Tuesday, May 9, 2017

God's Perfect Timing


I cannot get this clip from the movie “Independence Day” out of my mind as I begin this post. Click for Video: (I initially embedded the video but it would be an odd opening look for a new post after almost a year of not writing.)

Now mind you, most of you reading are likely girls (women is probably more true), nor am I ready to declare “I’m back.”  

Yet, I’m back for at least today. We will wait to see what God has planned for the days to come.

I wrote my last post in July 2016. Shortly after my husband returned home for what we are unable to claim as home on a permanent basis (he’s still a soldier) but we are hopeful he will remain stateside for an extended period of time. Home for a minimum of two years is my prayer.

Our Navy son will soon receive a homecoming celebration with his second 7-month deployment close to the end. I realized recently this is the first time in four years (4 deployments in 4 years) I have one coming home and the other is not already scheduled to leave. Would you join me in a shout-out of praise before we move on?

Praise the Lord! He is good ALWAYS.

Thanks for that.




What has been up with the whole writing thing for me? Oh, I don’t know. There were many reasons why I needed to step away. One, my husband was home… need I say more?

It took me by surprise to watch a writing break move to more of a personal declaration that I am no longer a writer. I changed my blog site to private. I did the same with my blog Facebook page. And I used the Facebook “On This Day” feature to delete any blog related memory. Delete. Delete. Delete. That season is over.

I use the “On This Day” feature to eliminate another season from my timeline too. We will save this story for another time, maybe.

Truth be told, I had no issues with the season of writing coming to an end. Gradually, I stopped writing blog posts in my head. Do others find that exhausting? Oh, how my brain needed a rest.

Quick side note: I keep trying to avoid the word “that” because it’s considered a weak, overused and frequently not needed word but (another word claimed to be used too often) trying to avoid that word gets exhausting too. Not sure why I shared THAT with you. Moving on…

Can I switch gears and share something lovely with you? Would you read this blog post first?


Last month I had my first official gathering of women around our Old Oak Table. It was so much more than I dreamed it would be. The gathering was done in God’s timing, in God’s way and with God’s courage and strength. I cooked too. If you know me well you know I do NOT cook. I made turkey tacos which I say counts as cooking. It doesn’t need to be complicated to be called cooking.

I have no adequate words to describe the awesomeness and perfect timing of the evening.

Friends, I think THAT is all I have to say for now.

I got work to do, our youngest son to move (he will only be slightly over an hour away from us but geez the change will be hard) and our eldest son to welcome home. Life keeps moving. God keeps stretching and growing me (and us). There are many stories I could share with you of Him showing His faithfulness over and over again.  And maybe I will, in time.

In the last post I wrote (all the way back on July 1, 2016) I shared with you a new go-to quote (new way back in July 2016):

“May I forget less and remember more that God will show Himself faithful.”

I am remembering more. For that I say, thank you, Lord.

If you are reading this, thank you! If you are one of the sweet writing friends I have made along the way, I have no right to expect you to read for I feel as though I have deserted our friendship along the way. I am sorry. You remain a blessing to me from God no matter where our relationship stands.
  
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18 comments :

  1. I love you Beth. I understand now why I never "saw" you much on social media. I'm only keeping up with personal pages and only check in late at night and I've probably missed you there. You have spoken into my life countless times. I understand the call to step away. I can't imagine how I've kept going for almost 9 years! Although I would love to see you back writing more regularly here in this space, I would love to just get a glimpse of you and your life now and again any way I can. So glad your boy will be home soon and your hubby is still. Enjoy this time. Soak up your family. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, sweet friend, for your kind words. I think of you often too but have been so bad at staying connected. Less and less time was spent on Facebook and at times I completely removed it from my phone. A focus on family was just needed. Thanks for stopping by. It really encouraged my heart. Much love, Beth

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  2. I have learned in my 64 years that life has seasons, and writing is no exception. as you lean into God and allow him to direct your life, you will find blessings and peace will fill your heart to overflowing--and one day may leak out of your fingers and onto the page once again. :)

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    1. Such true words, Pam. Thank you for your encouragement. Blessings to you.
      Beth

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  3. Beautiful, Beth - love seeing you write again! Love and hugs to you on this happy week!

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    1. Nice to see you, Heather. Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you are doing well. Blessings.

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  4. Beth!! Hello sweet friend! Blogging breaks can be a great thing...I've been on one, too, though it's an unofficial one. It is a great time to focus on things other than "having to" write! It sounds like you've been dong just that, what a blessing! I love the picture you posted of the Forget Me Nots. That is exactly what we think about you... we will forget you not! Blessings to you and looking forward to reading more (whenever you are lead...)

    Love, Joan

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    1. Haha... I didn't even know they were Forget Me Nots! All God!! Thanks so much for your sweet and encouraging words, Joan. Blessings to you too.
      Much Love,
      Beth

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  5. Yay! for the Gathering! So thankful it finally happened - God's timing is always perfect! Such a blessing to find you in my inbox, friend, however you happen to arrive. And whenever/whatever you choose to post here, I will always read, support, and cheer you on! Blessings on your week!

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    1. I adore you, June!!! You are ALWAYS such a blessing to me and provide that dose of encouragement that is needed at just the right time.
      Much love,
      Beth

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  6. Dearest Beth, I read and am so blessed to have seen your post through fb which I have only been on for about a year. You have been a sweet and special person to me through these internet lines. I welcome your words and you whether this is a new beginning or only a one-shot post. I still love you and glad to see your face. I hold you and your family in prayer as the gatherings around your oak table.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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    1. Hello Linda. Such a blessing to see you here. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I will always be thankful our paths crossed in this beautiful internet lines. I hope you are doing well. I look forward to stopping by your sweet place for a visit soon.
      Blessings,
      Beth

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  7. So great to see your post in my inbox today. I've missed you. Bravo on your openness to follow where God is leading. To write or not to write... Writing is only one way of many that God touches others through our lives. Nothing better than in person and around your kitchen table! Blessings, Friend.

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    1. You are so sweet, Ginger! I do miss connecting with you so thank you so much for stopping by and for your words of encouragement. I hope you are doing well. Blessings, Beth

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  8. Welcome back Beth! I was happy to see your post pop on my Facebook feed today. Thank you for giving all of us an update. I hope you have a lovely day!

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    1. Thank you so much! I hope your day was lovely too!

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  9. Oh I'm so excited I can't stand it!

    You've made my day {my week!} in picking up your pen, dear Beth.

    Dare I say welcome back???

    ;-}

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  10. Beth,
    Seeing your blog name pop up in my inbox was like a phone message left on my voicemail...I was excited! What's she been up to? What's new? What's different? How is her family? More than a dozen questions rushed through my head, but never a feeling of being deserted. We ALL have seasons in our lives and I think you were/are wise to prioritize given your unique situation. Writing takes time and energy and sometimes those resources need to be directed elsewhere. My consistency has certainly fallen off since I've become so busy with RCF, Inc. But, I know this is where God wants me to focus for now....I miss you sweet friend and it is ALWAYS good to hear from you no matter how much time passes.
    Love and blessings,
    Bev xoxo

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Much love to you.