God's compassion

During my morning devotions I think of all kinds of things to say if I were talking about it to someone. So today, I thought I'd just share some of it.

One doesn't normally think of God as compassionate when thinking about God in the Old Testament. But after reading through the OT several times, I'm seeing it more and more clearly. Today, as many days before, I see it in his compassionate election of the nation of Israel and His dealings with them. I have been struck by its parallel to our election.

God told Israel that He didn't choose them because they were "more in number" or more desirable than any other nation, but because He loved them. Same goes for us. He didn't choose His people, Jew or Gentile, because there was SOMETHING about us that was desirable. Neither did He choose us because He "saw" that we would choose Him. Did He see that Israel would one day "choose" Him? On the contrary. He told them that they would be stubborn and rebel. Yet, He would still atone for their sin. Amazing!

This idea, that God chose me simply because He loved me amazes me. What devotion it draws! What love! Election is a doctrine of love. Just as a lover draws his beloved. It's not a doctrine of separation, but of compassion.

I'm baaaack!

Promised photos. Sunset the first evening was brilliant.




















Tuesday afternoon at the beach. I love the color of the water. There were para sailors out all afternoon. That's what's in the distance.









My good friend, Trisa, who ate with this crazy family and then spent the evenings with us playing cards.
Sweet times. Great memories.

I've been up since 2:50am central time, so I'm just a little "buzzed" right now. But thought I'd put up some photos.

Glad to be home safe and sound, even though it is COLD!!!

Spring Break!

I just have to say thanks to the Thompsons for wanting me to come to Florida with A and S. It has been so lovely!
We had a very early flight on Sunday, so we were pretty tired the whole way. Getting the car was a hassle, but by 1 we were finally crossing the big bridge to Bradenton! The weather had been stormy, but cleared as we drove south. By mid-afternoon there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I left the kids with "Pop-pop" and went to see Trisa. We had a marvelous time catching up on the years. We drove to Anna Maria Island and walked along the beach for about an hour. It was chilly enough for a jacket, but I did take off my sandals and walk in the water. (I'll upload photos later!) Then we drove all the way along the island until it ended at Lido Beach. Had some fish and chips and drinks at a place right on a marina as the sun was going down. Clear skies, no wind. Gorgeous! Drove back up through Sarasota and home to her house, which is only about 5 minutes from Bud's.
Then I drove to Gloria's and spent the next few hours having a great time catching up with her. It is so good to have friends that we just pick up where we left off in spite of years in between. Of course facebook has made that easier! I was sooooo tired by bedtime!
Yesterday I drove to Bud's and found out the kids were going to Siesta Key, they were gone already, so I went and picked up my brother -in-law, Doug and we spent a couple hours at Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. I didn't even get sun-burned even though there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I can't say the same for Doug...ha!
Last night I ate dinner with Gloria and her family. Then we walked along DeSoto National Monument trails that are just about 2 miles from her house. She lives about 5 minutes from Doug, too!

Let us hear the conclusion....

The conclusion is, I'm going to fly to Florida with A. and S. Her family was uncomfortable with them flying alone. (I don't think they've ever flown or gone out of the Midwest before.) So I asked if they'd be happy if I went with them. They said yes. So I booked my ticket, found great friend(s) to stay with in Florida, and I'm bound!
Only thing is, I had a great sub job for that whole four days! Why couldn't that be THIS week when I have NOTHING???

Monday cleaning day. Cloudy, stormy. Forecast is severe weather, perhaps even a tornado possibility this evening...
Smile, Florida Sunday! Hoping for three glorious, warm, sunny days!!!

Led by grace

Continuing yesterday's thought, I was reminded of a hymn we sang in college. I am so thankful for all the hymns I grew up singing and all the verses that I've memorized, consciously or unconsciously for during the night many times, the words of both verses and songs come to my mind. Here's the first ( and I think the best) verse of the song, "I am His and He is Mine".

Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know; Spirit, breathing from above, thou hast taught me it is so! Oh, this full and perfect peace! Oh, this transport all divine! In a love which cannot cease, I am His and He is mine.

From Fear to Freedom

This is going to be another ramble post, just warning you.

I have recently encountered a situation that has once again reminded me of God's grace in my own life. I am so thankful that it's not what I do or how I measure up or what my kids turn out like that puts me in favor with God. It is He who has reached down and rescued me. It is He who continues His grace in my life, despite all my failings.

Several years ago someone gave me the book by that blog title written by Rose Marie Miller. It was what I needed at the time. Showing me my fear, pride, self-righteousness, and my dependence on my own orderliness to please God. Coming back to America was a major struggle for me,too. But in recent years/months, God's goodness to me, His grace has become so clear and dear. I credit much of it to having a wonderful teacher in our pastor. What freedom I've experienced. How thankful I am that He's showing me where I've come from; He's showing me His continued faithfulness. There have been several VERY CLEAR and SPECIFIC answers to prayer in recent months. And all of them I think, WOW! that is so clearly an answer to my prayers!

So what's the situation? Once again it's Andrew and his girlfriend. (heh, heh, We thought we were past that, didn't we??) They are planning to fly to Florida the end of the month for just four days to stay with Den's dad. Her parents didn't want them to drive, so Andrew bought the tickets. They'll be there before noon the day they leave! It's not an "ultimate Spring Break" or anything. Andrew just wanted to get away while his work is slow, wanted to see some warm sun, green grass and brilliant white sand, and he wanted to take one of his best friends with him--Drew had classes!! :) Unfortunately, mama and papa T. are not happy. A short conversation yesterday when I tried to explain the trip (staying with grampa, etc) didn't help. Wrapped up in all their reaction is fear. Fear of previous mistakes happening again, fear in their lack of control, fear in what others will say. I talked to the daughter-in-law for a long time yesterday. She confirmed that they probably want control and are afraid, and that nothing probably will make them happy. Poor S. is between the desire to go and the parents' feelings.

So I've been praying and praying for peace for all of us. Praying that we all can get past the fears and on to grace. Denny even said he had bad dreams about it last night. And I was awake a long time (of course, that's nothing new).

By the way, the book, From Fear to Freedom is excellent! I've been re-reading it again this morning. Ah, the life of a stay-at-home woman!

Just not inspired

I know, I know, it's been two weeks. I have not been inspired to write. This kind of writing doesn't get a whole lot of feedback. People read, maybe, but don't connect to me. That's OK, but I haven't felt like writing one way. And yes, I've had fun reliving some high school times with old friends on Facebook.

But also I took time to get things for the boys' new apartment, help them move in and get a little settled. Then I began planning to get Mom over here to visit while Denny's been in Hawaii--picked a great week to be in Hawaii, huh? I got her from Ron's in Des Moines on Saturday and she's been here this week. It's been very cold and very cloudy most of the week, so we holed up. Yesterday we went out when the sun came out! Now I'm trying to get her back home. I'd like to take her only to Des Moines but we'll see if we can find a way to get her home from Des Moines on Saturday. So car trip tomorrow!

I had fun judging elementary speeches at OCA today. I love being a part of the school and what's going on there. After school I am tutoring some 5th and 6th graders get ready for a Math competition the beginning of April.

This post is pure stream-of-consciousness. I don't even know if the tenses are right or the sentences make sense. That's sort of how my brain works.

I have a big new chair where I sit and crochet in the evenings....