God is Impartial - Part One

Having been an adoptive parent for 23 years (three times, actually), I always marvel at people who say (thankfully, only a few), "How many of your children are YOURS?  Yes, I know you have five children, but how many are YOURS?" That seems like such a peculiar question to ask - at the very best, odd - and at the very worst, thoughtless.

On the same "starting line" in my family stand all five of my children, regardless of age, ability, or by what channel they entered our family.  I was truly blessed to carry two wonderful biological sons to birth, but I was also truly blessed to have God say, "Susie, I chose you to be the adoptive Mom for Mary Grace, Annah, and Vivie.  My two always-loved biological sons are as much a part of the family of five as the three adopted girls - and vice versa.  No favorites, no special ranking, no "She loves you more because you're...."  As the mom to Eric, Nathan, Mary Grace, Annah, and Vivie - my love to each of them is equal and undying.  I carry a heart of devotion toward them all - no exceptions and no exclusions.  Period. 

Time cannot change the love I have for all my "children."  Distance between modes of contact (personal visits, phone calls, letters, emails, texts, instant messaging, skype chats) cannot lesson the love or thoughts I have for each child of mine.  If one is out of contact for a time, that does not lower the "love ranking" for that child.  If one child is always attentive, that doesn't move him or her up to "number one spot."  Any conflict between me and one of my children cannot lessen the love I have for that child. I love them all - and will hold them all in my heart forever.


Eric - First Child - March, 1972






Annah - Fifth Child - October, 2006

 













With that said, I marvel at the same trait in God. I wonder how God could love the thief on the cross as much as he loved Jesus, His only Son.  I'm in awe when God answers a sinner's prayer after a hard, cruel, destructive life and moves that redeemed one to the front of the class, to sit next to "Teacher's Pet."  How can it be?  How can God extend that Hand of Forgiveness at the last moment of life to one, embracing the forgiven one with the same loving intensity as the embrace of a lifelong devoted follower of His?  How can it be?

One familiar supporting verse to believers is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."  The verse doesn't say, "whoever, except for those who skid in (to belief in Jesus Christ as Savior of mankind) at the last possible second of their life." Another supporting verse that God is impartial is Romans 2:11, "For God shows no partiality." 

Personally, the concept of unconditional love (toward me) is a challenge to understand.  However - personally, the concept of unconditional love for each of my children - well, that's much different.  "Of course!" I say, "They are my kids!  Of course I love them without condition or favoritism!"

And so says God - to all of us.  He loves us and yearns for an intimately close relationship with us.  Get to know your Heavenly Father better today.  He loves you without reserve.  God has no partiality.

Bible Verses:

• John 3:16    "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
• Romans 2:11   "For God shows no partiality."
• Acts 10:34   ³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵ but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. ³⁶ You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
• I Peter 1: 17-21    ¹⁷ Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. ¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. ²⁰ He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. ²¹ Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."

Hallelujah - what a Savior!
Susie

God is Working

Today has been such a wonderful day!  Having a holiday for Columbus Day, the day filled with work at home doing the usual (laundry, cleaning, cooking) and the seasonal (canning apple butter).  Of course, the day was interwoven with twin five-year-old daughters playing about, coming in and out and chatting.

This was a day off from work – and yet a day of working at home.

I love these days!  I love the freedom to pick and choose from the long list of “to-do’s,” designing a pliable, moldable schedule.  Nowhere to be – nowhere to go – just the nest-building, nest-primping activities of a “homemaker-at-heart.”  One thing this “homemaker-at-heart” loves to do is home canning.

To help store the canning for the winter, I looked on Craigslist a while ago for a small antique-y cabinet to fit in our kitchen.  Cupboard space in our small kitchen is minimal and it’s always fun to find a practical item for a “good deal.” After purchasing a jelly cupboard that was just right, I went to work canning fresh blackberry jam, dill pickles and pickled green beans. Now that apples have come into season, this weekend we continued our yearly family tradition of making spiced apple butter.

