because He is still faithful

In four hours, Keith and I will embark... no, scratch that. I will embark and Keith will join me later... on a weekend of taking care of our own two children as well as four others so that some dear friends can go to a marriage conference. Am I excited? Yeah, actually, I am. My own house is a mess, I'm exhausted from being out of town all day yesterday, there is no way I can get the dishes and laundry done before it's time to leave, I have to pack stuff for the four of us from this family plus scramble together to get a meal plan for everyone for the weekend, including the last meal of all which will be for about twenty people in our growth group, and I'm excited. I'm not a bit ready, I'm totally exhausted from getting up with Abraham, Rilla, Rilla, Keith, and Abraham (in that order) during the night last night, and yet I am excited.

I listened to this sermon yesterday about a certain young teenager who found herself pregnant and facing the potential of losing her fiance, her reputation, and her family, as well as facing a host of other difficulties. And yet she chose to praise the Lord. My life does not have nearly such a bleak outlook, and yet how often have I been praising the Lord in my circumstances lately? Well, not much. But for some reason I am excited today. Because the obstacles are against me this morning. And yet my God is for me. So instead of sinking down into the mire of overwhelmedness, I am going to praise God, because I know He is going to make this all work. And it will be a lot more fun come this afternoon to get to our friends' home with this peaceful heart than it would be if I were to fret my way there.

Mary’s Song

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers.”