End of the Journey

Well at least the end of this part of my journey...

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

~Jeremiah 29:11

One of the most beautiful verses for the hurting and fearful.  Yet we often cut it short without reading the rest of the passage:

Then you will call upon me and come and pray

to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me 

and find me with your whole heart.

Jeremiah 29:12~13

I needed to know that He had a plan for my life and this crazy curvy road I travel.  I clung to that verse with all that I had.  But it took a little longer for me to follow through with the second part of the passage.  When I finally decided to put down the boxing gloves and pray, my heart was released.  It took time.  I had to not only pray, but I had to seek.  And wait.

Verse 13 didn't promise that our finances would be fluid again.  It didn't promise new shoes or easy living.  It told me that I would find Him with my whole heart.

Hmmm... maybe that was part of the problem.  I had not given him all of my heart.  There were areas that I still wanted  to hold on to; to argue about the "why" and why-nots."  

The Rubber Meets the Road:

As it turns out, it wasn't about finances.  It wasn't about hunting accidents or pride.  It was about how God was mapping out my journey.  You see, even though I started this journey without packing, He had some souvenirs for me.   

1.  My marriage is stronger 

2. I expect less from myself and others

3. My parents and in-laws have experienced the joy of giving us gifts that we truly appreciate

4. My children are not spoiled.  Okay, maybe a little.  :)

5. I see the world in a completely different light.  

6. I have had the privilege of ministering to others in ways I would have never imagined. 

7. The generosity of others has floored me.  Not only in action and deed, but also in words of encouragement.  

YOU have been a part of my journey.  You have blessed me.  

Here are some of the words of wisdom you have shared since I started this little series:

God is good. And sometimes, until we get a little desperate, we don't see just how good He is. ~Kay

The one thing I hope comes out of this is that we can set an example to others that you don't have to have what everyone else has - which I've come to learn is a lot of debt.  ~Laura

Isn't it crazy how easily we can make our circumstances big and God small? ~Joy

What a relief when we seek Christ and his goodness above the approval of man or material things! ~Sara

Insecurity can shake your world in ways you could never imagine. That is where we have to remember God is our rock. It really isn't about us... it is all about the molding and shaping God is doing in our lives. ~Kellie

in God's eyes, there is no "big" and "little" -- that it's ALL important to Him.  ~TZ

Traveling light really does make a difference. ~ Richella

See?  I am surrounded by wise, caring women.  Thank you for sharing the road with me.  Thank you for opening your hearts by sharing your wisdom, experiences, and personal journeys.

Even though our roads may have bumps, turns and unexpected detours, it is a privilege to journey through life with you.