Love I Was Looking For

My own love story with Jesus is actually a story of rebound.

I was desperate. Instead of a heading to the altar I headed into heartache. The serious relationship I was in ended. Empty and alone; my heart was scared and scarred. Elevating this man to a lofty place in my heart was a serious mistake. The cavity that was left was not something I was prepared for.

What could fill a hole that size? Something bigger than a man, bigger than a career. Could Jesus offer that? Knowing Him as my shepherd, my friend, my savior was how I grew up. But I felt I needed something more; maybe the more was in Him.

Moving boxes in my warehouse job, I cried out to God, asking Him to fill the cavern. He could, I knew it, I just didn’t know how or what that would look like. He promises that if we will seek Him we will find Him if we search for Him with all of our heart. I began my pursuit.

During my quest, a verse changed my entire perspective; on Him. On life. “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD.” Hosea 2:19 – 20 (NIV)

He came, in my heart, in that warehouse, offering to marry me. The King of the Universe was down on one knee proposing! He offered everything I desired. Everything I needed. The perfect marriage; the perfect relationship.

His proposal had so much to offer. Promising righteousness; that He would make decisions that were right for me every time. Justice – every action He took for me would be guided by truth, reason, and fairness. He offered love with no ulterior motives. He extended compassion; tenderness to remove my sorrow. He was faithful; giving certain love in an uncertain world. Everything He offered was beyond what any human relationship could promise.

Taking Him at His word, I threw all of me into Him. Writing out this verse and others, I posted them in the warehouse.

Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV). He told me I wasn’t alone. He calmed the anxiety of my wanting heart.

“The king is enthralled by your beauty…” Psalm 45:11 (NIV) filled my desire to be found beautiful.

Song of Solomon 2:16a stated “My lover is mine and I am his…” assured me that even if there was never on man on this planet who wanted me; He did!
This truth changed everything. It completely revolutionized my relationship with Jesus and radically changed the way that I saw myself.
Years passed; our love grew stronger. Out of our relationship, Jesus sparked a passion; a passion to share with girls this side of Jesus that they also needed. Many don’t know He is what they want. Searching for value, love and significance they grab after boys, sports, the internet, girlfriends.

Things aren’t really different for us girls as we get older, is it. Desperately looking for that thing, that someone, who will fill our hearts. Men, careers, kids, food. As women we want to be wanted. We want to feel valuable.

Jesus is flipped-out, madly in love with women of all ages – from 13 to 103. This passionate love is what our hearts crave; it is what we were created for. On those days when our husbands can do nothing right, we wonder why we had kids and our work drowns us in its wake, His love fills the wanting. The things of this world can never make us fully happy. Things or other people can’t fill us; we were created to find fulfillment in Jesus alone.

Whether you have known Him as your Savior for fifty years or have yet to know Him, this truth stays the same. Jesus alone satisfies.

Do you know a young woman whose life would be transform if she found this truth? Maybe you are just the person God wants to use to bring that truth to her! Next Monday on my site under “Freebies”, There you will find a free leadership guide where you can walk a young girl through “His Revolutionary Love”. Providing practical tools and thought provoking questions, it will take all the guess work out of sharing this life transforming love!

 

Lynn

167 Comments

  1. Hi, Lynn! I read your devotional on the Proverbs 31 blog. It ministered to my heart today. Thanks for sharing.

  2. as a newly single mom of 3 this book is calling my name …IM IN!

  3. we are really looking forward to reading your book together! we ordered it last night!

  4. I wish I could tell the 16-year old me that God is the only "man" I would ever need and he has great plans for me!

  5. Hi Lynn, I stopped by from Shari’s blog. I enjoyed reading your post.
    If there was one thing I could have told my 16 year old self, it would have been this… find out what you really want to do before jumping in with both feet and this applies to all areas of life.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Lynn, I'm so excited to say that I am meeting with our minister about using your book with the tween's in our small community church. Our little 5th grade girls have been dealing with some difficult situations and we need to arm them with the love of Jesus! Thank you for being you and continuing in your faith journey. Can't wait to start reading it with my daughter!! Alisha Bice

  7. Good Morning,
    I have a 17 yr old & a 10 yr old daughter living @ home would love to be able to share you book with them both
    Thanks!

  8. I wish I could tell my 16 year old self (and make her believe it) that God loves me just the way I am and I don't need anyone else's opinion or acceptance but His!

  9. I was getting ready to order when I saw this. I thought, I'd try and win it first! haha. My children lost their dad and my mom was in the hospital for over 325 days due to a botched surgery. My daughter went through some very trying emotions. She wanted to replace the "man" in her life and became sort of a victim of her circumstances. Thank God for his protection! She remained pure, but emotionally tramatized. She is healing. I showed her this book and she said, yes mom I want it!

  10. I want my almost 11 year old daughter to know that being loved by the King of all Creation is the best thing ever. And that she will be so confident in His undying love for her, that her life will show that confidence and she will hopefully avoid the insecurities and the feeling of having to have a boyfriend to fulfill her. I want her to know that Jesus is more than enough!! Even if I don't win, I really do want to purchase this book, it looks wonderful and is so timely!! Thank you for allowing God to write what is on His heart for young girls through you! great testimony!:)

  11. Alisha – I am so excited! My biggest prayer is that this would not be a book that moms will buy and give to their daughters, but moms will buy it and go through it with their daughters!

