Listen!

When we pray I know God hears us and He answers us! However, do we recognize His voice? Do we realize His answers and His work in our lives? More importantly, do we follow His direction and live obediently?

I like to feel like I am in control and many times I have made decisions based on what I think is best. Many times we make our own plans and expect what we plan to work out. After high school, I had made my plans. I was going to go to college, graduate with an Education degree, get married in my late 20's and have children in my 30's. However, shortly after making my plans, I really started asking God to show me the direction He wanted me to take. I listened and obeyed but then sometimes I regretted it because I wasn't living my plan. Looking back now I am thankful that I listened. God's plan took me down a completely different path. Even though I have had difficulties on that path there have been so many blessings too! God knew that at 32, I would be diagnosed with a brain tumor. God knew since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a wife, a mother, and a teacher. In May, Josh and I will be celebrating our 14th Wedding Anniversary! God has given me three beautiful children! Nine years ago today I became a mother when Lucas was born. I have had the privilege to teach by homeschooling our children and by teaching children and teens at church. How much I would have missed out on if I would have lived based on my own understanding. Today, I am focusing on one day at a time. I have no control over anything that is happening to me right now and I think that is a good place to be. I cannot run from this and I cannot hide from this. This is where I am right now and there is nothing I can do to change it. If I think ahead it is overwhelming. So I choose to focus on today and put my hope in The Lord. I don't know what God has planned for me but I do know that I can trust Him completely. He loves me, He created me, and I am His child! He is always working and even though I cannot see what lies ahead, God is already there.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NLT)