More Ways God Shows He Still Loves Me!

To identify with Christ and His sufferings for us.  Our trials and sorrows have brought us so close to Him.  We've needed to depend not on our own skills, abilities, networking contacts or even previous life experiences.  We've needed to depend on Him, His Word and every Sermon we've ever heard preached.  After a particularly hard evening here last Saturday night, I went to bed thinking of these verses.  I found them in church the next day and have been chewing on them ever since. 

1 Peter 4:12-19

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: but REJOICE to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part, He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.  Yes if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.  For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God: and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  No. "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"  Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 

Then later this week, I read about that faithful Creator in the Tanak, Deut 6:1-25.  He is, was and will forever be faithful.

Here are some ways the last couple of weeks God has shown me He is faithful in the ways He loves me!

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nestled children reading, marshmallows over fire, brick paths, winter strawberry pies, John Wayne movies, morning coffee with John, well used ovens, cousin hugs, safe drives on fog-filled highways, Army-wife cashiers, long walks, BBQ in Kansas! (Mom survived!), hotbaths, unseen harms avoided, treadmill runs, Mom and Dad car talks, paying off a bill, friends who pat your back, little girls who sign to communicate, sweet potato fries, steaming coffee, girls who help me run, command team charters, early morning prayers, prayers of friends, Lyndsay home on break, new Babies, CC friends, warm house in rain, Baseball Season, piano playing, Softball Season, Fresh pieces of bread, Tall girl kisses, my children are safe, praying FOR friends, sibling snuggles, a snatched momen with son, organized pantry, treating self gently, fresh bread dough aroms, mom's Bible time, early morning birds singing, cubscout hammers, homemade tool boxes, new call coaches, ice cream cones with friends, girlfriend hugs, sermons and research, banana bread sweet, Dt 6, Purim cookies, playing catch in the yard.

I am blessed!

Shabbat Shalom!

This is what's going on.

I figured it was time for a bit of an update as my comment on Facebook received some attention that I want to address with all who have so graciously prayed for us the last 24 hours.

1.  The house flawlessly went on the market to rent on Wednesday afternoon and there have already been inquiries via phone to our realtor.

2.  On Wednesday we also received some news via email that dependents may be restricted from Kuwait.  I have no idea what this really means.  Just earlier in the day, John received an email from Kuwait saying they were looking for housing for us. 

3.  Our move has been flawless to this point.  I can't believe how WELL it's all gone.  At this point I only need 10 business days notice and I could have us out of this house! 

4.  While we have some contingency plans in the discussion phase, we are just believing that we are still going.  We have nothing 'official' to say otherwise.  (But John should be on a train right now headed home and maybe he knows something I don't?!)

5.  If we don't get to go as a family, the kids and I will stay here in No.Va. and carry on life as usual.

We are resting in 1 Pt 4:12-end.  Comfort in the midst of suffering. 

We have suffered much the last 2 years.  There's no end in sight to that either.  Just growing to live with it and Trust Christ for our son's welfare. 

I'd been hoping for and continue to hope for some time off to think, write, pray, and scrapbook.  But I'm busier than ever it seems. 

Baseball season is upon us and we begin practices this Saturday evening.  John said it best last night; "Call me crazy, but I"m looking forward to baseball filled evenings." 
I am, too. 
Please keep praying at 1 Peter 4 says....that even in suffering and trials, we give THANKS!

Preparation Day

I have lots of Preparation Day goals here at home today.  My list follows:

1.  Grind wheat and whip up Challah dough-done!  First rise now....success!  shaped and 2nd rise now!

2.  Train children in house cleaning chores specifically: BATHROOMS.

3.  Chicken Stew in crock pot for Sabbath dinner.

4.  School work completed, library of books straightened, binders filled with loose paperwork.

5.  Other house cleaning as we prepare for the realtors to come on Tuesday and take pictures.

6.  Make some Purim preparations by searching for Haman cookie recipes!

7.  4 mile run for Mom. 

8.  My prayer today:  Don't give into the stress I'm feeling and sin!  I'll post pictures later today closer to sundown. 

Everyone have a great Preparation Day!