I love stories of redemption and I heard a great one today!
Pittsburg Steeler QB Ben Roethlesberger was raised in a Christian home!
We all know of his recent struggles......
Recently his sister encouraged him to listen to Christian radio
Driving in the car one afternoon..listening to KLOVE..he heard a song by Toby Mack
It's never too late..to "get back up again"..as he listened to the words he pulled the car to side of the road and began to weep!
So encouraged by Toby's song feeling like the song had been written just for him...he contacted Toby
The two have now become friends..Toby wrote that song for a friend going through some difficult times. But God knew Ben would need that message as well {along with a lot of other people I am sure}
That story made me think of the illustration of the tapestry....on the back side many threads weaving in and out..quite frankly a mess...but on the reverse a beautiful image....
God weaves our lives together {in ways that sometimes we cannot see until much later)
and creates a beautiful image like only He can.
Hearing stories like these encourages me so much, increases my faith and leaves me so hopeful!It also reminds me that He has gifted each one of us and given us great purpose to carry out for him
Toby just wrote a song that God placed on his heart!
What has God placed on your heart? Are you stepping out in faith to be obedient to His call?
Have a Joyful day!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
East Coast Miks
This past week we were honored to attend a retirement ceremony for Steve's brother Paul. He retired from the Navy after 26 years of service. Most recently stationed in Norfolk Va, the ceremony took place in a little chapel at the Dam Neck Navy Base. We are very proud of his service to our country but most importantly his character and the lives he has touched in those 26 years.We had never traveled to VA so it was particulary sweet to visit the East Coast Miks at their home!
While we were there, we also celebrated the 18th birthday of our nephew Jon! (Paul' s eldest son).
While we were there, we also celebrated the 18th birthday of our nephew Jon! (Paul' s eldest son).
And if that wasn't celebration enough, Paul was married to a beautiful lady named Leslie whom we are proud to now call our sister in law!
In addition to Leslie, our family grew by a few more as well! Leslie's mom Jean, her sister Christine and niece Emma were all there to celebrate with us and it's feels like they have always been family!
The weekend also allowed for some down time to hangout with our beautiful niece Danielle and her son Brayden. We don't get to see them often either so that was precious time we will always cherish!
We are truly Blessed!
Expectations
Expectations are a funny thing! On the one hand there are those expectations that we have of our spouses and our children... or in the work environment....the ones that have been carefully spelled out and negotiated so that when they've not been met it is obvious. We can acknowledge our shortcomings, communicate our sorrow, receive forgiveness and grow as a result.
God's expectations of me while not up for negotiation are clear as well and I know when I don't walk in obedience with Him I am choosing to walk outside of His protection and there are consequences... but also the opportunity to acknowlege my failings and recieve His grace and forgiveness.
Then there is the "muck in the middle". You know those expectations that we have of other people or that they have of us. The ones that have not been spoken, negotiated or even agreed to. No matter how hard we try{ not to have these types of expectations} we all experience this once in a while. The immediate result can be a catastrophe! Usually hurt feelings, frustration sometimes bitterness and over time...huge walls of stone can be erected in the name of self protection.
My prayer for myelf is that God would continue to create in me a heart of grace and compassion that does not place those types expectations on others.
I love how God uses the people and circumstances of our own lives to teach us His truths.
You see, it breaks my heart when someone has an expectation of me ...one that they haven't told me about ..one that I haven't and probably wouldn't agree to and when I fail to meet their expectation..they hold it against me. The goodness of God allows the hurt that we experience to make us sensitive to the hurt we might cause others.
He always makes beauty from ashes!
God's expectations of me while not up for negotiation are clear as well and I know when I don't walk in obedience with Him I am choosing to walk outside of His protection and there are consequences... but also the opportunity to acknowlege my failings and recieve His grace and forgiveness.
Then there is the "muck in the middle". You know those expectations that we have of other people or that they have of us. The ones that have not been spoken, negotiated or even agreed to. No matter how hard we try{ not to have these types of expectations} we all experience this once in a while. The immediate result can be a catastrophe! Usually hurt feelings, frustration sometimes bitterness and over time...huge walls of stone can be erected in the name of self protection.
My prayer for myelf is that God would continue to create in me a heart of grace and compassion that does not place those types expectations on others.
I love how God uses the people and circumstances of our own lives to teach us His truths.
You see, it breaks my heart when someone has an expectation of me ...one that they haven't told me about ..one that I haven't and probably wouldn't agree to and when I fail to meet their expectation..they hold it against me. The goodness of God allows the hurt that we experience to make us sensitive to the hurt we might cause others.
He always makes beauty from ashes!
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