Bits of Grace

Even though I entitled this post "Bits of Grace", sometimes I just feel overwhelmed with God's grace and goodness. He has seen fit to bless our little family with another precious baby due to arrive at the end of October. This little life along with morning sickness and regular sickness has been the reason for not posting in so long. So, I hope you will again forgive me and share in the beautiful joy of a precious new one.

I have been having so much fun planning what I will make for our new one. I am planning on a quilt, some little softies, a taggie blanket, and some knitted or crocheted hat and booties. Aren't the colors above pretty? I found these lovely colors on sale a while ago and stocked up. Now I will have opportunity to use them! And, if we are having a girl, I will be extra busy!

With all of the morning sickness, I have been discouraged of late. But, our ever gracious Lord, has refreshed and encouraged me with this quote from William Gurnall:

"God made it His priority to bring the saints to heaven in a way with would be a constant reminder of His love and mercy. He is a wise Father, who knows the flighty temperament of even His most obedient children.. So He thinks to help them by visiting often and tucking into their empty hands this or that grace, just when it is needed most. This way of communicating gives a double accent to His love and mercy; it reminds us of the true source of all blessing, and it assures that our needs can always be met. When you find any comfort in your soul, any added strength in duty, or any support in temptation, it distills a special sweetness into your life to consider what friend sent these blessings. They do not come from your own supply, or anyone else's. It is the heavenly Father who slips quietly in and leaves the sweet perfume of His comfort!It is His kind Spirit that holds your head and calms your heart while the trial rages within. It is His pungent fragrance that keeps you from fainting in unbelief. What soul, thus comforted, could for a moment doubt the love and concern of such a parent?...(God) come to our hearts, checks the cupboards, sees how bare they are, and sends provisions accordingly. "Your heavenly Father knows you have need of these things...' and you shall have them (Matt. 6:32-33). He knows you need strength to pray, to hear, to suffer for Him, trust Him to keep your pantry well stocked. God choose this method to assure our strength will never be in short supply. If the provisions were left in our own hands, we would soon be bankrupt merchants. God knows we are weak, like cracked pitchers- if filled to the brim and set aside, the contents would soon leak out. So He puts us under a flowing fountain of His strength and constantly refills us. This was the provision He made for Israel in the wilderness: He split the rock, and not only was their thirst quenched at that moment, but the water ran in a stream after them, so that you hear no more complaints for water. This rock was Christ. Every believer has Christ at his back, following him as he goes, with strength for every condition and trial..."

~ William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armor Volume 1, pages 38-40

I hope that it refreshes and encourages you today!