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No Expiration Date on God’s Plans

Goodman High School, Goodman, Missouri

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

In the late ’50s, with no established art or writing classes in our rural school in Goodman, Missouri, I grabbed every opportunity to express my creative self. In addition to the school newspaper and annual, I thrived on creating bulletin boards and posters and working in the school office.

I was clearly at home with a pen and pad and relished each opportunity to exercise my God-given talents. Although I wasn’t sure what all that would entail, I knew God had called me to be a writer.

Sadly, I must admit that God and His plan for me were far from my mind as I left school. Selfish ambition, the lure of the world, bad choices, and circumstances beyond my control pulled me away from my destiny.

But, God is faithful. He never abandons His children! Incredibly, my first book, My Mother My Child was published in my sixties. Later, after I upgraded it to include detailed discussion guides for each chapter, I put the pen down.

Click here for God Has A Plan For You Scriptures.

My loving, patient Heavenly Father used a few days in ICU and a lengthy hospital stay to draw me back to His plan. I now have four books in print.

I intend to publish two books in my eightieth year. The Rebel and Preacher Man will be out this summer. And Patches the Turtle will introduce his new friend this fall in his third book.

So, I have to ask. Have you ever felt God tug on your heart? Do you have gnawing desires in your soul that won’t let go? Could it be that He is still wanting to bless you in that way? Trust me, you are always the winner when you obey God.

And, it is never too late!

I will eagerly look forward to your comments. I challenge you to earnestly pray. There is no greater encouragement and joy than following God’s plan for your life.

hugs,

Nature’s Lessons from The God of Comfort

Nature's Lessons from the Great Comforter

One of Adams’ Acres Blessings

Calico says, “Get me outa here!”

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8-9

Comfort may mean staying put.

Not pictured are three tiny fawns. Upon hearing me on the porch, they froze in place. As other deer approached, they immediately seemed to relax and melt into the soft grasses. Fear was replaced with confidence as they felt the comfort of a mother’s love.

Other times, comfort means to flee.

At the same time, a flock of turkeys in the cow pasture had stopped in their tracks. The sound of a car speeding by the house caused them to quickly turn and wobble down the hillside to safety. Secure in the shadows of thick brush, and no longer filled with fear, they gingerly resumed pecking the ground for tasty morsels.

In the second picture, the young doe followed my cat all the way up the hill. Calico was in no mood to play. Besides, he knew some good cuddling and snacks awaited as he headed for the porch!

Nature Points us to our Comforter.

I learn much from watching the critters on Adams’ Acres. Perhaps I relate all too well to the feelings of fear and doubt that paralyze and hamper good judgment. Especially as I grow older and my situation changes, even the smallest detail can cause stress.

Can you relate? Do you ever stand paralyzed or frozen in your tracks when facing some circumstance in your life? Maybe it isn’t even a big thing, but it seems overwhelming at the moment. Your breath is short and you can’t seem to shake that feeling of hopelessness.

God wants to bring comfort.

We have a Comforter who is waiting to help. He is the Great Caregiver. He knows us; every hair on our head is numbered, and every breath we take is by His command.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 Click here for 50 more great scriptures on our Faithful Father’s care.

I want to encourage each of you, whatever your circumstance, to make time to lean on Him for rest. His word in Psalm 23 reminds us that He will lead us beside still waters and restore our souls.

Today I pray that you will “cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) And you will, like the baby deer, allow yourself to melt down into the soft grasses and allow your loving Father to bring comfort and hope and peace for your journey.

Hugs,

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Let me hear the ways that God has brought comfort and encouragement to your heart.

The Truth about Our New Year Resolutions

The Truth about Our New Year Resolutions and why we can’t keep them looms clear for me this year. As I look at my list carefully, it is more of a wish list than resolutions.

What makes the difference?

By definition, resolution is a firm decision with clearly defined intentions. A true resolution is a commitment to make definite plans to accomplish the goals. Our wish lists are simply what we hope to do or to be in the coming year, and usually about our own personal self-improvement.

Our resolutions or goals need measurements and benchmarks.

Consider these questions as you look at your New Year Resolutions, your plans for 2018. Are they basically the same as last year? Are you hoping to do better this year? Do you have plans to measure your progress? What do you plan to do differently (beginning now) to achieve your goals?

Check your personal wish list vs. your resolutions/goals.

For me, I wish I would lose some weight; I wish I would exercise more; I’d like to cook healthier meals, keep the house better … Truth is I have no set goals or plans for those things … not any that are measurable.

Make a list of your resolutions (goals) for the year. Here are a few of mine.

I am resolved to care more this year; to pray more faithfully for others; and to regularly call or send notes to those who need encouragement; be more diligent in visiting those I love; to listen more earnestly.

I am taking a few positive steps to keep me on track.

I will set each Friday as my card day; keep address book, well-stocked card box, pens and postage in place! I will keep an up-to-date prayer calendar with my Bible and use it daily. I will keep a notepad by the phone to list those I need to call, and date when called.

Join me in scheduling time for those you “wish you could visit”.

For me it’s too late for long talks about childhood I meant to have with my brother; he is gone now. There are others I hunger to see; I am calendaring time for them. No, I can’t do it all, but I can respond the the Lord’s urging and put people ahead of “stuff”. I can learn to say “Sorry, I have a previous appointment on my calendar.” Then keep it!

Are their people in your life that have been a blessing to you?

Who do you know that could use a blessing about now? It’s near zero here today and will be tomorrow; I wonder how many people living alone could use a cheerful call from me to help shorten their day and give them some much-needed encouragement?

Today I put my note cards, pens, stamps, and address book on my desk and plan to use them every week. A ready pad and pen are by the phone; prayer list is by my Bible. How about you?

Hugs,

Have you met Patches the Awesome Turtle yet? He’s only been around thirty days and already wowing young and old! So thankful for a way to share God’s powerful word!