Party for our Fairy Godmother

What joy it was to help host a bridal shower for our dear friend and lovingly named "Fairy Godmother".  It was just over 8 years ago that God blessed our family with this special friend.  I was thinking about what a joy it is for God to use this sweet friendship not only in my life, but the lives of my daughters.  Today she was surrounded by Godly women who delighted in this season for our her.  I had a few moments today to just sit back and observe.  What a treasure Godly friendships are.

There have been times over the past eight years that my friend has seemed so young.  There have been times that she has seemed wise beyond her years.  Most of the time these days she is just my friend.

I remember looking at that special verse in Titus 2 when I was a young woman and needing to learn from other women around me.  I often feel like I am still looking for that woman in my life.  I often forget to see who God puts into my life that doesn't look like MY idea of that verse.  Today I truly observed that I may have been that Titus 2 women to her when I wasn't even looking.  I hope so.  I'm thankful that God doesn't always wait until I am ready to be used.  He marches on without my permission and creates such beautiful friendship that are marked with his loving care.

Today I am happy to celebrate.  Today I am thankful for my friend.  Today I am greatful to a loving God who give good gifts.

Wait and Praise

This morning I woke very early unable to stop the mental "to do" list that was playing over and over in my head.  I gave in, got up and began my "to do's".  Along the way I started chatting with God.

My heart truly does want to seek Him first.  My heart truly LOVES Him!  Yet, I continued to start my day and get my things "accomplished".

Along the way this morning the Lord has been here.  Present.  Really, HERE.   As I sat down there were two words from Him in various emails I checked.

The first, "WAIT".  To be quite honest I have been faced with this word a lot lately.  Wait.  It seems like over the past few years I am finding myself in what seems to be an endless season of waiting.  To be honest, I'm discouraged.  I'm frustrated.  I'm tired of waiting.  The waiting journey is certainly not new to Godly men and women.  Noah waited.  Abraham and Sarah waited.  Moses waited.  And that is just to name a few.  Who am I to think that I am better than these saints?  God LOVED them.  He LOVES me.  My job is to wait.  I'm not sure I am doing a good job of waiting patiently these days.  Today's encouragement is to wait but remember that God hasn't forgotten.  He has a plan.  He is working the plan.  I need to stay focused on my Lord and Savior.  I need to find a productive way to wait.

but how...

THEN, the next email I opened reminded me to GIVE PRAISE.  This is what I need to remember to do.  Give praise continually!  "Oh, magnify the Lord!!!!!!"  I love this song.  It is one that has always stirred my heart.  Today I want to intentionally magnify the Lord.  I want to see the beautiful things HE has given me.  I want to want to give praise.  I guess that is a start isn't it?

Lord, hear my heart.  Know that I am flawed, and impatient.  Allow me to see what You have been doing around me all along.  Help me fight the discouragement.  Help me to wait safely in YOUR presence.