Monday, February 16, 2009

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself,
and our God and Father,
who has loved us
and given us everlasting consolation
and good hope by grace,
comfort your hearts
and establish you
in every good word and work."
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17


I read these verses this morning, as I sipped my heavily-doctored coffee (brought to me in bed by my sweet husband), little knowing what this day would hold for me. I guess we never do know, but isn't it good that the Word of God is living and powerful? It meets me every morning, right where I am at, and equips me for the day ahead. No matter what the day holds, joy or sorrow, the words on those pages speak peace to my heart, and remind me of the truth.

I am not alone. The Lord loves me and will always provide just what I need to keep going.

I love that phrase at the end of verse 17, the call to remembrance that it is the Lord who loves me who will set my feet firmly in a place where I can do what is right, and use my mouth in a way that honors Him too. Even when I feel like complaining, He can help me continue on cheerfully. I can depend on Him....why? Because He loves me!

The love of God changes everything, doesn't it?

We spent the weekend together as a family - lots of good times. I am so glad for it. The Marshalls seem to be on the mend, but we gave them a little more time to recuperate and tried to stay out of the house as much as possible.

Saturday we got together with Doug and Sonja and the kids, which is always a blast. The boys play hard (and fight hard too!) - these 2 are always at odds, it seems, but from the looks of these pics, I think they were on the same team this time.













Ethan adores his "baby" cousin - she won't be the baby for long!




I woke up this morning, excited to start off a new week - to start fresh (and healthy). But it was not to be. We showed up at a friend's house for lunch and a playdate, and immediately had to turn around and leave. Ethan tried his hardest to convince me he could still play, even if his tummy hurt (that kid never slows down!), but I am so glad we left when we did. Let's just say, he definitely has the stomach flu. :(

He's sleeping now, and in the quiet I'm remembering God's words to me this very morning before I knew that we'd be laying low again this week. (He knew, of course) I'm so thankful for His love and for the assurance that He chooses our days....and longs to comfort us in the midst of them.


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so sorry on the stomach flu! It truly will be spring soon . . . right? :) Jenna had it last week but we are finally well. I'll pray for strength for you all and that it doesn't go thru the entire household!
~Robin

HopiQ said...

I have been fretting and worried "over many things" and ended up spending most of my date last night with David sharing my woes and crying. I know in my head that the Lord is lovingly directing my days, but I am so slow to hear, so slow to do, so slow to let it sink into my heart and live in the truth of it. Yet again the Lord is calling me to turn my eyes to Him, be full of Him, and allow His Spirit to do the work that I cannot do. Of course I'm feeling like a failure! For certain and sure, I am one. Once again, I need to turn my focus from me to Him.

"Without Me, you can do nothing."

I am praying for you and sweet Ethan. Thank you for your gracious hospitality...for the long haul. Thank you for your sweet spirit shining through despite fatigue, illness, change of plans, etc. The Lord is using you!

Reagan said...

I am so sorry to hear you guys are fighting it again...hopefully you'll be in the clear soon....

Shawna said...

I am so glad that you can see the hand of God in this Rachel. He is there, and you know and will hold you up. We have been praying all day for continued encouragement and strength.

Sweet E, we hope you feel better soon! We love you!

~ Rory ~ said...

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing about your day with us! Thank you for the words of encouragement from the Lord and how they blessed you this day. It meant a lot to me and I needed to hear it!

Kelly said...

You have shared words full of blessing, Rachel! I'm sorry that Ethan has caught the flu....give him a big hug from me and I hope you all are well before too long! Praying for you, sweet friend!

Kim & Dave said...

Praying you all feel better soon!

Eryn said...

ugh. i am so sorry. what a way to start the week.