Good morning, Sweet Things! I’ve sure had you on my mind this morning. I just got back from a long brisk walk with Star and took in the wonder of God through stormy thick clouds and heavy winter winds. (Think South though. Everything’s relative here.) I had planned to work out on my equipment in the garage but once I saw the cool wind whipping the leaves off the trees, I couldn’t resist getting out in it. I thought I just might feel a hint of God in that great northern and I did. I told Him how mighty I think He is and how wonderful. How capable He is of doing utterly anything. How nothing is impossible for Him. Then I asked Him certain things and, even though I don’t know exactly how He will answer, I know that He will indeed answer.
Oh, Sisters, we are among the most blessed people on this planet. Do you know today how blessed you are?? We have the King of the universe to look to and to be loved by. He planned for each of us before the foundation of the world and even chose the works we would do in His great name. (Eph. 2:10) He intentionally set us in our generations and planted us with divine purpose in our parts of the earth. (Acts 17:24-27) I am amazed by Him this morning.I don’t want to take divine intervention for granted. We – you and me – are the stuff of miracles. Even to discern the living, breathing voice of God through His written Word is a wonder.
I am anxious to hear from you through today’s Talk To Me Tuesday topic! I’d like to know about a time when you were desperate for divine wisdom in a particular area (whether relational, work, ministry, or otherwise) and you had no idea what to do. You sought God and you received wisdom that you are certain only He could have given you. For all you women who have walked with God for ten or more years, one thing I’ve noticed on this blog is that we are actively mentoring our young women whether we realize it or not. We have many college-age women in this community as well as a number of high school girls that post comments often. Have you seen them on there? It blesses me every time! They are looking to us to help them learn how, among other things, to hear from God and discern direction. Share today (as succinctly as possible!!) how you received wisdom from God to do something that you know you wouldn’t have figured out any other way. This is not limited to all of us mentor types, however. Scripture proves through examples like Samuel and David and Timothy that God speaks to the young as well as the old.
Talk to me, Siestas! When have you lacked wisdom, petitioned God earnestly for it, and known without a doubt you received it?
PS. I almost forgot! If you used one of your Siesta’s recipes for Thanksgiving, tell her, too!
This topic makes me smile. I planned all along through my high school and college years that I would meet a man in college, get engaged senior year and married the summer after. That’s how we are supposed to do it right? Well, it didn’t happen that way for me. I graduated and started working and felt like my “window of opportunity” was gone! My family was close with another family and we started hanging out more with them. I didn’t know their son well, but he seemed nice. We started watching football games together (GO CHIEFS!!) but honestly that was it. One day I said to my mom, “I wish I could meet someone like Greg” and there is was… that spark on the inside like God was saying “Duh.” A few weeks later Greg finally asked me out and that night I was praying fervently that God would show me that Greg was the one (I didn’t want to date if he wasn’t) and I heard HIM… whisper… “This is it Jamie, don’t miss out.” It was awesome.
Greg and I have been married 4 and 1/2 years and have a beautiful baby girl. We’ve had some serious challenges but I never ever doubt my decision to marry him; how could I? God told me to.
yea! go Chiefs!
(i live in a small town just north of KC)
Jackie
Jamie, I fervently hope every young woman out there reads your post! Too many are dating haphazardly with hope of finding the ‘one’ instead of letting God bring their mate to them.
I am in that “window of opportunity” right now. I graduate college in 2 weeks, and there is no man in sight. And I tell myself I’m ok with that, but it’s hard sometimes. I know God has it all planned out and I don’t need to worry.. but sometimes I just can’t help it. Thank you for sharing. I know it’s going to turn out just fine!
Jamie, you will not believe how timely your story was. I’ve been praying the exact same prayer in regards to a sweet man in my life. I had the same plan as you, nearly 26 now and so thankful that the Lord knew the heart of my desire… otherwise I would have missed out on so many experiences. So yes, presently standing in the waiting room. HE knows 🙂 And I’m excited regardless!
Blessings,
Lynsie
Jackson, MS
This really speaks to me! Thank you!
WOW Jamie,
Got “chills” reading this. Wonderful to hear what happened when you listened to God. Linda
Good morning Beth, thank you for being so faithful to Siestaville. I have some health issues that have not been resolved or answers found, but I am still seeking God about them. My neuro-surgeon is a Christian, so I know God is leading me in the right direction. Hopefully I will have some answers soon. God is so good ALL the time, isn’t He?
praying for you Donna
Yes. He is. Praying for your, dear sister…
Praying for answers for you and strength til you get those answers! God so good!
Siestaville is an awesome place, with awesome Siestas,sharing, praying, laughing & crying together, led by one ‘super-awesome Mama.’ I am humbled by the replys from Erin, Warm in Alaska, & Bobbie. Thank you dear ones for your prayers…means more than you know. I have one more test today and hopefully next week get some answers to my health issues. God richly bless each of you.
I am underemployed; recently I found out my house, which already needed a lot of repairs, had severe structural issues. I needed to move much closer to my workplace as well. I felt God telling me to sell, even though I have never handled business like this before on my own. In a town where the housing market is completely stagnant… my house sold within two months and I was quickly able to move despite the appearance of delays. Only God could have done that.
I am facing another issue right now… with a friendship…that only God can restore… and only God can get me over the trauma of losing it too, if that is the way God wants it to be. Please pray for me, for me to know and accept his will regardless of what it is, and for the way to be smoothed that atleast we can coexist in peace.
Praise the Lord about your house!!!
I definitely understand your friendship issue. I recently went through a similar situation myself. I’m still recovering, but God has shown me what it means to be whole in Him and He’s filled the space – exceeded it really – left by my broken friendship..with HIM.
I pray your friendship is revived if it’s in God’s will, but I pray He brings you peace if it’s not to be and shows you where He wants you to be and how He wants to use the situation to further His kingdom and bring you closer to Him!
Hello Everyone!
First, regarding Thanksgiving, I used the siesta’s recipe for cranberry sauce that called for orange marmalade. I jotted down the recipe but forgot to jot her name down. It was so delicious–loved it. Thank you, dear siesta!
Several times God clearly spoke to me during a time of confusion. One was when I was considering a specific junior high school for my daughter. I had sought the Lord, talked with the staff and principal, and then one morning as I sat on my couch and prayed again, I felt a peace “that transcends all understanding” come over me, and I knew that was where we were to send her. I had a similar experience when I was exploring graduate school for myself. The story is too long to relate, but through daily talking with the Lord–and taking the time to LISTEN to Him–He gave me a peace about it.
My husband and I are facing a decision right now where we need God’s wisdom. He seems to opening doors, but He hasn’t given us complete peace about it. And yet, because He has shown Himself before, I know He will when the time is right.