Today was the last of the apple-butter-making project.  It is such a sense of accomplishment to stand back after completing this enjoyable task and look over the finished product! 

As every day, several times today my thoughts turned to God. First of all, I thanked God for this day off. But even more than that, I thought today of how God is always at work. He is always helping, always comforting, always teaching the teachable, always loving, always extending a hand of mercy, and always speaking truth.  I truly rest in that!  Knowing that God is always at work gives me security and such joy. 

And also, there is a work God has done that is finished.  Jesus spoke his final words on the cross, “It is finished.”  (John 19:20)

As Mathew Henry Commentary so poetically stated,

“It is finished; that is, the counsels of the Father concerning his sufferings were now fulfilled. It is finished; all the types and prophecies of the Old Testament, which pointed at the sufferings of the Messiah, were accomplished. It is finished; the ceremonial law is abolished; the substance is now come, and all the shadows are done away. It is finished; an end is made of transgression by bringing in an everlasting righteousness. His sufferings were now finished, both those of his soul, and those of his body. It is finished; the work of man's redemption and salvation is now completed.”

Do you know God?  Do you believe in the finished work that Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross?  Do you know how God works to draw you to Him? 

Verses from the Bible:

Romans 8:28          “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,    who have been called according to his purpose.”

Philippians 2:13    “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Knowing Him,
Susie

God is a Detailer

Every so often, I am amazed by the simplest and "seemingly small" things in life. - Really and truly "amazed."

Yesterday, we happened upon two garage sales that were two doors apart.  Each garage sale had a great amount of little toys called “Littlest Pet Shop.”  At the first garage sale, they had a house and other little building for these cute, small, large-eyed plastic toys.  Annah and Vivie wanted these toys, but I told them we didn’t have any of the little animals to go with the buildings.  “Don’t worry,” the seller said, “they have lots of those at the garage sale two doors down.”  Oh yes!  They did!  At the next garage sale there were so many little toys and houses and swings and carousels and beds and all in perfect condition – and all at end-of-the-day prices.  How could I resist for my little girls? Well, we ended up happily buying a tableful of delightful little (and I do mean little!) toys to take home.

Annah and Vivie were delighted and quickly agreed to the new rule of “Only on the table – not on the floor” in order to play with their tiny new finds.  They spent the remainder of the late afternoon and evening opening the little baggies and setting up a domain of Littlest Pet Shop on the kitchen table first, then on the patio table.  By 10:00 p.m. last night, Vivie was still quietly setting up each tiny toy, collated as she wanted it to be, rearranging at will (hers).  She was so quiet and so intent that I, at one point, thought she had fallen asleep from the long and fun day.  No, she was working, and moving the little pieces (teacup, hairbrush, pet, etc.) into the order she designed. 

Needless to say, this set of toys is a “keeper” for the age of my just-five-year-old girls. They will have hours of imagination-building and concentrated fun with their find.

Okay, now to an analogy:  As detailed and precise and intricate as this set of Little Pet Shop toys are to Annah and Vivie – more is our world to God.  Hang on – please read through….

God has designed a finely-tuned, precisely-crafted, intricately-woven world for us all to enjoy.  It’s huge (the cosmos) -  it’s big (our globe) - it’s large (our country) - it’s manageable (our homes) - and it is small (our lives). God had the master plan, set it up, and has sustained it all since the beginning of time. 

As Vivie so carefully took each tiny toy and set it into its place, the God of the universe has carefully taken each one of us and set a plan into place for our lives.  That plan for each of us is specific, thoughtful, perfect, simple, gentle, redemptive, kind.  God wants a personal relationship with each of us, so that we can fully enjoy Him and relate – back and forth, for all our days.  It is so big of a concept, yet so very, very finely-tuned by our God.   God has shown us the “directions” (the Holy Bible), the “guarantee” (His promises), the “fall-back plan” (His redemption. forgiveness, and reconciliation through Jesus Christ).

The God of the universe is also a supreme “Detailer.”

