Unexpected Blessings

There are many unexpected blessings in life, but one that we don't think about as unexpected are our friends. If we believe God is sovereign and all knowing, then we have to believe that everything that happens in our life is not by accident. He brought our friends to us, even before we knew they would be our friends.

I smile as I look back and see the now obvious orchestrations of our meetings: at school, at work, through the introduction of another friend, in a store, through a group, at church. All of these friendships were totally unexpected. When I first met many of them, I had no idea we would end up friends.

Some friendships clicked right away. Others took time to develop. Each one so different. Each one offering something unique. But all have been tremendous blessings. I am thankful that God handpicked these people just for me.

Have you thanked God for the friends in your life? Take the time to thank Him for your unexpected blessings.

Pads of Paper

When I was young, I loved going into the drugstore in town to buy a pad of writing paper. If memory serves me right, I used to pay 50 cents per pad. I didn't use it for writing, though. I used it to draw.

I would take my blue pen and draw all sorts of pictures: horses, hands, candles, faces. I had so much fun taking those blank pieces of paper and creating something from my imagination. Instead of looking at that blank page as empty, I saw it as waiting for something magical to happen when my ideas hit the page.

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where our lives feel empty. We seem as if nothing is written on the pages of our lives. Thoughts flee, emotions drain. However, when we hand ourselves over to God, He takes our emptiness and starts drawing and outlining His wonderful plans for us. We are no longer blank pages, but beautiful pieces of art personally designed by our master's hand.

I still have many of my old pads of paper. It's fun to flip through them every once in a while and look at all that I drew. Do you want your life to be full instead of empty? Do you want God to draw His perfect plan for you? Trust in Him. Hand Him the pen and then see all that He has planned just for you!

God's Amazing Confirmations

I was down to the wire. I had told my publisher that I would present a proposal this month for a new project. After studying their catalog, praying, and jotting down ideas, I had three possibilities. But which one should I choose? Time was running out.

Yesterday morning I decided to literally lay my ideas before the Lord. I took my three potential projects, walked into my room, laid them on the floor, knelt down, and began to pray. I asked the Lord to make it clear during the day which one I was to choose since I wanted to contact the publisher the next day. My projects weren't normal everyday topics. If He chose to, He could make the choice apparent to me. I even asked that if these topics were wrong, then show me another one. After praying a bit and reading some Bible passages, I continued my day.

That afternoon I drove to pick up my eldest son from school. I usually go early, park in front of the school and do some work. This time I intended not to take any work with me, but to listen to one of the teaching messages on a Christian radio station. The message for that time was about making decisions. The pastor was explaining that often when people have a choice between several options, they usually have one in mind already. This was partially true for me since one of my ideas kept coming to mind more often than the others.

But when the program was over, a commercial came on. I had never heard this commercial before and it wasn't related to my ideas, so I was caught a bit off guard when it mentioned the very topic I was just thinking about. Like I stated earlier, the topics I had chosen were not ordinary topics; so it was a big thing for me to actually hear that particular term used at that time.

Okay. So I had my proposal idea. But when I went to pick up my other kids from school later that afternoon, I quickly prayed for the Lord to show me if I was to present one of the other two ideas to the publisher as well. As I was standing in front waiting for the school bell to ring, an older boy who was waiting for one of his siblings suddenly spoke out the exact phrase of one of my other topics! Out of the blue! I smiled and silently thanked the Lord for showing me so vividly what I was to do.

Do you have a choice to make? Take it directly to the Lord. Lay it before Him and ask Him to make it clear to you. You may be surprised at the way He shows you!

A New Tool

My new laptop arrived over the weekend. Well, it's not exactly new since it was a refurbished one from the factory; but it's new to me! I have been wanting one (and waiting patiently, I might add) for the longest time, and finally my husband gave me the go ahead.

I spent the better part of Saturday night reading through the manual and figuring out how everything works. Although I'm not an expert on it yet, I am becoming more comfortable with the touchpad instead of working with a mouse.

There is only one problem at the moment. I wanted a laptop primarily to work on stories when the kids are using my computer or I'm away from home. However, the software that came with the computer is not compatible with Microsoft Word, so I need to invest a little more money in order to get the right program I need.

Waiting is part of life. I had to wait to get this new tool, but now I have to wait a bit more to use it effectively. But that's okay. I am still blessed by my husband's thoughtfulness.

When God has us wait, there is always a purpose behind it. His delays are good and timely. He is never late. So if you find yourself waiting for something that He has promised, don't worry. God will deliver His goodness right when you need it!

Weekend Reflection

"I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,

And will call upon the name of the LORD."

Psalm 116:17

Hope for Tomorrow

Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer, a time for us to go before the Lord, repent of our sins, and ask Him to heal our land. Some people think we are far too gone; nothing can turn this country around, not even prayer. There are rumors of a recession, our gas prices are sky high, groceries are getting more expensive, and companies are closing their doors. There seems to be little hope of a bright tomorrow.

I disagree. My God created the universe out of nothing. He can create the possible out of the impossible. His Word speaks of many promises of His amazing provision, even in the times of drought and difficulties. If we trust in Him there will always be hope.

We can look at the circumstances around us and feel panic and despair. Or we can do as we should have done yesterday: get on our knees and pray. James 5:16b says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Too many people look at the economy for their answers. I would rather look to the living God who can control the affairs of the world far better than any legislative or judicial or executive branch of government could ever do.

Who or what do you look at for your security in life? If it's manmade, it will fail. Turn to God. He never fails. He is all the security you will ever need.

A Sign of the Times

The other day while I was driving, I noticed the car in front of me had something etched on the rear window. As we pulled up to a stop sign, I was able to read the words: "Get Rich or Die Trying."

I couldn't help but chuckle when I read it. That saying seems to be the chief motivator for many. They think that getting rich is the answer to life's problems. Looking at the tragic lives of many young movie stars going in and out of rehab centers confirms that life is more than money. Money cannot fill the emptiness in our hearts and souls. Money will never make us truly happy.

True happiness can only come from the source of happiness, and that is from God. He created us. He placed in our hearts the desire to know Him and to glorify Him. We will only be happy when we've committed ourselves to Him and live for Him as our Lord and Savior.

Looking to get rich? You will only find true wealth when you invest yourself in Jesus.