In Celebration of His Great Love

Earlier this year, in March, I was down on Hvar, finishing up the edits on my book. One afternoon I took a break and went down to a place I'd always wanted to see.

Down this road.

But back then I didn't go all the way down to the place I'd come to see. Rather, I promised myself that I'd do it when my book was finished.

So today was the day to do that!

Dave and I headed down to a beach that is difficult to access.

On the south side of the island of Hvar, this beach is accessible by either taking a dirt road cut into the cliffs of the mountain, or by boat.

Today it was the dirt road for us, which we walked from the village where we're staying.

Given that it was an absolutely glorious December day, it was definitely the right decision to walk. And we were rewarded by magnificent views the whole way there.

Finally, after a steep descent, I walked out to the edge so I could look back.

And see this.

WOW. Simply breathtaking. I've heard about it and seen pictures of it, but being there myself was just amazing.

I circled back around so that I could actually go down onto the beach.

After a few moments of climbing over and jumping down from the rocks, we made it!

Even our doggie made it (but seemingly was not nearly as impressed as we were!).

Down there on that gorgeous little beach, I was finally able to raise my hands in praise to the Lord for how he led me every step of the way, getting my book over the finish line to publication!

As the sun set, Dave and I sat on the rocks and soaked in the beauty.

And talked about my idea for another book. Yes, it's percolating!

But for now, I'm also content to enjoy the blessing of having one book that's been published.

If I'd been thinking, I would've brought the book down there with me to take a picture. But actually, I'd rather take a picture with Dave anyway. 😊

Writing "No Less Than Yes" was a long, wonderful and growing process. I learned so much along the way, remembering the Lord's faithfulness, goodness, redemption and transformation in my life. And proclaiming his power to do the same in the lives of young people across Central and Eastern Europe.

As I have time to reflect right now and prepare my heart for celebrating the birth of Jesus, I'm thinking about the profound love the Lord has demonstrated to me through the years.

The Father loved me so much that he sent his Son into the world just as he said he would.

And Jesus did just what he said he would: died in my place so I didn't have to pay the price for sin, which made a way for me to be saved and belong in his family. I can now approach him with freedom and confidence, and walk daily with him.

His inexplicable, extravagant and overwhelming love opened the way for me to have this relationship with him.

Oh do you know this love that surpasses knowledge? If not, I pray you will put your faith in Jesus and then be able to taste, see and experience the riches of his love.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, 

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, 

nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord who has compassion on you.