At Peace

Hey kids,

I'm working an evening shift at the pharmacy, filling in the dead time with some blogging.  Mom's at home with you three.  She just said you all were napping and she was getting some quiet time.  Glad to hear.  Wasn't sure how she would handle the increased workload of caring for three under 4 years old.  It's a labor of love, though.  We're so grateful to have all of you in our blossoming family!

I was in my men's group at church a couple evenings back and was listening to someone speak about the many facets of God's love towards us.  A refreshing study, as I oftentimes can't appreciate his love in its fullness.  Probably due mostly to my weak efforts at including him in my daily goings on.  I don't pray a lot or meditate much on his love for me.  A new year's resolution was to read through the Bible this year (not entirely, just whatever I can manage) with the focus of picking out God's love for us in the text.  I wanted to know God's character, specifically his fondness for his children, by studying his interactions, statements, promises, demands, and actions.

Anyway, this particular study mentioned a verse that stuck with me above the others that day - Hebrews 11:6:

"Without faith, it is impossible to please God"

At face value, this verse tells me only christians can please God, as only christians demonstrate true faith in God.  The speaker took it a step further, though, and I don't think he was wrong to do so.  He said "it is my trust that pleases God".  Faith/trust is the common denominator in all things that please God.  Without it, those same things wouldn't please God.  Therefore, it is the trust/faith itself that brings a smile to God's face.

It is my trust that pleases God.

Those days when I feel like a bumbling fool, incompetent towards God's purposes, sinful beyond measure - I still have my faith.  Therefore I still please God.  He works in and through my weakness.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Though I struggle daily, I can be at peace, simply by knowing God is pleased with me because of my faith.  He understands I am weak and sinful, prone to wander and mess up - and loves me anyway.  I am redeemed because of Christ.  I am marked for glorification.  I've heard it said before, I can stumble on the deck, but I can't fall off that ship!  He upholds me with his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).  Jesus, my faithful shepherd, will not lose me (John 18:9).

All that said, trust in God, my children, and be at peace.  Enjoy basking in the radiance of his warm pleasure!

I love you!

Dad

Daisy is Here!

Mom and I are hanging out at the hospital with Daisy.  Get to go home tomorrow.  We're so excited to have you as the newest addition to our family!  I guess I need to come up with a good nickname for you.  Keep wanting to call you "babe", but that's mom's!  Mom keeps calling you Rhett by mistake because she says you remind her of him at that age - same nose I guess.  DJ might work unless I come up with something else.  You captured my heart with your first look into my eyes.

Love you so much,
Dad