Worth more than many sparrows ...

So, this morning after I had spent time with the Lord, praying, reading, and thinking, I went downstairs for another cup o’ Joe. I was thinking of my next task ... a scripture - picture, which I create quite often. In my head I asked the Lord what He wanted to create through me today. Immediately, my eyes were drawn to a single sparrow on a branch in my back yard. My mind was then drawn to a moment when I was in Australia.  My trip there was nothing short of miraculous. I had known for nearly 9 years that I was to go there. I hadn’t given up, but at times, I had grown a bit weary wondering if I had truly heard the Lord correctly in this … ya know in my human-ness! 

Well, last December, I was in my fourth month of living in California. The Lord had called me, much to my surprise, to an internship at a church in CA that then led to a Christian program where I assisted in teaching Afghan women refugees how to speak English. While I was there, I heard the announcement of a worship conference/gathering at HopeUC church on the CentralCoast in AU.  I began to pray about going.  Little did I know that in early February my husband of 27 years would call me to say he was divorcing me. I had wanted to go back to Arkansas.  I was all alone in CA … in the desert, so to speak. The Lord had said that I would be as certain as to the time to go back to Arkansas as I was when I went to California. Oh, how true that statement was!

I say all of this to brag on God.  Of course, He returned me safely back to Arkansas ... I was a wreck, and CA to AR is a long drive!

I made it back, and with no money and no job, He supplied every dime I needed for an attorney ... more than just a couple thousand dollars ... all within 4 weeks to the day I stepped back on Arkansas soil.  I was amazed!  I began to believe that I could actually attend the conference. I put my trust in Him, and sure enough He, again, supplied every dime I needed for that, as well.

I had planned my trip well, so I thought.  In my planning, I had mistakenly thought that I could walk to the church from my hotel.  Oh how wrong I was … and I think of myself as a pretty good planner!! :)  But again, there was God! He had seen my error in my planning ... and He was ready with a plan!  Sure, I could have taken a cab everywhere I went. That was my plan “B.”  God’s plan was better. He led me directly to a church member at HopeUC, seemingly randomly (of course, nothing is ever random) …  a little more than 24 hours after stepping on Aussie soil.  This kind elderly gentleman offered to “be a taxi” of sorts, kindly taking me to and from church and then also showing me some of the beautiful sights around the vicinity. Of course, I could have hired a driver, but God placed this gentleman in my path. He was/is a wonderful person whom I still communicate with. He’s like a father figure type of friend.  Isn’t God amazing?!?

So, the first day of the conference, I was moving a chair to sit with some incredibly friendly folks and a cute little sparrow flew right in front of me. It was like time stood still. In that seemingly long moment, that realistically lasted only a second, the Lord reminded me of how He takes care of the sparrow. He reminded me of my value and worth compared to it. My heart (and eyes) swelled as I was overwhelmed with His goodness.

God’s ways are not always our ways. If He’s said this once, He’s said it a couple hundred times in the past twenty months alone!! And, even when we pray, plan, and put things into His mighty hands, we do sometimes get it wrong. But God!  As long as we put our trust in Him and keep our hearts pure, He is there with a plan.  It may take longer than we expect, but God’s timing is perfect.  Habakkuk 2:3

So … as you continue on this journey of life, remember; “Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31 God is with us always and forever … for those who call on Him. Psalm 145:18

Be Thankful ...Deliberately!

Many years ago, around 2003-04, my life was an absolute mess. I didn't really know what was happening. I was depressed. I had terrible anxiety ... and I didn't even know why. All I could do was cry out to God. I didn't have the support of family. As far as friends were concerned, I didn't have any that really cared about what I was going through. I WAS ALONE ... as far as humans were concerned. God was always there ... even when He didn't seem near. 

As I sought the Lord and even some counseling, I began to realize what had happened in my childhood that God was healing me of. There were many things that I never even realized. My eyes were blinded to some things, and others I had deliberately buried. I had never been taught how to deal with things properly. BUT GOD!! He sees all. He knows all. He IS in control of all things. And, He chose this time in my life to reveal to me what had happened that I just didn't understand ... and began the healing process.

I had closed myself off from everyone. I would literally strengthen myself to pick Nicholas up from school. I would do everything I could to be a loving, caring, and nurturing mom. There was no reason for my son to suffer for my own misfortune as a child. I wouldn't have it! 

The summer before his 4th grade year, I felt led of the Lord to begin selling my pepper jelly at the Farmer's Market in Bentonville. I went to the market, found a place to set up, and found myself next to the loveliest of couples ... Tom and Mary. This too, was their first time at selling things at the Farmer's Market. Instantly, we became the best of friends. They were wonderful Christians who loved me for who I was. Long before I ever confessed to them how I felt, they were like the mom and dad that I needed in my life. Eventually, they would tell people that I was their "adopted daughter." (They actually have five daughters of their own!) 

Fast forward to 2017 ... a few years ago, Tom went on to be with the Lord. Mary and I still talk. She is like a mom to me. I love her dearly. She has been a rock to me over the past several months, but especially the past couple of weeks.

I say all of this, not to place Tom and Mary on a pedestal, but to give God praise! He knew that I needed them in my life and they needed me. Sometimes I don't really "feel" like I do as much for Mary as she does for me, but somehow it all works out. God crosses the paths of people to help each other out as He works out His purposes in our lives. We may or may not see it at the time ... or even later. But, He works all things for the good for those who love Him. 

I can say that I'm grateful for the things that God worked out in my life at that time, as difficult as it was. Those things He brought to light and healed me of has enabled me to help many others since then. And, although I am going through a difficult time now, I can say that I am grateful for it ... because I know that He will bring good from it ... and eventually bring me to a point of helping others in my same situation. 

This Thanksgiving Eve, I just ended a call with my spiritual mom, Mary, whom I am eternally grateful for. Her 88 years on this earth has given her much wisdom. I am grateful to be someone who is able to glean wisdom from her life.

What or whom are you grateful for this holiday season? Don't overlook the small details. I assure you, if you look closely, you'll see the fingerprint of God on it. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone ... God bless!  :)