giving good gifts {day 12}

"after" - this makes my heart sing.

Sometimes, it is frustrating to realize just how much like a little child {my children, no less!} I act. 

When they are asked to complete a very simple chore: please take the toys off of the bookshelves, because you know they do not belong there [this is purely for my own sanity]; their first response is: but I can't reach... whatever toy on whatever shelf... excuses. 

[SOMEONE put it there! and it wasn't Mommy!!] 

{yes. this happened just a few minutes ago... :)}

And then I think about simple tasks my Heavenly Father asks of me... write a kind note to a hurting church member, take a few extra steps and say HI to a visitor in church, let me {HIM} help you love your family as you want to... as is your heart's desire.

... and I say, but LORD! I just can't do that! for whatever reason. {I don't have their address, I feel awkward talking to strangers, sometimes it's hard to let God move in my heart....} 

I forget what I tell my own children: Just say yes, ma'am and do what you can; show me you are trying to obey, and ask for my help and Mommy will help with the rest...

"before"--'nuff said!

Is not God better than that?

and I am reminded of:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened...If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:8 & 11

Yes, Lord. 

That is all the response He asks.

So, today, I wrote a note... and I am going to ask God to help me show my family how much I love them! 

And for tomorrow... we'll just see what tomorrow brings!

one other passage came to mind:  

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: 

for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, 

that the power of Christ may rest upon me

... for when I am weak, then am I strong.  

2 Corinthians 12:9 & 10

 

 

The bookshelf pictures were from about 2 weeks ago... I did a major decluttering and re-shelving of books. When little fingers think the bookshelves are playgrounds, nothing is safe! Most of the messiness is moved and 'rearranged' books. The "after" picture is almost what it looked like again this morning after we removed several layers of toys... SO happy! I took pictures to PROVE that they CAN look nice :) with all the books on the shelves and "in their home."