From the Lips of Babes...

Monday evening I was zipping around the house trying to clean up a bit since we had a sitter coming to watch our girls. My friend and her daughter were due in about 30 minutes and I hadn't even showered yet. I was stressed! Never mind the fact that my husband and I were finally getting some time to ourselves without the kids. Never mind that I was going to be treated to a nice dinner out, where I didn't have to prepare any of the food. Nope, I was only concerned about the fact that things weren't going the way I wanted them to. Not good.

When all 4 girls were seated at the table, I asked our 7 year old daughter to please pray for their dinner. Holding hands and heads bowed, Hannah happily agreed to my request. As I was washing some dishes and grumbling about how I didn't have enough time to get ready, I overheard this simple and sweet prayer. "Dear Lord, thank you for this food and for this water. Thank you for giving me a family that loves me. And thank you for my sisters. And even though you didn't give us any boys, thank you just in case you decide to give us one. Amen." I think I first stifled a laugh, just because I was so tickled :) But then I thought to myself that here is a 7 year old who realizes that God is not limited. No, He has not chosen to give us a little boy, but that doesn't mean He won't. Personally, I hope we don't have a son until I can refer to him as my daughter's husband....just because I'd like to be done having children. However, I realize that God could certainly choose to bless us with another little one. Believe me, that would certainly be a miracle!!!

Even though I thought her prayer was cute, she reminded me that God is the only one that truly knows what the future holds. It's very easy to respond "No honey, God isn't giving us anymore children. We're done with that part of life. Yep, DONE!" But, as with everything else, He is ultimately in control, and I have to trust that His plan is the best plan. And I need to honor God while I walk that path He's chosen for me. So whether it's having another baby, a failing economy, or the doctor giving me very grim news, I know that nothing takes Him by surprise (even though I might initially be drowning in disbelief). I trust my God, He is worthy of that. It is always in my weakness that His strength, mercy and grace are so apparent.

And so these are the thoughts that came from hearing my little girl's prayer. She, as she has so many times before, reminded me of God's unwavering strength and love, and made me pause to look at my own heart.

By the way, my husband and I had a great date that night :) God is good.

The Tie That Binds

As I explained in my prior post, 2008 definitely brought some trials, and obviously some of those same trials have followed me into 2009. However, in the midst of tough times, there are good times too.

I have so appreciated the friendships I have developed since moving here to Oregon. I've thanked God on many occasions for these kindred hearts. They've become quite dear to me. There's a certain group of ladies that now have a tradition of "closing down" any restaurant that we're eating at. Once the visiting starts, it seems there's always "one more thing" that needs to be discussed or shared :) I cherish these times, and again give thanks to God because He is the ultimate tie that binds us.

Thank you Lord for friendship, for laughter, for caring hearts. And what relationship could ever survive without grace? You have blessed me once again in a way that words cannot adequately express.

We look so sweet and proper, don't we? Oh yeah, and then there's this: