From winter to spring to summer

Psalm 43:10  "Be still and know that I am God."

"Oh the goodness, the goodness of Jesus...satisfied...He is all that I need...may it be...come what may...

that I rest all my days in the goodness of Jesus!"

Last July 31, 2021, I shared a picture of the same flowers...but no words.  And now...a year later...I took the same picture of my front flowerbed...reflecting once again on the seasons of life.  My last post on this site was in January...and then silence.  I find it interesting that I went silent about so many things that I was struggling with and learning while living each day trying to focus on doing what I needed to do.  Sometimes are like that!  Struggles are private things...that sometimes we share once we get to the other side.  I know people see when we struggle...but they don't know the deep down stuff unless we share it.  They may assume...I know because I do it...but they will be totally misinformed and mistaken!  For now...I just know that each season of life brings struggles that are private heart matters and I am not obligated to share all the details of what God is doing...till He prompts to do so.  In a day where everyone feels the need to post the good, bad, and ugly...I'm finding the richness of holding on to some times as just for our family.  Such sweet times with Him are so personal...maybe in the next season...I'll be ready to share the good, bad, and ugly.
 

Always remembering that there is something to delight in each day!

 

With each new year comes many moments of reflection and remembrance, usually regarding the previous year.  The older I get, the farther back I go in counting the blessings that have added up year after year.  This week in Kindergarten, we have talked about why Jesus came at Christmas.  I have shared with my class that Jesus didn't stay a baby...He grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52.  He grew up and lived his life without sin!  Jesus is our example.  He taught us how to love others as He loved His Father.  Each evening, I have the opportunity to talk to my husband who is a thousand miles away working.  Most days, I am able to function in peace and happiness.  But if I am honest, there are many days that I am hanging on and trying to be joyful in our present situation and it is so hard my throat constricts with tears when I see he is calling.  I will myself to not dissolve into a puddle of tears when I hear his voice.  I long for his hugs and company.  We share the usual pleasantries and exchanges about our day or the latest news...both working through the loneliness...and then the real stories of the day start...and I find my resolve to find my strength in the Lord and keep going each day...

because God has given my husband a work to do that is far beyond the business of this world!  Ted shares the conversations and questions that he has each day with co-workers on all different levels...often at the hardest times...and I wipe the tears silently away and pray for his wisdom and strength to keep on doing what is right in the face of hard.

I'm a grown up.  I have lived 52 years so far...and still counting thankfully.  I would like to think I have friends and can get along with people.  But the part of the verse that has hit me this week as I have explained it to my class..."in favor with God..."

I want God to be happy with my life.  And right now He is asking me to live for Him in Michigan while my husband lives for Him in Georgia.  I am spending a lot of time looking back to what God has taught us through our years together.  I am choosing to delight in the circumstances that God has brought to our life right now in 2022.  And I want to be genuine in my thoughts and life as I share with my five and six year olds that Jesus' way is the best way to live in favor with God and man!  I won't lie and say it is easy, but I will say that it is worth it if people can see Jesus in our lives.

"but his delight is in the law of the LORD..."

Psalm 1

LORD, please help me to think right!  Help me to focus on the right things...even when it is hard.

The world in solemn stillness lay...

I've noticed through the years that there are pictures of Christmas morning that looks similar to this one.  Most are marked with a time that is earlier than any other day of the year...ranging from 4:00am to 6:30am.  If I have a picture of it...that means I was the one up that early!  This year is no different.  I think this was the worst night of sleep I have had in a very long time.  Not to be rude, but there was a strong, loud outside force at work...so I won't go into any more detail.  I laid there.  I surfed on my phone.  I prayed and eventually dozed for while...but finally just got up...made coffee, let the dogs out, and now we sit in the still of the early morning.  There is something so calm and peaceful sitting here in the dark.  Outside there is a light blanket of snow that fell while we slept.  The Christmas lights add a soft light.  The smell of the lit candle adds a cozy glow.

Quiet

Comfort

Joy

Peace

I think that this is exactly what God wants us to experience when He says in Psalm 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God."

The writer of the song captured the idea. "The world in solemn stillness lay..."

And that is when the angels sang...God had everyone's attention...nothing else making noise and distracting them from the most important news of the hour.

Jesus was born.

He came to die...that we might live.

God's plan.

Hope for the world.

Yet...we allow the busy, the noisy, the crazy to take away the quiet, comfort, joy, and peace. 

2020 has been a year full of things that have taken our eyes, ears, and minds off the hope that God gave us so many years ago.

I don't want to forget the truth that I am reminded of in the stillness of these early morning moments God brings to me when I sit in the quiet of our home...surrounded by the comfort only God can give. 

Everything in our world is constantly attacking and stealing the joy and peace that I have in Christ.

On this Christmas morning, I am taking time to be reminded that God's plan for me is much better!

Peace that only God can give...2020

How are you ever prepared to hear the word cancer?  We wait for tests.  We wait to hear results of tests.  And then...the result is known...it is what you hoped...prayed  it wouldn't be.  Now it is known.  

How do you help someone deal with what all that word means?  We wait for appointments.  We wait for more tests and scans.  And...we pray...and wait some more.

My sister got the diagnosis of breast cancer.

How?

Why?

What?!

I sat stunned after the news...knowing that it is not going to be an easy thing to deal with...so many questions.  Fear of the unknown and fear of the known.  Plans. 

And in the midst of it all...there is peace.  Peace in knowing that the God who loves me...loves her...has all things under His control.  He knew the results of the tests long before we did.  He has allowed this in her life for a reason...I have no idea what that is or why it is necessary.  But I do know from the past...that God is always good and He will give what is needed in the storms of life.

I will not fear.

I will trust.

I will cry with my sis.  I will laugh with her.  I will hold her hand.  I will share time in this storm.

We have talked about this hope our whole life.  We have read the words of God for ourselves and taught it to others.  We have sung about our God.  We have memorized the Scripture...and now...we draw on all that we have learned and know to be true and say we believe!

Only He can give a peace that passes all understanding in the storms of life!
 

It happened again.

We had heard it would...and prayed it wouldn't...but it did.  Our state is in shut-down mode again and fear is reigning supreme.  The damage being done to our state...our country...our churches...our schools...our families is stunning.  I am watching and hearing Christians be paralyzed by fear.  Their words...not mine.  I have seen the panicked faces.  I have endured the shut-downs and changes that affected every day life.  I have heard the threats.  I have worked when others would not.  I have had to manage the stress and extra work...again.  I have worked to keep our home a place of peace and comfort.

OUR CHILDREN...AND OTHERS THAT WE INFLUENCE...ARE WATCHING US!  And they are seeing that our actions are not matching the words that we have been sharing with them for years!  

WHAT ARE WE DOING?  

DO WE REALLY BELIEVE THAT GOD IS SOVEREIGN?  

HAVE WE TRULY YIELDED OUR LIVES TO HIM?  Or was that just what we were told to say to "Be a good Christian."?

Is this virus real?  Yes.  Is it as bad as they say?  No...the numbers do not support it.  Is it dangerous to some people?  Yes...and those people need to be careful and take steps of precaution.  BUT THEY SHOULD NOT BE MAKING DECISIONS FOR THE MAJORITY!

I live with a man who has a quarter of a lung that functions.  On a good day, he struggles to breathe.  He coughs.  He spits.  He gets winded.  An ordinary cold immediately goes to his lungs and turns into bronchitis/pneumonia in a short time.  I watched him several years ago go into full on pneumonia in four hours...high fever...and we went to the ER.

YES!  I could live each day crippled by the thoughts that tend to creep into my mind when I hear rattly breathing or extra coughing.  BUT WE HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO THAT!  God has allowed this in Ted's life for his whole life.  We have dealt with physical restrictions and made adjustments our whole married life...and we have lived life!  We have been through some difficult situations through the years that have brought us to our conviction...WE WILL TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT!  NO MATTER WHEN.  NO MATTER WHERE.  NO MATTER HOW.

We have taught our children that we will TRUST GOD and we will follow His leading for our lives.  And that is not tempting the Lord our God.  That is obedience!  Pure and simple!  Proverbs 3:5-6. God has given us peace amidst many storms of life.  We will live what we say we believe...whether we are out and about...or at home.  Our children are watching us.  Other people are watching us.  God expects us to live out the reason for the hope within us!  And fear...does not come from God!  2 Timothy 1:7
 

"POUR into someone...

who will pour into you."

I understand the idea but I believe that we should POUR into others...

whether they pour into you or not!

