A Good Word Wednesday #58 PERFECT

A little bit of goodness in your mailbox today

Good Word of the Day: Perfect

I messed up.

I know. That’s shocking. I’m less than perfect. Almost always.

Specifically, I messed up on the name of my soon-to-be-born grandson in last week’s Good Word. I inadvertently said I was looking forward to meeting our new grandson, Elijah Ray. As soon as my son read the newsletter last week he quickly sent me a message, “Mom, you’ve already met Elijah Ray.” I still didn’t get it for a minute or two. Then it hit me. Ohhhhhh…. I meant to say, “I’m looking forward to meeting Isaac Allen.” Elijah Ray is two years old. Yes, I’ve met him a few times. My son thought it was funny too. Good grief. I quickly made the change on this site and on my website, but it went into your inbox. So sorry.

I told my son that this won’t be the last time I will make that mistake. I know in the future I will roll call all the names when I’m searching for the right one. “Leah… I mean Alex… no, Natalie… no, Elijah… I mean… Isaac!” That will happen, because I’m an imperfect creature. So are you. So are we all.

But thankfully, we know a Person who IS perfect. All the time. Jesus is the only perfect one and He loves us regardless of our mistakes. Regardless of our messy lives and careless words and haphazard actions. And I’m overwhelmed with His kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

Messing up a child’s name is a small offense in the big picture of things. I know. But aren’t you glad He sees us, knows us, loves us, regardless of the type of our repeated offenses? How deep the Father’s love for us.

NOTE: A BIG thank you to my husband for suggesting this good word today. And a BIG thank you to him who has loved the imperfect me for 40 years.

Wednesday in the Word

“As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Share Your Good Words

Good Questions of the Week: God is perfect. He demonstrated that through His Son. What attributes of Jesus are you most thankful for? Do you think Christians feel the pressure to be perfect? Please share!

Good Unseen People

Photo: She Is Safe

The following excerpt is from a story that will be included in my upcoming book, Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life with Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the link below to see the progress of the book.

This story was written 10 years ago after the birth of my oldest granddaughter, Leah, who is officially a decade old. Two handfuls.

Dear God,

She’s perfect. Thank you for baby Leah…..

And now… now I have a sweet granddaughter. Such a miracle. I can’t thank You enough for her. These past few days when I’ve gotten to hold her, and rock her and whisper in her ear, I am  overwhelmed with Your presence and Your blessing.

Read the whole story: A Prayer for Baby Leah

Good Words I Recommend

A Good Song/Video: By Rachael Lampa Perfectly Loved

A Good Book: by Kate Bowler Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection

Another Good Book: by Jessica Honegger Imperfect Courage: Live a Life of Purpose by Leaving Comfort and Going Scared

A Good Article: The Perfectionism of Art, and Thus the Decline of Art “We are created beings. We were created to create.” “And we are imperfect beings, created by a perfect God.” Angela R. Watts

Some of the links above are associate links. That means, when you click and purchase, I receive a small percentage of that sale. Those funds, as well as funds from paid subscribers, support my writing this piece each week. Thank you! I commit to forwarding a minimum of 10% to the amazing nonprofits: She Is Safe and The Red Cord. They help raise awareness of sex trafficking. They help prevent, rescue and restore victims to new life.

A Final Good Word

I finished the prayer for Baby Leah with these words:

I pray that You grow an unbreakable bond between her and I, that even when she does wrong things, that she will know her Gb loves her unconditionally. Just as I have tried to love her mother with that kind of love, as my parents loved me. Because You love us all with that tender love of a bird gathering her newborns into their nest and protecting them until they are ready to fly.

Thank you for baby Leah, God. Only a perfect gift like her could come from You. Please, God, throughout her whole life, hold her close, rock her in your steady and gentle arms and whisper your love into her ears. Amen.

That’s my prayer for you too.

I’d love to hear from you. This is your chance to share with me whatever is on your heart today. Please share:

Contact me privately: deannalynnsanders@gmail.com.

Thank you for taking your time to read my words. And if you would, please share a good word with someone today. Invite others into our Good Word community.

Gratefully yours,