I am starting to realize that God intends to bless us and give us hope even in the midst of many trials and difficult times. He is certainly doing that for us lately. We've been really walking through those valleys lately. Within the last month, James lost his job, he was in a car wreck and now two days ago his grandmother passed away. It almost makes me wonder if we're under attack...questioning...how many more bad things can happen??? how much more can we take???
But even now there is peace...AND many blessings. God is in the small details sometimes, giving us hope and peace and encouragement. What I think is amazing is how God uses each of us as instruments and change agents for His Kingdom. I am beyond blessed by those He has chosen to surround my family. He has given us family and friends who are always there for us, supporting and helping us.
A few examples of how God's unfailing love and the willingness of friends and family to be used by God to bless us:
~~We needed $900 to pay for the kids school books and fees for next year. My dad received an unexpected check that he used to pay that fee for us.
~~We had to cancel our vacation when James lost his job...but here we are on vacation when God who partnered with very dear friends to bless us with their house while they were out of town (and money for dinner out) and we are having a wonderful time making great family memories on our vacation.
~~A very sweet and dear friend(s)/family (I am not sure which as it is someone who would like to remain anonymous) blessed my family when we got here to the beach. We received two cards...one with a gift card for ice cream and one with money to enjoy on our trip.
~~Other dear friends who know we are watching every penny...giving us the opportunity to do some work they needed help with and paying us...others who are encouraging us and loving on us....
The author who wrote "Prayer of Jabez" - Bruce Wilkinson, recently wrote another book called, "You Were Born For This" that talks about this very thing. Allowing God to use us to perform everyday miracles that benefit others for the Kingdom of God. It is a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it!!!
Now did we NEED to have these things happen? Absolutely not...For the most part they weren't necessities at all. They were very much non-necessity type things. No one NEEDS a vacation, or dolphin boat tours, or dinners out overlooking the ocean. But that is the crazy part of it all. If the God of the universe cares enough that my family can have this vacation time, and money to do some fun things, have beautiful weather and allow us to see 20 - 30 dolphins (including babies - which was my son's special prayer)...then He certainly cares enough to provide us with the things that we do need.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, Matthew 7:9 - 12
And the thought does come that "I shouldn't take this", "We don't deserve it", "We don't need it", "I should give it back". But I know I would be truly devastated if I had felt that God wanted me to do something to bless someone and they had rejected it.
So I am trusting that my dear family and friends are blessed beyond all measure for the kindness they have shown my family. For my dear family and friends who have blessed my family so much...please know that my family is praying for you that our Heavenly Daddy just knocks your socks off with how much He blesses you. That you know that you have absolutely been Jesus with skin on to me. That through your love and kindness you have shown me the heart of the Lord and that it has given me much hope!!! I love you!!!!
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