I read this quote the other day, and while I liked it...I also had trouble accepting it as written.

Provide

Offer

Uplift

Rebuild

God's Word tells me that I am to edify.  (Romans 14:19, I Corinthians 10:23, I Thessalonians 5:11)

 I am to testify and teach others also. (Titus 2)

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.  I am watching people pour into my children.  I remember with fondness those who have poured into my life...some are now with the Lord.  If Jesus Christ is my example, then I should live life as He lived.  I know He is perfect, and I am not.

Christ did not just pour into people who poured into Him.  Thankfully...He is not a respecter of persons.  He met the woman at the well.  He touched the blind man.  He healed a lame man.  He healed the woman with the issue of blood.  He healed the maniac of Gadara.  None of those people poured into Jesus...yet He offered living water, forgiveness, love, hope, and healing.  He gave...till He gave it all on the cross of Calvary...and He still gives freely to all that come to Him.

Who am I pouring into today?

April 17, 2020

https://youtu.be/IGJGdNCau0A

Taking time to enjoy...

the quiet and peace of our home.  A cuddly dog, a cup of coffee, twinkly lights, and a comedy piece that reminded us to laugh.  There is a time for all of this...you just have to savor every moment that God gives you!

Needing to remember what is happening in our world right now!

March 2020

The month...the moment in history...that our nation is in turmoil.  Many states shutting down.  Our life has been turned upside down here in Michigan.

Ashlynn came home from college for a spring break weekend.  We picked her up March 12.

Governor Whitmer closed all the schools private and public in an 11 pm address March 12.

Our school announced we would be closed for two weeks after spring break March 13.

We enjoyed spring break as a family...and found out that Ashlynn would not go back to college till later...April 6.  We cancelled our trip to TN to take her back and take Alisa and Teddy for a college tour at Crown.

Our church services are now online indefinitely starting March 15.  We gather in the living room cuddled in blankets with naughty dogs.

Ted started working from home March 17 indefinitely.

The kiddos kept working at Dairy Twist...with a list of directives for how to return to our home...the safe zone!

March 23 we all began home schooling and working.  We got this...we have done it before!

Fear is swallowing our state...our country.

Shelter in place order handed down from our governor...anything non-essential is to be avoided.

Hundreds of thousands of people are now without jobs.  No evictions.

April 2, our governor closed all schools for the rest of the year.  

Alisa's senior year looks a lot different than we could ever imagine.  Ashlynn's first year of college looks different.  In all of this...I am blessed and thankful as I watch our family come together to deal with circumstances that are not our choosing.  We've had hard times before.  We have seen God take care of us.  We will continue to trust Him.

2016 Lately...we have had some circumstances...

where we have just sat in awe that things are going the way they are.  We scratch our heads and try to understand what is happening...and we have no answers.  We feel like we are following God's leading and then things come to a complete stop or take a sudden turn that we wonder what just happened and why.  Did we miss something?  Did we ignore something?  Why this?  Why now?  We pray.  We wait.  We don't rush ahead.  And so we stop, pray, and wait some more.
In my flesh...I don't get it.  In my own mind...I don't understand it.  In my weakness...I get frustrated by it.  In the quiet...I surrender it.  And then I am reminded once again...God's timing is not mine.  He has all things covered.  He doesn't need my help...I need His!  And then my spirit is calm...just like this picture...God's peace covers me with beauty and hope.

I was able to share a song that ministered to our family!

He Gives Grace!

Sometimes problems seem so big, they hide the light of day.

Sometimes pain cuts so deep, I can't find the words to pray.

Sometimes heartaches seem to be much more than I can stand,

That's when grace seems to take me by the hand.

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm.

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face.

So remember, when it seems you can't go on, God gives grace.

I know every pain I feel, becomes His very own.

God knows the weakness of my heart, that I can't make it all alone.

For He knows what I can handle, and He never gives me more.

When my strength comes to its end, He has more grace in store.

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm.

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face.

So remember, when it seems you can't go on, God gives grace.

Grace will help you stand, when problems seem so tall.  And grace will pick you up every time you fall.

I was able to sing this song a week ago in our morning service.  The message was about trials and suffering...and God brought me to this song.  So many hurting hearts surround me...and all I can cling to...is that God gives grace.
We've been in a few places of hurt and struggle.  We've cried.  We've prayed.  We've asked God "Why?"  And always...He has always answered "Why not?  I have plans for you.  My grace is sufficient for you."

