Don’t tell me that God doesn’t haven’t a good sense of humor, or good timing, or ways of speaking to us unexpectedly. My friend Norma tells me that I have the craziest encounters with people and I agree.
Today’s post is a follow up to one I shared on Saturday, Seasons of Life & Fall Decorating, where I talked about getting older, dressing up, insecurity, high heels, and more. If you didn’t read it you probably should to understand what I have to share today.
The day after I wrote that post a woman I’ve met once in this new church of ours came up to me with a little yellow envelope in hand. She held it out to me and said, with a bit of timidity, “This is for you. I don’t know if it applies, but it’s for you.”
I graciously took the envelope, chatted a bit and tucked it inside my purse. I was curious to see what it was but didn’t want to appear overly anxious, so I waited to open it until I was in my car.
I’m chuckling even now as I think about this encounter, just another way God chose to show me how much He cares for me in this faraway land! I know, South Carolina isn’t really a faraway land but one of our friends said that we might as well be moving to Australia when we left the Pacific Northwest!
I turned the card over and this is what it said on the other side:
Yes, God has given me a crown of beauty for ashes, joyful blessings instead of mourning, and praise rather than despair in this new place He’s planted us . . . and with all of the ways He’s made Himself known over this past few weeks I honestly believe now that our roots will grow deep and we will flourish here in our new SC home.
God is faithful. He loves to make Himself known to His children. He speaks to me in various ways and I know He wants to speak to you too. In Jeremiah 29:13 God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” It’s true!
Have you asked Him to show Himself to you lately?
Blessings my friends,
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Sundays Spiritual Sundays Sunday Stillness
Your story gave me goosebumps. Seriously God was in every detail wasn’t he? Thank you for sharing this follow up. I love hearing about God moments such as this. Happy almost weekend friend!
Such a wonderful reminder of Gods goodness in our lives. I so needed to see this today! We are strong through Jesus and righteous before God!!!
Sweet Patti…. what an amazing life you lead, girl! I hope this came from someone in your “new” church, the one closest to home for you. What a blessing that lady is…..and a true follower too, because she listened to Him, and then she obeyed His voice by using her own personal way of delivering the words He wanted you to hear. Affirmation of what you already know in your heart. That is so cool!
You mentioned flourishing in SC. God’s definition of flourish is to persevere through our circumstances. It takes commitment to God to be willing to submit to His Will and to become changed. He wants us to flourish and He wants to protect us. And the blessing comes from planting Jesus’ Words in our lives. We don’t have to do it ALL in one step….no, we just have to take one thing to obey and take into our heart. Just Start. The blessings will flow….that is something you and Mr. OTN know first-hand. You practice it all the time and i truly admire your walk in faith!
Look forward to more exciting shares like this one!
I love how God is faithful to give you exactly what you need at a time exactly when you need it. I love you my friend and I can’t wait to see you next week at #Allume …. You write so beautifully about real life stuff we all deal with and can relate to. 5 days and counting 🙂 Blessings and Hugs.
Your little space here is absolutely beautiful and the inspiration to stay and learn the tricks of bringing beauty into my habitation is so welcoming. I love it.
The note, though, the encouragement behind it and the scripture. Friend, that note was not just for you. It was a message, divinely meant for all of us, as He knew you would share it like this. Thank you for that obedience.
Many Blessings!
Dawn
Wow, I love encounters with people who listen to God. What an uplifting and encouraging note. I want to be one of those people who hears God’s whispers. Blessings.
This post is AWESOME (as was the prelude to this one!)
I had to chuckle at the last one about the shoes hurting becuz I can relate. MAN can I ! LOL
I have a scar tissue lump on the ball of my right foot after the neuroma was removed in 2010. I can no longer wear ANY fancy pretty shoes. I have to have extra extra cushion NOT to feel the big time lump with every step. So the flip flops with cushy bottoms are my best pal. 🙂 I found a few pairs of shoes I can wear for a few hrs (Sunday) before I feel a lot of pain. Winter time is not fun…my shoe options are few…mostly nurse type shoes (fine if you ARE a nurse) or an OLD lady! hahaha And they hurt after a few hrs. I remind myself that even though every step is painful, some people don’t even have FEET! So I am grateful that the lump is gone (it hurt WAY worse with the lump…so much so that I COULD NOT walk).
I, too, look in the mirror and don’t see what was once ME. (Where did that flawless skin and bod go???hahahaha) NOW I wish I had not spent so much time tanning….I might look a lot younger. And what is going on with my arms??? I liked my grandma’s jiggly arms…they were soft and nice to lay on. But I don’t WANT them! LOLOL I have seen great changes in the last 2-3 years…I am now 50.
I am grateful that my husband loves me and tells me how beautiful and sexy I am, even in the morning with rumpled hair and pjs! And of course I know God loves me no matter what I do, what I look like, etc, etc! I have to remind myself that EVERYBODY gets old and not all of us have a plastic surgeon who works for free. LOL!
