The Big God of Little Things

Redding is not as "small-town" as we thought it would be. Apparently, many people have been moving to the area in the past two decades to retire, find cheaper housing, and/or experience a slower pace of life. The rise in population has been accompanied by big city amenities such as Barnes & Noble, Costco, and Macy's. Trader Joe's is even scheduled to open a store early next year just down the street from us. Jenney apparently can't wait because she has already excitedly received a package full of requested TJ goods from one of our friends back in Pasadena. (She's also happy about the In-N-Out and drive-thru Starbuck's.) I also found a Thai restaurant that serves Phở- a noodle soup so addictive it has even spawned a website devoted to spreading the knowledge and appreciation of this Vietnamese staple.

Beef noodle soup laced with MSG

We were curious to see what the Phở tasted like at a Thai restaurant in Redding so we went for lunch today. The place is called Racha Noodle and is actually right next to a small oriental market. Jenney and I really enjoyed our meal and thought the food rivaled what we had in Alhambra. We were so thankful because we believe these little things are truly gifts from God.

This past Sunday, Bill Johnson shared a story of how a woman's finger got healed at a conference he just came back from. She had a crooked finger, but experienced no pain and had full range of motion. There were other more notable healings that took place while he was there but the straightening of this woman's finger really stuck out to him because he marvelled that God would take the time to fix something so seemingly insignificant. Pastor Bill emphasized the Father's love and said, "If it matters to you, it matters to God". I'm not quite sure how I feel about that statement. It requires a lot of faith to believe that's true. The scripture that comes to mind is Hebrews 11:6.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him
must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who earnestly seek him."

But if I view this principle through the eyes of a father, with the Father's heart, it makes perfect sense. I care about drumming, pillow houses, snackies, and Little Bear books only because my son enjoys those things. I am willing to experience loud banging, small spaces, Goldfish crackers, and the same story read repeatedly each day because I love Isaac. If it matters to him, it matters to me. How much more so with our Heavenly Father?

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your
Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11