Proof Positive

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

This verse today is totally correct- and my family is the proof of that today.

Andy is not working, and has been laid off since the end of September. He's been doing odd jobs here and there and collecting small unemployment benefits, and yet, it almost feels like he has been working. Oh, the money isn't coming in like we'd like to pay all the bills or to do our Christmas shopping, but you know what? We are not hungry, not even a little! And not only are we not hungry- but we have an abundance of food in our house. My pantry is full- and my freezer has such a wonderful assortment of fruits, veggies and meat in it. Shoot- we have lamb and duck in our freezer! Those are luxuries and abundance, yet they are there. I went shopping for Thanksgiving, and once Thanksgiving was done, I looked in my pantry and saw so much in there yet- after putting out such a feast of abundance, that there would still be abundance remaining just shows me how much God loves me and my family.

"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 1:14

I mentioned earlier this week how God blessed us with clothes for the kids. What I didn't mention was how abundant that blessing was! My daughter went from having a handful of clothes that sort of fit to a true closet full. And I mean full! My son also has a closet full and several pairs of pants that actually fit instead of dangling up over his ankles! It's such a testament to the goodness and love of God that He placed these people in our lives to bless us with such an awesome abundance. Last year at the end of the winter season I bought winter coats for this year, only when we pulled them out the other day, they ended up being too big- like a lot too big, so they will be set aside for next year. Guess what we found in the clothes? Yep- winter coats for both, along with complimenting hats and gloves for each as well. Truly, all we need for my kids for winter are boots and snowpants, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they just showed up one day- whether they appear on the front porch, or I find a great deal while out shopping that I just can't pass up. That's the goodness of God!

He loves us so much that he isn't just giving us the things we need- He's giving us a taste of His abundance. Honestly though, it's also more than just the abundance of the stuff we need- it's also an abundance of His Spirit. Right now, Andy could be home, he could be sitting at home with nothing to do, and he could be fretting about the weeks ahead. Christmas is coming, and honestly, we're getting to the point where we're going to have to have a talk with the kids and how the gifts just aren't going to be there this year like we wanted. Andy could be home fretting about that- getting more worried the more he dwelled on it, but you know what? He's not. He's busy working with Abigail's dance school, using the time he has off to help them put on the best Nutcracker they've ever done. And he's having a blast doing it. His mind is occupied on something, and if I know him, the joy of the Lord is with him, and it's bubbling over to the people he's working with. God is placing an abundance of joy in him that is bubbling over and into the HIGH SCHOOL that he is working at. Oh, if there is someplace that needs joy!

We're also experiencing that here at home. I don't know why, but this morning, I woke up and I thought, it feels like Christmas! Zander woke me with a huge snuggle and a kiss and a good morning mommy, and I've just been in a mood ever since. God is pouring out His Joy abundantly on our family, and it just is so nice. Nice maybe isn't the right word, but it is just so, so welcome. When we could be feeling the exact opposite, we have this joy, and the knowledge that it is from the Lord, and that He loves us this much.

An abundance of God's Goodness. I pray that the measure that He has poured out on my household this morning will pour out doubly on you who is reading this today. God loves you- you're his favorite, you know. And He wants you to have the same abundant joy.