His Will or Mine?

Yesterday was one of those days that changes everything.

For three and a half years I have put my heart, soul, strength and mind into trying to make The Savior's Touch Christian Bookstore a successful business. Suddenly, it is over. I am relieved of my duties and suddenly have nothing but time on my hands. Now what?

I feel betrayed, angry, sad and relieved, hopeful and expectant all at the same time. I recognize that the store has taken time and energy that should belong to my husband and my children. I have managed to overlook that small detail for some time. But the truth remains. I now realize that once again I have been guilty of choosing my will over God's. I have been settling for good instead of holding out for best.




This is not the first time I have been down this detour. My six year stint in a MLM was the same story. I convinced myself that it was God's provision even though it took time and energy that should belong to my husband and children. I believed I was helping people and that I would eventually become wealthy.

My goal at the store was not so much wealth as it was significance. I believed that I was impacting people's lives by listening and sharing. I never expected to make much money so I didn't recognize the fact that I was on the wrong path again.

Today I am grieving the loss of another dream and am praying that the Holy Spirit will enable me to recognize the next detour and avoid it.

Jehovah-Jireh

Is God actively and intimately involved in the lives of humans?

• I say, YES! 

• More importantly The Bible says, YES!

      And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28 New Living Translation

Yesterday I was privileged to witness His amazing provision; 

God acting in His role as

JEHOVAH-JIREH:   “The Lord will Provide.” Gen. 22:14. From “jireh” (“to see” or “to provide,” or to “foresee” as a prophet.) God always provides.

I had agreed to meet Rick Cox in Athens, GA to exchange vehicles with him.  His church had loaned us their van when ours had broken down while on a youth trip in his “neighborhood
”.  He had an errand to run in Athens, and meeting him there would save me two hours driving time.  Our meeting had been rescheduled three times before we were able to decide on something that worked for both of us.

As I was leaving the house my daughter called with a desperate need! She was returning home from a visit with her sister and realized that she had no cash and not enough gas to get home!

Was it a coincidence that our routes met within five minutes of her reaching the bottom of her gas tank without either of us having to go out of our way?!!

I don’t think so.  My mom used to say, “God looks out for fools and little children.”  Since I often make foolish mistakes, it is comforting to know that my loving heavenly Father is looking out for me.

Some may say this was just a coincidence or luck, but I know that it was all just to perfect to have just happened the way it did.  I see a Divine Hand working all things together for good because my daughter and I both love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Choosing Joy

Life happens all around us and we really have very little control. However, we can control what we think about it and our choices make all the difference in the world.

I have learned at the ripe old age of 54 that -The way I see things is not necessarily the way they are!! My perspective is skewed by my experiences and mind set. The person standing next to me sees and hears the same set of images and sounds yet gets a completely different view of what is going on.

Last month, I had to make a choice about how I was going to view and respond to loosing my job.

I decided to act like I believe that "God works all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose." Ro 8:28 And that God "has a plan to give me a hope and a future, to prosper me and not to harm me." Jeremiah 29:11

Trusting Him made all the difference in the world as I looked for and found reasons to be thankful.

When my daughter asked this question in silence and solitude, the Lord brought to mind the words to the song "Beloved" by Tenth Avenue North.

If you have been wondering the same thing, I hope these lyrics help!!

Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
Give me your life
Lust and the lies
The past you're afraid I might see
You've been running away from me

You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
It binds you to me
It's a mystery

Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
I'm the giver of life
I'll clothe you in white
My immaculate bride you will be
Oh come running home to me yeah *now*

You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
and Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
 and it binds you to me yea now now

Well you've been a mistress, my wife
Chasing lovers it won't satisfy
Won't you let me make you my bride
You will drink of my lips
And**taste new life

You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
it binds you to me

You're my beloved
Forever we'll be
Our love it unites us
And it binds you to me
It's a mystery






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No comment Necessary

This music video from Misty Edwards is very powerful.  I will let it speak for itself without any commentary from me.

When It Rains

"Until you know, how it feels in the dark, until you face the hurt in your heart
The sun can shine, but you won’t see the light-I bless the day when it rains"--Katina
These simple words to a simple song written in response to the Nashville, TN flood remind us that the trials of life are a necessary part of our growing relationship with God.  It is the difficulties of life that forge our dependence on Him and cause us to learn to lean on Him instead of falsely believing that we are in control.
Ultimately, He is always in control and we never are in control. We may have the illusion that we are in complete control, but suffering and hardships force us to accept the reality that we are like ships tossed by the waves and buffetted by the wind.
There is an old addage that say's "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."  It is helpful in times of struggle to be reminded that God has a purpose and a plan in everthing that happens, and ultimately we will be strengthened by it if we will trust God to do what He will with us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 New International Version

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Write Your Own Book of Psalms

Recently, I have really enjoyed listening to worship music at BREATHEcastFM.  Today, instead or reading my Bible, journaling, or studying during my early morning visit with God I just tuned in and prayerfully listened to the music.  As I did, it occured to me that although I am not blessed with the talent to sing or make music that anyone else would care to listen to, I am writing psalms as I pour out my heart to God in my journal and on this blog.
I am reminded of the command to record for future generations the mighty acts of God.  Often, my journal entries serve to remind me of what God has said to and done.  Without the written reminder I tend to forget the things that He has made clear to me.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Dt 4:9

I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

Ps 89:1 

I would love to see your psalms recording the mighty acts that God has shown you.  Please comment below with your story.  Why not play worship songs in the background while you type your response!