Have you ever wanted something so much that you felt like you were going to D.I.E. if you didn’t have it? Yes, I know most of us grow out of immaturity when we turn eighteen. But a 聽few select of us fall in ranks with Veruca Salt who screams, “But I want it now, Daddy!!!”
I’ve been in the coastal region of Vallarta, Mexico scouting out possible wedding locations and it’s been… an adventure. Monkeys, bugs, beaches, and some pretty shady hotels later, we finally arrive to thee location spot that I’ve insisted on getting married. [And when I say聽insisted, visualize some coquettish tactics, tears, and yes, even a tantrum.]
I’m here. I’m happy. I’m excited. But it’s not where I’m suppose to get married. I can’t explain it other than… it’s not where I’m suppose to get married.
Paralleling life and biblical principles seem to happen concurrently. I can’t聽do life and not see the providential hand of God in all that I do.
Yes, I got my way. Yes, it’s gorgeous. But no, I’m not at peace.
When God wants us to be somewhere, yet we choose to be somewhere else, there is a peace that only God can provide. Jonah, Naomi, Gideon, and Bianca. I categorize myself in those who knew they had to be in the place God asked them to be, yet took a slight detour.
So, my whirl-wind tour of Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, and Yelapa ends today and I’m at peace with wherever God sends me. He hasn’t let me down so far–I’m affirmed He won’t let me know down.
Are you at peace with where God has you? Are you blatantly doing something you know you aren’t suppose to? I hope you have the peace of God that passes all understanding… (Phil 4:6)
Honestly? No. I'm not at peace at all. I'm not really Verucaing the situation in that I'm actively throwing a fit but quietly wallowing in the discontent of dissatisfaction. I have all these hopes and dreams that I want to chase down and things I want to do with my life but the doors just aren't opening for me to do it. I'm thankful for a good job and that we live on high ground in Nashville but I still have that feeling I'm not doing what I should be doing & fighting the doubt that what I feel is really what God wants. After all, if it was, doors would be flying open, right? (Note…that last question was rhetorical.)
We know we're supposed to be in Nashville. Beyond that? No idea. And that lack of knowing gives me a lack of peace that eats at me every single day.
I'm right there with you, J! But I hold onto the peace that Jesus gives in John 14. Peace not like the world gives… but a peace only He can give.
Eeeek. I sound so hyperspiritual. Blah! But you feel me.
Yeah, nail on the head here as well – I constantly have trouble with trusting my purpose, by that I mean, I know God has a purpose and I know He is guiding me, but I know only too well from experience that i can't trust myself to follow. I'm hoping it comes with maturity
Maturity? Um, yeah, when does that hit? I'm still waiting to say, "Ah, yes, I am mature!"
Hahahaha! Truth is, I am grateful for grace. Without it I'm a hot mess.
Maturity? Um, yeah, when does that hit? I'm still waiting to say, "Ah, yes, I am mature!"
Hahahaha! Truth is, I am grateful for grace. Without it I'm a hot mess.
Maturity? Um, yeah, when does that hit? I'm still waiting to say, "Ah, yes, I am mature!"
Hahahaha! Truth is, I am grateful for grace. Without it I'm a hot mess.
Ahhh there is truly nothing like the peace of God. I know I am exactly where God wants me…even though its not easy everyday. I am trusting that God is leading me.
God's peace leads us to make every decision in our lives, big and small ones!
Love reading your post 馃檪
SO awesome!!! You are encouragement to those who are still struggling to find peace.
Shalom, my friend!
That place looks awesome.. I am at a place right now that God is and has called me to be.. I have been putting off what it is that He wants me to do for awhile now.. I am now surrendering to the Lord and hoping that I do not quit before I finish what He has called me to do. This sometimes happens.
I pray that the Lord will reveal where He will have you two marry, it is such a special day that you will forever remember!
Shalom is where you are. I'm so happy for you and blessed by your prayers!!!!
Shalom is where you are. I'm so happy for you and blessed by your prayers!!!!
