God's Sense of Humor

"Do not test the Lord your God..." Deuteronomy 6:16

Yesterday I did just that. I tested God. I had been debating whether or not I should attend a ladies conference this weekend and couldn't shake the feeling that the Lord really wanted me to be there. As I considered all the reasons why I shouldn't go I realized they were based upon my selfishness. One particular reason I clung to was not having the extra money to purchase a ticket. That's a good one right? After all it is Christmas time and I have all those gifts to buy...but wait a minute, wasn't I going to be spending the exact amount next week to enter a running race? A race that I wanted to participate in and one that more than likely would not provide any spiritual growth. This is where the test came into play.

I was on my way home from running errands when I thought, "Ok God, if you want me to go to the conference then let there be a check in the mail!" I smugly pulled into our driveway, got out of the car and walked directly to the mailbox knowing there would not be a check in the mail. And I was right. Ha! There was no check in the mail! But wait, what was that thin envelope sandwiched between the Pizza Hut coupons and a flyer from Verizon? There was a check in the mail! I tore into the envelope thinking I had gotten really good at predicting God when the first thing I noticed was the sentence, "This is not a check." What?? Inside the envelope was not a paycheck but the direct deposit receipt from Eric's last paycheck. It held no monetary value and was actually mailed late. I couldn't help but laugh! Here I was expecting God to perform like I wanted Him to and for a brief moment He let me think He did!

How great is our God's sense of humor that He allows us to think we are in control only to gently remind us later how much we really need to let go of our ideas and expectations and let HIM write the stories and miracles of our lives. I like to think God was in Heaven laughing at me as I tore into that envelope thinking I had Him all figured out. I could hear His beautiful laugh followed by His gentle voice saying, "Daughter, my plan is so much better than you think. Stop trying to guess my actions. Don't test me, just trust me."

Needless to say, I'm going to the conference this weekend. No God did not send a check for the exact amount, though I know He could have, but He did teach me a few lessons: That I need to trust Him even when it seems like the resources needed to do so are not there, that He cannot be predicted and that He has a great sense of humor.

One thing you can predict is that Beef and Vegetable Soup along with grilled cheese sandwiches will be enjoyed for dinner!

Beef and Vegetable Soup (aka Stone Soup*)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lbs beef roast cut into 3/4" chunks
1 med. onion, chopped
4 (14.5 oz) cans beef broth
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
1 lb red potatoes, scrubbed and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 (10 oz) pkg frozen corn
1 (10 oz) pkg frozen peas

Brown beef in oil in large pot. Add onion and cook 5 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes with juice, water, bay leaf, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil then cover, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes. Add carrots, potatoes and celery then cover and simmer 45 more minutes. Add peas and corn and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.

*A great story to share with your kids while making this soup is the fable about Stone Soup. You can read one version of the story here: http://www.dltk-teach.com/fables/stonesoup/mtale.htm

Great Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
8 slices multi-grain bread
8 slices of muenster cheese
1 med onion, thinly sliced
1 med tomato, thinly sliced
butter

Heat skillet or electric griddle to med heat. Layer each sandwich with cheese, onion, tomato then another slice of cheese. Butter outsides of sandwich and cook until golden brown. Enjoy!

**Oh, and as a side note we did receive an unexpected check in the mail today. It wasn't the exact amount of the conference but it was enough to help. God's little way of reminding me He is still in control. :)