Tag: love

THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE GREATEST LOVE

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I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Shepherds lead, protect and watch over their sheep. They make sure they are fed, safe, and not wandering into danger. Good shepherds don’t stand far off, they stay close. When Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, He is not distant. He is attentive. He sees. He guards. He guides.

As a mother, I understand in a small way what it means to watch carefully. Love makes you alert. It makes you protective and willing to sacrifice. When I look at my daughter, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her, guide her, and help her grow. But my love has limits. I grow tired, I lose patience, and I don’t always see what’s ahead. Jesus doesn’t have those limits. When He says He lays
down His life for His sheep, He means fully, willingly, completely. No hesitation. No resentment. No exhaustion. Just love. He doesn’t just guide from a distance. He steps in. He chooses sacrifice. That kind of love is not reactive, it is intentional.

As a teacher of young children, I’m reminded how much guidance little ones need. They wander. They forget. They get distracted. They test boundaries. And if I’m honest, so do I. I begin each day wanting to model patience and grace, but by the end of a long day, I’m reminded that I need a Shepherd
just as much as they do. John 10:11 reminds me that I am not navigating motherhood or the classroom alone. The Shepherd sees what I can’t. He anticipates what’s coming. He gently redirects when I drift. He
protects in ways I never even recognize. Sheep don’t lead themselves. They follow a voice they trust.

And I am learning to trust His voice.  The Good Shepherd does not run when things get messy and He does not abandon me when I wander. He does not grow weary of guiding me back. His love is not conditional on my performance. He laid down His life not because I had it all together but because I didn’t. That truth reminds me that the same Shepherd who cares for me also cares for my daughter and my students and for you. In this life, I will never be perfect but I can do my best to stay close to Jesus by following Him.

PRAYER: Good Shepherd, thank You for leading, protecting, staying close, and laying down Your life for me. Help me stay focused when I wander. Amen

REFLECTION:
1. Jesus, because of His humanity, understands our limits. How does it help to know He knows yours?
2. Jesus, because He is God, does not, as Jennifer puts it, “run when things get messy.” What comfort can that fact bring you today?

AUTHOR: Jennifer Freeman Talley is a life-long Lutheran, a wife, mom to a Zion 5th grader, educator, writer, and musician. She enjoys subbing at Zion, singing in the choir, and playing the clarinet in Zion’s wind ensemble. www.noteworthymommy.com

This devotional appeared in the 2026 Zion Lutheran Church’s devotional book.

 Mini Me and the Circle of Kindness

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On the very first day of school, mini me reflected the love of Jesus in such a simple, yet powerful way, by welcoming a new friend into her circle. What made it even more special was discovering that this “new” friend was actually an old one, a preschool buddy who had returned to Zion after five years away. Though so much time had passed, their bond was still there, as if no time had gone by at all! Watching them reconnect was such a sweet reminder of how God weaves relationships back into our lives at just the right time.

A few months later, mini me and her friends had the chance to share that same love again. One afternoon, as I crossed the playground from school to church, I noticed a little girl sitting alone. She was new to Zion and was trying to fit in with a group, but it didn’t seem to be working. My heart went out to her. Not long after, mini me and her friends noticed her too and without hesitation, they welcomed her in.

This new friend is bilingual, and her family recently joined our school community. I’ve since connected with her mom via text and we use Google Translator to communicate since she speaks Spanish. Despite any language barrier, kindness has spoken louder than words. The girls have grown close, and mini me even invited her to her upcoming birthday sleepover!

Moments like these remind me that love doesn’t need translation, it’s understood in every language. When children lead with kindness, they reflect the heart of Jesus in the most beautiful ways.

The Joy of Pets: A Love Story from Afar

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Pets bring immeasurable joy into our lives. They each have their own unique personalities, quirks, needs, and wants—just like people. Some are bold and demanding of attention, while others are reserved, watching the world from a safe distance until they feel ready to engage. What remains constant is their ability to provide love, comfort, and companionship in the most heartwarming ways.

