Well, It’s been a hot minute since we’ve been together. I hope you are well! Sabbatical is over and we are refreshed! Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. We had time to dream and talk about all the things. Before Sabbatical God gave me this Scripture.

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

I can dream big dreams and make all the plans. But, as a Christ-follower, I need to find the sweet spot of dreaming and planning things while leaving room for God’s purpose to be accomplished over mine.

Part of the definition for “plans” is: “thoughts, intentions, plots or schemes.” We do that, don’t we? We are always thinking; planning; or ‘if they do this - I’ll do’ that plots. 


I like how the NASB puts the second part: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.” The counsel of God. Take a moment and think about what that looks like in your life. He has a lot to say about how we should live, love, speak and act. Are we hitting the pause button on our plans, to ask Him what He thinks about it?

I want to take a second to glance up to verse 20: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” We need the wisdom and revelation that comes from the One who sees the whole, big picture. Raise your hand if you’re with me! But let’s not ignore the ‘accept instruction’ part. That can be hard! How teachable and available are we to God’s instruction and direction?

“Lord, let it be so in our lives! Let Your purposes for us be accomplished. As we follow You and keep doing the next right thing, we trust You. We trust in Your promises, in Your counsel and that Your plan for us is very good!”

During Sabbatical I came across Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; He guides it wherever He pleases.” I referenced and prayed this promise over our family A. LOT. the last couple of weeks. Each one of us has something we are dealing with and/or hoping for. We need God to direct and move like only He can!

Think about the power of a flowing river, it creates a path into the landscape. It ebbs and flows into the tiny crevices bringing life or over time it can carve out the Grand Canyon. If our lives are like a river and we can bring life and change the landscape of our work, our family, our community, our world don’t we want God to guide us?

Since we want to be a people of the whole, complete truth of God’s Word, we cannot just latch onto a promise without checking the verses around it: “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:2&3

We can do the right or good thing with the wrong motivation. Even if it took hours of planning and tons of energy to do it, God is more interested in the why. We need to always remind ourselves that it is not about us, it’s about God. Bringing God to others. Giving like God. Loving like God. Being there like God. Forgiving like God.

Sooooo, that’s some of what I walked through during Sabbatical. Don’t you just love how faithful God is?! He was really letting me know that HE was in control and as I submit my plans, my dreams and ask for His wisdom, His guidance then it will stand because it’s His purpose. I know I need that assurance that God is not only in it with me, but leading me.

Here’s to dreaming big dreams while allowing God to direct, bring wisdom, check our hearts and move us into His purpose!!!

I hope you have a great day and know how absolutely loved and seen you are!
All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo

One thing I discovered and I want to share it with you is: Pause App.
It gives you 1 min, 3 min, 5 min or 10 min segments to pause, take a breath and realign with God. I think it’s pretty cool. Let me know what you think if you try it out.
Also, this song!!!!

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