    I have had so many women who previewed His Revolutionary Love tell me that the truths in it were not just for their daughters, but truth they needed as well!

    Be sure to stop back by on Monday when the free leadership guide is up!

    I so appreciate every one who is being a part of starting a true love revolution in this generation!

  12. Tina,
    May the Lord use the words of His love to soak the heart of your daughter and bring healing!

  13. April,
    One of my prayers is that as mothers and youth leaders read HRL with their youth, they will get the truth in their hearts. When WE get it, then we can daily pour the truth into them.

    Our daughters, nieces, grandaughters…they face the challenge of grabbing truth or believeing lies every day. They will need to hear this truth over and over and over again…that is where you come in!

    Get it, believe it and pass it on! Revolutionary love…radical enough to change a generation of girls!

  14. Hi Lynn! I have 2 of your books! I have read most of it, and this summer will be doing it with my 2 daughters, and maybe a friend or 2 of thiers. I would love to get another copy, and of course the t-shirt.

    What is the one thing I would tell my 16 yo self? It would be stay pure, stay focused, and let the Lord of my life be the love of my life. I became sexually active at 16, and I have a daughter turning 16 this summer. I so don't want that for her. I pray and pray that my girls will wait for the one that God has created just for them, and "boys" now just aren't them.

    Thank you Lynn for your book!

  15. Heather,

    Thank you my friend for investing in young girls.

    After mentoring teens for over 9 years one thing I know…girls want to be poured into. They may pretend they don't. If this is true, why do they keep coming to my house ?!

    They want to know that they are accepted, affirmed and approved. It starts by them feeling that from us. When they can trust us, then we have an open door to share TRUE LOVE!

    Oh friends! I just can't tell you how my heart is pounding and tears filling my eyes as my dream of seeing teen girls set free becomes a reality!

    Thank you so much for partnering with me to spread His perfect love!

  16. Lynn, I'm so excited about your book and your ministry. I would tell my 16 year old self that I didn't need to turn to boys for validation and acceptance. That God was real and that He was pursuing me and was the only one who could fill the hole in my heart. Thankfully, my life has given meaning to Romans 8:28 and I've started a ministry called the Whatever Girlz. I want these girls, and my own daughter, to know what I didn't know. Lynn, congratulations on your book, and thank you for the wonderful emails you send.

    Erin
    It's Grace

  17. Dorothy Travis says:

    Lynn, thank you for your devotional today. I have been blessed. I never know that Jesus loved me this much. God Bless

  18. Wow! Really value your ministry. I, too, have lived this teaching – and am still realizing how much God loves me. I have 2 daughters, and would love to win the bundle. If I don't, I will buy it anyway. 🙂 God Bless! Kelly

  19. I read your devotional on the Proverbs 31 devotional email today. I wish I would have known this when I was a 16 year old. I wish I could have shared this with my daughters when they were 16. 2 of my daughters are adopted and they still need to hear this. My heart breaks when I see the choices they make. But I keep praying for them. If they could grasp this unconditional love, it would change their lives.

    Thanks for sharing with us.

  20. Anonymous says:

    I don't know God as one that pursues. I am interested to hear your experience.

    Dot

  21. This blog struck a cord with me this morning. This young woman you speak about is my 15 year old daughter. She believes that to fit in or to be normal she must have a boyfriend!! I want her to know the truth!!!! I plan on reading this book with her. I am seriously thinking that it would be good for me to lead a study for her friends!!

  22. Tami,
    That is so my prayer. Moms – start a time to hang out with your daughter's friends. It really isn't hard!

    I have 6 8th grade girls over Mondays after school. A friend of mine has over 12 10th grade on Thursday nights. She cooks dinner for them and then they talk about the book. NOW is the time, ladies. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference in the life of a girl!

  23. It definitely would have been revolutionary for the "16" your old in me to know that God loves me beyond my wildest dreams…that He would meet my every need…that He and only He would minister to me day in and day out. This has been my passion since coming to this knowledge myself to share this message to teens girls of all ages.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Lynn,
    I stumbled upon your blog today and I just want to say thank you. Your post truly ministered to me. I wish I knew at 16 that Jesus Loves me the way that he does!

    Johanna

  25. Lynn, thanks for sharing your love story with girls who long for the same acceptance. Congratulations on your book and DVD! I am so excited for you, and excited for ME if I am the winner. This will be the perfect summer devo for our 14-year-old daughter and her friends.

  26. I am so in! I need help with my 13 yr old daughter. It is very hard. She is rebelling and treats her dad and I very disrespectfully. I really worry abou her future if we don't get her back on the right track.

  27. As I watch all of the hurting women all around me, I so desire to get to the younger girls so they don't need to make all of the same mistakes that we have all made at some point. If we could truly convince women that God wants a love relationship with them, what a difference we would make in the world. Thank you for writing this book.

