It seems like every year flies by a little faster. Am I the only one that feels that way? I still remember the days of my youth where I felt like some days would never end. Now, fast forward to today… I would give anything to have those days again!
As I look back, I wish I could’ve slowed down some of those days. Makes me think of the story in the Old Testament where God stopped the sun… I wish He would make the days slow down enough for me to be able to look back more clearly and reflect on all that has happened in the year of 2013.
Most of the year was a blur, but I do, thankfully, have precious moments and times that I will treasure in my heart and mind for years to come.
Without God… my plans & goals are meaningless, directionless and even a bit self-centered.
With God… my plans & goals will most likely change or never happen or will happen somewhat, but that’s the beauty of faith. Truly, it is not me or you making things happen… it is God who works in me to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Ephesians 4)
I can make all the plans and set all the goals I want, but if I am not living a life of surrender…faith… love… and sacrifice, then they will mean nothing and accomplish nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2)
The main thing you and I must remember to do is surrender our mind, heart, soul and body over to Him… daily… then the year ahead of us will be what He wants it to be and it will be a great year, no matter what happens!
But it’s not always easy to do that.
Yes, I have my days where I don’t understand where He is going or don’t like where He is taking me or why He is allowing something to happen or get mad when He doesn’t take me where I think I should go, but really… why try to understand everything along the way? (Proverbs 20:24)
Almost always, my plans change or takes a different direction….
I didn’t plan to have 4 kids.
I didn’t plan to get married at 18.
I didn’t plan to quit riding/training horses for a time.
These are big things that happened in my life starting most recently. All of them God’s doing and looking back… I wouldn’t change any of them.
Yes, I have my days where I wished my plans had happened instead of God’s plans, but then I am reminded of this verse along with the others listed above…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
There is no better place to be than in the center of God’s plan… even if that means being in rural Honduras for who knows how long. This, my life now, is where I am supposed to be… a wife of a great man, mama to 4 amazing kids and missionary to the Honduran people.
Is to hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant“… in stereo with my healed ears.
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks for this beautiful message. Loved it! Truly, it is God in charge of our lives, no matter how much the new age philosophy tries to convince about man being in control of his destiny. Have a great year ahead:) Love your blog and your recipes.
Scinia
Hello Scinia! It felt good sharing my thoughts. I hope to do more of that this year! Thank you for your words of encouragement and agreement. Have a great year yourself!! Blessings!
LOVE this post, Marillyn, and your sweet heart. It is always a breath of fresh, glorifying air to read your heart for God. I pray the Lord blesses you and your precious family richly this new year and that we can get to know each other even better. You are truly a blessing! Thank you for sharing your heart and wisdom with us!
Thank you, Kelly! You sure have the gift of encouragement and words! Thank you for your prayers and hope you have a wonderful year with your family as well.
It truly felt freeing and refreshing to share my heart. I do hope to do that more often this year!
Thanks for the reminder to daily surrender to God and not hold onto our plans too tightly. That can be really hard to do some days, and at some points in life!
I’m new to your website so thank you for serving the Lord. I haven’t found any posts since 2015 and hope you and your family are well. I love your dehydrated oranges recipe and look forward to trying to make them myself.
Thank you Barbara! Yes, I’ve taken a hiatus from blogging and not sure when I’ll get back into it. Enjoy the dried oranges! They are so good 🙂