God Will Make A Way

Worried! (Photo credit: photoloni)

Today, at Faith Barista, we are writing about: “God will make a way.”

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, phone in hand, my husband‘s voice calling me from miles away.  He said the company he had worked for for almost twenty-three years was having to let him go.  He was in shock. I felt helpless….a stay at home mom, home schooling our children, right in the middle of building our dream house in another state…..and my husband lost his job. His career. He was just a name to upper level management.

What would we do? What could we do? Not that losing a job is ever easy….but, this happened at the worst possible time.

“God, why us?  Why now? We were just at a place that we could afford to build this house. We used our savings for this. I had resigned from my teaching position a little over a year earlier, to stay home. We were busy schooling, and packing our house for our move to a new state. Our life was going to be changing….but, we never expected this.

“God, please!”

Over the next sixteen months, we struggled. It was not easy. There was not a day, that at least in the back of my mind, I did not worry. Worried that we would lose everything we had worked so hard for. Worried that life would never be the same again. Worried that our credit would be ruined. Worried that my husband wouldn’t be able to find another job in the poor economy.  The worry was eating me alive.

One day, my husband said to me. “God knows. He understands. He will continue to take care of us…..but, we really might lose everything. We might have to lose the house. We might have to live with family temporarily. We have to come to a point where we don’t just say that we know God will provide for us, we need to believe it. Believe Him. Even if we lose everything we know that we have HIM…and He is always enough. He loves His children. He will provide.”

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19  NIV

And God showed Himself real in those sixteen months. Things happened that cannot be explained by man. The miraculous occurred in the everyday. God made a way, when there seemed to be no way. I learned that the verse “nothing is impossible with God”, holds true, through all of life’s trials….no matter how difficult.

The biggest lesson I learned during that trial, is this:  God does not just make a way, He is the Way.

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At The Point Of Adjustment

I don’t know many people that live their lives thriving on change. Few individuals wake up each morning saying, “I wonder how I can completely rearrange my life?” Most of us enjoy our routine. We like knowing what to expect. It is comfortable…and feels safe. It’s really not safe, but we like to believe that, don’t we?

Sometimes change comes into our lives as an uninvited guest. It is not what we were looking for, or even remotely what we wanted, but it comes all the same. It seems that most of the time, when we have life changes, we are sort of forced into the change. Growing up, graduations and new jobs, labor and childbirth (a joy to have your new baby…but, the pain to get to that point is not something any woman enjoys), job loss, death of a loved one, health issues, moving to a new area, growing old.  All changes to be sure. All take adjustment.

I read something that I had written in the margin of my Bible, the page on which Isaiah 55 is written. A thought from the Experiencing God study.

“The greatest single difficulty in following God may come at the point of adjustment.”  I don’t remember exactly when I wrote that down. Obviously, at that time I must have been going through something, and it resonated with me. It is true though. Deeply profound, really. It is easy to say that one believes in God when everything is going well for him or her. It is a smooth walk when the path is well lit and God shows me the way.

But……..

It is in the hardness of change, the uncertainty of what will happen next, that one’s truth faith really shows. Do I trust Jesus when I can’t see around the bend? Do I know He is there when the darkness threatens me? Am I running towards Him when life hurts me and I’m scared? When I’m placed in a new situation and I have no idea what I’m up against, do I trust Him no matter what? Knowing that He always has my best interest in mind?

My answer should be, yes! Sometimes the yes is said with laughter and the feeling of being blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Other times the yes, is uttered in the dark when I’m not sure which way to go, or when the tears fall because my world has to find a “new normal”.

Yes.

Always, yes.  If I love the Lord, as I claim….then my answer should always be yes.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:9 NIV

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My B-I-B-L-E

It’s cover has faded from a rose pink to more of a faded blush. The once new leather, is now soft to the touch. There is only a faint bit of silver

left on the embossed letters of my name. The binding is broken, and the books of Ephesians through 1 Peter have to continually be tucked back in. There are pages that have tape and creases that can’t be fixed. It’s not really much to look at anymore…….

And yet, it is one of my most prized possessions.

This Bible of mine, is precious to me. It is personal. It is real…. from God to me. It’s a law book, a life manual, a treasure trove of wisdom, an adventure story,  a romance, and an autobiography. The past, the present and the future collide in a heart pounding, mind blowing, life changing book.

I write in my Bible. Some would reprimand me for this. Others would say that they do the same. Regardless, if anyone were to pick up my Bible they would see my life story mingled among the pages of God’s Word,  laid out before their eyes.

Notes scribbled in margins, words from various pastors. Quotes that meant something to me. Questions next to particular verses. The baptism of my son in 2002. The death of my late husband in 2000. Scripture underlined for emphasis. Other words boldly highlighted. The Wednesday night service after 9/11 happened….when I was crying and didn’t understand. Other times I wrote my thoughts when the words deeply resonated with me. I added my wedding date to my second husband. I had written in margins, words that reminded me that, although life might not have gone according to MY plans, life is still good and God continues to be Sovereign. I am blessed. Really, blessed. Far beyond what I deserve.

