Wait! We did have one alternative to our alternator problem…prayer. So, we earnestly prayed as a family. It had been a long time since the days of only one mode of transportation. The one day I needed the car, I dropped BC off at school. Later that day, BC received a call from a friend. He told BC that an anonymous person wanted to take care of our car. All we had to do was take it to a certain auto shop. What a praise! We managed to get it to the shop by charging it several times along the way. I followed him in the suburban. It only took us one and a half hours, but we were thankful we got it there.

Two days later, we received the call from the shop that his pick-up was ready for pick up. Wow! That was fast! we thought. The owner told BC that he fixed the alternator, a power steering leak, and put in a new air conditioner. BC was amazed, and slightly shocked! We all were. A new A/C is expensive. BC had been without A/C in his truck for awhile. It had been on our list of “things to fix”. That night, when we went around the table sharing our favorite part of the day, Daddy shared about the surprise blessing we had received from the LORD! We all praised the LORD for His goodness. He not only meets our needs, but also goes above and beyond even what we might expect. God always provides!

Two weeks ago, I received a text. I wasn’t sure who it was from. Curiously, I opened it, and it read: “Please forgive me, Hermina.”

I thought: I can’t ignore this because Hermina will not know that he asked for forgiveness, and he might not ask twice!

So, I replied: “Sure, I will forgive you, but btw, do I even know you?

To which he “texted”, “Please forgive me. Sorry.”

Then two days later, it gets funnier. The text (on my phone) reads something like this, “I want you to share my life with me. I am ready to take that step down the aisle. Will you take my hand?” Immediate laughter rings out in our living room!

BC pipes in,(as he takes my phone) “I got this one, Love.”

His comment was: “Uh. Sir, you have the wrong number.”

To which the unknown guy replied, “So Sorry.”

This sorry story, which provided us with a good laugh, is true. I am thankful my BC looked into my eyes and joined my hand in his when he asked for my hand in marriage. However, we sincerely hope that Romeo(?) is doing well. Maybe he was just so nervous about asking “the question” that he hit the wrong number…again. Who knows? But why text something that private in the first place? No, he certainly did not commit a crime here, but in my opinion, “texting” should not be an option for making a wedding proposal.

Back in March, my sweet husband turned the big 40! We made a slide show for him using “Movie Maker” that day. It was a kind of …”this is your life” type of movie. We have a rule that if your birthday is on a day of the week, it’s a holiday. Yes, I  know…it’s one of the perks of homeschooling (remember we school through most of the summer). So, even though Daddy had to work, we enjoyed a day off thinking about him, and making him a video, and of course, a big cake!

I bought him a “40″ balloon the night before, and when the kids opened the back door of our suburban to help unload the groceries…out it flew…into the nearby tree branch. Well, as I was jumping up to get the balloon, the wind blew it out of the tree; but alas, that young balloon was too fast for me. I don’t know what overcame me, but I just couldn’t “let it go…”. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn’t even given him the balloon yet, and those balloons aren’t cheap, or maybe I just really do love to run (yeah, right).

Whatever the reason, I found myself compelled to sprint across the field that we live next to (like half-way). My son Benjamin was right there with me, and we managed to tackle that old balloon down to the ground, while literally “rolling on the floor laughing” (ROFL)! Never mind that cars were driving by, and my nearby girls were laughing at us. We proudly (and somewhat out of air) presented our token of love (which was also somewhat out of air) to B. C. Thankfully, that wasn’t a trip to the E.R. (Can you even imagine telling people how the foot broke that time?)

At the birthday restaurant dinner, Cousin Mike embarrassed him by giving him a hilarious, attention-getting vest to wear. Then, I took pictures of some of the people’s reaction to his vest, when he walked with our boys to the restroom. Too funny! BC’s mom brought some great old (young) pictures of BC that we enjoyed looking/laughing at.

So I married an older man...one year, that is...:)

It was a good day! Lots of candles and candies (jelly beans are his favorite)! I am so thankful to be married to BC. We have a plaque in our room that reads: “Grow old with me, the best is yet to be!” Ah…so true! I believe elderly people are not “over the hill”, but have great wisdom and experience to offer to each one of us…and life to be lived!

