Good Cravings

"Help me to see how good Thy will is in all, 

and even when it crosses mine, 

teach me to be pleased with it."

~Valley of Vision

Perhaps the first year of grief is the hardest? I'm finding that when I think I'm catching my breath, I see more waves coming. Where would I be, but completely under, without the One who not only holds me through it all, but controls every wave as well?

There have been very hard days this week, making me wish I could simply turn off the tears. Tuesday was my Dad's birthday, and today marks a month since Michele died. I keep thinking of where I'd be in my pregnancy if I hadn't miscarried.

 And on top of that there's been a nasty battle with my flesh. This has probably made me cry the most. My selfishness runs deep, deep, deep, and there are situations I want to run from because I don't want to act Christlike in the midst of them. It's clear I want to be delivered of this sin through some other method than dying to self. Let me tell you, it doesn't work that way.

There have even been those whispers of, "Is God really hearing you?" And that's why it's vital to count those mercies, to pray for a heart that treasures, not worships, His kindnesses. I've been praying God would keep me....keep me from doubts, from the dangers of self. Keep me, O Lord!

In the midst of it all, He pours out His grace and kindness and gives me the littlest of things and the biggest ones, too, all which I don't deserve, to cheer my heart.

1) This..the prettiest sunrise I've seen, yet. The pictures don't capture the pinkish hue very well, but I think you get the idea.

2) My friend, Becky, shared about a plan to pray through the Valley of Vision prayers. What a blessing it has already been. You can download the plan here.

3) By God's providence, I won a book giveaway! Persis, a Titus 2 woman who blogs at Tried With Fire, is sending me John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology! Another blessing is being excited about reading such a book. 10 years ago would have told a different story. :)

4) Oh, I wish you could have been here for this one. Something so simple brings such excitement. Jedediah discovered how to turn a floor fan on with the push of a button. He was literally clapping and dancing about it. Doesn't that inspire every one of us to be more joyful about all the common mercies God pours out on us? Pictures like this were some of Michele's favorites.

5) I'm thankful we haven't been terrorized by nasty rodents. 'Cause that's just one more thing.

6) I'm thankful for these tiny hands that surround me and grasp pencils and give hugs and scratch backs and hold baby dolls. 

7) Praise God for the blessing of hearing my Mom encourage her sister over the death of Michele, reminding her to be thankful, for truly God has been merciful to us all, every moment of every day. Isn't it WONDERFUL to see and hear and watch others growing in grace?!!!

8) I've discovered Twitter. Ok, I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not, but it's been fun so far. Let me know if you're on Twitter so I can follow you.:)

9) What a gift my time in the Word and in prayer is each day. Such a privilege we have to feast on and soak up the very words of God! 

10) And this encouragement from Spurgeon, which I pray will bless you all.

"If the LORD will only do unto us in the future as in the past, we shall be well content. We seek no change in the divine action, we only crave that the river of grace may never cease to flow."

With love,

Trisha