Wow.

I will try and keep this relatively short as I could ramble on forever on this subject. But this has been on my heart for awhile now, and I wanted to share it.

I always feel love for my daughter...but I come upon these specific moments in time with her where I am completely overwhelmed by just how deep my love for her runs. This love between a parent and child is different than any other love I've experienced before. I find myself consumed by a relentless desire to love, serve, protect and only want the very best for her. Regardless of how much being a mom frustrates me at times, I would not have it any other way. Even on her worst days, I still cannot help but want to wrap my arms around her, and hold her as close as possible so she knows just how much I love, want and choose her.

Hmmmmm....kinda reminds me of another relationship I know of.

Never before have I felt like I really understood Christ's love for me. And although I still don't fully grasp it, becoming a mom has given me a small glimpse into the reality of the depth of Christ's love for me. I'm messy and broken and yet I am still the object of His relentless love and desire. Um....WOW?!!

I am astounded at how much I'm learning about the heart of God by interacting with my own daughter. As a parent, does your heart not break when you see your child sad, in pain or frustrated by life? God's heart breaks too. Does your heart not soar when your kid makes a right choice? God's heart soars too. My whole being buzzes with joy when Bella express' gratitude, love, trust and a real desire to be with me. Coincidence? Not a chance. AND Bella makes me laugh. I cannot help but think that we make God laugh ALL the time. He is the creator of humor after all. You get my point...the parallels in these two relationships are numerous.

Anywho-I believe that these glimpses into the heart of Christ are very intentional for where I am at in life right now. It is the gentle hand of God reminding me of His relentless pursuit of my whole heart. Something I still can't fathom...but will gladly accept.

And now I will end this post 2 videos that crack me up.

I often engage in a lot of gratuitous dancing around the house. (Naturally.) And I often snap while dancing. The other day I looked down to see Bella BUSY at work with her right hand.......she was trying to snap. SO CUTE. Here is Bella...."snapping."

Bella has a new "thing."...putting her face underwater. At first I was kind of nervious about this new hobby, but realized the sooner she gets used to water, the sooner we can get her on a wakeboard. JK...kinda. HA! I just love how happy and excited she gets. Also...it is clear that this one has a sense of humor. She is obviously trying to get a reaction out of Rick and I. It always works.