We just visited my grandmother (G.G.) and G.P. I will be turning thirty-nine in a few days, and I was so encouraged about growing older just by spending time with them. They are both so vibrant and energetic. I currently run 3.5 miles, usually three times a week. Well, my sweet grandma could out-walk me, seriously! She is truly amazing! We all took a long walk together. I am so glad that G.G. and G.P. are so capable. They are loving life and each other. They take their limitations in stride, and never seem to let it get them down. They thank God everyday for their health and each other, and rarely complain! I certainly want to be like them when I grow up—so content and so kind. They continue to encourage and bless the entire family!

BC and I went to my 20th high school reunion a few nights ago, and it was a delightful jog down memory lane. It’s funny, a lot of families we currently hang out with have a large number of kids, so I was surprised (not shocked) when I won the “Most Kids” Award. It was wonderful hugging everyone again, and hearing their laughter. I love to hear people laugh. Before the reunion, I got the old yearbook out, and a high school scrapbook and that was kind of fun, too.

But then I came across “it”—a newspaper clipping from high school. Right before I moved to Dallas, I ran in the district track meet in S. A., and I placed in the top twenty. I ran two miles in 13:28. Let’s move forward twenty years…I have recently been running on a treadmill, and thinking that I was “really moving”, but in actuality…it takes me twice as long to run two miles as it did back then. Just another reminder of how you really do slow down when you get older, physically and mentally (I couldn’t even remember how long it took me to run 2 miles). Well…baby steps…

I had a wonderful birthday yesterday, starting with breakfast with my precious twin sister. Then we all went roller skating (thanks BC…I know that’s just not the way you like to roll). It’s been twenty years since I’ve been on roller skates, and it really was a blast from the past. I’m glad we’ve been running lately, because roller skating is quite the aerobic exercise. Then, we went home for some “down time” (although we had a
different kind of “down time” at the skating rink)
.

I was so touched by the many birthday blessings that were sent my way via Facebook. I really have enjoyed reconnecting with family and friends that way. We went to Chili’s for dinner, and had a fabulous time! My kids gave me a sweet stepping stone that they secretly made. We stayed up pretty late, and I was starting to feel pain in my back (left side). It was just after midnight. I was thinking it was possibly sore muscles from skating, but then I remembered this pain…kidney stone! Yikes! Well, I started drinking lots of water, and praying the prayer that I always pray when I have kidney stones…”I pray that this too, shall pass!”. This is my fourth experience with kidney stones in the last 12 years, and each experience always brings me to my knees (the pain is that bad, and I am really praying hard for God’s mercy).

P.S. Praise the LORD! I was able to pass the stone, and before our trip to New Mexico!

Lately, like in the past few weeks, BC and I have been running…on the treadmill…like 3 miles at a time. No kidding! There is nothing pretty about us running, but we know this is good for us (at least that’s what they are telling us)! Twenty years ago, I ran 20 miles a week…no problem. Three weeks ago we tried that…uh…but we ran into a slight problem…we ran out of breath (not to mention I almost ran off the machine). So we are doing better, and we are trying to pace ourselves.

We have found it helpful to play mind games and make “deals” with the timer (run fast for a minute, slow down for a minute, increase our speed every minute for ten minutes, try to see how fast we can run a mile, etc.) One helpful tip I have learned is not to close my eyes while I run anymore…I tend to lose my footing when I do that.

Let me jog my memory a bit…I haven’t had a desire to run in over 20 years! When I was in high school, I was on the track team. I remember a time when I needed to run in my new neighborhood (Double Oak) because I was running cross-country. So, I took off running by myself one afternoon. I wasn’t aware that there wasn’t a leash law at this time, but I quickly found out that I was being followed by about two, then four, then six dogs (some not very friendly-looking). I was scared and did the most logical thing I could think of— I jumped on top of a brick mailbox, and kept on jumping (because those dogs were nipping at my heels). The only thing that was running then, were the chills up my back! Thankfully some kind, older man came running out of his house and rescued me! My hero! He reminded me of Teddy Roosevelt—He was walking softlyyelling loudly and carrying a big stick! So, thankfully the treadmill at the gym provides a dog-free atmosphere (not that I don’t like dogs).

