Hidden in the Mess

Monday, March 17, 2014


The very circumstance we hate can turn our fate. Hidden in the mess of our lives we can find His gifts.  The ones packaged in pain can be the ones that hold the most startling surprise.  Our God is not much into the wrapping of gifts to make them pretty...He is more concerned with what is inside.  That's why His gifts can look like struggles on the outside.  But it is the very struggle that may be the greatest gift.

Continuing to count all He gives...


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-This story.  Long, but well worth the read!  Notice how her sorrows made her a survivor in the end.  Her sorrow became strength and salvation for others.  Blessed to read this this past weekend.
-A fabulous Friday afternoon
-Spring break!  So need this!
-Help from a computer tech who went beyond his job description
-The struggles have brought strength I could not imagine
-A husband that keeps me laughing with his wit
-Finally feeling human after three weeks of a virus
-A husband that is willing to get up early to take a son to activities
-Words of encouragement from those that read my blog
-Caring words from a chance meeting in the grocery store
-Watching heartache unfold between young kids and realizing that an apology is worth more than pride.  Our relationships matter more than self-preservation.


-Time God's word with a new Bible study
-That forgiveness frees us
-A son that is willing to help me with technology
-A fellow teacher complimenting my teaching
-This quote for the sermon on Sunday: "A person all wrapped up in himself is no present."

5 comments:

CynthiaJSwenson said...

I am definitely feeling like your blog post is a surprise birthday gift for me! ( Yes, my birthday is St. Patrick's day) I'm one of those with extreme family dysfunction that has followed me all my life. I hate it but at the same time, I realize it is an AMAZING thing how God turns our dysfunction into BLESSINGS! Only He can do that...only for HIS GLORY! Loved the story you linked! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia

Debbie said...

Cynthia- Happy Birthday!!! I pray that you are blessed today and in the coming year. You and I are in the same boat. I have extreme family dysfunction also. Although extremely painful, it has turned out to be a blessing for me. God is the great Author of plot twists. He can use the bad for our good and His glory!!

Renee said...

Great gift list....and thoughts on hidden gifts. Stopping over from Ann's. God uses the struggles in this broken world for our good and blessings.

elizabeth said...

I'm so blessed when I pop in to see other's gratitude posts. God bless fellow "gratitude gatherer"!

Debbie said...

Renee and Elizabeth- Thanks for stopping by! Blessings to you both!