Oddly enough, I'm at peace right now. Am I insanely happy with all aspects of my life? No, but for the most part, do I feel good about where I am and what I'm doing…yes. And I have to remember to be thankful to the Lord for bringing me here!
Are you thankful for me too?
'Cause some of your recent happiness is my doing. Yes, I'm a glory-hog.
I'm just sayin'…
Are you thankful for me too?
'Cause some of your recent happiness is my doing. Yes, I'm a glory-hog.
I'm just sayin'…
There is peace knowing your marrying the man God has sent. Does it really matter where? Just be surrounded by family and friends. It is one day – all be it important, it's the rest of your life with God as the centre that matters.
I know!!! But the inner Veruca Salt is a brat who wants the whole world AND a golden egg.
I know I love this man. If it's in a box or on a beach, God will provide.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Isn't interesting, this peace cannot not be bought. IT ALONE IS FROM GOD. I speak to the ladies(and yes, gentlemen) may we yield to our Prince, the Prince of Peace, JESUS CHRIST!
Much love!
YES. It's Shalom, right?
Thanks, Kell 馃檪
no not really at peace either….my family is in a situation that is frustrating….i am overwhelmed and stressed out. My mind says turn it over to the Lord….He will bring you peace…..You are serving your family in this difficult time…but I am just a tad bit frustrated…i feel like my heart is open to what God wants for me, although I do try to add my little bits of wants and dreams into the mix and make it work…it's all just sort of compounding and i am feeling weary…my heart cries out "what am i doing wrong?" why don't i feel close to you Lord….i feel like I am seeking…i feel like I am trying to be patient and long-suffering…but sometimes i think, " Lord, don't you see my crying? Don't you see our struggle?" (mind u i feel guilty right after I think it)….I know…it's a self pity party I am having, with satan being the host…..i know I could read more, pray more, seek more…….when do i get there? That place where I feel like God is right next to me…where I can hear Him…i know I've been there before…just feeling alone and unheard…
Hi Christy. I'm really sorry to hear about your family's frustrating situation and I totally understand the monologue in your mind of "turn it over to the Lord….He will bring you peace…..You are serving your family in this difficult time..what am i doing wrong? why don't i feel close to you Lord….i feel like I am seeking…i feel like I am trying to be patient and long-suffering…Lord, don't you see my crying? Don't you see our struggle?"
I was totally there last July through December. I was really convinced that I had been patient enough, that I had waited long enough for what I had been searching and praying for. Well, that should have been my first indicator of being refined and truly learning what it means to be "longsuffering." I too thought "I just need to pray more" but what I guess I needed what a genuine moment of father-daughter time, where I didn't feel like I was praying, but just making my request like a little kid does to her daddy. It wasn't a refined prayer, it was very much "Can't you see X, Y and Z, Lord? I don't get it, why won't you help me? I know you know what's best but why can't I feel it in my heart and not just know it in my head? Lord can't you hear me? Why why why?" I broke down and sobbed and I felt really good afterwards, but guess what? The Lord still kept me waiting and I didn't get my request granted until last Tuesday! Is it exactly what I wanted? Heck no. Is it a gazillion times better? You betcha.
I hope you find comfort, not in my words, but in the arms of your loving Daddy.
Hugs,
Cindy A.
Hi Christy. I'm really sorry to hear about your family's frustrating situation and I totally understand the monologue in your mind of "turn it over to the Lord….He will bring you peace…..You are serving your family in this difficult time..what am i doing wrong? why don't i feel close to you Lord….i feel like I am seeking…i feel like I am trying to be patient and long-suffering…Lord, don't you see my crying? Don't you see our struggle?"
I was totally there last July through December. I was really convinced that I had been patient enough, that I had waited long enough for what I had been searching and praying for. Well, that should have been my first indicator of being refined and truly learning what it means to be "longsuffering." I too thought "I just need to pray more" but what I guess I needed what a genuine moment of father-daughter time, where I didn't feel like I was praying, but just making my request like a little kid does to her daddy. It wasn't a refined prayer, it was very much "Can't you see X, Y and Z, Lord? I don't get it, why won't you help me? I know you know what's best but why can't I feel it in my heart and not just know it in my head? Lord can't you hear me? Why why why?" I broke down and sobbed and I felt really good afterwards, but guess what? The Lord still kept me waiting and I didn't get my request granted until last Tuesday! Is it exactly what I wanted? Heck no. Is it a gazillion times better? You betcha.