Another memory I have of running cross-country involved directions. I was at a meet…listening to them explain where we were to run at this park, but I just assumed I would follow the crowd (mostly because I am directionally-challenged). Well, I ended up being in first place (surprise), but leading the entire group in the wrong direction (surprise again). Oops! So, the second benefit of the treadmill…I hopefully won’t get lost.

Years ago, we tried to run around our neighborhood, but we ran into two major problems:

• We live in South Texas, and it’s insanely hot.

• We developed shin splints from running on the hard pavement.

So, again…the treadmill is a great choice because we are running with better cushion for our bodies, and we are conditioning in air conditioning!

Ah…my mind is running away with running memories. One of my favorite memories of running in middle school was the Turkey Trot (I’m not sure if it was an 800 or a mile) in seventh grade. I was the fastest girl in the school, so I won a great big turkey! I remember just beaming as I rode home on the school bus with our Thanksgiving meal!

Food has always been a bigger motivator for me to run fast compared to a medal or ribbon. I still find myself wanting to run, so I can eat that gooey brownie. When I really want to run fast, I imagine I am chasing that gooey brownie…and those unfriendly dogs are chasing me!

Okay, so now you know I like food. I ran into my high school track-coach a few months ago. He asked me if I was still running. A big smile ran across my face, as I replied, “Do I look like I have been running? No way…the only running I’ve been doing is…running a household and running errands. I do play tag with the kids. Does that count?”

We have dear friends of the family who are avid runners. They are always giving us these nice marathon t-shirts. The only problem that I run into is when strangers ask me if I run marathons. Again, my response is: “Do I look like I run marathons?”. I seriously don’t look like a pro big runner…more like a pro big mama. Oh well, one step at a time, will shed some pounds…maybe. I am definitely sweating like I haven’t in years. Who knows? Maybe running will help me not to feel run down. I think I am feeling like I am in better shape, whether I look it or not.

I know exercise is important to keep our bodies running efficiently; however, balance is key! What about my Christian walk? I should be exercising myself in seeking His face everyday in prayer, and finding the beauty of Jesus in every chapter of the Bible. Jesus should be the first person I run to when I run into problems. These are great Bible verses that talk about running:

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”                                      1 Timothy 4:8

¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.                                                               Hebrews 12:1-2

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.       1 Cor. 9:24

What is black and white and red all over? Our embarrassed family walking into Chick-fil-A dressed like cows! Yesterday, we made total cows of ourselves (in more ways than one)! It was National Cow Appreciation Day at Chic-fil-A, and so we dressed the part and had a moo-valous time!

We were supposed to dress “head to toe” to get a free #1 meal. So, we spent $11.00 on supplies (black felt, safety pins, and cow material). We saved $59.00, and the memory of seeing my herd dressed up is so “udderly” worth it (you too, BC)! We even found white and black fingernail polish (I had no idea we even had these), and we painted our hooves (girls only)! We used angel costumes that we had made for our Christmas play. Then, we just cut out the black spots from thin felt, and used safety pins to attach them. We made tails out of black and white yarn. Then, with the cow material, we made scarfs for our heads, bow ties for some necks, and “moo shoes” (a few strips of cow fabric tied to our flip flops…really tied it all together!). We were last-minute “calf-sitting” for a friend. So, we quickly made an outfit for her (our little five-year-old friend). She was thrilled to get to eat at Chic-fil-A twice in one day. Who does that?

We “moo-zeed” on over there for lunch and dinner (at two different locations). We met some sweet friends for lunch, and they were adorably dressed up…painted faces too! Then, we met my sister’s cute herd for a late dinner. So, we were eating free with herds of friends and family…what fun! Unfortunately, we didn’t have the additional stomachs—like cows do—to digest all that great, free food! We definitely need to get mooo-ving! Well, earlier today we did help a friend pack and mooo-ve. That’s got to count for something! And no…we didn’t wear our moo-ving costumes.

