Tonight I had a very sweet encounter with God. In the Bible passage 1 Kings 19, it talks about how Elijah is running from an evil king who is out to get him. Elijah feels alone and is ready to die. First God gives Elijah something to eat to sustain him. Then after his long journey, God comes to Elijah in a cave. The massive wind comes, then an earthquake, then a fire, but the Lord was not in any of these big thunderous events. Then came the gentle whisper. And Elijah knew God was there, speaking to him.
Isn't it amazing how God chose to speak in the gentle whisper? He provided for Elijah's needs, and then spoke to him in the kind, gentle, compassionate manner. How can I doubt God's love for me when He continues to display His love in such graceful ways, such as in the small, gentle whisper. How can I doubt that God will provide for me, when I read about time after time when God provided for his people?
Elijah felt so alone, that everyone had left him to serve the other Gods. Yet God goes on to say that he has chosen 7000 other people to help him fight this king, so have not bowed down to another God. How amazing the God provided for Elijah's needs in so many ways.
As I read all of this, I figured out that God will provide for my needs. He loves me so much! I am so thankful that we have the opportunity to serve such a loving, caring God.
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence
of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind
tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD
was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was
not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not
in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it,
he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the
cave. 1 Kings 19:11-13
For Erick's 35th Birthday, we celebrated in 3 ways. The boys and I got together in the morning and colored a fun sign to suprise Daddy for his birthday.
Then we went over to Erick's mom's house, also know as "Granny's house." She fixed a wonderful meal for us. Then we had birthday cake with the birthday boy.
Then we celebrated with Erick's college students at a swim party. They even got him some over the hill gifts! And the big present was a scrapbook of letters all the students had submitted to encourage Erick, with funny stories and say thanks for all he does. It was a fun birthday celebration with our great students!
