Can I Brag about God?!

Linking up with Soule Mama {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A few photos - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Every once in a while I feel inspired to do a little "unit study"  See my Posts: Volcanoes, Birds and Bees to see what I mean and get ideas.  A few weeks ago I mentioned to a few friends of mine that I wanted to do a caterpillar study with my kiddos.  We have never watched the miracle of metamorphosis that takes place first hand, so I thought it would be fun for Drew and Emma (and me!).  My friend Holly said, "I have a friend who gives me flowers every year that butterflies lay their eggs on, and we hatch them and get to watch the whole process for free."  I thought, "That is awesome, that would be neat to have someone do that for me!"  Then I started to think how I could order a butterfly kit or something.  

A few weeks went by and I forgot about the study I wanted to do.  We decided to list our house so my days were busy keeping it clean and finding things to do away from home while there was showings.  Since I wanted to make my house seem fresh I had fresh flowers everywhere!  About a week after placing some flowers in my bud vases I was about to throw them away and get fresh ones, but they still looked "ok" so I left them, and I am SO GLAD that I did!  The next morning I came out and discovered 2 small black caterpillars on one of the flowers.  I heard God whisper to me "You may have forgotten about your desire to watch caterpillars grow, but I didn't."  He is good!  Of all the flowers I could have picked?!

I am so thankful that He cares about the little things.  I always have flowers in my vases, and I have never once had caterpillars on any of them.  It "just so happened" that 3 weeks after I wanted to have someone give me flowers with caterpillar eggs, that someone did!  It wasn't a friend, it was my God.  I am so thankful he gives us the desires(secret whispers) of our hearts, even when we sometimes forget, He never does!  The way He loves me is like no other.  I don't know if you know the Lord, but I encourage you to seek Him out.  God is truly awesome, and it is written that " If you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."  Deut 4:29  If you truly seek Him you will find Him and He is waiting for you!

I would love to hear about your surprise from God! 

The caterpillars are black swallowtail and here is a bunch of information on them:  http://www.joyfulbutterfly.com/articles/lifecyclebutterfly.html#.T9yOhbWvKSr

It just so "happened"

I got a call from my younger brother, Steve, a few weeks ago and he reminded me of a story I had told him, and I wanted to share the memory with you.

My brother retold of how his pastor shared a sermon on Ruth and kept quoting the verse "So she {Ruth} set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech." Ruth 2:3  Steve told me every time he heard the pastor say "And it just so happened.." that he laughed thinking of the cool blessing from God I had received and that there really isn't any such thing as "It just so happened".  Which by the way if you don't know the story of Ruth, she and Boaz (who she just "happened" to run into in the field that day) married and became the great-grandparents to King David and are in the lineage of Jesus.  No coincidence there!

On to my story:  On my birthday back in January I was unbelievably blessed!  I remember telling people this was the best birthday ever, and truly meaning it.  I got to spend it with family, friends and received so many unexpected surprises from God himself.  So thankful!  It was a Wednesday and I had moms group that morning at my church, which was fabulous, as always!  I got home, had the kids down for naps and had a little down time.  I remember scrolling through facebook and noticing I had a friend, Janelle who shared my same birthday!  Of course I had to write a well wish on her page.  Right above where I was about to post I noticed a picture on her page.  A dear friend of hers had sent an "Edible Arrangement" and she had posted a photo thanking her.  I thought "What a great idea, and such a sweet friend!  That is a unique gift to send to somebody and you get to eat all the yummies!  That would be fun to get!"  I sent my wishes and just went about my quiet time.  I am telling you, not even 5 minutes later a truck pulls in my driveway.  At first I think "Oh they are just turning around", they do that a lot in my driveway.  Then it dawns on me, "Well, it is my birthday, I guess I could be getting something?"

I eagerly ran to look out the window, and "it just so happened" it was an edible arrangements truck!  The delivery guy brought the delicious fruit bouquet to my door and I excitedly accepted it.  I was so filled with joy!!  All I remember saying is "God, you are soooooo timely!"  Only he could have worked that out!  It was from my parents and siblings!  What a wonderful surprise!  After calling them to offer so many thanks and share my story, it got a little better!  My mom told me "It's funny it was supposed to be delivered around 10 that morning."  I was even more thrilled!  God waited till I saw someone else receive that gift on facebook (which I have NEVER seen someone post an Edible Arrangement photo on FB-of all days to see it!) and after thinking how great that would be to get, he has it delivered 5 minutes later to show how amazing He is.  I love that He spoke that to my mom's heart and she got to be a part of the story.  And I love that it impacted my brother enough to etch a truth about God into His mind that there is no such thing as "it just so happened".

God is in time, on time, every time!  “It is beautiful how God has done everything at the right time.” Ecc 3:11a

A Young Heart For Giving

I love to share stories of God's faithfulness.  I just posted recently (Show Kids God's Faithfulness) of a way we can show our kids how faithful He is and I am ALL EARS for any ideas.  My sister in law, Juliet just shared a touching story about my nephew experiencing that faithfulness of the Father.

