Introduction

It’s a complicated and challenging business, being a woman these days. It always has been, but it sure isn’t getting any easier!

Women make up a greater percentage of the workforce and account for more of the average family’s earnings than they used to. More women worldwide also provide leadership in the political and professional sectors than ever before. At the same time, women are expected to continue to fill their traditional roles in the family and community—roles that have also become much more demanding in these changing times. An increasing number carry the responsibility of raising children alone. In all, far more is expected of women today than even one generation ago. How does a woman cope? Who can she turn to? Who really understands?

There is someone who always understands and is always ready, willing, and able to help—Jesus. And He’s not way off in Heaven, but always by your side. He wants to be your counselor, confidant, and closest friend. He wants to be a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when you need that. Even more, He wants to love and encourage you through every challenge and give you practical, down-to-earth solutions for your problems as you talk with and listen to Him.

The following messages from Jesus deal with many of the situations today’s woman frequently encounters, but there’s more where this came from—lots more! Jesus wants to open a personal hotline between you and Him so He can give you the perfect, personalized answer to each question you ask and problem you face. You, too, can hear directly from Jesus. He will speak to anyone who believes in Him, sincerely asks Him to speak, and then accepts by faith that what they “hear” in their heart is truly Him speaking.

Open your heart to Jesus and receive His words of love and life, and you will be happier than you’ve ever been and better prepared for every challenge that comes your way!

My Special Love for You

Why do I love you?

I love you, My darling! I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you always.

How do I love you?—I love you unconditionally. I love you completely. I love you eternally. I love you like a father loves his child. I love you like a husband loves his wife. I love you tenderly. I love you passionately. I love you perfectly.

Why do I love you?—I love you because you are Mine. I love you because you love Me. I love you because you are beautiful in My sight. I love you because you are a part of Me.

When do I love you?—I love you when you’re in ecstasy, and I love you when you’re in despair. I love you when you’re successful, and I love you when you feel you’ve failed. I love you when you do what’s right, and I love you even when you make mistakes. I love you when you feel like giving up, and I love you when you hold on.

How long will I love you?—I will love you always and forever!

My flower

You’re My flower. I have tenderly watched over you since you were a tiny seed. I’ve watered and nourished you. I’ve been there through each day of your life, caring for you, providing your needs, and helping you through difficult times when the ground was dry or the sun was hot or those passing by stepped on your delicate petals and leaves.

I love the color of your petals and how they sparkle and shine when the dew of My love settles on them. It makes My heart glad when you open your blossom to absorb the sunshine of My love and the warmth of My Spirit. Keep soaking up the water of My Word so your leaves will stay green and healthy. Keep opening up to the light and warmth of My sunshine, and keep absorbing My rays so your colors and fragrance can cheer others.

It fills Me with joy when I see you giving off that sweet fragrance that makes others happy, encouraging them and lifting their spirits. You have so much to give, My little flower.

Up close and personal

You are special. You’re not just a number or one in a crowd—you’re special to Me! I know your every thought. I know you personally, and I am speaking to you personally now. Ask Me to speak to you whenever you want, when you’re up or when you’re down, or even when you just want some good company. I’m happy to speak to you on any subject, whenever you need it.

You can come to Me anytime, wherever you happen to be. You don’t have to worry that I’ll be too busy or that I won’t want to be with you. I always want to spend time with you. I love to spend time with you, and I’d love to spend more time with you. Whenever you take a moment with Me, I’ll make things better. If we could, I’d stay in this quiet place with you day and night forever!

No reason to hide

You are ashamed of some of the things you hold inside, but I see them all and I love you anyway. I see the beauty of your heart. I see what you can become, and I see what you are already becoming through your love for Me. Don’t think that you are unworthy in My sight. Don’t hide in shame, for I see it all and love you just the same.

My Spirit brings love and healing where hurt abounds. It brings understanding to the rejected. It brings life where there is despair.

I know your heart and I know what’s wrong, but I see beauty there as well. You love Me and you love others, and that’s what counts with Me.

Believe in My love for you. Treasure it even though you don’t understand how I can love you. I love to love you because I know your need for Me is great. Deep inside you long for Me to make you whole, and that makes Me treasure you all the more.

Forever love

(To a woman who had recently prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior:) We began a very special relationship when you asked Me into your heart and told Me you wanted Me to be a part of your life. You may not have felt a surge of emotion, but it was a great event just the same.

I came into your heart and life, just like you asked Me to, and I will never ever leave you. You will still have problems, but I want to help you through them. You will make mistakes, but those won’t come between us. Do you know why?—Because I died to release you from the burden of your mistakes. I took your punishment for all of that.

When you accepted Me you accepted My forgiveness. You may not have even understood it at the time, but rest assured I have forgiven you for past wrongs, present wrongs, and even future wrongs that are bound to come.

The closer you stay to Me the more I can do for you. But no matter what happens, be assured that I will never leave you. You can be secure in My love. I love you forever.

Come away

Come, take some time away from the busy scene. With so many distractions, it’s hard to hear My voice. Come away, relax, put down your heavy load. I want to whisper words of love and reassurance to you.