I have always felt a deep connection to animals, a kinship that has been part of me for as long as I can remember. There’s something about their innocence, their honesty, and their unwavering love that draws me in. But despite my love for animals, I can’t have a cat or dog of my own—my husband and daughter are both allergic, and as much as I would love to share my home with a furry companion, it simply wouldn’t be fair to them.

That’s where my “pet therapy” comes in. Instead of having pets of my own, I get my dose of animal love by visiting the beloved pets of my friends—especially the wonderful little menagerie at my friend Julie’s house. Julie and her husband, Dave, have a home filled with love from their four adorable pets: Leo, Spartacus, Snoops, and Boris. Each of them has their own distinct personality, and spending time with them brings me so much joy.

Leo is the ultimate attention-seeker. He is the kind of dog who makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world the moment you walk through the door. He’ll get up on his hind legs, his big, pleading eyes silently begging for me to pick him up. If I let him, he would stay in my arms for my entire visit, soaking up all the love and attention I can give.

Then there’s Spartacus, his canine brother, who is more cautious and reserved. It took time, many visits, before I earned his trust. But once I did, he welcomed me into his world with gentle affection. He now knows I am a friend, and that bond feels incredibly special.

Julie recently added two rescue cats to her family, Snoops and Boris. Their lives before finding their forever home were not easy. Boris had to have his tail surgically removed due to past trauma, while Snoops came to Julie with no teeth. Despite their rough beginnings, they have found a loving, safe haven with Julie and Dave. They were slowly introduced to their new canine brothers, and I’m happy to report that all four of them now live together in peaceful harmony—most of the time!

On my most recent visit to Julie’s house, she captured a beautiful moment of me with all of them. The photo taken that day radiates happiness and contentment. It perfectly illustrates the beauty of individuality; how some beings crave the spotlight, while others prefer to observe from the sidelines. It’s a reminder that, just like animals, people have their own ways of engaging with the world. Some of us are naturally outgoing, eager for attention and connection, while others take time to warm up, quietly processing their surroundings before stepping forward.

And that’s the beauty of life. God created each one of us differently, and our job is to embrace those differences with kindness, patience, and understanding. Whether it’s with people or animals, love is about acceptance; seeing others for who they are and meeting them where they feel most comfortable.

Though I may not have a pet of my own, my heart is full, thanks to the love and joy I experience through the wonderful animals I get to visit. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

O Christmas Tree.. Love Beyond Your Branches

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The soft glow of twinkling lights filled the living room one last time as I stood before the Christmas tree, its slender branches adorned with shimmering white, red and silver ornaments. The bright red treble clefs I’d chosen this year, a nod to our love of music, seemed to hum silently in the stillness, their presence a joyful chorus of memories.

This tree had been more than a decoration—it had been the heartbeat of our holiday season. Friends and family had gathered around it, their laughter echoing through the house. Each visit felt like a precious gift, and I’d made a point to document the moments, snapping photos of every guest standing beside the tree. Each picture became a keepsake of the love and connection we shared, moments we wouldn’t soon forget.

But now, the season had come to an end. The time had come to take it all down. With every ornament I carefully removed, a wave of sadness washed over me. I remembered the sparkle in my daughter’s eyes as she admired the carefully wrapped packages under its branches, the stories shared late into the night beneath its glow, and the warmth that filled our home. It was as if I were packing away not just decorations, but pieces of joy and togetherness.

Yet, as the last ornament was tucked away and the tree dismantled, a quiet realization dawned on me. The beauty of the tree, the memories it held, and even the celebration of Christ’s birth—they weren’t confined to a season or an object. The love shared, the joy expressed, and the faith in my heart were not bound to the Christmas tree.

Jesus’s birth wasn’t a fleeting event, a story to be celebrated and forgotten. It was a beginning—a promise of hope, love, and constant presence. As I stood in the now-empty space where the tree once stood, I found comfort in knowing that the spirit of Christmas remained. Jesus is with me, always. His light doesn’t depend on a string of bulbs or a shimmering star atop a tree. It shines in my heart, in the love I give and receive, and in the memories my family and friends carry forward.

