On the other hand, I'm watching my best friend walk through a trial that stretches every piece of my understanding of God's perfect will for us. I struggle each day to make sure my lack of understanding doesn't morph into doubt. Because she is not well. She is not whole. She is not strong. To shout my praises and thanksgiving makes me feel insensitive.
I'm glad she's not on the internet these days. I think she'd be a bit disappointed in my conflict. She'd say "Praise Him day and night. Praise Him in the sunshine, and praise Him in the rain. Praise Him for me when I'm too tired to shout and sing. Praise Him to show how much you love Him... and me".
My hearts jumps when I write those words, in recognition of truth and light. I know it's true, but I'm still too wrapped up in my concern that I'll offend someone. Why? Why, in this pivotal moment of my life, am I concerned about others more than my Heavenly Father? He is my all in all. He is my comforter and my deliverer. He is the Lord of my life.
Today I'm going to praise Him. And I'm going to pray that anyone who hears or sees or reads my praises will not be offended, but rather ENCOURAGED! Because our Hope lies in only Him. And He is WORTHY of all my praise.
Here it goes:
I'm so thankful for the favor God has shown our family this month. Traveling with Everett went off without a hitch. My time in Texas was more precious and purposeful than I could have imagined. Caroline has shown a humbling amount of spiritual maturity as she looks to God for answers in this confusing time. And now, Christopher has positioned himself very well for an internship next summer. Out of 500 applicants, Chris was one of 47 students to receive an interview with his preferred corporation. He ROCKED the interview, and we're praying for an opportunity there for him to really stretch his design and fabrication skills.
That's only a fraction of the many ways God has shown his wondrous love to me. But I have a meeting in 2 minutes, and I feel especially inclined to glorify God through working diligently in my job this afternoon.
God, I love you so much. Thank you for working in my life. Your plans are not my plans, but I will never question Your perfect will for our lives. The coming days will challenge my resolve, but I will not crumble. For my life is built not on sand, but on the Solid Rock of Jesus.
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| Mr. Fox before Caroline's awards assembly |
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| My lovely Caroline - dressed up for her role in a play at her awards assembly. No surprise that she asked if she could keep the sequined baseball cap! |