Come away to where it’s just you and Me. It doesn’t have to be a particular place; it can be anywhere, anytime. Just take a few minutes to connect to Me, read My Word, and hear the words I have for you personally. I’ll tell you things you’d like to know and whisper wondrous secrets in your ear. I can even tell you things that I’ve never told anyone else before. I’m full of surprises and I’ll give them to you if you come and listen.

Take a moment away from your work to stop and hear My voice speaking to your heart—My words of love for you, just you.

Coping

Safety valve

Stress affects people differently. Your threshold might be high, but no matter how much pressure you think you can take, you do have a limit. Don’t push yourself too hard. Nothing is worth a nervous breakdown.

When stress begins to take its toll, you don’t necessarily need to see a doctor or an analyst—you need to slow down and you need to see Me.

Pressure needs a release. Let Me be your safety valve, your escape. I can take it. Will you let Me do that for you?

Shut the door to the world and all its worries and cares. Stop and relax. Put your head on My shoulder and tell Me everything. I can give you solutions to the problems that are causing the pressure. Find peace of mind and sweet rest in My Spirit. After we’ve had a good talk, you’ll feel better. Life won’t seem so overwhelming when you have faith that I’m going to take care of things.

Juggling Act

Like many women today, you try to juggle a career and a family life. I love to see you develop your potential and use all the talents I gave you. It also makes Me happy when you use your gifts to benefit others and to find personal fulfillment through your work. At the same time, I have given you loved ones and a home life. You often feel pulled in two directions, and it's hard to meet the demands of both.

The solution is really quite simple: Know your limitations and learn to live within them. Don't try to do more than you can do in either area. You can do a lot, but you can't do everything. Just do what you can, and don't worry about the rest.

And if you aren't absolutely sure you are supposed to be doing both, ask Me about it. If I show you that you should do both, ask Me how to balance the demands of each. I can give you big-picture solutions, as well as moment-by-moment ones as difficult situations arise.

Our friendship

You wonder how you, a mortal, can have a personal relationship with Me. After all, I am the Lord of Heaven and Earth.

I’ve made this possible because I love you so very much. I love to be with you. I love to put My thoughts in your mind, My peace in your spirit, and My love in your heart. Come to Me in prayer so I can do all of these.

Tell Me your problems and I will give you sweet assurance, guidance, and answers. Unload on Me. I can handle any burden you place on My shoulders. I will take careful note of each concern, and tenderly handle it. Be specific so I can answer you specifically. I will give you all that you need, and more. Best of all, we will enjoy sweet friendship as we spend time together.

Positive perks

When life gets to be too much, when everything around you seems to be falling apart, when you feel that nothing you do helps, what should you do?—Think about Me. Think about how much I love you. Think about My power. Think about all your blessings, and thank Me.

You can praise your way right out of a bad mood! If you thank Me for all the good things in your life, the negative feelings will dissipate.

You may sometimes find yourself in situations where there doesn’t seem to be anything at all good to thank Me for. Well, then thank Me for the good that will eventually come out of the bad, because if you love Me, sooner or later it will. That’s explained in the Bible, in Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to those who love God.” I can bring good out of anything.

Let Me change your difficult day into a happy one. You can always find something to thank Me for. Praise Me for one thing, and you’ll usually be reminded of another, and another. Happiness will find you as you focus on Me and on the positive.

At the end of your rope?

I know the many burdens you bear, and that sometimes you feel like you’ve reached the end of your rope. But take heart; I’m waiting there at the end of your rope to catch and hold you. Let go. Fall into My arms. Give all your worries and cares to Me, and I will help you carry them. I love you and I will help you through each difficulty and over each obstacle. Come to Me, put your hand in Mine, and trust Me.

I can give you peace when you feel frustrated, discouraged, or confused. I can give you patience when you’re at wits’ end. I can soothe your frazzled nerves when you’re upset. I can give you strength when you’re so tired you feel you can’t go on. I can give you wisdom when you don’t know what to do. I can give you all these things and more, if you will ask. I’m always here for you and My offer is always good. Why struggle on your own when I have all you need?

The change of life

(To a woman experiencing menopause:) The things you are experiencing now— the confusion, the tension, the new emotions, the mood swings, the slowing down of your body, the worry over the future—are nothing to be afraid of. They are not happening to you because you have done something wrong or because I love you any less than before; they are simply part of the new stage of life you have come to. You have experienced the phase of youth, and now you seek truer and deeper satisfaction—the kind that comes only from Me. As you get to know Me better, you can experience even greater satisfaction and fulfillment than you did in your youth.

When you experience midlife difficulties, come to Me. Climb into My arms. Ask Me to take those negative feelings away. Draw on My strength, grace, and understanding. Spend more time with Me, and your love for Me and assurance of My love for you will grow stronger and stronger.

Love and relationships

My gift of love

I love to see lovers in love. I am the One who created love in all of its forms, and I’m the One who causes people to feel love for one another. I am Love itself, so when people are in love, they are feeling and being a part of Me.

