Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Daughter!

Today marks twenty-seven years since I became a mom for the very first time! (In other words, it's Kristin's birthday but I've just managed to make it sound like life is all about ME! Revealing, isn't it?! smile)

At 10:12 AM on February 11, 1983, I was handed the most beautiful baby girl that I had ever seen! Frank was so overwhelmed with joy and delight that he immediately suggested, "She's incredible! Let's have another one!" This explains the large scar behind his right ear; I didn't tear it off completely.

So, I thought you might enjoy the article that Kristin inspired which also provided the title for this blog site. I've included it here for you to read. (A bit more sermonesque than usual but Amanda has brilliantly included a link in there so you can even click on it and see a picture of Kristin. I am surrounded by brilliance!)

Happy 27th birthday, Precious Daughter!

My twenty-six year old daughter is not yet married. A beautiful young woman with a college degree; gainfully employed; a talented worship leader; dedicated to children’s ministry; passionate for God and did I mention beautiful? She’s one of those women that causes other women to say, “Are men blind?”

Recently, she and I were walking together and talking about where she is in her journey. We covered several important topics but she never brought up her singleness. Finally, I said, “Honey, I want you to know that Dad and I are praying with you every day over your husband. We know that God has graced you for this time of waiting but we are so proud of you for walking in that. Many people completely miss the point that it is their job to embrace the grace.”

It was an “AHA!” moment for both of us.

In fact, she turned and looked at me, “Wow, Mom. That’s really good.” “Uh, it was totally from the Holy Spirit, Honey. I’m not that smart.” We both laughed.

But there it was in a simple, yet profound statement. We must choose to embrace the grace!

God’s word proves that He will consistently and even lavishly provide the grace needed to walk through trying times. But too often we think that success and victory are only spelled: D.E.L.I.V.E.R.A.N.C.E. In most of the stories recorded for us, we find that He usually walks the characters through the trouble. He sent a fiery chariot for only one prophet, facilitating a clean get-away. Everyone else had to walk through their difficulties.

The response to Paul’s request for deliverance has always been a bit of a hard pill for me to swallow. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I would prefer that He just give me the power to overcome; give me Solomon’s wisdom to judge; give me strength to take charge. But His ways are not my ways. And if my life is truly about focusing all the attention on HIM, then the easiest way to do that is for others to be drawn to the strength in Christ - not the power in me.

For six years our family travelled as evangelists all over the eastern U.S. Two adults, three teenaged girls and two stupid little dogs in a forty foot, fifth-wheel travel trailer – FULL TIME! But four hundred square feet and constant travel didn’t seem like a hardship for us. Our “little-house-on-the-highway” never even felt small! God had called us, He was gracing us and we chose to embrace that grace. Looking back now, I realize what a miracle He was providing. We could easily have missed it with complaining or self-pity.

What impossible situation are you dealing with today? Maybe you are facing a health crisis. Perhaps you are in the middle of a financial nightmare or a family dilemma. You may even be like my daughter and trying to watch patiently for God’s best plan in your life. As a child of God, you can be certain of this one thing – His grace is sufficient for you as well. Turn your face up to the Father and call out, “Lord, I choose to EMBRACE THE GRACE!”