A sick child.
An attack on your integrity.
An unexpected death.
A break up of a marriage.
A physical illness.
A loss of a job.
A strained relationship.

"Just remember, when it seems you can't go on...God gives grace!" 

He gives grace to His children...Always!

Saw this and agreed!

I believe this isn't just talking about physical rest...but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual rest!  When things are swirling out of control in my heart and mind...I am a mess.  But when I submit to God's Word and rest..."Be still and know that I am God..." I am at rest.  There is a peace that settles over my spirit...so even in the busyness of life...I can still be at rest!
I am finding this to be very true in my life right now.  We are in a different chapter of life than we were five...even two years ago.  I am finding that my responsibilities keep me moving physically and mentally.  When I do have down time...I fall asleep!
I am thankful for rest...in whatever form it comes.  This week...it was a chat on the phone, a texting conversation with a new mom, a discipleship meeting, lunch with a friend, a belly laugh with a coworker, and conversations with our children.
God always sends rest after times of fear and hurt...and it is always sweet!

What would you do?

I lead a group of ladies for one of our Sunday School small groups.  What a blessing!  They are all older than I.  Their children are all grown and married and having grand-babies.  I am not supposed to be "the teacher...just the facilitator" as we study God's Word.  I am thankful for the group of ladies that come and share what God is doing in their heart!  They are older and wiser.  They've learned some hard things.  They know what is more important now.  They pray for their children with broken hearts for decisions made or being made.  I'm encouraged by their genuine honesty and realization of their need for dependance on God.  Not loud and proud...humbly asking God for His best.
Last week during our visiting at the beginning of our group, we got the word that the husband of one of the ladies in our class went home to Heaven that morning.  It was expected to happen soon...but still...unexpected.  We had been praying for them.  She shared her heart a couple weeks ago in our group.  Cancer is hard! 
Talk about putting a perspective on our faithfulness to God...and then God's faithfulness to us!  I can hardly lead the group without tearing up lately!  So I grabbed the Kleenex box and asked the ladies to pass it around..."We are going to open today by praying for our dear sister!  We are going to cry and it is ok!  I know the lesson is important...but here is an opportunity to put our faith in action!  We prayed for healing.  We prayed for grace.  We prayed for help.  God heard and answered in His way and time!  It is time to say 'Thank You' and ask Him once again to give His sweet peace."
Can I say...it was the sweetest time...as each lady prayed for our friend and her family! 
We can talk about faith. 
We know all the words and good Bible answers. 
But when you are asked to walk in faith and live it out...
Do you? 
Will you?
Today was the memorial service and luncheon.  Our family was able to serve in several ways.  What a blessing!  This dear man left a legacy of faith...close to 300 people gathered and heard his son give a wonderful Gospel message. 

I've been wearing my running shoes...

and have left my slippers in the closet lately!  One thing I have learned...if I don't start out my day with time set aside for the Lord...it doesn't happen.  I trip.  I stumble.  I go the wrong way.  I fall...and usually it is not a graceful slow fall.  It is an all out ugly face plant.
After being home for several years, my world has been turned upside down working full time.  Our whole family has pitched in to make the adjustment...because there is no way I could keep up otherwise...since I am that weaker vessel!  The Lord did allow me to work into the idea a year ago as I began substitute teaching.  I knew I could handle it...with help!  I will not lie...I liked the freedom of not formally working, but I had too much free time!  I did not want to be idle.  I did not want my family to suffer.  God gave me a job that works with our family schedule.  I am truly grateful to be able to help take some of the financial pressure off Ted's shoulders.  As our children continue to grow up, there are added expenses that come and will keep coming.  I am thankful for God's provision in all areas of life...and in the changes of life situations.  I still hold to the truth that the hardest place to maintain a Godly response to life is in the home!  I must remember:  1.)  I have an audience with God.  2.)  I have an audience with my family. 
I am living with that reality right now...not in my slippers, but with running shoes on for most of the day.  It is easy to put a happy face on to help others and then totally lose it at home because you are tired and because...well...you can...because you are home.  NO!  The people who are loving and supporting me (by helping me with projects at work and aiding me in the running of our home) deserve my love and respect no matter how tired I am!  I am thankful for the strength that God gives toward the things He has called me to do right now...and the list of things that haven't been on His list for me...have been easy to decline.  I can't do everything all the time, and He has given me the wisdom to ask Him and allow Him to lead in those decisions.  I want this life race He has given me to be run well and consistently.  These have been the thoughts I've been entertaining since March...and today...I've finally been able to stop and catch my breath before the next lap starts!  Onward and upward!