At Chic-fil-A we sure felt like mooo-vie stars—people asking to take our picture (on their phones to show their friends how crazy some people are); signing autographs (waivers for restaurant photo contest); people staring and pointing at us (never mind the fact that they were exclaiming, “Look at the cows!”); people clapping as we walked in—some of us were wearing our mooo-vie star shades…to hide!

Then, reality…as I was clearing our trash from the table, a lady tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “When you get a chance, will you clean off that table in the back with a wet rag? To her shock, I calmly explained that even though I was wearing a cow costume, I really wasn’t employed by Chic-fil-A. But I told her I’d let somebody know. I laughed and remembered the times I have asked red-shirted people at Target for help, to quickly find out that they don’t work there.

Well, it looks like we took second place for “largest herd” at dinner (14 total). They will let us know what that means later. When I went to ask if I could get a refill, the manager said, “Dressed like that , you can have anything you want.” I was thinking, “Wow. I think I got some brownie points (and their brownies are the best), but I better just stick with the refill.” However, when I asked the managers if they had heard of the Chick-fil-A song by Tim Hawkins, they had not. So, some of us (those who wanted to, and didn’t “chicken out”) proceeded to sing that cute song to them. They loved it, and said, “Ice cream for all the singers”. You know, he reminded me of my grandpa and grandma. They jokingly loved to have us “sing for our supper”!

I was blown away by the money we raised…$70,000. Is that awesome or what? Even in a tough economic year, we surpassed our goal of $50,000. Also, this year we became a “Five-Star Relay”! Our chair and co-chair did an excellent job. Everyone on the committee did everything they could to make this event a success. It was great working with these special people. This was the first year that I was on the committee, and my family agrees that it was worth the effort! Paige was team captain for the second year in a row, and she did an awesome job!

I was blown away by the number of people who came out, and didn’t blow this off. I was blown away by the number of people who were out there on the track in the wee hours of the night. I think the theme laps helped. Last year, there were only two teams (Partylite and us) out there (like…actually on the track) at 3:00 a.m. This year there were lots more!

I was blown away by the fact that all my kids stayed awake all night! I think Bradley crashed around 5:00 a.m., but still…that’s pretty good for a six-year-old! Also…my sweet BC and “True Love” made it through the entire night! He loved throwing the Frisbee with the guys! Also…Grandma, Nonnie, Uh-Oh, Aunt D., Aunt C., two of our high school guys, and two cousins…16 team members stayed awake all night! Four slept there for just a few hours. Also, our other team members stayed at Relay later than we expected. Way to go, team!

I was blown away by the heat in the afternoon, and blown away by the breeze that seemed to blow things away! However, eventually it was very pleasant out there. The blow-up slides were so fun! I was totally blown away when they started to blow away! Thankfully no one was hurt! I had told the man, who set them up, to stake them down, but he kinda blew me off and said that it wasn’t necessary, as they have never blown over before. Well, the “big, bad wind” taught us a lesson!

I was blown away by the amount of survivors in the luminaria ceremony slide show. This was the first slide show I have ever done, and I have to thank my children (Paige and Michelle) for helping so much! Thanks BC, for teaching them how to do MovieMaker and PowerPoint! So many people…some remembered in memory, some in honor, some in support…whose lives have been touched by cancer! Boy, I almost blew up when I couldn’t get it to play on that DVD. Thankfully, we got it to play on a laptop…thanks to Beverly. My emotions took over as the bagpipers played “Amazing Grace”, and also when they led everyone around the track. That was too cool.

I was blown away at the sight of bubbles being blown during the bubble lap (blow bubbles, not smoke). Beautiful. My daughter Paige loved this lap the best.

I was blown away by the fact that my daughter, Grace, lost her purse with her camera in it, and some one found it and gave it to her! I (yes, we are related) also lost my camera (some time b/w pinata at 1:30, and Kung Fu Fighting shortly after). I was really bummed out. I searched everywhere. BC almost blew up at me, but then settled down. I remember sitting down (it seemed like for the first time that day) and praying that I could find it. My sweet mom said, “I bet you will find it in the morning.” Well, when the sun came up…someone found it during the Fight Back ceremony…on the ground by the stage. What a praise! I was blown away by the kind and honest people we had at Relay.

