A Quiet Heart…

3 families (including ours) – 6 adults, and 6 kids – ranging in age from (just!) 1-year to 7-years.  I am still not entirely sure how everyone fit, but, I do know that it involved multiple air mattresses, pack-and-plays in the closets, and an occasional round of musical beds. 

The kids played all day and (a few of them) talked well into the night…and so did the adults!

The late-night conversations covered a number of topics from the light and funny, to the more serious issues of life, parenting, prayer, schooling, faith, sanctification, doctrine, and God’s Word…

I think a house full of good friends is one of the best sounds ever!

The house is too quiet now.

We miss our friends.

We have had beautiful weather this past week.  Actually, I could rephrase that, and just say we have had “weather” this past week!  I know, I know, many people move to Arizona because it is (almost) always sunny.  But, I have to tell you, the rain has been a welcome change from the constant sunny weather forecasts…at least for this (now transplanted) California girl!!  I love rainy days…always have.  And, this week, I am so thankful for…

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…the gray, cloudy skies.

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…the sound of raindrops hitting the roof as I fell asleep each night.

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…quiet afternoons, watching the rain fall in sheets….sometimes even sideways!

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…the huge puddles, mini-lakes almost, it created in the run-off areas.

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…and the well-planned communities that direct the water away from our homes. (I hadn’t thought about this very important fact, until my friend pointed it out!! Thanks, for the reminder, Debbie!)

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…God’s protection, and a safe, (mostly) dry home during the heaviest parts of the storm, the flooding, and the tornado warnings!

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Although I’m not exactly thankful for the leaky window, I am thankful for a landlord who quickly takes care of problems like that.

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And, I am thankful for the cozy, quiet days at home…

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Playing games with my girl…

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Coloring pictures…

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having hot chocolate “tea” parties at snack time….

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And just snuggling on the couch watching movies.

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And, although the rain has (sadly) ended…It has left behind some amazing sunrises, and sunsets.

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“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.”
~Psalm 147:7-8 

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This week, we have all seen the images and reports of the suffering and devastation in Haiti.  And, we have heard many ask (and unfortunately, some have also answered) the question, “How could a good God allow this…this kind of suffering, this kind of pain, this kind of tragedy?”

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And yet, even in light of this tragedy, we are still blessed.  Beyond measure, beyond our comprehension, beyond anything we could have possibly hoped for or imagined.

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On most days, when we are surrounded, not by tragedy, and suffering, and despair, but by the multitude of blessings and gifts, freely given by our Heavenly Father…When our little world is “all as it should be,” do we question God then?  Do we ask not, “How could a good God allow this kind of suffering?” but, “How could a just God allow these kinds of blessings?”

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Blessings like…

16. “Mommy, I want to keep you forever.”

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17. Bedtime snuggles with my little girl…

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18. …followed by the weight of a sleepy, little blond head on my shoulder.

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19. Slowly seeing order emerging from chaos.

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20. Sparkly red toenail polish…because it just makes me happy.

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21. Yellow highlighters.

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22. A listening ear…

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23. Perspective.

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24. Quiet moments in the early mornings…to read and study.

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25. A little “missionary in training” who wants everyone to know and love Jesus…and asks everyone she meets if they do!

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26. Cooler weather…it actually feels like it could be the middle of January!

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27. Dark, cloudy skies in the middle of the afternoon.

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28. Rainy days…

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27. A warm, dry house home.

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28. Toys, stickers, crayons, and dolls scattered on the floor…and the couch…and the tables… I know they won’t be there forever.

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29. New, soft, brightly colored tubs of Play-Doh.

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30. Warm, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies.

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Our pastor reminded us yesterday that

“the richness of God’s grace that surrounds all of us, Christian and non-Christian alike. And God’s goodness and mercy and grace serve not only to bless us, but to make the case against us even stronger. Because of His indisputable grace, our sin against a God like this is even more disturbing, even more disgusting, even more damning.”

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This week, may each blessing – the material and tangible, as well as the invisible and spiritual – serve as a reminder of how undeserving we are of each one.  And may they cause us to look Upward in gratitude for that which we do deserve, yet do not receive…because our Savior received it in our stead.

