Encouragement...

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My DearFriend Trish, aka tah-dah, made this beautiful card for me, sending loads of encouragement by it and in it. Thank you!

Trish has continually prayed for my family and I want to share that her faithful prayers are being heard!

Well, tonight, through DearDaughter1, I saw a reflection of what we as children of God are like. I made a batch of chocolate cookies last night and I was really excited to let DearDaughter1 have a taste of it. She was so good at lunch that I told her she could have dessert and that dessert could be a cookie. I guess she didn't feel like cookies this afternoon and opted for a fruity gummy snack. So I told her that she could have a cookie after dinner. I reminded DearDaughter1 throughout the day that she would receive her cookie after dinner hoping that she would anticipate this treat, which she did. Unfortunately, DearDaughter1 did not finish her veggies and I really wanted her to eat more. I asked her if she remembered what she would be getting after dinner and she said "TOOKIE!" So, I told her that after dinner meant after eating all her food, including her vegetables. I didn't want to bribe DearDaughter1 with the cookie and so I just insisted that she finish her dinner, hoping that she would trust in my promise and obey me. Well, I could see that DearDaughter1 was full, and so I only required that she eat 1 more cauliflower and 1 more small brocolli floret. With a lot of convincing, she ate the cauliflower, but refused to eat the brocolli. I'm not sure why she refused because she normally loves brocolli. It just seemed like she wanted to go against what I asked of her. I really wanted to give DearDaughter1 the cookie for doing a good job and I continually encouraged and urged her to do the right thing. DearHubby even picked up a cookie to visually remind DearDaughter1 of the promise, but DearDaughter1 continued to disobey and because she didn't finish the brocolli floret I required of her, she did not receive her cookie. DearDaughter1 did not receive her cookie because she didn't trust in my promise and she didn't obey.

As I watched DearDaughter1 miss out on her opportunity to be rewarded for her obedience, I wondered how many blessings I have missed out on because I refused to trust and obey God. What a lesson...

Trust and Obey
Text: John H. Sammis, 1846-1919
Music: Daniel B. Towner, 1850-1919

1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
(Refrain)

3. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)

4. Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.
(Refrain)

Well, I was hoping to write an update about our homefront, but DearHubby will be ready for bed soon so I need to get ready for bed now. I've been thinking on a lot of things and making some changes/improvements and wanted to share them. If I find time this week, I'll share...

Again, thanks Trish for your encouragement and prayers...