Verses from the Bible (New American Standard):

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness."  Isaiah 25:1

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  Matthew 10:29-31

Knowing Him,

Susie

God is a Story-Teller

As a foster parent, I once had a four-year-old girl who was quite traumatized in her brief years on earth.  She had seen and experienced far too much to bear.  On her first placement in foster care, she came to my home for a long time before returning to her mother, and then – a few months later – I was called in the middle of the night to take her again. It wasn’t until her second stay in our home that I realized to what extent she had been hurt,  and the realization of her background broke my heart.  When the other foster children were napping, I would rock Savannah and tell her a story.  The story was truly “off the cuff” where I would try to weave hope and wonder and daily living into this little person’s ears.”  Here’s how it went:

Once upon a time, in the land of tall trees, there was a little girl who was four years old.  She was a beautiful princess and she had a good life. She had long, flowing princess dresses and special shoes called glass slippers!  She would go shopping sometimes and the special driver of her beautiful car would take her to wherever she wanted to shop (sometimes it was Wal-Mart or Target).  If the little princess needed to get her chores done first she would tell her driver (called a chauffeur), “Oh, I must clean my room and put away all my toys before I go today!”  The beautiful princess’s chauffeur would wait patiently and then, at just the right time, would take the princess to her store so she could buy…..”

On and on the stories went, each one building upon the other. Trying not only to focus on wonder in each story, I attempted to introduce good character qualities.  Most of all, I tried to keep each story hopeful  – in any way possible. 

Sadly, Savannah was too hurt by life’s experience in her four years to stay in our home, and needed more intensive care.  Her second stay with us was brief, and she was moved to a therapeutic foster home.  I have thought of that little girl many times, wondering how she is today at age nine.

Fast forward to today:

In reading through the book of Numbers right now, it's interesting to read how the people complained about their provisions, knowing what we know - that God was leading them carefully through His man, Moses, and that all their provisions were coming from God Himself.  We see this – now - because we are reading the whole story - and we can read from the beginning to the end.  Yet, in our lives we complain of this and that – looking at an event rather than the whole picture - when we need to keep encouraging each other to rely upon the Author.

God has already written His whole story and it is compiled in many, many translations called the Holy Bible. God’s story isn’t “from the cuff” (as mine was to Savannah) but His story is perfectly thought-out, supremely organized, beautifully illustrated (burning bush, rainbows, pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, parting of the sea, etc.), magnificently worded, preciously poetic, and one-hundred percent true!

God’s story is in a way as Savannah’s story was meant to be – hopeful, full of wonder, character-building.  But God’s story is far more!  Events, experiences, trials, teachings abound!  God reveals who He really is in His Word.  From the beginning of Genesis, “In the beginning” to the end of Revelation, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all, Amen” - God speaks words of direction, admonition, revelation, instruction, and perfect Love.  God reveals His plan of redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ.  God is the best Story-Teller ever!  Praise Him for the True Word of His Story!

To Savannah, with hugs and prayers for a better life –

Mama Susie

"But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you."         Psalm 39:7

God is Heavenly-Minded

My niece, Lesli, once wrote a blog about sisters and said "My Mom was 14 when her only sister was born, but they were so close. She adored her baby sister in the end - and at the end of her life, she was the one my Mom asked for. They never had to stand before a judge and say 'For better or worse, till everything else we do part...' It was just the way it was."

My sister, Bonnie Jean, died almost four years ago in the summer of 2007.  She was the oldest of seven children, and I am the youngest.  Even though we were at "opposite ends of the birth order" of the Leavitt children, we loved each other deeply.


Bonnie Jean Leavitt - 16 1/2
Susan Brigham Leavitt - 2 1/2
Portchester, NY

My very first airplane ride, actually, was at the age of 14, when I flew from our home in Denver, Colorado, to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Jean lived with her husband and three children.  The next summer introduced the second "annual visit" where I was met Jean's newest child, Mal, who had been born that spring. Yearly trips became a tradition, where I would reconnect with my sister and her family and they with me. 