Thank you for the update, Patti! Being transplanted definitely takes some time, plus extra nourishments into the soil for our roots to take hold. And I think in the fall season, that can be quite a bit harder than being transplanted in the spring! I love the confirmation He has given you; kind of like a warm sunny week after a few weeks of cold, wet, and gray!
What a beautiful story!! God is so amazing! Thank you for sharing. I also loved looking around your site! God Bless! Visiting from Fellowship Fridays:)
Patti,
Grateful for “The Messengers” God sends our way, dear friend!!!
While on vacation, I heard some definite “No’s” for some of my heart’s desires.
Instead of mourning over what I thought I’ve lost, I began again,
sharing God’s love to those around us. The owner of our Condo,
the salesclerks where we made purchases and an extra helping of kindness to “Mr. Ed”!!!
I have peace that “Something Good is Going To Happen To You (Me)”.
God’s timing is always perfect and I bask in His graciousness unto me!!!
Thank you for sharing this precious encounter!!!
God is good. . .all the time!!!
Fondly,
Pat
What a lovely encounter, especially in a new town in a new state! I can’t think of a better welcome! Blessings!
I love that Isaiah 61 passage and have never thought of turning it into a prayer. Beautiful. What a gift you received in that beautifully inscribed card!
What a beautiful woman to write that down and give it to you, I just LOVE it! Although, I never seem to find a good enough reason to bear the pain of stilettos these days 😉
Oh my, been there done that similarly (California to back east then back to California 🙂 ). It can definitely be different. And the price of plane tickets definitely makes it seem a LOOOOONG way away. And yet – so many grand people every where we’ve been, just as you’ve been blessed with. It’s a strange place for us but with God there, it’s always with HIm. And as I kept reminding myself during that season of life, God just had me traveling like Abraham and others and would keep me going – and He did awesomely as He is doing with you. 🙂
Blessings
Kaye
This is so awesome! Thank you for sharing!
I love how God shows Himself to us in such unexpected ways. It really does make you feel like you’re His favorite!
Patti,
I love this post and I pray y’all are fine there in South Carolina with the recent rains. What a treasure you received with that lovely prayer. Hugs, Susan
With new friends like that, you’re sure to have a great life!!! Thanks for posting on the @KellyBalarie #RaRaLinkup!
I found this very encouraging Patti! Thank you for sharing this on the Art of Home-Making Mondays! 🙂
Patti, what a beautiful note of encouragement you were given. And you have given to each of us as well. So grateful we were neighbors this morning at Women With Intention. Blessings!
Hi Patti,
Your photo of the heels drew me in (from Holley’s link-up today) and I couldn’t agree more that they’re painful but oh-so-beautiful! You just moved to Greenville? I used to live there and hope you are growing to like your new home! Enjoyed your words today!
What a beautiful reflection. I never thought about seeing God this way, but I’ll definitely think about it whenever I grab a pair of heels. 🙂
Patti, ((Hug)) ~ What a blessing to be on the receiving end of another sister’s obedience. I love that. And, I do understand what it’s like to start over in a foreign land. We’ve been back in the south for five years now, but those years away, felt very much like wandering to me. Prayers that you’re able to connect with your new home state, and that the Lord will bless you with sweet community there. ~ Happy to be neighboring you today at the Thought Provoking Thursday linkup. ((blessings))
What a beautiful sentiment. Grateful today for the crown made of ashes and the beauty from mourning. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Love it. Isn’t it awesome how God works things together? Thanks for sharing.
Patti,
So glad to be linked up next to you…I’m supposed to be in Greenville right now at the conference, but my senior gal Zoe is very close to me having to put her to sleep. My heart is aching. I wish that I could wear pain like stilettos…I pray that God can bring beauty from my ashes. I know He is able. Thank you for a beautiful post!
Blessings,
Bev
Wearing pain like stilettos? Hmm… not sure if I manage to do that! Wearing stiletto heels is off limits for me, while pain of the physical kind has been my constant companion for over 20 years, and pain of the emotional kind has stolen more years than I care to count. But I share your rejoicing in receiving beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for a spirit of despair. God is definitely restoring my life even as I still live in the dust and ashes. His grace glimmers shine bright midst life’s detritus.
The passage from Isaiah is a favourite of mine but I’d never before thought of personalising it as a prayer. What a wonderful idea! And no matter how weak we may feel, God is helping us grow into mighty oaks for the display of His splendour. Patti, I love the way He whispered to a new friend so that you could hear His heart for you in this move. Blessed to be your neighbour over at #coffeeforyourheart.
What a great picture to keep in mind…strong women, stilettos and pain…but the beauty out shadowing it all! I’m going to have to tween the quote on your card! Love it…and it is so true!
Blessings, Joan