Not too many months ago, I was heartbroken over something my dear unbelieving husband did. I was in the kitchen praying and crying, asking God for wisdom. My DH was already in bed reading. i dried my eyes and put a smile on my face and went to bed. I picked up the book i was reading at the time (The Red Sea Rules) and opened it up. the very first sentence said, “Wisdom is this…”. it spoke directly to the situation i was praying about not 5 minutes earlier. i can’t quote exactly what the author (Robert J. Morgan) said wisdom was, so in respect to him, i will add a comment later so i can get his words correct.
More amazing than his words was the blatant way God spoke to me. Not only does He KNOW the details of my life, He CARES about the details.
Jackie – this made me cry. Hugging you thru Siestaville world wide web! Thanks for sharing this sweet and timely word ~
Amen! Experienced HIM do the same with me in prayer with varied issues! HE is Awesome!
Holy hugs!
ok, Siesta’s. I am even more blown away by God NOW! i went back to my Red Sea Rules book. I opened it to the page where i know without any doubt i read these words, “Wisdom is this…”. Hold on to your holy hats, siesta’s. those words are not on the page. they just aren’t. i looked thru the entire book. i can remember as clearly as i remember my own name reading those words. I see the chapter heading “Stay Calm And Confident And Give God Time To Work”. this IS the chapter where i read “Wisdom is this: leave room for God”. i even have ‘leave room for God’ underlined in red ink. wow. wow. wow. and now i firmly believe God wrote “Wisdom is this…” in this little life-changing book just for me, just when i needed them. amazing. God, You are Amazing.
OK Jackie,
NOW I am crying with Carolyn (W.I.A.) Can’t wait to see you in Houston again. LOVE SIESTAVILLE!!!
Linda
I’m amazed that you pick your “Talk to Me” topics when I’m going through the very thing you’re asking about!
In ministry, as you know, people can turn on you with such rapid force it will stir the breeze and mess with your hairdo. My husband and I are standing in that very breeze right now! (My hair is none the better for it)
My flesh wants nothing more than to defend my man.
God gave me a Wise Word yesterday morning that calmed my anxieties. It was all about “reins”, as in “keep a tight rein on your tongue”. The wisdom He gave me was, “I am the Only One you need to let hold your reins. Don’t let just everyone handle the reins…you give them to Me.” He is the One in control here, not me. He can do a much better job of defending, correcting and protecting my husband (and me) than my measly self can!
I love ya Beth. You’re such a dear Sister.
Now I’m gonna go fix my hair. 🙂
The One who reigns can hold our reins – love it. Thanks for sharing. I can always use a word like this, blessings ~
What a great chunk of wisdom! Oh I loved it!
I can relate, Redeemed. I remember a time of railing upon me and in the natural One would want to rail back. I silently prayed and He answered immediately with a Scripture picture on the walls of my mind and I KNEW exactly what He was instructing me to do. Even though the event was beyond pain, to this day I still feel His love and treasure the experience,not the hurt and pain BUT HIM in it and how HE answered and loved me.
Keep listening. HE will NOT fail you!
Holy hugs!
I love this and I know this one. Needed that word today sweet “Redeemed.”
GA Jan
I am praying for you now! Oh how I know how tough ministry can be! Thankfully, we can trust that God will never burn us or let us down. Don’t get discouraged — God called you to ministry for a reason. 🙂
At 36, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I was told I needed a bone marrow transplant. I was shocked by the idea of such an extreme treatment and told the doctors I would pray and my God would let me know if it was the way I should go. And I did. And He did. He gave me Psalm 91:1 at diagnosis. I envisioned it, rested in it and as I pulled into the parking lot for my first appointment for transplant, the radio announcer said, “and our verse for today is Psalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Of course it is….of course He would let me know I was right where I was supposed to be at that very moment before I turned off the ignition. He just loves like that. And here I am, 13 years later.
“He just loves like that” is surely right – and I love Him for it ~
Hey sweet Warm in Alaska…I think of you often since we met in Houston…just want you to know you are loved!!
Your testimony is so uplifting and it glorifies God mightyly. I’m so happy for your recovery and healing. He is so awesome !! Also, the scripture you mentioned has been the one I’ve recently chosen to memorize including verse 2 “I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Blessings to you, sister, this Christmas season.
And blessings to you my sister!
wow wow wow wow wowow
thank you for that verse. just wow.
praise the Lord for healing you and for your testimony!!!
Thanks Beth!
Goodness Beth. I logged on to see if you had posted yet and read “Good Morning Sweet Things” got up to get some coffee with tears thinking about being loved so by you how God must love us. Then I sat down and read your blessing and praise to our loving King and Father. Whew. Then you brought up a topic dear to my heart. After driving from Texas to Louisiana for a “last ditch” effort to see yet another marriage counselor (29yrs of marriage) for a weekend of one on one counseling my husband said in front of the counselor he wanted a divorce. The counselor asked me if I had anything I wanted to say and after 2 days of sobbing not eating and trying to say how I felt I declined to comment. Okay to grin here. The counselor instructed us not to talk until morning, asked if we had something to write with and left us to write a letter to each other. My husband did as instructed at a kitchen table. I went outside and wrote to God. I began with Eph 5:20 and gave thanks,thanking God for the journey past and future in ALL things. God. He is. He does provide. John and I are on a forever honeymoon. The counselor was a vessel of God and his words to us when we took breaks was ask God to make you who He wants you to be. Best advice God ever gave me. So much has come from that moment of thanksgiving and turning my life to God for help. My hands are shaking as I type this and tears are flowing because I know so many will read it and it’s hard,yet glorious. I love you Beth and Siestaville. I had the best ever cranberry sauce and I cut the lines formed from the can. My sweet husband of 32yrs is the best cook and we have a 20yr old daughter and 17 year old son who helped him. 🙂
What an awesome testimony!!!!
Praise God!!!! Stay on that honeymoon, girl, and
enjoy every moment!!!
Thank you Roxanne, I’ve read some other post, our mountains were huge, even after the Louisiana trip. What got me up and over along with knocking away chunks of rocks was God beside me each step of the way. It was 25 years worth of praying and oceans of tears as well for me, but God is faithful. Rocanne I needed your Praise God and !!!! points thank you. 🙂
What a great story. You seem so happy. Please do tell how you do it?
Rebecca it is not me. It’s God. I’m not doing anything but experiencing Him with every breath I take. and I am so happy so very happy I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart…just couldn’t resist. If the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack…and a few other things I might add. hee hee
Praise God Yanna…I have a very similar testimony. When there seems to be no hope then………”but God”. When we learn to cry out to Him and believe Him he hears and is so FOR US. Thanking Him for His goodness to you and your family.
What a beautiful testimony!
Good morning. I’ve been in charge of my church’s pantry for about 3 years now. It’s mostly been a solitary position. I’ve wanted to quit more than once. But every time I’ve gotten to that point, God has sent me the help I needed to keep going, and I have been blessed in knowing that God cares for even the pantry.
God bless you.
Melinda
Melinda!! Hi! Fun to bump in to my cyber-buddy-quilting friend on this blog, too! Keep up the good work in the food pantry. Our work never goes unnoticed by God, and you are doing a good work there!
