Testimonies

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My Pastor often closes his sermon by preaching about 'Gods Perfect Plan', and the people God has already prepared to come into our lives in 'His Perfect Timing'.
I find myself reflecting on the people in my life , to date ,and how they have all played a significant role in where I am in 'His Plan' for me today.

Years ago I was a long term Foster mother for a teenage girl named Kelly. Kelly had been abused by her father.
Much later , down the road ,some children dear to me were also subject to the same violation.
It was no less evil, or tragic ,but knowing Kelly had laid the 'groundwork' for me to be able to help these children.......at least to some degree.

I knew an alcoholic once. The aftermath of this person left me with a real fear of 'drunks'.
At any social gathering where someone was drinking to excess I would break out into a cold sweat and look for the nearest exit.
There was no love in my heart for the alcoholic.

Suprisingly enough, my husband ( although with years of recovery behind him when we met ) was an alcoholic.
He had, by the Saving Grace of God , turned his life around and ran the local A.A. for several years prior to his death.
He became ill, part of the nature of his affliction being frequent seizures, therefore it became neccesary for me to accompany him to his A.A. meetings.
I found out that some of the nicest, most humble, and genuine people that I have ever met are those involved in the 12 steps.
There is now much love in my heart for the alcoholic and the addict.

My husband also came into my life when I was at an 'all time low.'
He told me about Jesus.......which is where it all began!
He was already living on 'borrowed time', and I like to think that God kept him here for my Salvation. He went home in 2003.

In 2004 I lost my job, when my employer closed her business.
God opened doors for me to go back to school and pursue a teaching career.
I was very aware, however , that when school finished we would be broke!
The week I graduated I was offered a position, by someone I had already met in my former employment.
I had called her asking for a reference and she returned my call with a job offer!

I now work with low income families, many of whom struggle daily with problems of addiction and abuse. I love my work.

In 2006 our rented home of 9 yrs became no longer available. Someone at my workplace was involved in Real Estate. By a series of somewhat 'Miraculous Oppertunities' and a HUGE 'Leap of Faith,' I was able to purchase a small, and very humble home with some land attatched. Now we have our own little farm going on!
God has always laid it on my heart that this 'Blessing' was to be shared. It is the perfect place for children, and I am once again a Foster Parent.

During my grieving I did not see 'The Hand of God' in my life.......despite everything that He had clearly made possible. All that I felt , was forsaken.
Once again, He provided.
I met someone, in the most unlikely of places, who 'through Him' helped to restore and deepen my faith.
A combination of Timing, Healing, and The Love of Jesus, and I find myself no longer angry, only thankful.

Thankful enough to put 'pen to paper' again. I had almost forgotten the Joy of writing. Especially in writing for 'Him'.

A secular comment shared with me recently claims:
"Life is like a grindstone, whether it grinds you down or polishes you up is up to you."

I much prefer:

'All things work together for those that love the Lord.'

God is the One who does all the polishing.......
and I am assured that He is not done with me yet!

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