Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Gift

If the word “ordinary” had a picture, it would be of my husband and I!! We love peace, contentment and a stable routine. Perhaps we are a bit a boring at times, but also some traits such as dependability, commitment, steadfast and faithfulness are formed through the ordinary, so it’s a good fit for us.

Last weekend was graduation and this year we have a graduate:

While discussing something special to do for his graduation, a peek into the plans of others included a cruise, family picnics, bbq’s parties etc. None of these seemed like a good fit for us. My husband thought of the idea of taking my son and some friends out to eat. You can’t go wrong with boys if there is food involved!

We gathered up a crew of good looking boys…sat ‘em down and fed ‘em.

The restaurant is out in the country and overlooks a pond:

My husband shared with them some biblical truth from when Joshua was the appointed leader to Israel after the death of Moses. Joshua took on a new position, led the people out of bondage into the promised land. With the power of God’s Word in his heart, my husband shared that they too are beginning a new journey. As Christians, they need to leave behind the bondage of sin and be aware of the dangers of looking back. In their new role, with God’s help, they can be conquerors and overcomers as they daily choose Him. This encouragement to live a life pleasing to the Lord and receiving the promise of His blessings was truly an extraordinary gift. Material gifts can fade quickly, but the gift of the Word of God spoken is able to settle into their hearts and grow with them and challenge them through their lifetimes. Following the sharing of words, he prayed with them, for God’s blessings, protection and promises to be fulfilled as they trust and obey Him.

So even in the ordinary, God can move in extraordinary ways.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. II Corinthians 4:6-7

It's been a whirlwind week, but I found some time to reflect on the goodness of God and His gifts this week:

A son who has grown in wisdom and knowledge and completed high school.
Celebration with friends and family of this milestone.
New beginnings and a new chapter of life.
A husband and father who looks out for ways to bless and speak life.
The power of God's Word and His blessings.
The love and support from family and friends.
God's extraordinary ways that can flow through an ordinary life.

Sometimes We Score, Sometimes We Block

Our family is in the midst of little league soccer season. My youngest son is playing and his enthusiasm is contagious. He is pretty good at the sport, but what makes it so great is that he loves it! He counts the days until the next game or practice. He loves his coach and teammates. He has moved up an age level this year and the players are working more like team, passing to each other and watching out for each other during play. During the last game, my son scored two goals, they were the only goals of the game. In today's game the team scored eight goals. My son came up afterwards to me and said, "I didn't score today, but I blocked". What a powerful truth those words can hold. In life, sometimes we score, sometimes we block. Sometimes we do great things, we excel, we achieve, we meet our goal - we score! There are also times we see the needs of others, sometimes they are sad or hurting, we block their hits. We look out for them so they can score. We

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In every friendship or relationship, there is a common hope that they will grow and flourish. There is something inside of us that longs for a 'happy every after' story. We dream about it and work to make that happen. But in reality, relationships are a challenge. The bridging of values, lifestyles, interests and sacrificing for another are simply hard things to do! No matter how much we dream of the perfect fit, some relationships will not endure the stress. When differences appear and tensions arise, prayer can change situations, attitudes and ourselves. For the Christian, we know God can transform, change, heal. We cannot change others, but prayer opens us the door for God to step in and answer. God desires transformation, but does not demand it. The gift of free will allows us to choose to say Yes or No to Him. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Take notice of the first two words: “If possible …” This implies that some

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AnonymousJune 4, 2012 at 1:56 PM
Joyce, Thank you for sharing this story; it touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I would certainly not describe you as "ordinary," but I do see God working in you through ordinary situations to touch others in extraordinary ways. You are a blessing.
Kathy
AnonymousJune 6, 2012 at 3:05 PM
Congratulations! It isn't only an encouragement when your kids go on for the Lord, it is a relief! :) Those years of praying, teaching, instructing, correcting.....when they fly on their own wings of faith there is such a release.

Of course, the praying, teaching, instructing and correcting continues, but mostly from a distance and sometimes only through the Holy Spirit. You're reached a new step, as well, parenting an adult child.

Loved the pics of the young men and their story. Gives me hope for the future generation of faith.

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