Receiving Refreshment

Celebrations in Life

There are many joyous occasions that we gather together and celebrate throughout our lives: Birthdays, weddings, Births, Rites of passage, Promotions, Retirement, and in many cultures-Death. We leave these events feeling happy, and promise ourselves that we are going to make changes to have a more fulfilling life. However, resolutions based on feelings seldom are carried through, because emotions are not the foundation for making the needed change in our lives.

For those of us who acknowledge that we were created in the image of God celebrate on a daily basis. We maintain a spiritual connection to God through prayer, the study of His Word, Christian based music which honors God, just praising and expressing gratitude all day long.

Yesterday, I experienced how important our relationship with God is to our well-being. Prior to the Intercessory prayer being offered, the Deaconness reminded us that when we enter the church, we are in the presence of the Almighty God. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as we were invited to seize the opportunity of a “New Beginning” in our relationship with God. I am not relaying a feeling of a spiritual high in a church service: I experienced a complete transformation as I committed my life to God for as long as He gives me breath.

We were created to worship God. Through our daily study, prayer and praise we are celebrating God’s gifts of love, grace, and mercy. Take the time today to start a new beginning with God and you will have celebrations for the rest of your life.

Dear Lord, I love you©

The love I have for you can compare to no other

For you have loved me before I entered the world

You have protected me throughout my youth and guided my life into the joy of adulthood

As I matured into the wisdom of your will you have ordered my steps to serve others

So they may come to know of your wonderful love

and the gift of Salvation leading to eternal life

Lord, I thank you for your Love and your Favor

I thank you for allowing me to obtain completeness by giving me the gift of love

Please help me to be gentle, loving, and kind that others may see the joy that comes from serving you. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Dear Lord, I Love You is copyrighted and may not be reprinted without permission.