"My power is made perfect in weakness"

Last night at church was awesome. There really is something about a few people who get together with open hearts. God is able to move freely and it is just amazing to be simply sitting in His presence. It's beautiful...

As my husband began his sermon on 'suffering,' I made a face. 'Suffering' is not a topic I like to talk about. Then again, who would like to talk about it? Since we are a small group, my husband asked me why I furrowed my brow and gave him 'a look.' I said, "I get that we have to suffer sometimes, but I don't want to think about it." Everyone laughed...they probably agreed.

Simply put: My husband answered the age old question as to 'WHY'  people suffer. And the answer is this: God allows us to suffer for His glory and for His Namesake. Contrary to what some people believe, tough times don't come upon us because we sinned or did something wrong (read John 9:1). It's not ALL Satan attacking us. Maybe Satan is attacking, but it's only because God is allowing Him to do so (think Job, God allowed that).

My husband used this awesome analogy of Satan on a leash and God controlling the leash. Satan does NOT have power over God. God is in control of everything.

To be honest, the entire sermon I tried 'not listening' attentively. I really didn't want to think about suffering, but we all know it's going to happen in some way or another. Sometimes it's what grows us and brings us closer to God. But sometimes it's just to bring glory to His Name. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Paul has some type of ailment and prays three times to God asking Him to "take it away.." God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Following that, Paul writes, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

My husband closed out church with a prayer and as soon as I closed my eyes, I started complaining to God. "Ugh, God, why do we HAVE to suffer?" (so silly of me, especially because my husband JUST preached on it). I felt God say, "because then you'll know that I am real." I went from complaining, to apologizing over and over. "I'm sorry God, I get it, I'm sorry." A total 'face in palm, i'm so dumb' moment. Who was I to ever question what God does? Good thing He loves me...

Getting back to the topic..no, suffering is not fun, but sometimes it is what has to happen to bring glory to God. And that is why we are here, to bring glory to His Name. It's that simple.

God is So AWESOME

As Fall approached and arrived in the past month, I caught "Fall fever." I love Fall and especially Fall decorations! The pumpkins, the leaves, the cornstalks, and scarecrows are all so fun and festive! I love that they represent cooler weather and the start of a new school year. Everything about it is great!

Since Fall has become my new favorite season, I've been yearning for some Fall decorations. Nothing crazy, just a simple pumpkin or pretty Fall wreath. I would love to completely deck out our condo with all things Fall, but since I stay home with my little man, our budget won't allow it (I'm not complaining here, I wouldn't trade anything for getting to stay home with my baby, it's just a fact). 

My son and I have been out and about over the past few weeks and I've wanted to buy a cute pumpkin decoration or something to place in the condo to represent Fall, but when I think about what to purchase with the extra spending money we do have, a pumpkin decoration doesn't seem important. I guess I'd rather spend my money on something more significant. Thus, I haven't bought any Fall decorations.

Ok, so I'm about to get a little off topic here, but I promise I'm going to make a connection. 

The other day, Caleb and I drove to the library. We do this once a week or so to get a new set of books to read before nap time and bedtime (Caleb loves books!). On the way, I saw this big Mega Bloks firetruck sitting out by someone's curb. There were quite a few toys and things sitting out on the curb that were clearly being thrown away. I noticed the firetruck because it was bright red and looked brand new. 

I drove past slowly at first and thought about whether or not I should grab it. It was drizzling out and I didn't want to get wet, but that firetruck was screaming my name! I turned around and drove past it again. And then I turned around again and drove past it one more time. It's bright red color and awesome stickers sucked me in, so I got out of the car, grabbed the truck and threw it in the trunk. 

After I closed the trunk, I forgot about the firetruck and focused on getting to the library. We spent about an hour at the library (we met a friend), and then headed out to get a potty and some onsies for Caleb. At the store, we saw another big Mega Bloks truck. This one was a little different from the firetruck we picked up, but similar in size. The truck in the store was a dump truck and was different colors. Caleb saw it and decided it would be a great idea to push it around the store (that means he liked it). I looked at the price and thought, "Gosh, I would love to buy this for him, but I don't want to spend the money, especially because he has so many trucks already. Uhhh, God, what do I do?"

Then, God reminded me of the firetruck I just picked up. DUH! I had completely forgotten about it! I didn't need to buy the one in the store. I already had one and it was FREE!! 

God knew I would want that truck before I even knew I wanted it. And no, I don't think that was a coincidence. I believe that because.....

Inside the firetruck were other items the people who were throwing it out stuck in there. One thing was a baseball (of no use to me) and the other things were two pumpkin votive holders perfect for our condo. :)

God is so awesome. :) Sometimes I forget that cares about the simplest things. :)

#IServeTheBestGodEver