Rain or Shine

Whether rain or shine let it be to the glory of God!  This is what I kept repeating to myself yesterday, not because that is what I was feeling, but because that is what I wanted to believe.  Sometimes even when you know the truth you don't feel it.

Today, however I am overwhelmed by God's mercies for truely they are new every morning!  Yesterday I was worried we would get approved for another child.  I was worried about the amount of help we would have at the yard sale, the weather and if anything would even sell.  You name it, I worried about it!  I have the Word of God planted in my heart, but it needed rain to grow and today it came. 

Last night Ty prayed that it would rain today instead of Saturday.  The prayers of a child are innocent and sweet, simple and to the point.  And today God said YES!  Indeed his plans are good!  I still do not know exactly how Saturday will go or how I will manage to care for another child in the midst of an already crazy life, but thankfully God is soveriegn and his plans for us are good.

I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

A Welcomed Guest

Linda & Ray Rogers

I was so relieved the other day to hear that my step mom is coming to help us with our yard sale.  She is a tremendous blessing to our family.  A few years ago my mom died and since that time my dad has found a wonderful partner and friend, Linda.  They are just so cute as a couple, just newlyweds.  Losing a parent is never easy, but once in awhile, God gives you the gift of a super special person that comes along side you and fills in that missing place. 

Christmas 2011
Mom Mom and all the monkeys

New Found Freedom

Alright, I'm just going to throw this word out there:  submissive!  There I said it!  What ideas do you conjure up when you think of this?  Are they negative or neutral?  I can bet my lunch money they are not positive!  And why is this, we tend to paint a picture of someone who is weak, without conviction and powerless.

I would like to turn this portrait on it's head and challenge you to consider it in a brand new way.  Let's first consider a christian who submits to God's plans and God's will; is he or she weak? Or might they be a strong and faithful individual who is secure enough in their beliefs to trust that God knows best?  What about a wife who steps back and encourages her husband to be the one to make the final call on an important family matter, is she powerless?  Now let's also imagine the friend who chooses not to engage in a debate simply to prove they are right, are they without conviction?

At one point or another over the last few months I have landed in all of these scenarios and I am wondering how on earth did this super stubborn women ever learn to be submissive?  Is it my age?  I know I'm starting to gray, but that can't be it!  Do I really not care enough anymore and I've given up the fight?  NO!  When I was a young girl, my dad used to call me "Ruth Knows All, Tells All".   Now I didn't like the name at all, but over time I began to wear it as a "ha! ha!" badge of honor.

But no longer.  I'm learning to be patient and wait on God.  I trust and respect my husband enough to know he will make the best decision for the entire family.  And I care more about the relationships I'm in than in being right.  I have found freedom in this!  I don't have to always be in control.  The responsibility is not solely on MY shoulders. 

When I struggle with these things, because it still is not second nature, I seek God's heart in prayer and in scripture.

By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers,

 love one another earnestly from a pure heart.  1Peter 1:22

We must first be obedient to God and then out of genuine love, care for others.  Granted that isn't an easy task to carry out, but it is also not a complicated formula like one of these new fangled diet plans!  Obedience and submission walk hand in hand.  I dare you to walk with them and see what happens!