This afternoon I came in from my half day of substitute teaching and was reading through some blog posts. One particular one spoke of the depressing economic situation and I began to dwell on it. One thing led to another, and I began to feel very discouraged. I have a history of panic attacks and have not had one in quite a long time. I then went back and listened to the President's comments yesterday evening, since I had not seen it, and then felt even more discouraged.
When my husband came in I told him how discouraged I was, wanting to know what his thoughts were, etc. He then told me everything I already knew...........God is in control and none of this has taken Him by surprise. I do know this to be true, but I continue to say,"I still don't like all that is going on". His reminder again was that we must remember God's faithfulness to those who belong to him. Absolutely true!
Hope you are still there, here is the rest of the story. I had planned to go to a new shop that was opening this evening, but I told my husband in light of the current economic crisis, maybe I should not go, now am I sounding a little crazy or what? His response was well you don't have to buy anything, to which I replied "OK".
This is where I went, and what a treat! One of the owners is from my church, and she shared that the idea came when our pastor presented us with a challenge. That is another story. Her idea is to offer a unique place to shop or just come in to browse in a wonderful atmosphere, giving her the opportunity to get to know the people of our community better. It is just that. UNIQUE! Charming, unhurried , quaint with all of the handmade items coming from local people. Beautiful calligraphy, hand crocheted dish cloths, organic soap, also hand made, one of a kind gift tag cards, paintings, knitted wool felted purses, antiques, glassware and tons of nostalgia. One of those places you want to linger. Tall, tall ceilings, rustic brick, wide plank floors, you get the picture.
Here's my little bag, and when I left, tucked inside was the rest of my story. 
Here's a peek.
It was this little bird, handmade from pieces of wools sweaters. Now there were lots of these little birds scattered about, and I thought it was the strangest thing that this is what I was drawn to, and believe me for someone with my taste, there were many beautiful things. You girls out there would have loved it! It was hard to choose, there was a little gray bird, a red , a pink and brown striped one, all unique. But this little yellow one was sitting against a green suitcase, kind of like my walls here, and I knew this was the one.
After browsing and visiting with some wonderful people I headed home. I was actually still wondering about the bird. Why would this be one of my favorite things? This is the special part..........immediately this scripture came to mind:
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? " Mark 6:26
This was just what I needed for this very moment, a very real reminder that God knew exactly how I was feeling, and that I needed this gentle reminder that He is in control, He loves me and cares for me more than I can comprehend, and he knows that I need. My part is to cast all my worries and cares at his feet. Jackie
