I was going to share with you some pumpkin recipes that I’ve created over the years including stews, soups, side dishes, oatmeal, cookies, and bars. However, my heart has been weighing heavy. I really felt the need to share something else with you … Jesus loves you.
No, really, he does.
The stories are true. Jesus walked this earth and humbly lived his life to teach us how to live our own. He died on a cross and three days later rose again to give us, you and me, the hope of a life everlasting. Along the way, disciples, prophets, and missionaries have paved the way to show us, you and me, just how real our God is even today that we may continue living for God, shining our light, that others may come to believe in Him as we wait upon the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
You know, when I think on this world and everything that is in it, it’s depressing. It brings me down, brings me sorrow. There is so much suffering. Goodness, when I shared this post on anxiety, it brought me to tears to see so many people living their lives in fear, daily. Praise God, I am finally overcoming my own anxiety (a post I will share soon), but friends it’s so much more. I’ve been seeing so many people un-content, seeking for more, seeking for a purpose and then I’ve seen self righteousness, bickering among believers, gossip, and chatter … noise. I turn to facebook and see a stream filled with every ailment you may have and a cure to go along side it. I’ve seen ebola, murder, suicide, and death.
In the midst of all of this noise, I want to whisper to you … Jesus loves you.
Right now, I can hear the rugged sound of my rooster crowing outside in the crisp autumn air. Leaves in brilliant colors of yellow, red, and orange are starting to blanket the earth, a sure reminder that the seasons are moving as He planned. I can hear my child gently breathing, in and out, while tucked (oh so warmly) in his bed and I feel Him … Jesus is here.
Life is difficult and as we get older, it seems more so. I certainly don’t want to carry a cross that Jesus has already carried for me. So I pray for you, that each one of you finds the true and living God. That you come to fall into the warm embrace of our Jesus. That you surrender your will for His. He’s waiting for you … pray.
For those of you new to this Jesus thing or are searching for peace, turn to your Bible. I’d encourage you to start with the gospel. Read about what Jesus did and what he said. Start with the book of Luke and pair it with a good bible study like this one. Find out who this Jesus really is. Then, move onto Acts and find out who this Paul guy is (one of my hero’s!). A man that loved Jesus so much, that he spent his life dedicated to telling people that, yes, Jesus loves you.
When you start your day in prayer and dive into his word, you’ll notice that your days flow much different. You won’t feel alone. In the contrary, you’ll feel connected as you walk with the Lord and find strength and power in Him to overcome your day.
You’ll then start to hunger for God and thirst for his word. It’s truly amazing.
This morning, I just want to let you know that I am praying for each and every one of you today. Wherever your struggle may be, know that He loves you. That He died for you. Really, meditate on that. If your struggling today, take a walk in His creation, step out of the noise, the chatter of social media and the television. Choose joy and live your life today because tomorrow is not guaranteed.
I love you all,
Diana
Dena Norton says
This is so beautiful and life-giving, Diana! Thanks for sharing it.
Leslie says
Thank you for this blessing this morning! I really needed to hear it.
Judy Pottier says
Amen! Isaiah 55:1a “Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters;”
Angela says
Beautiful and just right! I have noticed that if I don’t start my day in prayer with him I don’t have the peace and patience I need. When people ask me how I can homeschool I just tell them God. Without him I would be just as impatient as everyone else, but with him we can do anything.
Jardon Thomassie says
Wonderful Post! Such great words of encouragement that I truly needed to hear today! Thank you for keeping your readers in your prayers! I will keep you in mine!
Amy J. says
Thank you, Diana!
Marta says
Diana,
It is exactly what I needed today!!! Thank you and God bless you!
Marta
Diana says
Thank you for keeping us all in your prayers. Have been praying for months that my husband finds a job, your praise of Jesus today has given me even more hope. Blessings on you and your family and all of your followers. We have many blessings to be thankful for.
Vickie says
Thank you for these wonderful words today, Diana. I do have a small prayer request for my daughter-in-law’s father. He has been judged terminally ill with skin cancer and has been having a rough time with it. Last week the tumors in his belly got so big they cut off his gall bladder and he had to have a stent placed, which alleviated some, but not all, of his pain. This week he has a fever of 104, but the doctors can’t figure out why. All I ask is that he not have so much pain, but instead have more peace and less anxiety. It’s terribly hard on his loved ones to see him in so much pain, and I wish we could also pray for their peace and acceptance in this horrible ordeal. Thanks.
BTW – I will be waiting for those pumpkin recipes! 😀
SJ Smith says
May God continue to bless you… and thankyou for the reminder that we have a choice in what we listen to.
To choose to focus on the beauty of Life, to choose His Word, to choose comfort in fellowship and joy.
Beverly says
Thank you for sharing what God laid upon your heart today! What an awesome thing to know that Jesus Loves Us!
Mariann says
Thank you for this message Diana, it has helped me a lot. All your words are absolutely true and I feel encouraged and hopeful. Best timing ever 🙂
Susan says
I have been really overwhelmed and struggling today with anxiety about myself and other sick family members. I so needed this to read and think about tonight. I pray for a brighter tomorrow for us all. Night night.
lyss says
This is beautiful! Thank you for being a testimony and standing up for Jesus!
Since you asked…I have a lady by the name of Sarah on my heart today that needs a miracle. She is on life support after attempted suicide. Her family is unsure if she has trusted in Christ. We are praying that she will pull through and that God will be glorified.
Ginny says
Beautiful and life giving! Amen! Thanks for sharing! Glad to discover your blog today. 🙂
Kathy says
Thank you for walking out in faith and sharing the Good News! This beautiful message always refreshes the soul.
Paul Hetzer says
I love your naturally fermented pickle recipe. My question for you is can this method be used with thin skinned peppers like hot banana and jalapeno’s?
Thank you. Paul.
Susan says
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I really need them today. I know Jesus loves me and always will but a reminder here and there never hurts anyone.
So sorry for the unkind words of some followers. Don’t let it discourage you from sharing the love of Jesus. I hope and pray they will come back because this is a sincere site. Right now is a hard time for all.
I do feel the same way as you do on abortion. Thank you for speaking out on it. A lot of people do not think it is something we should be focusing on in an election but it truly is. It’s one of the reasons we are going through what we are today in our nation.
Thank you again and I will be waiting on future shares❤️?
Diana Bauman says
I’m glad to hear that, Susan. Thanks for the encouraging words. <3