Tag Archives: gods girlies

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written by Ann Gattie

My first "real" job after college was with Southwest Airlines. I was 21 years old and a flight attendant (AKA stewardess, princess on a plane, sky goddess).

I spent 6 weeks in training to learn all about in-flight operations, safety precautions, CPR training and most importantly...makeup application, hairstyle coaching and wardrobe consultation.

We spent TWO days with beauty consultants discussing the skin tone color pallets, how to apply fake eyelashes and which undergarments are the most figure flattering. My hair was cut and colored, my lips were the perfect shade of red and my cheeks were sore from all of the smiling.

Upon graduation, we all received our personalized golden wings. I held my head high and kept thinking about all the great plans I had in mind. I received my first assignment "Report to your supervisor at Chicago Midway".

On September 11, 2001, I packed my bags, kissed my friends and family goodbye and set out on the new adventure. En route from Dallas to Chicago, we were diverted to Baltimore, Maryland. The pilots on our flight told us to "sit down, shut up and call them if anything looked out of place". As we descended into Baltimore and saw smoke in the sky, we knew something was wrong.  After the passengers deplaned, we walked into the terminal and saw the news...this was my 9/11. The smoke was from American Airlines flight #77 at the Pentagon, 40 miles away from Baltimore.

I spent the next 4 days in a hotel near the BWI airport. I laid in bed crying. I prayed. I cried and prayed some more. I had never seen devastation or an entire nation grieve like this. When I finally left my hotel room, strangers stopped me to ask "will you still fly?", "are you scared?", "what are you planning on doing next?"

It never crossed my mind to stop what I had planned. I was steadfast and not willing to skip a beat with my new career. Terrorists weren't going to scare me!

My plans were to keep my hair long and blonde, my teeth bright and white, my waistline small and to have as much fun as humanly possible! For the next 10 months, I sashayed through the airplane aisle, I performed countless safety demonstrations, comforted frightened flyers and explored new cities. I enjoyed a winter storm in New York, warm sunny beaches in Florida, a hot air balloon ride in New Mexico, fresh seafood in California and the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

In July 2002, after feeling sick for a few weeks, I flew home to Texas to see my family. I thought I had a sinus infection and was feeling a little homesick. A big dose of TLC from my "Bebe" and "Papa" would cure anything that ails me. My sweet "Papa" picked me up from DFW and drove me 2 hours home. That night, I started coughing up blood. I was too weak to stand or walk and labored just to breathe.

My grandparents took me to the local clinic in my hometown. An x-ray of my lungs showed lots of blood and fluids...but still no answers or diagnosis. We went to the ER at Scott & White in Temple.  There were lots of tests, lots of questions and even more confusion. Could it be pneumonia? Tuberculosis?

I don't remember much from the following days or weeks in ICU.  While I was "asleep", there were more tests, biopsies, blood transfusions, chest tubes and an intebator. The diagnosis was a rare incurable autoimmune disease, Wegener's Granulomatosis. A disease that affects the sinuses, lungs and kidneys. The treatment plan had been established and the prognosis was less than positive. From that day forward, I would be on a continuous chemotherapy and steroid regimen. The disease needed drugs, the side effects from the drugs needed more drugs. Each day was 17+ medicines, hair loss and weight gain.

Doctors told me I wouldn't be able to have kids, the seasonal flu or cold could put me in the hospital and a relapse was very likely. My chances of celebrating my 30th birthday were slim to none.

After the shock wore off and the medicines took control, I lost my identity. I was no longer strong, fearless, immortal or beautiful.  I didn't want to be labeled as "bald, fat, sickly, fragile or barren".   My life had been derailed. All of the plans I crafted were erased. My heart was heavy and my ego shattered. I felt like I had to grieve the life I once had and carelessly lost.

I could wallow in self-pity and question why, or I could cling to God's promise. I could be angry or I can TRUST!

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I realized that God does have a plan for my life and that alone gives me great hope.  But when the plan seems difficult, I am reminded that His plan for me always revolves around my relationship with Him.   Whatever is going on in my life, His ultimate plan is that I would come to Him, seek Him and live in communion with Him.

A few months ago, I celebrated my 32nd birthday!

This month marks 9 years in remission with Wegener's Granulomatosis.