Ellen and Melinda I want to join your quilting bee. 🙂 Melinda God loves the church pantry.
I’m a quilter too! Wish we really could sit around an old-fashioned quilting frame together. As Beth said, mentoring is so important and I know that’s how it was done “back in the day…” as women bonded together!
Love you Siestas,
Jan
Fun Georgia Jan! That’s four of us…one for each side of the quilting frame. Oh the love that went into the stitches in years gone by and you’re right the bonding there too. Have you read The Scarlett Thread by Francine Rivers?
I sought God and His Will for my life more than ever when I separated from my husband after 24 years of marriage. I’m talking about making the decision to leave him – I knew God hates divorce and stayed probably longer than I should have…alcoholism, abuse, and other issues. I stayed even though counselors, Christian sisters, and ministers said I should get out. I believed God hates divorce so I stayed. After having a car repossessed and our home going into foreclosure and after one particular incident that I shall not describe, God started opening doors for me to leave. While preparations were being made for the separation, I was in agony praying “Lord, if this is not your will, please start closing doors. Let me do your will above all.” Doors stayed open and I obeyed. God even told me how to tell my son that I knew God was leading us out. God even provided the opening on when to tell him. I explained that God loves dad very much. God also loves us and knows we are His. God wants us to separate from dad so God can deal with dad in order to save his soul. I told the story of the Israelites held in captivity for over 400 years and they prayed “how long, oh LORD, how long…” then one day a man comes to them and says the LORD has sent me to lead you to freedom. Then I said, how do you think God would feel if the Israelites said “Thanks but no thanks. I’m pretty comfortable here. This is the only life I’ve ever known. It’s not great but it is bearable and since there are so many unknowns I believe I’m just gonna stay.” My son agreed that God wouldn’t have been happy with that response and since these doors are opening I believe He is telling me to get out.
Talk about building muscle and increasing faith in Him – God gave me the courage to get out. I praise Him and enjoy the peace only He can give. I pray for my ex-husband daily. I have been set from from co-dependency!
Life is always hard, new challenges. But I just read in my quiet time this morning that when life is hard, God is building muscle! That’s from the Esther study from my favorite teacher – siesta mama.
PS – Thanks to my siesta who gave the corn casserole recipe. It was a big hit and easy to make and quite tasty!
I grew up with parents that divorced and both remarried other people. Because of that, I had no intention of ever getting married. At 22 I knew without a single doubt that God planned for me to marry my best friend. I argued with Him and tried to take control of the situation but in spite of me, God worked it out and we were married months after we both got with the program. It has been 23 years now, not all easy, and well worth it. God definitly knew what He was doing!
Thanks for your post Beth. I needed just that this morning!! It’s been ONE OF THOSE MORNINGS up here in the real winter (Montana- 2 degrees, foot of snow). God spoke to me and calmed me down and said that we would make it through the rest of the day just fine.
It started with a random dream where I told my mother I would go to the Dr. She was worried about me and I said, “Mom I’ll get it checked out!” I awoke so convicted this was important but having no clue what to “check out” that I asked God to clarify. As I woke up and walked to the bathroom he put the song “Sing, Sing, Sing” in my head. Fast forward… My annual heart exam was that next month and I had delayed it because it was always no big deal. That January it was a big deal. My heart had enlarged and I would need a valve replacement! I did not trust this Dr. completely and wanted a second opinion. I looked up heart Drs in our area and wouldn’t you know that there was a Dr. Singh! And not just any Dr. Singh but a heart Dr. that specialized in diagnosing and interpreting the exact test I was having to have to determine when I would have to have surgery! He not only specialized in it but had more experience with my type of situation that all of the Dr.s in our town combined…
We went from planning for open heart surgery the next month to Dr. Singh telling us we would wait. This was a huge answered prayer as I have very little kids and the whole situation would have been too stressful on the family. I know I have the Dr. God wanted me to have and I trust him to take care of me 🙂 Not only that but this bizarre story has been a testimony to my family and one they share with others! That’s God when you get your wisdom and He gets glorified too!
JJen what an awesome testimony! I will sing Sing Sing Sing differently now.
Praise God! What an amazing testimony! God is so cool.
A few months ago my husband wanted to leave my son and I. He was (well, still is a lot) just very unhappy with life due to not finding satisfaction in the Lord. When I shared the news with friends, I had several tell me that it was a good thing, I was finally going to be able to get out of my bad marraige. But I wasn’t feeling like it was supposed to be over. A little voice whispered that I needed to remain calm and confront him. I did, he was suprised, and he admitted to wanting to stay. THE NEXT DAY one of our elder’s wives called me and (without knowing what had happened) confirmed what the spirit had told me and encouraged me to stay. It turns out LESS THAN A WEEK LATER I found out I was pregnant. Whoa! I’m now 13 weeks and while our marriage isn’t fantastic, it’s hanging in there through strength in the Lord. (How do people remain married without Him?!)
Your last sentence says A LOT!! Have you seen the saying ‘I enjoyed the wedding, now invite me to the marriage’! God definitely wants to be IN every marriage, we just need to include Him. I’ll be praying for you and your husband, AND your growing family! You’re a very special ‘Texas Mommy’!!
Your last statement is SO TRUE! I’ve been married 27 yrs and have a wonderful, godly husband. STILL marriage isn’t always easy. Only by God’s grace…..
I had been leading Bible studies at my church and very involved when a extrememly difficult situation came up. Things were said and done that were not truthful. the church was completely divided. I felt God had told me to stop talking about it. (This was incredibly difficult for me for I wanted everyone to know the truth!) I was considering stepping down from leading my studies.
I was walking around the church one day praying for the situation and praying for God to reveal the truth. He stopped me dead in my tracks, asking “What truth are you concerned about?! I am concerned about MY TRUTH!”
(yes He said it in all caps!)
“I want you to take My truth to the people. I want you to share My truth with the hurting, the confused, the misled! Don’t worry about the truth in your little situation.”
(Did He really just call this horrible mess ‘my little situation’? Yes I think He did.)
“Focus on Me, My truth, and don’t give up!” He seemed to go on for quite a while about my pride, etc. but for brevity, I stop here.
Wow. Ok. I wasn’t expecting that. I knew my poor little brain could not have come up with that answer. But it sure was an answer. I have continued leading, and have let go all concern about ‘my little situation’. His truth is so much more…
Love this truth.
This spoke to me. Thank you.
YES! YES! YES! Amen!