When you are with the one you love and feel warmed and comforted by his love, thank and praise Me for it, because this is indeed a gift from My heart to yours. The love that you feel through your loved one is a manifestation of My great love for you.

There is a time for everything—a time to be alone, and a time to enjoy the close company of another. To help make the road easier, I give the gift of companionship to most people at some point in their lives. When I give it to you, remember that it is a special touch of My love and care for you.

That special need

The human heart needs love. I have made each one with a desire to love and be loved. I made you, My crowning creations, in My own likeness because I need love, too. Although I am the God of the universe, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, one of My greatest needs is to love and be loved. That’s why I created you.

I understand your desire to find a special love who will satisfy the longing of your heart, that man on whom you can pour your love and who will love you with the same passion. I am able to give you this special person if you will ask Me. But you must then trust Me that I will send him to you in My time, when I know you’re both ready. It might not happen right away, but patiently wait and watch, and you will find this treasure in My time.

But even then, no matter how perfect a love relationship I give you or how happy you are in it, in time you’ll realize that no human love can ever fill that empty space in the deepest recess of your heart. That’s because that space can only be filled by Me. I made it for Myself because I want to be your all in all. I didn’t make you to be complete without Me, and you never will be. I created you to be My soul mate. Only I can make you truly happy forever! Will you let Me?

Three keys to success

Love, humility, and prayer solve all problems.

Love doesn’t care who is right or wrong. Love reaches out to nurture, to heal, to give. Love engenders more love, so the giver also becomes a receiver.

Humility also doesn’t care who’s been right or wrong; it just wants to make things right. Humility seeks the lowest place, and from there reaches out to help. Humility is not preoccupied with its own needs.

Prayer is the key to supernatural resources. Prayers for oneself are good, but prayers for others are even better, because they are an expression of love and concern, and I love to bless those who love.

Love, humility, and prayer: Put these three together and you have the key to success in any relationship.

Love’s boomerang

A gift isn’t a gift if it needs to be repaid. The same is true of love. True love doesn’t expect anything in return. Perhaps you love someone, but he doesn’t love you in the same way. That’s sad, but it’s not always a reason to stop loving him. It may mean it’s time for you to move on, but maybe he needs your love and support more than either of you realize.

Giving love is sometimes like throwing a boomerang. The boomerang goes sailing off and it looks like you’ve seen the last of it, but then when you least expect it, that boomerang comes back to you!

Herein is love’s deepest magic: Love that gives unselfishly without expecting anything in return, love that gives of

its own happiness in order to make someone else happy, love that gives up its own wants in sacrificial love for another, will always be returned. If others don’t return it, I will—and no one loves like I do!

Don’t be afraid that you’ll run out of love to give, because if you ask Me to keep filling you up, I will. I have all of the love you’ll ever need, and then some.

The elusive Mr. Perfect

Many romance novels and movies are built around the popular notion that for each person in the world there is someone somewhere who is the perfect match, a soul mate, and that no one will ever be complete or truly happy until they find and marry their soul mate. This plays out well on paper and the big screen, but often leaves those who don’t have perfect marriages, or anyone at all, unsatisfied. That’s sad.

I love you too much to ever make a game out of your need for love and companionship. I didn’t create a world where lonely souls must wander the earth in search of their missing “other half.” I haven’t made love that complicated or difficult.

I want you to find love. Though you might not always find it as soon as you’d like or get everything right on the first try, trust that I’ll bring the one who I want you to love your way. If you would stop waiting for Mr. Perfect and determine to enjoy life and the company you find, you would spend a lot less of your life worrying and a lot more of it loving.

The source of love

You wonder if there is a perfect man out there somewhere, just waiting to be found. The simple answer is no—but there is someone who will do just fine. If you want to know where to find the right one for you, just ask Me. Then start looking in the right places—among those who love Me. Only a man who loves Me will be able to give you the kind of love you desire, for he draws his love from My abundant well.

Those who love you for your looks, your figure, your personality, or your talents draw their love from the shallow well of self-interest. This kind of love runs out pretty quickly. The source of true love and happiness in any relationship is Me; it flows from My Spirit. My blessing, My love, My comfort, My help,

and My grace will see you through those times when your love or your partner’s love fails. My love takes you beyond yourself and your feelings, and helps you to forgive and keep loving even when it’s difficult.

A perfect match

You and I make the perfect couple. You love Me, and I love you and always will. I am your true soul mate. If I have another half somewhere, it’s you, and if you’re missing something, it’s Me. But when we’re together, there are no missing pieces—we’re complete! I loved you before the world was framed, and our love will continue long after the present world has passed away. We can be united forever in perfect love, the perfect embrace. There will be no “till death do us part” for us. You don’t need to search the whole world to find Me either, because I’m right there with you. I always have been, and always will be.

Beauty

My idea of perfect

I made you exactly the way I want you. To Me every bit of you is perfect—every single color and tone, every curve, every part. Haven’t you heard that I even numbered the hairs of your head? I didn’t slap you together quickly, but you were formed with intricate precision. You were nine months in the making as

I added little touches day by day till you were just right. Since the day of your birth you have remained a work in progress, and I have watched with pride as you have become even more beautiful in My sight with each passing year.