My mind floods with precious memories now, as I recall glimpses of many visits and vacations we shared together.  Jean and I remained close over the years, as life circumstances happened - marriages, births of my two precious sons Eric and Nathan, family moves, our parents' deaths, cancer, separation, divorce, children's issues, adoption.  My sister established a Saturday tradition of calling long-distance, and during those calls we would chat about our weeks and family happenings.

Over the years, Jean and I would "analyze" our family of origin, playing the "armchair quarterback" role of diagnosing dilemmas or comparing opinions of "family" from our unique vantage points - Jean as the "firstborn" or me as the "baby of the family."  Jean and I were so different yet so alike in many ways.

We spoke at times about another sister who neither of us had been given the opportunity to know.  Twelve years after Jean's birth, and two years before my birth, another daughter had been born to Mom and Dad.  This little baby girl was given the name "Susan Baxter Leavitt" (I am Susan Brigham Leavitt) and she was born with severe spina bifida.  Within two weeks of her birth, Susan Baxter died and was carried in a shoebox-sized casket on my mother's lap to a cemetery for her funeral and burial.  Jean and I had melancholy moments where we talked about the sister we never knew.  I had told Jean about the conversation where our Mom confided all the details of Susan Baxter's birth and death, and the intense sorrow it had left upon Mom's life.


Bonnie Jean and Susie - Tampa, Florida - 1984

The years sped by as life marched on - and events came and went.  My sister and I enjoyed good times together with pleasant memories, and we had some very challenging times together that left us with painful memories.  Our bonds of sisterhood were stretched, rebounded, and stretched again. 

One day allmost four years ago, Jean called to announce that she had cancer and that it was untreatable, fast-growing, and terminal.  The words were short: The resulting shock was a shroud.  "I love you, Jean," I said through tears, with the decision to go visit her one last time.

Within two weeks, I travelled across the country with my three daughters (18 years old and 1-year-old twins).  On that emotional visit, Jean and I spoke about serious matters, laughed a bit, and cried a lot.
In keeping with the "prognosis," my sister, Jean, passed from this life within seven weeks of her cancer confirmation.  I travelled back again for her memorial service.  Many more tears - many more memories.

Engraved in my memory now is something that happened after returning home from Jean's memorial service.  One day while driving, a thought flashed into my mind.  It was as if this event were on a massive video screen before me.  I pictured Jean in Heaven - with no more pain of any kind - living the heavenly life we all long to live - peacefully and joy-filled.  Yet, followed by that, a second image came, and it took my breath away.  I exclaimed, "Jean's holding that baby! She's holding her sister!"  At that moment, not only was I sure that Jean was at peace - but there was also an added blessing to picture Jean holding her baby sister, Susan Baxter, who had long ago died.  My nurturing, "more-like-a-mother" sister, Jean, was getting to know a brand new sister.

Isn't this just like you, God, to show me this awesome picture of my sister, Bonnie Jean, cradling Susan Baxter in her arms, in your glorious Heaven! The sweet beauty of this picture soothes me.

But our citizenship is in heaven.

And we eagerly await a Savior from there,

the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him

to bring everything under his control,

and will transform our lowly bodies

so that they will be like his glorious body.  

Philippians 3:20-21

To my sisters - Bonnie Jean and Susan Baxter - with love and longing - until we meet again - forever -

Susie

God is Comforting

Watching the videos of the earthquake and the tsunami in Sendai, Japan, yesterday were shocking.  Literally, shocking.  To watch people (in or out of buildings and apartments) as their earth shook beneath them!  To watch a massive tsunami wash completely over farmlands, buildings, highways!  It was almost unbelievable to watch, and I cannot imagine the feelings of those who experienced it firsthand.

