Mugs and Muffins

In the morning at 9:00, I will help lead our women's book study of Susanne Scheppmann's Embraced by the Father.  As I began reading her book, I did a search and discovered her website, from which I linked to her blog on which her most recent blog post discussed a meeting for new women in her church in which they hosted a "Mugs and Muffins."  Coincidentally, I purchased muffins for tomorrow morning's meeting...or maybe it's a sign of sorts that this group will be touched, lead by the hand of God?

Prayerfully, this is my request.

I go tomorrow asking to be embraced, for as I related to my husband today, in too many areas of my life, I am focusing on the negatives.  As I told my husband today, if I were God, I would be saying, "Tammy, why should I reward you?  You are just too negative."

As I told my husband?  I want to focus on the positive and enjoy living.  In a few days, I will turn 44.  I want the next 44 years to be as rewarding as the first ones were...except for an even more positive focus.

Below is one of the first scriptures within the "Prelude" of Embraced by the Father...this time this scripture spoke to me:

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush [a] and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
_______________

I am humbled to be loved to such a degree. May my life reflect that love back...as I learn to dance.