What a week...so many lessons

Well, here I started this blog thing, and I disappeared for 10 days! Get used to it, I guess.

This week...an interesting week in so many ways. We were back to the routine...although sad to see Christmas and New Year's pass...nice to be back into ROUTINE...bed times...baths (don't get me wrong, they got them over the break too, but...oh, never mind!)...school...cooking...y'know what I mean!

Monday I got to spend the evening with some dear ladies from our ABF as we celebrated the last few weeks before Mel gives birth to her second little man. What a blessing to get to know each other better! We all have had some interesting/challenging events in our past---it's a good reminder to hear about the blessings and trials each of us have been through. We serve an AMAZING God!

Part of my job at school is to work with billing which of course often means---bill collecting. Not one of my favorite parts of my job, but I have met some wonderful people through this aspect of my position. I was reminded this week...as I talked to several dear families (who really have taken hold on my heart) who have legitimate financial struggles due to lay-offs, family issues, health problems. It is my pleasure to work with these families who have a heart for CHRISTIAN education...not just because they want PRIVATE education, but because they want their children to be "thoroughly furnished unto all good works." It was in talking to one of these families that I was reminded how UN-thankful we are...I mean, we thank God during our prayers---for our family, for our house, for food, BUT do we thank God during the trials?!?!? Do we remember that even when times are tough...when we're in the valley...when we don't see the end...do we remember the things we have to be thankful for?!?!? Do we like Job's friends think... "I might as well, curse God and die" or do we see that even in our trials we serve a loving, caring, giving, GOOD God! I was so humbled as I listened to a mother share her thankfulness for God's goodness even in the midst of her family's difficulties. Oh Lord, may I truly see how much you have blessed...may I be thankful for Your blessings in the midst of the storms...

The week goes on...

We have friends whose second little man was born 3 weeks early on Dec 22nd. He has had some health struggles from the beginning, but this week he took a turn for the worse. He has spent the last several days in the NICU here in town as his parents WAIT for answers. Mommas, you know how hard it must be to WAIT...WATCH...WAIT. My heart hurts for them; my heart cries out to God to uphold this little one, to bathe his mommy and daddy with grace and wisdom, and to guide the doctors who care for him. I am thankful for a Sovereign God...none of this is a surprise to Him. He formed this little one...knows the hairs on his head...the size of his precious toes. What a comfort to know the Great Physician!

These two songs (or portions of songs) have been on my mind/heart a lot lately, it seems.

Praise You in This Storm

words by Mark Hall

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to You and raised me up again my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I Will Lift My Eyes by Bebo Norman

"I will lift my eyes to the Maker Of the mountains I can't climb I will lift my eyes to the Calmer Of the oceans raging wild I will lift my eyes to the Healer Of the hurt I hold inside I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You"

We often "forget" that we have the privilege of serving a truly amazing God...matchless...all powerful! It is my prayer that the lessons of this week will not be in vain. So often I allow these lessons to be "forgotten"...pushed aside. May I strive to continue to "lift my eyes" to my God...not the circumstances of life...not my husband...not the joys of this world...but MY GOD!