Let's not Forget!!

A Chapter Ending -
The past 3 months has been so full of God's grace and goodness!!! As we were praying tonight (the eve of the school year) I was reflecting with the kids on all the memories and togetherness we have had during the summer!!! ALL from the hand of our Creator! Trip to MS to see family (lots of family!), VBS, lots of pool days, forts, movie nights at home, Mimi time for kids while Matt and I went to camp with students (one from our group accepted Christ and others grew a ton), games, bike and scooter rides, late movies, drive-in movie in the church parking lot, loose teeth, play dates, and much, much more!! Along with these memories there were hard times: disciplining and training four children, tears, sickness, death, interpersonal struggle, misunderstandings, weary hearts, wasp stings, potty training, skinned knees, and much, much more!! BUT in and through it all was God's grace and faithfulness. He strengthened us and reminded us so much of His nearness and His aim to perfect our faith and make us like His Son! His mercies are new every morning to provide for us what we need for what He has planned for our day!! I can testify that He keeps His promise!!
Thank you Jesus for the "stay-cation" we were able to take last week!! Just 15 minutes from home, but a world away in our hearts. Intense family time! What a way to celebrate Jesus! He provides and blesses!!! Your blessings after a stripped down simple summer are overflowing!
This past week Noah was an amazing big brother!!! Don't get me wrong...his share of mistakes, but God allowed me to stop during 2 key moments and see this 8 1/2 year old boy playing and laughing with his sisters. Once while we were finishing up a swim play date and another during Tucker's soccer practice! This mommy is so thankful to give God all the glory in those little moments along with the huge ones!
His work is so evident in Tucker's heart too as I listen to him plan out his sharing strategy just minutes after getting a party favor bag. He couldn't wait to get home and share his candy with everyone!!!! Now that is God at work, don't you think?!! Romans 3 says that "There is no one who seeks God, no one who does good!" So it is God working in my precious children when I see them serving and being selfless!!! He is faithful!
The truth that I keep being taught in my own time in the Word and the sermons at church keep speaking of joy in the midst of suffering. What a hard thing to walk out especially when it hits you square in the face!! This past week there were two situations where by God's grace and hand on my life I was able to respond (not initially) with joy and trust in my Savior. One was during a simple conversation and being misunderstood completely. My heart intent was to share a new and exciting thing about to start at church and the response was doubt and negativity! WOW!! Thank you Jesus for keeping my mouth shut (until I let it all out to Matt shortly after). God fights for me and my joy and it can ONLY be found in Him and my union with Him through Jesus. The second situation of suffering is far more serious but just as evident of God's work and grace. Sickness is such a hard thing to grasp...questions, fears, emotions...but I'm praying for God to continue to move and grow and deepen walks with Him and a passion for His name and fame!!!
What an amazing time of accountability with the ladies in our community group this past Sunday night. Digging deeper and praying for one another.....a picture of the power of the gospel!!! We've been forgiven and extended grace to; let us show this to others!!!
This week concludes with fabulous time with my dear sister!!! She's due with little Jacob any day now and I got to spend 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted time with her!!! So thankful for both of our husbands making this possible!
I leave you tonight with...
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
                   who does not change like shifting shadows."
Let's not forget!!!