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Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
~Psalm 145:3-7~

1. The blessing of salvation at a young age…

2. And the godly influence, example, and encouragement of my parents.

3. Almost an entire lifetime to love and serve my Lord.

 4. The unchanging Word of God – in a language I can understand, and in a form I can hold in my hands.

5. Drawing near to the throne of grace in confidence. (Heb. 4:16)

6. Godly men, committed to preaching and teaching the truth of God’s Word.

7. Sharing life with my best friend.

8. This girl.

9. A comfortable home…with more room than we need.

10. Warm laundry…fresh from the dryer.

11. Laughter.

12. Furry friends at the foot of the bed.

13. Hot coffee on a cold morning.

14. In a shiny new red cup.

15. Long conversations with a dear friend…

16. Friendships that withstand distance and time.

On my way to counting 1000 graces this year.  May 2010 be a year marked by thankfulness to God for his abundant goodness to us.

It is the last day of November, and the last day of Rebecca Writes‘ Month of Thanksgiving.  Although I have much to be thankful for, I have been severely delinquent in my daily posting.  I am trying to finish what I started, and have been adding new posts (back-dated to keep things neat and tidy in my little brain).

But, today, I am thankful for the start of the Christmas season…and all that it entails!  Christmas is my favorite holiday, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! 

Usually, I love to start decorating the day after Thanksgiving, but due to a long-lasting migraine, I didn’t feel like doing much of anything on Friday.  So, today was the day!  The tree is up, the lights are on the house, and the Christmas music is playing! 

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

Even though Thanksgiving is over, and Christmas will soon be upon us, we still have much to be thankful for…that our Lord, and Savior, came to earth so many, many years ago as a tiny baby, to save us from our sin.

Jesus, Thank You

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You

Words and music by Pat Sczebel
As recorded on Worship God Live
© 2003 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).

(What are you thankful for today?  Hop on over to Rebecca Writes, and share what you are thankful for this month!)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield;
   in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
   and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

Although we received many gracious invitations from families in our church to join them for Thanksgiving, we opted to spend a quiet day, at home, as a family.  I spent a good part of the day cooking (way too much food!), but, it really was a relaxing, restful day, spent enjoying 2 of God’s greatest blessings in my life – Jason and Hannah! 

Thank you, Lord for this day, to reflect on Your abundant blessings!

More Thanksgiving pictures here.

(What are you thankful for today?  Hop on over to Rebecca Writes, and share what you are thankful for this month!)

Every Thursday night, our house is invaded by “the teenagers.”  (That is what Hannah the Youth Study that meets at our house each week.)  I have to say, I was not overly fond of junior high boys when I was in junior high…and, well, they haven’t changed much.  But, seriously…they really are great group of kids that, even with sports practices and demanding schoolwork, come faithfully every week.  And, I have been particularly blessed by how kind they are to Hannah.  She just adores “the teenagers” and eagerly anticipates their arrival each week.  And, they are patient with her excitement, and her questions, and her “help.”  Sometimes, they even help her put together her princess and fairy puzzles before the study gets started!  (Did I mention that the youth group is mostly guys?)

Today, or tonight, rather, I am thankful for Cubbies!  Hannah loves Cubbies.  It is the highlight of her week!  And, it is so fun to see her excited about memorizing and learning about God’s Word.  I hope that this is only the beginning of a lifelong love for Scripture. 

I am also thankful for the leaders and directors who faithfully teach and love on these kids each week.  I know how hard it can be to find the energy necessary to keep up with 30 energetic three- and four-year-olds, especially after a long day.  But, somehow, they all manage to do so – cheerfully – each week.  They are such a blessing to each of the kids…mine included.  And, of course, I am thankful for the Cubbies!  As a leader myself, I get to know some of the kids, and that makes me even more thankful for the sweet friends that Hannah has made this past year.

“Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The quote above is one of my favorites!  I love being at home.  Honestly, if I didn’t absolutely have to, I don’t know that I would ever leave.  And, I love that it is both my privilege and responsibility to turn our house into more than just a place to eat, sleep, and store our belongings. 

But, truthfully, this house is not ours.  It is a blessing from the Lord!  And, one that we, as a family, want to use to bless, encourage, and minister to others.  I want our home to be a center, not for “entertaining,” but for biblical hospitality…

Thank you, Lord, for this blessing.  May others be drawn to You because of how we use it.

(What are you thankful for today?  Hop on over to Rebecca Writes, and share what you are thankful for this month!)