Part of the abundant life, I’m learning, is celebrating the small but creative ways God personally makes Himself known to us.
By now you know the unfolding story of our upcoming move, Lord willing, to the country. We believe He is leading us to a spacious {not in terms of square footage, but opportunities} place for His purposes and plans. For months, I’ve held fast to this⎯ to the point of purchasing rubber boots covered in chickens. Yes, chickens.
The following weekend was an especially discouraging one as the to-do’s seemed endless in this hundred-year-old house. For the first time, my steadfast chicken-clad boots slipped, and I felt despair trying its best to settle in and make itself at home.
Before daybreak on Monday, I asked God if He was still leading this move⎯that I was struggling to stay encouraged⎯almost to the point of questioning everything about it. Quite frankly, I asked Him to let me know in some way if we were still on the right track. {I have no problem asking my earthly dad if I need something so why would I hesitate to ask my heavenly Father, owner of the cattle on a thousand hills and keeper of every bird in the forest?} That quiet moment before daybreak wasn’t anything spiritually dynamic. It was simply a daughter asking her Daddy for an acknowledgment of His leading.
On Tuesday, the following day, Allison Martin, her two children, and sweet mom, Jane Green, drove over from Hickory NC for lunch. I’d not seen them since they attended our writer’s group years ago, or since Allison’s novel Finding Grace debuted in February. As soon as they pulled up in the nearby parking lot I walked over to greet them. We exchanged hugs while Allison continued pulling kiddo things out of the back of her vehicle. As she reached up to close the door she leaned over for one last thing. “Oh!” she said. “My husband handed this to me as we were leaving. He said to give it to my friend in SC.” With that, she pulled out the loveliest handcrafted piece of art I’d ever seen. Her husband, Ryan, had used various colors and lengths of wood to piece together the shape of my state, South Carolina.
At that moment I recognized the wooden gift exactly for what it was⎯a quiet, but creative, confidence booster from my Father. From His heart, through Ryan’s gifted hands and Allison’s willingness to deliver it, God spoke fresh hope into my heart with this gift made of wood, much like he did in 1989.
I’m not sure where you find yourself today but I want to encourage you by reminding us both that the ultimate source of all hope is found in the person of Jesus alone. And through Jesus, and His sacrifice, we have access to the Creator. Not a pie-in-the-sky kind of Creator but One who knows and meets our deepest needs, as well as our smallest ones.
Is there some way I can pray for you, or someone you know, who is in need of hope today? If so, please feel free to share in the comment section, or if it’s something you’d prefer not to post, that’s fine too. Simply fill out your contact information above under the tab “Contact”.
For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. Psalm 50:10,11
If you want to check out my chicken boots from Tractor Supply {thanks for the heads up, Melody Crawford!}…
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Great story, Cathy. God is remarkable in how he answers our prayers, isn’t He? Love the smile on your face and the boots made me laugh out loud. Keep on one day at a time in the process of moving. One thing at a time and God will show you what to do next.
Yes He is, Ellen! I thought you might like those boots. 🙂 Thank you for the encouragement. We’ll miss you at Blue Ridge next week.
I love this story and the Lord’s confirmation to your move. But I hate to see you move! Each time I ride by your house, I look at the upstairs window and say a prayer for you and your writing. Sometimes I get to see you up there, working at your desk. What joy it is to know you’re working for Him and that I can be part of that through prayer!
Would you make sure there’s a writer among the new owners? 🙂
I’ll do my best, Vonda! 🙂 Thank you for your ride-by prayers. They are — you are — priceless to me. I’ll still make the monthly meetings and you’re always welcome to come feed the chickens with me! See you soon. 🙂
Love this picture of my two writing friends.
I just love how God works in the little details, don’t you?
Yes, Allison! I hope it’s a blessing knowing He used you (and your hubby) in this special way. 🙂
Great story and great boots. Think I’ll follow in your footsteps.
Thanks, Marcia. 🙂 Lord willing, we’ll be practically neighbors this time next year. Sooner, I hope. ha! 🙂 I look forward to seeing you at Blue Ridge.
I love those moments when God speaks to us through his children or his creation. I laughed because I saw those same boots when looking for a 40th Birthday gift for a friend recently. We happened to go to The Tractor Supply Store and when I saw those boots I knew that was the gift. (See photo)
Betsie and her husband left behind a beautiful home for a smaller country ranch to start Healthy Hen Farms (free range chickens). They also homeschool their six children the newest adopted from Latvia a year ago.
Always love your perspective Cathy. Will miss BRMCWC this year but look forward to hearing all about it through your eyes.
I love the story of your friend starting Healthy Hen Farms — and the 40th birthday gift. 🙂 You will be missed, Daphne. It truly won’t be the same without you there. I don’t think we’ve missed a year together since I started attending six years ago. Your encouragement means more than you know, my friend. Thank you for taking the time to share. Love from SC to you!
You are a blessing too. Wish we lIved closer. I will see you next year at BRMCWC if not sooner!
Me too, Daphne. 🙂 I look forward to seeing you next year!
What a powerful and touching story, Cathy!Thank you for sharing it–for painting a beautiful picture of the Father’s heart and love towards us.
Thank you, Beth. 🙂 I look forward to spending more time with you at Blue Ridge this weekend.
what a cool story – it is like a hug/pick-me-up from God! 🙂 and i love that cut out – so unique and rustic!
Thanks, Robyn! I hope it encourages you as well. 🙂 God is in the details of each of our moves. I’m excited for you and Thomas. Stay in touch! (I agree on the cutout…Ryan does great work.)
What an encouraging story of how God is in the little things!!!!
Thanks, Beth. 🙂 To God be the glory! Look forward to seeing you….tomorrow! Can’t wait. 🙂
Love the wood cut out idea! Now I want one for all the states I’ve lived in. 🙂
Now that’s a great idea, Katie! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to visiting your site. Blessings from SC!