Pinpointing Blessings and Finding Encouragement

So this isn’t going to be a “normal” post, but just an update on why I’ve been absent from the blog lately.

First of all, it’s summer.  Our schedule’s been different every week, and it’s been hard to get into a writing routine.

Secondly, my dad’s had some health issues, so I took a trip up to Virginia last week.

I don’t think I’ve ever been away for several days while my husband and daughters were still at home.  In spite of the difficult circumstances that caused me to leave town, I was so thankful for the following:

~ a new realization that my siblings are some of my favorite people on the planet

~ two teenage daughters who managed the house while I was gone

~ two sweet friends who delivered the girls where they needed to be (and entertained them as well)

~ a husband who told me to take as long as I needed to help my family

I’ve certainly been looking for encouragement in this season, and, as always, God’s Word and good music have been a blessing to my heart.

After praying through much of the night, and feeling like my prayers weren’t being answered, I read Psalm 65:2.  Here David addresses God as “O Thou that hearest prayer…”  What a reminder that God is hearing, and will answer in His time and His way.

When I looked at the circumstances and thought, “Lord, it’s hard to trust you now,” I found Psalm 62:8 that says “Trust in Him at all times…”

When I said “Yes, Lord, but this is really hard,” I remembered Job 13:15, which says “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…”

And a comforting hymn to remind me of God’s care…

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

~Civilla D. Martin

I know I’ve shared the video below on the blog before, but it’s been a fresh blessing to me in these days.  When it seems like God isn’t at work, I have to trust that He is, and keep taking my burdens and needs to Him in prayer.

[If you’re reading in e-mail, you’ll have to click over to the blog to see the video.}

We have Vacation Bible School at our church this week.  I’m looking forward to working with the 3rd and 4th graders each night!

Hoping to be back to a more regular blogging schedule soon.  In the meantime, I hope your summer is going well!!