“Here’s the thing,” says God.
“Don’t you go saying that you don’t belong to My family,
And don’t you go thinking that because you don’t ‘produce’ I’m going to throw you out.
I don’t work like that.
At all.
If you love Me
If you embrace activities and ideas that please Me
If you hold fast to the promises I have made to you
Then I will give to you something better than any fame, fortune, or power you might receive from the world for something you did
What I have to give you is better than a large family or even one successful child
What I have to give you is a name —
A name that will forever tie you to Me.”
“And if you think you don’t belong in My family,
let Me ask you this —
Do you love Me?
Do you serve Me?
Do you help others because you know Me?
Do you set aside time
when you aren’t working
and just think about Me?
Do you lay in a grassy field on a Sunday afternoon,
look up at my blue sky, and utter a simple thank-you?”
“My door is always open to you
because you are family.
Mi casa es su casa.”
“You are family.
You are welcomed with great joy
and big bear hugs
(even though you say you don’t like hugs).”
“Come.
Sit with Me in the quiet.
Whisper to Me.
I am always listening.”
“You may think that you’re an outcast,
but I am gathering you in My arms
and holding you close.”
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
A good family portrait, and an interesting take on scripture!
Your family portrait reminds me of my family. We just celebrated our 60th family reunion in July. And I like what you did with the scripture. I needed to hear those words today – and just in that tone! Thanks!
Such a beautiful post, Sally! I loved seeing your family!