I took one last look at the photos I’d taken—smiling faces framed by the tree’s splendor—and smiled. The sadness of the moment was replaced by gratitude. Gratitude for the love of those around me, for the joy of the season, and for the reminder that Christmas wasn’t about the decorations but about a love that lasts long after the decorations are packed away.

Smiling faces framed by the Christmas tree’s splendor.

Advent By Candlelight

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The Christmas season can be stressful for a variety of reasons. For some it’s an overwhelming “to do list” that appears to have no end. Or it may be the pressure of feeling financially strapped and unable to give your family the Christmas of their dreams. You may be experiencing emptiness thinking about loved ones who will be missing from the dinner table this year. While others may feel loneliness, simply yearning for family and friends to spend Christmas with. I’m sure all of you can relate to one of these scenarios and I find comfort knowing that I am not alone. One of the things I did this year to help me focus on the true meaning of the Advent season is participate in “Advent By Candlelight.”

Advent By Candlelight– In early December I gathered with other women and participated in a beautiful evening called “Advent By Candlelight” at my church, Zion Lutheran. “Advent By Candlelight” was new to me but after signing up to be a table hostess I discovered that women from all denominations kick off the advent season by holding “Advent By Candlelight” events at their churches. A simple search of “Advent By Candlelight” on Pinterest yields hundreds of lavish table decorations, delectable desserts and meaningful programming suggestions. I quickly realized I had been missing out on something very special.

My Table– I enjoyed decorating my table for “Advent By Candlelight.” I used my Lenox Christmas China (Holly Berry Pattern) and placed the dessert plates on gold chargers. I borrowed festive gold flatware adorned with a sprig of holly from my parents. Matching tea cups and glasses completed my table setting. I used a cream table cloth and glittering gold napkins. Nuts, candy and a variety of tea bags were placed in candy dishes that match my china pattern. My centerpiece was simple with two cream candles sitting among a bed of evergreen and white flowers.

I found the perfect gold detailed porcelain ornament favors. They matched my dishes perfectly and the messages of Blessed and Believe were appropriately written across the angel and star design.

The evenings program, “A Personal Journey to the Nativity” set the tone of the Advent season. Through singing, scripture and fellowship, I left the event feeling renewed and exhilarated; ready to great the craziness of the season head on.

Advent Wreath– Christians all over the world have adopted the tradition of lighting candles during Advent to observe this as the time of the coming of Christ who is the light of the world. One tradition is lighting an Advent wreath at church and at home to mark each Sunday in Advent. This Advent tradition dates back to Germany and the Lutheran Church following the Reformation.

Today Advent wreaths are made out of evergreen and are shaped like a circle to represent eternal life. The Advent wreath we use at church has five candles with three of the candles being blue in color to match the liturgical colors. The candle lit on the first week is blue and represents hope. The candle lit on the second week is blue and represents peace. The candle lit on the third Sunday is pink and represents joy. On the last Sunday of Advent a blue candle representing love is lit. The candle in the center is white and is know as the Christ candle. It is lit on Christmas or Christmas Eve.

The Advent wreath we are using in our home was carefully molded out of clay by my daughter’s tiny hands. Plastered with green paint it is adorned with five skinny birthday candles. Mrs. Stanglein helped Lillian craft this Advent wreath in preschool and although simple in design it glows with radiant splendor.

Lillian and her class learned an Advent song to go along with their wreath and they have been singing a new verse every week. We also sing the simple song in church as a new candle on the Advent wreath is lit. Lillian learned the song quickly and she had enjoyed singing it at the top of her lungs every day this month!

Light one candle for hope,
One bright candle for hope.
He brings hope to everyone.
He comes. He comes.
**For verses 2-4, replace hope with peace, joy, and love.**

Jesus Joy– I was once again reminded of my focus this Advent season during a recent children’s sermon at church. Lillian’s preschool teacher gave this particular children’s sermon a few weeks ago.While talking to the children Mrs Stanglein declared she would rename Advent, “Jesus Joy.” Her words reminded me to focus on the joy that the season brings instead of becoming overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. We should be joyous during the season of Advent for it is a time of triumph, exultation and joy as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Lillian with her teacher after singing at the preschool Advent service.