A Penny for Your Thoughts

Yesterday, while doing laundry, I found a shiny new penny in the dryer. I think this was God's way of saying, "A penny for your thoughts". 

I'm a planner.... I like everything in line, all my 't's" crossed, "i's" dotted, etc. I am learning, especially these past 13 years, that I can plan all I want, but God has His own plan and He likes to add twists and turns, just to make sure I'm FOLLOWING Him, and I don't take over the LEAD. 

I posted my poem, "What a day brings forth", the other day. A good reminder that God has a specific plan and purpose and will accomplish it all in HIS time. 

I talk with God often... yet at times, I find myself, "telling God" how I think things should happen. I know... like I know best!?? 

The shiny new penny was a reminder that I'm to share my thoughts, my desires, my concerns with God... but then I need to LISTEN and allow God to share His thoughts and plans with me. I need to take a step back and give God time to accomplish His plan. 

"A penny for your thoughts".... yes, I'll continue to share my thoughts with God... I only need to remember to allow God to share His thoughts with me too.

What a Day Brings Forth

I love God's timing. 

As I was cleaning out files yesterday and today, I came across several copies a poem I wrote on August 15, 2001... in several different files. 

I remember that day VERY well. I had an appointment downtown Chicago at a Rehab Institute for an evaluation on my back. I had planned for this appointment for weeks, gather all the necessary x-rays, medical records, etc. I had the train schedule almost memorized. That morning I woke up got ready and went to leave for the train station... only my car would not start. The battery was dead. Ok, that was NOT in my plans! I quickly called a few taxi companies until I found one that could come ASAP. I made it downtown in time for my appointment and a friend picked me up from the train station and brought me back home. 

On the train on the way into the City, I wrote this poem: 

What a Day Brings Forth—

No matter how well I prepare; 

no matter how well I plan;

What a day brings forth is not in my hands. 

Making phone calls, confirming dates; 

Copying records; checking the list;

What a day will bring forth —there is no way to predict. 

The unexpected can be a blessing in disguise.

Consider the adventure, and the surprise—

Instead of focusing on the whats and whys. 

I do know—beyond any doubt

What a day brings forth in not in my hands, 

But this day is EXACTLY what God has planned! 

-R.Sawtelle • August 15, 2001

Since God had me find this poem... several times, I guess He wants to remind me that He does have some surprises and a PERFECT plan as I prepare to move. Isn't God great?!!!

At the Right Time

As I was going through papers and shredding yesterday, I came across a piece of paper with this quote on it: 

“Great people are ready to help me, at the right time, in the right way, people I don’t even know yet. I promise I will never give up because I don’t have the help, but I will trust God to provide. God has resources to help you that you have not even considered. They are multiplied thousands of persons with all sorts of talents, skills, concerns, and contacts that God can bring into your life in order to fulfill His plans. So open your eyes and see the faces of people around you. Open your ears to hear what they are saying. Today, tomorrow, next week, you’ll meet someone, someone who is just the person you need. And that right person will come along to fill just the right place at just the right time. And you will marvel knowing God arranged it beautifully.” Rick Warren

Wow! God knew that this was exactly what I needed to be reminded of... as I work on the move. Looking forward to seeing all that God does and HOW He does it all. Excited!! 

How will it all work out?

As I was talking with God last night and this morning about this "moving adventure", I realized that I'm most excited to see His creativity in taking care of all the details. God continues to amaze me in how He takes care of me in such creative and unique ways. I'm looking forward to the little and big things He does to work out all the details.

New Adventure!

A New Adventure is beginning! 

After 20 years of living in IL, I believe that God is directing me to return to Florida. I've started the application process at an apartment complex in Winter Haven. God has MANY details to work out... but thankfully, He is a God of details! 

As for a time frame, that's totally up to God. When there is an available apartment that fits my needs, then I'll move. 

Please pray with me that I'll wait on God and let Him lead in this move. I have a tendency to want to go "full steam ahead" and in doing so, I often forget to talk things over with God and consult HIS plan. 

Thank you for your prayers as I continue on this new journey God has planned for me. I'm excited yet, part of me is nervous as I leave behind the familiar. But knowing that God is in this move, I'm mostly excited.