Beauty Tips

Some people have things pretty mixed up. They spend so much time and energy trying to make themselves beautiful and perfect their bodies, but they neglect their inner selves, the unique and beautiful spirits I gave them. They are foolish and short-sighted because in time their bodies, their mere outer covers, will be no more. Then all the excessive time they spent on their appearance will have been wasted. What really matters is what's inside, the beauty of the spirit. I would prefer that you devote more of your time to activities that beautify your soul. And besides, My love is what will bring true contentment and make you glow.

Your flesh is an outer covering that is only for a time, but your spirit will last forever. When you invest in your spirit, you're investing in eternity.

Inner makeover

No amount of makeup or expensive clothing can make people truly beautiful if their spirits aren't beautiful. Many people are preoccupied with appearances and surface beauty, but deep down, if they'll be honest with themselves, what they really want is inner peace and happiness. People are so focused on their outward appearance, as though that were the key to love and happiness and success in life, that they don't look for those things in the right place-which is in Me. The formula for finding peace and happiness is simple: Find Me, give Me first place in your heart and life, and let Me fill you with My love and joy; then reach out and share My happiness with others.

Don't make the mistake that others do, My love. Learn from Me. I have makeup for the inner woman that, when applied liberally, guarantees true attractiveness. This beauty will then be seen in the fruits of My Spirit-gentleness, kindness, peace, joy, and love-and others will be drawn to you. They will see in you a poise and confidence that is truly beautiful, and they will want what you have.

As you change

I’m happy that you’re happy with yourself. It’s taken years for you to get to this point, but now that you’re a little older, you see that so many of the things you used to worry about don’t make much difference in the overall scheme of things.

You’ve begun to recognize the true values of life—the things that make it worth the living: love, friendships, family, giving of yourself, faith. These things never die, because the good results of time and energy invested in them live on in others. So keep putting your emphasis on the things that really matter, and I’ll be there to help you all along the way. As you focus on making others happy, I’ll make sure that you’re happy too.

From the inside out

Feed your spirit positive thoughts from My Word and avoid thoughts that drag you down or make you negative, depressed, or upset. Ask Me to help you keep your spirit well fed by My Word and warmed by the sunshine of My love. Spend time with Me in prayer, and find the strength and help you need as you meditate and listen to My gentle, loving voice as I give you encouragement and guidance.

The treasure inside is more important than the box that holds it. The golden treasure of your spirit will last forever, while the body that houses it will only last for a time. Put your time and energy into caring for the golden treasure that is the real you.

Your unique touch

You are very special to Me. You have attributes that no one else has, and you can give love in a unique way. A woman's love can speak to the heart, calm worries and fears, offer comfort, ease pain, and sweeten life. You possess a wonderful power-the love of a woman-so use it wisely and well. Find those who need this love and will be thankful for it, and give it to them. You can help change lives for the better by helping them find My love, which lasts forever.

As you dwell in My presence and absorb My light and learn more of My great love for you, your spirit will shine brighter and brighter. If you want to be stunningly beautiful now and forever, just open your heart and life to Me and let My Spirit restore your soul. I make diamonds from lumps of coal, and I delight in making some of the plainest of people shine like the stars, each in her unique way.

Marriage

Recipe for a happy marriage

Marriage is wonderful! I love marriage! I want to see as many happy marriages as possible.

In order for a marriage to succeed, certain ingredients are required:

- Unselfish love-each putting the other's happiness ahead of his or her own.

- Understanding-a willingness to listen to each other and try to relate to the other's point of view.

- Patience-the grace to grin and bear the other's idiosyncrasies when they become annoying or frustrating.

- A sense of humor-the ability to laugh at mistakes and have fun together.

- Humility-the grace to swallow pride and say "I was wrong" or "I'm sorry" at just the right times.

- Forgiveness-a genuine desire to overlook faults, forgive, and move on to bigger and better things.

- Perseverance-the determination to work hard at making the marriage a success.

- And last but certainly not least, love for Me. When both husband and wife love Me and put Me first, I love to shower them with My blessings!

Doing it together

I can help your marriage be all you ever dreamed it would be, and more! I can help you be all you want to be for the love of your life, and more! I see it all-every need and every desire-and it is within My power to fulfill every one. You just need to learn to tap into My infinite resources.

As you and your husband turn your hearts toward Me, as you pray for love and patience and understanding, as you bring your needs and problems to Me together, as you take in My Word and take time to praise Me together, I will in turn give you what you need for your marriage. I will help each of you to grow into the mate you want to be for the other. I will cause your love to grow and blossom and mature so you will not only be a blessing to one another, but to many others as well.

The positive approach

If you want to strengthen your relationship with your husband, take the time to encourage him. Be a support. Help him carry his load. He does need to learn to communicate more and to humble himself and ask for help, but your offering to help will be a start.

Encourage him for his strong points and try to overlook his faults. If you have trouble recognizing his strengths, ask Me to point them out to you. This positive approach will get far better results than nagging. If you're seeking Me and asking Me to help you love him as I do, with My love, I will cause you to see his good points and not to focus on the faults that bother you.

