I feel compelled to detour from the norm of light and airy to serious for this post. Many people are going through their very own "midnight hours" and I hope this will be an encouragement to them and you. Below are three examples of God showing up when rock bottom has been hit, and bringing forth victory during the night times in people's lives.
Exodus 11
So Moses said, "This is what the LORD says: 'About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die...It took drastic action! It did take a long time. This was the last plague in a long series, that finally brought deliverance to the captives and set them free!
Acts 16
Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and every body's chains came loose.
And then suddenly..... Keep doing what is right. Don't give up! When God moves, no chains or impossible situations will stop him even in the toughest of times. He can remove those shackles from our lives.
Luke 2
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Perhaps the single greatest event that has ever taken place was at night and the message first went to the little guys like you and me. Our difficult times are important to him. God cares about mine and your circumstances and will provide a way out or through them.
(Shuttle launch in Florida 2008)
While on vacation, with a couple of hours to kill, the kids and I found a HUGE bookstore. It was fun to wander around and just browse. Oh, to have hours and hours to read and ingest knowledge and facts and just have fun. Among my wanderings, I found Little Pilgrim's Progress adapted from the John Bunyan classic, written by Helen L. Taylor. It is designed for ages 6-12. The book is 323 pages, but the chapters are only 2-3 pages long so it is ideal for short attention spans.
If I let her, my daughter would have taken that thing and read it in a day, skipping meals if need be to get to the end. My son, on the other hand, would have looked through the pictures and been content with that. What I really wanted to do however, is read it nightly, out loud and together. The first few nights were rough for them, having to actually focus on my words and listen. It has been a struggle. Usually I read two chapters and call it a night feeling somewhat defeated, however tonight was the first time that both of them wanted me to keep going. Breakthrough! I am really enjoying this time together and they are using their imaginations to hear this story in a unique way. So, even at ages 7 and 9 and 38, it is so worth it to read together and have this special time that I will never forget.
But how could he be so sure that it was his.....? The original VIN# that my husband memorized.
For me the two things that I absolutely know I will get a deep laugh from are:
Second bothersome moment is that one rack away from the bathing suit rack I was looking at were winter coats. Then upon further examination after my initial shock, a whole wall display of winter coats with a big sign that said, "Pre-Season Sale". I have never professed to be Mensa material, but I think the season after Summer is Fall and the fact that I have to even somehow make the mental jump from 90 degrees outside to below freezing clothing is quite annoying to me. It is August people! I do not want to see Halloween, Thanksgiving and yes, Christmas decorations out. I just want to enjoy summer and the beach and shorts and the sunshine hitting my shoulders and not frost biting and nipping on my cheeks. OK, phew, my ranting and raving is over.... enough said. 
Door number two, being modeled by my lovely daughter, is a set of eight blank note cards and envelopes with different floral scenes on the front. I took the pictures at the 
To win, all you have to do is leave a comment stating which item you would prefer. If you do not have a blog account, please leave your e-mail so I can contact you. Signing up as a follower is not necessary but would be greatly appreciated. Plus, you would be able to check back much easier for further giveaways ;o) My goal is to hold a giveaway on the first of each month. All comments must be dated by August 7th and the drawing will be held August 8th so don't delay!
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