Psalm 33

"The Lord looks from heaven;

He sees all the sons of men.

From the place of His dwelling He looks

On all the inhabitants of the earth;

He fashions their hearts individually;

He considers all their works."

Psalm 33: 13-15

FASHIONS THEIR HEARTS INDIVIDUALLY...

As soon as I read that this morning that Caedmon's Call song came to mind, "Hands of the potter" or that song we always sung at camp, "the potters hand". What an amazing thought for my day today. My strong and mighty God intimately knows my heart and is fashioning it!

I'll admit - the last few days I've been feeling a little frustrated with life. We found out this past weekend that the house we are renting temporarily has sold and we have til the end of this month to get out. Thankfully we hadn't unpacked all of our belongings and they are still neatly stacked in the basement ready for another move...but, still.

It's easy for me sometimes to think that God is so busy with everyone else that he isn't too concerned about my life. Which is silly. God has brought us here to Iowa, He has provided in every way...He does care about every detail. The reminder for me this morning that God truly is on high watching and caring is refreshing. Deep down I love the fact that I know God is using all of these transitions to His glory - and we can come out purified if we are willing, well, even if we aren't... I'm relieved to know that God knows the whole story and sees the whole picture. I'm in awe of the fact that I am just a lump of clay being pulled and molded and sometimes broken, melted and reused when my potter sees it necessary.

So, while I wait to see what will happen - I can rest that God knows. And thats enough for me. Since I dont' know how to post videos yet, I will give you the link...take a minute and let yourself be reminded of just exactly who you are and who God is. It's so refreshing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kn6PIQvF-A

A good cup of coffee

This day has started off GREAT! Ava and I took Brad to work so we could make our way over to West Des Moines to visit with a new friend. Our final destination was Friedrichs Coffee http://www.friedrichscoffee.com/Main.html over off of 22nd?! (still learning my way around) The website is almost as fun as the actual shop, so check it out if you get a chance.

What is it about those cozy little coffee shops that just make you feel a little more warm inside...a little more wiser...a little less lonely? I dunno. Anyway, I had a great time getting to know a new friend, Laura, and adored the warm cup of coffee in my hands. I believe we were drinking "snickerdoodle" of which I promptly bought a 1/2lb of my own to take home. Yes, it was that good! As a treat I got a 1/2lb of dark Italian Roast for the hubs - he loves that really rich, dark stuff. An added bonus to this mornings adventure was that our cups of coffee were FREE! From 9-10 today Friedrichs gave away free cups of the lovely liquid! What a treat! Thank you to Laura for the invite and the sweet fellowship this morning... what a delight to get to sit in a nice shop like that to start off my day. :)

After the coffee was gone Ava and I headed across the street to Babies R Us. Oh dear... I admit, I love that place, but my frugle side somehow disappears and all of the sudden I feel like Ava NEEDS everything in that store. Good grief! Thank goodness we don't have a lot of money and that the Holy Spirit convicts me when I start to pile outfit after outfit into that blessed purple cart. whew! However, we did come away with some good buys - actual needs. :) Two adorable bath towels (she for some reason no longer fits into the newborn ones)... a new footed pajama, swimming diapers, a bathing suit (I waited til end of the season so I could the $20 suit for $6) and some new Nuby bottles - that Ava doesn't know how to work. Ugh. My favorite purchase is the new brown and pink mini-diaper bag I picked up for $9! I've been using my Vera Bradley tote since Ava was born...but, I miss it and want it back. This new little bag is perfect for our needs and comes a great price. :)

Overall, great day so far... now its onto the housecleaning portion. Not as much fun, but, I do enjoy tidying up a bit! And since that excellent flavored caffeine is still doing its job... let's go!

When did my baby grow up?

Yesterday we were at a rehearsal dinner for Brad's cousin, Will and his soon to be lovely wife. What a fun time of family, food and fellowship - in that order. :) I always enjoy those massive family gatherings - sometimes I tend to sink into the background and just people watch. So many different personalities and "people types" mixed into one blood. Wow, just amazing. I credit our Heavenly Father for putting this mess together in a great way.
Anyway, it was a great afternoon and after all of the pictures, eating and socializing we all kind of retreated to the picnic table area where small talk started. I especially enjoy those times...getting intimate with family, hearing their heart speak, learning new facts and old stories, getting baby advice from all those who have done it before.
In the midst of all of this...I look down only to realize Ava is clapping. Clapping! When did my baby girl grow up?!