Memoria Box Monday--The Necklace

Today's Memorial Box Monday is another Ephesians 3:20 moment. I am forever amazed at how God takes the little things and makes them BIG!

How God took a necklace and did oh, so much more.

As we've been fundraising for our adoptions and mission trip, there are moments when I stand amazed at all that God is doing for us.

The story begins with the purchase of 3 necklaces. Only one person, M, bought directly from me. Another purchase was made by by M's brother and given as a gift. M's brother had purchased from a friend of mine who is diligently selling four our cause. The third necklace was bought from me and given as a birthday gift to a sister, Stacia.

This tangled tapestry was brought together at a party. All three of the lovely ladies were wearing their necklaces at the party. How cool is that?! But, then a conversation began, the story of the necklaces, the cause....when Stacia asked...

"Do you think Robbie would like for me to sell some of the necklaces in Athens?"

Would I?

Stacia is now selling necklaces for our family in Athens, GA. And, just like our God, THAT is not the end of the story.

I had never met Stacia. I know her sister and one of her best friends, but I had never met her.

She called to tell me she needed more necklaces. I told her we could carry them to her over the weekend because we were going to Athens, to see our Brandon.

And...to see the Gym Dogs.

And, this precious daughter of the KING, is the one who arranged for our girls to meet the Gym Dogs! My girls were STAR struck! I've seen Josie-Tatum in the shy-zone, but even Ellie entered there.

We didn't just meet them, but we were invited into the locker room. A locker room that looks more like a dressing room for the Oscars. It was the dream of a princess!

We watched as they finished up their hair and make-up, helped each other with last minute details. They were on their way to a tail gate party, but took the time for a few photos, to speak to the girls, and to wish Josie-Tatum good luck when she goes to Regionals at the end of the month. Then, we were give the GRAND tour of the training facility. Now, that might seem a bit boring for two young girls. But, decide for yourself if the girls look bored.

Josie-Tatum stood on the beam and said, "This is my future!" How's that for a dream?

The girls were absolutely sweaty when they finished their "tour."

We had a photo with one of the assistant coaches Julie Clark (who has also purchased two necklaces, BTW) .

And, a photo with Courtney, McCool, former Gym Dog and Olympian!

I am certain the girls would have had a BALL at the competition, but, after meeting the team in person, they had a BLAST!

We owe a special thank you to our new friend, Mrs. Stacia! She made all of this happen.

And, in our Memorial Box, we will place the photo of the girls with Mrs. Stacia along with a necklace from Uganda. I want them to see that He can take the little things and make them BIG!I want my children to remember that God is present in our lives, even in the little things.

John Ortberg wrote "It is possible for God to be present without the person recognizing that he is there. Apparently, God is closer than you think."

We humans seems to separate God from our daily tasks sometimes. But, He is always there. He is always working on our behalf. His desire is for us to live life abundantly. May we all remember today....

God is closer than you think!