And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; 

and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.   (from  In the Garden , Charles Austin Miles, 1912)

I have called you by name. You are mine. You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.  from Isaiah 43:1-4 NLT

Joy. Intimacy. Comfort. Peace.  Knowing and being known. Reality. Truth. 

Belonging. Unconditional love. 

All words to describe a relationship with Papa God. A relationship with Jesus. A relationship built on trust. A relationship built on truth. A relationship built on time spent.

Time spent walking and talking. Time spent soaking in His presence, allowing Holy Spirit to wash over our hearts and minds with truth and peace and love.  Time spent h earing who we are, in relation to who He is:   Beloved child. One in whom He is greatly pleased. Apple of His eye. Precious one. Chosen one. One in whom He takes great delight. Bride. Confidante. Partner. Friend.

God, your Heavenly Father, Jesus, your Brother and Friend, Holy Spirit, your Comforter and Counselor, l oves you. Delights in you. L ongs for you. For time with you. Long walks and long talks. Arm in arm, hand in hand, face-to-face.

Talking and sharing. Sharing your heart, your passions, your dreams, your hopes. And hearing His.

God, your Papa, your Daddy, loves you. He created you. Created you for relationship. Created you for intimacy. Created you to know and be known by Him.

Today, I encourage us all to take the time this year, to really get to know God. To hear His voice. To feel His smile. To accept His love. To know His heart.

Oh, the joy and peace we'll share! The belonging we'll discover in Him! As we tarry in that quiet place, that place of intimacy with our Father and the unique lover of our souls. Nothing will ever compare!

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

I have called you by name. You are mine. You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.   from Isaiah 43:1-4 NLT