To have the faith

 my daughter has... how I wish I did. Practicing Jenna's Sunday School memory verse reminded me how small my faith is: "My God will meet all your needs." Philippians 4:19. What a simple concept! I am amazed at the faith of a child. Jenna is beginning to hit that age where fear sets in-- fear of the dark, fear of spiders (now where could she have POSSIBLY gotten that?), fear of unfamiliar noises, etc. But can I tell you what puts her at ease? Reminding her that God is taking care of her and saying a prayer with her. I've taught her to pray any time she feels even a little bit afraid... to pray that God would take away the fear and protect her. OK... I can teach it, right? So why can't I put it into practice? Maybe it's because I recognize things in this world that cause fear... things to which she has not yet been introduced. I don't know, though... I'm fairly certain we are all called to have faith like a child regardless of what we know or experience in this world.

A verse that has often helped me through fearful times is 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." It is a reminder to me that with God's presence surrounding me, there is no room for fear. If I am allowing fear to overtake me, most likely I am not allowing God to have full control of my heart.

I know my post yesterday was one that came from frustration, and I know it is OK to feel and express that frustration. However, since writing that post, I have felt so thankful, so blessed, and so in love with the life that I have right now. God truly is meeting all of our needs. I am constantly amazed at the end of each month, how God has provided for us. Cameron doesn't make a ton of money, but somehow, we end up with extra to put into savings. I most definitely do not want to take credit for that. It *shouldn't* be happening, but it is. I have a teeny tiny home... but I have a roof over my head. Our fridge is about 3/4 empty at the moment, but at least we have something to eat even if it is cereal and grilled cheese sandwiches. My daughter is currently driving me up the wall, but she is rambunctious, healthy, and full of LIFE!

God is so good. I am grateful for the freedom to express those frustrations, but even more so to be able to look past them and recognize that with each frustration, there is something to be thankful for.