Thanks for sticking with me through a crazy week. My new normal as a mom continues to keep me on my toes and forces me back down on my knees. I cannot do this job, much less my other jobs, on my own. I’ve recognized (through tears) multiple times how desperately I try to manage on my own, but really, I need help from every possible source.

But as I indicated yesterday, one of the surest ways to keep from feeling overwhelmed by a to-do list is to stand in awe, to be completely overwhelmed by a generous, loving, and powerful Father.

I felt that on Sunday morning as we sang song after song. I can’t even tell you what lyrics touched my tired heart, all I know is that the moment I released, threw my hands out and let the tears fall, I stood in awe. My list of reasons to be thankful kept flowing and suddenly I was overwhelmed by the nearness of our God. When the service ended someone remarked that I looked refreshed and renewed. I joked that 6 hours of straight sleep, coffee, and a shower will do wonders for you … but I knew in my heart that this renewal came from something bigger and deeper.

As I rocked my daughter to sleep yesterday afternoon, my tasks threatened to take all of my peace again. But out of the corner of my eye I spied this book on her shelf. I’m a HUGE fan of Max Lucado’s books for children. The Boy and the Ocean was a gift from my friend Carey and her family. I pulled it out again and let myself see the ocean, mountains, and stars through the eyes of a child … and in turn my voice cracked as I savored the overwhelming presence, love, and power of our God.

Whether or not you have a child in your home or you are a kid at heart – you want this book. I typically gift The Jesus Storybook Bible for new babies, You Are Special for high school graduates, and Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing for everything else, but this book is heading onto my list. The illustrations are GORGEOUS and the refrain a perfect reminder,

“[God’s love is] always here. It’s always deep. It never ends. God’s love is special.”

There’s nothing complicated about The Boy and the Ocean. Plain and simple, God’s love is always here.

Happy Friday!

Following,

Ginger