Personal

Tonight, we had to make a Target run for a few things. The girls have been working hard lately and have made the effort to "do everything without grumbling or complaining". As a little reward, Chad asked if they would like a hot chocolate from Starbucks. They are my children so they said, "oh yes please!"

Do you remember when I posted here about my Target coffee experience? You know, the one that was so much more than a good cup of coffee?

When we got to the counter tonight I recognized that pretty face. She was the same barrista that waited on me back in September. (I remember faces, conversations, outfits....I'm weird like that! Chad says I should work for the FBI or the CIA. I remember what some of you were wearing the first time we met in San Antonio,a year and half ago!)

Anyway...

She had a totally different countenance tonight. God brings her to my mind often, usually when I'm standing in the Starbucks line waiting on a peppermint mocha. (or raspberry mocha or white chocolate mocha) Tonight, I saw her name tag...and now I have a name to go with the face.

Ann. (my middle name)

I was able to call her by name. She smiled and this time, looked me in the eye with a smile.

There's something about being called by your name isn't there? I couldn't help but think of this verse...

Revelation 2:17 NIV
I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

So, God knows the name on that stone and then the receiver will know. Two people. That's what I love about our God. He is personal. He is all about knowing each and every cell of our beings.

I have been absorbed in Psalm 139 lately I encourage you to go read it slowly and realize just how precious you are to God. Here are verses 15-18 from this incredible Psalm.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

I hope that you know just how precious you are to God. He loves you so much. He sees exactly what life is throwing your way today and He cares. Verses 1-3 remind us that YES, He does see.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

blessings!
steph.