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How do you know God loves you?
News
December 24, 2025
How do you know God loves you?

“I know God loves me because he gave us our family, sister, mom, dad and dog Sam,” says Jeff, 9. Jeff, I’m glad you mentioned Dad before your dog Sam.

“God made me so that I could run, jump and play,” says Megan, 9. “He gave me a very lovable and obedient dog.”

Sometimes, I wonder if God created dogs to teach us about unconditional love and loyalty. Cats – well, that’s some other lesson.

Let’s get down to basics. Preston, 11, says he experiences God’s love “because I get up every day, and I am able to see and move all my body parts.”

How many of us thank God for body parts? How often do we remember those who have suffered the loss of movement through an accident or disease?

Sikas, 9, drinks in God’s love through her senses: “I think having all those senses can make you happy. I can see flowers, I can taste cake, I can hear birds, I can feel my cat, and I can smell the flowers!”

You might want to read the story of Helen Keller. She couldn’t see or hear, but she learned to communicate. She became a role model for millions of deaf and blind people.

“I know God loves me because he gave me a smart mind,” says Chris, 9. “He gave my parents the brains to do their jobs that they are doing now so that I will be able to keep going to my school.”

Have you ever thanked God for your parents’ brains and their desire to provide for you? Furthermore, everyone should use their noodle to consider that God gave us brains, health and opportunities to use them.

What about knowing God’s love through talents? Dave, 10, knows the source: “God gave me the ability to play baseball, the ability to play the piano, and the privilege to go to Briarcrest.”

Wait a minute, Dave! I can see God’s love in the ability to play ball, or perform a piano concerto, but are you really saying it’s a privilege to go to school? When I was 10, I was convinced school was a prison designed to prevent me from having fun. But now, I see it’s a privilege to learn.

“I know God loves me because he helps me with my requests and answers all my prayers,” says Alex, 11. You’re right on target, Alex. Letting God help you know what to request is one key to having all your prayers answered.

A wise person once said: “Be careful what you request from God. He may give it to you.”

So far, we have dogs, movable body parts, senses, brains, caring parents, talents, school and answered prayers as signs of God’s love.

Jordan, 10, will tell us about God’s greatest demonstration of love: “I think you know God loves you because He died for us. He died because He loves us. And my parents tell me that He loves us.

“And in the Bible, it says, ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). There is also a song, ‘Jesus loves me.’ God loves us, and he always will.”

Think about this: God’s love can change your eternal destiny and transform your motivation.

Memorize this truth: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Ask this question: What motivates you, God’s love or your own fears?

— Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www. KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email. Bible quotations are from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

© 2025 Carey Kinsolving

A: Main
Municipal, bond issues on ballot Tuesday
February 6, 2026
Early voting for Okmulgee County residents wishing to cast ballots in the Feb. 10 Election continues through 6 p.m. at the Okmulgee County Courthouse.On Election Day, which is next Tuesday, Feb. 10, r...
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A Month of Love
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A Month of Love
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As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors alike to celebrate love in a unique and meaningful way - by taking part in a growing community tradi...
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Commissioners weight county fairgrounds improvements
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Okmulgee County Commissioners opened their Feb. 2 meeting with routine business, but the discussion quickly turned to long-term community investments - ranging from improvements at the county fairgrou...
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Anchor Glass facility hosts state, local officials
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Anchor Glass facility hosts state, local officials
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The Anchor Glass Container manufacturing facility in Henryetta, which has been operating for almost 100 years and is home to one of the largest glass melting furnaces in the world, recently hosted a v...
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A: Main
OOCYS records review raises questions
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In November 2025, The Okmulgee Times first reported on governance concerns surrounding the Okmulgee- Okfuskee County Youth Services (OOCYS) Board following the termination of Executive Director Dr. Sh...
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OCCJA Director responds during winter storm
A: Main
OCCJA Director responds during winter storm
February 6, 2026
During a recent winter storm impacting Okmulgee County, county officials and other volunteers were briefed by Okmulgee County Emergency Management as preparations were made to address hazardous condit...
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Editor Picks
A: Main, News
Remembering Jerry Fink
February 6, 2026
The staff of the Eufaula Indian Journal, McIntosh County Democrat and Cookson Hills Publishing is mourning the loss of a colleague, mentor and friend following the passing of longtime editor Jerry Fin...
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A: Main, News
Henryettan pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter
February 6, 2026
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Daeshaun Jared Ickle Cobretti Small, age 22, of Henryetta, entered a guilty plea to one count of a Superseding I...
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Barns Full, Futures Bright
A: Main, News
Barns Full, Futures Bright
February 6, 2026
It’s time once again for one of Okmulgee County’s most anticipated youth events. The 59th Annual Okmulgee County Spring Livestock Show, where Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and 4-H students p...
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A: Main, News
Morris Teddy Bear Toss a success
February 6, 2026
Morris Public Schools is expressing its heartfelt gratitude to the community following an overwhelming outpouring of support during the inaugural McKinley McGirt Memorial Teddy Bear Toss, held Friday ...
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Age doesn’t stop Don Cotton
A: Main, News
Age doesn’t stop Don Cotton
February 6, 2026
At 103 years old, VFW member of Post 539 Don Cotton of Henryetta still drives himself to the grocery store, walks on his own and recalls in great detail about his lifetime of memories during the Great...
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