PLAN G!

What is PLAN G? 

THE answer---according to MUFHH marginalia....

PLAN G = GOD'S PLAN WITH GOD'S GUIDANCE!

I'm going with God's Plan G today!* 

Won't you join me!?

*Tomorrow 2/17/2026, "my" Plan G is Hubby's reverse shoulder replacement surgery and all prayers are appreciated for God's glory and Hubby's good throughout the lengthy process for recovery!

GOD'S WORK---JOIN HIM THERE!

GOD'S WILL! ASK

GOD'S PATH! SEE

GOD'S PLAN.........

JOIN HIM THERE!

GOD'S DIRECTIONS!

How does one follow God's will.....for His purpose and His glory!

Directions are needed. Directions are found in His word! Trust is key. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sometimes I desire specifics. 

Sometimes God clearly leads.....follow the narrow path and turn toward the cross!

Clarity of direction is needed, O Lord!

LEANING!

When my mind goes 1,000 directions at once, I know to lean into the Lord.

I have options.....Plan A., Plan B., Plan C., etc. Just in case.

God has only 1 plan. His! 

He knows the plan He has uniquely for each of us. 

His plans give a future and a hope!(Jeremiah 29:11)

This meditation Monday, "Lean in,  listen to the LORD of Hope." 

Follow His plan for your life today!

2021 RESET NEEDED

These days, we all need a "shot in the arm." Literally! We stand and wait for our turn for the COVID vaccine. But as we wait, let's ponder resetting our HOPE!

Type A folks can have trouble letting go of control. I know, I am a 'just in case" person trying to cover all plans in case Plan A doesn't pan out. It is not a healthy place to be. It's stressful---the one aspect of my life my stroke neurologist is trying to "temper"---don't give up on me Dr. Bhole.

On my 2008 Mexico Mission trip, my teammates dubbed me "girl scout" because I had packed lots of "just in case" meds, toys, snacks, etc. which I shared.

But....2020 blew "my" plans out the window. God only has a Plan A. 

Having meditated on Lamentations 3 for several days, I began to focus on verse 24.

"The Lord is my portion says my soul therefore I will hope in Him." (ESV)

His "Plan A" doesn't mean hope changes my circumstances, it reminds me who is control and in the midst of pain, suffering and uncertainty, He is with me.

Allen Bible Church's sermon closed 12/27/2020 with Dan Martin, reading the "My Hope is Built" hymn lyrics.

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness......on Christ the solid Rock I stand," are the familiar parts of the hymn. 

Earlier that day I had the hymn whirring thru my mind and in my old Cokesbury Hymnal, (publication date unknown but cost was 30¢ for a single copy) it was on p. 24. 

I dare not trust the sweet-est frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name.....In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds with-in the veil......When all a-round me then gives way, He then is all my hope and stay! (emphasis mine)

Thanks to Edward Mote for those phrases  that jumped into my psyche and soul to help reset my hope for 2021. I'm still humming it as I seek to reset my focus each day.

PLAN G

Each Type 1 personality seems to always have a plan. Maybe it helps one feel more in control. 

"Just in case folks" always have a Plan B. In extremes Plan C. Plan D and on down the alphabet allowing for snafus, interruptions, etc.

They make a list and check it twice. (At least twice)

Not so with God. Quote scribbled in the front of my Bible---"GOD ONLY HAS PLAN A!".

Many are the plans in the mind of a man (or on their list), BUT it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21, parenthetical insertions and emphasis are mine)

God only has ONE plan. His will. (Ephesians 1:11, 21)

His good and perfect plan. His Plan is the only plan. It's called sovereignty. (Psalm 115:3) It's a continuous working together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

PLAN G = GOD"S PLAN. GOD'S PLAN NEVER CHANGES! (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Mattie Dear said it well. "Be of good cheer. God is in the plan." 

That would be Plan G.

SCATTERED, SMOTHERED, COVERED & _______________!

Sometimes it seems so difficult to live a spirit-filled life in a "Waffle House World."

