Snow on my birthday

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Today things did not go the way I planned or wanted. I understand, deep down that this is a part of life. But, it being my birthday part if me REALLY wanted to pout.
I'm sure my parents remember growing up I would say it was going to be a beautiful day, because I had "ordered" nice weather. And, April being what it was where we lived, it usually was. I'd smile and say "see! He loves me!"

I'm so grateful for God's grace in my life that now I can know that when things are not going "my" way I can rejoice in Him and His sovereignty in my life.
What an incredible gift!
I know He loves me, as His special daughter. Even more than I love our sweet girl. More than I can fathom.
And in that love He gives me what I need!
Even snow on my birthday.

I am also grateful for His grace in leading me through a friend to Ann Vonskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts", and for Him teaching me to give thanks in all things, resting in His arms of love and Daddy's heart.

Even for pain. Even for things I don't like. Even for snow on my birthday.

For His great name

Joshua 7:... And what will you do for your great name?”
Praying and asking God to work and what will He do for the sake of His name.

This really struck me during my quiet time this week. Wow! What boldness!

Joshua was in a tough situation to say the least. Israel had just been defeated at Ai. They were surrounded by enemies
I don't know about you, but I think I pray a little "politely"sometimes.
Joshua called on God to defend Himself and bring glory to His name.
I started to pray in this way after reading this. I challenge you to do the same!

Some gifts:
-Long winters, with spring coming when God call it, in the weather and in our lives.

- "Be strong and courageous"

- getting back to counting my gifts.

- quiet time with Jesus.

- Grace towards me that is new every morning.

- My car accident (trust in The Lord, and learning compassion for others).

And still more

3 hard gifts:
~ My husband being unable to eat normally and knowing we can rest in Him anyway.
~Daily sinus headaches and learning to trust in Him for minute by minute strength.
~Sore legs from pregnancy/circulation problems and being on my feet all day, and strength to make it through each shift.

3 gifts woven together:
~ The woven portions of a pair of shorts a friend has turned into a work of art!
~ Joy woven with pain.
~ My simple, lovely living room curtains.

3 gifts inherited:
~ Creativity from both my parents.
~ A love of reading.
~ An inheritance of those who fear the Lord.

3 gifts square:
~ Napkins to wipe up fingers :).
~ Quilt that warms and comforts each night.
~ Heating pad to eases my neck and head when it aches.

A gift stacked: books.
 A gift stashed: tea in the cupboard.
A gift stilled: the calm in my heart from the Lord even when things are not how I would have planned them.

3 gifts found in Christ:
~ Growth.
~ Confidence in Him.
~ Trust in His plans for us, for His plans are always good.

3 gifts closed:
The ending of different seasons;
~ Getting to be home and get ready for our little girl.
~ Five of my girls graduating from  high school.
~ Seeing friends move on to a new season in their lives and across the country.

3 gifts reflecting:
~The calm lake water as we were at camp.
~My heart
~And mind reflecting the Truths of God and His Word.

3 gifts fragile:
~A new mug from a friend.
~Pictures on my walls.
~Flower vase passed from generation to generation.

A gift cloth: Shorts that are comfortable on my growing belly.
A gift steel: My oven, stove used to make delicious food for my family.
A gift wood: My kitchen table, a place to prepare food, play games and sip tea with friends.

3 gifts moving:
~ The child growing inside me (man can she move!)
~ Tree tops moving in the wind.
~ Changing seasons.

Shadows

Three gifts found in shadows. Hmmm...
Well, today was a self-inflicted shadow day: the whole day felt like I had a cloud over my head. Instead of choosing to obey, to trust, to rest, I choose to sulk. I chose to neglect joy. I chose to ignore gifts.
Yet He reached me through it.
My three gifts found in shadows:
~Truth through my lies.
~Joy through my sorrow.
~Praise for Him through my fullness of self.