Spongebob in Graceland

Life here in Douglasville is going really, really well. The kids have adjusted to a new neighborhood, time zone, school, and way of life very well. Hank is thriving at work. I am happy savoring my time being a stay-at-home mommy. I know this time is coming to an end, but that's another post for another day. I would have to say that the most natural and easy transition for our family has been at church. We started attending The Church at Chapel Hill very shortly after we moved here and have been so excited about how easily the kids felt at home. Tres and Bryant LOVE Kid's Planet... reminding me that they need to learn verses and go over the lessons with them. Granted the incentive might be Kid Planet Bucks and the candy said bucks can purchase... but, hey! Whatever works! Sophie likes to get herself 'dress up' for 'Bible school' on Sunday and Wednesday nights. She has made friends that I later here her talking to while she is playing in her room alone.

Hank and I are very happy too. Every week, the message seems to be tailored for us. Of course, I know, the entire congregation could feel this way... and that's just how God works! This past Sunday, Pastor Dave started a series entitled "Graceland." In the sermon, he said, "Grace is God's gift before we do anything good, and it's His enabling of us to do anything good." It got me to thinking about my life... and how God's grace has saved me from so many things and has been extended to me in my darkest times.

And while I was standing during the alter call, with my hands raised and singing 'Amazing Grace,' I looked up and the Sponge bob band-aid I was wearing caught my eye. I know a dozen mother's who are probably smiling when they read that... or looking at their own 'boo-boos' bandaged with Hello Kitty, Dora, or Strawberry Shortcake. Those character band-aids seem to be a badge of honor sometimes.

Laugh if you want, but mine made me cry. I was thanking God and vividly remembering finding out I was pregnant nearly 9 years ago. I remember because I was single and living outside of God's will. And finding out your pregnant while rediscovering your need for God and His grace is very humbling. So I stood thanking God for His grace in my life. For His protection when I was stupid. For His love when I didn't deserve it and blatantly turned my back on Him. For His mercy. For His favor...

That Sponge bob band-aid made me think: Where would I be? A hopeless case... an empty place... if not for grace.

Thank You, Lord. Thank You for a Sponge bob reminder of Your amazing grace in my life. I am humbled and honored that You are with me daily. That you want to sit and talk to me. That you care about a broken person and their broken needs. I love you, Father. Keep reminding me that this life is not mine. Send me Sponge bob reminders every day. Your Word says, "Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!" And that's why every detail... including a broke-down A/C... is in Your hands. And that's why, as I sit here getting hot in my house and listening to the hum of box fans, I am praising You.