An Unexpected Gift

I love surprises! The other day, I trudged up the stairs after my elliptical exercise with Fox and Friends and noticed a large box sitting at the top. I deduced that Maddie intercepted the mysterious box from the delivery man while I was preoccupied with my heavy breathing on the machine downstairs. I was puzzled because I knew that I hadn't ordered anything...lately! Noticing my parent's return address on the label, I concluded that mother was sending Maddie's birthday gift early...at least 3 weeks early. Strange!

Then, I opened the box and discovered this: a beautiful birdhouse masterpiece!

I immediately burst into tears. You see, it was a gift from my daddy! Out of the blue. No reason. Simply love. A few months ago, he revealed that he was working on some birdhouses for the Christian school auction. I commented in passing that I would love to have one of his birdhouses. It never occurred to me that I would receive a gift in the mail. My daddy loves me. He thought of me. He gave me...not a birthday gift or a Christmas gift...but a love gift. Thank you, daddy! I can't wait to see the birds that will use this beautiful home to build their nests.

If my earthly father gives me such sweet and precious gifts, how much more does my heavenly Father give me? I pray that my eyes will be opened to all of them...

Not Your Average New Year's Resolution

Over the years, I have made more than my fair share of New Year's resolutions...and broken them within a matter of weeks. I've promised to eat healthy, exercise regularly, spend quiet time each morning with God, be more patient, loving and kind. This year, I've turned over a new leaf and instead of making a list of goals, I'm praying a couple of verses from Psalms.

As I was finishing out the year reading my One Year Bible, Psalm 143 leaped off the page. These verses, which I have now memorized, have become my prayer for 2009:

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing." Psalm 143:8,10

'Let me hear' inspires me to be in God's word each morning, so I can receive his words for me. 'I am trusting' and 'I give myself' requires action on my part now and continuously. As I trust and give, he will 'show me' and 'teach me'. He is personal; he is 'my God'. And, he will 'lead me forward', not backward...on 'firm footing', not shifting sand.

What will be your prayer this year? Whatever comes across my path this year, amid trouble or blessings, my desire is to be found faithful and trusting in my huge God who is able to absolutely blow my mind. May I say as the people said in Mark 2:12 when the paralytic was forgiven and healed, "We have never seen anything like this!"

I Think I'm BAAAAAACK!

I have taken a long hiatus from blogging. Call it pre-occupied with life's busyness, burnout or any number of other excuses. I simply haven't taken the time!

Recently, however, after looking at a friend's newly redesigned page, I've been re-energized to begin again. So, for all of my vast numbers of readers, you can get look forward to seeing more frequent posts. Keep your eyes pealed...