3 Gifts Redeemed

Redeem: to buy or pay off; clear by payment

Today's challenge is to list 3 gifts redeemed. I took some time to reflect on this today. "Redeem" has it's place in several facets of life...from the redemption of a coupon at your local grocery store to the redemption found at Calvary's cross. Redeem...a core concept at the heart of my salvation.

3 Gifts Redeemed

-My salvation: My Jesus died a tragic, unimaginable death, only after living a perfect, sinless life. He bought me with a very high price...His very life. This occurred solely that I, and every other sinner such as myself, could have a perfect eternity with my Savior. The gift of my salvation is of course the number one gift ever accounted for in my existence.

-The Jeep: If I look at gifts from a materialistic stand point, my vehicle comes to mind. Thankfully, due to the Lord's provision and my discipline, I was able to pay off my Jeep early. This would have been the year that my debt would have finally been paid in its entirety, but Praise God! I was able to pay it off in 3 years as opposed to 5. That has been a major blessing.

-Student Loans: I have mixed feelings about listing these as a "gift". Student loan debt will haunt me for years to come...it was a necessary evil. However, in an attempt to change my perspective, I have come to a point where I can consider even this hefty payment a joy. While they are far from being paid off, I rejoice in the Lord's provision to be able to pay them every month. I rejoice in the degree that allows me to have a job that I love. Yes, even student loans can be a gift.

While thinking upon today's gifts and the beauty of this day, I ran across a couple truths in my devotion that really struck a chord with my heart.

G is already for church

"Joy is [God's] presence-driven not circumstantially bought or delivered."


"The joy of His presence envelopes you and protects you."

The joy of the Lord is eternal. What a heartwarming reality.

I also read a verse that I will most certainly carry with me this week. I was doing very well with my weight loss and have since failed miserably over the last couple of weeks. I'm dreading the scale tomorrow. Knowing that we all have our battles, I thought I'd share:

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:26

Just for Fun

As mentioned in one of my previous posts, I listed 4 upcoming Pinterest projects that I wanted to accomplish. I designated one for each month. Last month I completed G's peasant dress. This month I wanted to make a watercolor onesie for my daughter. I gathered my materials and prepared to begin. Unfortunately, this project was not successful. I did everything as I was told, but after reading similar posts on the same concept, it appears that rubbing alcohol should have been used as opposed to hydrogen peroxide. At some point I may attempt this again using the alcohol. I did manage to salvage one of the onesies and I look forward to putting G in it.

I'm looking forward to trying several new recipes this month and making some DIY leg warmers for G.