From Grumbling to Gratitude and the Beauty of God's Love

It's amazing to me how the Lord has a plan that doesn't always play out like we would choose but ultimately works out for the better or whats best for us.  I had no intention of not posting last Monday.  I was coming off of a weekend of having intense jaw pain and going into Monday knowing I wasn't going to see my dentist until Tuesday.  Needless to say, I saw my dentist Tuesday morning, was in an oral surgeons office Tuesday afternoon and had surgery Thursday morning (all 4 wisdom teeth were impacted and active and needed to come out ASAP).  No fun - I was not happy at all

I actually sat down for my devotional Monday morning and basically just read the title, 'From Grumbling to Gratitude'.  Little did I know how that would impact my week.  I found myself referring back to it all week long.  The financial obligation of this surgery, the timing as we are trying to grow our family (the fact I couldn't have the surgery if I were currently pregnant), the timing with how busy Matthew is as work, having to ask for help from mom and those in our life that could help with Paxton and interfering with my first MOPS meeting of the new year.   Last weeks devotional was all about giving thanks to God in the midst of our desires to be ungrateful.  I was quickly convicted when I read it, reminding me that despite the bad timing in my life - I am not in control.  As much as I try to be - I'm not.  My complaining and whining ultimately showed a lack of trust for what Gods purpose and plan was for me.  I have SO SO much TO be grateful for... how dare I question and grumble.  I needed to be reminded to stop and thank God for all he has provided and will continue to provide amidst the trials of life.  So, maybe thinking back to last week or looking into this week - were encouraged to praise God and thank him for all he has done and will do for us when we have the desire to be ungrateful as well as teach our kiddos (as best we can) to be thankful for all of their blessings as well.

This week flows nicely into last week... 

The Beauty of God's Love... its almost inconceivable... hard to wrap my hands and head around.  I immediately thought of the "How he loves us" praise and worship song by the David Crowder band, one of my very favorites. Here is a link to the song if you want to listen.  click here

The Lord did not choose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations!  It was simply because the Lord loves you and because he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors.  That is why the Lord rescued you with such amazing power from your slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt.  Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God.  He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands. 
                                                                                                                                   Deuteronomy 7:7-9

We are not perfect moms, wives, daughters, sisters, friends, employees, etc it's important that we remember that at the end of the day - no matter how well we did that day or how effective, efficient or successful we were, God loves us.  On days, or for me lately, moments I think to myself, "I suck, I can't believe I just said/did that". I am going to try and remind myself that I am worthy and that I am receiving God's unconditional love even in that moment.  The more we learn to receive and relish in God's love for us, the more willing and able we are going to be in giving that to others, especially our children and especially when it pertains to grace.  The grace we are given by God is the same grace we should give ourselves and our loved ones. Its hard sometimes though... :) Just being honest.  

Choices:      
-This week I will choose to relish and reflect on God's great love toward me.
-This week I will choose to show God's love to others in my words and actions. 
-This week I will choose to help my children (child) understand the beauty of God's love.   

Prayer      
"Loving and faithful heavenly Father, I praise you for your redeeming love and mercy toward me.  I am amazed that you the High King of Heaven, want to have a relationship with me! Thank you for being so faithful and loving.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family and keeping your covenant with me.  I love you! Help me to share your love with my children and with all the other people in my life.  In Jesus's name I pray, amen."

"We think God's love rises and falls with our performance.  It doesn't...He loves you for who you are: you are His child. " (Max Lucado)

Lets give ourselves a break this week - try not to grumble so much at certain things and instead turn our eyes to the Lord and praise Him for all we do have to be grateful for.  Lets relish in his love for us and try to show that to others around us - especially our precious little ones.

Have a great week and see you next Monday!