In a few weeks I celebrate my 6th wedding anniversary with my awesome husband and best friend, Tim.

Every single day I rejoice in my blessings... Aidan (4 years old) &  Connor (22 months old).

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Let's all seek out  the plan God has for us...in spite of our own desires & wishes. Whatever he has in store for us is better than we could ever dream of ourselves!

 

Ann let me write her bio for her and I can hardly contain myself.  Ann Gattie is my fabulous sister-n-law.  I was her mentor my Junior year of High School while she was a sixth grader.  It was at that time that I met her brother who I later married.  Ann has always been a bubbly beauty, but more so since I have seen her walk closer with her Savior.  She is one of those moms who makes everything including eating your vegetables an absolute treat.  She's a girl who becomes your friend the moment you meet; not to mention a wonderful wife, sister, aunt, gift-giver and party planner.  She enjoys reading, playing with her kiddos, cooking and life.

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Letter from a First Grade Mother

ROUGH DRAFT

Dear First Grade Teacher ,

Hope you had a long restful weekend.  -On to the second week of school.  There are just a few things I thought you'd like to know about Rylie.

Rylie was tested last year for allergies.  She is allergic to a number of foods as well as mold grasses and a list of other things.  She took shots last year, but we're seeing how she's doing this year without them.

She often has a stomach-ache after eating.  Her nose runs and she gets gray circles under eyes. She is your student that will use more than the two boxes of tissues brought at the beginning of the year. She developed a runny nose and crud this past weekend. She's not feeling well today.

 She cried not wanting to go to school this morning.  I'm giving her medicine, but I know she would feel better if she were at home in the living room still wearing her pajamas watching Doc Mc Stuffins. 

I must also let you know, if you're not aware yet, that she is a drama queen.  She's been told not to play the "sick card" so hopefully you won't have  a problem with that.

She doesn't like reading yet.  This breaks my heart.  I SO want her to enjoy reading....and writing.  I pray you find a way to instill a love  for something I find so important.  I pray that you will help her discover the magic that is found in a book and that can be created on paper.   

Her feelings were hurt on the playground last week.  You may not know, but she gets her feelings hurt easily.  She is tall for her age and seems so confident, but really she breaks so easily.  She works hard to make sure everybody likes her.  I was that way.  I hope someday she will be able to walk away from the jungle gym unscathed when a girl (who is an old friend) doesn't want to play with her.  Until then will you hug her often so she'll know she's ok?

I was so proud of her Sunday night.  She counted all of her birthday money by herself.  There were different bill amounts and change.  Did you remember that she had a birthday?  I have a list of things that she's good at that I can share with you if she's ever testing your nerves.

She told me she got in trouble last week for talking to you without permission.  I'm glad she told me.  That means she is thinking about what she did.  I told her to remember that she had an invisible talking ticket in her hand and that she couldn't talk without raising her hand and waiting until you acknowledged it.  I hope that works.  I want her to behave.

I have so much more to say but I don't want to use up your entire conference period.

Looking forward to a great year,

Kristi Burden

I actually sat down this morning to type a simple email to Rylie's teacher.  But before I knew it my heart had taken my fingers hostage and I had written more words than a teacher could bear.  I've shamelessly shared some of what I originally typed and the thoughts I held back in restraint.

Before I pressed send, reality struck so instead- I forced my finger to rest on the delete button relinquishing control.

And I prayed putting my children back in the hands of the one who both knows and meets their needs.

Help Rylie's teacher.  Help Hayden and Hallie's teacher.  Thank you for the investment these teachers have placed in children's lives.

Help them to know the value and see the beauty in these children you have lovingly created.

Help them instill a love for learning whether it be counting, dribbling a ball or having good character even when they've been hurt.

I pray they would be loved even when they're hard to love.

Keep them safe.

Amen.

I'd love to hear from you-  kristiburden@gmail.com

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I sat at the breakfast table yesterday morning noticing the clouds outside.  My mind goes back to Wednesday night; another night that I found myself feeling shadowed.  Often a quick look at Facebook and a phone call or text from a friend and  bad news piles on.

I see a sweet picture of one of my old students who would be twenty now; my pen pal for years. She went to be with Jesus on mine and Jason's anniversary this June.

I find out an old acquaintance has a brain tumor.