Above all else, my Bible reminds me that I love a God who did not create me and then leave me forever.

He is coming back for me.

It won’t be over. It will just be beginning.

And I can’t wait to read that next chapter.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 109:105  NIV

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Today I am thankful for:

* bright glowing, fiery sunrise

* morning quiet

* late summer coolness in the air

* purring cats

* a new school year

* being able to teach

* helping others

* a car that runs

* A God who is involved

* Jesus who is preparing a place

* laughter

* birds swooping through the sky

* a clean dining room table

* getting a good deal at the store

* a happy sister

* good kids

* a husband who reminded me that we are “stuck” together for as long as we both shall live

* fresh eggs from my own chickens

* looking forward to family visiting

* life

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Join In

 

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Join…

I want to join, I want to be a part….

I want to belong.

Don’t we all have those thoughts at some point or another?

When I was kid I wanted to be invited to the slumber parties.

When I was a teen it was the after school clubs.

In college a sorority.

As an adult…acceptance by my colleagues, and my boss.

As a wife…joining my husband on the adventure of a lifetime.

As a mother it was knowing “the secrets” of motherhood and being able to share with my friends.

I, like many of you, have spent my life wanting to join.

All these things are fine. There is nothing wrong with being a part of a group, a club, a relationship.

Being a part, is healthy and good…… no one can be alone, on their own….forever….because, well, it’s lonely.

We are not made to be alone.

It was right around my 11th birthday when I joined the family.

My heavenly Father invited me in…and I accepted. Life changed for me, at that moment.

Joining Him.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener”….. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing…..”

 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  John 15: 1,5,9  NIV

 

Sleepover (Photo credit: Ani-Bee)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Moments Are Numbered

Time really is like a river.

Some days are peaceful and placid.

Other days the river is white capped and wild.

This week I realized that life is changing…

time flows quickly, and it will never be the same.

My children are almost grown.

More adult than child.

High school, college.

Jobs, sports and schedules.

There is no going back, only the letting go.

My heart wants to hold on, even though I know…

it is in the releasing, that growth occurs.

It’s interesting  how each moment with them seems more poignant

when I know that those moments are numbered.

 

 

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The Time I’m Given

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I stood still, looking out the window as the sun burned off the foggy haze laying low on the fields.

There is a certain serenity, a peace, in a scene such as this.

The day is new, and as of yet, untouched.

Taking in the quiet stillness of the morning, feeling the slight coolness in the air.

Knowing that the heat of summer will be, but a memory in another short month.

I’m thankful.

Thankful to be here…at this place….in this time. For whatever reason God has chosen.

May I be worthy of the precious time that I’ve been given.
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:14  NIV

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Today I am thankful for:

* a new day

* a freshly cut lawn

* the spinning windmill

* my children

* freshly perked coffee for my husband

* anticipation of family to visit

* the last days of a hot summer

* opportunity

* God, who provides for all my needs

* love….always love.

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The New Year

I feel like I am on the cusp of something.

Maybe it is because it is “that time of year”.

As a teacher, August/September always seems like New Years to me….more so than January.

School supplies, and school buses, homework and soccer games.

The beginning of school is the beginning of a new year.

This is the time that I check and double check my appointment book, begin juggling my schedule, and start to look for those first signs of Fall.
It is a good time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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To Know You Better

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::

Stretch…

*****************************************************************************************

God, I’m scared.

I don’t know how this will work out.

I can’t see past the horizon.

I don’t know what is on the other side.

You are asking me to stretch beyond my comfort zone.

To stretch beyond my every day…

To know you better.

To trust you more……

and to always say “YES” to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In Need Of Rest

For the past week and a half, I’ve been off the radar so to speak.

Life got busy and I didn’t know whether I was coming or going on most days.

Do you ever have days like that? Or weeks? Months?

Life always tugs at us. The immediate and urgent takes over.

I, for one, find myself irritable and exhausted when I try to get everything done.

I want things completed, and I want things done right. Unfortunately, I, like so many other wives and mothers across this great country, feel if I don’t do the task(s) it won’t be done correctly.

I find myself faltering.

This is not what my heavenly Father calls me to do.

He does not want me struggling for perfection in a world that will always be broken and imperfect.

My focus has been in the wrong place.

What He really wants is for me to abide in Him. He will give me rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28  NIV

Rest.

That is what I really need.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4  NIV

 

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Thankful For Butterflies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cloud of butterflies flew up into the sky, dots of pale yellow wings against an azure sky.  For one, brief, fleeting moment time stood still. I was mesmerized by these simple creatures. Simple in their flight, golden in their beauty.

This Monday, not so different than all the other Mondays of the year, and yet……. no day is ever exactly the same.

There is always something to be thankful for.

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Today I am thankful for:

* the quiet breathing of my husband sleeping next to me

* fresh eggs from my own chickens

* being in the midst of a cloud of butterflies

* a bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream

* sharing stories

* meeting someone new

* friends

* walking around the property

* feeling at home

* a son’s new car

* happiness in a mother’s heart

* tender moments with my children

* lively discussions

* singing Christmas carols in August

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