  28. Lynn,
    I have a 13 year old daughter at home and an 11 year old boy. I'm really looking forward to sitting down with them to watch your DVD I just ordered! Thank you so much for putting this out and I pray God blesses you for your obedience to Him. Love, Jan

  29. I am in for this for sure! We have several young ladies at our church that have chosen the wrong path already and I want to reach out to them to help them realize that they have a much better choice and HOW to make that choice; and to steer the younger ones to not go down that road in the first place. Thank you for this opportunity!

  30. I'm in! I have 2 teenage step daughters(13 & 16) who I am helping my husband raise. Challenging to say the least; especially since their biological mom rejects them time & time again. They are growing up way too fast, looking and acting beyond their precious years. They are close to me & I know they want MORE. The 16 yr old has even said that her friends need help and want to find that "something more". This is one my daughters, their friends and I will share. Thank you for being a blessing.

  31. Anonymous says:

    I don't have a 16-year-old girl at home but do have 20-year-old and 27-year-old daughters. Today's devotion is appropriate for girls/women of all ages. God loves us with a love like none other! I'm IN! Thanks Lynn!

  32. I have 2 girls and would love to share this book with them….I'm in!

  33. I would love to read your book for myself and to share with my 15 year old sister…I'M IN!

  34. If there was one thing I could say to my 16yr old self, it would be this….

    "Just slow down and really hear His words. Stop running and let Him quiet you with His love. No one can ever love you like He does. Stop striving and just rest in His love. Experiencing His love and His pursuit will only help you recognise what to look for in a man."

    -Rachael

  35. Awesome – thanks – and please count me in –
    Lisa Likes

  36. Anonymous says:

    I would tell her that she is loved by Jesus .

  37. I would tell my 16 year old self that God finds me beautiful no matter what the world says. I would try to be less critical of my outward appearance and more concerned about the state of my heart.

  38. Lynn – this message was God timed for me.
    I am trying to stay focused on Jesus during my lonely times. I am a single mom back in the dating scene and it can be hard on the little self esteem I have.
    If I could go back to 16, I would tell myself that the path I was heading down would cause me to make some HORRIBLE decisions where men are concerned. I would desperately try to open my eyes to Christ. I did not develop a relationship with Christ until I was 40+ years old. Although I try to focus on Him, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

  39. Thanks for this devotional today. It really spoke to me. I'm in!

  40. Anonymous says:

    This is so exciting! My 24 year old daughter works with small groups of girls in our church's youth department. What a wonderful resource this would be for them to dive into together! Oh, how our young women need to hear your message! I'm in!

  41. i have a 16 year old daughter that is constantly looking for happiness in all the wrong places. boyfriend after boyfriend. i think you book would be a great tool for her to find her happiness from the one true plance it can be found.

  42. I wish someone had told me "You are beautiful just the way you are. There is nothing to be ashamed of. God has big plans for you, no matter the circumstances you were born into. He loves you where you are at, so let Him!" Thank you for sharing your testimony. There are so many young ladies in my life that need that message.

  43. Hi Lynn,

    I have a 18 year old niece and a 20 year old niece(a new mom with a 2mth old girl) at home and the one thing I wish they come to realize is that God loves them so much and wants that deep personal relationship with them. They both know the Lord but I feel like they have put walls up around certain parts of their lives because they are scared of being hurt more. Their parents were divorced when they were young and their relationship with their parents has not been the best, especially with their dad. They went looking for love in other places as a result instead of allowing God to really heal them and transform them in more in His image. I tell them just how beautiful they are to God, how much He loves them and wants that deep relationship with them, and pray that one day they will really grasp that.

  44. I never seemed to get the message that Christ is the only love that I need as evidenced by four marriages and divorces. Thank you for sharing!

  45. Hi Lynn! I read your devotional today on Proverbs 31,oh how i needed to hear how much GOD loves me. It touched my heart. I wish that i could have known this along time ago. I am a people pleaser struggling to remember it's not my job to make them happy only GOD can.I want to be free from that. Please pray for me ! I now know i am to please GOD above all else. Thank you so much for you sharing your story it touched my heart. BLESSINGS!!!!

  46. Hi Lynn, Thank you for your devotional today. I wish I had a copy of this book when I was 16. I'm 63 now and understand the love Christ has for me, but I know that my life would have been different had I "known" that as a young woman. I want to share this book first with my daughters-in-law and the gal that is likely to be a daughter-in-law soon. And my hope would be that each of them share it with their daughters. I have 3 granddaughters, and each one is a bright light. Two have accepted Christ as their Savior and have begun a wonderful life in ministry. Knowing the depth of Christ's love impowers us and allows us to reach out with confidence and love ourselves. Thanks again for sharing these truths.

  47. Having a 15 year old daughter, this has definitely touched me! Thank you!

  48. I was brought up to fear God but it was more of a fear of his wrath and not really taught about his love. It wasn't until I was married and my husband and I started to regularly attend his church that I began to hear about God's love. It has taken me a lot of years to begin to grasp the love the Father has for me. I would tell my 16-year old self to memorize God's word, meditate on it and let it sink deep inside so that when the hard times come or the times you don't feel loved/accepted you can KNOW that God loves you.

