ohhhh Jesus...

Last weekend, Chuck and I were blessed to visit our friends, Wayne and Nicole, to celebrate their daughter's third birthday. Sophia, who is just the cutiest patootiest blondie-blonde sweetie pie, was dancing with enthusiasm as she welcomed every friend and relative into her party. And wow, what a fun party!!! Momma and Pappa had gone out of their way to spoil Sophia with a rented inflatable bouncy tent/castle in the backyard. In addition, the theme and cake presentation were very clever too. The main cake was made to resemble a barn and included a graham cracker roof surrounded with coconut flaked grass (dyed with green food coloring). Situated around the barn cake were frosted cupcakes dressed to resemble farm animals such as pigs, cows, chicks, etc. All homemade using Grandma's secret recipe... all yummy and delicious! In addition to this, Sophia was made a darling birthday dress with bright and cheery fabric - sporting a cute cupcake print all over it... so perfect and pretty! (Yes, I know... Nicole could give Martha Stewart a run for her money!) To say the least, it was just precious to watch Sophia's eyes light up as she enjoyed all the details that made up her special day.

After dinner was served, Nicole asked if I would be the person to bring Sophia each of her presents. Of course, I couldn't pass up such an honor, so I agreed and recruited Chuck to help me with the heavier presents. I began with a smaller box and brought it over to Sophia who was surrounded by cameras and video recorders to document every moment of the occasion. Sophia was pleased to quickly rip away the cheery wrapping paper and expressed genuine delight as she discovered each new treasure. Once she was finished with her first gift, I was summoned again to bring her another... and thus the process would repeat itself. By the time Sophia finished opening her fourth or fifth gift, she had gotten into the habit of calling out my name... bidding me to come with yet another present. She'd playfully sing, "Ohhhhhh Vickiiiiiiiiiii......" This would be my cue to work my way through the crowds of family paparrazi and bestow upon Sophia her next birthday surprise. By the time I'd reach her, Sophia's hands were extended out and she was smiling ear-to-ear, at the ready to devour the next gift. Amusingly, even now (a week later) I am imagining Sophia's precious call, "Ohhhhhh Vickiiiiiii...." It makes me want to drive over with a trunk full of gifts just so I can see her three-year-old arms extended out to receive me. I'm giggling just thinking about it.

Anyway, this morning I was reminiscing about Sophia and her birthday party. Then, I began to think about how the Lord's mercies are new every morning. How He delights in taking care of His children. How He longs to give us the desires of our heart. I thought about Sophia's arms widely extended and ready to receive... and equally ready to hug those around her. I was particularly delighted when Sophia would call out my name - fully expecting to be dazzled with what I would bring her. I was reminded that this is how we are to welcome our King. This is the enthusiasm that He longs to receive from us as He grants to us His many blessings within each new day. And our wonderful God wants nothing more than to hear us call to Him... to see our arms extended out to receive His glory and sing His Name with glee. Equally, He is thrilled to see us at the ready to hug others... to bless and love as we have been blessed and loved. To freely sing aloud the Name of Jesus so that everyone around us can hear Who we find our delight in... Who we enjoy seeking... Who extends to us blessing upon blessing upon blessing.

Ladies, I am anxious to start this new day seeking out the Savior who loves to love me. Who offers me not only a place in His kingdom, but adopts me as His own. Who showers me with gifts of sunshine, shelter, food, family, employment, sight, hearing, breath, etc. etc. etc. (The list is too long to imagine.) Today (and every day), I wish to call to Him, "Ohhhh Jesus..." and open my arms wide. I want to live my life ready to receive Him and share His love with others. Blessed be the Almighty Father who gives and gives and gives. Let us be open, anxious, and ready to be dazzled by His astounding love each new day.

Come, Lord Jesus. Please come.

"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." (Proverbs 8:34)

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson