And... We have a puker!

Lately, I have been reading the minor prophets like nobody's business. I don't know what it is... I just can't get enough of these short little books of the Bible that are chocked full of some of the absolute worst things you would ever want anyone to say to or about you (ie. you are all going to die. Your descendants will be captured as slaves and dispersed among the nations. If you bowed to a false god, you will die. And the list goes on.).

But there, in the midst of those little books, are some of the sweetest and most poignant revelations of who God is.

And so, I am reminded... On day 3 of sick kid patrol, as I think I am nearing the end. Even as I hear the dreaded, "miss Beff..." Followed by a precious boy puking all over his bed and pillow and freshly bathed body. In the midst of the craziness of life... I have a Father who loves me. Loves me like no other. So, I smile. And we hit the bathtub yet again.

The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. (Joel 3:16 ESV)

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. (Haggai 2:4, 5 ESV)

yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:18, 19 ESV)

and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. (Joel 2:13 ESV)