  49. Lynn: first of all, thank you for following Christ's leading & direction on your life. He is using you in mighty ways with your devotionals on P31 & also on your blog. It seems like every time I get an update it is somethng that relates to me & in turn will relate to my daughter. I so want her & her friends to know that Jesus will never fail them but humans will even with the best intentions of not wanting to hurt them. I know my daughter has a friend that is going thru a break up & she is crying out. Each time I see her post something I post back to her about finding Jesus & that He is and will always be what she needs. I would share this with my daughters & their friends. Blessings on you & your ministry!

  50. I would tell the 16 year old me that waiting is worth the wait.

  51. If I could tell my 16-year old self something from my 52-year old self, I would say " You are beautiful and loved by Jesus, just as you are…and you will only find real fulfilment and true love and acceptance in Him"….all the other ways you are trying (like trying to find love and acceptance from boys) won't truly satisfy you like Jesus…

  52. I would tell the 16 yr old me that God has it all figured out…I don't have to.

  53. Have been researching something for me to do with some teen/college aged girls that work in my husbands restaurant. This would be great!

  54. Hello! Wanted to tell you & thank you that P31 has ministered to me this morning. Reading your devotional about the love of God ~ which i thought i understood ~ it touched me in a powerful & new way…I realized I have so much to learn about His love! Thank you Lynn!

  55. shawn bensley says:

    Shawn Bensley
    [email protected]
    I have a niece who has a severe eating disorder she has been choosing to live with the last couple of years. It is hard for me to be patient with her because I see it as her choice to deny how special she is and choose to harm her body this way. I wish I could make her understand that she is "fearfully and wonderfully made".

  56. Your devotional really touched me today. As a mother of two daughters, ages 13 and 11, I am always looking for ways to reach them and share His love. I appreciate your blog and your dedication to young girls.

  57. Anonymous says:

    I would have told my 16 year old self that selling out to be "liked" is temporary but God's love is eternal, always available and in great supply, and will be equally accessible each day. Oh the heartache she may have been spared.

    Joy S.
    Springfield, OH

  58. Anonymous says:

    Hi Lynn, thanks for your devotional, it was a good reminder of how much God does love me, becasue so often I feel like he is just the rule maker, expecting me to follow him. But when I remember that everything God does comes from his deep love and desire for me, it make it much easier to trust and follow him. As a new mom, I want to realy learn and accept these truths of how much God love me and desires me so I can pass them onto my daughter as she grows up.
    [email protected]

  59. Jennifer B. says:

    I would tell my 16 year-old self that, God is real. He, the Creator of me and all things, knows me and loves me perfectly although He doesn't ever expect me to be perfect–He loves me just the way I am-because He made me to be just what He desired. In my relationship with Him, I have the greatest romancer, someone who is jealous for me, someone who is loyal, loving, passionate, protective, giving, someone who is totally into me. I would tell myself that, in Him, I have the Prince Charming that all the princess books have sold me on. The crazy awesome part is that and the only thing He wants in return is that I be totally into Him. That I really am that princess, when He is my King! Finally, I would say, sweetie, I know it seems crazy and too good to be true–but just BELIEVE!

  60. Anonymous says:

    I would tell my 16 year old self to stay true to Jesus who provides unconditional love regardless of what the world says. I'm in!!

  61. Thank you for ministering to my heart today. As a woman who has struggled all my life and is currently in counseling for a marriage (and life) that isn't what God intended I needed to read what you wrote.

    I think I would tell the 16-yr old version of me that I won't be able to find what I'm looking for here on earth, but will only find it through HIM. I've never managed to allow myself to be truly caught up in HIM and instead have gotten caught up in lots of other things and still crave what I haven't been able to truly grasp. What a cycle I'm in. Oh that the Lord would wake me up!

  62. Lynn, I came to your blog from your Proverbs 31 devotion. I teach 6th grade Bible study and am involved with many 6th/7th grade girls at my church. I would love to be able to share this book with them!

  63. I will tell her, " believe in yourself, you are of more value than you think. The most important person on the earth is seeking your love and giving you the attention any one could ever give"

  64. Thank you, Lynn, for obeying your calling to write on this topic! Just this morning, I was praying about a small group topic to share with middle school age girls over the summer. I have been working with this age group for many years and the need is greater than ever for them to know the TRUE love that will never leave! Our precious 25 year old daughter, newly married last summer is living at home with us again while dealing with severe issues that have manifested themselves in her Iraq war veteran husband. Your book will be a great blessing to women of all ages and I would consider it a privelege to facilitate studies with it!

  65. Lynn, Great devotion today on P31.

    Here is one item of advice for a young woman that I have shared time and time again (it is wisdom from my youth pastor's wife regarding guys etc.) Here goes: "Anything worth having is worth waiting for."