Back in Trinity, our home before here, there are fires in two subdivisions.  Homes have been lost.

Loved ones have been lost recently. There was another school shooting in Maryland on the first day of school. -There's Hurricane Isaac and more storms stirring in the Atlantic.  I read an article in the news where a five-year old's body was found in the garbage.

Darkness.

I remember as a child being deathly afraid of the dark.  I remember begging my sister to let me sleep in her room.  I won't tell you what age I was when I stopped using a nightlight.

The thing about darkness is the reminder that we aren't in control. Sometimes a shadow of the past follows from behind. In darkness we can't see what's in front of us.  And we know some of the dreadful things that are around us.  I remember hearing coyotes outside when I was young. As I grew older stories of home invasions crowded my mind at night.

Somehow light always assured me that things were ok even with darkness around me.

Sometimes darkness gnaws on us and sometimes it swallows us whole.

Joseph was in a cistern, Daniel in a den. Jonah found himself in the dark belly of a whale, but he didn't stay there.  Paul and Silas were in a cold prison cell.  The Bible tells us that it was around midnight when they were rescued. As they were released, I love it that the jailer (figuratively threw his hands up and) called out for lights.

How better to know we need rescue than to find ourselves helpless in the dark; how better to know we need Light.

More encouraging words have not been spoken...

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;

 I will turn the darkness into light before them

and make the rough places smooth.

These are the things I will do;

 I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 42:16

Dreaded darkness.  It's a part of this temporary life we live in the flesh.  Thankfully the Lord, who is wrapped in light, is our deliverance from darkness.  He is our Light.

And remember there are friends and even strangers who are cowering under life's dark storm clouds, those who are paralyzed in the dark,

Pray for them.

Pray with them.

Hug them.

Carry the Lord's lamp and shine.

 

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He who forms the mountains,

creates the wind,

and reveals his thoughts to man,

he who turns dawn to darkness,

and treads the high places of the earth-

the LORD God Almighty is his name.

Amos 4:13

  We've been able to take a few afternoon trips to Crystal Beach this summer.  We've had the loveliest time.  This past trip Jason came out of the local store with a kite.  I was never much on kites as a kid because we lived near too many trees. Still I was excited about the possibility.

A nice strong wind on the beach encouraged us in our kite flying endeavor.  After we set up our beach camp, Jason tore the kite out of the bag.  He held on to the plastic handle bundled with string as Hayden held the kite.  I watched as Hayden tossed the kite in the air careful to aim the nose in the direction of the wind. It fell as swiftly as it rose.  I switched my attention to the girls momentarily then noticed a minute later that the guys had the hang of it.

Later in the afternoon, when no one was watching, I took my turn with the kite.  I held on to the handle wound with string and then tossed the kite carefully with the other hand only to find the kite flightless. 

Determined, I continued in my effort.

Instead of tossing the kite, I slightly lifted it- gently offering it to the wind.  And the wind knew what to do.

Slowly, the current of air wrapped itself around the wings and softly took the kite.

I unwound the string from the handle according to the demand of the wind.  The higher the kite was, the more quickly I was forced to release more string.  Before I knew it, the kite was soaring. My fingers wrapped tightly around the handle, I held on to "my kite" as it danced.

But as I watched it in flight I soon came to a realization. I  wasn't really in control nor had I been in control. The kite was being held and guided by the current.  My firm grip on the handle only served to keep the kite from escaping from me.

In time,  I let go of the handle so that the kite could be tied to the firm base of our canopy. I continued to watch proudly and with admiration as the kite changed directions; as it dipped and then soared higher.

And then I turned to watch my children play, suddenly aware that a time will come when they too will soar.

 

Favorite Beach pictures from this Summer

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by Cindy Huff

On August 15, I celebrate the birth of my baby.  Those of you who know me, may see me at GG's with my 10-year-old daughter Kathryn.  I love my girl to the moon and back!  (Like we all do!!)  I try to tell her this every day, no matter what kind of day we have had.  Kathryn is not the baby whose birthday I celebrate every August 15.

Before God blessed me with my sweet girl, I was pregnant with my sweet, first-born boy.  My first pregnancy was rolling right along as normal with the dreaded morning sickness every day, my clothes were getting smaller, I had daily mood swings, but there was also this new joy I had never experienced before, those tiny movements inside me that indicate life is in the making!!

