Random Thoughts

Cara did great at the Regional Bible drill!  She only missed one.  For a first-time driller, that is an excellent thing!  She is hiding God's word in her heart, learning good Bible skills, and challenging herself to go beyond what she thought she could do.  And her mother is so proud of her!

Last night, I was privileged to serve at the Associational Vacation Bible School clinic at our church.  I had a very, very busy day trying to get everything ready.  I had originally agreed to be in charge of the snack preparation.  That job is big enough in itself!  Our director/pastor's-wife could not convince anyone to teach the 5th-6th grade class.  Me, always willing to bite off more than I can chew, volunteered to teach that class and do the snacks that I had already agreed to do.

So, I'm chewing, chewing, chewing, hoping to get it small enough I can swallow...  I find some delegates!!!  God is in charge of the details, I am just the vessel willing to be used.  I have to admit though, that I was feeling more than a little overwhelmed yesterday afternoon.  After all the planning, and all the delegating that I could do, I just trusted that God would work it all out.  You know what?  He did!

I went to the store and got what I needed, got to the church and started working as early as I could.  There was a little nagging thought in the back of my mind that said, "Tracey, there is no way this will work out."  Then my help showed up a little later than I expected her...like an hour and a half later than expected!  I was in a near panic by that time.  What could I do but keep working?  Some of the youth came in to help me, some of the ladies from my church came in an started helping.  I found myself singing, and realized that without even thinking about it, I was praying!  God exploded peace in the midst of my crisis!  He took care of the details that I couldn't!

I went to teach my 5th-6th grade session.  His presence was all over me, around me, and I was near bursting with love for Him!  Those poor students in my class had to listen to me go on and on about how much I love Jesus and how much I love children!  That's a pretty good combination for VBS, I thought.  What is better than bringing together two things you love very much?

I know I'm just rambling, but I want you to know how good our God is!  He is a God of details!  He knows what we need before we do.  And when you think that you can't, He can!  God let me know yesterday that He hears me when I pray to Him!  He also let me know that I am His.  I cannot express to you how loved I feel right now.  I hope you feel loved too!

Random Thoughts

I don't really have much to tell you today. Just thought I'd drop some random thoughts out there for blog-world.

• Cara is gone to church camp with my sister's church. I miss her so much; her infectious smile and laughter. I know she is enjoying herself, though and that makes it easier. If she was pining away for me like I am for her, I'd have gone to pick her up already!
• I am keeping my nieces Trista and Carli again this week. All five of the children at my house range in age from 20 months to 6 years old. As you can imagine, there's lots of activity! Thank you, Lord, for sidewalk chalk and water sprinklers and trampolines!
• Shawn is going to be leaving in about 1-1/2 weeks for Health, Safety, & Environment Training in Austin, TX for his job with LSI. He'll leave Sunday evening the 26th and be home hopefully Friday the 31st, but I will miss him terribly while he's gone!
• I'm on my 4th week of exercising! I am just proud to tell you that I'm still doing it. I've never stuck with an exercise program this long. I've not had any major breakthroughs on my weight issues, but I'm not doing this to lose weight (which I have a little). I'm trying to change to a healthy lifestyle. This is going to take time and stages. Stage one was to get into the habit of exercising. That's what I'm working on now. I'll update you next week as to what my next step is.
• I've found that you can memorize Scripture while you walk. I needed something to keep my mind off of the clock while I'm exercising. I thought about carrying an MP3 player, but then I would miss out on hearing the birds and the stream and the cows out by where I walk. So I decided to take my Scripture memory index cards with me! It has worked out great! Keeps my mind focused on the Lord, while doing something productive for my body.

God is showing His faithfulness. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13) He never fails to strengthen me when I need it. He knows I have need of His strength before I do. Thank you, Father for your grace and your strength. Abba, I couldn't have come this far without you. And I adore you, praise you, and desire to serve you. Please hear my heart's cry!