Worth More than Many Sparrows

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Matthew 10:29-31

Today, more snow fell across the North Shore. In fact, it is still snowing, probably for the rest of the day. The elderly lady that we are living with loves birds and has a particularly popular bird feeder on her front porch, visited every morning by her two-winged friends (and a couple of pesky squirrels). I've come to know some of the birds by now, having lived here for about a week. There are the big bully blue jays, the regal red cardinals, the chirping chickadees, and a noticeably fat robin. Jesse even saw a hawk the other day, sitting on the fence post (likely here for a chickadee lunch).

Well, with the beauty and amusement of watching our front yard birds, I've grown quite fond of them. It reminds me of the passage in Matthew 10, where Jesus tells His disciples to not worry, for He cares so very much for them. He in fact cares for the sparrows and knows each one.

God's provision has been a main theme in my life this winter, as He has shown me such in a clear, remarkable way. If Jesse & I care enough about these birds to provide seed (as we truly enjoy seeing them each morning, alive and fed, despite the cold winter), how much more does the Lord provide and take care of us...and enjoy our presence, and contentment in Him.

Just another lesson from the birds.

Packing.

I can't believe Jesse & I are moving again! It seems like last week that we had arrived at Gordon-Conwell Seminary with our U-haul from Colorado. Jesse's Mom accompanied us, and was such a help (she unpacked all of my clothes)! Now, six months later, we are leaving our little studio and moving ten minutes away to the attic of an elderly lady's home. Not what we expected, but certainly a blessing! God has provided us a home with room and board included, as well as a job for me. A month ago, I was just recovering from unexpected abdominal surgery, recently laid off from a state-funded position, and trusting the Lord for a new job after Christmas. A month before that, I found myself in a state of depression, with no promising job leads and failed attempts to find a job.

The Lord has certainly brought us through a difficult winter. I'm so thankful for my husband, who never left my side when I suddenly found myself in various doctors' offices and hospital rooms. His focused, constant care when I could hardly sit up was not seen by many, but was a testimony of God's love to me and I do not deserve such a love. He is a blessing and another gift of God's grace.

So as January progresses, I find myself smiling at the silver lining. I have survived the pain and slow process of recovery, my health is restored, we have a new home, I have a new job, and spring is coming soon enough. Though winter is still here and the snow is still falling, I know God has not changed. Despite our circumstances, He is always by our side, and He deeply cares for us... another lesson of His Providence.

Revitalized

Today, Le Melange Parfait has received a face lift! I was becoming slightly bored with the previous look and wanted a cleaner look to this blog (also, it's somewhat of a fresh start in hopes that I update it more often... perhaps this could be my 2009 resolution).

We shall see.

I also added some great pictures of the Griffin Family from the summer of 2007 (note the slide show to the right).