Oh how magical these were!  I looked forward to them each day.  There was nothing quite like those tiny flutters that changed to kicking feet!  I couldn't wait to be a mother!!  My own sweet mom marked each passing month with a card for me telling me we were one month closer!

But one day, all the treasured movements inside me stopped.  Completely.  It happened on a weekend, and I didn't think much of it at first, because I was pretty small still, felt physically fine otherwise, and I figured the baby was turned another way.

But a trip to the hospital the following Monday for an ultra sound confirmed my worst fear, and something I did not expect on this day, my growing bundle of joy had passed away.  With no warning, and no real symptoms.

How devastated I was, as I was due to give birth to my boy three months later.  I began to ask, "Why God?  I teach your children at school each day, wouldn't I make a great mother?  Why was I allowed to get so far in my pregnancy?"  We even had a cute little nursery set up and a going home outfit bought.

It hit me that I would never know if he would love sports or music, or both.  Would I be getting ready today for baseball, football, or band camp now? Some of these things I will never know, and don't need to.

But I know being pregnant with Ryan taught me many things.  I learned to love in a completely new, unselfish way!  This is an amazing gift from God I believe.  I had nurturing, motherly instincts from the day of his birth onward, that I wouldn't have had otherwise.  I had more compassion with my students at school, because now I viewed those students I taught as someone else's baby.

God's love for me was put in a different light as well.  He gave His own Son for forgiveness of my sins.  This was so hard for me to comprehend at this time more than ever as I couldn't imagine giving my child up voluntarily for another!  How awesome that makes His love for us, His children!

Things would be totally different now and my life would never be quite the same, this much I knew.  So I quit asking questions, and tried to build on my faith in God.  I trusted my prayers would be answered in His time.  I began to see the face of God everywhere after this tragedy in my life.

He was shown to me through my immediate family and parents who stepped up to make decisions I couldn't make at that time.  He was shown to me through the kind, compassionate nurses and doctors who cared for me in the hospital.  He was shown to me through the funeral home staff.  He was shown to me through the many prayers, cards, words of kindness, and meals we received from people in our family, church family, coworkers, and friends.  He was shown to me by those who just sat with me and didn't say a word when milestones that should have happened did not.  I learned that I was by far not the only one to experience this.

I want to be the face of God to another mother in the future who may go through this as well.  I may never be a mother to a son again, but I know those few months with Ryan were among the best in my life!  I am confident knowing he is in Heaven resting in Jesus' arms.

Meanwhile, I have a beautiful daughter who is growing every day and needs my guidance and compassion in these formative tween years.  She needs to see the face of Jesus through me as often as possible.

Our role as a mother is an awesome responsibility, and an incredible gift from God.  I have considered myself a mother since Ryan was conceived.  I continue to think of him often, and wonder what he would be doing, and how handsome he would be.  I bet he would be causing a little trouble every now and then too!!

It is a little easier to deal with as time passes, and I finally allowed myself to be ok with not thinking of him every day.  I learned this does not mean I will ever forget my son.  It means I gave myself permission to move on with my life and be the kind of wife and mother God wants me to be now.

As I do every year, I will take a few minutes on his birthday to go through his keepsake box and look at the things I have kept that are his, and the cards and little gifts we received.  I will visit the cemetery and put flowers on his headstone.

But I also plan to do something for someone in need on Ryan's birthday.  I am praying now for God to lead me to a person that needs a blessing.  I am learning to look for ways to be the face of Jesus to others as it was shown to me.   I believe that is what our loving God calls us to do!

 

My name is Cindy Huff.  I was born and raised in Nederland and I teach 2nd grade at Helena Park Elementary.  I love 2nd graders!  My husband is Freddie, who is a firefighter, and my daughter is Kathryn, who is 10 years old and will be a 5th grader at C.O. Wilson.  I love my wonderful family, and I am so thankful for them every day!  In my spare time, I enjoy some quiet time and getting into a great book.  I enjoy listening to various types of music as well.  I also really love to cook, and especially bake!  I am always searching for and trying out a new recipe!  I grew up at First Baptist Nederland, and have attended different churches in the past several years, but recently have began attending FBCN again.  We have met some great people, and look forward to meeting more!