You're a good team, but you'd be an even better team if you spent more time loving Me and each other. You need to spend time together reading My Word and talking about the things I show you. This will draw you closer to each other and help you grow in Me together.

Through the ups and downs

Every marriage is a work in progress. Every marriage has its ups and downs, but it's through those ups and downs that marriages are strengthened.

The most important thing is that you're good friends. Most marriages start in the heat of passion, but over time settle into the routine of day-to-day living. This is the normal course of events, but it can come as a disappointment.

Some people think their marriage is a failure or they've "lost" something just because the initial passion is gone, but that's not necessarily the case. The problem is often that one or both mates have unrealistic expectations. It's not wise to compare your marriage to how marriages are portrayed in movies or books, or with anyone else's marriage either, for that matter. Just as every person is unique, so is every marriage.

The "style" of your love and relationship might change over the years, but real love will become even deeper and stronger through the difficulties you overcome together.

Taking that step

If you value your marriage, then sooner or later you're going to have to sacrifice your pride and some of your own desires. It's humbling, I know, but try being the first one to apologize instead of waiting for your husband to come around. You know he's often right, anyway. He has his weak areas, but so do you. There needs to be give and take, and you'd make both him and Me happy if you'd make the first move.

Simple steps of humility like this are often the key to a happy marriage. In fact, all the virtues most needed in a marriage involve humility: respect, positiveness, consideration, giving the benefit of the doubt, turning a blind eye when needed, and going the extra mile, to name a few. Humility opens a channel to Me, so My love and blessings can freely flow.

When you've been hurt

Bring your hurting heart to Me. Explain what your husband said or did that brought this on. I will listen. I will understand. I will sympathize. My door is always open to you.

My love, let Me help you see things from a different perspective. Instead of looking at your husband's faults and lacks, look at your own weaknesses. It's not that you necessarily have more than he does, but if you're willing to take the first steps to change, it will be a lot easier on both of you.

Ask Me how I see you and your mate. I see much more good than bad, more positives than negatives, and I'll help you see your husband and marriage in that light too. I can constantly teach you new things about yourself and the one you love.

Concentrate on how your attitudes, actions, and behavior affect your husband, rather than how his affect you. A house can be built of bricks and cement, but a home must be built of sturdier stuff-love, forgiveness, patience, unselfishness, and most important, Me. Let Me help you make your house a loving home of hearts.

Finding the balance

I mean for relationships to be balanced, with each partner sharing the load, caring for the other, and not imposing his or her will. Most men don't want a domineering wife. A woman who is too controlling not only puts her relationship at risk, but also undermines her man's self-esteem and therefore his chances to succeed.

I want you to be liberated and to be able to exercise your gifts and express yourself. I don't want you to be stifled. But on the other hand, if you feel your husband is unhappy, it could be because you have imposed your will too much.

Finding and maintaining the correct balance isn't always easy, particularly if you are a highly motivated woman, but if you will simply ask Me, I will help you find that balance. You may be surprised at how much happier you and your husband will be.

What your man needs

I'm happy to see how hard you work at being a homemaker and a good wife. Just don't forget the love part. Your husband needs romance and affection, and so do you. Give him what he wants and needs, and it will give you a boost too. You may not have as strong a sex drive as he does, but you need sex, too. You need to feel his arms around you. You need to feel his love for you expressed in this way. You need the feeling of safety and security that lovemaking brings. Your marriage is a picture of our marriage-the relationship you and I are meant to share. I need your devotion and your service, but I need your love most of all. Give your man the love you would give Me.

Worlds apart?

Do you sometimes feel that you and your husband live in different worlds? Have you drifted apart? Do you wonder what happened to the love you once had? Have your hopes and dreams gone unfulfilled?

Open your heart to Me. Ask Me to give you a fresh outlook on your marriage, and I will help you modify your mindset and let go of some of the wrong reactions you have developed.

Make a list of the qualities that you loved so much about your husband when you first got married. Remember the things you enjoyed with him and admired about him, and then pray for Me to help you see these qualities in him again. They may be hidden, but they're not gone. Look harder and you will see. When your husband sees by that special smile that you still admire and appreciate those qualities in him, he'll be encouraged to once again be the man you married, and the barriers that have come up between you will melt away. Bring out the best in your man, and your worlds will meet again.

Well, what are you waiting for? Make your list!

Your marital warranty

Congratulations on your choice of life partner! Your marriage comes with a full warranty. Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided in the owners' manual, the Bible. Proper care and routine maintenance should prevent serious problems, but if ever your marriage should begin to malfunction, bring it to Me and I will fix it free of charge. To avoid possible serious damage to your marriage, bring it to Me at the first sign of trouble. Do not attempt to fix it yourselves. Tampering will not void the warranty, but is likely to prolong your downtime.

In addition to all the standard features, your marriage is designed to accommodate any number of add-ons, which come in two genders. While add-ons may seem to temporarily slow performance, they will greatly enhance long-term satisfaction.

If you have any questions, please contact Me at My toll-free hotline, which is always open.