    God bless you Lynn, Hester Christensen

  66. If I could go back and tell my 16 year old self something it would be this: Don't compromise! And this is what I would like to share with the other young ladies in my life today. I came to know Jesus as a very young age and was very strong in my faith even throughout high school Then, in my twenties I started to compromise one thing, and that led to another, and then another. After a while I became "numb" to the sin in my life. So, yes, I would tell myself: Don't compromise! Stay true to your Faithful Father. THAT you will never regret!

    Thanks for this chance to win this bundle! 🙂 I shared the link on the Rise & Shine Women's Retreat facebook page too.

  67. I am a mother to three teenage girls and I really need all the advice I can get. It is so hard raising kids in this world with all of the influences in school and on tv or wherever they find them. I would love to read this book.

  68. I am a mother to three teenage girls and would love to have this book. It is so hard raising kids in this world with all of the influences on tv , in school and every where else. I would love to have this book.

  69. Thanks so much Lynn! I am an inspirational speaker with a passion to reach Teens/moms in the same way and you really inspired me! If I could go back and talk to that 16yr old me, I would tell her that the "intimacy" that I was being offered was completely false; the the intimacy that I was searching for could only be found in truly knowing Christ. I would tell her, that to know what true love really is, You have to know who Jesus truly is!

    Thanks so much for your heart and I hope to get a copy of your book really soon!

  70. I wish I could tell 16 year old me that I would be happily married in a few years, and I would regret not "saving myself" for my husband. At that age, marriage was the furthest thing from my mind. I never would have guessed that I'd be married at 19, having our 1st child at 22, and serving God. How quickly God changes our hearts!

  71. I have a teen daughter and what I have been trying to share with her is that Jesus is the only one who will never hurt you or leave you.

  72. Anonymous says:

    I am looking forward to reading this book with my 14 year old daughter. We both need to be reminded that Jesus satisfies our every need!

  73. As the Mother of a 14 year old daughter I can really relate to this post. I would tell my 16 year old self that I am worthy of love and compassion. Thank you for this opportunity.

  74. Anonymous says:

    Thanks for your ministry to mom and teen girls. It seems that just overnight your teen can change from spiritual to questioning everything you have taught them!!
    Jane

  75. Pauline P says:

    Lynn,
    Thank you for sharing this today! Just a reminder that God loves us and that he is there no matter what. There were times when things happened I was dicouraged but after reading todays Proverbs 31 i wrote it down and am keeping it close to me at all times so i have that reminder close when i need it. I want this book and going to save my money to get it, my husband has been unemployed for 2 years so we have one income right now so I am going to save money to get it.

  76. Hi, Lynn what an awesome message. I have a few young ladies in womens group who i shared your message with today and it was heart felt. I am truly ready to just lay in my fathers arm and rest. May God continue to Bless you as you bless so many. IM IN!

  77. Anonymous says:

    If I could tell my 16 yr. old self something, I would be speaking to all the women in my family… I would tell them that what God made us is a gift, and to be treated with love and honor and not sold cheaply to anyone not willing to confess Jesus as their savior, and willing to obey Him to win our hand in marriage. I wish someone would have told me that it takes help from above to strengthen us against things and people who would use and abuse us… that our gift of love is a target of an enemy that wants to take away all that we are and can be. To those who feel they have lost their value… Jesus has proved his love and has paid the highest price… his own blood to redeem everything and heal our broken hearts. I wish I had listened to my heavenly Daddy back then. Love to all.

  78. Greetings Lynn

    What I would love to tell my 16 yr old self was to think ahead of how you will "ACT" when you think your in love and not "REACT". Knowing you are God's girl and He loves you more than anyone on this earth will ultimately have an impact on my approach to relationships. Respecting God and you should be the utmost importance of any potential boy/friend. Whew! Timing is so important to discuss topics like these too!
    My fifteen year old says she can handle the "big breakup", can she really? Keep communication open, help her to know that you are not judgemental and listen, listen, listen. don't say anything to stop the words flowing. Her words will reveal alot about who she is. Most of all keep loving her!!

  79. I would tell the 16 year old me to completely finish all of the things that you wanted to do before tackling the next chapter of life…and that God has wonderful plans for you, so don't doubt that everything will come together when it's suppose to!

  80. Fredericka McAndrew says:

    I love getting the Proverbs 31 post daily. I saw the info on your give away. I am raising my 12 year old step daughter and need all the help and prayer I can get. I have raised 3 children of my own to adulthood but I feel I made many mistakes. The Lord truly took my failures and made them good because all three of my children turned out to be awesome adults!

  81. My niece could really be helped by this. Her parents divorced two years ago, and she's looking in all the wrong places for other things/boys to fill the void. She's only 13. I wish I could help her, that the Lord is the only One who can truly satisfy.

  82. Mrs J –

    Thank you so much for sharing with the ladies in your group! That is how the good news is spread – one woman at a time!

  83. Anonymous says:

    thank you for the devotional. Would like to read the book, too.

  84. Rachel – Thanks for sharing the link on Rise & Shine…love my Iowa girls!

  85. Laura Davis says:

    I am definitely in!

  86. Bobbi B – Please be sure to stop back next Monday when I have the free leadership guide listed on my site under "freebies".

    Thanks for investing in middle school girls. I have one; they need all the love they can get!