 

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{Treat} older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

-1 Timothy 5:2

 I have a big family; an awesome family (Jason's family included). I am thankful for two sisters and two sisters in-law.  I am blessed to have grandmothers and a host of nieces and cousins.

 When Jason and I married we lived within ten miles of our entire family.  Our parents' house helped us to escape the Ramen Noodle Dinners we had at home.  I never went to Wal-Mart alone.  And even the ladies at church were extended family.

But as I believe God would have it, we have moved three times.  Each time our move has taken us to a bigger place, and a place farther from home.  We are now nearly 400 miles from all of our family.

As soon as I find my new comfort zone I feel as if I'm being stretched again. 

If you look up "small town girl" on google images surely you would find my picture. I'd be the girl with a ponytail, jeans and in flip-flops buying Dr. Peppers ,bread and bologna at the corner store. 

I am simple......in the most complex way.

You see, I feel most confident sharing life with those who know me. They know my quirks and weaknesses, but accept me as I am.  I fear rejection.  I sometimes feel misunderstood.

Yet I feel compelled.

I feel compelled to meet new people, make new friendships.  Putting yourself out there can be awkward, but it's worth it.  In sharing life, its beauties and struggles, I have learned that most of you can relate.  You're in the same boat, or once were.  Even if my struggle is unique, I know that there are those of you out there who will lift up a silent prayer on my behalf.

As I've been stretched to meet people of all ages with different backgrounds I've found a common thread.  Girls from nine to ninety from every walk of life have a need for friends. 

We all need friends who share their faith.  And I'm pretty sure there are times for all of us that we need to borrow a little faith.  Though we're women working toward noble character, we still need girls to laugh with. I am thankful for times we can sit on the couch or stand by our cars in the parking lot and talk about important matters.....or talk about nothing. I'm thankful for the times that you know when I need an encouraging smile or a hug.

But I am compelled to seek friendships that extend beyond.

  I have this persistent thought within me that there are some of us who aren't able to chat in the parking lot. Maybe like my sisters and mom, there are miles of distance between us.   That distance can be defied!

I have found through time and providence that I have an ever-increasing spiritual family. 

{Treat} older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

-1 Timothy 5:2

 

A Thursday for Your Thoughts.

Each Thursday I would love to highlight someone different.

 I pray that we would grow together.

But more than anything, I pray that this space would bring much-deserved glory to our God who is with us.

Please consider sharing:

Your testimony        A beloved family story

A memorable family activity

A struggle        Scripture that has especially touched your heart

A recipe        A craft

A book review.....................

Include pictures if you can.

There is no age range. Writing skills unnecessary.  Girls from all over.   SHARE.

I'm biting my nails in anticipation waiting to hear from you!

Send your contribution in a Word document to my email.  Also, shoot me an email if you have any questions.

  kristiburden@gmail.com

 

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Hallie and I had a banner day yesterday.  I think we agreed on pretty much everything.  That may sound like a small success, but you have to understand- WE WERE SHOPPING!  She's outgrown much of what she wore last year so decisions important to a preteen had to be made.

I recently learned that when shopping I should stay quiet.  I've learned to avert my eyes and keep my mouth shut if I see (for instance) a shirt that I like.  Many perfectly good shirts have been ruined in her eyes by my liking them. My thoughts in general are not valued as they should be.

In a rare turn of events, today I made suggestions and she listened.  And I made a point to really hear her too. We left a consignment store and Dillards with a full bag and full heart.  It felt so good to agree.

There were several times that she said, "I was going to say that" or "I was going to pick those".   I mentioned to her in the car that unbeknownst to her I had been planting subliminal suggestions in her brain that were too good to turn down.

Afterall, I know her.

And even though she has gotten to an age that she doesn't think I know her, I do.

For the most part, I know what is best for her. I certainly know more than she does about what is best for her.

I've been where she is.  I remember what it feels like when the world around you seems to focus its eyes on every part of you.

And then there's the fact that I've known her since before the moment she took her first breath.

I helped her to form her first words.

I've watched her sleep and kept track of her rising and falling chest the times she had RSV and bronchitis.

Yet there are times she thinks I don't understand; times she thinks I am out of touch.

Yesterday as I was delighting in our moment, God gently nudged me as he so often does when I'm feeling high on myself.

