If you’ve followed along with my Christian writing journey, you have no doubt heard or read about my Heart Hugs. I’m addicted to receiving these blessings from God and treasure them more each day. They’re an important part of my spiritual life. I thought today might be a good time to introduce you to this wonderful blessing from my relationship with God.
I coined the term Heart Hugs to express the overwhelming feelings of love, joy, peace, and contentment when I connect with God. At first, I noticed them occurring during my “God time” (the time I set aside for devotional, study, and prayer each morning). As I mature in my Christian walk, I find these happening with more frequency. Heart Hugs are no longer reserved for “God time.” They occur whenever I come to God in praise and prayer throughout each day.
I understand my dependence upon communing with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is what brings them to the forefront of my life. Heart Hugs provide the daily dose of God’s love I need to find the strength to face each day. In them, God reminds me of the instant I surrendered my heart to Christ Jesus on a fall evening in 1975. At that moment all the hurt, pain, fear, agony, disappointment, and anger inside me gave way to God’s amazing grace.
Finding sheer joy in communing with heaven is an addictive desire in my life. While I live in this world, I know I’m a citizen of heaven. Heart Hugs allow me to escape the worries, fears, concerns, and troubles of this fallen world. During these times, my spirit transcends to the eternal place that will one day be my forever home.
How does God manifest His presence in you? How do you express His joy in your life? Click To TweetHeart Hugs take many forms. They bring great elation, peace, and satisfaction. They express themselves in tears, laughter, arms raised in praise, or a silent smile and nod of affirmation. Heart Hugs are the strongest feeling of pure love you can ever imagine. It is God’s love that makes life worth living for me. His embracing Heart Hugs assure me I am His child, worthy of His love.
I wasted years thinking of heaven only on days when I thought it convenient or required of me. I convinced myself I was too busy with my career, family, friends, community service, and a myriad of other commitments to make time for God. I pray you find more time with God each day. May God’s presence become an addiction in your everyday lives. It is in sharing constant communion with Our Father, you achieve your greatest spiritual growth.
When God comes near and wraps His loving arms around my heart, I begin to cry. My tears signal that God is gently squeezing the world out of me, as He replaces it with His love.
God’s blessings…
I so relate to this. I find “heaven” all around us. Last week the firm foundation of packed sand reminded me where my stability lies. I loved your expression “communing with heaven is an addictive desire”. Ditto! Thank you!
Thank you so much Ms. Marilyn. What a wonderful thought ma’am; “Heaven all around us…” Now, if we can just remember to look and listen for it with our hearts. What a blessing you are my friend.
“My tears signal that God is gently squeezing the world out of me, as He replaces it with His love.”
J.D. I cannot tell you how much I love this mind picture. You have blessed me today!
The blessing is mine Ms. Loretta. Thank you for your kind words ma’am. God’s blessings.
Absolutely beautiful and I love how you have termed it Heart Hugs.
Thank You Ms. Ann. Am so glad you enjoyed ma’am. I sure hope to see more comments from you soon. I’ll be looking for yours also. God’s blessings ma’am.
What a beautiful way to express God’s love. I love heart hugs!
How kind! Thank you Ms. Barbara. I love ’em too ma’am. 🙂 Not that anyone could tell. Have a blessed day ma’am.
I never thought of them as “Heart Hugs,” but I love the term. And, when God sends those warm and comforting messages, our heart overflows–tears of joy. Thanks for the day-brightener, J.D. It’s hot and sunny here, but you brought and extra ray of light. Thank you, my friend.
Awww… what a sweet thing to say Ms. Katherine. Thank you so much ma’am. You just made my day!
Thanks for coining the term “Hear Hugs.” I love it! I look at heart hugs as the natural byproduct of walking with the Holy Spirit—which is AMAZING. This is why we write, J.D. We want others to experience this personal relationship with Christ, too.
Could not agree more Ms. Beckie. The closer my walk, the more I experience them. What a blessing. I pray you, and all my friend, a lifetime of “Heart Hugs” sweet friend.
There are times when I cry and feel a sense of relief. I feel His loving arms around me and He gives me comfort.
Those are wonderful times indeed aren’t they Ms. Melissa. Thank you for sharing my friend. I think it so important to remember how God made us to grow through fellowship.
I’m so glad I made time to read this today during a super busy week. It was just the pause I needed. I can relate to your “Heart Hugs.” Although I’ve never thought of them as heart hugs, that’s exactly what they are! I think as I’ve matured in my faith, I’m more likely to be in a state of holy alertness when I notice such holy moments as these.
Wow! You just made my day Ms. Candyce. What an honor it is to know how blessed we are to be able to share a few moments of someone’s day with them in pursuit of God. Am certain I’m the one who received the blessing today ma’am.
Thank you for this prayer – May God’s presence become an addiction in your everyday lives.
I love it, and truly pray it will be so. In these busy, busy days, I’m often tempted to squeeze Him out. But oh, the awful day that passes if I do!
Thank you for coining that sweet feeling. Heart Hugs. Yes.
Awww shucks Ms. Jackie. Thank you for these sweet and kind words ma’am. Lots of prayers for travel mercies and wonder-filled evangelism as you prepare for your upcoming missions trip to Italy. Many people never think to reach out to more “modern” (non-third world) countries. Christ didn’t direct us to go only to some regions, He said to bring the gospel of The Good News to ALL the world. Good on you ma’am.
A beautiful reminder of God’s unlimited goodness and amazing love. He’s blessed me with a heart hug through this blog post, J.D. Thank you! (I need to go find a tissue now.)
See! Look what you’ve gone and done now Ms. LuAnn. Now I’ve got something in my eyes too. I think Mr. Kenn owes you a hug from me ma’am. And maybe a kitten. 🙂 God’s blessings my dear friend.
I know what you mean, J.D., and I like your term Heart Hugs. He is so sweet and tender. How do people survive without Him?
Thank you Ms. Debbie. I can’t imagine what it must be like to not have God in my life. I know there was a time without Him, but I forget how alone I was. With all the people around me, I was still alone. I think the answer to your question is “They won’t!” Without salvation, they will be without knowing the love of God in their lives. What a sad thought indeed. Thank you again for your insight and encouragement ma’am. God’s blessings…
I love this post, J.D.!
Indeed, “His embracing Heart Hugs assure me I am His child, worthy of His love.”
What is better than that? Nothing.
Thank you for the encouragement. God bless you.
My how you’ve blessed me today Ms. Connie. Your encouragement and kindness have moved me to tears of joy my friend. God’s blessings…
God’s presence and the way he touches us is so special, so amazing. I love equating these interactions as heart hugs! Love this!
Thanks so much Ms. Kelly. I think we both have grown to appreciate our “Heart Hugs” whenever we commune with Abba.
Reading this post warms my heart. Isn’t it wonderful when God allows us to sense His presence and love so profoundly that we’re not only moved spiritually but emotionally and physically? I love that feeling. Thank you for sharing your personal walk with God, my friend. It is encouraging to all of us.
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words my friend. It is wonderful indeed to seek and find God’s presence in your life.
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