The Providence of God

There was a discussion in a Sunday School class I was a part of recently about The Providence of God.  Different people shared how at different times in their lives things have happened and how at the time they didn't always see God's plan in what was going on around them.  Some mentioned things that seemed at the time to be impossible, however after the fact, it was evident that God had been working.  

As I sat and listened, I thought of several times when I questioned my path and my decisions and even at times questioned God's Will for a certain set of circumstances I was going through.   I realize more and more each day that God does not need my help!   He is in control and capable of handling everything.  I am human and not in control and not able to handle everything! 

There have been events in recent months that have shaken me a bit.  At times I feel badly for being shaken, however I feel like it's at that point that I have a choice to make.  I can either dwell in the shaken state and worry and wonder and try to figure out and handle the situation OR I can take it to God and rest assured that when I am shaken & unsure, He WILL carry me. 

I think that in those times I have the opportunity to learn and grow IF I make the right choice.  I am praying that whatever the lessons are that God is working through circumstances to teach me, that I will be willing to learn! 

I can already look back and see God's hand in things and how even when I was feeling unsure and broken hearted, God was working.  He loves me THAT much!

~Bonnie
 

Integrity

Definition of INTEGRITY

1

: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility

2

: an unimpaired condition : soundness

3

: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness

 

Integrity is something that I learned from my Daddy.  I don't remember him ever saying the word to me or giving me the definition or expressing to me the importance of possessing that trait.  What I do remember is that his words matched his actions.  I know that when he gave his word, you could depend on it.  I know that he did not intentionally deceive or mislead people.  I know that if he made a mistake he was willing to admit it.  I know that if he hurt someone with his words or actions, he was willing to admit it and apologize.   I saw in him the quality of integrity.  I learned what it meant to live a life of integrity.  

 

We are human.  Humans are imperfect.  Humans mess up.   I believe though that as a human who has entrusted my life to God, I have an added responsibility to live a life of integrity.   I am not only representing myself by my words and actions, I am representing God.  I must be cautious to be the best representative I can be, as well as being willing to admit AND change behaviors or words that don't represent the integrity that God wants in my life.  

 

~Bonnie