God Uses Dear Ones

Since writing my last post, to say that there have been a lot of ups and downs would be an understatement. Things around here have been a little bit crazy, and they aren't slowing down. However, God has continued in His faithfulness towards me. This past week, He has provided me the blessing of getting to spend time with two of my dearest friends, AND a very special, surprise coffee time with my mother-in-law that was very much needed.

It's amazing, and if you ask me, in no way a coincidence, how each of these ladies knew exactly what to say and do at exactly the time I needed it most! God is so good, and I feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the sharpening of these dear ones that He has used in my life.

Last Friday, I was able to go and have lunch with my good friend, Andie, and her little girl, Ella. We always have so much fun together! I don't feel like I need to try and figure out how to talk to her, or how to be when I'm around her. I'm able to be myself, and she actually gets it. Being that her mom, dad, and sister all live out of state, she was able to really sympathize with how I'm feeling right now. It was such a sweet time for me.

Then, on Tuesday of this week, my friend, Michelle, had the day off, and we took Silas and walked around the mall and had lunch together. Then, to finish off the day, we picked Tristan up after school and took him to ride his bike. It was a blast! It was the kind of day that you just don't want to end. I was able to talk to her about everything that's going on and "vent", and she listened, offered up advice (but not too much, you know?), and, most importantly, just let me know that she was there. It meant so much to me!

This morning, after I took Tristan to school, I dropped Silas off at my grandma and granddad's house (his "Granny and Papa's") in Poway. I needed to make some phone calls and go and get my haircut, so they said that they would watch him for the day. On my way to pick him up this afternoon, my mother-in-law, Anita, just happened to call me when she was leaving work right as I was driving by. We decided to meet at the nearby Starbucks and catch up a bit. What a blessing! Really, it was just what I have been needing. Her wisdom, but most importantly just her love and understanding, were EXACTLY what I have been missing.

And now, as I write this, I am so struck by my God as described time and time again in the Bible "... for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6,8, Joshua, 1 Kings, & Hebrews). We are told not to be afraid, and encouraged to know that He not only goes with us, but before us as well. Not only do I see this in black and white on the pages of Scripture, but I see it in living color on the pages of my life. He is truly to be praised!