I was blown away by the last hour of singing praise songs to Jesus, especially the song: “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord”! What a song of hope, and an excellent

reminder of our source of hope. I was blown away by the Fight Back Ceremony. The best I have ever been to. I was motivated to sign the banner. I am going to get a colonoscopy this year!

I was blown away when we won an “Oscar” (as chosen by the cancer survivors) for Best Campsite for our 80′s movie: The Princess Bride. The slides were kind of like the hill they rolled down in the movie…when Wesley says, “As you wish”. We let peopIe go down as many times “as they wished”…for three dollars! Our hope was that one day cancer would be “inconceivable!”. I was also blown away when we won “Most Creative On-Site Fund-Raising Team”. Go Team! I was blown away by one team that raised $9,000. I continued to be blown away by the team that stood up and cheered for the survivors (and the walkers) as they walked by their campsite..all night! I can’t wait till next year! I applaud all of the teams! Go Relay! Before I go, I have to say that I hope cancer will one day be blown away…far, far away.

I entered my name for a drawing for a free ticket to a Christian Film Festival in San Antonio, TX—I won! (Now I can’t say I never won anything.) I had wanted to go, but knew I couldn’t go alone. It really did not make sense for me to even enter the contest, but I did. I was ready to tell the ticket-giver to give it to someone else because I  wouldn’t be able to go by myself, but I called bc. He was so incredible. He asked me to find out how much it would cost for him to come along (an anniversary celebration). What a blessing! So, as I was asking about purchasing another ticket for my best bud, the kind man told me…”Well, you won two tickets, you know.” I thought that was so awesome!

We absolutely love supporting movies that share Jesus with others and support the family, not to mention ones that you can actually watch with the family. We were able to hear from some wonderful speakers:

Steven Kendrick (Producer of Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel);

Kirk Cameron (Remember Growing Pains?, AlsoFireproof);

Dean Jones (Disney’s Herbie and many (like 45) others. He was presented with the “lifetime achievement award”, and we were able to view the world-premiere of Abraham (played by Mr. Jones) and Isaac. It was wonderfully done!The integrity of all of these men was wonderful to see, especially someone finishing strong for the Lord.

We also heard from the Von Trapp Family Singers…the grandchildren of the children of the real Captain and Maria Von Trapp (of the Sound of Music—like one of my favorite things—I have seen this long and lovely movie thousands lots of times.) It was wonderful to be able to talk to his great-grandkids. Kurt (the “incorrigible”-unruly-one) was their grandpa. They sang beautiful acapella music together. I had hoped that my entire family could be there. We tried to see how much that would cost (a little over $200/day). Well, we couldn’t do it, as the calendar currently reads…January. We think we will plan ahead for next year and bring the entire family as most of their Christmas gifts. It was just that wonderful. We did buy (and had the Von Trapps autograph) their DVD and CD. They were so sweet. I told one she yodeled great. I did refrain from telling her that cute yodeling joke…you know:…

“Knock, knock.”
“Who’s there?”
“Little old lady.”
“Little old lady who?”
“I didn’t know you could yodel!”

I asked another what part she sang: alto, and asked the boy if he got tired of signing his name. I told them we have enjoyed their music, and we took a picture with three of them. I also met their mom, and Sophie (the oldest). I put in my request for “So Long, Farewell,” but she said they did not have the accompaniment for that one.

The Dugger Family, with their 18 beautiful children, were also there. Tons of homeschool families entirely filled up the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. A 19-year-old homeschooler was the winner of $101,000 as his film (I believe he produced, wrote and starred in): The Widow’s Might won the most money ever given out at a Christian Independent Film Festival.

We had a wonderful time watching movies and relaxing while strolling down the Riverwalk and eating out. Bc’s mom had given us a Chili’s gift card, and we had such a nice time. She also helped out with our children. They enjoyed spending time with her, and staying up…(yikes…even with one who started throwing up on Saturday night). She is so willing to help out, even if she might get sick. She is such a treasure! Unfortunately, the stomach virus Bradley had earlier was contagious for a longer period of time. Silly momma, I thought we had somehow managed, through washing hands and such, to stop the dreaded throw-up bug from spreading. However, this is a typical January for us; We usually say “Merry Christmas!”, and then…”Happy Valentine’s Day!” Another child vomited last night…that’s three. Well, the Lord knows I would love to sleep in my own bed, but I also know that the Lord knows a lot more than I know. And that thought truly is comforting (unlike the couch). Oops…I need to take my grumbling thoughts captive. Prayerfully, the bug will stop here.

