God's Plan is Always the Best Plan

When I was 35 years old I told my husband that I would like to have another baby.  He said, "No."  

Well needless to say I wasn't too happy.  As a matter of fact, I almost ruined my marriage over this.

I prayed for 5 years that God would somehow give me a baby.  I asked my friends to pray for me too. 

 

The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us.  Romans 8:18

When I discovered I was pregnant, I was overjoyed.  Bill, not so much.  I remember he said, "I'm too old for this!"  I said, "Obviously not."

Today Juli went shopping with her older sister, Jessica.  I was home alone and started to think about what my life would have been like if I didn't have Julianne.  

Juli was a baby when Jessica was in High School and left for college.  Then Justine went to college when Juli was just starting Elementary School.  I was privileged to be a Stay at Home Mom most of the time.  I got to be a Homeroom Mom again.  A Girl Scout Leader again.  Help with fundraisers and be a big part of Juli's life.

If God hadn't blessed me with Juli, what would I have been doing these last 22 years.  Bill would have been traveling.  Would I have gone with him?  I think that would have gotten old pretty quick.  Maybe I would have gone back to retail sales and would be working my way up to manager.  No thank you!  

I was already teaching fitness classes at that time.  I could own my own studio.  Doubt it. 

 

Many are the plans in a person's heart, But it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21

But all that really doesn't matter, does it.  God had a plan all along.  Julianne was to be born into our family on November 16, 1998.  She was meant to bring joy to us with her sweet smile and silly words.  She learned to ride a bike, to swim, and to watch videos over and over again.  I hope that she will learn how special she is to us and to the world around her.  There will never be another Julianne Prutz and I'm so thankful that God made me wait 5 years to be her mom.

I prayed for this child and the Lord granted me what I asked of Him.

1 Samuel 1:27

You are Here!

 You are here.  I can feel Your presence.  I feel a lightness, a tingle, a peace that is like no other.  I want to raise my hands and fall on my knees simultaneously.  

Every morning after I eat my breakfast, I get my bible, my devotional, a note book and pencil.  I sit at my kitchen island with my second cup of tea, usually green tea with honey.  I read and I pray and I wait.  I look out my kitchen window and depending on the season, I see blue sky or gray clouds.  I hear the birds sing or the sound of the rain.  The sound of the bus going by on it's way to pick up the children for school reminds me of the years I waited for it to stop and get my girls. 

Each day is different.  Sometimes I have to hurry because I slept in and have to get ready for work.  On my days off I tend to take my time and enjoy this quiet in the morning.  This is Our time, me and God.  These moments set the tone for the rest of my day.  Usually the words I read will be exactly what I need to hear for today.  Words of love when I feel lonely.  Words of encouragement when I am worried.  Words of peace when my To Do List is longer than my grocery list.  And words or praise when I feel blessed.  

 I keep a gratitude journal with things I am thankful for.  I will look back on it and marvel at all God has done for me and my family.  I treasure this time and look forward to it everyday.  Even on the days when I late, I make time for a quick prayer. 

When we read the bible, we are hearing the words of God.  Yes, most come in the form of stories, history, adventure, and poems.  Jesus spoke in parables.  Paul wrote letters.  Together they tell the story of a love so amazing it's unbelievable!  We need to savor these words.  Contemplate their meaning and listen.  

Make time each day to read and listen.  Listen for the still small voice.  God speaks to us now just as he did thousands of years age through the prophets.  His Spirit lives inside of us.  We are His people.