacrifices, I believe there was an aroma “pleasing to the Lord” in that space.
As I leaned over her bed, whispering my love and gratitude for her, promising her we’d take care of Aunt Norma, her adult daughter who has so selflessly cared for her mother, and praying for her to know how much she has meant to me, I couldn’t stop the tears.
I thought of all the ways Mamaw has shown her love to all of us—keeping bacon and cherry tomatoes in the fridge for her great-grandchildren, always asking about the things going on in our lives, bringing the best ham to Thanksgiving, absorbing the joy of Christmas morning with her family gathered round.
But the most powerful way she has shown her love is her faithful testimony of faith and prayer. She’s built her life around the truth of God’s Word and been a prayer warrior for each of us.
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I recently received a copy of Jennifer Rothschild’s newest book, 66 Ways God Loves You. And as I meandered through the pages, I was struck by how much God really does love us, how deep His desires for us are.
Jennifer carefully outlines the way we see God’s love revealed in each book of the Bible. Her writing is beautiful and inspiring but also powerful and encouraging.
But what I love the most about this little book is this:
As I read Jennifer’s words, I wanted to spend more time in His Word.
Mamaw’s love for us has been rooted in her awareness of God’s love for her. And, honestly, I think we could all do with a reminder about how much we are loved by the God of all creation.
xoxo,
Teri Lynne
If you are looking for a beautiful gift for a special women or even teenage girl in your life, may I recommend 66 Ways God Loves You? Or maybe it’s you who needs a way to remember how precious you are to God? This little book is perfect to tuck in your quiet time basket or into your tote bag. The chapters are short and easy to read. I honestly can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be encouraged by reading it.
You can pick up your copy at major book sellers or order online. If you’re an Amazon Prime customer, you can have it in your hands in just two days. {Below is my affiliate link to order from Amazon. If you order through it, I’ll receive a small commission which I will undoubtedly use to buy more books.}
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