I hope you find comfort, not in my words, but in the arms of your loving Daddy.
Hugs,
Cindy A.
thanks so much Cindy…yes it's been about two days of crying…but luckily I'm starting to regroup and my husband has been encouraging….i am excited for you…and u know what the Lord put on my heart this morning? I just thought wow, i have been thru so much worse for so much longer and the Lord has transformed those situations and hearts, why am i whining and complaining about something that has brought hardship, YES, but transformation in my husband and his fruit, EVEN MORE….after that i felt kind of like a brat:)…
Again, thanks for your encouragement and sharing your story with me….congrats on your answer:)
thanks so much Cindy…yes it's been about two days of crying…but luckily I'm starting to regroup and my husband has been encouraging….i am excited for you…and u know what the Lord put on my heart this morning? I just thought wow, i have been thru so much worse for so much longer and the Lord has transformed those situations and hearts, why am i whining and complaining about something that has brought hardship, YES, but transformation in my husband and his fruit, EVEN MORE….after that i felt kind of like a brat:)…
Again, thanks for your encouragement and sharing your story with me….congrats on your answer:)
I totally felt like a little spoiled brat, but you know what? My Father in heaven loves me in spite of me. During my months of waiting (impatiently!) a close friend of mine told me the following "Look at your history. Has God ever let you down before? His faithfulness in your past DEMANDS your trust for your future."
I'm so blessed to hear that you are seeing fruit in your husband! May your harvest abound!
E-hugs all around
I totally felt like a little spoiled brat, but you know what? My Father in heaven loves me in spite of me. During my months of waiting (impatiently!) a close friend of mine told me the following "Look at your history. Has God ever let you down before? His faithfulness in your past DEMANDS your trust for your future."
I'm so blessed to hear that you are seeing fruit in your husband! May your harvest abound!
E-hugs all around
I totally felt like a little spoiled brat, but you know what? My Father in heaven loves me in spite of me. During my months of waiting (impatiently!) a close friend of mine told me the following "Look at your history. Has God ever let you down before? His faithfulness in your past DEMANDS your trust for your future."
I'm so blessed to hear that you are seeing fruit in your husband! May your harvest abound!
E-hugs all around
Christy:
I hear you very loud and clear, This is when God is at work in you. I have been there, I'M THERE now. I have this saying, I never end my prayers in Amen until I close my eyes to sleep, that way I feel I am in constant communication with God. Sister, I can tell you that God hears all, sees all, knows all, loves all and will never leave you. Cleave unto the Lord for all your needs and know that Our God is the God above all, He came for You and all of the other "ME's" out there. give HIM all you have. Through this, we grow stronger in the Lord and we are then able to help another Brother or Sister with words of wisdom and complete understanding in their situation. Pastor Pancho always says "Where God Guides…HE provides" and I have found those few words to be true.
Hang tough Sister, Know you are in my prayers
ap
thanks ap!!!! i love the encouraging words i have gotten hear…it means so much!
WOW. I love the rally of support and prayer. I'm so moved by the love, Anna and Cindy!
WOW. I love the rally of support and prayer. I'm so moved by the love, Anna and Cindy!
Christy:
I hear you very loud and clear, This is when God is at work in you. I have been there, I'M THERE now. I have this saying, I never end my prayers in Amen until I close my eyes to sleep, that way I feel I am in constant communication with God. Sister, I can tell you that God hears all, sees all, knows all, loves all and will never leave you. Cleave unto the Lord for all your needs and know that Our God is the God above all, He came for You and all of the other "ME's" out there. give HIM all you have. Through this, we grow stronger in the Lord and we are then able to help another Brother or Sister with words of wisdom and complete understanding in their situation. Pastor Pancho always says "Where God Guides…HE provides" and I have found those few words to be true.