  87. I really appreciated your blog today. Not only is this an important truth for our teenage girls to know (I have three) but also for married women who struggle with feeling lonely and/or unimportant to their spouse. What an encouragement to us all that Jesus pursues us every day and we are a priority to Him!
    Thank you.

  88. Count me in for the pack! I would love it and would love to share it too!

  89. I appreciated your Proverbs 31 devotional today. I have a daughter that I'm trying hard to teach the Christian value of self in Christ.

  90. Hi, Lynn
    Really enjoyed your devotion, and I'm sure like many others, could identify with it so well.Wow what you shared is really so profound and has really impacted me…..

  91. Anonymous says:

    Hi Lynn..I am very interested in reading your book. My daughter is 14 y.o. and is often times very quiet and doesn't like to talk to me about personal things. I've been praying that she will feel comfortable sharing her feelings, frustrations, concerns, etc with me as needed. I believe this book would help both of us to grow in our relationship with Christ. Thank you so much.
    Sally

  92. I would love to read this book with my 3 daughters! Thanks.

  93. I love your ministry to teens & their mothers…I have been working with teenage girls for going on 12 years now in both a ministry setting & social work arena, they are my passion & I always love seeting someone else with a heart for them too! Thanks for your daily encouragement!

  94. Thanks for your daily encouragement! I also love your heart for teenage girls & for them to know their true identity & the love God has for them! Teen girls are my passion too–I have been working with them for going on 12 years now, both in the ministry & social work setting. Thanks for being used!

  95. I would say wait on the Lord and be of Good Courage. Because the kind of love you described is to awesome to waist on the wrong man.

  96. Hi,Lynn
    Just wanted to make mention that after having read Psalms 45:11 in various translations I realised that this Psalm is a wedding song and this particular verse is reffering to a king being enthralled by his bride's beauty and is not refferring to God being enthralled by our beauty.While I by no means doubt that we are loved unconditionally by God and are very precious to Him it seems like this verse has been used in the wrong context.Please let me know your thoughts. I would really appreciate your input.Thanks

  97. As the mom of a teen-age daughter and a new driver it is wonderful to find things that are positive and encouraging to share with her. At 16 I wish I would have had her courage and confidence…so I would have told my teen self with God you can do anything and everything!!

  98. My youngest just turned 16. Many women encouraged her with wonderful letters. The theme running through them all was that Jesus is the lover of her soul and the Giver of every good and perfect gift. I look forward to sharing your book with her.

  99. I was in a similar situation with a man while in college, but God spared me more pain when my ex broke up with me. If I could tell a 16 yr. old girl anything would be to get to know Jesus and how much HE loves her and all of the wonderful things He has created in her and called her to be….and to NEVER EVER let a boy call her names or physically harm her…..that is NOT love!

  100. I would tell her that first she needs to get to know Jesus and all about His ways and how He loves her and cherishes her. I would say that He wants you to fall in love with Him before any earthly man.

  101. this hits home for not only me , but from what I read alot. IM IN

  102. Anonymous says:

    Lynn, I get your posts in my inbox and love your passion and heart for young girls. As a grown woman I still struggle with knowing the King is enthralled with me. But, that is just learningn to fight old baggage and the enemy of lies and listening to God's truths and promises. I meet weekly with a friend for accountability and we pray for her teen daughter who knows the Lord but is flirting with the danger of losing her purity and getting her identity wrapped up with her boyfriend. I want her to hear your Godly truths and biblical answers and have been forwarding my friend your website. Your book would be great for her daughter.

    Sweet Blessings,
    Donna

  103. Kara K from MA says:

    I am struggling with the need to be loved & accepted as a 41 yr old newly single mother of 3. I know I need to fall in love with my savior, Jesus. I am so afraid of passing my insecurities on to my 8 yr old daughter. This book is just what my heart is begging for right now. I cannot wait to get it & read it!

  104. Lynn,
    I think this is so timely for things in my life. Thank you for sharing your passion about His Passion.

  105. Hi Lynn, thank you for the Proverbs 31 devotional today. Your book sounds great – pointing to the truths of His love for us that we as women long to hear. I have this ache in my heart for women to truly know the Father's love for them. I believe your book will be a good resource – looking forward to purchasing it. When I was 16, I wanted to be "loved" & accepted so much I tried filling that void through what the world offers. Fast forward 35 years and I can say Jesus has filled the empty places of my heart. I have been rescued…I know that I know that I know I am loved, accepted, the King's daughter, His creation with His signature – much like an artist would sign their masterpiece. I was not able to have children, however, I have sisters, nieces, and spiritual daughters. What I would tell them is Jesus is running after you and can fill every bit of emptiness that cries to be filled, but, you need to let Him in.

  106. Many women here say they wish they could tell their 16 year old selves what this book says.Yes, that would have been nice but I am long past 16, been in 2 failed marriages and would like to read your book and get my 53 year old self to believe what it says!!Rationally, I know that he sent his Son to die for me.But love that fills ALL my wants & needs? I'm so in!

