TREES!!

A few weeks ago when I was questioning everything, I felt in my heart that we were going through all of this, partly anyway, so that God could show us that He does love us. I know that sounds silly (of course God loves us) but it's something I struggle with. I understand the basic truth "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son..." but the smaller side of love, that He actually loves little me, and cares what happens in the details of my life...that kind of love is harder to grasp.

Today I got to see proof of that love for me and for Walt once again. Walt's company is being so incredibly blessed, and God is putting him in contact with all the right people for great projects, and that is one way we are being loved on hugely right now. But, the story I want to tell you is another "fish for food, fish for fun" kind of tale.

I have been longing and begging for trees since I moved into this house. We have one, nice big old tree in our front yard, but it's dying, and we need another one beside it anyway. I love the old neighborhoods with trees lining both sides of the streets. Of course, our neighbors don't have any trees in their yards at all either, but I figured we could start a trend. Either way, it hasn't happened because we just don't have the extra money to go buy a tree for the front yard. Still, I've brought it up on a frequent basis.

This morning Walt came home from a meeting about putting in a new parking lot and asked me where I wanted my trees! Not just one tree, but 5 trees, 20 feet tall, oak trees! They are going to be taking them out of the parking lot, and we can have them! So, we started looking at our little bitty yard, and of course there is space for two, but then we started thinking...we could put one in the divorced ladie's yard to the left of us, and one in the old couple's yard across the street in front of their wheelchair ramp, and one in front of the rental house Sky and Ozzie live in. And oila! A Tree lined street. I love it! Thank you God! I never prayed for a tree, but He knew I wanted one...and knew I wanted a tree lined street...and He is providing not just one tree, but 5 trees!

I opened up to Psalm 118
Thank the Lord because he is good.
His love continues forever.
Let the people of Israel say,
"His love continues forever."
Let the family of Aaron say,
"His love continues forever."
Let those who respect the Lord say,
"His love continues forever."

I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord.
The Lord answered me and set me free.
I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.
People can't do anything to me.
The Lord is with me to help me,
so I will see my enemies defeated.
It is better to trust the Lord
thank to trust people.
It is better to trust the Lord
than to trust princes.

All the nations surrounded me,
but I defeated them in the name of the Lord...
They chased me until I was almost defeated,
but the Lord helped me.
The Lord gives me strength and a song.
He has saved me.

Shouts of joy and victory
come from the tents of those who do right:
"The Lord has done powerful things."
The power of the Lord has won the victory;
with his power the Lord has done mighty things.

I will not die, but live,
and I will tell what the Lord has done.
The Lord has taught me a hard lesson,
but he did not let me die...

Lord, I thank you for answering me.
You have saved me.

The stone that the builders rejected
became the cornerstone.
The Lord did this,
and it is wonderful to us.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad today!

Please, Lord, save us;
please, Lord, give us success.
God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord,
We bless all of you from the Temple of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
and he has shown kindness to us.
With branches in your hands, join the feast.
Come to the corners of the alter.

You are my God, and I will thank you;
You are my God, and I will praise your greatness.

Thank the Lord because he is good.
His love continues forever.