Hang tough Sister, Know you are in my prayers
ap
Yes, you hit right on the spot. I also struggle with taking this slight detour. I've realized that fear of the unknown gets in the way of total trust in God's plans vs. my own ideas about His plans. Although, I am determined to stop detouring and walk the narrow path where His voice leads. Starting in this minute…
Nic, allow room for mistakes. Sometimes we SWEAR God told us to make a right at the light… but in fact, it was our own desires.
Just know that detours can be fixed. Just ask me 馃檪 I totally can attest to this!
There is peace knowing your marrying the man God has sent. Does it really matter where? Just be surrounded by family and friends. It is one day – all be it important, it's the rest of your life with God as the centre that matters.
Just wondering …. WHY aren't you planning to be married in CA, surrounded by family and friends and church members??? Just curious …
馃檪 馃檪 馃檪
I second that Laurel, just maybe the peace B, was looking for was in her back yard @ CCM.
You two crazy ladies crack me up!
Yes, I could have it in California but it comes with a host of other financial responsibilities. Some people say not to care about your guests and just let them watch the ceremony. But that's not me.
We have a VERY tight budget. We would like to have a nice wedding and reception for our family. Lord willing, we are also planning a local dessert reception so everyone can join in 馃檪
I am not in that palce…BUT I am sitting as silently as I can…waiting for God to tell me where that place is…
I have tried to take Him along for the ride for years and now I am the passenger, just waiting for the arrival. Honestly ,just like my 4 year old, I have yelled "are we there yet " many times. Even more honestly, I hope we get there soon;-)
I am excited about where God is taking you and I pray for continued peace throughout the wedding and most importantly LIFE planning. As is exciting as a wedding is…it is over in a few hours. What will sustain you is the time and care you have already invested and every moment after that (the wedding ceremony).
Continued Peace…
"Only a few hours."
Ouch! That stung because it's true.
Thanks, Nakeia!!!
Geesh, perspective is great.
"Only a few hours."
Ouch! That stung because it's true.
Thanks, Nakeia!!!
Geesh, perspective is great.
Such perfect timing!! I was supposed to be going on a mexico missions trip this weekend and was not feeling peace about it at all. I finally yesterday told them I am not going to be able to go. This is just more confirmation that I made the right decision Praise the Lord!
Werd.
Jessy, God can work through a donkey and God can work through me too 馃檪
Glad this helped 馃檪
I'm so wondering why I was not invited to go on this journey to Mexico to scout out locations with you. That's totally fine though…as long as the invitation comes in the mail!! LoL Totally kidding of course my internet bud!!! As far as being at peace with where I am… I honestly think so. I've been lead down a path that I wasn't expecting – all I know is that God put me here and I'm walking…sometimes very very very very slowly. But walking all the same. I'm in no rush. whenever, whatever, wherever He wants me to be, He'll tell me, and I'll go. Until then, I'll wait patiently because honestly, waiting impatiently has given me ENOUGH trouble!! LoL
hahahahaha!
yes, i would love to invite the world, but this little thing called a BUDGET is tying me down 馃檨
ur so cute bi!! God will provide the perfect place. Glad you are obeying His Voice!! Love you bi. 馃檪 Lisa
I love you more than you know!
I hope to be like you and "hubby" someday soon 馃檪
Love reading this 馃檪 You encourage me to simply just live every step of my entire life as the Lord would want it. Praying for you that the Lord provides the right place for your wonderful wedding 馃檪 Where ever it is, it will be SPECTACULAR, because He is with you and you are BEAUTIFUL! 馃檪
Thank you so much, Andrea! Please keep praying for us 馃檪
I also need to get over being selfish. Perhaps it's in the simplicity that God will be most glorified.
Thank you so much, Andrea! Please keep praying for us 馃檪
I also need to get over being selfish. Perhaps it's in the simplicity that God will be most glorified.
Psalm 119, This is the day that the Lord has made…..
I have found that what you fight the most is where you are to be the most!
Love you B!
Great quote!!!
Wow…you've got me thinking. As if I wasn't scratching my head enough already. 馃槈
Wow, this gets popular fast!
I agree with ^^^
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