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Blankets of Hope

Saturday we had a blanket making day for the Hope for Tomorrow project. I couldn't have been more happy with the way everything turned out. God moved me toward vulnerability and nobody seemed scared away today :).

I'm behind where I should be in my daily reading of the Bible but God even used that today. This morning I was moved as I read Exodus 35:30-35 "Then Moses said to the Israelites, See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.". I know we aren't building the Ark of the Covenant but I'm so grateful for the gifts that women are creating with their artistic/crafts ability and their ability to teach others these skills.

As I started to share this verse before we began and express my gratidute to everyone that came I choked. Usually when I plan what I'm going to say I can keep myself composed... I even talked to a college social work class about the effects of pregnancy loss without any tears but today I was wearing my heart on my sleeve. A few others wiped away tears as I spoke but then once everyone got started on their blankets or practice project real conversations ensued all around.

My hope and prayer was that these kits would be a ministry to the families receiving them but I didn't realize how people would come together to give them! I would give anything to have Levi here now but it helps seeing something positive come from this pain and suffering... and for those things I rejoice.

While I've always loved that verse, (Romans 5:3-5) I'm starting to see it from a different perspective. I don't feel like rejoicing in the cause of my suffering... But while still in the midst of suffering I do find reasons to rejoice.

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