A couple years ago I had an new job opportunity given to me at the company that I worked at. They had hired a new Director and he needed a new assistant. I was very very happy at the position that I worked at currently and didn’t want to change jobs but for some reason was feeling very conflicted. I asked God for wisdom, guidence and just to know what to do and without a doubt I felt he was saying that this new position was where he wanted me. I took a leap of faith and took the new postion and it was the best thing I have ever done. I love my job and what I have been able to accomplish in the past three years. It was one of the first times in my life that I had been obedient to His direction and then saw such blessing from it. I can now look at the time and remember it is worth it to seek direction from Him and then to follow that direction. 🙂
My life was falling apart and so was I. I so desperately wanted to DO something, but there was nothing to be done (except plea and wail). In the twilight hours after a blessed respite of a few hours of sleep, I awoke to the sound of what I felt was an angel whispering in my ear or to my heart.
In a calming directive, I heard the word “steadfast”.
I’d gotten a word! — Steadfast
I had a focus! — Be steadfast
And I had a task — Find out what steadfast meant!
That was almost 15 years ago. ‘Steadfast’ remains my credo.
Hi Beth and Siestas!
I like being a siesta so much–so much of my life I feel alone in my Christian experiences and thinking, until I come here. There are not too many women truly filled with, and listening to, the Holy Spirit around me, so I consider this site quite a blessing.
The wisdom I ask the Lord for tends to be mostly about my kids and how to raise them in this world…Specifically, when my husband and I were first considering school choices for them, we disagreed on what was best. So I sought the Lord and knew the most important thing was obedience to Him–which meant putting myself under the authority of my Christian husband and allowing him to lead, for the sake of peace in the family. It has been a daily journey of faith, and continual requests for wisdom as each new situation comes up, but God plainly showed me that He blessed my response (one example, leading my straight to books by a Christian author that gave good reasoning, blessings, and reassurance for that schooling choice that I hadn’t even known existed). Even when fellow Christians, even spouses, differ in their opinions on the non-essentials, I am so grateful to have such a loving Father from whom to ask and receive wisdom!!
Jen N. from OH
Oh Miss Beth, there are too many times for me to remember. I have a hard time remembering the circumstances of a lot of my situations but I do remember the answers that I received. In almost every situation the answer has been OBEDIENCE!! Most of the time, for me, it is hard to just be obedient but God usually is telling me…You know what My word says now just do it!
Well, church lady You do have a point there! And I see your picture pointing that finger, like I told you so__I love it!!! God knows best, doesn’t He!
I think the rainy cloud that is covering Texas must be the Same Glory Cloud and Wind over SC this morning – i had the SAME conversation with the LORD!! (I would love to show you my journal to prove it… )
As for the topic – some years ago I received a huge challenge to teach in a city-high school classroom. I was substituting that year and i was excited to receive an 8 week assignment with some eleventh graders – excited with fear and trembling! I sent out word for my praying friends to cover me. I was scared to death!
My first few weeks – days – were rough. Yet, I knew the Lord was with me. As kids do… they tested me. The tide turned strong in my second week of being in that classroom with a huge blow up of one of the students. It rattled me but i tried to appear calm and collected. The next morning (mind you Prayer was going on all over the place!!!) one of the students remarked to another within earshot of me, “(name of student) cussed out ms. (me) yesterday,…” To which, I commented, calmly and (by HIS SPIRIT) lovingly, “Everyone has a bad day now and then.” That seemed to set the tone for the rest of my time.
The students and I loved each other! I have never had such a wonderful teaching experience!!! I have NO OTHER explanation but GOD gave me the right words, the right timing and even tone.
🙂 Looking forward to what Our Awesome God has in store!
I sub, too. The only bad days I’ve had were the ones when the I was so rushed I forgot to pray and or felt so comfortable I didn’t bother to pray. I don’t forget anymore. He has taken the most difficult situations and made them precious!
My husband is Catholic and doesn’t attend church regularly. My son and I are members of a wonderful non-denom church that has been such a huge part of our lives. Each fall, our church takes up a Harvest Offering. The church is unique in that they do not ever pass an offering plate, but rely on each member to be faithful on their own and put money in the offering box as inspired. But the Harvest Offering is what allows our church to grow in the ministries, etc. I asked my husband how much we could offer and the amount he said was very small. I was disappointed. But I felt God wanted me to love him and be patient with him and not nag him about it. So instead I found scriptures about giving, tithing, etc and gave them to him to read and asked him to consider changing the amount. He read them and thought about it for a week and came back with an amount that was 5 times the original amount. THen…the very next week, we received an unexpected rebate check in the mail for the same amount. Exact same amount. God is faithful.
A time when we “…had no idea what to do.”
Several years ago I was struggling with being estranged from someone I love dearly. I’d prayed in every way I knew to pray; obeyed in every way I knew to obey. And there I was: exhausted and out of ideas. For the first time I could remember, I was absolutely clueless as to what to pray. The situation looked completely “unfixable” to my human eyes.
I believe the answer the Lord gave was two-fold. First, I heard Him clearly (though not audibly) say, “Kath, I don’t actually require your ideas to know how to work in this area.” Whoa! So prayer isn’t a big suggestion box? That, though I was out of plans, God was not? Profound relief.
Secondly, God graciously gave me a handle of sorts to at least know where to go with my emotions. While digging through the bargain barrel at the local Christian bookstore, I “stumbled” on a Wayne Watson cassete I wasn’t familiar with; bought it; listened to it. Then God played a song that to this day I believe He had written for me. The chorus goes:
“Sometimes I think about you.
Some old memories make me cry.
Remembering the good times makes me laugh.
But all in all I’m richer for the happy and the sad,
And grateful for a season in your past.”
Hopefully that quote is short enough not to get me in trouble. I’m eternally grateful, Mr Watson. But most of all to You, Lord, Dear Lover of my soul!
I can’t believe we’ll miss each other by a few hours at BNA. I can believe Michigan got creamed. 😛 Enjoy your visit with your sister!
I just hate that I’ll miss you, Michele! Have things worked out for Deeper Still? Praying.–for you and the Wolverines 🙂
Idk who needs more prayer, haha.
Yep I’m flying to Nashville on Thurs, driving to DS. Couldn’t get in the Sheraton, but at least I’ve got a ticket for the event waiting for me.
Trusting God will help me meet some people there to hang out with. Then I’m heading to Memphis to visit a Siesta I met at Beth’s Siesta Scripture celebration last January. Looking forward to that. 🙂
Michele, how are you doing?
Amber Moon
We have hit some hard financial times. And then, of course, our car had trouble. transmission trouble. we didn’t have the money for a new transmission, much less a new car. i prayed specifically for God to intervene in the automotive department. i don’t usually get so specific. and now i wonder why i haven’t been because He answered my specific paryer that day. Just a leak. only ninety dollars. He’s hleping me trust him through this stressful time. and i love him more and more.
Kendal (love it – my daughter’s name too!)
My ex-husband was a builder and we felt the recession before anyone talked about recession. We lost 2 businesses and I had to go back to teaching full time. It would take hours for me to tell you all the ways God provided during 2007, 2008, 2009 and again this year as I was going through the divorce. Once I received a $500 anyonmous cashiers check in the mail when car insurance was due and even down to anynomous gift certificates to get my hair and nails done and Starbucks gift cards! I kept a “blessing book” where I journaled it all – financial blessings, emotional blessings – everything and frequently I go back and read the reminders of His faithfulness. We tithed faithfully and He always provided for us and He will provide for you too as you are faithful to Him!