Oh, I have been sleeping near the precious ones—who happen to be sick— in order to help them find the bowl (No, I haven’t had to offer my hands). I have discovered that I only hear one cough as my warning (thankfully, I am a light sleeper). I have a glow stick inside the big bowl. This has been helpful for quick finding because I can barely see at night without my glasses; and, I need to be ready in a minute (more like three seconds) if I want to protect the couch, floor, and covers (which I do…to save me from more work). So, this seems to work for me.

When the spider bites, when the bee stings, when we have stomach flu…

We simply remember our favorite things and then we don’t feel so blue!

One of my “favorite things” is not a thing, but a person…Jesus Christ. How He wants us to remember Him!

So long…farewell…good niiiiiiiight!

Dear Love,

Thanks for all you are…and for my 18 wonderful years as your bride.  You are a blessing to me! Happy Anniversary!

(Here’s my rough poem:)

You helped me laugh…

When my outlook was bleak.

You helped me stand…

When I was feeling weak.

You prayed for me…

When I could hardly speak.

You held me tight…

When tears ran down my cheek.

You wouldn’t tell…

When you knew I would peek.

You called me yours…

When some called me a geek!

You gave advice…

When guidance I would seek.

You fixed problems…

Like faucets that would leak.

You have been there…

Twenty-four hours, seven days a week!

Thank you my love…

You are truly unique!

When I was 18, Bc gave me a promise ring to wear to signify that I was promised to him. Well, I wanted to return the favor, but didn’t quite know how. Brad loved t-shirts; so I had a blue (his favorite color) t-shirt made at the mall that read “I’m Taken”. I guess I just wanted the world (mostly the female population) to know he was mine (kind of selfish, huh?)! He actually wore it for me (what a guy!).  When I was going in for open-heart surgery in May of 2004, this poem was in my hand (and in my heart), and I jokingly told Brad if I didn’t make it…he could bury me in the “I’m Taken” shirt! LOL!

Today marks the 20th anniversary of our first date in which we had an inkling strong feeling that we just might be sharing more than a meal together—maybe we’d be sharing the rest of our lives together! In the past, this date (October 22) usually involved a card exchange over dinner at Chili’s (we really like writing to each other, in case you didn’t know). Twenty years ago, I don’t think I could have imagined that I would be posting a blog as my “card” on our anniversary date! We did this monthly (on the 22nd) for two years and two months. Before Bc gave me the promise ring, he had dog tags made for each of us. He had both of our names on there and our special date: October 22, 1988. We are wearing these today, and thinking of happy memories. We did not marry on this date, but it has always been an important date! Happy Anniversary of our first date, my love!

But a Few Days

You called me your own.

“I’m Taken”, was the inscription on that mall-made t-shirt.

And we laughed.

There was also the promise ring atop the brownie.

I thought you might eat that surprise.

Do you recall the pain of separation as the semester ended, and the journey home signaled a time away?

I remember.

Was it twelve years ago when we clasped hands and tread that path, as we gazed into what would come?

Could we have foreseen the joy, the pain, and the love that these years would knit?

Nor can we examine the onward journey.

Can we secure for ourselves tomorrow’s breath from on High?

Does that great Guarantor promise the cord, which holds us here, be not severed?

‘Tis true we know nothing of what is packaged in the next second.

But this I know- I will embrace you with the strength given.

I will love you, as I perceive Love.

I will nurture you as He leads me.

Just as that man of old served for her, I will serve for you…and it will

seem but a few days.

Bc

Here are some of my favorite verses about Love:

Gen 29:20  And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

Jer 31:3  The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Son 8:7  Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1Jn 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1Jn 4:9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
1Jn 4:10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1Jn 4:11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1Jn 4:12  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1Jn 4:13  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1Jn 4:14  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1Jn 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us.