Even in the Desert

 

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines;

even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren;

even though the crops die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 

yet I will rejoice in the Lord!  I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as sure-footed as the deer, 

able to tread upon the heights.”           Habakkuk 3:17-19

Even in the desert, He is good.  He causes manna to fall from the heavens and water to spring out of rock.  His promises are not forgotten; He is the Promise Keeper.

There are days that I need to be reminded:

• He is my sustainer.  John 6:35
• He is my refuge.  Psalm 46:1
• In Him is life.   John 14:6

 

So today I’m choosing to be thankful for a place in the desert, and sun-scorched skin – because He doesn’t leave us to wander alone.  He is living water.  He is hope.

“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming.  

Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”   Isaiah 43:19

Gratitude

I’m choosing to be thankful this week because my attitude is leaning towards whiny:

1. We made it to the store for groceries before the storm hit.  I remembered everything but the coffee and didn’t realize that I had forgotten the coffee until the next morning when I went to make a pot.  *Insert full blown panic* Our friends brought us coffee in the snow because they have a big truck and generous hearts.
2. My kids are getting to see real snow which is a pretty cool thing in Texas:
   

   View from the back door

3. The church offices are closed (along with everything else in town) so my husband has been home, hanging out with us for two days.
4. Grace has started flute lessons with a college student who goes to our church.  I’ve never seen my girl so excited or focused on something.  I hope that excitement stays as long practice times begin.
5. I’ve found a way to buy flavored agave.  I was so excited that I let out a yelp that startled my hubs.  🙂

Good stuff, y’all.  🙂

With Thanksgiving

The laundry has been calling my name with its mountainous hampers overflowing onto my needing-to-be-scrubbed bathroom floor.  There are dishes in the sink leftover from last night’s uninspired dinner because mama was just too tired to unload the dishwasher.  School is waiting to be taught, and deadlines are looming…

But I sit and open His word, trying to drown out the distractions of life and the voices of my children. “I should have gotten up earlier,” plays round in my head. 

Some days frustration gets a foothold, doesn’t it? Then frustration unchecked turns into impatience and impatience turns to anger, and so on and so on until our spirit is out of alignment with His.  He’s been teaching me about this and showing me how out of  alignment I really am. I never seem to learn the easy way.

And then I overhear this conversation:

“Why are you turning the tv off, Noah?

“Because mom has her bible out.  We need to give her quiet.”

“Oh, ok,” for a moment there is silence and then one at a time, they come to the table where I am, carrying their bibles…

“What are you reading mom?” the little one asks,  “I want to read the same thing.” So I helped her find the same passage in Corinthians, the boy decided on the book of Luke, and we read together, but separately.  Thank you, sweet Jesus.

Oh Lord how soon I forget…

And he reminded me yet again of how many reasons I have to praise him with thanksgiving. All of the laundry I was groaning about means I have a family to care for, there are some who don’t.  The dishes sitting in the sink are visible proof of the way He has provided us with food to eat even when the money ran dry.  The sweet voices of my children remind me of His favor and how He has given us the gift of laughter and filled our home with the joy of redemption in spite of our sinfulness. 

In 1 Corinthians Paul says, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

Yes, He is faithful, isn’t He?  He is faithful and He has called us into a relationship with His Son.  And really, do we need anything else?

Linking up at the (in)courage November Carnival:

And the Joy We Share

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

This morning it seemed that He pulled back the heavens a bit and the Voice spoke, just for me.  Little pieces of things, some long forgotten, were recalled and explained in a way only He, the voice of love, can.

Oh, the joy of walking in the garden with Him!

Today I’m joining Ann, and the rest of the gratitude community, in offering praise for the One who is the maker of life…adding my gratitude with theirs

#1  the sound of the neighborhood kids as they ride their bikes up and down the street after school

#2  sweet friends for my children

#3  high school students with a burden for their friends to know and follow Christ

#4  God being gracious enough to provide a “want” and not just a need

#5  enough bread for sharing

#6  the smell of Fall in the air and crisp mornings

#7  His Voice speaking to my heart

#8  a chance to share His heart with others

#9  a family trip on Thursday to the State Fair

#10  a sweet mother-in-law who is genuinely happy to see me and treats me like a beloved daughter

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

The joys we share as  we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

Gladitudes

I’m joining Gretchen (whose Gladitude post spoke to me):

• School is almost out…counting today, we have two days left.  I love the end of school because I love the beginning of school.  I love the anticipation and planning for the next year…and summertime is FUN.
• I feel better.  My health overhaul is working and I’m starting to see and feel the results.  I’m thankful that my family has not rebelled at the food I’ve been serving them…My husband has even joined me this week.
• I drove somewhere new yesterday.  That’s always a big deal for me.
• I cut my own bangs and they’re not too bad.  It’s almost time for a trim but I’m leery of trying again.  I think it may have been a “first time’s a charm” kind of thing.
• Our sweet friends had a baby boy last week.   I love babies and I can’t wait to meet him.
• The internet has been spotty around here.  Apparently, our internet company is having statewide issues, so I’m glad it’s working today.
• After having a day like Alexander on Monday, I’m grateful for new mercies and that the Lord forgives when I whine and complain…which happens more often then I want to admit.
• I have my very own Jillian Michaels (except a lot nicer and not nearly as yell-y).  Plus, she’s family and I love her.
• This Friday we are having a Greek feast to finish out our school year and the kids have made their own Olympic events.  I really hope they don’t ask me to run a marathon…

Thanks for stopping by, friends.