God has a way of weaving our lives together like a fine work of art. I sure know He has for my life!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

I gave my heart to Jesus when I was just a little girl, in a tiny Babstist church in Dundee, Oregon. I have my best friend Rachel to thank for that! I met Rachel when I was 6 and she was 4. We lived kiddy-corner to each other. Her family always went to church on Sundays and I found myself tagging along. It wasn’t long after that my family started going to church as well. Her family helped bring us all to Christ:). If it were not for Rachel and her family I do not believe I would be where I am today.

Even through my teenage and early 20 rebellion years, God never left me. He pulled me out of some terrible situations and prevented some as well (probably more than I know!). My mom definitely prayed me through! Thank you mom!

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. –Deutoronomy 31:8 (NIV)

Our family moved when I was just going into my sophomore year of high school. The neighbor happened to have a sister the same age as me. The neighbor’s sister introduced me to another friend who later turned out to be the reason why I went to nursing school. If it weren’t for her I’m not sure that I would have even thought about being a nurse.

While being a young nursing assistant I met another friend who was a year behind me in nursing school but was older than me. We went through the ups and downs of nursing school and being new nurses together. We really bonded. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. At this time in my life I was still in the “rebellious” years. This friend then introduced me to beautiful J (I’ll call her this for privacy sake). J went to a church that I sometimes went to with another nurse friend. FYI…I may have been going to church from time to time but was still not being a good girl, but I believe God was pulling me towards Him.

My beautiful J said that she had two guys she wanted to introduce me to. One she thought would be a better fit than other. One Sunday, while at church with my nurse friend, J introduced me to a guy named, “Jeff”. I was thinking that Jeff was the guy she didn’t think was great fit. However, as soon as I met him I heard God say, “you are going to marry this man.”

That voice wasn’t just a random figment of my imagination…it must have been God because about a year a half later Jeff became my husband:). The funny thing is that he doesn’t even remember meeting me that day at church.

J had breast cancer but had so much life in her! She was such a mentor and inspiration in my life. Plus, she introduced me to the love of my life! She was my/our angel! J has since passed but she will always be in our hearts.

If it weren’t for my parents moving me in high school I would not have met my friend who inspired me to be a nurse. I then would not have met my friend as a CNA, who introduced me to J, who introduced me to my husband…see what I mean?

I then began my life as a new wife with so much to learn! You know those newlyweds who think marriage is going to be a piece of cake…well, that was me! A lot of growing pains have happened since being married to Jeff for almost 7 years now but for the better! My mom always says, “it’s the two becoming one that’s the hard part.”

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. -Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

There have been times that I have wanted to run kicking and screaming but I am so thankful to Jesus that He has been there with me along to reign me back in, help me grow, drawing me nearer to Jeff and Him. Jeff is the smartest, wisest man I know and He helps me all the time be a better woman. We are definitely meant to be together! It’s amazing to me how God planned this and knew this our whole lives and made us for each other!

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.-John 10:28-30 (NIV)

Even though there are times when I doubt that I’m in the right place, God keeps showing me that I am exactly where He wants me, and that’s the only place I want to be! Even this week we had another reminder of divine connection…Jeff’s co-worker and good friend who has been a huge support system for him turns out to be Rachel’s second cousin! How crazy is that! See…God has a way of tying everything together! And get this, one of the nearest cross streets where we live now is the name of the street where I grew up! I believe I’m right where I’m supposed to be:)! I could tell you other stories but I’ll spare you;).

God said to Jeremiah…The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” -Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NIV)

As Jeff and I go through this life together, God’s plan for us seems to continually align. Our dreams are even aligning! He continues to keep tying things together in our lives. I am so thankful for God’s hand in my life that has never left me nor forsaken me, even when I didn’t deserve it. How amazing is it that He is creating a beautiful painting of our lives!

Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. -Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

One way that God has drawn me closer to Him through the years are though devotionals. My mother-in-law bought me “Jesus Calling” early in our marriage. I literally felt like God was talking right to me through this devotional, and I have heard that I’m not the only one who feels this!

Since then she has gifted me with three other devotionals. There’s also one that I highly recommend…The Attitude Antidote.

Each has been there, speaking to me. Even through my 5-minute journal (which is not religious & contains quotes), I hear God speaking to me and giving me exactly what I need to hear at that moment, tie-ing everything together! It is so amazing how He does this! The same thing happens when Jeff and I do our bible studies…amazing!! This is how I know that God is alive and real!!

Below is a list of these great devotionals! Even though I’m not doing them now, I believe to everything there is a time and God gives us exactly what we need when we need it. It doesn’t hurt to ask as well:). I also confess that I am a girl who likes change and I get tired of things easy (my husband is the complete opposite who would be happy if I cooked him the same meal for each day of the week). I think it might be time for a new devotional! So, if you have any suggestions…please feel free to let me know!

I hope these devotionals help you to hear God speaking in your life and this story helped you to think about how God is tie-ing everything together for you and making your life a beautiful piece of art! I know for me, it’s easy to forget but writing stories like this and reflecting is a great reminder of how God is truly working in our lives!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 (NIV)

If you don’t know Jesus yet, but would like to experience His AMAZING grace, love, and protection…please don’t be afraid to ask Him into your heart! If you have any questions at all or would like me to pray with you please don’t hesitate to send me an email!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16 (NIV)