As the Deer
I was recovering from a long illness. It was a season of wanting, longing, panting. For life, for God's strength, for the ability to still be able to "do" for others. I love to craft. Somehow the thought that I could bless someone with a hand made inspirational gift, motivated me to journal my ideas just in case I got the opportunity to one day make them. Funds and supplies were lower than low.
A week or so later, my fav and only sister called, "I saw an add for free craft supplies, Jude," she said excitedly, "You have to go. Here's the address..." Really? Free? Was this the answer? I wondered. My Dad offered to take me ASAP that morning. Through no fault of his own he was delayed until late afternoon. My heart sank and honestly gave up.
Hours later, he said excitedly, "Let's go." to which I replied "It's ok. I'm sure everything is gone by now. It just wasn't meant to be." (I hate that phrase. Really! As if our life is ruled "by chance." grrr. Here I was repeating that phrase to comfort myself. Yuck! I knew better!) My Mom's answer humbled me. "You prayed, she said, Let's go and see what God may have kept just for you." My Dad's insistence and excitement motivated me. (Did I mention I have an awesome family I couldn't love more? That goes for in laws too. They are the best!)
We piled in the car. We saw a lawn littered with trash bags in the distance. What a dumpy mess, I thought. As we neared the house, we saw it was the house number we were looking for. The "litter" was numerous opened trash bags filled with craft supplies. Some in their original packaging! I laughed and cried as we filled the car with bag after bag. This is like manna from heaven, I thought, God really provides. How has He provided in a way you will never forget for you?
"As the Deer" craft was one of many inspirational gifts that were made with those craft supplies and given as gifts. I attached a plaque to the frame, with the Bible verse from Psalms 42:1 that inspired this craft.
A week or so later, my fav and only sister called, "I saw an add for free craft supplies, Jude," she said excitedly, "You have to go. Here's the address..." Really? Free? Was this the answer? I wondered. My Dad offered to take me ASAP that morning. Through no fault of his own he was delayed until late afternoon. My heart sank and honestly gave up.
Hours later, he said excitedly, "Let's go." to which I replied "It's ok. I'm sure everything is gone by now. It just wasn't meant to be." (I hate that phrase. Really! As if our life is ruled "by chance." grrr. Here I was repeating that phrase to comfort myself. Yuck! I knew better!) My Mom's answer humbled me. "You prayed, she said, Let's go and see what God may have kept just for you." My Dad's insistence and excitement motivated me. (Did I mention I have an awesome family I couldn't love more? That goes for in laws too. They are the best!)
We piled in the car. We saw a lawn littered with trash bags in the distance. What a dumpy mess, I thought. As we neared the house, we saw it was the house number we were looking for. The "litter" was numerous opened trash bags filled with craft supplies. Some in their original packaging! I laughed and cried as we filled the car with bag after bag. This is like manna from heaven, I thought, God really provides. How has He provided in a way you will never forget for you?
"As the Deer" craft was one of many inspirational gifts that were made with those craft supplies and given as gifts. I attached a plaque to the frame, with the Bible verse from Psalms 42:1 that inspired this craft.