I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe things often happen to us, or for us, that are meant to be shared, to help others along the way or maybe to keep others from making the same mistakes we make. So often, as a Christian, I believe things happen that could not have happened except for divine intervention. Sometimes the things are so small that I feel a bit odd attributing the occurrence to God but often, things happen in my life that leave me wondering how anyone would not believe in God. I’m not saying you’re wrong if you don’t believe, I’m simply saying . . in my life, it’s real and cannot be ignored.
I often think back to when we moved here and the trouble we had finding a house to buy. For those who were following my blog back then (2011), it went from being sad, to frustrating to comical . . we made offers on probably a dozen houses and some failed inspections, some the owners decided not to sell, some the inspections found issues and the homeowner refused to fix the problems but it was a pretty unbelievable experience and we ended up renting, only because the guy who was doing our inspections had mercy on us and let us move into a house he had for sale that had not sold. Then when we found this place, and in the 2-1/2 years we’ve lived here, I believe without a doubt that this is the perfect place for us and it wasn’t for sale when we first began looking, then when it was for sale, it was only with 20 acres and we wanted more but after a while, the owner was more agreeable to selling more land. Despite all the frustration of having deal after deal fall through on houses, I’m so glad we ended up with the house we ended up with.
A few months ago, I felt moved to write an elderly lady who had been a positive influence in my life when I was very young. I wasn’t even sure what to write but I wrote her and told her how much I appreciated the things she had done for me and how often I thought of her, and that I knew there were numerous folks about my age who had been influenced positively by this lady. She wrote me back, thanking me for my note, and then a couple of weeks ago, the lady got very ill, and passed away. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity, and took the opportunity, to write her and thank her.
Even something as insignificant as knitting stitch markers . . last week, I was reading a friend’s blog and looking at stitch markers she had purchased. I only have the cheap little plastic round stitch markers, which work fine, but they’re not cute! We’ve had a busy weekend and this morning I was looking at markers on Etsy and there were so many cute ones, I was overwhelmed and then it got time for lunch and I never went back to it, but I really was going to do it. I just got back from getting our mail and the friend sent me a package of stitch markers.
Stitch Markers
I’m not saying I hear voices, but I do sometimes feel the urge to do something. I don’t always do it, often I totally forget about the things I mean to do but I’m going to make more of an effort to do the things that cross through my mind . . especially when it involves doing something for someone else. I believe those “urges” are an opportunity to bless someone and in today’s world, we can all use extra blessings!
heather says
Such a beautiful philosophy Judy! You never fail to inspire me. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with us!
Sherrill says
I agree that there are ‘whispers’ (for me, that’s God) that move us to do things and sometimes we listen, sometimes we don’t. I always ask when I pray that I will be more attentive to these ‘whispers’ and act more rather than doing nothing. I cringe when I think of how much more I might have done/accomplished if only I’d listened AND acted!!
Carolyn S says
Wonderful message!
Dottie N. says
Thank you, Judy – your notes are always uplifting. Doing things for others (whether it’s a note or some little gift because we saw it and thought of them) is a GREAT thing. Just a little “thinking of you” can truly brighten one’s day.
Nancie says
Judy, thank you for comments about doing for others and yes people do enjoy receiving “thank-you notes” and “thinking of you cards”. If only I was better at getting them out the door in a timely fashion. I have so enjoyed your Blog since 2011. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Denise Porter says
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you….” I’m in one of those places that I know God knows and has plans but not quite sure how they will all play out. Last August my husband suggested I look into what was needed to become a municipal administrator. Found out I had taken all 6 of the electives for the advanced certificate back in 1987 to 1989 when I went to the same university that offers the online Local Government Training. Coincidence? I think not. So I signed up to take the last 4 classes – one done, one I write the exam tomorrow and two left to complete. Applied for an Admin job and had an interview a week ago Sunday and now waiting to hear. Is God moving our tent? Why now? He knows! An old pastor used to say some of those moments are “too odd NOT to be God!” It’s nice when you have confirmation that you are “hearing” His voice….
Lorraine says
Wonderful post!! I’ve had the same sort of experiences….and it usually turns out that when I do something that I think is intended as a blessing for someone…I am the one blessed! You’ve written a wonderful reminder to listen and respond to that quiet voice and gentle nudge!
Susan says
I completely agree with you, Judy. We are His hands on Earth. I believe He is interested in our lives, even the little things, just as we are interested in even the small details in our children’s lives. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ” Romans, 8:28 (KJV) And aren’t we all called according to His purpose?
Vivian Oaks says
Amen! So nice to hear something so positive!
Bon says
Amen, Judy. Thanks for your post and reminder to listen to that little voice.
wanda ll says
Well this is all so true. God has his own ways for coming to us and giving us what we need when we need it. Most of us just don’t have the patience to wait. The saying is.:”Don’t outrun your angel.” THANKS FOR THE AWESOME STORY AND YOUR WITNESS TO WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN YOUR LIFE. HAS BRIGHTEN ALL OUR DAYS (sorry about caps)It was a blessing to me just to read it.
Linda says
Such a sweet post. And I surely do agree with you.
Dawn in East Texas says
Great post, Judy. Every day things happen in my life, large and small, that I attribute to God. My friend and I share stories and when we share a story about a large or small miracle, one of us will inevitably say “It’s a God thing”. That pretty much sums it up most of the time.
Cheryl mucci says
Thank you for that message. So well put!
Frankie says
Great post! I agree — things happen for a reason. Thanks for posting this today . . . it’s going to stick with me today and that’s a great thing!
Linda H says
I’ve come to call those “God Winks” … you try and make so many decisions and it is only by keeping an open heart and mind … and sometimes just putting it into your God Box …. that resolutions are realized. Great topic … thanks for sharing! Linda
Laura says
What a great post Judy! Thank you for sharing!
Laura says
I should have added that while I one hundred percent believe things happen for a reason, and normally I am very grateful for all of the blessings I have, today I have been very negative and having a pity party for reasons I won’t go into. I am reading your blog for the first time in days as we have been out of town and reading this post just now could not have been a better reminder that I have been so absorbed in my bad attitude today that I probably missed a bunch of positive things and opportunities to bless others so again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I consider you and your blog one of the many blessings in my life!
Linda W says
Judy-Your post also spoke to me at a time when I needed a nudge. Thank you!
Bev Gunn says
Judy, A couple of weeks ago I thought of a friend I had not heard from for a long time. Last time was Easter several years ago and with Easter on the horizon it triggered that memory. He showed up on my FB page on Easter of this year! I often get a nudge from the Lord when something like that is going to happen,
After being literally sent to Russia to adopt 4 children and anything that presented as a problem was taken care of by small miracles! No way that could have happened on its own and without the power of God in charge! So, my kiddos are know to me as my “miracle family” and I cannot imagine my life any other way! (Is sometimes challenging trying to raise a young boy with FASD and ADHD, but with God all things are possible and Nikolus-Sergei is becoming a wonderful young man!) The girls are on their ways to being great young women and positive citizens of their adopted country!)
Sheri says
Loved your post. I get those nudges from God, too, and have learned to listen to them and act. Such a blessed opportunity, and I’m always the one that seems to “get” more out of it!