Love: Perfect Timing

Ha, the title alone makes me laugh because I am not one experienced with love, not "in love," "falling in love," or "'hopelessly-can't-eat-can't-breathe-can't-reach-for-the-stars love.'" And yes, I just quoted a Mary Kate and Ashley Oslen movie--don't judge. :) Though I was in a serious relationship for a good while, I didn't have love nor the man of my dreams.

Will this a slightly depressing post? Not sure for you, but for me I find hope in what I'm about to write.

Back in January I was on my way to school to begin the Spring semester and began to think about all the girls I knew or that go to MC and I stalked that got engaged over Christmas and New Year's. Oh boy, was it a lot!! I lost count. And so many of them were sophomores and a few juniors. That in itself was depressing. I, who just exited a long relationship, had to endure through their public, joyous moments on social networks with stories of great love with the man of their dreams. I enjoyed looking at their photos and such but deep down I was bitter. I began to think that time is running out and then worry set over me. Man, that ride over to Jackson began depressing. Then I realized that the 'time' I just referenced was my time not my Father's timing.

While I would love to be swept off my feet and met a man that desires to go to the ends of the Earth to share Hope any day now, that is my selfish timing. On I-20 Jere. 29:11 was my comfort. The Father's plans are PERFECT!! His timing is PERFECT!! If I were to rush love and marriage and do it all at my time and not let G0d have control over it all, then it is automatically imperfect and bound to fail. And why would anyone want imperfect over perfect and failure over success??? I sure enough do not. Thus, my depressing drive became hopeful through the realization that His timing is best, His plans are perfect, and He is sovereign over them all!

So don't come to me for love advice because I have no expertise other than what I have read in the Word, fictional books, and seen with my own two eyes. However, if you want to ask me about becoming a cat-lady, let me know. Kidding! :) But for real, I don't know much about love but I do know that I am not going to thwart the plans my Father has for me because He wants me to prosper.

nudge of encouragement

To all who read this, have you ever gotten a random card or letter of encouragement?

 If you have, then you know the unexplainable joy that comes from receiving an unexpected word of encouragement. If you haven't I am sorry, but maybe you'll get one soon. Whether you have or haven't received one, imagine being the person on the other end of the letter. All giddy and excited about writing and sending a letter hoping it brings the person a smile...never knowing that the letter could have been the only encouraging and positive moment of their day.

Therefore, I urge you to write a person a card or letter of encouragement. It doesn't have to be a mile long but simple and thoughtful usually works best. Write one to someone you've known for years or someone you barely know...the results are still the same. Furthermore, I encourage you to write a card to a student working a camp this summer or a youth attending a camp. I have been on both sides of the spectrum. I can tell you that I always expect a card from my momma :) but to receive one from other than your parent is a thrill I cannot explain. I hope you can bring joy to a fellow friend, neighbor, or youth with a simple card of encouragement...it truly goes a long way!

Book Worm

Two posts in one day! Crazy, I know. Something you might not realize is how much I love to read...or the thought of reading. A dream of mine is to have a beautiful library with the sliding ladder. Hehehe
Back during Christmas break, I had so many books I wanted to read. I did read the three books of the Hunger Games series, which were good. But my mom had given a book to read back in September but I could never muster up the nerve to pick it up and read it. Occasionally, this spring I deviated from my studies and read a few books. Both of which left me crying over a stupid romance novel.

However, since school has ended I have finally resumed my leisurely pleasure of reading. I finally forced myself to read the book my mom gave me back in September The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boon. Man was I hooked on it, I read the book all weekend of Cinco de Mayo. Her courage and trust in His protection and provision is a lesson we can all certainly learn from. By the last chapter, I was weeping. By the last chapter, I was sobbing for the author's rough life...but in every death, trial, and tribulation she gave glory to the Father and praised Him. Needless to say, it is a must read!!!!

Then my roomie got several books for her birthday, two of which I had read and suggested to her. The new one was The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck. Different book but still a great read. I picked it up and was determined to finish it before I left Clinton. And I did finish it in the nick of time. A few quotes from the book left me speechless. "If you got good news, you best tell it. Don't make no sense to be quiet." And then in reference to the Gospel it "Always fits. It doesn't need no changing. The good news is always good. It never wears out and by gum, it's always in style. Don't we need Him now more than ever." Good stuff!

And this past week, I picked my those two books my roomie got on my mom's nook to reread. They are that good! Her Mother's Hope and Her Daughter's Dream both by Francine Rivers. I reread the former and didn't want to read straight into the latter so I picked up the book an aunt suggested to me, The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. I picked it up last night around 6pm and except for an hour watching Grey's and another hour writing thank you's and scholarships, I didn't put it down until I finished it this morning at 2am. No shame! It was good stuff too!! The night of their wedding the husband promised to write his wife each Wednesday as long as he lived. One of sweetest things I think a hubby could do. The book is full of forgiveness and compassion. Can't wait to read the next in line: The Wedding Letters.

All of these are great reads!! I suggest for you to read them young or old, man or woman. The L0rd will reveal Himself in them.