Quotes from Gary Chapman

When love drives us, we find ways to include others in our plans. — Mark Littleton —

Being in love is an emotional and obsessive experience. However, emotions change and obsessions fade. Research indicates that the average life span of the "in love" obsession is two years.1 For some it may last a bit longer; for some, a bit less.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." —Matthew 19:26

May we be open to seeing God in the most unlikely places and people. — Mary Beth Oostenbrug —

Giving is about letting go and trusting God, even when others don't understand. — Sandy Cathcart —

In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. —2 Corinthians 1:9

The glue of His love patches our wounds so we can keep serving as His vessels, His treasures in fragile clay jars. Despite our flaws, we are worthy to share His love.

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. —John 8:36

The loving God of the universe might not always fix it the way we expect, but He will fix it. — Joyce McDonald Hoskins —

Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! —Matthew 6:8

Love doesn't kept a score of wrongs. Love doesn't bring up past failures.

God loves us, not because of what we have done; He just loves us. — Elizabeth W. Peterson —

None of us have the promise of tomorrow. We only have right now to speak life-giving, encouraging words to show our love. — Peggy Morris —

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. —Matthew 7:8

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life. —Psalm 23:6

Whether with our kids or others, expressing affection and building a bridge of love is a habit we develop. — Jenni Davenport

Love even the unlovely. God sees and will reward you. — Mark Littleton —

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. HEBREWS 3:13, NIV

Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. —Matthew 6:1

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. —1 Thessalonians 5:11

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. —Matthew 18:5

You schedule other people into your calendars—why not your children? They will appreciate the fact that you value your time with them so much that you are willing to say no to other activities.

Covenant love is conscious love. It is intentional love. It is a commitment to love no matter what. It requires thought and action. It does not wait for the encouragement of warm emotions but chooses to look out for the interest of the other because you are committed to the best for them.

We can recognize the in-love experience for what it was--a temporary emotional high--and now pursue 'real love' with our spouse. That kind of love is emotional in nature but not obsessional. It is a love that unites reason and emotion. It involves an act of the will and requires discipline, and it recognizes the need for personal growth. Our most basic emotional need is not to fall in love but to be genuinely loved by another, to know a love that grows out of reason and choice, not instinct.