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Girl Meets God

    by Melissa Mathews

How Do I Love Them, Let Me Count The Ways
Date Posted: July 24, 2005

Putting God First: In My Relationships
"Preach The Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assisi.

I know lots of people. I know lots of people in lots of different ways.

There's the checker at the grocery store who is a cancer survivor and tells me all about the great benefits of green tea.

There's Mrs. Mullins, Mrs. George, Mrs. Foster, Miss Sonnenburg, and Mrs. Ennis, the women who have taken on the task of educating children, four of which happen to be my boys. I think they appreciate my volunteer help.

There's my backyard neighbor, who I pray doesn't think hateful thoughts when my four boys are jumping loudly on the trampoline. He sticks his head over the fence every once in a while to tell us his girls are sleeping.

There's sweet little Christina who was my seat partner on the way home from the pumpkin patch trip this week. She picked me over a friend who knew the words to "Lemonade (clap, clap) Crunchy Ice (clap, clap)".

So how do I put God first in all these diverse relationships? Some of these people like me, some don't. Some of these people know me well, some don't. How do I love them the way God does? I put on my God-colored glasses and try to see them as God does—as people who are precious to Him and need to know Him.

John 13: 34-35 says it beautifully: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (NIV).

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 24, 2010)

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Biography Information:
I'm a preacher's kid, pastor's wife, and southern belle who married a Southern California boy. Can you say 'culture clash?' Scott and I have four boys - Max, Mark, Jackson, and Grant who keep us busy with homework and sports.

Scott and I have been married 22 years and currently live in Northern California where we are beginning year five as church planters. I also teach 12th grade English and love it.

I would love to hear from you. Email me anytime at melissa.g.mathews@gmail.com
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