When you use a credit card or other electronic payment, you might see a “transaction approved” notification appear as your payment goes through. Or, if you’re like me, you might not pay much attention to it unless the card reader malfunctions.
          
We’re so accustomed to being surrounded by advanced technology that we don’t always realize the extent to which we must be “approved.” Every transaction requires verification of our identity and account information (imagine the complexity of the computer system to carry out such transactions.   

But in our lives there is another type of approval we need, too--personal approval. (But it’s not as easy to access as the card reader at the grocery store checkout). At a youthful age, we often question ourselves, asking: Am I worthy of acceptance? Am I good enough? Do I measure up? 

For a long time I sought approval from others to validate my self-worth. Then, finally, I realized I no longer needed that kind of approval. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I was accepted—“approved”—just the way I was.  
   
Yet, if there was anyone who was not accepted or approved of, it was Jesus. He did no wrong and had no sin, but was condemned, arrested, and sentenced to death. He paid the price for my Salvation—and yours—on the cross.

Thankfully, Salvation is much simpler than electronic technology! God doesn’t require an affidavit to prove who you are, and you don't need to verify an account. 
 
Salvation comes by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior—and believing He died on the cross to save you from the sin of the world.   

Jesus accepts you just as you are—His “stamp of approval” is written across your heart. 
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Warm light seeped through the cracks in the window shutters, and the same warm light sent iridescent rays through the sky light in our home.  

This was light marking a new day, and today, on Mother's Day, the blessing of that light was everywhere. 

And in that light was love...in the eyes of those who gathered to celebrate mothers. 
 
Beautiful sentiments such as cards, flowers, or other gifts are given as a way to show our gratitude. Sometimes its hard to express just how thankful we are for that special person in our life--one who has been there for us from birth until her life on this earth is through. A mother's love--what can compare to it? 

The light is a gift from our God above, and so are mothers. The indescribable beauty of one's words or actions can come close to the feeling of gratitude we have for the love of a mother. I recall the look of awe on my mother's face when we would present her with our mother's day gifts. Often it was a hand-made card, along with candy, or flowers we'd gather from the backyard. These were the ways we showed our love in the best way we could, for often, we didn't have enough words to describe all we wanted to say. 

God knew what He was doing, and the effect of His love for His people is evident in the sharing of love on this special Mother's Day.

​May you have a Blessed Day, and know that the Light from Above--God's Love--was promised to you long ago!
 
Happy Mother's Day!