James 1:2-5 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.

As two of our kiddos caught a nasty bug the end of last week, I spent the weekend trying to not get sick, snuggling, disinfecting, and doing laundry. We don’t have a washer/dryer, by choice, and when I am fighting sickness, I feel the burn of this choice… but this too shall pass. 

However, I write this morning not to complain, but to give thanks. It’s crazy as I lay there, to do lists and engagements falling to the wayside, I was continually reminded that the only thing that truly matters is a relationship with Jesus. I started praying for God to shell out my life so that He was all that remained, God Himself, pure and untainted Love. I don’t know why we run so hard, filling our life with never-ending obligations and lists, from something so perfectly Good.

During the weekend, Noah asked for snuggles. As I wrapped my arms around him, he snuggled in and after a few minutes, this is what he said, “Mom, you know those funny magnets? I made one up. ‘The only thing stronger than a mom’s embrace is Grace.’” Can I get an Amen? 

God thanking you for loving and drawing me deeper into you. 1 John 4:8 Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God.