Totally should have seen it coming.
After blogging about greater purpose in thanksgiving, even the giving of thanks in my 'not enough,' it would only seem fitting that there would be an abundance of 'not enough' the very next day...definitely should have expected that...
No one ever said growth was painless.
See, when minds are made up to focus on God, to invite more of Him into life, to change the way things are done, it creates a stir.
The enemy of our souls, the one whose "purpose is to steal and kill and to destroy," he finds pleasure in our ignorance. He is not threatened by complacency, unshaken by indifference. He would rather that we keep doing what we've always done because he knows that an impact cannot be made if we become desensitized to the need.
However, when we step out in faith, follow a call, welcome the Potter to keep shaping the clay, notice is taken. Radars go off, ears perk, defenses rise - now there is a force to be reckoned with! Something has been set in motion and every effort is going to be made to make it stop, to silence the resounding reminders of certain doom.
So the 'unexpected' challenges should not be so. Pressing forward always meets resistance - such resistance should be welcomed. When sailing seems smooth, we should question if we are moving!
Despite the four disgusting deposits left by man's 'best friend' on the living room carpet in the early morning, regardless of the nasty attitude of a late-waking child, never minding the emotional PMS roller-coaster, the allergy-induced headaches, and the door closing on our number one preschool of choice for this fall...a smile crosses my face as the thoughts enter my mind...
"Is that all you've got?"
Bring it on.
"37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love." Romans 8:37-38
161. A husband's understanding.162. POGO cards that make headache-reducing lattes more affordable.
163. Treats on my desk!
164. An awesome brother and sister-in-law who take the kids to church, put them to bed afterwards, and stay up until midnight waiting for our return.
165. The amazing orchestra and incredible vocal talent of 'Les Miserables.'
166. Walking children to school.
167. "Beautiful for Me" by Nichole Nordeman
168. 'Buy 1 Get 2 Free' sales on dairy-free bread (and wonderful friends who tell you about them!)
169. Parental battles that lead to scripture and teachable moments.
170. Backyard laughter on beautifully calm spring evenings.
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