Waffle House defines its hashbrowns as scattered, smothered and covered.
Lately that describes my life. Scattered. Smothered. Covered.
Scattered thinking is putting it lightly for  my ADD--"Always Distracted Dotsy"!
Smothered with an unrelenting schedule. My calendar is a jumble with crossed out appointments, rescheduled doc visits and interrupted plans, think "shingles". "Tyranny of the urgent" seems to reign while I try so hard to get a handle on it.
Covered in doubts and fears and a lethargy that has a way of zapping my zeal. Yet, I believe. (Mark 9:24)
Sadly, I could add "out of focus or overwhelmed" to my blank. Yet, that's not the desire of my heart.

So....I pray---whether I feel like it or not.

A.W. Tozer quoted Dr. Moody Stuart, who said, "Pray until you pray."

That's my plan for the day---barring no interruptions.

CHOOSE: TEA FOR TWO

Tea for two---had been on my heart as a way of sharing time with a dear widow friend. Yet, an overbooked schedule made that time beyond the limits of my schedule restraints.

But God, heard my heart cries for help and it happened.

"In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."(Proverbs 16:9) David Lloyd-George once said, The true test of a civilization is the way it treats its old people.” Hopefully, in the Judeo-Christian community, care for the aged is seen as both a privilege and a responsibility.

God is there for widows and He wants His people there for them as well. A ministry that is emphasized in the Bible.

Jeremiah 49:11".....let your widows trust in me." 

Psalm 68:5 "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." 

James 1:27 "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” 

Today's Tea For Two---a choice made possible by the Lord's "overruling and rescheduling" events in my life, was truly an answer to the prayer of my heart. How special to "brew" a cuppa with Miss Ann and enjoy that redeemed time as she regaled me with stories of times gone-by. Times with her Bob in Bloomington, IN when he worked for RCA. 
She smiled as she recalled those times---a smile that I had not seen in a long time.

SaveSaveSaveSave

Pittsburgh Possibili-TEAs

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 

(Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

So many possibiliti-TEAs for our 24th annual amigas trip. Barbara, concierge at the William Penn in Pittsburgh, said our proposed schedule was a little too ambitious. Watch out Barbara!
We are on plan G---and God's plans are always exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or hope. (Ephesians 3:20) Plus, factoring in a touch of "female rebelness" virtually assures an all-out effort.
Hysterically funny play at the Cabaret theatre. Christmas Events---lights EVERYWHERE. The Nutcracker. Wintergarden exhibit at PPG w/ around the holiday displays, think Santa in every language.

Wintergarden's Ukraine  tableau celebrates Holy Supper, a family feast, on January 6.

Creche at US Steel Plaza ; only authorized replica of Vatican's creche in St.Peter's Square in Rome, Italy

The Cathedral of Learning's national rooms (actual classrooms used by the students) were all decorated for Christmas on the University of Pittsburg Campus.

Romanian Room
Click for unforgettable tour of any of the 30 rooms of your choice.

Of course, the Ukraine room (above) was my favorite.
Carnegie Museums of History and Art. Andy Warhol museum.Phipps Conservatory with 14 rooms of Christmas blooms and vignettes.Heinz Center.

Bonnie & Rosie the Riveter at the Heinze Historical  Center

The weather might have been overcast and drizzly and the hotel room a little WARM on occasion, at least for post-menopausal women, but the FUN and FRIENDSHIP trumped it all. Who says we can't find our way across the street to a restaurant---or at least have an adventure trying!

As always, we ate our way thru the city----Downtown, Oakland, The Strip, Mount Washington and Station Square, to name a few. Everything from Southie drink & fried pickles at Meat and Potatoes, and Desserts at The Porch to fancy meals with sensational seafood at Grand Concourse with river view seating and pierogies and great entrees at the award winning Carlton. Plus, the BEST Eggs Benedict ever (Baltimore style, with crabcakes) in the Terrace Room at our hotel.

Pamela's in "The Strip" w/ nostalgic photos on the wall and crunchy edge hotcakes loved by me--
and Obama, too, according to the autographed wall art photo!

