2020 - A Clear Vision

My last start of writing on my personal blog didn't get too far.  After reading the book, "Something Needs to Change" by David Platt, I know I need to change - so reflecting on this blog will be my goal.

Over the break from school, Perry and I decided to join our friends on their sailboat off the coast of Bonaire.  Three weeks ago I didn't know where Bonaire was or anything about the island community.  Let me back up....it's been a whirlwind fall semester.....

In September my father's house was flooded yet again - he had not flooded in Harvey when our house went under, but Imelda the tropical storm brought him several inches.  Once again we moved furniture, pulled carpet and began renovations.  This was number 4 in less than 10 years.  Dad is now 89 years old and tired of going through this, however, we started the process and Dad moved in with my sister.  Move forward to November just as we are finishing the renovations and Dad begins to mention moving to independent living.  At Thanksgiving, my sisters and I begin looking at a place close to us all.  Not much discussion.  Thanksgiving happens and we invite a few realtors over to help us think about what to do with the house.  The "flood discount" is high.  Most of the realtors had sold a house with one flood - but 4 in 10 years and a fire - not so much.  Just for grins, we contacted some "We buy ugly houses" companies....several responded.  By mid-December we had a possibility, we had to clean out the house and take what we wanted, move the items the children wanted, hold an estate sale and move Dad to his new place before closing on the house.  It was a true miracle that all was accomplished by December 22nd.  Add to that the normal holiday activities and of course my job.  All was accomplished.  When we realized that it was all going to happen before Christmas, Perry contacted our friends and made plans for a trip to Bonaire the second part of my Christmas break.  Everything fell into place - another miracle....

So...we arrive in Bonaire, Marilyn shares with me the book "Something needs to Change." by David Platt.  I spend the first few days reading the book.  I really couldn't put it down.  I didn't want to be rude and not visit with our friends, but the book was all I wanted to read.  As I read it.  I began to change...I began to think about what I needed to change.  I know that I won't be climbing the Himalayas and experiencing what David did...but I have my own mountains, my own pain, and my own shortcomings.  I have begun the change by writing today.  I want to somehow write what I realize I need to do.  It's almost as if writing will help me put my thoughts in action.

It took going away.  Getting away from routine.  Letting my mind wander and listen to what God had to say.  I realize that sometimes I take what God does in my life for granted.  I know I have faith that God is there.  That God will take care of me....as I read the book, I thought about how God took care of every obstacle that was in place with my Dad's house.  He provided just enough time and extension of time.  Until I stopped to reflect...I really hadn't noticed all of the things that fell into place.  Only they didn't fall into place, God planned the way.

Add in one more little issue.....in late November and early December I had been working with the insurance company to acquire a drug I use for osteoporosis.  This drug is not to be used when dental work is to happen.  I had not been able to get the drug.  Nothing was working.  Then...the last day of school I broke a tooth.  The root canal did not work; the tooth had to be extracted.  It would not have been possible without risk (actually the doctor would not have done the procedure if I had taken the drug).  One day before we left for Bonaire I had the tooth extracted and left the country without pain.  God knew the plan.  God made things work.  I need to be aware of all God has done in my life and how he has taken care of me.  Something has to change.

So, as 2020 begins, my clear vision is that I must proclaim Jesus as Lord.  I must make Him the master of my life and realize what He has planned for my life.  Something has to change.  I challenge you to read the book.  What are you missing out on that God has planned for you?  I can't wait to see where 2020 will go.

And then...the sermon on Sunday and the lesson in Bible Study - it was all about sharing your testimony....It was like God was making a strong statement - Something has to Change and it begins with listening and allowing God to use my life.  So...Something has to Change...it starts with a life-altering journey of obedience to Christ.  I can't wait to see where 2020 takes me!