How do we wrestle with God’s providence when we hear or see of something so horrific? Can God comfort those who are affected by this?  Let’s look at God’s Word, the Bible, to find answers;

1.    II Corinthians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.”

2.    II Corinthians 1:6 “If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.”

3.    Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

4.    Hebrews 4:15  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

5.    Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

6.    Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

7.    II Corinthians 1:4 "Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

8.   Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

     

      
The answer to the question, “Can God comfort those who are devastated in Sendai, Japan?” is a resounding “Yes!”  God can offer comfort and help now.  How?  God offers comfort through the strength of search and rescue workers, through the tireless help of willing volunteers who band together to offer housing, food, shelter to those affected by the earthquake. God offers comfort by directly speaking to the hearts and minds of the suffering, saying, “I am with you now. I will help you now. Trust in Me.”

God longs for us to know Him and His ways. God longs to comfort people. God is already there.




 

In the midst of all the death and destruction left in the wake of the 30-foot wall of water that ravaged northern Japan Friday, there was at least one piece of good news. A boat swept away in the tsunami caused by the 8.9 magnitude quake and feared lost at sea has been found with all aboard alive, Jiji Press reported.

 Trusting in Him,
Susie

God is Fun

After a stressful amount of time, do you find yourself thinking, “Whew! I’m ready for a party!” and wonder when the fun can begin?

I imagine we all grow weary of the built-in, all-around-us, sometimes seemingly-relentless “pounding” that life can bring.  We long for times of happy laughter.  Regardless of our economic status, physical stature, age, family makeup, life experiences – we tire of the gloom and doom of life. 

Last night was a delightful evening of happy laughter and true camaraderie shared with a small group of dear friends.  We are all early-morning people, but last night we lingered until one in the morning - visiting, laughing, playing with skin care and glamour, and laughing more.  There were times of seriousness and times of absolute hilarity.  I can’t remember having that much fun in a long while!  No alcohol, no off-color humor, no humor-at-another’s-expense, just a delightful time of joy!

A joyful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Allow me to introduce you to (or remind you of) a concept:  God is a celebration.

“What?” you may exclaim. 

Oh, yes!  It’s true!  God L-O-V-E-S a celebration!  And – guess what – He has great joy!  God is all-out full of delight for His people who turn to His teaching in His Word – God is committed to showing His people a good time!

The LORD your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you

He will quiet you with His love

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:14

Delighting in Him,

Susie

God is Well-Preserved

What? Did I say "well-preserved?" Yes - read on....   

        

I am currently reading a work of Christian fiction in which the world suddenly loses all forms of technology. Communication as people currently know it (phones, cell phones, internet, email, faxes, computer technology) is gone and only postal mail is available for communication. There are no automobiles that have computer technology, no hand-held video games, no texting, no cable, no satellite, and no electricity whatsoever.

This book is an interesting read, and - needless to say - quite thought-provoking. Can you imagine not having access to a computer, much less a cell phone, in these times?

This morning on my drive to work, my thoughts turned to God's Word - the Bible - and how miraculously the Bible was written.  Not only that, but how miraculously the Bible has been preserved over time.  No one brought their typewriter to type notes of Adam and Eve's experiences. There was no computer that cut and pasted sections of previous writings into a new document, and then hit the 'save' button.  No one sat by Jesus on a hillside and sent quick text messages to friends while Jesus spoke to the masses.  There was no one who captured the miracle of Lazarus coming forth from the grave - a dead man to life - with a cell phone photo shot. 

The Bible was written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God - and these faithful, diligent men carefully hand-wrote each word onto some sort of ancient paper.  Can you imagine?  Can you imagine how powerful it is to know that God's Word was written by hand, through men who heard about or saw God?  Faithful men passed down precious stories of what they had seen, heard, or experienced - and all these writings were compiled into a document we now know and accept as the Holy Bible. And God preserved every single Word – to remain the way He designed – to this very day.

God's Word remains today because God still inspires faithful people all over the world to hold it precious.  The Bible is a cherished document that holds cherished truths of a cherished God - the one true God.

Believers around the world today hold these sacred truths in their hands, their hearts, and their lives. Hallelujah! 

Ancient Words

Holy words long preserved

for our walk in this world.

They resound with God’s own heart

Oh, let the Ancient Words impart.

Words of Life, words of Hope

give us strength, help us cope.

In this world, where e’er we roam

Ancient Words will guide us home.