Gigi holds all "the goods."

Primanti Bros. even had "sweet tea" on the menu---imagine that! They also serve french fries and slaw on the pastrami/corned beef sandwiches and have fried dill pickles that are nuclear HOT!

This trip there was lots of "tea" for me. I sipped tea, (via an incline for a cuppa at the Grand Brew) bought tea in The Strip and was served tea by my friends when I was having a bit of a tummy issue.

We certainly sipped a BIG cuppa all the possibilit-TEAs on our Pittsburgh Neighborhood's Bucket List.

But Mr. Roger's Neighborhood is still my favorite neighborhood.

"Directionali-TEA"

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when He delights in his way; (Psalm 37:23, ESV)

Have you ever struggled with finding direction for your life? Which way to go? Where to turn for help? Even when one knows the "direction to heaven," (John 3:16) she can still need direction for the daily grind. God's Word certainly offers needed direction.

So.....why is it so hard to "let go and let God?" Excessive over-planning can wear one out. So....why continue in that "insanity?"

I've decided to stop asking those questions in my mind and start reading:

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 30:21, And your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

The Lord delights in the one who chooses to follow Him, as Psalm 37:23 reminds us. I like the comfort offered by that verse but I also hang my "faith hat" on the verse that follows, especially when I make poor choices or go off on my own path.

When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. (Psalm 37:24, NASB)

Regardless.....when one's life rests in the hands of the Lord, all directions lead to Him!

Directionali-TEA---to be sipped in that blessed assurance.

"Flexibili-TEA" " a Re-Brew

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, KJV)

Sometimes "light shining" requires a little flexibility and a lot of trust. Yesterday's letter from Shane Stanford to his congregation at CUMC bore witness to that truth. After many weeks (44 ?) of treatment at Mayo, Shane said the results were disappointing. But....he concluded his letter with the Matthew 5:13-16 exhortation.

Pastor Stanford knows what it's like to live an upside down, inside out version of life. He's dealt with an HIV-positive lifestyle since age 16. He, as all of us, had a choice to make both then and now. 

Even at that young age and through his seminary years, Shane knew he had a choice: he could feel sorry for himself, or he could live as faith-fully and boldly as possible. Choosing how to live out that grace would be the key to making his life matter. (Positive Life)

Was this most recent diagnosis what he had hoped for? Certainly not. But God....through Shane will continue to achieve His best plan for both the Sanford's and their large church family. For Shane, the new plan will be very similar to the old plan. "I plan to continue leaning on the only real source of strength I have ever known—Jesus." is how Sanford puts it.

"More importantly," he states, "I believe that God has only begun to use this journey for His Glory!"

Note the sheep which is still right-side up.

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be "bent out of shape," even when their world seems to have been turned upside-down. Not a beatitude...but at "tea-attitude" of flexibili-TEA.

YaYa's Wisdom

8/6/13 Last week, the Texans' Texas grandmother, YaYa,  shared some insightful gems, gleaned from a counseling conference.

Two Questions---children have for their earthly parents.

• Do you love me?
• Can I have my way?

Two Questions---children (even adult ones) have for their heavenly Father.

• Do you love me?
• Can I have my way?

The answers are the same:

• YES, to the love question. 

Parents love their children unquestionably. 

In the same way, God's love for His children is indisputable. 

• NO, to the "have my way question."

Parents need to provide the foundational guidance, safety and moral direction for their children until adulthood is reached.

In the same way God provides the foundational truths needed for His children to live a life of purpose. His purpose. It's not about us! It's God's purpose for us as a part of His plan for humanity and His glory. God must continue to direct one's steps  until maturity in Christ is attained on the eternal timetable.

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

Thanks to YaYa for sharing her Allender Q & A. 

PLAN A

2/20/13 Readers of my  blog realize that in my life I often move not only to Plan B or Plan C or D...but even further "down" the Dotsy Plan Spectrum. Downward---that's often the spiral.