Motherhood

Never out of style

Old-fashioned motherhood never goes out of style because it's all about love. I made people to need love, and I intended for them to first experience that love through their mothers. Mothers are the embodiment of love and care and tenderness-love that even the tiniest baby can feel and respond to.

So if you think you're missing out or living in the past because you're stuck at home "just" caring for a baby or raising children when you could be pursuing a career, think again. Love is the best thing in life! It's the most important lesson anyone can ever learn and the greatest gift anyone can ever receive-and mothers teach it and give it like no one else. Life would go on fine without many things, but not without mothers. Old-fashioned motherhood is here to stay!

The honor of a queen

I honor you, dear mother, as I would honor a queen. When I pass out the rewards in Heaven, I will hold you up as an example of one who has given and given and given again from her heart to raise the wonderful gifts of love I placed in her care.

The heart of a mother who places the well-being of her children above all else is beautiful in My sight. You have done your best to prepare your children for life. Now as they become old enough to make their own choices, they must learn to meet life's challenges and to take responsibility for themselves.

They may sometimes stray from some of the things you taught them, but the love you planted in their hearts will stay there forever. This is the greatest gift that you have given them, and it's yours and theirs for eternity.

Love's reward

Your love and care and prayers for your children won't go unrewarded. Every diaper changed, every spill cleaned up, every meal prepared, every lesson taught, every mistake forgiven, every tear shed, every word of encouragement given, every hug, every kiss, every bit of sacrifice, every prayer-all of these are helping to make them children that you can be proud of.

Although they may not always say so or act like it, they're proud to have a mother like you. They don't understand how you can keep loving them when they feel they least deserve it, but they want it and appreciate it and know they need it. Thank you for helping them feel so loved by being an example of My unconditional love.

I'm proud of you for the love you pour out and the sacrifices you make to teach and train and care for your children. Well done, good and faithful mother. Great is your reward in Heaven.

I chose you

It's no accident that you are the mother of your children. You were the perfect choice! I knew that I could count on you to do your best to give them what they needed and prepare them for life.

Don't listen to that voice that tries to tell you that you aren't good enough, that you're failing as a parent, or that you aren't capable of giving your children what they need. With your natural gifts and My help, you have everything you need to be the best possible mother to your children. They were made for you, and you were made for them.

When it's too much

You feel inadequate much of the time-and you're right! The job of raising your children is too big for you, but it's not too big for us together. This may come as a surprise or even a disappointment, but I want you to feel inadequate.

I don't like to see you struggle and I don't deliberately make things hard for you, but I do allow you to sometimes feel overwhelmed or come to the end of your own resources so you'll turn to Me and lean on Me. When you do, you make more room for Me to work in your life and your children's lives. So when you begin to feel it's all too much, turn to Me. You will find that I am more than a match for any situation. I have all the solutions and all the strength you need, and I'm just waiting for you to ask so I can give them to you.

Leading the way

Your children need Me so much and so do you. They need to learn to include Me in their lives. They need to learn to trust Me when the going is hard. They need to learn to depend on Me. They need to learn to bring their problems to Me. They need to learn to pray for others. They need to learn to listen to My voice so I can help them make the right choices. Most of all, they need to learn to love Me and accept My love.

Do you want your children to learn all these things? They will as they see them in you. The best way to get your children to go the right way is to lead the way. I want the best for your children and it is Mine to give, but you are the channel through which most of My blessings will flow. How much I am able to work in your children's lives depends largely on how much I am able to work in yours. Love Me with all your heart. Seek to please Me. Ask Me to lead the way. Follow closely, and I will do the rest.

Your masterpiece

Raising a child is like painting a masterpiece. As the painter applies layer upon layer to her canvas, day by day you shape the life of your little one.

The artist doesn't begin with the smallest details, but uses broad strokes to map the basic shapes of her painting. Then, with patience and great care, she adds new tones and a little more detail each day, until finally she can step back and admire her handiwork-a finished product she can be proud of.

So it is for mothers: Patiently and with tender loving care, mothers help transform little children into mature men and women.

One day you will step back and admire your work of art. Others will never fully understand or appreciate the years of hard work and loving care it took to produce your masterpiece, but you and I will-and we will know that it was worth it all!

Staying calm

Have you ever watched a mother duck with her little ducklings? Mother duck seems so cool, calm, and collected as she swims with her little ones on the pond, but all the while she's watching out for them.

That's an example of how I want you to be, because that calmness of spirit will help your little ones feel secure. You will always have more things to do than you have time to do, but don't let that get you in a rushed, nervous spirit. Make a conscious effort to remain calm and to convey that spirit to your child. When pressures begin to mount, stop for a moment, close your eyes, and ask Me to fill you with the perfect peace that comes from trusting in Me.

Is it worth it?

You love your little one but sometimes can't help but ask, "What happened to my dreams? What happened to that career I'd planned? What happened to my life? Here I am, working day and night, changing diapers, feeding the baby, washing heaps of laundry, shopping, cleaning, keeping him happy, and making him feel loved. Does it ever end?"

