Grace Unexpected

A neat thing happened the other day that I failed to post. It was in the midst of all the birthday-Easter business, and I almost let it slip unnoticed. I shop at ALDI usually weekly, and had seen a model of a corner dining table/bench unit they were selling. The model was doll-sized and was made from solid wood. I thought, "how cute! I wonder who gets things like that when they're done selling the actual people-sized product?" I was thinking how much my girls would love it for their American Girl dolls--the perfect size. So about a week after I'd first seen it, my mom and I were shopping at ALDI for some Easter groceries and we saw the manager move the model set to one of the front register lines. They were done advertising the "real" set. My mom (always a bargain-hunter) called out, "are you selling that?" He said "Why, do have a little girl?" My mom said "well, I have grand-daughters who would love that for their dolls" He said "How much do you think it's worth?" Now, clearly, were you to buy something like this from American Girl, you'd be looking at about $120 or more. My mom hesitated to say anything, thinking he'd laugh at any offer she made. Then to our great surprise, the manager said "How 'bout you give me a dollar for it?" A DOLLAR? This was a miracle. Our checker said "You wouldn't believe how many people wanted to buy that this week!" I smiled, because I had been one of those people, but never dreamed they'd sell it to me for a measly dollar. What moved this manager to sell it to us for a buck? My only explanation is that it was God's grace extended to us. And what a teachable moment for our girls when we presented it to them. Keaton had seen it too at the store and had asked about it, and I had told her it wasn't for sale. Guess I was wrong! God had it staked out for us from the beginning! I love it when Grace catches us unexpectedly.

He Does Not Treat Us As Our Sins Deserve

Yesterday was one of those hard days. You probably know what I mean. Just one of those days where, due to the pressures around you, relationship issues, and your general outlook, you wish you could just go hibernate somewhere until all the yuck goes away. But this is not what God would desire for us...to run and hide. Facing difficulty is part of the Christian walk. Taking up our cross daily is a must if we are to develop the character of Christ. I was reading in Valley of Vision again and these words really struck me:

"My trials have been fewer than my sins, and when I have kissed the rod it has fallen from thy hands. Thou hast often wiped away my tears, restored peace to my mourning heart, chastened me for my profit. All thy work for me is perfect, and I praise thee." (from "Choices" p. 105, The Valley of Vision)

Here are some more good words from C.H. Spurgeon in his "Morning and Evening":

"If we have been partakers with Jesus in His shame, we shall be bearers with Him in the lustre which shall surround Him when He appears again in glory....Does a vital union knit thee to Him? Then thou art today with Him in His shame; thou hast taken up His cross, and gone with Him without the camp bearing His reproach; thou shalt doubtless be with Him when the cross is exchanged for a crown." (March 26..evening)

I will go about today with these viewpoints in mind. Cross-bearing is no easy business. It causes me to cast myself on God's mercy. This is exactly what God has in mind! Surely my trials really are not even comparable to all that I've been forgiven of. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. This is a great comfort.

Celebrations Galore!

I know it's been nearly a month since I last made an entry, but we've been crazy busy!! Both my parents-in-law and my parents were here these last few weeks, Keaton and Kara celebrated their 9th and 7th birthdays, we celebrated Easter and found a new family for Copper! Whew! The time has not been generous for me to blog, so now I'll try to catch up. Now for some pictures.... Well, actually the post published the pictures first I guess. I need to figure out how to change that! But the events in pictures are backwards. This is the correct order: Keaton's 9th birthday--March 18th, Kara's 7th birthday--March 21st, and Easter weekend...egg hunt, egg dying, and Easter Sunday dresses. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Blessed

Praise God for a beautiful, spring-y day! What a welcome respite for all of us northerners! (My parents-in law come this friday from Florida, maybe they'll bring spring with them!!)

Lately, in light of some of my recent entries, I've been hearing the still small voice of God in gentle promptings. Thankfulness, contentment, showing love...these are huge issues for me. Only a humble heart can mirror these things. I am increasingly aware that my lack of love is sticking out like a sore thumb, or a "clanging cymbal."

I can become so weary of homeschooling somedays, I'm not sure I can keep going. My steadfastness and faith wavers. Talking to Tina (Thanks dear friend!) yesterday was a big help, as well as getting back in contact with a friend from the past who just started homeschooling her 3rd-grader this year (Love ya Heather!). These conversations have boosted me to re-evaluate some of what I'm doing with my girls. Fresh perpective to go along with a fresh time of year is so, well....refreshing!

But I have to say hands down one of the most blessed "voice of God" moments was last night at home. 3/5's of us were sick, so we did not attend our Sunday meeting (church), which I had been looking forward to. Instead, we gathered everyone around the piano and Keith led us in a time of family worship. Each of us got to pick our favorite worship song. I have never heard such precious children's voices as my 3 little girls' last night. Kara's pick was:

"Gracious and astounding, God's love so confounding appears to us, in a crimson flow of blood. The Son left throne and glory, bore the Father's wrath and fury in our stead, and for the sins of all He bled....Stand in awe and Worship, Raise a Voice in Worship come Adore, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

This stood out to me because the theology is rich and our girls knew the words!

My pick was "Give Me Jesus" which is on my list for what I want at my funeral...done in the Fernando Ortega style. These little girls sounded so angelic...each taking a verse to sing as a solo, and the rest of us joining in on the chorus. Keith and I definitely had tears in our eyes.
It was at that moment that I realized how Blessed we were. That God has entrusted us with these little ones. It was humbling and promoted thanfulness in my heart. These little ones were worshipping God. You should have been here!

Yes, life is hard. Yes, there always seems to be more needing done than time to do it in. Yes, I am going to fail. But God's love is surrounding me. He calls to me in the hardships, whispers in the sweetness, but all of it is blessing. He alone knows exactly the mixture of both that I need in order to stay reliant on Him. That only shows His care all the more. I am a blessed woman.