Knocked My Socks Off

Every  morning before I drop my kids off to school I read a proverb (from the book Proverbs for Kids - I have the Kindle edition) to them and the correlating "story" to break down the understanding.  There are questions asked at the end of each proverb to promote discussion and to see how well they listened.   They typically listen quite well and are able to answer the questions without a problem.  Today was no exception, and we had a good discussion.  After our "devotion" time, it is someone's turn to pray - we each take a different day.  This morning, because Owen isn't feeling well, I was going to have Evie pray instead and Owen would take another day this week.  However, Owen insisted on taking his turn.  And I am beyond thankful that he did.  As a friend of ours says, "He blessed my socks off!"

"Dear Jesus, 

Thank you for today. 

Thank you that you are not a cloud or a toad or anything like that. 

Thank you that you are so much more." 

He did go on to finish the prayer with asking God to heal those we know who are ill, but the beginning of the prayer caused me to pause.  I have never discussed personally with him that God is NOT a cloud, nor is God NOT a toad.  But HE knew.   And he thanked God for it.  What a blessing to be taught something by my child this morning.  Humbled and blessed.  That's a pretty good start to the day.

"At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." ~ Matthew 11:25

Bummed & Thankful

So bummed (in a self-focused, sinful way) to be reading excited notes and blog posts, hearing excited comments about our long awaited church service this morning.  It was a special one.  It was one I missed.  I have a sick child at home and I missed something I was looking forward to.  Something that cannot be repeated (in person).  Just one more thing in this "blink" we call life that I don't understand.  But I don't have to understand.  I trust.  I trust in the One that knows all and ordains all.

Do you trust and know Him?

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
        and do not lean on your own understanding.
    In all your ways acknowledge him,
        and he will make straight your paths.
    Be not wise in your own eyes;
        fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
    It will be healing to your flesh
        and refreshment to your bones."
(Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV)

Our youth pastor Patrick McGoldrick (Blog Here) is young.  He has been diagnosed with ALS.  And he is dying.  Dying to this earth - but promised a new one.  He preached his last sermon today.  And I missed it.

BUT....

I am thankful for the promises each new day brings.

I am thankful for the promise that God is all sufficient, all powerful, all knowing.
He knows what will happen, before it will happen.  And He is good.
Because of that knowledge and hope, I know it was good for me to miss what I missed.
God has ordained my path.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
     his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;
     great is your faithfulness."

(Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

Nothing surprises Him.  He knows our next minute, our next hour, our next day(s).
Because He knows, I trust that I am safe.  Because I am in His care.

    "And we know that for those who love God 

all things work together for good,

 for those who are called according to his purpose."
(Romans 8:28 ESV)

Not my purpose.  But His.  Alone.  

(Oh... .and another thing I am thankful for??  TECHNOLOGY!  Because of it, I can listen to the much anticipated sermon I missed this morning online later this week!  Praise the Lord for technology!)  

He Is Risen... He Is Risen, INDEED!

What is good about “Good Friday”?    

Why isn’t it called “Bad Friday”?

Because out of the appallingly bad
came what was inexpressibly good.

And the good trumps the bad,
because though the bad was temporary,
the good is eternal.

—Randy Alcorn, If God Is Good