Wednesday, February 8, 2017

GOD had a Plan




Hello Sweet Blog Friends


Although I've been fairly sporadic in blogland of late
I have a little anniversary memory to share

10 years ago today, I announced and acted on
The most difficult decision I had ever made
Up until that point in my life

Although settling on that decision was a
Long and arduous process
I knew it was the right decision

After spending 11 years at our home church
Working as the Church Administrator for 7 years
Serving as the Women's Ministries Director for 4 years
And spending about 80% of my waking hours at the
Church for many years
The Lord directed me to quit my job

On this date 10 years ago
I thought that was all the decision would entail
I would quit my job and continue the rest of life
However, others also get to make decisions
Once I announced that I was quitting my job
Everything else was taken from me

I was asked to step down from Women's Ministries
Within 12 hours my family and I were no longer members
Of the church we had loved and served for 11 years

I spent a week in bed
Cried for hours and days
Didn't answer or take calls
This isn't the way it was supposed to be


BUT GOD
Had a Plan

'For I know what I have planned for you,' says the LORD.
'I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you.
I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.'
Jeremiah 29:11

YES!
His plan walked out over the past 10 years was
Definitely filled with hope.
Heartache and loss as well, but I see His hand in it all.

The future was not clear to us 10 years ago
The perfect job opportunity that would open up for me
Which allowed me time to truly enjoy life with Mark
Our sons and our oldest granddaughter

We didn't see the weeks and months that
Mark would spend in the hospital
My ability to be with him so much of that time
Never would have happened had the changes not been made

God had a Plan that we could not see
But stepping out in Faith solidified our walk with HIM
And strengthened our commitment to each other

Yes, there have been some very difficult and life altering
Moments in the past 10 years
Moments I'd love to change or forget
I've faced loss, sadness, loneliness
And washed my fair share of tear stained pillowcases

Yet, I would not change a moment of it
To go back to where I was 10 years ago

Being married to your job,
Your church, your ministry or
Anything else that pulls you away from
God's heart and His Plan
Is not healthy or beneficial


My heart and life are more balanced today
Because
God Had a Plan
Even though I couldn't see it at the time

Be Blessed My Friends
Enjoy 'Heart' Month




15 comments:

  1. Love this story! Isn't it wonderful when we can look back and see God's fingerprints all over a difficult time in our lives!

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  2. Such a lovely, touching post. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. What a beautiful post, Cindy. I have witnessed and experienced circumstances such as these in my own family...we just never know what God is up to, do we? Remember the lyrics to that song from the 90's..."When you don't see God's plan and when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart". Thank you for sharing this. Hugs!

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  4. Dear Cindy ~ This was beautiful! Very encouraging also, to keep trusting Jesus each and every day, He knows exactly what we need, and He is with us constantly.

    Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  5. Thanks for sharing this story. His way is much better than ours.
    warmly,
    deb

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  6. Thank you for sharing this story. It helps me to know that God is always in charge. Hugs.

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  7. Oh those hard life choices! We've had to make a few of them too and we agree that there is a greater plan!

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  8. Your heart is beautifully shown here through your words, Cindy.
    Your attitude over the past ten years certainly reflects the trust you put in your Savior each step of the way, though hard and difficult at times. Praise God!

    We too have had choices to make over the years and though hard and difficult with uncertainty at the time we knew and believed it was the hand of God.
    God certainly knows what is best for us, our job is to remain faithful and trust Him.
    I appreciated this heart felt post and was encouraged as my husband and I are currently in God's waiting room over a matter.
    Thank you for your transparent heart.

    God bless you, dear lady~~

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  9. Your heart is beautifully shown here through your words, Cindy.
    Your attitude over the past ten years certainly reflects the trust you put in your Savior each step of the way, though hard and difficult at times. Praise God!

    We too have had choices to make over the years and though hard and difficult with uncertainty at the time we knew and believed it was the hand of God.
    God certainly knows what is best for us, our job is to remain faithful and trust Him.
    I appreciated this heart felt post and was encouraged as my husband and I are currently in God's waiting room over a matter.
    Thank you for your transparent heart.

    God bless you, dear lady~~

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  10. This touches my heart Cindy. This message has come through for me too.
    God has the plan and at certain times on our journey it does not seem like he does but it always works in the right way. I cannot believe a church would turn it back on you like that. So sad to hear that people of faith would do that. Glad you found a better path to hope and love. Have a great day my friend. It was good to see your post today. Hugs.
    Kris

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  11. Hi Cindy, what a beautiful post. I know this to be true as well. God does have a plan for us all and taking that leap of faith to do what HE directs is never easy, but then, that's what faith is!!
    I'm so sorry you experienced your church to act this way after many years of devotion. But you rose above it all and on a better path today.
    Blessings be yours always my friend. Hugs for a nice weekend ahead.
    xoxo

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  12. It was meant to be even though there were difficulties involved. Sometimes it is really hard to take that step out in faith when there is so much 'unknown' involved. I am glad you did it. You did the right thing. xo Diana

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  13. I can feel by your words that you are close to the Lord. He doesn't always make sense for us at first but to follow his path for us is the most joyful way.

    gramswisewords.blogspot.com

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  14. I can feel by your words that you are close to the Lord. He doesn't always make sense for us at first but to follow his path for us is the most joyful way.

    gramswisewords.blogspot.com

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  15. My dear Cindy, what a powerful memory you have shared. We never can understand the plan of the Lord when we are in the thick of things, but how wonderful that the Lord blessed you with those ten years of being able to spend that time with your husband! I've certainly seen my share of things like this happening within the church with people who are supposed to love and yet it happens. But the Lord blessed your life in spite of it, and I'm glad that you have no regrets about following the leading of the Lord and being obedient to HIM. Big hugs to you today, so happy that our paths have crossed :)

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Hi Friend, I read and cherish every single comment you leave! You bring Joy to my heart! Blessings, Cindy