My husband and I have had a very hard marriage, and recently reconciled after a two month separation. One of the most important things I learned during that time was that it was vital that I build my husband up and not belittle him over his failures. I learned this through your book, So Long Insecurity. Well, two nights ago, everything was put to test. After coming home from bible class, I found that my husband had been looking at pornography. He was asleep, so instead of waking him and starting the huge fight I knew would happen, I sat down on the couch and prayed. In the moment, God spoke to me.
My husband ended up waking up and I meekly brought it up and we had an calm discussion about accountability and such. I know God guided my words because later my husband said “I was so scared that you were going to leave me, but you handled that completely different than I thought you would have.” My ever watching Father in heaven rested in our house that night and brought us closer together over it.
Hang in there sister! You are amazing!
Thank you God for giving Andrea wisdom and grace to share with her husband.
Warmest Greetings Siesta Mama Beth:) I don’t know what’s up with me, I could cry easily over things these days, and what you said about God’s blessing, the wisdom He gives, Ephesians 2:10, how nothing is impossible for Him, that He would choose us, it’s like almost too much for me…He is so Good to us, so Good to us! I have a testimony about requesting for wisdom. When I was a new Christian, I started to pray at night while lying in bed before drifting to sleep. One night, I was about asleep, and I felt like God was asking me something like What would you ask of me?, or What would you like for me to do for you? and I knew that salvation had been the ultimate, and I knew that I had a lot of living ahead of me, and I didn’t have a clue as how to live it. I was just then reading through the Bible for the first time ever. I asked Him for wisdom, because I had remembered Solomon’s request. How can one truly live for the Lord without God-given wisdom and understanding? I was desperate, I had so much bondage for Him to break. I earnestly prayed for wisdom and then fell asleep. Over the years, He has always given me insight into His Word as I’ve sought Him for it. I don’t think that I’m wise though. I pray that I would simply have the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord, and understanding that comes when I search for wisdom as for rubies, and then, nothing I can desire can compare with the wisdom only God can give His beloved children-Prov. 3
I almost forgot too:)
I actually used two recipes, Glazed Carrots from Siesta Jennifer Tricarico from Fairfax, Va and Corn and Green Bean Casserole from Missy S. Both the best recipes:) Blessings to you my Siestas-in-Christ:) and blessings to you too Siesta Mama Beth:) ((HUGS)) Love in HIM
katiegfromtennessee
I’m lacking it right now. We are struggling with a situation in our church and I just have no idea which way to turn. Would you pray for me…for my church family? I have never been willing to leave, but lately that seems to be the only course of action and no one I trust really knows what else we can do.
Please keep us in your prayers…
I could say the very same thing about my church situation. Difficult and hurtful things happening and trust and kindness have been hard to come by. My heart hurts when I think of going anywhere else and, to be honest, there just aren’t many options in my town. Above all, I pray that God is glorified in both of our situations. I believe when that is truly our heart’s desire, His Spirit will be able to move and heal.
Thanks, Sharon. I’ve waited on Him before and received abundant blessing…I guess when it happens in your church it just makes it more difficult because it’s unexpected. I will think of you when I pray.
It really makes me cry, because I really miss so many things that use to be and I know we are not suppose to dwell on the past. But, I really miss having Christian couple friends my husband and I can visit with. I miss teaching and feel so useless at my church, even though I started an annual Women’s Brunch, teach VBS, started a Mother’s Day breakfast for the women, and help other areas__it still feels like something is missing and I am not sure why we are here in this little town. It is so lonely here. I do work part-time and try to reach out to people, but I am praying God will help. This may not make any sense at all, but I want to move so bad. I feel like I should be teaching Sunday School for women or something else.
I’m praying that God will give you wisdom and direction… and peace through it all. Just keep on believing him; He won’t let you down.
Maybe my time of desperation, once again, is right now. For a while I have felt out of sorts, dreadfully teary, some anger, and a dread to see the Christmas season approach. I am a believer and have been for a very long time. So what is all this? I believe that the Father has directed my attention to II Cor. 11:3, that perhaps my
“mind has been corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” I do so need the wisdom that God promises. I know that He is faithful to His Word, so I’m am waiting to hear from Him. Thanks for your encouragement. I am planning to be at the Deeper Still event in Birmingham this weekend.
Deidra,
I, too, dread Christmas because the culture we live in has taken the simplicity away and made it something complicated that has nothing to do with Christ. I have no answers, but will pray for you as I seek peace.
While I can still hurt over this particular time, I am so unbelievably grateful the Lord answered my call for wisdom and discernment! Throughout a course of four years my husband and I have hosted six college students living in our home (each at different times). The final year I served as Bible Teacher to this group of kids and it was THE MOST DIFFICULT AND TRYING year of my life! I was greeted week by week with unteachable and hateful kids. We spent a mini-fortune just feeding these kids trying to “earn the right” to speak into their lives with the Word of Truth!!! There were day’s they would literally look at me mid-lesson and tell me to “shut-up” and that “no-one wanted to hear me talk anymore”. Talk about a rude awakening to ministry!! At the end of the year after all the kids “graduated” and moved out of my home…Praise the Lord…I spent the summer working in my yard and praying for understanding and wisdom as to not become bitter to ministry and hold a grudge for a church that didn’t in the least care about what was going on in this particular ministry…When I was hand tilling up about 1/8 of my yard in order to landscape and plant a garden my hands were just burning and I was crying in pain and the Lord asked me so tenderly to look down at my hands. The blisters had ripped and my hands were bleeding, as clear as day in my spirit He whispered, “You desired to see fruit, I desired for you to remove rocks, you were obedient to Me and what I desired was accomplished” There was more to it, but HE articulated in the most precious way truth in a painful situation…I am blessed to know that when His Word say’s ask for wisdom it will come, HE COMES…
LOVE THIS!!!!! “You desired to see fruit, I desired for you to remove rocks – That is so beautiful…so HIM!
Thank you Siesta OC….You are such a treasure!
No you are!
wow that’s beautiful
It was concerning my son’s health. He had been on steroids for 4 years with an adrenal gland issue that without intervention would have left him at an adult height of less than 5 ft tall. After those 4 years the doctor decided he needed to be on a stronger drug to slow down puberty. My husband and I ernestly sought God and our pediatrician. God gave my husband this verse Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”. We told his doctor no more intervention. We would trust God with his height and growth from this point on. I am thrilled to say we asked God for a height of 5′ 5″ for our son and God granted him 5′ 6″. We knew God would provide and he certainly did.
Hi Siesta Mom and Bible Study Girlfriends,
Let me first say I was an ardent Christian Feminist. I had my first child late in life and an older Prayer Warrior lady told me that it wasn’t God’s will for me to go back to work.
