Makin' Plans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr8OfXrQ9UE

Be Still ~ Red Rocks Worship

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 NLT

I enjoy New Year's Resolutions, Vision Boards, and making plans. If there's one thing the past decade has taught me, though, it's to be pressed into God to ensure that my plans are His.

My initial plans didn't include moving to Florida. My secondary plans didn't include returning. God had other plans. 

Our plans were never for me to work when either of our girls were little. God had other plans.

Our plans didn't include hardships, hurts, sicknesses, or losses. With a word, God could have caused us to bypass all of it, versus grow through it. While God didn't cause the hurt, His desire is for us to grow in and closer to Him. I guess our plans didn't include real growth. Fortunately, God had other plans.

God has surrounded us with many wise people. He encourages us to walk with, learn from, and even share our stories with them. It's through the sharing of our lives that our faith is strengthened and stretched, causing us to grow. 

God has many wonderful things He wants to share with us. As we envision dreams, make plans, and set goals, let's be sure make room for God's plans, even if it means laying down our own, remembering that the best course for our lives is His.

©Heather Potts 2020

New Year Blessings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKaXY4IdZ40

When You Believe ~ Whitney Houston ft. Mariah Carey

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 ESV

I took some time, yesterday, to review 2018 and realized that as hard as the year was, God's blessings were as numerous, and His promises stronger. I won't take you through our whole year, but I hope this one story touches you.

Sunday, December 30th started out as any other. After the church service, we ran into Elizabeth’s 4K teacher and asked her to keep an eye on Elizabeth. We’ve been concerned that our “new schedule” will take a toll on the girls. Brad’s new job begins at 5am. With having only one car, the girls and I have been getting up at 4:40am to drive him there. For the first few days, the girls went back to sleep for 60-90 minutes before having to get up for school. But the last day, no one went back to sleep. Elizabeth’s teacher promised to let us know.

After getting the girls, we went to get our coats, but Brad stopped to chat with someone. I got the coats and waited as he finished. After a few minutes, Brad and the other man made their way to where I was waiting. Brad looked at the other man and said, “Tell my wife what you just told me.” The man said, “I have a truck and I’ve been praying for God to show me who to give it to. I heard you had a need and wanted to give you my truck.”

Who says that! How did he know?

Brad and I both cried in the church foyer! The man said he and his family are leaving to be missionaries and we could pay him—if we wanted and could afford it—or not. As it turns out, I received a year-end bonus and had been praying about how God wanted us to use it. It certainly wasn’t enough for a new car. But with God, nothing is impossible!

Of all the promises God gave me in 2018, this one stands out: This is God’s year to act! (Luke 4:19 MSG). I pray that your 2019 is filled with blessings more numerous and promises stronger than any challenge you may face.

©Heather Potts 2019