"You Better Believe It"

I watched a passionate verbal exchange between two actors the other night.

She has just proposed to him (oddly enough), and he’s acting all ridiculous, whiny and childlike. “All right, I’ll marry ya,” he says, finally. “Sheesh!”

“Are you sure?” She’s been serious the whole time.

Suddenly he gets serious. His posture changes. His tone’s about to change. One stride and he’s right here. “You bet your life.” And they kiss. The audience goes wild. Such a well-played scene.

Do you ever wonder if Jesus will rescind His offer of marriage? If maybe He’ll realize what a basket case you are (aren’t we all?) and how much time it’ll take until we’re even halfway ready to really be a faithful bride, and maybe change his mind. Even if most of your heart knows He won’t, do you ever wonder if maybe He might?

So, Jesus and I had an exchange the other night, only instead of Him saying, “You bet your life,” He said, “You better believe it.”

Playful. Passionate. But true words, huh? Believing He’s going to keep His promises gets us through the trials, through the waiting, through the doubts, through everything we’ve yet to experience this side of the heavenly aisle. Believing makes all the difference, soothes all the wounds, eases all the worries.

So, you’re standing opposite Jesus, mired in trouble, but hopeful. “Are You sure,” you ask Him. “I’m a mess.”

He strides close, leaving no room for doubts, no room for worries, no room for anything less. “You better believe it.”

Roses in the Window

Sometimes I’m just drawn to the floral department. I love flowers! They brighten my life—I know, sounds schmaltzy, but it’s true.

It’s February here, and though there’s no snow and the dormant grass is green, I could use some color, so about three weeks ago, my daughter and I bought some primroses and put them in planters in the yard. (Since then, I’ve had to baby them a bit through a rare 25-degree night or two. Welcome to the garage, dear flowers. Hope you enjoy your stay.) But they add beauty to the yard, to the view outside my writing office window.

This week, God directed me to the floral department at the local grocery store. Ahhh, the aroma of lilies. Some might say it’s overwhelming. I LOVE the rich fragrance of lilies. But I wasn’t there for cut flowers (gotta save that opportunity for my husband come Monday *wink*), I was there for potted plants. Roses. Mini-roses in all their loveliness. Red roses. The symbol of love.

Now, when I come into my office, I’m reminded of God’s love for me.

Several years back, I read (and re-read and re-read) a book called A Kiss A Day by Jamie Lash. It’s a great devotional based on the first two chapters of the Song of Songs and our intimate relationship with Jesus. One day she centered on God giving us roses. I began to pray He would. What followed were several instances of Him giving me roses, including a friend who had an extra bare-root rose plant his family wanted to give away which produced several gorgeous, fragrant red roses.

In what ways does God engage with you personally? He knows my love language is gifts, so He gives me gifts. What does He do in your life to show you His love on a regular basis? He’s a Lover, you know. He’s always wooing, always demonstrating His love. Watch for it like I’m gazing on the roses in my window.