Abundance and Need

The Mom Quilt (click to purchase) is out in paperback on Amazon!  What an exciting project to be a part of - It is both exhilarating and frightening to see your name in print!  The water well in Kenya has been fully funded through the initial PDF sales of the book and generous matching donations.  Check out this picture of the well being drilled - I helped with that!

So that is my exciting news for the week!  In other news...

My sweet grandma finished up her 96 years here on earth.  While we miss knowing that we can hug or see her at a moments notice, it is such a blessing to know her body, soul, and spirit are finally at rest.  I know that there were many people so excited to see her as she entered the gates.  I giggled yesterday as I pictured her at Jesus' feet shewing everyone else away so she could have some time with Him.

Philippians 4:13 is a favorite verse among many:  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Taken as itself it is used by athletes to find inner strength, to encourage and persevere.  But I think, in actuality we have missed the original intent of the verse.

Philippins 4:11-12 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  (And now 13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Even when things don't work out the way we planned, when we have to say good-bye, when we don't live in our "dream house" working our "dream job" taking "dream vacations"...God is giving us strength in the hunger and in the need, getting us through one more day.  And we are to draw on His strength when we experience the defeat and grief, as well as when we receive the victory and the blessing.  We can do anything through Him...

We can fight cancer.
We can say good-bye to a loved one.
We can find blessings in whatever roof is over our head.
We can hold our head-up as we receive grace at the Food Bank.
We can face terminal diagnosis with an eternal perspective.
We can pray.
We can write.
We can wait patiently (or throw a fit while Jesus taps His foot)
We can count, at minimum...three Blessings in our day...we may not want to see the good, but it is there. It is up to you to see it, no one can do it for you.  Close your eyes and hold on to them with all your heart.
We can mend what was broken.
We can be found...
And yes, we can win the victory of the moment.

I have spoken to several people this week that are attending or returning from funerals.  Just this morning I saw that a High School friend lost his two-year old son...Dear Lord, in your strength keep them together.

Abundance and Need fill my heart this season of life:
Graduation and dreams of the future are everywhere for high school and college students.  I love watching their excitement!
Women and their babies are receiving fresh water in Kenya.  Thanks be to God!
People are grieving.
Grandparents are ill.
Babies are being born and babies are being lost.

In His strength you will without a doubt find abundance and need today.  That is life my friends.  May He surround you with angel armies and earthly embraces and celebrations as He meets you exactly where you are today!