The One Who Holds Everything in His Hands

"who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him." - 1 Peter 3:22

This verse is obviously speaking of Jesus. The one of whom it is said, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. " Recently I have been in fear for my future - not knowing what it holds for me, and not wanting hardship for myself but especially not for Claire. The truth is that none of know what tomorrow holds, but I can cling to the word of God, and the fact that ALL of my days (and Claire's days) have been planned by him. If hardship does come, which is entirely plausible in this life, it is because he has allowed it to come. If angels, authorties, and powers are all subjected to him, then NOTHING can reach me that he hasn't pre-ordained. And because I know his love for me is sure, steadfast, and unchanging, everything I face in life - even the most difficult trial - is laced with love from above.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This is the truth on which I stand. I have no reason to fear anything in this life when God, the creator and sustainer of the universe, who has planned every single one of my days, can in his infinite power and might cause all my trouble and pain, and even my own foolish choices and failures, to result in good. This verse also says that I am called "according to his purpose." He has a purpose for me, and he will do all he must to fulfill it.

My heart sings in praises to him for his unfailing love and sovereign power over his creation.

But I Don't Want To Go To Bed!!

Last night Claire and I went to stay with her cousins, Gabi and Isabella, so their mommy and daddy could go out on a date. We had a lot of fun playing, singing, dancing, giggling, and so forth. She was very tired after playing so hard and we were going to make it home just in time for bed. What Claire didn't know was that I had plans after we got home (and she went to bed) to watch Ratatouille with both my sisters and parents. It isn't every day that both my sisters are at the same place at the same time for Claire to enjoy, including my younger sister's boyfriend and very large dog. So when we pulled up at the house and she saw their cars, she got VERY excited. I was a little concerned for how bedtime was going to go. I mean think about it, how would you feel if you got home right at bed time with a house full of people you love to have around but don't see very often who are all sitting down to watch what looks like a really fun movie and you have to go RIGHT to bed??!!??!! I felt really bad for her. So after several attempts to lay down and several cries for more water, and other such bedtime stalling ploys, I finally let her snuggle on my lap while we watched one of the "shorts" before we started the movie itself. After the short, we had to actually turn the TV off and pretend the movie was over so she would agree to go to bed. I hear from onlookers that the look on her face while she was sitting on my lap read something like, "He he, look at me, I got Mommy to let me watch the movie with all the grownups."

A Refuge in the Day of My Distress

"But I will sing of your strength;I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love." - Psalm 59: 16-17

Claire & Bella

Claire's cousin, Isabella, came to stay with us for two days this week so her mommy and daddy could get away for their anniversary. Claire and Bella had so much fun playing with each other. It was so nice for Claire to have a playmate since she is usually left to playing with her much less imaginative and energized mom. These two make such a cute little pair!!