God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6a NIV

To prepare for this devotion, I turned to the dictionary for a definition of “family.” There were several definitions, but the one I preferred was: “Group with something in common.” Rather than concentrate on immediate relatives, I turned my thoughts to the extended family.

In 1982, my husband’s maternal relatives gathered in Broken Bow, Nebraska to observe the one-hundredth wedding anniversary of Perry and Ellen Beard Dady, the patriarch & matriarch of the family. Three of their children attended, with approximately eighty other family members. The gathering was so successful, the family decided to meet on a two-year basis.

Our relatives are scattered from coast-to-coast and to accommodate the various families, we meet in different locations. Except for the blood tie, there is a great diversity among us. Some have large families, some no children at all. Our occupations vary greatly. There isn’t any particular physical trait that sets the Dady family apart from other family groups. We differ in many ways, but during the few days of our reunion, the family bond is evident.

The early family members were dedicated Christians so, in addition to the blood tie, the common denominator that binds us is our Christian faith. We come from a wide group of denominations yet, during our time together, we are ONE in Christ Jesus.

From the beginning, God instituted the family group, providing the pattern of what a family should be—father, mother and children, gathered together under one roof to serve Him. Unfortunately, we’ve deviated from that original plan. Starting with Adam, Eve, and their children, the family was altered by sin and, still today, Satan attacks the sanctity of the home to accomplish his purposes. Although the foundation of the family has weakened, numerous Christians, like ours, still hold the banner high. Faith and family march hand-in-hand as a strong Christian witness.

What is the secret of a strong family faith? It really isn’t a secret, but is explained to us in Paul’s message to Timothy. When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee.

Families are built one generation at a time. Where are you with your family? Make Christ the center and let Him make it strong.

Irene Brand began writing inspirational novels in 1984. With forty-five books and over 2 million copies in print, Irene still holds to her grassroots of faith, family and friends.

Irene and her husband live in rural West Virginia. Her newest novel, Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska will be released next month with Summerside Press.
Read Irene’s devotions.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
I Corinthians 13:13 NIV

My hands flew to my mouth, my breath caught in my throat, and tears sprang to my eyes. Standing in a little gift shop in Dillsboro, North Carolina, I was staring at a plaque that read, “I never knew how much love my heart could hold until somebody called me Grandma.” If you have grandchildren, I’m sure you will agree that a truer statement has never been made.

Love is a funny thing. It has to be given away in order to grow and multiply. Just like God gives us the measure of faith, He pours His very own love into our hearts and it’s up to us what we do with both—invest and get a return, or horde and become stagnant.

Many parents (and grandparents) worry while awaiting the birth of a second, third, or fourth child. They fear they can never love another child as much as they love the first. The truth is, when we finally see the next baby face-to-face and hold that tiny bundle in our arms, our hearts begin to overflow with love and we cannot imagine life without this new little person. Love just keeps on growing and spilling over.

Sometimes we can be selfish with what God gives us. We carefully pick and choose who to pour our love into. We act like there’s only so much love to go around and we need to ration it and strategically decide how to use it. That’s never God’s plan. Agape love (the love of God or the God-kind-of-love) values everyone as valuable and precious. It puts others first and is always giving. When we allow God to take up residence in us, that’s the kind of love He brings with Him—in abundance. We can keep it packed away, saving it for a “rainy day,” or we can draw from it moment-by-moment and live a life of peace, contentment and unspeakable joy.

The song says, “Love makes the world go ‘round.” The Bible says there is faith, hope and love, but the greatest, by far, is love. You may not think you have much to give, but you always have love. The more you give, the more you get back . . . and then some.

For God so loved that He gave . . .

So, what does He expect from us? Love extravagantly. Receive love gratefully. Love is what life is all about.

Love never fails. Try it—you won’t be disappointed.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

“I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

“You have to see these wedding pictures.” My sister crowed after recently attending a friend’s wedding.

Weddings are a big deal, aren’t they? The music, the flowers, the dress–not to mention the bride and the groom– all need to meet certain specifications and expectations.
The words have to be right, the promises have to be kept, and the wedding beautiful and edible. Pressure.

The preparations for food, for clothes, for guests are downright tedious and eat away at your pocketbook. Thank goodness I’m not in the middle of wedding plans for my children yet. Thank-you, Lord. Oh and while I’m praising you, will you please prepare their future mates? Thank-you, again, Lord.

I wonder. What is the best part of a wedding ceremony? Without doubt, other than wedding cake, the best part of a ceremony is the moment the groom sees his bride. No, the best part is the wedding kiss. No—that’s always too long. The best part is the exchange of wedding vows—yes.

“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ’till death do us part.”

If you’ve neglected the daily ceremony of dressing as God’s betrothed, start over and walk down the aisle of faith, allowing Him to lead each day. Where are you in your relationship to Christ— just engaged, honeymoon period, seven-year-itch, silver or golden years, or uncommitted? Jesus wants to be your lifelong partner. Clothe yourself in His salvation.

As you unite your life with Christ, for better or for worse, beware of the uninvited guest who gobbles up the cake and contract. His specialty, the devil’s-food-contract, should not be served or eaten on any occasion.

Cherish the love that is given you. Delight in the Lord and His blessing of the perfect mate.

Terri Kelly is blessed with a daughter and son and calls North Carolina home, with her husband, Allan. Allan and Terri work in their extra time on their business, http://www.davincisplayground.org/, which is currently undergoing a transformation. Terri Kelly is a wife, the mother of two gifts from God, and a teacher with a Master of Arts, Terri write tips for teachers, mothers, and women at her blog: www.davincisclassroom.wordpress.com She believes she’s encountered enough mama dramas to write for decades and is currently working on a children’s book.