We really enjoy telling this story because first, its true.  And second, it reminds us of how God operates, and we need to remember that more and more instead of dwelling on hardship, sickness and negative mindsets and conversations that do nothing for us except wear us down little-by-little and render us powerless, weakened and joyless. 

     Several years ago our family was blessed as we celebrated our son's wedding.  At the reception one of the many desserts being served was up-side-down mini ice cream cones dipped in rainbow sprinkles that were absolutely fabulous. As the desserts were being served we offered one to our granddaughter only to see it knocked to the floor by a passerby, along with that came her tears. Usually we only gave her a single scoop, but something made me say, "Lucia, this time I'm going to get you a double scoop!"  Well, you can imagine the look on her little face when she heard that promise.  Her eyes grew large, her smile was from ear-to-ear and she looked on with great anticipation as we prepared our promise for her.  Amazingly, she forgot all about what had just happened and delighted in what was happening.

     Do you know that when God restores what you have lost, He doesn't just give you a single scoop . . . He promises to give you more than you have lost!  No matter what has been taken away from you, no matter what you've lost or experienced in the past, if you give it over to the Lord, He will return to you more than you could ask or imagine.  He'll make things right and give you more than that which was lost or stolen.  He'll restore double what was lost!

     If you will remember that you won't spend so much time worried, afraid or complaining over what has been taken from you.  You'll expect incredible blessings to come your way and delight in what's happening, not sulk in what happened.