Tell Me Where & When
Context: 2018 was a year like no other – went to court twice for custody matters, laid off from my job, interviewed 11 times for 6 different positions, my sister moved out over the summer, and on the eve of the week of Thanksgiving, my in-laws moved back into the house my husband and I had been renting for two years. So sets the scene...
Who doesn’t like to be on a warm cozy couch, snuggled up in a blanket on a cold night? While I don’t do that often, I sure do savor those moments! The word “comfortable” is defined as support, ease, relaxation and as is needed. But everything in moderation, right? In terms of life, getting too comfortable is debilitating. The moment things switch around, anxiety and fear can cripple anyone. I had my share of moments in 2018 alone.
When I pray, I typically utilize the acronym ACTS[1]. Last year, I was thanking God for our house, asking to keep us here or move us when and where he desires. On our way to a marriage conference, as was the norm, my husband and I were pointing out new homes that had entered the market. I referenced Acts 17:26-28[2], noting that God determines where we live, and He will move us when ready. The next day, during the Pastor’s Sunday message, he quoted the same verse. This was two weeks before we received the news that my in-laws would be moving back in. God determines when.
As hours were diminishing at work, a friend of mine asked me about my wedding planning business I had let fall to the way-side. ‘I see you as that Proverbs 31 woman…planning and making things with your hands.’ After eventually being laid off from my job in May, I continued praying with fervency for vision, wisdom and direction to take the right path, not just what I enjoy doing or am good at, but rather, to do what I have been called to do – to make the biggest difference for God and carry out what he has planned for me. “Out of the blue” I get two back to back wedding planning calls. And I was also inspired with the idea to create marriage unity boards and sell them on Etsy and a Christmas coffee, to raise funds for missions trips. Check out my shop, by clicking here.
January 2018, me, my husband and two sons began attending SWAT[3]. This has had the most profound effect on my life and perspective. Many people do not know for certain what happens after death and mention they will have time later to consider and decide, or the majority believe they’re “good enough” to get to heaven. If someone believes the Earth is flat, this does not change the truth that it is a sphere. The evidence declares it! The more I read the bible and study history, my eyes are opened, and mysteries in the bible are revealed. I am compelled to share these truths with those around me. To name a few, this path has taken me to Dallas, Anaheim and even Las Vegas to share the “bad news” that we’re sinners, falling short of God’s standard which is perfection[4] and “good news” that Jesus forgives and saves[5].
Towards the Fall of 2018, this verse had been on repeat in my mind: “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). As mentioned above, it is all too easy to get comfortable and complacent in routine, getting tunnel vision or going on auto-pilot. The solution is this: we need to consciously make a decision, and move forward as God leads us. How do we know where that is? We find truth and hear God’s voice in the bible!
No one can close a door God opens. Similarly, no one can open a door he closes. And his ways our not like our own. He is perfect, how could his ways be like ours? While last year (2018) tested and stretched my faith the most, it was one of the most fulfilling and exciting! I did turn 30, too. My marriage is growing stronger and more united. Funny thing, when you pray to be used, grown and taken where God wants, giving him permission over every aspect of your life, he does. A planner by nature, there’s the irony. God has me in a place to remind me He has the final say and is in control. ‘Man plans his path, but God directs his steps’ (Proverbs 16:9). Uncertain what tomorrow holds. But who is? I have the choice, and I choose to trust the one who does know the good plans he has in store for me. In words of our younger teenage son, “Get that bread!” 2019, we're getting you!
[1] [Adoration – I Adore you God because you are; Confession – God, I Confess; Thanksgiving – I Thank you God for; and Supplication – I ask you God]↩
[2] [26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being]↩
[3] [SWAT, Students With A Testimony: men are paired or grouped up with other men, as is the case with women. One by one, each group disperses into a location i.e. mall or large event, to share the “gospel” – we are all sinners, separated from a perfect and holy God; but He sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, pay for our sins and rise from the dead, three days later; and if we believe this to be true, our sins will be forgiven, and we will go to heaven (not hell) when we die]↩
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