Tears in my coffee...

This morning I found out that my daughter's offer on her first house was accepted....these are exciting times! I called her right away and we chatted about things....girl things--not plumbing, siding, or sump pumps...what colors she's gonna paint the walls!

I needed to get ready for church, so we ended our call. On the way to church we texted each other (don't you love modern technology??!!). She started talking about how family members were already offering to come and help her with the house. At once my heart was grateful and broken. I wrote: "You have no idea how much I want to be there!" She responded: "I want an ocean scene in my sitting room/library and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone but you! Maybe you should come visit...? :) " There, as we ate breakfast at McDonald's before church, tears fell into my coffee. "These are the hardest times," I told her.

Ashley continued to encourage me...she always knows just what to say. But I was heart broken about being so far away from my family, not able to participate in the joys of life together...the milestones...the hard times......

Poor Alex, he sat across from me not knowing how to help.

We moved onto church. And there, just moments later, I was full of the joy of the Lord. Not jumping around laughing joy...just completely full...of HIM. And He was enough in that moment! I wasn't missing anything. Things that can annoy me at times throughout the service now brought a smile to my face.

What had changed? Nothing! No circumstances, anyway. But the LORD so filled me that I needed nothing else!

I don't always feel that way, but more and more I do. And in the time when I don't...I know it's possible, and that He will come through for me.

Extra bonus! Our good friends who are missionaries on another island were visiting Manila today and were in that church service. Jeanie and I were encouraged together as she shared about the exciting ministry and harvesting of souls that is going on in their village. At the end, she mentioned something about how hard it is to be away from her children (who are also living in other countries). Boy was that an open door for me! In tears I shared my morning experience. As we walked down the stairs together, her arm was around me....ministering to me as only another mother could. Although Alex is my rock, he couldn't give me all I needed today...but GOD DID. And as a bonus, he sent Jeanie. He is my JOY!

All praise and glory to Him forever!
Chris