Blessed by my guests

Well, my sister had to leave Thursday afternoon to head back home. This was very sad for me and the kids. She is probably the only person I can think of that could stay with me for a solid week and me not be tired of her and ready for her to give me some space. She's my sister and I feel more comfortable with her than even the best of my friends. Danyel was such a blessing to me while she was here. She challenges me, you know. "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10 She is the picture of this verse to me. She makes me want to try and "outdo" her in blessings. Thursday morning (I was SO tired and have been for about 2 weeks) she snuck in my room early that morning and turned off the baby monitors that pipe into my kids' rooms. She got up with all three kids and fed them breakfast, letting me catch a little more sleep. Every time we ate somewhere during the week a huge "close to blows" fight would break out over who was going to pay for the other. We both wanted to bless each other. For me, I had been blessed by her and Ryan so much over the weekend, I was trying to even the score a little. Her motivation was much purer than mine, I'm sure. I love my sister (even if she hates my clothes! :-)) and love to behold the godly woman that she has become. Talk about blessing! Just watching is blessing enough. So yes, she challenges me to be kinder, more generous, more thoughtful and less seeking of recognition from others. When she drove away, I was left thinking, "I wonder how soon she can come back?"

I was encouraged to know that even though my sister had to leave that my dear friend Amber was coming with her cuties for a slumber party that same afternoon! What fun times! The kids really surprised us. Guess what? Mary Alice no longer wanted to be Benjamin's playmate. She wanted to be Cait's! I guess Cait is growing up and the gap in age between these guys is closing in. It was funny to see them all interact. Mary Alice and Cait dressed up and played with their babies. The boys tried to get the girls's attention with their swords! Just like a male, huh? After bedtime Amber and I had such a great visit. I think I did most of the talking, unfortunately. But any words that Amber did get in to the conversation were so very encouraging! Encouragement is definitely one of her gifts. She has many, let me assure you, but encouragement is at the top on her list. I went to bed feeling so hopeful about what the Lord is doing and my future being in His hands. One thing that we did is we looked through the hymnal that was sitting on my kitchen counter. We were looking for songs for the ladies retreat (I'm helping with the music). She and I were pointing out our favorite hymns and we had so much fun singing them. Kind of silly, but really such a blessing to be singing these truths about God with a sister in the Lord who is so like-minded with you. Such a joy.

Blessing upon blessing. That is how I describe my life right now. My God has poured out His comfort, His peace and His love on me day after day. And He has used some sweet ladies in my life to be His instruments in many cases. Thank you Lord. Thank you for not forgetting about me. Thank you for loving a sinner like me. I am in no way deserving of the salvation I have from my sin. In NO way. But even on top of that you have poured out your lavish blessings on me. You have given me gifts that cannot have a price. They are valued far beyond any tag you could place on them. Please help me to see your hand in everything. Please help me to seek you earnestly and not value the gifts you have given me more than I value YOU! You, oh Lord are my very great reward! (Gen 15:1) Help me to seek you as a prize that is better than all others. Help me to be fully and completely satisfied in You.