Dum Dum devotion

I read this this morning. This is something I am really struggling with right now. Work is frustrating and so often it feels like I'm "going through the motions" down there. I'm exhausted and really don't understand why I am still at the school. There are students I like, there are teachers I like. Taken as a whole, though, it isn't the best environment. This school year has taken its toll on me. I feel worn down, weary, exhausted, burned out. For some reason, though, God is not done with me and with my job there...yet. There have been glimmers in the past. He does know what is best. He knows what I need. I know he is making my way perfect and will release me from that place when HIS timing is complete and perfect. In the mean time, my job is to serve Him. My job is to seek Him. My job is to live my life for Him. In doing my job to the best of my ability (and with a cheerful heart) is accepting the gift (the lollipop) he has given.

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Dum Dums

By Christine Hoover | Mar 26, 2012 04:00 am


My bank teller must be a dad.
Every time I go to the bank, he gives my children the exact same colored lollipops. I’ve never asked him to do this, but, without fail, he digs through the lollipop basket until he finds a matching set of Dum Dum lollipops.
He must be a dad because he knows about the fight he is saving me. The one where each of my boys are eyeing the lollipops they don't have rather than enjoying the one they do. The one where they whine for their favorite color. The one in which they are not satisfied until they have what their sibling has.
As I drive away from the bank’s drive-through window, I inwardly thank this man, and I think about this picture of human jealousy: envious, controlling, domineering, possessive, and self-focused.
God is a Dad, but he is not like my bank teller.
He gives lollipops out to everyone, but he does not give them equally or similarly. He gives them perfectly, however, and until we trust that, we’ll be dissatisfied with what we’ve been given.
As a Father, God knows his kids’ tendency to want what their siblings have. It's hard not wanting the bright pink lollipop when we’re given the brown one. But unlike our spiteful jealousy, God’s jealousy for us says, “I absolutely know what is best for you and I want you to have it. Because I love you, I will not give you anything less than my best. However, what I give you is going to be different than what I give that person you are comparing yourself to.” He lifts our eyes up to him and away from watching others and reminds us that he has perfectly and strategically given us our gifts, talents, and ministries.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is always working things for good on our behalf:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
“What a power would be unleashed in your life and mind if we really believed that the almighty God, whose counsel cannot be frustrated, is this very minute, busily at work making sure that what happens to us this afternoon and tomorrow at home and at work is only what is best for us!"

New toy!

For quite a while I have wanted a sewing machine. I learned to sew when I was younger and made a few things. In grad school, the costume shop had Bernina machines and they were AWESOME!!! Working with Colleen, Marsha and Claire really ignited the desire to sew and create. I discovered I remembered so much of what I had learned when I was younger. Things flowed easily. I enjoyed being in the costume shop. I wished we had more time there and had been able to work on other projects.

Tom has patiently listened to my musings. Finally he offered to get me a sewing machine and a surger if I cleared off my desk in our study. My desk has become a bit of a dumping ground. So I dreamed of Bernina machines and surgers and kept pushing stuff around my desk. For Christmas he got me some wonderful black and pink fabric to use to make a skirt. The desk still remained covered in stuff.

So, this past week I saw an ad for sewing machines and showed it to Tom. Yesterday he surprised me with a teacher model Singer sewing machine and accessories!!! He said he knew I would get my desk cleared and I would have something to look forward to playing with this summer.

I can't wait to try to make some things this summer! I have a couple skirts I have really wanted to pattern (they are my favorite skirts). I would love to learn to make vests/waistcoats as well.

In truth, having this machine will allow me to create clothing I love. It will be cheaper than sorting through stuff and not finding much I like. I'm excited about the prospects!

I'm so blessed to have a husband who loves me, encourages me, and accepts me for exactly who I am!!!