When you feel it's all too much, get alone with Me, even if only for a minute. Go to the window, take a deep breath of fresh air, and ask Me to put things back in perspective. Then take a look at your little one. What a joy to behold! What a privilege to call that bundle of love and energy your own. When he throws his arms around you and says, "I love you, Mommy!" you know it's worth it all. You wouldn't trade that for the world, would you? I didn't think so.

When kids are in trouble

I understand the heartache of parents whose children flounder, lose their way, fall in with the wrong crowd, or make other bad choices. I understand the anguish of wanting to help and guide, but being turned away. I understand because I go through the same thing when I see many of My children go astray and cause themselves and others unnecessary problems and suffering.

I have heard your prayers for your children. Just as you will always love them and never let go of them, neither will I let go of them. Keep praying for them. Trust them to My care. I will speak to their hearts in a way that you never could. Show them love, but don't try to bear the burden of their problems yourself. Give that burden to Me. Let Me carry it and let Me take care of them. They may still not turn out as you had hoped, because much depends on their own choices, but praying for them is never wasted. You will know you have done all you could for them if you have been faithful to pray.

Shaping the future

Motherhood is the most important job there is. If you don't believe that, try asking a few people who had the greatest influence on them while they were growing up. It doesn't matter who you ask, from the humblest to the greatest, the most frequent answer by far will be, "My mother."

Today's mothers-and that includes you-are shaping the people who will shape tomorrow's world. Your children will grow up to be world changers. They may not have an impact on the whole world, but they will have an effect on the world of those around them, for better or for worse.

It's your responsibility to set your children on the right path. What values do you want your children to carry through life? Will you teach them to love Me? Will you teach them that love is the most important thing? Will you teach them to use My Word as their spiritual and moral compass? Will you teach them to pray and to follow Me? Please do!

If You're Alone

Filling the void

Life can be difficult when you don't have a partner, someone to share your joys and sorrows, your ups and downs. But in your loneliest moments I can come to mean the most to you, if you talk with Me at those times.

Don't let feelings of loneliness overcome you, My dear. Turn to Me in such times. Ask Me to fill the void, and I will.

Take advantage of lonely times to strengthen the bonds of love between us. I will be more to you than a husband or lover or friend. I will be constant and true. The intimacy we can share will fill the emptiness in your heart and help you not only face life, but enjoy it.

Constant companion

When your heart aches, turn to Me. I am here for you, My love. You will never be truly alone, because I will always be with you. I am your invisible friend, your constant companion.

Even when it seems that no one else cares, I care. If you come to Me, I will lift the sadness and make things much easier for you. Sometimes just talking to a friend helps, even if there isn't anything that friend can do. And talking to Me helps even more, because not only do I listen and sympathize, but there's always something I can do to help. Tell Me what you feel and what you need, and I'll answer your prayers. You might not understand how prayer works, but it does.

Picture Me right beside you, because that's exactly where I am. I feel your heartache, I understand everything that's going on, and I love you!

Recovery from heartbreak

(To a divorcee:) Divorce can be one of the most heartbreaking and devastating experiences in all of life. What you dreamed of and worked toward and sacrificed for has ended badly, and you're left with only hurt and disappointment.

I can help you to get over the hurt. I understand the pain, the temptation to become bitter, and the feelings of being misunderstood and treated unfairly. Bring your aching heart to Me. I can take away the bad memories, the bitterness, the anger, and the despair. It will take time, but all of these bad feelings can be healed by My love.

I can make you happy again. I can give you peace of mind and a renewed interest in life. All is not lost. Where there is life, there is hope. You can love again, and you can be loved again in return. Come to Me, and let Me help you let go of the disappointing past so you can move on to a beautiful future.

A new life together

(To a divorcee:) Your wedding day was one of the happiest days of your life. You never thought it would end in divorce. You never counted on being alone again. You weren't prepared for this.

During this fragile time, I want you to remember that no matter what happens, you'll always find love in Me. I will make the way easier if you lean on Me. If you will let Me, I will be closer to you than anyone else could ever be.

You made mistakes and your husband made mistakes, but divorce doesn't mean you are a failure. You have learned things from what you have been through that will help you in the future. You can become a better, wiser woman through this experience. You're still worth loving. Don't give up on life or lose faith in love. I can give you a new beginning. Together we can build a happy new life.

Someone to lean on

(To a single mother:) Children are a blessing from Me. Each of them is a special touch of My love, and they are never a mistake. I create them with love, and then entrust them to parents like you, to be loved and cared for.

You've given so much of yourself in order to take care of your children, and you continue to give. I want you to know that I see and I appreciate every bit of that. I also want you to know that I'm always here to help you.

You often don't feel capable as a parent, but if you look to Me, I will make it easier. It's a huge job, especially when you're doing it on your own, but I will help you through the difficult times. I will give you all the love and patience you need. I will give you all the wisdom and understanding you need. I will be your other half, the one you can lean on. I will help you make the tough decisions.

I want to be a part of your family. I want to be the head of your household. You don't have to raise your family alone. I am here to help you.