Why? I've begun to ask myself that. Usually I try new plans because I am the "queen of pain avoidance." Ease and comfort are too often my pursuit.  Along with frugality and convenience, my action plans are too often ruled, to a fault, by these four nouns. Nouns for living life "My Way."

Recently, I was brought up short by a comment from friend Debbie Frazier as she related her prayer during a "hard place" in her life. She asked the Lord for relief.....a Plan B----because Plan A wasn't going so well. She sensed that the Lord was telling her that there was no Plan B.
Plan A. That was it. Plan A was His plan for her life, even in this very difficult situation. 

God's sovereignty at work. We can either rest in it or wrestle with it in resistance as Crickett says.

Resist God's plan. I think not. 

Even if Plan A seems hard, we can trust Him to use the "discipline learned there" to be for our good and  in His timing to bear the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:11) 

As Psalm 119:71 states, "It was good that I was afflicted that I might learn from that statues."

Plan A---it's really  the only plan there is.


**For all my friends & blog readers who are in a VERY difficult Plan A right now, I continue to stand in the gap for you in prayer. In no way does this blog entry diminish the pain and hurt that is a part of your life right now. Praying extra measures of God's grace and mercy as you "endure" each moment & asking Him to be your true comfort, as only He can be.

CLEAR DIRECTIONS

1/17/12 I long to clearly understand God's plan for me, especially now that I am retired. Generally I know the Lord's requirements from Micah 6:8. But.....I want specifics for ministry. Service to others. I want to hear it loud and clear. So far, I've realized His plans for me, after the fact.
Last week's BSF lesson #14 gave a verse for understanding God's guidance.

Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

That's it----that's just what I want. His voice of direction. If I can't hear it, then I'd like to see it---something I can't miss! Like the signs at St. Jude that recently led me to the Grizzlies' House from the hospital.

You're headed in the right direction.

Keep going. Almost there.


None of the aforementioned options, verbal or visible, are occurring. So....what's a gal to do?

I will keep putting one foot in front of the other---after I've spent time with Him. Clearly directing me might not be a piece of cake for Him....but God....can use His principle of inertia on me. I am definitely one of those folks resistant to change. As long as I'm moving, maybe He can just continue to twist and turn and nudge me until I have ears to hear or eyes to see.

Maybe His "mapped out" plan for me isn't one of clear direction but one of plain ole trust.

Dance Plans

4/26/10 If I’ve learned anything these last few months, it’s that my “dance” is His plan, not mine. Jesus Calling, these last few days, has certainly reminded me of that. The dance is empowered by Him. I’m just to respond to His lead rather that trying to make life’s dance fit my plans. My compulsive planning can cause missteps along the way. When my mind spins with multitudinous thoughts I cannot follow His lead---I can’t hear His still small voice. Is it fear that manifests itself in my excessive planning? Isn’t unbelief the root of all fear?

Yesterday’s Jesus Calling entry (4/25) reminded me to make the Lord my focal point as I moved (danced) through each day. Maybe others need reminding too. The only way for a spinning ballerina to keep her balance is to keep returning her eyes to her immovable focal point.

Certainly our world/circumstances continue to whirl around us and we, too, need to focus on the One who is the constant in our lives. That way our steps are steady and sure---because we are focused on Him and His plan for us instead of our own plans.
As I typed this I could hear my Mama Davenport’s squeaky little voice humming this old but still familiar hymn:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
 Look full in His wonderful face,
 And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
 In the light of His glory and grace

So with His plan to think about, think on this verse as you “dance” through your day. Please note parenthetical paraphrases are just my THOTS on this verse.

Let us (that’s you, Dotsy) also lay aside every encumbrance (my role of trying to plan and lead the dance) and the sin (my compulsive, excessive planning) which so easily entangles us, and let us run (dance) with endurance (His strength) the race (His dance plan) that is set before us, (Dotsy)
2fixing our (my) eyes on Jesus, (my partner who leads me in the dance) the author and perfecter of faith, (faith = belief) (Hebrews 1b-2a)