“Can I have the “rool-uh, Mommy?” our youngest daughter asked. She’d grin as I’d hand her the old wooden ruler we kept in the kitchen drawer. Beverly excitedly ventured from one room to the next, measuring everything to her heart’s content. I gave her a tape measure for the oversized items.  
     
In school, Beverly had an affinity for numbers, excelled in math and earned excellent grades. But even with this ability, advanced courses subjected her and her classmates to complicated and challenging problems.   
  
Such is life: complicated and challenging. At such times, how we wish the answers we seek would be as easily obtainable as a child's measurements with a ruler!  
     
Mathematicians prove answers to equations. Scientists prove theories. But there is much in our earthly existence that defies explanation or measurement. For example, how does one explain—or measure—love, faith, or the capacity of the human heart?   

Despite the wealth of knowledge humankind has accumulated throughout the ages, there are some things science is unable to prove.       
  
Just as children depend on their parents or teachers to answer their many questions, so, too, we seek answers to difficult questions. We yearn to know the truth; yet, when we have exhausted our resources at hand, how do we seek beyond our capacity to know or understand?
    
There is one thing we can do—have faith and a belief in a Higher Power. There is One who knows all—God, the Master Designer, Creator, the Alpha and the Omega, the Source of life, the reason for our existence.   
 
Verses about God's Creation (Intelligent Design) are found throughout the Bible. A few verses relating to God's use of "measurement" in His Creation are found in the Book of Job: 
 
“Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.” – Job 11:9
“When He imparted weight to the wind and meted out the waters by measure,” – Job 28:25
"Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it?” – Job 38:5.

And a favorite verse of mine from Ephesians 3:19 about love:  “…to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” 
  
There is much in this world that is beyond our understanding, but there is one thing we can be assured of: God gives us the full measure of His love—the extent of which is immeasurable!
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(photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com)
  

It's that time of year again when we celebrate love. Valentine's Day is just behind us, but the heartfelt sentiment expressed for our loved ones goes beyond a specified day or hours.                

Your presence, the traces of "you" are found in many places, but do you ever wonder about the unseen marks you leave in your world?  

If someone were to look for evidence of where you've been (let's exclude GPS in this example), you would easily be tracked by your fingerprints. And, speaking of fingerprints, isn't it amazing that there is no one else on earth with fingerprints just like yours?     

You and I leave fingerprints everywhere. But what if we left "Heart prints" every time we expressed love, care, sympathy, or concern for others? What a visual expression that would be, extending throughout the world! Hopefully, our Heart prints would be even more numerous than our fingerprints. With the earth "stamped with love," might it look like one giant Valentine? 

The God of Creation long ago set His "Heart print" on you, fashioning you with utmost detail, and creating you with His everlasting, indescribable love.   

Now, that's something to celebrate, not only on Valentine's Day, but every day. Love shouldn't have an expiration date!         

Wherever you go and whatever you do, know that you are loved more than you will ever know.   

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"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." - John 15:12

"Do everything in love." - Corinthians 16:14

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." -
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 

(Adapted from a blog post on 2-14-2017 N. Johnson)
Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com     
 

How are you doing with 2024, the goals you hope to reach, or other things you'd like to accomplish? 

I made goals and a list, but I'm still playing catch-up. I wonder if I can do everything I'd set out to do.        

You may or may not be in the same boat, but many people (myself included) are visited by P-r-o-c-r-a-s-t-i-n-a-t-i-o-n. Oh, that word; it's as long as it's definition!  

Procrastination is not welcome, but I've inadvertently let it in. And I'm not alone. Why do we sometimes delay in doing the things we planned to do? From my experience, it's often due to one of two things: (1)My to-do list is too long and I feel overwhelmed by it, or (2)The "What Ifs" intrude with negative thoughts like, "What if I fail?"     

The problem with the "What Ifs" is that they can keep us from moving ahead.   

I thought about my objectives: I needed to leave my comfort zone. I want to get my writing out into the world. I never saw myself as someone who could get up in front of people to speak, but recently, I succeeded. It helps if you can talk about something you are passionate about.  

My new book, "Just One Good Thing - A Faith-Inspired Recipe for Optimism," is being released soon by AMG Publishing. I am excited, and I have the opportunity to get the word out. My heart rejoices in sharing these inspirational stories of faith, focusing on what is good in a world drenched in negativity.     

But as we know, we need courage to take a chance.

Many of the characters of the Bible had to step out of their comfort zone despite the "What If" moments and facing fear. Moses doubted his ability to speak to Pharaoh and lead the people out of Egypt. Jeremiah lacked the confidence to send a warning message to people who turned away from God. Jonah was sent to preach but was afraid. David feared Goliath, yet he succeeded in slaying the giant. Daniel feared when he was thrown into the lion's den but didn't lose hope.  

Many others dealt with fear, too. But they had one thing in common: they trusted God, listened to Him, and knew He was with them.     

The same God who helped His people then still helps His people today—that's you and me. 

The next time you begin to worry or feel afraid, remember you have a great God who is bigger than your fears. It's okay to take a chance. Trust in Him and step out in courage!   
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"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What will mere mortals do to me?" - Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com