Music and lyrics: Lynn DeShazo and Michael W. Smith

God is Forgiving

 Every time I look at my bowls in the Amish Butterprint pattern (Pyrex pattern from the late 1950's-1960's), they remind me of my mother-in-law, Shirley Amundson.  When I first met Shirley in l965, her kitchen was turquoise - countertop, appliances, dishes, and - of course - Amish Butterprint bowls.  It was such a cheerful kitchen, with bright yellow walls as I remember.  Crisply washed, starched, and ironed curtains adorned the kitchen window in that modest ranch home in those days.

Shirley was a delightful person, and anyone's dream for a mother-in-law. She was smart, funny, forgiving, patient, intuitive, and loved her family.  She loved to crochet, decorate, garden, keep a tidy home, cook, and be a good wife for her husband, Dennis.

My (then) boyfriend and I spent a lot of time at his parents' home during the latter 1960's.  Many conversations were shared with Dennis and Shirley over meals - holidays and otherwise.  During those years, we took many road trips to their extended family in northern Colorado, enjoying each other's company.  What I mostly remember now is that Shirley was a gem of a person and I was blessed to have had her as family.

In the years following our wedding in 1969, my husband, Bill, and I bought and sold homes, and bore two wonderful sons. After 11 years of marriage, we moved far away from home.  Shirley and Dennis moved away also, to their childhood town deep in Wisconsin.  Unfortunately, not all our family changes were positive. My husband and I divorced in 1983, remarried, and divorced again. The years of divorce were terribly difficult for our family.  Even through our family changes, we renained close to Shirley and Dennis.

One day in mid-1996, Shirley died in Dennis's arms after awakening with severe chest pain. Their marriage had been long and woven together with a thick braid of love.  Looking back, I marvel at their fine devotion to each other through good times and bad.

With such a good mother-in-law, was I a perfect daughter-in-law?  No - I can't say that I was. Did I always think of Shirley unselfishly, looking for ways to reach out to her and show how treasured she was?  No.  How incredibly quickly life zooms by and we lose those we love.  I wish I had realized then what I know now - that time is fleeting, and we must not miss God's opportunities to do the right thing.  

What do I do with this feeling that I should have been a more unselfish, level, devoted daughter-in-law? How can I resolve this?  I realize that although I certainly wasn't the perfect daughter-in-law, I have a perfect God who forgives.  Through His forgiveness, God has brought beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3) through healing, encouragement, new experiences and new lessons learned. 

Now I realize that each new day comes complete with new opportunities to live out Micah 6:8, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

To Shirley - With Love,

Susie

God is Satisfying

Every so often, I marvel at something that has happened in my life as a result of God working.

This week (it's now Thursday) has been a Mid-winter Break from work, and so I've been home with Annah and Vivie for the week.  We have slept late (for me, that's 6 a.m. instead of 4:45 a.m.), stayed up late (for Annah and Vivie, that's 9 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.), watched movies anytime of the day "just because" and had a routine-free week of rest and simple pleasure.

Something new has occured to me this week - I am satisfied.  Personally, I've always been the "glass half-empty" person who wanted more, longed for different, and didn't feel "quite there."  Not any more!  This week has unfolded as a gift - wrapped in pretty paper and tied with a big fabric bow.

Annah and Vivie are just four, and their delights are in Fisher-Price little people and cars, dollies with changeable outfits, a herding sheltie puppy they call their own, and one Momma who loves them dearly. They love their friends and family and are learning about loving God.  All they want is time and love and care. 

Don't we all!

In the simplest ways this week, God has shown how He cares not only for these little ones but also for me.  He has blessed our little family with the time to rest, read together, laugh, play puzzles, share meals, walk, and more.  God has made this week a satisfying - not looking for more but a  "resting-in-the-moment time."  I will remember this week.

I will remain grateful - and am satified.  Thank you, God.

Susie

Psalm 91:1 and 16  "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.   (God says...) With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation."


