timing

i am learning that my timing and expectations are imperfect and random and ever-changing. but it's okay. my perspective is being lovingly guided toward realistic expectation...and...rest (in Christ).

i'm pretty far behind at this point, friends (in my reading and writing). have been needing to focus on seminary assignments and homeschooling and home...but am truly sad that this study has felt neglect. :/ have an unfinished blog on judges and ruth to complete and post...but the youversion plan has us in first kings already. :) i am so sorry! i just wanted to post this morning to let you know that my intention is to catch this up! i have trust-issues with my expectations at this point...:), but wanted to communicate that the delay is not intentional and am hoping for miraculous blocks of unexpected focus time (which He has been so faithful to provide in my previous experience.)

in my imperfection, God's timing is perfect...and in all of the imperfections of this life...He is working and moving and using circumstances to love us. i just have to share this...i mentioned that i've been attentive to issues of home recently...a project for this spring has been to bring order to the exterior of our home. outdoor toy messes and elementary-aged-boy-forts needing disassembly received my attention this past week. :) and these decluttering projects turned into hanging swings and spreading mulch and creating a much better play area for the kids. so....an unplanned trip to lowes for a few needed items ended in one of those God's-timing-is-perfect moments. i checked out with a sweet twenty-something cashier and realized as i was leaving...just looking over the receipt that she hadn't charged me for something. so, when i went back to make it right...she just started talking to me. she'd just broken up with a boyfriend of 10 months and was broken-hearted. i was able to listen...because she just needed someone to hear. at the end of our conversation, the Lord brought to mind the simplest of psalms and hope for her brokenness. 147:3...He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. so...as i left her with misty eyes and His Word-encouragement (which far surpasses any thought of my own)...i was blown away by His timing and His heart for her and the way He moved me to work on this yard project and make an unexpected/unplanned trip to the hardware store (even the choice of lowes in high point or kernersville? was evidence of His moving me to be where this sweet girl was working!)...i'm soooooo in love with Jesus and His timing. He is in control, and He is sovereign. and i believe proverbs 16:3...commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established. so...when i feel inadequate or insecure about unmet stephanie-expectations, i want to rest in this thought...that HIS TIMING IS PERFECT.

so thankful for this year...and for His Word...looking forward to hours in first and second samuel!...

you are loved!