Monday, April 12, 2010

The good stuff

None of us like going through trails- but inevitably they are a part of life. No matter how far and fast we run to avoid pain, avoid the hard stuff- it somehow still seems to find us. It seems like we can just be going along with our day, doing the best we can- and wham- something happens that brings us to our knees.

The place where we need to be more often.

God is crazy cool like that.

Having our house broken into was one of those moments. Just minding our own business, doing the very best we could, moving along, working our hardest- then it happened.

But what I have discovered is that while I am on my knees, God is working in some amazing ways that could NOT have happened- would not have happened, if we hadn't gone through this trial.

We do have $1,000 deductible on our homeowners insurance- so yes, we have a loss that hurts. However, the blessings of seeing God's hand at work has been SUCH A GAIN.

Yesterday at church we had Carson and Havyn dedicated. The service was beautiful and just knowing we had so many people 'dedicated' in helping us raise these precious babies of ours on God's word was such a gift in itself. Our pastor even wrote a letter to both Carson and Havyn that was sealed in an envelope to be read on the day they are saved- when they ask Jesus to be their personal savior. I cannot tell you how much it meant to us to have that support and be able to feel that love from our church family. Having the blessing of teaching Carson and Havyn (as well as our other children, of course) about Jesus is the most precious gift in this entire world.

God allowed us that privilege.

Really, what more could we ask for in life?


But He didn't stop there...

The children in our church pulled together and surprised Kallan by having a bake sale at the end of the service to earn money to replace the $120 he had stolen from his piggy bank during the break in. Seeing the look on Kallans face when they announced what they had done put me in tears. Kallan has such a gentleness about him. He is one of those kind of kids who never complains and never asks for anything. Actually he never once said a word about loosing his money but was upset about the girls necklaces from Guatemala being gone. That is just the kind of kid he is. So for him to be able to see his friends pull together out of that same kind of love for him was so touching. A blessing and a lesson we would not have had if we hadn't gone through this trial.

God is just so good like that.

He always has the very best for us- even during the hard times.

And one more thing I wanted to share...

The day our house was broken into I had been downloading some pictures and I had left my lap top on the kitchen counter... just about a yard away from the pickle jar.

The pickle jar that was visibly full.

The pickle jar that had over $1,000 CASH in it.

The pickle jar that we had been putting money into for months for the Pass It Forward Adoption Fund.

The pickle jar that had more in it than my lap top was even worth.

The pickle jar that was God's idea.

The pickle jar that is still there- FULL- even after the break in. Untouched.

Because somehow the thieves missed it...?
or overlooked it...?
or ignored it?

But you and I know better than that don't we?

Proverbs 2:8
for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.


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30 comments:

Shonni said...

I'm so sorry friend, about the theft.
And love the story about the jar...wow!

Unknown said...

Praise God for your church and the love they so beautifully poured out on your family!

Praise God for His constant protection and care of us!

He is El Roi - the God who sees!

Love you!
Jill

Sara said...

Amazing!

Created For His Glory said...

Praise be to Jesus!!!! He is faithful :)
Love,
Kim

Chantelle said...

The pickle jar remains untouched. Love it. :) (((hug)))

StarfishMom said...

GOd is SO faithful. I pray that HE brings you blessings in these coming months...more than you can even imagine!!!

natali said...

i totally agree that GOD teaches us things through trials :)) its awesome how He works!! oh!!!! and the pickle jar, wow!!!

Renee said...

Our God is an AWESOME GOD. Thank you Jesus!

Stacy said...

This was so great to read :) We woke up this morning with my back window being shattered out on my car...doesn't quite compare to the house, but nothing was taken and we are thankful. Your story was an encouragement.

Stacy said...

This was so great to read :) We woke up this morning with my back window being shattered out on my car...doesn't quite compare to the house, but nothing was taken and we are thankful. Your story was an encouragement.

Mary Ann said...

God is soooo good! Back to when we were robbed (sorry) the same thing happened. We had money sitting on the table where they had broken into and they did not even take it. But the violation just takes time to get over and feel safe again! But with God All things are possible and you are right! Those are just things.... things that can be lived with out! I am sooo happy for you and your family dedicating those 2 precious babies! I think it is so important that we do dedicate these children back to God. Since He is the one who gave them to us in the 1st place!

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

WOW - Guarded by God HIMSELF. Like He said- this is mine and this is for my works to be done- don't touch it!

WOW- what a beautiful expression of love for Kallan!

And I can't wait until they do accept Christ- that is THE MOST BLESSED MOMENT in their lives! Gives me chills thinking about 4 of our children who have- NOTHING better than that! What a privilege to be a part of God's Plan for their life!!!!!

Laurel said...

What an awe-inspiring story about the Pickle Jar.

And the kids at church, raising money for Kallen. Precious!

Love you all!!

Laurel & the gang :)

Dardi said...

Beautiful stories of God's hand in everything...Thank you for being willing to see past the pain to the good. It's a great example!

Love you ~ Dardi

the Philpots said...

Amy. Wow. Praise God that He teaches and protects and provides for us even in the midst of trials. Your life and your heart are an inspiration to us!!!

Kendra said...

Beautiful!! That's all I can say.

Karin said...

Oh my goodness...this post touched me so deeply. Your little boy receiving the gift of his piggy bank back. wah. And the pickle jar...wah. Thank you for sharing this and for trusting God in painful circumstances.

Sophie said...

That is an incredible story of how the pickle jar was not taken, God didn't allow them to see that for sure!
Amy you are so very lucky you were gone when this happened, several years ago my sister-in-law walked in on her home being robbed and they saw her and the one thief yelled to the other "let's kill her" but by the grace of God they fled and she was not hurt. God intervened, and that is not the only time He has intervened in her life.
What a blessing to have such an outpour of love and support from your church, God is good!!

Love the pictures, that little doll baby is precious, all of your children are.

rachel said...

this post gave me goosebumps! Thank you for sharing!

Difference2This1 said...

So sorry to read about the theft. But, it is always encouraging and inspring how your family continues to put your faith with Him...and to then read about the pickle jar. Such a direct message that He is in control of things..what a blessing for your family to have received it and share the story with others.

Susan said...

What an incredible story, an incredible blessing. God is so good and all-protecting.

Blessings to you and your family.

Ann said...

Wow is really the only thing that comes to mind. God is amazing and cares for us even when bad things happen. Thank you for sharing this. I had chills.

Unknown said...

Wow God is good...love the story about the pickle jar:). We too have a jar we are saving in for our adoption...we just want to start stepping out in faith...although we cant afford it now..We know GOD will make a way.

Sharla said...

Reading about this and reading the post you wrote about Jesus being your security really just made me feel thankful. Thankful that you are all okay and that God is continuing to provide for your needs and thankful that we have the true security that only God can provide.

Mrs. Michelle said...

We are so thankful that you and your family are safe! Thank you for always looking for what God has done instead of what you've lost.

The kids at church learned that it truly is "...more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:25

You and your family are a constant example of "giving."

Mrs. Michelle said...

We are so thankful that you and your family are safe. Thank you for always looking at what God has done instead of what you've lost.

Love you!

ashley: said...

i posted some pics- check out: ashleymdavidson.blogspot.com
:) beautiful!

Debbie Doughty said...

Thanks for sharing from your heart. Always.

BrandiB said...

Powerful stuff...I love it!

Kristin Ferguson said...

You're absolutely right! Our ONLY security is in Christ. Your ability to keep your eyes on God and not on your circumstances is inspiring!!

Thanks! Kristin