My Plan vs His Plan

Thursday night, a time when a group of fabulous women connect on Twitter- it's an evening that I can sit down and unwind-let go of all of my worries and release the burdens of the week. I've noticed over the last few weeks, I've had some heaviness on my heart for one reason or the other. I yearn for the weeks prior where I had very little stress and felt absolutely wonderful. So, I ask myself what's changed? Why have I let the ways of the world dictate my usual happy spirit and transform my smile into anxiety and feeling overwhelmed? Because I have let the darkness slip it's dirty claws around my thoughts...

When I walk, I think. The winter has been harsh and I haven't take the time to explore the outside this entire season. Last night I was able to take that walk and talk with a great friend.  I love how nature rejuvenates my spirit! It's time to revert those thoughts back to being like a child of faith. Pure. Holy. Light. Love. Back to the way Jesus taught so many years ago as He tells us in Matthew 18:3. 'And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." NIV So, tonight I am determined to pull up this anchor, adjust the sails, and head towards the light.

Tonights writing prompt is PLAN. I'm sure many posts will mirror where I'm going to go with this but it's a great topic that can be discussed in a variety of ways. I look forward to reading all the fellow writers found over at Kate's

Remember, 5 minutes, unedited, free writing that flows from the clicking of keys from your heart to the screen.

GO!

I had always wanted to write a book and I attempted to do so many times, failing miserably. Nothing every felt right. But I kept trying and getting frustrated. I'd stop and try again only to get frazzled with my words because they just weren't "it". It had no wow factor and felt lame. When I turned 30, that all changed and a book began to flourish. I knew what I had started was something special. It felt right, so I knew this was the "one". All those years prior, all those attempts were part of my timing; not His. After almost 2 years of writing, I was nearing the end of the book. That's when the Lord gave me a glimpse of what was to come. I put the hope on the back burner for 3 years. I knew this was His plan...not mine. And I remained hopeful that it would flourish to life like a lily blooming in early July. It's delicate petals requires nurturing. The roots become firmly planted in the ground over time. It requires water and light so that it will grow tall and strong to withstand the wind and rain once it blossoms. And just like the lily, a ministry needs to grow, to be nurtured, watered with roots firmly planted, and the light brighter than the sun. It took 3 years of waiting, learning, relying, and trusting and I'm very excited to announce the start of a new ministry that's been place on my heart to lead. Refuge Under the Willow will be consisted of Bible studies that look at various aspects of domestic violence. It will refer to scripture and lessons written about a variety of topics such as God's love, shame, abuse, alcoholism, submitting, salvation, and many more. Along the way, I fell into the trap of turning His PLAN into my plan. Needless to say, my plan was smashed into the ground and some very valuable lessons were learned. For that I am thankful because it has taught me very valuable wisdom. I pray that as I continue my walk with the Lord that I always reach His light, love and truth.






STOP

In the midst of my angst, I'm reminded of Romans 12:11-12  "Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." NLT 

Hope for His Plan...Love His Plan...Rejoice His Plan...Glorify His Plan...Live His Plan -- because His Plan is perfect

My dear friends, I pray that God is the splendor of your world. 

-Shannon 

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