re·form: (r-fôrm) v. re·formed, re·form·ing, re·forms v. tr. 1. To improve by alteration, correction of error, or removal of defects; put into a better form or condition. 2. To cause (a person) to give up harmful or immoral practices; persuade to adopt a better way of life.
ma·ma or mam·ma also mom·ma: n. (also m-mä) Informal. Mother.

7.07.2006

Blessed

To many people it may not appear that I am blessed. Afterall, we live off very little income, we drive old, beat up cars and live in an apartment. Throw my family into the mix and I'm sure people (especially non-christians) wonder how it is that I can say I am blessed. To be honest, there are days when I forget how truly blessed I am.

Today is not one of those days.

My whole life, even during my difficult childhood, God has been watching out for me -- guiding my path. Society says I should be a druggie with 12 kids who all have different fathers -- based on my upbringing. And but for the grace of God, there go I.

I've had people put in my life who taught me things my parents couldn't -- like scripture, a love of reading, the importance of education, etc... I've had people who had confidence in me when I didn't. Not that confidence should come from oneself, but you know what I mean.

I've been given opportunities that have offered me education, provision and mentors. I've had friends who have stood by me in tough times.

Those friends are so dear to me. For some reason they see something worthwhile in me. I am not bashing myself at all. I just know me. I know I am not the best friend and I know I foul up often. They love me anyway. That's baffling to me. Truly baffling. That is, unless I look at it as a demonstration of Christ's love for me -- another thing of which I am undeserving.

So yes, I drive an ugly, beat up car and I wear out-of date fashions and my childhood stunk, but I AM blessed -- blessed beyond measure.

7 Comments:

Blogger Sally said...

your photo shows that you are clearly not ugly- and as for the rest you have found contentment- thats worth so much more!

9:10 AM

 
Blogger TheNormalMiddle said...

You're beautiful inside and out Bev dear. I'll be your out-of-date fashion buddy!

We are so blessed. Just to live in a free country if nothing else. One of the hardest things I've wrestled with concerning God is how I was priveledged to be born into this country, with a loving family, and then there are others who are born into strife and poverty and war....just seems really unfair. But God is bigger and knows alot more than me.

I read recently this quote:

"After all my studying and years in church I only know two things:

1. There is a God.

2. I am not Him. "

Good quote. :)

10:09 AM

 
Blogger Reformed Mama said...

thanks ladies. I promise, I was NOT fishing for compliments.

lindsey -- i struggle soemtimes with a question similar to yours -- why am I saved and my family is not?

10:20 AM

 
Blogger jump4joy said...

I couldn't remember where I picked up your blog, now I know. From Lindsey's site, enjoy the journey. Anyways I enjoyed your comments immensely today. We truly are blessed!!! Blessings on your journey. Lorene

11:37 AM

 
Blogger Josh Virkler said...

Neat, Bev. Very, very cool. Thanks for the reminder to find blessings in our world, because we really are blessed.

12:36 PM

 
Blogger Spirit of Adoption said...

AMEN, preach it, sister!!!!! Do you ever listen/read John Piper?? Just curious - he was our pastor for 3 yrs and LOVE him ; ). But just wanted to encourage you...though it doesn't sound like you need encouragement in this area....in something that he always preaches to his flock - living war-time!!!! I walked away from that church a different person because I am continually challenged by my fleeting desires to "want" more when it's all going to BURN anyhow, and there's GREATER places to spend our money (for eternal purposes) than on a new car or a house or great furniture or great clothes!!!

thanks for sharing how YOU are blessed without these things!!!! I think the church, in general, needs to be challenged in this area!!!!

4:50 PM

 
Blogger Grafted Branch said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!

Sometimes blessing comes in having the contrast (ungodly childhood) to recognize the blessing, doesn't it? Yes, you ARE blessed. I liked this post and will be back to see more.

9:29 PM

 

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