I'm your Shepherd

(To a single mother:) It takes a lot of love and unselfishness to raise a child, and it takes even more when you're doing it as a single parent. Some days you feel like it's too much-that you can't be both mother and father to your child-yet you keep going. I'm proud of you for that.

One day you're going to be so happy that you didn't give up, but kept loving and teaching your child the best you could. When your daughter grows up and looks back and remembers all the love and care you gave her, she will be so thankful and proud to have a mother like you.

I also know it's tough to be the primary source of support for your family. I want to help and take care of you. Have you heard the Psalm "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want"? I don't want you to lack anything you need. If you pray and ask Me for help, I will show you what to do to take care of the bills, and I will make sure that you and your child are provided for.

Protecting the nest

Hush. Peace, be still. You're like a mother bird, sitting on her nest in the middle of a big storm. All your little baby birdies are in the nest and you're feeling anxious because the wind is whipping around so hard. Your mate isn't there to help shelter and provide for your little ones. You don't know if the storm is going to let up in time for you to get their next meal, and you don't want to leave the nest for fear that they might get blown out while you're gone. You've been sheltering them under your wings, but now you're so tired.

What you don't see is that I, your Creator and Protector, am standing right beside you. My hands are under your nest, ready to steady it if it starts to fall. I also temper the wind, lest any of your little birdies get blown out of the nest. And I'm not leaving. I'm staying right here until the storm passes. I'm keeping watch. I won't move My hands until the storm is over and you are safe.

In trying times

The precious gem

I touch life with beauty in some of the most unforeseen and unexpected ways. Only when the sun hides its face can I cause the moon to shine upon the Earth. As streams and rivers travel down the mountain, they churn and tumble and fall, but through their turmoil I create the magnificent splendor of a waterfall. A mother in labor experiences pain, but through that pain I bring forth a new life, treasure out of tribulation. Through chipping and grinding, a seemingly ordinary piece of stone is fashioned into a precious gem. So do I kiss your life, that through this pain you may bring forth a treasure unto Me: beauty of spirit.

As sure as the Earth turns

Come, My precious, and let Me carry you to a spot where the two of us can be alone, where you can cry on My shoulder and I can comfort you and wipe away every tear. Let Me take your problems and cares and give you peace instead.

Let Me show you the beauty and splendor of My love. You can see it in the things I created. Spend time with Me, reflect on nature, and marvel at the works of My hands. I made the mountains and the hills. I made the valleys and the trees and all of the rest. The Earth has turned on its axis and continued on its course since its creation. And from the beginning of time men and women have sought and found Me, and in so doing have found purpose and meaning, happiness, and fulfillment in life. I was there for them, and I am here for you.

The sun will rise again

My love for you is stronger than that of any earthly love or friend. Come, let Me hold you in My arms and comfort you in your sadness. These sorrows have not come to stay forever. They will soon pass.

This is one of the lows in the cycle of your life-one of those times when it seems that nothing is working out the way you'd hoped and you don't know if you can keep holding on. Please do hold on, because it's true that the darkest hour is just before dawn.

This is a dark hour for you, but just as sure as the sun rises every morning, the sun of My love will rise again in your life. Your dawn will come, and with it fulfillment and joy.

I always understand

If you want to understand your heart and emotions, ask Me. Come to Me in prayer, talk to Me, share your heart, and ask Me to clarify matters. When you try to reason within yourself, when you analyze and scrutinize your life and circumstances, you feel confused. Often you don't even know what you think, what you feel, what you want, or which way is up. But if you come to Me and ask for help, I will shed light on the deep places of your heart and bring things into focus.

Don't worry if you don't even understand what's wrong. You don't have to put a label on each care in order for Me to help you. I know your heart, and there is no weight there that's too heavy for Me to lift. I will help you make sense of the confusion, and will show you what to do.

The safest place

I am your rock, your shelter from the storms of life. No matter what storms rage or what waves crash on your shores, you'll always be safe if you've got your feet firmly planted on Me and My Word. I am steadfast, unmovable. I never change, I never fail, and I never give way or collapse from the strain of the problem-any problem.

Do you want to be sure you can stand strong?-Then cling to My Word, cling to My promises, cling to Me. Feelings change, emotions change, and circumstances change. The only thing that stays the same is Me. I am a rock that won't ever get dragged away by the undertow or worn away by the constant crashing of the waves.

I will give you grace to weather the storms. No matter what emotions, feelings, or disappointments come your way, you won't have to worry if you're standing on the rock.

Afterword

If you haven't yet experienced the kind of love expressed in these messages from Jesus, it may be that you haven't yet received His gifts of eternal love and life by accepting Him as your Savior. Jesus won't force Himself on you; He waits humbly for you to invite Him into your life. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door [of your heart] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in" (Revelation 3:20). You can receive Him right now by sincerely praying the following:

Dear Jesus, thank You for dying for me so I can have eternal life. Please forgive me now for every wrong and unloving thing I have ever done. Wash away all that, and help me to do better. I need Your love to fill and satisfy my heart. I want the life of heavenly happiness You have for me-here and now, and in Heaven hereafter. I open the door of my heart and ask You, Jesus, to come in. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen

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