I prayed about that decision for 7 months then the call came from HR. I needed to choose. During the 7 months at home with my baby I prayed like I’ve never prayed. I was in God’s Word for hours a day. I begged God over and over and over again, please make your voice very very clear and loud.
You see I just gotten promoted from my last traveling project and with it came a big raise. I had finally “made it” even though I felt no joy or peace about work.
Well on my baby’s 7 month birthday at about 10 AM in the morning I told HR that I wasn’t coming back. She asked me to send a letter to be put in my file so that I could easily come back in a few months or a year.
My husband came home that evening and told me that he had been let go because he was no longer needed.
I was so mad a God I could spit. God told me during those 7 months that our little family would be Abraham, Sarah and Issac who were called to leave Ur.
Well, ten years later it has been a journey. I want to say from the bottom of my heart Sisters in Christ that Jesus is faithful and good in the midst of the most terrifying storms.
The journey through the storm(s) has changed Abraham, Issac and myself. As Abram told Issac as they walked to the sacrifice, “God himself will provide”, I have found this true in my life.
Gen 22:8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
I never sent the letter to HR for my file because I felt that Jesus wanted to be my main plan not just my emergency rescue plan.
All honor and glory to Jesus Christ alone!
Well, last year, we were looking for a house. We had no criterias, whatsoever! It was our first house and I was pregnant! We were so excited, and God did a miracle. He gave us a house, at the lowest price, because we couldn’t afford more!
And now, we are moving again. Selling house, buying a new one. I KNOW God will take care of us!! I showed it to me :
”The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house” Hag 2.9 I know it’s talking about God’s house… still!
Rachel
OH! I have story after story!!! (Hmm, which one?)
The first one that came to mind is this;
I had just graduated college and moved to Minnesota with a pantomime ministry. That soon crumbled, so I began substitute teaching. (That was my degree, after all.)
I was discouraged w/ the collapse of the ministry, I had relocated for it. Several of us involved were still living together as roommates, and there were several issues to work through. I was doubting whether I should stay put or move back home. I had just read the account of Gideon, who laid a fleece before God. Okay, I thought, I’ll lay out my own fleece. I put a very specific fleece before the LORD, so I would know whether to move back or stay put. HE, in his mighty faithfulness, answered me, and then sent several people in my path to confirm His answer. Ahh, the Beauty of our King!
I stayed, by the way, and later met my husband. 🙂
My husband was trying to decide where to go to seminary. He was currently working as a youth pastor and didnt have plans to leave for a while, but we knew school was in the future. We visited many schools and never felt peace about any of them. One day, while visiting family in Dallas we decided to check out the seminary there without any expectations. We both felt an immediate like for the school and professors and dean.
The dean told my husband that he should consider starting school immediately because “You never know what can happen between now and then, I think you should make plans now.” We took heed to his word and my husand starting taking classes long distance.
Just a few months later, his mom was diagnosed with cancer. His family lived in Dallas and so we immediately made plans to move there. My husband had already started classes at the seminary there, and things fell into place smoothly because of it. We were able to spend precious months together with her before she passed, and we know God brought us to the seminary for this reason. All of our doubting seems foolish in hindsight and the experience has caused me to place my full trust in Gods timing and plans for my life. He is GOOD!
This past spring something inside of me (read, the Holy Spirit) was pushing me towards women’s ministry. I didn’t know how, I just knew that I was supposed to be helping other women deeper their relationship with God. I have worked with youth since I was in college and was scared to death at the thought of discipling or leading Bible studies for women. Mostly because I’m ‘young’ {27 tomorrow!!! Happy Birthday to me! ;)} and thought I have absolutely NOTHING to offer these women. {Which, is true, I don’t…but God does, and He can use ‘youngins’.} 🙂
In the span of two weeks after praying that prayer, I had 3 different women come up and ask me to teach or considering teaching the “Women’s” Sunday School class at our church and I thought…really? Are You really going to ask me to do that?
Sure enough, He was. It was confirmed over and over and over again in ways that only God could have orchestrated.
It’s so awesome to see and hear God’s answers to prayer. Blows. my. mind.
Can’t wait to read all these ladies stories!!
God bless you on your birthday, Rebekah! Enjoy the blessing of being a leader in women’s ministry — God will blow you away with the joys, even when it’s difficult.
Happy Birthday Rebekah!
As I was reading this I was thinking about how similar my own journey in regards to this has been. It was last spring for me when God pushed me towards women’s ministry I, too, felt too young (I’m also 27) to have anything to offer. But, a couple of mentors in my life confirmed that I should take the opportunity and now I’ve spent four months living what God has given me to. It’s a little intimidating to step into those situations where you’re one of the youngest in the room, but so worth it when God has put you there.
Glad to hear your story of stepping out where God leads and trusting Him to work through you.
I have been a leader in women’s ministry for over two years, and I am just shy of 26. You are right- it is incredibly intimidating. And people may not like it. Just don’t forget why you are there – God called you, and He is working through you. He will bless you for your obedience!
I was driving home one night, praying. I had just watched a movie that so mirrored my circumstances I knew God was telling me it would all work out. I was crying from relief that the end was in sight and asking him WHEN. I had been slowly gaining on the car in front of me, but now the light was changing and it would go on through the intersection while I would have to wait. As I got as close I had ever been and the car drove on, I noticed its vanity license plate. I squinted and could just make it out: W8 4IT. Oh, how I wanted to follow that car and make sure of what I’d seen! I saw that plate again this summer and was able to show it to my husband. Since that first sighting I have discovered you and devoured all your studies. I am attempting waiting by serving and being patient. I am still waiting for resolution and some days it is very hard, but I do believe.
Thank you Beth for faithfully, sharing what is on your heart with us. God directed me to your blog this morning, it was exactly what my heavy heart needed to be lifted up. God has custom made miracles just for us, He is truly amazing!
This blog is new to me. My daughter introduced me to it and I thank you Beth. I have been a Christian for many years but being a head-strong person, I did things my way getting into trouble time and time again. Those times affect others too. My advise to young Christians is to ALWAYS seek God’s best for your lives in EVERYTHING big or small. He is so loving, merciful and always has our best interest in mind. Seek Him first before making plans. He is good to us all the time.
Welcome to Siestaville Ruth!
Linda
About seven years ago, my husband started talking to me about planting a church to reach the next generation. I wasn’t resistant, but I also didn’t immediately start packing up our home to move to another city. I began to ask God to show me his heart for a generation who was growing up without a knowledge of who he really is (Judges 2:10) and he began to shake me to my core. Within the year, our beautiful, comfortable home was packed, and were headed towards Tucson, AZ with our four kids and no job. Chad’s last paycheck was in hand. But, God had given me an extraordinary peace and deep anticipation for what he had planned to do in us and through us in Tucson. The stories of how he answered our pleas for his wisdom in this journey could go on and on. It has been six years in Tucson, and He has grown us and stretched us in ways we couldn’t have planned and probably wouldn’t have asked for. We are certainly grateful for all the wisdom he continues to give us in this adventure. Our church is called Second Mile (Matt 5:41) and we continue to ask, “God, what would you have us do next?” We trust his wisdom and guidance for each step we take in serving the people of Tucson through the second mile.