"Everybody is all for change..."

"...until the change affects them!"  Ted said this as we discussed the topic of the SS lesson for this next week.
I've stopped to think about this this morning as I began going through the verses.  How many times have I felt all "gung-ho" for something and then realized, "Yikes, that is going to be a lot of work." or "Um, I'm not going to like that so well...I'm not in my comfort zone anymore." or "You want me to change what?  Easy for you to say!" or "Yes, I can change that, piece of cake!  It will just take a minute."
I am thinking back over my life and looking at the all changes that have been made...significant and otherwise.  There have been a lot of changes in 43 years of life!
Every change brought about more change!  Every change was made by me or for me.  Some changes were pleasant.  Some were not.  Some were easy and fun.  Some were not.  Some were difficult and full of tears.  Some were life altering.  Some were just a last minute switch up.  Some changes only affected me.  Some changes affected everyone around me too.
Change is all around us...every day...in every area of life!
...daily patterns of living, salvation, job, school, church, attitude, family, money, medical, location, thoughts, marriage, vehicles, home, friends, events and outings, relationships, ministry, clothing...and the list goes on and on...
Why do people resist change?  I believe at the root...is selfishness...and we all struggle with it daily!  Romans 6 and Galatians 5  Change is inevitable if you are alive!   
I am watching our family embrace change over these last few months.  Our recent change in relocating to Michigan has been full of blessing.  We are watching our children flourish.  We have experienced God's peace as we have watched God's perfect timing for change.
I am watching my parents embrace change over these last few weeks.  We see God's grace abounds in the different seasons of life.  Change often brings challenges that cause our faith to grow. 
I expect and anticipate changes that will come...knowing that each one will bring a decision that I must make.  Will I be faithful?  Or will I fight?
God allows every one of my moments to pass through His almighty hands.  He knows what I need.  He knows what is good for me.  He has a purpose in every change He makes.  I want to have the right heart attitude toward each chance to make a change in my life.  Every single change that has come into my life...both great and small...has been an opportunity for growth!  I want to be growing daily...because no growth...means there is death and decay.  Romans 8
God doesn't need me to resist growing and changing and causing a stink!  He called me out to show forth His praises!  I Peter 2:9
I am so thankful for God's grace in my life!  He saved me and has given me life more abundant...and it all started with a change based on my decision to trust and obey!

"If I can't see God's hand in my life..."

"...in the problems of life, it is because I lack wisdom!"  One of the missionaries made this statement based on James 1:2-5.  What a blessing to know that I can go to my Lord and ask Him for wisdom! 

Thoughts during the month of January...

have been all over the board lately!  So many thoughts as I look back over the last year.  So many moments to be thankful for in my life.  So many lessons learned.
So many thoughts as I look ahead.  So many unknown moments to challenge my faith and growth.  So many lessons to be learned.  And so many times to point back to and remember...
God is faithful!  He always has been, and He always will be! 
My goal for this new year...to remember and proclaim that God holds every one of my moments in His hands...and He allows all things for my good and for His glory.

Read these words this morning...truer words could never be spoken!

William Arthur Ward said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
After sitting around...most often a table...the last couple days with people, I have been made more aware of the simple needs we have.  It is easy to see the physical needs of people...but they need you to see the emotional and spiritual needs too.  Just a word, a hug, a question, an understanding nod, a prayer, a moment of your time...makes all the difference in falling apart into a puddle or being able to tackle the next step.  In talking with my sis yesterday, we talked about the importance of "...putting yourself in the shoes of another...how would you feel?  How would you want to be treated?"  Most often, we don't give it a second thought...because it takes time and would slow us down...or it would mean opening up and giving something of ourselves.  I then read through Daily In the Word and saw this quote.  2 Timothy 1:16-17 and Ecclesiastes 4:10
People have been encouraging to me, us...our whole family...in many ways.  As we are settling in and getting to know our new area, job, school, and church, I want to take advantage of each opportunity the Lord gives to give encouragement (the courage to go on) to another.  It makes a difference!  I know firsthand!