  107. I loved this message!!And I would love love love to win this book I would love to give it as a gift to someone! I pray in jesus name if its his will I will win. It is so nice to think that God loves and pursues me more than edward does to bella!! I never thought of it like that until this post. Amen, Our God is awesome and is the same yesterday, today and forever..

  108. Rebekah Reese says:

    Please enter me for the book giveaway… So timely my daughter in middle school is going through a lot of changes and want her to know to seek GOD's attention… thanks so much!

  109. "If you do nothing else, seek to understand the love God has for you. He will meet your needs like no one else. EVER."

    I'm all in!

  110. Thank you so much for your devotional today. I've been wanting to find something for my 14yr old daughter to read that let's her know that Jesus is the ultimate love she is looking for in life.

  111. I would tell myself, there is so much more than this waiting for you!

  112. Oh Help I say help. I have a 15 year old that firghts everything I say and has for 5 years when I as a widow married her widower father. It has been so difficult and I am loosing my grip holding on by a fingernail. She is walking a slippery slope, setting a not so great example for my 8 year old daughter.
    I am lost and broken I wish I could be at a place where she would listen even just a little. I want so much more for her and for my 8 year old who is beginning to seriously question her sisters choices and is hurting.
    Help! You are a gift, thank you for ministry!
    Blessings,
    kareng

  113. I am working to establish a safe house for women rescued from human trafficking and think every girl who passes through the door should be required to read this. Thank you for taking the time and energy to write it.

  114. I am working to establish a safe house for women rescued from human trafficking. I think every girl who passes through the door should be required to read this. Thank you for taking the time and energy to write this book. God bless you!

  115. Anonymous says:

    I really enjoyed your column today! I would tell my 16 year old self that my heavenly Father's love is unconditional, amazing, and would more than fill the horrible hole left by the absence of a relationship with my earthly father. So no need to keep seeking something that may be unattainable when God is right there waiting for me to answer the call of His constant pursuit!

  116. Lori Lynn says:

    I wish I would have had your book BEFORE I said "I do"… it would have saved so much heartache for so many people… my husband, my children, me, my parents, my in-laws…

    My words of advice would be something I have been learning from Joyce Meyer, "Discover Whose you are. Learn to RECEIVE God's love. Until you have learned to receive His love, you will be unable to fully love yourself or others." (That's a paraphrase.)

    Your book sounds AMAZING!!

  117. Anonymous says:

    God loves you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. He knows you and loves you. You don't have to measure up or prove anything to him. [email protected]

  118. Ah, yes. To know we are pursued, wanted…what a balm to a weary heart.

  119. I would also tell a young girl that loving someone doesn't mean "fixing" him. I'm IN!

  120. Being a lifelong believer is hard sometimes because you feel like you've always heard it before. Well, I needed to hear this again at this new place in my life. Thank you Lynn. Now…just need some practical tools to help me. Does your book do this?

    Oh, and to my 16 year old self??
    WAIT!!! Gods plan is bigger than anything you can imagine. His dreams for you are your dreams come true…only better.

  121. If I could go back and tell myself something:

    Dare to be different–beyond the physcial. My height, weight and skin tone always played a factor in my feeling different and being treated differently… If only I knew then that I could use those things to my advantage because the Lord created me specifically for a special testimony… man! The power I could have unleashed then.

    It's the power I want my DOZ girls to realize and unleash now!

  122. Your devotional gripped my heart today. And how I wished that someone had told my 16-year-old self that my identity, my self-worth, my hopes and my dreams were ONLY found and fulfilled in Christ. That no person on the face of the earth could ever satisfy my hungry soul the way Christ does. Man was made to fail, but Jesus never fails! After 40 years, as a grown woman, mother and grandmother, these truths still hit home. And I love to share them with other teens and young ladies who are searching for someTHING, not realizing that someONE is just a whisper away. Thank you, Lynn, for bringing these truths home once again.

  123. I wish I could tell the 16 year old me that I am truly loved. That Jesus loves and adores me. That no guy.. girlfriend… status… or amount of sex can ever fill my desperate need to accept and be filled with Gods love. That no guy will ever add up to my amazing king, and I need to find my worth in him! I remember feeling empty at that age– dying and starving for something more. I am so happy that I finally know, 13 years later, how much he loves me 🙂

  124. I wish I could tell the 16 year old me that Jesus is the only man that can fill your heart. If you learn that at 16, it makes 44 a whole lot easier!

  125. Anonymous says:

    This is a truth I wish I had known at 16 and still struggle with at 40. I need to embrace this so that I can feel entirely loved by God and can share that truth with my 16 and 13 year old daughters.

  126. Hi lynn!
    i just read your devotional as well on the Proverbs 31 Ministries subscription…It definitely encouraged my heart…count me in!!

    Blessings,
    Rachel

  127. Rachel H. says:

    I'm in. A truth I know, but haven't allowed to really sink in.

  128. I am in ! Just learned a week ago that my two younger daughters 14 and almost 16 are going to see a counselor. They are having a hard time accepting their new step-mother, relating to me, and just dealing life. I invited them both to go out to dinner tonight. The 16 yr old would not go if her younger sister went because she blames her for why she has been "cutting herself". Tomorrow the 16 yr old is seeing the pediatrician to be evaluated for depression ect…. Been praying for GOD's love and guidance.

