He Journeys With Me

Genesis 24:42
When I came to the spring today, I said, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come.” 

Who is on your journey?

The other day, Tim and I took a road trip. We traveled to three bookstores in the Cincinnati area. The first stop we made was to a little shop in Madeira. The owner had kindly kept my books on the shelf for several months, a few had sold, but she was ready to return the others to me. After we picked those up, Tim drove to Mason, and I visited the lovely Belong Christian Bookstore. In case you aren’t aware, Christian bookstores are few these days. I chatted with the owner and showed her my books, with hope of a possible connection in the future. On our last stop, I browsed a Barnes & Noble, found a few stocking stuffers, and discovered they only do author events every six months or so. Some might say I didn’t have success promoting my books, but I made connections.

On the drive, Tim and I noticed a semi on the highway with the word JOURNEY imprinted on the side. That got me to thinking. Who travels on my journeys with me? On our trip, Tim and Rosie (she loves to ride) were in the Jeep with me, and the Holy Spirit buckled up and rode shotgun. The Holy Spirit led us to Belong Bookstore at the exact time the owner stood behind the counter. Due to illness, she isn’t there often. I’m thankful for the opportunity to meet her and talk about my books, and I call that success.

In Genesis, Abraham asked his head servant to travel back to Abraham’s homeland to find his son, Isaac, a wife. Concerned he might fail, the servant turns to the One who brings him hope. He asked the Lord to grant success on the journey. I love the servant took God on the journey with him, and if you read the rest of the story, he found Isaac a wife, the beautiful Rebekah.

When I travel through this life, I want God with me. The Holy Spirit dwells with me day and night, and I know on my journeys, He stays by my side.

Who goes with you on your journey? Have you asked God to join you?

Celebrate with Joy!

Something inside of me sparks when I near the Christmas season. 

I so wish every one could experience the holiday the way I do.

The joy that bubbles over comes from the beautiful baby born in a manger,

 so many years ago.

I love celebrating the One who came to earth to offer grace. 

His grace has saved my life.

Celebrate Jesus Joy!

 

Straight Arrow Planning or the Arrow Dance?

Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,

    but the Lord establishes their steps.

Have you seen the picture of the black arrow shooting across the white page, from point A to point B, that represents what we think life's path should be. Next to that is a white background with a black lined arrow that curves and squiggles as it crosses back and forth over itself. The second one with all the twists and turns represents living life as it happens.

As more of a point A to point B person, I like to know what's coming and when. That's probably due to my anxiety. But guess what. God has been working on me for years, teaching me the best laid plans may not be the straightest.

I know God lays desires on my heart. He gives me ideas to plan my course, but the path I take is seldom straight as an arrow. Most of the time, I go over and around the mountain to get to where I'm going. And sometimes, I shoot past where I'm headed, only to land where God intended.

As a teenager, he placed a desire on my heart to pursue a bachelors degree. To me, that meant going four years to college, right after high school graduation. Straight arrow planning! But the plan played out much differently that I dreamed. When I finally received that diploma, I was 48 years old. God knew the big picture. He understood what I needed and when.

I'm considering retirement now. I don't know when, but I'm gathering information. Although I don't know the details, I trust that God does. He sees the big picture of the arrow dance. He understands every step of the curvy route we live. In prayer, I'm seeking God's wisdom to guide me. I'm trusting him to show me the way.