Hi Angel! I live down the street from the church and am so glad to hear the Lord sent you and your husband here to Tucson! The need is great in this city. If I get a chance soon, I’ll stop by and say Hi! In the meantime, I’ll be praying for you and your husband and this ministry. Siestas and neighbors in Christ, Josie
Cool, Josie! I would love to meet you. 🙂
I soooo needed to hear this. Thank you!!!!
When I had a strong desire to grow our family through the miracle of adoption and my husband was not feeling that pull at all. We agreed to pray about the issue until God united our hearts – either changing his heart or removing the desire from mine. (Which meant I stopped talking about it all of the time!) Within weeks God changed my husband’s heart and we are now in our third adoption process (5th kiddo!)
I love this 🙂
Good Morning Beth!
I did use two Siesta recipes – Julie Marler’s hint to add maple syrup to the whipped cream – it was a delight! And Mary Lou Menning’s – pumpkin pie recipe – super silky! Thanks – they were lovely additions to the convent table!
Now as to the topic at hand. God intervened in a big way in a very unhealthy relationship I was involved it. When I first met this person – I KNEW in my spirit God was telling me to proceed with caution. But I didn’t trust that … and proceeded to get tangled up in a web of distrust, jealousy, gossip, and lies. I prayed and prayed and someone put into my hands “When Godly People do Ungodly Things” and I felt like my relationship was being revealed on those pages. God told me in no uncertain terms that I had been HAD and to end that relationship now. As difficult as it was to do…I did it. He confirmed through His Word – over and over that it was the right thing and He has blessed that obedience.
He has opened my eyes to see the myriad ways that He has been faithful to me. So faithful. Praise Him.
Whooee! That part about being HAD – yeah! I love HIS confirmations.
Sister Lynn, How excited I was to see that someone made my pie for Thanksgiving! Glad you liked it!
I left work to be a stay-at-home mom about a year before we adopted our son. We wanted to get used to the “new finances” before we welcomed home our new family member 🙂 But after our son began preschool, I started itching to get back into the work force… well, that’s not entirely true. More accurately, I felt pressure to make money–to better our standard of living. I tossed and turned over whether to go back to work. I prayed and prayed, each time sensing a FIRM “no” from God. But, silly me, I just kept praying about it. Then, one day, as I was walking my son into our house after preschool, he grabbed my hand, stopped me on the sidewalk, looked straight into my eyes, and said (in his 3yr old dialect), “Mommy, I so glad you home with me.” I nearly buckled. I KNEW it was the voice of God STRAIGHT out of my little man’s mouth. I hugged him and told him I was happy to be home with him, too. I can honestly say, I have NEVER felt pulled to work outside my home since. I’m right where God wants me in this season, and He’ll clearly let me know if anything changes 🙂
Don’t you love the ‘3yr old dialec’~always listen to their little hearts when they talk! 🙂 They’re so precious and say exactly what they’re thinking.
Siesta’s recipes for Thanksgiving –
Yes! I made the pumpkin crunch. O my goodness – it was amazing!!!
Thank you so much.
I love being able to communicate with God and having a direct
line to Him. Pastor Joel preached just two weeks ago how “God does not favor anyone
over the other. All of us who are in Christ Jesus have 24/7
access to the King of kings! We don’t have to go through a saint, a bishop, a priest or a pastor because we have Jesus Christ interceding for us.”. I love that Joel reminded us of that.
I was offered an incredible job opportunity 4 years ago that most people would have jumped on in a second. Upon receiving the job offer, I told my prospective employer thank you for the great honor and that I would pray about it and asked if he would as well and we would talk in about a week. I have to be honest with you, that was one of the longest and most difficult weeks of my life! As much as I wanted the position, I wanted God’s will over my desire so I knew I had to get very still and quiet before Him. I felt like Jacob wrestling with the angel of the Lord. Finally on Saturday night I reminded God how hard headed I was and that I really needed to hear from Him. I prayed and prayed and told God all the reasons why I should not take the job. Every single time I gave Him an excuse or reason I felt and even heard a rebuttal from the Holy Spirit telling me why I was exactly the person to do it. After 5 1/2 hours of this back and forth dialogue, I finally said, “Allright, God. I am going to step up and do this believing it is Your will for my life. Thank You, Father, for this awesome opportunity.”. I went to sleep at 3:30 that morning and had to get up at 6am for church. I felt like I had 9 hrs of sleep and I had such peace!
This job has been such a HUGE blessing to me!! I can’t even begin to tell you all the great and mighty changes that have been wrought about in my life and walk because of it.
I praise God for hearing me and answering me!
Amen!
I always knew that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher since I was in 1st grade. I felt like that was what God had made me to do. After college, I got a job teaching 4th grade and I loved it! I knew that God had led me to this school and that He was the only reason I was given that teaching position. Last June I had every intention to come back to teaching this fall…however, I received a very unjust email from my principal accusing me of things that were not true around the 4th of July this past summer. An hour later I receieved a mass email from writer Shana Schutte (If you haven’t read her new book, “Betrayed By God? Making Sense of your Expectations” I highly recommend it! She’s an amazing Christian women.) Her email said, “Is it time to uproot something in your life and move on? Ecclesiastes 3:2 says “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Perhaps you have a job and God is saying “Let it go. I want to uproot that thing. I’ve got a new purpose planned for you…” I knew that could not have been a coincidence getting this email an hour after my principal’s email. I knew that God was using Shana to speak to me. Then, the day before I had to meet with my principal to discuss the unjust accusations against me, I received a card in the mail from a student I had in my class last year. I had never receieved a card in the mail from former students during the summer before! The front of the card said, “Peace” and inside it had “Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” And the student wrote “It’s been an honor being in your class! We love you. Love, Emily.” I knew that was God affirming that I was a good teacher, but that he did have something new in store for me. I resigned from my teaching position and now God has given me the time to be discipled by a former teacher of mine through skype (if I was still teaching the timing with that wouldn’t have worked out), and I have more time to work on my marriage. All glory to God for using others to speak to me. I love you Jesus! 🙂
I guess I am desparate about wisdom from GOD over my job situation. I am a dental hygienist (I work with mostly all women and that is trying at best 🙂 I don’t know if this is where I should be. I love my work and I love to deal with patients but I am so tired of “female-drama” and I have met some of the meanest women, one being a preacher’s wife of all things….I’m just tired…:)
I like your reply 🙂
A few years ago, I felt God telling me to write a book. The thing is, I never had an aspiration to be a writer and I did not feel qualified since I did not have a ministry or degrees in theology. But I simply said, ‘Yes, God. I’ll do what you want me to do but I need You to guide me.’ And He did. He simply told me to start – start writing notes on index cards, review Bible accounts, research quotes. At one point He sent one of my sons to help me with the formatting. Every step along the way He was there. And two weeks ago, it culminated in a publisher picking up the book. Praise God! Feels like I’m oversimplifying it, but it seems our greatest task is to take Him at His word, to trust Him and agree with His will for our lives – and ask for His direction. A journey with Him, while at times uncertain, is a true adventure and always worth it! Where God guides, He provides … wisdom, knowledge, divine connections, open doors, resources and PEACE.
