Lord, Thank You For the Rain!

We’ve been having downpours of rain for the last few days. Aw, sweet rain! We are on a water ration here in Frisco – only one day a week do we get to water our yards. In this Texas heat, that just hasn’t been enough water and my lawn has suffered. I've lost two holly bushes and some plants in pots (I'm out of town too much to give them the TLC and water they need.)

For the times this summer when we could have used a good, soaking rain and it didn’t come to these last few days when it came in abundance, I still offer thanks to God in times of lack and times of plenty. Now, with this drenching by these autumn rains, my pots are so full of water, that the plants (what few remained) are swimming for their lives. "I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and oil." (Deuteronomy 11:14)

These rains have reminded me of the blessings of God. Feeling like we're in a dry, barren land and a spiritual and emotional drought has sometimes consumed us. Other times, we are in amazement at the downpour of blessings that fill our “joy” pots to overflowing. You know those times -- when we’ve prayed for “rain” (answered prayer) and a healing takes place after we were given a negative diagnosis, or our child was healed, or the "free" tire change, a $10 discount on a purchase, the unexpected check in the mail, the word from a friend that says "Your post today was exactly what I needed". These are all personal stories when I knew it was God in the form of a downpour -- every time.

As we were raising funds for our Walk for Life last weekend, I was bound and determined to walk even though I had something terribly wrong going on in my leg. I walked with a limp because the pain was so intense. I prayed for it, massaged it, iced it and sat in a hot tub with jets pounding on it, and it wasn’t getting any better. Then, on Wednesday night, I was at a prayer meeting at my church that started with singing beautiful songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. As I sat on that hard chair, the pain in my leg was throbbing, so I got up and walked to the back of the room and with all-out worship and praise, raising my hands and singing “love songs” to my Father, walking back and forth from one side of the room to the other, the pain completely left me. That was one week ago today. I walked in the Walk for Life and I still have no pain in that leg. I sincerely believe I received a miracle. A drought (pain) was once a part of my life, but the downpour of healing came. Today I am soaking in gratitude.

I assure you, God comes in the seasons of dryness, barrenness, and drought if we express gratitude in the midst of that season. In the dry seasons, our Father is working out things for our good. He’s a good, good Father who wants to give His kids great ideas, discernment, creativity, wisdom, knowledge and all kinds of exciting things that can turn our drought season to downpour season. We call on Him and He will open the windows of heaven to us. Deuteronomy 28:12 says “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.”

Let it rain, Lord, let it pour!

He Blesses the Work of Our Hands

Day 7 of 365 Photo Inspirations.

It's quite effortless to be inspired in my children's homes -- where there are grandchildren filled with life, wonder and excitement.  In addition to those little live-wires, the precious symbols, photos and memorabilia all over their homes gives me many opportunities to capture and seize precious moments, and even remember special times from the past.  

This beautiful shadowbox display has a prominent place in my daughter's home.  It represents two of the most precious memories that we have -- the Christening outfit  worn by my grandson, Payton, and 2-1/2 years later, the Christening dress and jacket worn by my granddaughter, Alexia.  I made the dress and jacket.  I had such joy in selecting the pattern, the fabric, and sewing each stitch, weaving in the ribbon and sewing on the lace.

I have such a sweet remembrance of this time -- of course the incredible significance of dedicating those babies to God, but especially the pride and joy I had in seeing precious little Alexia in that dress I made with such tender loving care.  It was tedious work, but only because I wanted it to be perfect for my new little granddaughter.  I haven't sewn much since that little dress -- other than the occasional repair of a seam or letting out or taking in a clothing item.

Sewing was a big deal back in "my day".  I took home economics in school and learning to sew was a vital part of that class.  I'm still grateful for what I learned during those days. It has served me well.

Today, with stores full of clothing so readily available to us as well as so reasonably priced, it takes someone who really loves her sewing craft to take the time and effort to make a dress or outfit.  But loving her craft provides so many rewards -- like the reward I had today in the sweet memories.

As I gazed at this work of art in the shadowbox, I realized that "the work of our hands" can be a ministry -- as we sew or craft something for someone, prepare a meal for someone that may be homebound, repair or remodel areas in a home, wash dishes, paint, caress a child, and reach out to touch someone with love.   God has given each of us unique gifts for ministry.  What has the fruit of YOUR hands done for others?  Take it from me -- the rewards of allowing God to use our hands in ministry and service to others is beyond blessing.  "The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands....." Deuteronomy 28:12