Plan B

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8

I was listening a couple weeks ago to a message from a pastor in Nashville. I’m not sure how I found it, nor do I remember the guys name. But I do remember what he said. He began by asking the question, “what happens when your dreams are shattered?” We all have this picture of how we want our life to look like. Call it our Plan A. However, life does not always go as we have planned. He then asked if “I had learned to trust God...I mean really trust God?” Sometimes, for me, I find it difficult to be faithful to God, when I don’t think He has been faithful to me. And at times, it can be hard to seek Him when I feel like He has abandoned me. But I have a choice to make. Will I interpret God through my circumstances? Or will I simply believe that He is who He says He is.

In 2 Samuel 12, David is pleading with God to heal his sick baby. After 7 days of fasting and praying, his baby dies. When he hears the news, he gets up and goes into the house of the Lord to worship God. This response seems unrealistic. But what David realized is that he does not control outcomes. In fact, he couldn’t even explain outcomes. However, he knew that God could and that God does.

When there is a shattered dream or unmet expectation, will I believe that God is who He says He is? That He will be with me. That He works for my good. That greater things are yet to come. Because...I will have to walk through Plan B’s. But will I trust in His promise...that He is with me, even if I feel like He isn’t? Even when I don’t understand, will I believe that He is in control and that I am not? Because it may be my Plan B, but it’s His Plan A.

What do you need to say?

My dad has always taught me that it is better to say too little than too much. (I have a bit of a problem sometimes saying more than I should). And I totally agree with him. But sometimes, I don't think we say enough. Check out this video of people who realize what they need to say.... Click here.


I need to tell my parents that I really appreciate all they do for me. I need to tell me brother that I love him. I need to tell my sister-n-law that I love having her in my life. I need to tell Jessica I appreciate her friendship. I need to tell my coach how much she means to me. and my list can go on. What do you need to say?

Treasure Hunt

A couple of weeks ago, my family gathered around the dinner table to celebrate my cousin Magen's birthday. My aunts and uncles were there along with my cousins. It was a fun and eventful night. One particular incidence has continued to bring me laughter even now. As we were eating, my grandfather said "I believe I swallowed my crown." My initial reaction was "thats not good." But then, he smiled...it was one of his front teeth. The table erupted in laughter. Or at least I did. It was SO funny. I hurried to find a camera to capture the moment. My grandfather, however, wouldn't allow it (as you can see by the first picture). My father (mind you, we are still at the dinner table) said "thats okay, when you find it, bring it in and I will put it back on." (that was a gross comment!) I asked how much does a "new" one cost and my dad said around 800 dollars. So it makes sense, sorta. He said many of his patients search for their crown (which they have swallowed) so they don't have to buy a new one. Makes sense when its $800! My grandfather quickly suggested that I find his crown for him and he'd give me $400 (still at the dinner table!). Finally, my grandfather let my grandmother and aunt take his picture. It's a bit fuzzy but you get a glimpse of our enjoyment that night. About 15 minutes later, another aunt of mine found his crown on his plate. So he didn't swallow it after all! Thank goodness because I wasn't sure how I was gonna turn that $400 down!

Chloe the Jack-o-lantern

We visited my brother and his wife last weekend. They had just bought Chloe (who is 2) her first halloween costume. I've never liked the idea of dogs wearing clothes. But I have to admit Chloe was quite cute in her costume.

Waiting for Chloe to come out with her costume.


Strutting her stuff...


Dad trying on Chloe's pumpkin hat


Chloe hates her picture taken. In fact, she runs from the camera.


Resting after wrestling with dad...

Truth

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Feed what you want to survive

I had the opportunity to hear Beth Moore speak to a group of college girls in Atlanta a couple years ago. She said that an immeasurable amount of our personal misery in life comes from our insecurity. She later shared an illustration with us about the Altas Moth. This moth is found in Indonesia and its beauty is quite breathtaking. It's wingspan almost reaches 1 foot and is sometimes mistaken for a bird. When a female atlas moth emerges from her cocoon, she can have complete confidence that her splendor exceeds that of all the other moths. However, she spent all her time inside the cocoon developing long, attractive wings that she matured without a mouth or stomach. Sadly, since she can't nourish herself, the outwardly beautiful, inwardly undeveloped moth will die within a few days. She will live long enough to attract a mate and lay eggs, but her extravagant wings will never get more than a day's use. What a shame!

Sometimes our vanity can prevent us from developing spiritual mouths to feed ourselves on God's Word and have a relationship with Him through prayer. We may look great on the outside, but our spirits are starving! I have struggled with this my whole life, as I am sure most women have. Living in todays world, emphasis is put more on the outward appearance than inward beauty. There is a certain way to look and dress according to the media. It is easy to get wrapped up into what someone else says we should look like or should be. But our main concern should be the condition of our heart and pleasing God. Galatians 1:10 says "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." We can't do both, although many try. We must choose which part of us we are going to feed...our spirit or our flesh. Each morning we have the choice. In those minutes during my morning quiet times (when and if I make time for it) are a battleground between the mind of Christ and the mind of me—which is going to dominate today? Feed the one you want to survive. My own critical thoughts exhaust me, whereas the words of God bring vitality. How I want the mind of Christ to rule over this area of my life!

Marshmallows

Please watch this video! It is hilarious!! If you were five years old, what would you do? Wait for something better or eat it right then? PS This church also has a video called "Cardboard Testimonies"...if you haven't seen it, it seriously is a must see. It is powerful. Check it out...its at the bottom of my blog. God Bless. 

Marshmallow Temptation