I have so many thoughts...

but they seem all jumbled up most of the time these days.  When I sit down to sort them out...I end up in tears.  Not sure why the tears...nobody sees them as I have about seven hours alone each day.  I have tried to keep myself busy with settling and daily chores...but then I get to a point that I just need to stop.  I want to sleep, but feel guilty about wasting time doing that while the rest of my family is being stretched beyond comfort levels.  I pray for each of them as I wash dishes or fold their laundry or make treats.  I really have a cushy job compared to everyone else...so what is my problem?
We just went through a big change!  Now...things are "slowing down" into a new normal and there is time to absorb what truly just took place in our family in under a month!  WOW!
I forget about how change will affect you...physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  For several weeks, Ted and I were preparing for the possibilities.  We knew the work that would be involved.  We knew that God had been working all things for our good for a long time.  We were ready for change...but then it actually happened!  It felt like we had been holding our breath for a long time!  We found out there are things that come up that we didn't know about or didn't consider to be part of the changing process.  God has worked on our behalf in amazing ways!  He has given us grace to help our children deal with the changes, and to be strong when discipline issues arise because of it.  They are responding well from what we observe.
We know there are more things that will arise each and every day!!!
We sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" on Sunday night.  I stood there with tears streaming down my face as I listened to the auditorium echo with voices of fellow members singing for all they were worth.  It is amazing!!!  The children sing just as loud as the adults.  In choir, we practiced the song "I Stand Redeemed".  I had goosebumps and pray that I can get through the song on Sunday without breaking down like I have almost every service since we have first visited.  My heart has been refreshed and encouraged just by the life and energy of the music program in this church.  The preaching has been convicting and edifying.  This Sunday begins special meetings till Wednesday.  This is a busy place...and it is fun to watch the kiddos soaking it all up! 
I am thankful for where we have been.  I am thankful for the lessons learned in the valley.  I am thankful for the growth we have seen in our lives and in our family. 
I am thankful for where we are now.  I know there is still so much more to learn.  I am looking forward to what God has in store for our family.
I guess...I will continue to have these thoughts and tears for awhile...for they come from a thankful heart!

That's a good question!

We all need people in our lives who will challenge us to think biblically.  After last Sunday's lesson in SS up in Michigan, I have continued to think about the verses and thoughts shared.  As a child of God, I have a responsibility to be the right kind of friend.  God will hold me accountable for that truth!  "To whom much is given...much will be required!"
Proverbs 27:5-6, 9-10, 17
Proverbs 15:23
John 15:13
Ephesians 4:32
I have that kind of a friend with whom to share every day...my husband.  I thought we were good friends when we got married...we talked, laughed, dreamed, and enjoyed being together.  After being with each other for fifteen years...dating and married...I now understand what type of friend I have in him.  I now see what a real friend should look like.  I, for the first time in my life, have a best friend who is not blood-related to me (read that as...someone other than my parents and sister and brother).  I now know, personally, how God wants the husband and wife relationship to be.  His ways are good!  God's Word says that Ted and I are "one flesh"...how can he be anything but my best friend?  And with that relationship comes much responsibility and accountability!  I have friends and acquaintances who would shy away from some of the things that Ted has done for and with me.  I know that some of the things we have faced have not been fun...ok, they were down-right hard!  Yet, through it all God has given Ted the strength and faithfulness to be that "Iron sharpening iron..." friend (and husband!) that I have needed.
He constantly is challenging my thinking by statements he makes.  Often, I have to grab a pen and write it down so I can think on it more.  The other day he asked the question during a conversation we were having, "Are you holding on to something you want to have and do, instead of moving on to something God wants you to have and do?"  This wasn't directed at me personally, but it sure has become personal to me as I look down the road the next two weeks!  How often do we hold tight to the things we want...struggling with all our might to keep hold, when God wants us to just let go?!  The song, "I've Been Through Enough To Know...He'll Be Enough For Me" plays through my mind as I look back over the last few years.  How much harder our life would have been...if we hadn't just let go!  I'm sitting here this morning...looking back...looking forward...and seeing that God always is working His plan.  His plans are good!  There is great peace and blessing in moving on to something God wants you to have and do!