Their family recently watched the video on you tube about the "invisible children" and the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) Which I had heard of, but had not watched myself.  She explained to me that this military group takes children from their homes and put them into the army, are drugged and forced "into hostilities", among other things.  My nephew Jadon was moved in his heart to give money to help get the children out.  He told Juliet "Mom, I want to help and send the money I have been saving up.  I do really want to get toys, but these kids need it more."  To which she replied "God knows what your desire is, you just give if you feel like He is telling you to and God will take of everything else."  So he gave the little he had.  About a week later he got a card in the mail with double the amount he had sent to the kids!!  It was a "late" birthday card by 2 months.  If you ask me, I think it was right on time!!

So cool!!

God has got COFFEE!!

Last night we stopped by our family members' house.  We brought a 12 ounce bag of Starbucks coffee we had just purchased to try with them.  Before we left my husband and I both felt the Holy Spirit nudging us to leave the brand new package of fresh coffee with them.  I have to admit, at first I didn't want to leave it, isn't it funny how God a lot of times asks you to sacrifice something that you really value?  I know coffee isn't a big deal to most people, but it is to me, it doesn't come cheap....especially Starbucks, and I am on a grocery budget (the coffee was on sale this week, so I purchased 2 with a coupon).  So, anyways we left the coffee, and I was filled with joy as I gave it to them, it was great seeing their surprised faces, they were so thankful.  They too LOVE coffee.

Today I stopped by a friends house while on a walk.  She invited me in, offered me a hot cup of coffee and then said "Hey, do you want a bag of coffee?"  Seriously?!  I replied "Well, I don't need it..." To which she said, "Oh just take that brand new bag in there, it is the "Tribute" flavor by Starbucks, really good, and my husband is bringing us a new bag today, go ahead!"  I was excited beyond words.  Not only was this coffee free, but it was bigger (16 ounce) than the one we gave away.  God is good!  Just can't get enough of His grace!  Thank you Lord for hearing and delivering yet another desire of my heart....unbelievable!

The above story was my first post ^

AND now for the rest of the story....... TODAY we had a friend stop by our house and give us yet ANOTHER bag of coffee, this time it was $30.00 a pound and only sold at one Starbucks in Michigan!  We gave away 12 ounces and God gave us 24 ounces back.  The way he gives is so much better.  Thank you Jesus for blessing us once again!!

God has got BERRIES!

I have preface this story with 2 things

1: My daughter Emma loves to eat, and she especially loves any kind of berry (blueberries are her favorite).  Back in the fall I was really wanting to buy berries for her, but they were SO EXPENSIVE and I couldn't justify spending $5.00 on a hand full of berries, when I could use that same amount and buy a whole bunch of bananas and a cantaloupe.

2: Also, few months ago I was hosting a family brunch.  I LOVE to entertain, and bake, so this was going to be a nice morning.  I really looked forward to having everyone over.  I planned my breakfast and went grocery shopping.  It was right before a holiday, so I was not planning to go out again.  Everyone was coming on Friday morning, and on Monday I realized I had forgotten to buy berries!  I make this dish called Pannu Kakku (click the link for my gluten-free version, I have a normal version too).  A finnish pancake recipe passed down through my husband's family.  I typically serve it with syrup, but to make it extra special you cook fresh berries mixed with sugar and a little cornstarch- to thicken it up, serve it warm over the pannu and top it with fresh whipped cream.  AMAZING!!

So, I had forgotten to buy berries and I thought to myself, well maybe I could have someone else bring them.....but then reasoned that they were probably all done with shopping as well and I didn't want to inconvenience anyone.  I told no one and decided to just serve it with syrup....oh well.

I had been feeling like a slacker in my walk with God, so that Tuesday when my kids were sleeping I spent some time with Jesus.  It was a great quiet time and I got up from my "Jesus time" feeling so refreshed.  (It is so amazing how just a few minutes with Him can change your day.)  As I walked into the next room to start my cleaning I noticed a car in my driveway.  A friend of the family was coming to my door.  I answered the door and she said "Here, I brought these for you, I can't talk I got a dentist appointment."  And she left.

I stood there holding a box of  4 huge containers of blueberries from Costco.  I walked inside and I heard God whisper "I knew you wanted berries."  AMEN!  I immediately busted into a song of praise (if you know me at all you will soon come to find out I randomly burst into song, or quote songs- that is why I LOVE the game ENCORE)  I sang "Lord I love the way you love me......God I praise you, you AMAZE me, take my life and let your light shine through.  Jesus, savior, friend of sinners fill me up cuz all I really want is MORE OF YOU!"  It wasn't just one itty bitty container that you buy at the normal grocery store, 4 HUGE containers!  I like the way God gives "pressed down, shaken and overflowing!"  I now had more than enough to make the special topping for breakfast, plenty for Emma to eat to her heart's content and gallon size zip-lock bag full to freeze.

I was so excited to share my miracle, and the little "desire of my heart" that God had given me.  I called my close friend and shared what God had done.  She said "Girl, if you need berries, God has got berries!"  It made me laugh and is so true.

As if that wasn't enough, the following day I had ANOTHER friend drop off 2 more containers of a different kind of berry!!!!  UNBELIEVABLE!  Neither lady knew about the other, and they had no idea I wanted berries.  God is just incredible!  So if you need berries, God has got berries.  


"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." Psalm 37:4