Love is the theme

For the past week I have been thinking about a theme for 2009 thanks to this post. Kim pointed readers there last week. My first thoughts were rather corny. I started to think of the old hymn

Love is the theme, Love is supreme
Sweeter it grows, glory bestows
Bright as the sun, ever it glows
Love is the theme, eternal theme

As I look at last year God was preparing me for the next level or theme. Last year it was hospitality and being willing to open our home. I struggled in the begining and had lots of excuses. House was not clean enough, big enough, and too many unfinished spaces. I didn't know what to serve. Who would we invite over? Blah, blah, blah. But reading this book really opened my heart to hospitality. Now I really don't fret much about having people in my home, clean or not.

This past week the "LOVE THEME" has come up continually. Truly loving others. Investing in people. My hubby, my kids, my friends, my neighbors, my friends children, etc. Taking and making time to invest and care for other people that God has placed in my life. Over the past few weeks through many conversations I have been told over and over about someone's deep need for friendship. To really connect with someone else. As I look at the past 10 years I have been not so good at this. Again with the excuses. I am busy. I have a lot of kids. Our weeks are already full. Blah, blah, blah. If realationships and loving others is as important to God as "love others as yourself" then I think I need to give this my full attention.

So what is my plan of attack?

As it would be God has coordinated with our pastor to start the year off with the Love Dare. So starting today for the next 40 days I will be working through this book with the purpose of loving my husband better. I am sure it will also be good for all my other relationships too.

I have just about finished The Power of a Praying Parent and I may go on to either Power of a Praying Wife or the Power of a Praying Woman after that. I will have to see what the Lord leads me in.

I also want to make a purposeful effort to have more fun with people. Playing games, having dinner, going bowling, etc. Building relationships so when things get hard a real relationship is already in place. I do have some good friends, don't get me wrong, but we need to continue building. And we need to strengthen our bonds.

So there you have it. Love is the theme.