Rescued From The Trash

I’ve been rescuing cardboard boxes from the trash recently.  Last week I snatched 3 boxes my husband had placed on the curb.  They are the perfect size to make into cars for my boys.  Today I swiped this long skinny box for them to roll their hot wheels down.  It was a hit!

They had so much fun I couldn’t believe we almost threw that huge car ramp away!  What a treasure I found among the trash abandoned on the curb.

I’m wondering if you’ve ever felt thrown out.  Has the world left you on the curb?  Have they told you you’re trash?  Worthless?  Broken?  Used?  Discarded?  Good for nothing?

I imagine God’s great joy in pulling us, his treasure, up from the depths.  In rescuing us from the landfill.  In cleansing us and reminding us that our worth lies not in who we are, but in the price that was paid for us.

He did it for me.  I know He’ll do it for you to.

For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

Psalm  86:13

Dandelions - The Most Beautiful Flower

My children shower me with dandelions on a regular basis.  In fact whenever they see any flower they automatically know it’s for their mommy.  But dandelions are what I receive most.  It’s what they have close at hand.  It’s what they have to offer.

It may not be the most elaborate, well arranged, or expensive gift, but it’s one of immense love and value.  It sends me running to look for a vase that will best show them off in all their yellow splendor.

I place them on the table so I and others can see.  This is what my son did for me.  This is his gift of love.  Isn’t it lovely?  Isn’t it the most beautiful flower you’ve ever seen?

I wonder if God might feel the same when we bring him the gift of our praise.  We may sing out of tune.  Our songs may be out of style.  Our dance may be clumsy.  Our applause may be out of rhythm.  

But when it comes from the overflow of a pure and thankful heart.  I imagine it’s like the dandelion.  And I can picture God seeing it.  Smiling.  And saying “This is what my daughter did for me.  This is her gift of love?  Isn’t it lovely?”

On your feet now-applaud God!  Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.

Psalm  100:1-2

The Artistry In His Arms

We celebrated the fourth of July the same way many families do.  With fireworks.  We pulled out our red, white and blue clothes.  I covered the kids with bug spray, grabbed a sheet and loaded everyone in the car.  10 minutes later we were unloading and the boys were running around in the grass.  

Josiah was so excited when the fireworks started.  Chatting away about what color, size and shape each one was.  

Matthew wasn’t convinced though, and after a minute or two he was whining that he didn’t want fireworks.  So I gathered him into my lap and held him tight.  We watched together and by the time they were over he told us that yes, indeed he does like fireworks.

And he does.  He just likes them much better from the security of his mama’s arms.  Sitting on my lap, wrapped in my embrace what had seemed frightening became beautiful.  

So often what scares us as we go it alone is what intrigues and leaves us in awe when we have God at our backs encouraging, strengthening, and guiding us.  His presence brings things into perspective, and what had seemed to be a frightening situation becomes beautiful when we rest in His embrace and let Him show us the solution.  

The artistry He uses to make all things work for our good is incredible.  It leaves me in awe.  It leaves me breathing gratitude.  Whispering words of thanksgiving.  Resting as a child in His arms.

I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too-your reassuring presence, coming and going.

Psalm 139:5

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Scripture Sunday

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalms 28:7

This is a new link-up.  Link up a verse every Sunday for your family to focus on that week.  Let's start the week in His Word!  

The only rule for this link-up is that it be to a post of a scripture you will focus on this week.  I would love to have you follow my blog and leave comments, but it's not required.

If your scripture has a picture with it you can also link up here:

The Creation Story For Children

We had the privilege to review another book for Master Books this week.  My boys and I really like The Creation Story For Children by Helen and David Haidle.  I love that they include dinosaurs in the pictures with the animals.  My boys are dinosaur fanatics so that made the creation story that much more exciting.  

My favorite part of this book is that the creation story is told with the actual Bible verses.  This is something you don’t often find in Christian children’s literature.  

The Creation Story For Children is really like three books in one.  It not only tells the creation story, but also has a section of information children can learn about animals.  Josiah’s teaching Matthew about the velociraptor in the picture above.  

The last section is especially sweet.  It has truths like “God is with me,” “God made me,” and “God will lead me.”  Each page has a corresponding Bible verse.  These are on our list as memory verses!  Josiah especially likes the “God is with me” page.  He loves the image smiles at the thought of a God sized hug.

Want a chance to win a copy of the book and other great prizes for your kids?

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