"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Have you ever had plans for something only to have them have disintegrate completely? I have had one of those weeks, no months, hmmm, maybe years.
My plan for this weekend was to go home to Glennville. I was so excited about witnessing the wedding of a sweet, young friend. I was also planning to spend a few days visiting those that I miss so much and have not seen in two years. But alas, it is not to be. I know in my mind why I cannot go, but my heart is left to grieve and ask why. I have shed more than one tear at my loss and even acted like my two-year old at one point when expressing my 'displeasure'.
I consider myself resilient and hope that is a good quality to have. Therefore, I moved on to PLAN B. Delaney, Michaela and I would spend a couple days with my mom and go to the lake. Well, once again my plan did not work out. The day in Habersham County started with rain, but mom assured me that the sun was shining on Putnam County. Apparently, the rain cloud followed me on that two hour drive, literally and metaphorically. Once the four of us were driving to our fun-filled lake destination it started to rain ever so lightly. We decided since there was no thunder and lightening we were good. We were going to get wet anyway, right? We enjoyed about 15 minutes of 'beach' time and the deluge began.
I was once again disappointed but did give heartfelt thanks to God for the much needed rain. It reminded me to "praise Him in the storm". I am also very grateful to have been able to spend time with my mother.
My thoughts turned to Jeremiah 29:11 and it served as a reminder that my plans don't really matter. I have to seek and follow His will and plans. I guess for now that includes no beach time or vacation. I KNOW His plans are good and my future is in Him, but grow weary of waiting for an answer to my prayers. (Obviously, I am not just talking about a vacation here.) Please don't judge me based on this statement. Surely you have said or thought "God, I will do Your will, just give me the details now and let me know when it will happen." at least once.
I know that He hears my prayers because I have a wonderful, loving husband and the most beautiful, healthy children on earth. I need only look at the prayer requests of others to know how blessed I am.
I have been here before, in God's holding pattern. I thought I had learned all I needed to know; apparently not, for I am still waiting for answers to what I feel are reasonable requests-like a job. I am sure the day will come when I look back at this present trial and see how much I learned and how much He provided. Because I will not stay in this valley forever for He has plans for me and I have hope!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Describe yourself
For several days, I have been mulling over how to describe myself on the description portion of this blog. It would be so much easier to describe someone else, anyone else. I have even considered asking my dear friend Teresa to write it for me, but that is like cheating.
Who we are is complicated. And I don't know about you but I change, thankfully and hopefully for the better (but not always). We can describe ourselves as someones wife, mother, or daughter but is that who we are inside? Yes, I know that is part of who we are, but where do our thoughts come from and how do they affect who we are?
If you asked my mother to describe me, she would more than likely say something about the goodness of my heart because that is what mothers do and she is good like that. I would almost be afraid to ask my 13-year old daughter Delaney to describe me. I would probably just get 'the' look. Also, depending on who has possession of her i-Pod, how much Internet and phone access she has maintained on that particular day the answer would vary greatly. My sweet and not so stupid husband, Mike would think it was a trick question akin to "Do these pants make my be-Hind look big?" and laugh it off without answering. I am sure my two-year old would have something fabulous to say if her vocabulary were large enough.
I once played one of silly games through email that asked the receivers to reply to you with this directive: Use one word to describe me. I received a lot of very sweet, up-lifting replies and one that hurt. I was called pragmatic. Yes, I had to look it up to be sure I understood it correctly. That only made it hurt worse. I don't feel it was intended to hurt me, but it did. I don't consider myself wishy-washy and do know exactly why I believe what I believe. (I will save the whole 'belief' idea for another blog.)
I hope that most of my friends consider me loyal, honest, sincere and helpful. You know, all the things we want in a friend and a Labrador. I don't think 'fun' is one of my characteristics because I'm a little boring and tend not to take many risks. I do hope that I am at least enjoyable and pleasant to be around.
Do we put into print what we see as our faults or weaknesses? No one really wants to read that. On the other hand, I don't want to describe myself so highly that others think they have clicked on the wrong blog. Such a dilemma!
After rambling on for a few paragraphs, I have decided that I am taking this whole thing way too seriously. Isn't it just supposed to be a biographical?
Who we are is complicated. And I don't know about you but I change, thankfully and hopefully for the better (but not always). We can describe ourselves as someones wife, mother, or daughter but is that who we are inside? Yes, I know that is part of who we are, but where do our thoughts come from and how do they affect who we are?
If you asked my mother to describe me, she would more than likely say something about the goodness of my heart because that is what mothers do and she is good like that. I would almost be afraid to ask my 13-year old daughter Delaney to describe me. I would probably just get 'the' look. Also, depending on who has possession of her i-Pod, how much Internet and phone access she has maintained on that particular day the answer would vary greatly. My sweet and not so stupid husband, Mike would think it was a trick question akin to "Do these pants make my be-Hind look big?" and laugh it off without answering. I am sure my two-year old would have something fabulous to say if her vocabulary were large enough.
I once played one of silly games through email that asked the receivers to reply to you with this directive: Use one word to describe me. I received a lot of very sweet, up-lifting replies and one that hurt. I was called pragmatic. Yes, I had to look it up to be sure I understood it correctly. That only made it hurt worse. I don't feel it was intended to hurt me, but it did. I don't consider myself wishy-washy and do know exactly why I believe what I believe. (I will save the whole 'belief' idea for another blog.)
I hope that most of my friends consider me loyal, honest, sincere and helpful. You know, all the things we want in a friend and a Labrador. I don't think 'fun' is one of my characteristics because I'm a little boring and tend not to take many risks. I do hope that I am at least enjoyable and pleasant to be around.
Do we put into print what we see as our faults or weaknesses? No one really wants to read that. On the other hand, I don't want to describe myself so highly that others think they have clicked on the wrong blog. Such a dilemma!
After rambling on for a few paragraphs, I have decided that I am taking this whole thing way too seriously. Isn't it just supposed to be a biographical?
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
In the beginning...
Blogging has been on my mind for some time. There are times when a Facebook post just isn't enough (she types with a smile). My hesitation has been lack of time and well, it's rather intimidating putting your thoughts into print. Will I be judged? Will I hurt someones feelings? Will I embarrass someone, including myself, with the things that I share? That is certainly not my intention.
I think my intention is to share my thoughts, however random, on family, God, events in our lives and maybe even the weather. I have lots of ideas now, but will probably forget them if I don't write them down. I hope you enjoy my ramblings and that they lift you up, make you laugh or provoke your own thoughts.
I think my intention is to share my thoughts, however random, on family, God, events in our lives and maybe even the weather. I have lots of ideas now, but will probably forget them if I don't write them down. I hope you enjoy my ramblings and that they lift you up, make you laugh or provoke your own thoughts.
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