  129. I'm in! God allows U-turns. Seek ye first His kingdom in all things, be patient and wait on the Lord and His plans, Learn to forgive yourself as completely as you have been forgiven. It's a proccess…enjoy it along the way!

  130. I would tell my 16 yr old self that Jesus loves me, not just generically loves me like a family member, but loves me deeply, passionately, unconditionally, wants to be with me and I don't have to deserve it or earn it. It is because He is God.

  131. I wish I would have known at 16 that life gets much harder. As an adult I've realized what a blessing true friends and a wonderful family are.

  132. I would say, "it wasn't your fault that he left". My dad left such a huge void that I've spent years trying to learn about God's love as a father, because that sounds so foreign to me. Thanks for sharing today!

  133. If I could go back and sit down with the 16 yr old me, I'd want her to know that Jesus is SO WORTH trusting, and waiting on His plan is the best way. Trying to color in the places reserved for HIM to color isn't the best idea… but if I only would trust Him and let Him work, then the masterpiece will be more than my finite heart and head could ever imagine! Wait, Lysney, girl… WAIT on Jesus!

  134. I wish I could tell my 16-year-old self (and I will tell my 16 year-old sister) a quote that I heard from another Proverbs 31 woman: "Even a good husband (job, kid, bank account, body) makes a terrible God". His acceptance and Kingship is all we need.

  135. I wish I could tell my 16-year-old self a quote I recently heard from a Proverbs 31 woman: "Even a good husband (job, kids, family, bank account, body, etc.) makes a terrible God". God's acceptance is all I need.

    AND I'm in!

  136. Lynn, I have completely enjoyed reading your devotions this week, posting the comments which came into Encouragement Cafe, and visiting your blog. Your book sounds amazing. I look forward to reading it as soon as I can get me a copy. I really wish I had something like this when I was younger. God Bless you and good luck with the book. Kathy

  137. Lynn, I stopped by from Proverbs 31, and I'm glad I did. Your words today spoke to me and made me think how glad I am that my daughter has started her walk with Jesus much earlier than I did. I would love to share your book with her and have the chance to study it together!

  138. Thanks for sharing your story. My daughter has a friend that is the girl you talked about – always thinking she needs a boyfriend to feel complete. She is a Christian but has not allowed this truth you shared to sink in yet. I would like for her and my daughter and all young girls that I know to know this truth – as well as us older ones. I think this book would be a great addition to our church library.

  139. I know just the young woman who needs this revolutionary love! We just recently reconnected and yesterday she spilled her heart. I'm looking forward to seeing how God will use this book to minister to her. Thank you for sharing your story!

  140. I want to instill in my daughters, because I did not show them by example, that Jesus loves them more than any man ever could (and in the process, start the healing process for myself). Thank you for your insight. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!

  141. By the end of my 16th year I was secretly pregnant and terrified that my mother would find out.

    If I could go back and talk to myself early in that 16th year I would tell me – you have a Lord who loves you more than you will ever know. A Lord who doesn't need you to entertain Him, who won't leave when He is done speaking to you. He loves you so much that he sent His Son to die for you!

    He wants to show you what love really is. Here's a hint – It's not what you find in the back of a car, or in the woods. It's not in dirty overnight phonecalls. His love is pure and He wants to show you how fun and exciting REAL LOVE can be.

    If I could I would shake me untill something rattled and I was sure that 16-year-old me believed that her value went far beyond her sexual assets. wow, if only..

    That's my ministry now: to be open with my testimony when talking to young women in hopes of them learning from my mistakes instead of traveling that very difficult road.

  142. I would say stop asking for help and ask for wisdom and guidance. God knows your problems but He wants you to come and sit a while with Him so He an teach you.

  143. I would tell her to stop asking or pleading for things. Just sit quietly and spend time with God. He wants your attention. He knows your problems, now give Hime time to speak to you.

  144. I would love to get this book for my 15 year old daughter. IM IN!!!

  145. Would love to have this book for my 15 year old daughter. IM IN!

  146. So excited about your book!! I would tell my 15 year old daughter that, "Whatever you try to satisfy your heart with that isn't Jesus, isn't going to fulfill you."

  147. The nessage is the same whether we are 6, 16, 56 or 106 – "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so". Don't take my word for it read it and discover the depth of His UNFAILING love!

  148. I would want all young women to realize that no man here on earth can be prince charming and fulfill their every need, but there is someone who can fill their needs perfectly, every time, forever! I didn't learn this lesson until I was 45 🙂 I'm IN!

  149. i wish i could tell my 16 year old self to feel the "love" i was searching for could be fufilled, in a relationship with my creator! 🙂

  150. Anonymous says:

    I have a 17 yr old in a public school, who goes to a youth group that doesn't include a bible study. There are about 5 additional girls that have expressed a desire to learn more about Jesus. This sounds like just the book I need to get going on this. These teenagers need to know that a boyfriend isn't going to make them happy — only Jesus can. Nanci @[email protected]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.