From Root to Tip

You don’t think it will happen to you, and God willing, it never will. But if it does…

On June 6th, I came home from work at the usual time, on the usual route, with the usual routine. Nothing looked amiss when I arrived at my house. When I turned the corner into my kitchen, I saw all my drawers and the cabinets under my sink were open. I thought to myself, “Wait a second, I was NOT in a rush this morning!” Slowly, it dawned on me that I was right…but someone else was in a rush. Sure enough, my back door was open and the wall was busted.

I could tell that no one was in the house, but I thought, “Eh, better be safe and call the police first.” I called my local police and stayed outside, ready to drive away in case of an emergency. Thankfully, the officer arrived quickly, confirming that no one was in the house.

It was actually a pretty light, almost comedic experience walking through the house. I notice the thief had taken my computer and my jewelry. When we got to my bedroom, I told the officer, “Well lookie there, he didn’t take my Bible!” The officer laughed, “They usually don’t.”

It started to dawn on me in that moment that God had done something amazing here. I didn’t know yet how amazing.

It’s been nearly two months now…and can I just tell you how AWESOME God has been in the situation?

1. He blinded the eyes of the thief from seeing things that were more valuable than what he stole.
2. He preserved my house and birds from any major destruction.
3. He prompted me to go home after work instead of going to watch a movie – so I wouldn’t have discovered the break in after dark!
4. He moved the police department to come quickly, rather than ignore my call.
5. He protected me from being there when it happened.
6. He gave me selfless friends who came to fix my door and to make sure I was ok.  (Thank you, Juanie, Sarah, and Joseph!)
7. He sent Padre to pray for me and my house in person as a surprise. IN PERSON! That means driving 8+ hours until 1am, friends!
8. He arranged for the insurance settlement to be smoother and better than I imagined.
9. He poured out financial blessing afterwards that I wasn’t expecting.
10. He kept His word to me “I will be with you in trouble. I will deliver you and honor you. With long life, I will satisfy you and show you My salvation.” PS. 91:15-16

I confess that I forgot some of this over the past couple of weeks. Even earlier this week, the question came up in my heart and mind, “God, why did you let someone break in?” Not in the genuine way, either…the “poor me” way.

Amazing, isn’t it? How easy it is to complain! Or even to blame God for something He didn’t do! It was a thief who came in my house and stole from me. God, however, followed up that stunt by doing what only He could do – overturning everything satan did into blessing!

This post is definitely for me to remember what He’s done and not give into fear’s knock at night. I hope it encourages you too. Obviously, no one ever wants to be robbed or have their home violated in any way. God willing, it never will happen! But if it does…

“…it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.” (Luke 21:15)

Do you have a story like this? Where was He in your situation? Would love to hear!

I can’t take it anymore! My AC in my darling little home is running FAR too much…and I’m keeping it at 77-80 degrees for Pete’s sake!

My friend, Ross, and I are about to do the unthinkable this weekend: install another 8-10″ of GreenFiber insulation. I’m sweating  just thinking about it. We’ll rent the blow-in machine tonight, test it, and wake up manana so it’ll be 10 degrees less scorching to finish. He is, needless to say, my insulation-installing hero…or atleast he will be.

The plus side: I’ll probably drop a dress size!

More to come…

I have secretly wanted to learn photography. Not enough that I would spend money on a camera, though. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that any photos on this blog will just have to look unprofessional. I’ve also resigned myself to the fact that this leaves me behind all the self-taught, aspiring photographer blogger types whose posts I revisit ten times just to see their photos.

Queue song: Nobody knows the troubles I’ve seen…nobody knows my sorrows.

Then, there was Instagram! A fun, FREE app for the iPhone that gives you creative editing power. Here’s a few from 4th of July weekend. All you professionals with your Nikon D90′s and Cannons…watch out!

I was inspired to show my patriotism with an American flag this year. It didn’t look right jutting out from my porch pole, so I draped it over my porch fence instead.

Queue song: She’s a grand ‘ol flag..

On Saturday, Lovey invited me to join her family for a day at the Rangers Ballpark! Such fun! THEN…we got the hookup! Lovey’s cousin’s girlfriend’s brother (did you get that?) is a chef at the ballpark and bumped us up to a suite! Casey’s Corner, nonetheless! (I really with I knew how famous this suite was so I could appreciate it more!) Drinks were on tap, food was free, and there was *gasp* air-conditioning! Woot woot!

I felt like I was on the show Cheers getting my diet Coke.

Queue song: Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.

The weekend continued with great food, good reading, and time with dear friends. I made plum cobbler and pulled pork for Monday’s festivities. Yum to the O!

I wish we had Smell-o-Vision.

Smoky mesquite and peach flavors in every juicy bite!

What did you do or cook for the 4th of July?