I was reminded of God, perfect God.   He went to the unimaginable length of CHOOSING to walk in our shoes.  Though we can't imagine it, he can say to us "I've been there".  He knows the number of hairs on our head and every thought inside our head. Our chest rises and falls at his will.

He speaks to us; guides us.

Much of the time I'm that stubborn child that doesn't listen.   Too preoccupied with what I want I forget that he might have something better. With the volume of the world turned up, I've tuned him out.

Thankfully he has given us his Spirit which speaks within unreasonable us on his behalf. His spirit helps us to agree.

Oh children, listen to your mothers.

Mothers listen to your Father.

Just for the record..........Hallie approved this message.

 

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If today started off like a Monday........

If you're feeling alone........

If grief overwhelms you........

If you're afraid........

For those feeling abandoned........

For those who can't find strength to carry on........

In troubled times........

Maybe you just feel small........

 

 

The LORD says,

"Fear not, for I am with you;

 be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 I will strengthen you,

 I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous hand."

-Isaiah 41:10 ESV

 

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Life Lessons from Joseph and his Brothers-A Retelling

Joseph, the youngest in his family, was given a colorful coat simply because he had been born in his father's old age.

The young boy, in his fine coat, one day was sent to find his brothers who were shepherding.

When he found them, he shared his dreams in which his family bowed down to him.

No surprise, this didn't go well.

In jealousy his brothers stripped him of his rich robe and threw him into an empty cistern.

-No water in the cistern. No robe for covering. No apparent love to surround him.

An afterthought, the brothers sold him to some Ishmaelites who were on their way to Egypt.

Upon hearing the brothers' news when they returned, Jacob the father, thought that Joseph must have been killed by a ferocious animal

He tore his clothes and put on sackcloth-refusing to be comforted.

(Meanwhile in Egypt)

The LORD was with Joseph. He prospered.  An Egyptian master saw that the LORD was with him.  He became an attendant for the master Potiphar who put him in charge of his household.  He was given success in everything he did.

But soon enough, being well-built and handsome, Potiphar's wife wanted him for herself.

One day Potiphar's wife caught him by the cloak.  He refused her and fled leaving the coat behind.

Showing the coat to her master, she told a wicked story of Joseph attacking her and leaving his cloak behind.

Joseph, stripped of his fine coat once again, was thrown into prison.

And once again, being left with outward covering and comfort, the LORD was with him.

The LORD showed him kindness and granted him favor.

Again he was given success in whatever he did, even though in prison.

Dreams come into his story once again.

Joseph interprets the prisoners' dreams.

He interprets Pharoah's dreams too, telling Pharoah just as he told those in prison-

I cannot interpret your dreams; it is God.

He is put in charge again.

He is given Pharoah's signet ring and robes of fine linen.

He is given the responsibility to prepare for a widespread famine.

(Hungry, the downcast brothers re-enter the scene minus the youngest and now most-loved son of Jacob named Benjamin)

Coming to buy grain in Egypt, the brothers bearing gifts, bow to Joseph who recognizes them. They, however don't recognize him.

He sends them with a bag of grain and hidden silver to get Benjamin whom he has never met.

(Back in Canaan, the grain is eaten and dread grows as the brothers know they must return to Egypt with Benjamin.)

Armed with more gifts, double the silver and with Benjamin in tow, the brothers return.

Joseph in his grief, schemes again, having his own silver cup placed in Benjamin's sack.

As this is revealed the brothers tear their clothes; one brother saying "God has uncovered your servants' guilt" )knowing that this trouble was brought about by a deed they committed long ago.)

Joseph tells the brothers that it was God , not them who sent him to Egypt.  It was in God's plan to use their evil for good; "to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

This story ends with Joseph being reunited with his father and his brothers.  They live out their lives with plentiful provision.  -Genesis 37-47  But where this story ends another begins.

We are Joseph.  We are his brothers.

Like the silver cup in the sack, what is hidden in the heart is ultimately revealed.

We dream as though searching for the meaning of life, only God is the answer.

Maybe most intimately in life's cisterns and prisons, the LORD is with us.

When the silver and fine linens are stripped away, it is God who is our true covering.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

"Because he loves me", says the LORD, "I will rescue him"; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Psalm 91:4,14-16