Yesterday we were surprised by a car repair bill of over 500$.

Can you say YIKES!

I could.
I did.
And I began praying.

Ok, so if I live what I preach there is no fear, there is only faith.
So I called on two friends to pray.  One friend and I coveted to pray for one another that day because she was in a financial bind too.  So I prayed for her and she prayed for me.

It was after one when the phone call came from a source I must keep anonymous.
"I’m sending you a check" she said.
"It will be in tomorrow’s mail."

Gasp.
Gulp.

Why am I consistently surprised when God pulls through?
Do I ever want to not be surprised?
Don’t I always want to be blown away by my Daddy, my Father, Abba?

So I called my friend and shared with her how God answered her prayers for me yesterday.  And of course she was encouraged, overwhelmed and blown away like I was.

He is so good to me.

On a side note….
I had the chance to photograph this handsome man the other day. 
I’m not sure he’s up for grabs ladies but you can enjoy looking anyway.

This morning I arose with my hubbie at the ripe ole hour of 6:30am.
My back has been bothering me lately and sometimes staying in bed in the morning just plain hurts.

So instead of trying to go back to sleep I decided to do something I haven’t done in a while…..

My bible study.
Imagine that……
A whole hour alone with God before the noise of the house began.  A cup of coffee.

My present Beth Moore study and my “barely held together” bible from my dear friend, Andrea, many years ago.  And guess what today’s lesson was about?  Judging others – that quick judgment that comes when we immediately size someone up based on how they look or how they are acting.  Talk about stepping on toes…..

Thank you God for allowing me the privilege of digging into your Word today.
Help me to yearn for you every day that way.

Yesterday at church someone asked what my New Year’s Resolution was.  Normally I don’t make them.  I’m not much of a goal setter.  But when I answered her in a funny way about keeping my kids alive through the New Year.  She said, "So in a word, Restraint?" 

And I’ve thought a lot about that word. 

Restraint.

I do think that over my whole life that is what I will pray for this year.

Restraint.

In finances, in dealing with my children, with my tongue, TV, everywhere I look I need restraint.

Thanks friend, for opening my eyes to something God wanted me to see yesterday for the entire year.

Oh, and I miss summer.  Now that Christmas is over I’m ready for the beach….

Blessings…….
Restraint…….
IN HIM…….

Friends of ours recently lost all of their material possessions in a house fire that consumed everything, except them and their pets.  It was devastating.  I was blown away by the complete destructive power of fire.  My heart has been so heavy for my dear friend.  Nothing I could do but pray, offer clothes, and gift cards.  Prayer, of course, has been most important.  But my heart still breaks for them and their loss.

It’s been so hard to watch them grieve but so wonderful to watch people reach out and help them.  Some haven’t even known them.  Some have been good friends.  But all have been "Jesus with feet" to my dear friend and her family. 

Yesterday they got to pick up their children from their grandmother’s house.  I am so humbled by God working to bring this family back together for Christmas.  It seems like all of life is okay just because they are now together. 

I know there will be times when certain material possessions are missed, making them sad.  But I also know Jesus is there to rebuild what no man can…..a family. 

Join me in prayer and praise for this beautiful family God is rebuilding.
What a Christmas!
I praise you Lord Jesus!
IN HIM….