February 17 – “Cause to rejoice”

Today was actually one of those "we didn't do much of anything" days.  We stayed around the house, except for one quick trip to an Ace Hardware to check out cabinet pulls.  Chris found one she liked style-wise, but it didn't come in the color she wanted.  I'm not sure if that means back to square one or settle for the next one.  We'll see.  We got two emails from the Amish cabinet guys.  They had several detail questions after a phone call to the Amish family who would be making the cabinets.  Sounds like we might get some cabinets in the next month or two.    We heard from the folks who own the Omega Bay house.  They were wanting an update on when we might be back in our house.  They have had some questions from friends about use of the house.  I offered to go ahead and move out, but they were very gracious and insisted they did not want that.  These are some amazing people.  God is going to honor their sacrifice.  I just pray that it is in a way that knocks their socks off.   I got a phone call from a pastor who was interested in bringing a group down this summer to do some work.  He said they would have skilled people (electricians and plumbers) as well as "grunts."  I wish they could have come several months ago.    I kind of got chewed out by Chris today for working.  I spent quite a bit of time on the sermon this morning.  Then I tried to organize my disaster relief folder a bit.  That's when she got me.  I had piles of paper spread all over the floor.  I'll get to it some day I guess.   When I get to experience a day like today I kind of default back to Philippians.  There is so much in that book.  Check out Philippians 4:4-9: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."   Father, thank you for giving me cause to rejoice.  Help me to live it.  Amen.