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The big news from the Big Island this spring and summer has been the continual eruption of Kilauea. It began in April 2018, but the US Geological Survey is continuing to put out updates in mid-August. (The volcano activity seems to be slowing.)

Before the volcano erupted, however, the big news from Hawaii was news of a missile heading for the islands. Residents received urgent text messages and warnings to seek immediate shelter. For a few minutes, there was widespread panic. Hawaii, after all, is the only state that has ever been bombed by a foreign nation.

There was no missile. Someone pushed the wrong button. It was all a mistake.

* * *

How do you know when someone loves you? If he forgets your birthday, does it mean he doesn't love you? Do you measure every word he speaks, examine every action, try to decipher the smallest detail?

Or do you sit in the grass with a pile of daisies? He loves me, he loves me not.

Hawaii...volcanos...messages...daisies...love...

How do these connect, or am I just trying to write this too late at night?

* * *

In the beginning, God created everything, including mankind. But mankind managed sin all by themselves. "You screwed up, kids, but I'll give you a way out," God said. I'm paraphrasing.

Then we get books like Leviticus. I'm sorry, God, I know it's important, but Leviticus and Dickens -- not sure which is harder. And books like Daniel and Ezekiel and Isaiah, and you wonder if it's still written in some ancient language, because most of it doesn't make sense.

It's all one long story, you know, so let me boil it down for you: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.

God loved. Jesus came down. Jesus died for your sin and mine and rose again to give us eternal life with God.

The death and resurrection of Jesus is a love note from God. He loves you. There is no mistaking that message.