How about if you’re dumb enough NOT to listen to the wisdom of the Lord?! And then that mistake becomes wisdom for the years ahead?
About ten years ago I was involved in a community volunteer group and the nominating committee approached me about serving as president for the coming year. I told them I’d pray and think about it. I did just that. True to His promises, God did provide guidance … not to take on that job at that time. I knew what He was telling me but, when the committee members begged and pleaded that “there just isn’t anyone better”, I caved.
Well, it wasn’t a disaster and I’m still proud of our accomplishments that year as an organization but the things that went on in my personal life during that time almost did me in! Oh, if I’d just been obedient I wouldn’t have been so overwhelmed!
Yes, Lord! Lesson learned! The hard way!
Since that time I’ve asked God for guidance in making many decisions. Sometimes He says “Yes”, sometimes “No”, sometimes “Not now”. Occasionally people aren’t so very pleased with me when I follow His leading. Occasionally I wish He’d give me a different answer. But always, always always His answers are the right ones and, ever since “the year of choosing badly” I know that following His leading is my best choice!
In early August of 2003, during my routine early morning scripture reading and quiet time with the Lord, I was prompted to write my estranged father a letter. Approaching forty years old, I had only seen him once since I was twenty. That attempt at reconciliation was a disaster. I had hopes that introducing him to my infant son would soften his heart toward me. He couldn’t handle years of unresolved guilt and pain, so my feeble try at relationship only pushed him further away.
Nestled in my soft, familiar couch I penned a letter demanding reason and understanding for how a father could value alcohol over a relationship with his only daughter. I was angry, hurt, confused and very bitter about a lifetime of disappointments. I had mailed a similar letter twenty years prior to no avail. Well-meaning people coached me in setting boundaries, I just wanted a dad who would love me and hoped this would prompt him to do so. My accusing letter was returned as addressed incorrectly a week later.
With the letter in hand I cried out desperately to God. Had I not done what He’d asked? I was trying to reconcile, to walk in forgiveness as scripture commanded.
“Please God, speak to me, I don’t understand why you want me to feel this much pain and rejection. I just want to understand.”
Like a gentle breeze brushing against my body, I sensed God move in my spirit and whisper to my heart, “Let’s do this my way, I want you to see your dad through my eyes.”
Bits and pieces of conversations with my dad came to my mind. His family of origin did not love him well. He was sent to boarding school at thirteen years old, and worked as a young intern in Washingotn DC by the time he was 17. He was sexually abused as a boy.
With journal in hand I wrote another letter. Through tears, I spoke of God’s love and forgiveness of my sin, how He had called me to respond in faith to Jesus dying on the cross. I told him I had been forgiven much and that I wanted to forgive him also. I understood he’d had a very difficult life and did the best he could as my father. More than anything I wanted him to know that God loved him and I loved him also. Would he please forgive me too.
In late September of the same year, I received a letter from my dad in response to mine. He began with “My beloved Kathleen,” speaking of his two year sobriety and coming to the Lord. He lived simply, humbly, with very little, but never forgot me. I sobbed in gratitude to God for the gift of forgiveness and knowing I was loved by my dad.
My father died a month later. I never saw him again, but was given his bible when he died. Inside was recorded the date he responded in faith to Jesus. I rejoice that I will see him some day, and thank God for the timing of His wisdom.
That’s so beautiful, thanks for sharing.
Oh boy…”letting go” of our 20-year-old son who has made some non-God-honoring choices. He is now out of the house (since October 18) and trusting God like he’s never done before. We have prayed so hard for him, and when he moved out, my husband and I received so many confirmations about this “let go”. We believed it the right course and God, in His infinite and tender wisdom/love, chose to bless us w/confirmation after confirmation. We have great peace…Tony Evans says he defines submission to the Lord for wives as “ducking so God can hit your husband”. I believe this is applicable for parents/children as well. We do our kids a tremendous disservice when we get in God’s way by “protecting” them against everything, even their own consequences. God, indeed, knows best and He alone “agapeo” in our children’s best interest.
I’m 38 years old and I could list several different things. In Fall of 1994, I was in a relationship that just didn’t seem to be very positive or what I had dreamed it would be. I had be dating this man for over a year…it was time to either move on or make a true commitment. I had been praying for two months about what to do and I wanted a clear sign from God…on Oct. 23 I was at my home church and the preacher preached about marrying the person that God had planned for you. I went to a very small church. There were only 2 or 3 people there that morning that could even be thinking of getting married because everyone else already was!!! Talk about the voice of God speaking! I heard loud and clear that I had to break the relationship off immediately. At the invitation, the preacher asked if anyone wanted to publically commit to marrying the person God planned for them. I quickly stepped out and came forward. I felt so free in that moment. The preacher prayed over me…to have courage and trust the Lord. That afternoon I drove back to college and told that guy that I had to end the relationship because I knew that God did not plan for us to marry and it was time for us to move on. He accepted what I said and agreed. We were able to walk away from the relationship less wounded because we knew God was in control of our lives.
How God lead me to the man I did marry is a whole other comment for another day!!!!
All you college girls out there, do not settle for less than what God planned for you!!!
Thanks Mrs. Beth for letting us share today!
Thanksgiving 2008 my oldest son was on his way to Iraq. During the weeks leading up to his departure my friends kept asking me “Are you afraid? Arn’t you scared something will happen to him?” Along with lot of “I couldn’t handle it’s”… I just kept telling them “God’s hand reaches Iraq”… And then the day came that he was flying out. We were camping in the desert and my mind was completely overtaken with the thought of my baby being in harms way. I took a walk and I was crying, crying and talking to God about my baby, and that all of a sudden I was scared. Telling Him how much I loved my boy and somewhere in the middle of my crying out I heard Him tell me about how hard it was for Him when he sent His Son into harms way… And I knew He felt my pain, I knew He understood everything I was feeling and more, but mostly I knew that it mattered to Him. I also beleived that it was going to be ok, no matter what. I don’t alwasy get that direct of an answer but I always an answer from Him. He is so good to me, and I love Him so much!
ps: My boy came home! :o)
Oh, praise God!
Thank you for your story. It touched my heart and thank your son for His service in the military. Praise the Lord.
Tears flooded my eyes! Praise the LORD!
This blessed my heart, and I want to say thank you. As the daughter of a career Marine (oohrah), I love our military!!!
Jan