Happens Just The Way You Plan

Let's keep the realness rolling, guys. And let's be honest when we say that the holidays can truly be THE. WORST. time to be single. Pumpkin patches, fall leaves, outdoor concerts, fairs, apple picking, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all look better when you have someone to stand by your side. Can you tell yet that my singleness has been hitting me square in the face OVER AND OVER again lately? It has. Just ask Kiki and Amy who got a very long e-mail from me last night. But, they are amazing and didn't seem to mind it too much. You girls are angels for accepting and actually reading that random e-mail. :) Single girl struggle bus. I know it's route very well. 

But, it never fails that when this bus comes back around (and keeps me hostage), I never find myself alone. 


The Lord ALWAYS meets us where we are. 


And He speaks to me in so many different ways. Including books and songs. My favorite "devotional" that I have is My Utmost For His Highest. If you don't have a copy of it, I strongly urge you to pick up a copy. Oswald Chambers is one of my favorites and his words are just amazingly powerful and true. It can be a bit overwhelming though. There are days where I will have to re-read a page about 5 times before I truly begin to understand what I just read. Anyways, here is something that really stuck out and spoke to me. If you follow me on Twitter, you've maybe already seen this.

"When I stop telling God what I want, He can freely work His will in me without any hindrance. He can crush me, exalt me, or do anything else He chooses. He simply asks me to have absolute faith in Him and His goodness." Oswald Chambers 

Guys, we HAVE to get out of the way. We HAVE to put ourselves aside and let Jesus be first. We HAVE to have faith that He is going to take care of us. We have joy in knowing that He is protecting us. That His goodness is reigning over us. 

This time, this season, this journey that God has me in, that He has you in, will not be for nothing. 

We go through the fire to be made pure. 

"For such a time as this..." 

This is my time to show HIS magnificence. To show HIS glory. To give HIM praise. To serve HIM. To love HIM. 

This is HIS time. 

His time to show His goodness. To show His faithfulness. 

This is HIS time to crush me, exalt me, or anything else HE chooses. 

This is HIS time. 

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After I finished reading and dwelling on the entry in My Utmost For His Highest, I was listening to Kari Jobe while folding clothes. 

And Steady My Heart began to play. 

Friends, just look and listen to these words. 

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Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy?
Why is pain a part of us?
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
'Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart 

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You've got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way You plan

And I will run to You
And find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
'Cause of everything You are

You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that you've got me
Right inside the palm of your hand

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Follow Me :)