Love Notes

“Jesus Christ was filled with unfathomable love as He endured incomprehensible pain, cruelty, and injustice for us. Through His love for us, He rose above otherwise insurmountable barriers. His love knows no barriers. He invites us to follow Him and partake of His unlimited love so we too may rise above the pain and cruelty and injustice of this world and help and forgive and bless.” John H. Groberg
I don’t know why some periods of time are darker, more difficult, than others. Of course, sometimes there are obvious reasons, when something tragic or traumatic occurs. For me, life’s ups and downs aren’t always caused by anything I can specifically identify but are simply part of the ebb and flow of life on earth. I’ve also found that grieving losses may also roll in and out, startling me with heartache where previously there was peace. Whatever the cause, in brighter times or in darker periods, one thing remains certain: I know Heavenly Father, my Savior, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost love me perfectly. They love each one of us wholly, completely. Even knowing that, it’s hard, day and in and day out, to fight the battle, and I was truly grateful this week as I was inundated with “love notes” from Heaven, to get me through.
“God is anxious to help us feel His love wherever we are…Only as we feel God’s love and fill our hearts with His love can we be truly happy.” John H. Groberg

“…Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things…and the most joyous to the soul.” 1 Nephi 11:22-23
I walk outside in the mornings when my daughter is in seminary. This week the weather cooled down just a teeny bit, and my early walk became a cool, refreshing message of the newness of changing seasons and God’s love given through the beauty of nature (even in Vegas). Like George Strait sings, “His fingerprints are everywhere.” I felt His love when I received a faith-filled card (in the mail even!) from a friend, lifting my heart and bolstering my courage. I saw Him in sweet texts from my children, comforting, caring words of dear sisters, and encouraging, loving messages from friends. He was there directing me to more tools and people, somewhat miraculously, who can help me along my journey of growth. Every single day I was given spiritual manna—enough—to get by, to keep fighting the good fight, and to feel love from Heaven, many times through angels here on earth.
“With Paul, I testify that nothing can ‘separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.’ Even our sins, though they may separate us from His Spirit for a time, cannot separate us from the constancy and immediacy of His divine paternal love.” Kyle S. McKay

One of my favorite names for the Savior is The Good Shepherd. When I think of Him in that light, I feel so cherished and tenderly cared for. He carries me; I feel it every day. He knows His sheep. Each of us is constantly in His sight, watched over, nurtured. He knows when we’re hurt, sick, weary, or wandering a bit. He provides all the guidance and sustenance we need. Always.
“Perhaps your life’s circumstances have changed, and things you never thought possible now confront you? Our Savior assures us, whatever our circumstances, whoever we are, in the words of Isaiah: ‘He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’” Gerrit W. Gong
I’m forever thankful to know, absolutely, that I’m loved by, and belong to, my Heavenly Family. I’m humbled by the power of that love, manifested through the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When nobody else can understand or be there to help, He’s there—in the music, in the sunshine, in the safe haven of home, in the soft whisper to our hearts that says we’re loved that much.
…Our Maker loves us and desires our happiness. In an incomparable manifestation of this divine love for us, he sent his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ…
“We may begin to understand the depths of Christ’s love for us when we consider that he was willing to atone and suffer the pain for our sins, ‘which suffering caused [him], even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit.’” M. Russell Ballard

As I receive such tender mercies and evidence of this love, I want to share it with others. Those who touch my life with Heavenly love inspire me to reach out and do the same for others. Thank you. Thank you. Each precious manifestation of God’s love for me strengthens my desire to praise and honor Him. He lives! He loves us! I will always choose to follow Him.
“God our Father, Jesus, our Elder Brother and our Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost, the Testator, are perfect. They know us best and love us most and will not leave one thing undone for our eternal welfare. Should we not love them for it and honor them first?” Ezra Taft Benson
About Me
I’m Jen, mother of 7 amazing humans, Gran of 5 (so far), divorce survivor, homebody, health seeker, and devoted follower of Jesus. This is the place where I share how the hiccups and detours in the road of my life strengthen my hope in Christ.
Beautifully said Jen❤️Love your example and I’m grateful for you and your unwavering faith in the midst of storms🙏
Thank you, Ann. Your example has also been a strength to me.