Not My Plan…

The past few years have been quite interesting in the Woodhouse household. I guess I shouldn’t say just the past few years, because life has ALWAYS been interesting around here. If you’ve ever heard me share at your church or group, you’ve probably heard me say, “If I had known what was coming, I’m not quite sure I would have signed up for it!”

Which is oh, so true because how many of us would willingly sign up for hardship or tough times? 

It makes me laugh because God made me a planner. I mean, I can get totally anal-OCD-over-the-top with organizing and planning. And then when things don’t go according to plan–which almost ALWAYS happens–it can really stretch my ability to be flexible. Anyone relate? I don’t know how many times I’ve looked to the heavens and said, “Now, Lord, didn’t You like my plan? You made me. You know how good I am at planning…” Sigh. I’m sure He probably has a good chuckle over me. Okay, probably a lot.

Well, the good news is that I can be grateful no matter what. It’s my choice. When everything that can possibly go wrong seems to go wrong in a cross-country move. When you’re in your house (finally) and unpack for a few days and then you get sick. When the sickness doesn’t get better but worse… much worse. Even when you’re laid up for five weeks, miss a deadline (gasp!), still have to finish that book, still have to finish unpacking your house, have the next book(s) deadline(s) looming, and you’re brand new in a new state with a new ministry.  Yes. Even then. 

Life isn’t easy. But I am grateful. I’m grateful to be alive. Grateful for my amazing husband and our two awesome kids. Grateful to have another day to live and breathe. Grateful to get the opportunity to write His stories. Grateful for a church family that is already beloved. Grateful for my publishers who show grace and love and care. Grateful for mountains, snow, deer, fall, the changing/falling leaves.  And you know what? I’m grateful for all the tough stuff too. 
I’m grateful. 

I’d love it if you would share in the comments about what you’re grateful for today. Even in the midst of loss, grief, sickness, weariness, any of the tough times… ALL of the junk. Let’s encourage each other to be grateful.

 

View out my living room window

Deer in the Front yard

deer in the back yard

Comments 7

  1. I am so glad your feeling better!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ Praise Jesus!!! I will keep praying for you!!! To you Kimberly!!! A great author and women of Jesus!!! I have been through alot these last few months too:( God family and the Daughters of the Mayflower series have been there for me! God bless you all!

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  2. I’m sitting in an apartment in Dallas, wondering what the next few years are going to look like for us as an empty-nester family. I had thought we’d be Coloradans for the rest of our lives. (Never give God a challenge!) I’m glad you are feeling better, friend!

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  3. Yes, this world can be an unhappy place at times but when you can look out the window and see His creation whether it be your deer or my birdies….you can’t help but be grateful….grateful to belong to Jesus and no matter what He never leaves you nor forsakes you! It’s so blissful just to think of that! Love you Kimberly! Love having you as a friend on Facebook and thank you for being so generous with yourself to be my friend!

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  4. For 24 years, I have corresponded with people in prison, because “that’s what Jesus would do.” Every month for the past 6 yrs, this guy and I have written each other monthly, and sometimes bimonthly. I was notified this past weekend, he died and that’s been hard. He was 78, and of every one I write to he’s my favorite. Now he’s gone.

    I’m so thankful to God, He allowed this man and I, to have a friendship through mail. I’m thankful, he loved Jesus, and both encouraged me, yet challenged me with my faith.

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