Annah and her ice cream sundae



Vivie and her ice cream sundae



Vivie and Annah after we all finished their 2nd 100-piece puzzle

 

God is Merciful

Reading through the Bible in a year, and now in the 18th day, I am struck with the absolute wonder of God's mercy. 

Since becoming a believer in 1979, I have always loved the concept of grace.  "Undeserved favor."  I even picked that precious concept in a word as a name for my first (greatly-loved and prayed-for) adopted daughter, Mary Grace.  I love contemplating on the fact that God, who is Perfect and Pure, extends so many undeserved favors to us who believe in Him.  I love accepting grace, and I love thanking God for grace He has given!

But, mercy - mercy is different.  Richer and more packed with awe, to me!  Instead of receiving something wonderful we don't deserve (grace), mercy is like not receiving something we do deserve!  One definition displays mercy as "shown by a judge toward a convict." 

Many times in my life, even as a believer, I have sinned greatly.  Some time after the sin (sometimes "keeping short accounts with God" and sometimes wrestling for a time - even years) when I have confessed my sin to God and received His forgiveness, I have also received the blessing of mercy.  I have been a "convict" - convicted - and God is the righteous Judge - He has pardoned me and blessed me still.

How can it be, Lord?  And it's surely not just "all about me!"  God, you extend this Hand - this Holy Hand - of mercy to all -

Free indeed!
Susie

God is Humbling

After finishing the reading of Genesis 4-7 and looking into Matthew Henry's commentaries about the same, my mind is whirling:  There is so much in those chapters!  People born, people died, people who "walked with God" (Enoch), and those who forever left a relationship with God (Cain), etc.

Those chapters are not just a chronicle of lives, but a strong and clear teaching of what following God "looks like."

My mind is still whirling - that God would even continue to extend His hand (counsel, direction, help, mercy, grace, love) to people - that He would even continue to do the very same to me, just one person in all of mankind - is incredibly humbling.

I love you, Lord. Thank you for the immensity of Goodness that You are! 

God is Purposeful

Above my computer are old framed photographs - one is of my Dad and his brother (my Uncle Norman), which was taken in 1916, when Dad was six and Uncle Norman was one.  It's a precious picture at the start of their lives - such a treat to imagine their childhoods - almost 100 years ago.  One boy is in a high-collared starched shirt and tie, and one in what could be a christening gown.

Dad's been with the Lord since 1980, and Uncle Norman went to be with the Lord in the last 10 years.  Remembering them fills my mind with sweet thoughts of kind and gentle men. 

And here on February 1, 2011 on this early morning, after reading the first of our "read through the Bible" year's program, I sit in this quiet home.  A cup of fresh, hot coffee.  Looking at this old photo of my Dad and Uncle Norman --- imagining their lives as they grew.  Thinking about my four-year-old twins asleep in their beds.  My twins - by adoption - by God's plan.

God was there then - with those little boys in the photograph (Dad and Uncle Norman), at the beginning of their lives in 1916.  God is here now - almost 100 years later, as other little ones (Annah and Vivie) sleep soundly before their day begins.

"A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families." Psalm 68-5-6a

God is purposeful,
Susie

When I Consider Your Heavens

Saturdays are such different days.  Looking forward all week to having "Saturday" off, I find that it fills so quickly with housecleaning, shopping, organizing and - poof - it's gone.  I'm so grateful to have the time off, and of course appreciate what Saturdays are for - catch-up and whatever.

This past Saturday, while driving to errands I was quoting out loud some favorite verses from Psalm 8, "Oh Lord,our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth...when I consider Your Heavens, the moon and the stars which You have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him?"

One of my four-year-old twins, Annah, said, "Momma, what are you saying?"

"Oh Annah, I'm saying a beautiful part of the Bible, where it talks about how great God is!" 

I wasn't really even aware that I was speaking out loud that beautiful Psalm!  May I do that more and more in the presence of these little ones!  May God help me recall favorite verses during even busy Saturdays so that my girls can hear me say what I know in my heart - that God is wonderful for creating this beautiful world.