Finding a new "normal"

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)  

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man,

    but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

I've decided that there is no such thing as "normal"!!! :) I had decided this years ago, but every time major change happens in my life it solidifies it even more.

I had plans...big plans! When I was 14 I knew I was called to serve children, so I started making "plans". I planned that I wanted to work in an orphanage, preferably in Asia, and to never go back to the States except for necessary college education, but then again online was becoming more common! :) I planned to marry someone other than American (because at that point most American guys I knew didn't get what I was about - what 14-16 yr old does?!). I planned to live overseas for as long as I could. I planned to get married young. I planned to have at least 2 kids by the time I was 25. I planned to adopt 4 more by the time I turned 30. I planned and planned and planned.

So...how's all that planning turn out??!! :)

So most of my plans haven't come to fruition, but you know what? The Lord's purpose has changed them. I've talked lots with my friends about how in my life my expectations have always been needing to change to align with what God has purposed. Sure I can plan the best life I'd like, what my hopes and dreams are, what I feel God calling me to do. But if they are NOT God's PURPOSE, they will not stand. In spite of my planning and dreaming, God still had full authority over my life! I held my plans loosely and allowed HIM to ultimately guide my steps.  And as you can see, I do not work in an orphanage (currently), I DID marry an American (an American MK), I do not live overseas (currently), I did however get married young (I was 20), I did not have 2 kids by the time I was 20 nor adopt all 4 by 30 (I've still got another year for the 3!!! - do I hear a set of siblings through fostering possibly??!!). But what the Lord purposed was SOOOOO much better than I could have even imagined! I'm incredibly blessed! If I'd gotten my selfish way, I'd most likely have missed out on all this wonderfulness! Now my life isn't glamorful or one to be the envy of others, but it's the purpose God has ordained for me and my life. And I'm thankful. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

So in good times and in hard; I give thanks. I live in obedience! And as I do, I find JOY!!!

I count my blessings each day and thank my Lord for my wonderful life!!! And I find a new "normal"!!!