It's Just As Much About the Journey.....

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber

......as it is the destination. As mentioned before I had the chance to do a little road trippin' this past weekend. Celebrated the wedding of two friends, caught up with former colleagues, and spent a great weekend with one of my first college friends and her ever growing family. I'm not sure why, but prior to my trip I had suffered with more than my fair share of anxiety. For months prior to my travel I had been asking the Lord to simply work everything out and make it an easy breezy kind of trip. One of the many things He taught me this weekend was that as sure as we are to ask He is just as sure to answer. The trip to the wedding was surprisingly quick with no pit stops. This is very unusual considering I have the bladder of a small child and usually need a potty break quiet often. I hate it as much as the people who travel with me. This trip just had Jack Davis as a travel companion and he never minds a pit stop along the way. The wedding was beautiful and everyone got their safe and sound. We had a good, but quick time catching up and discussing the events of the day. It's always warms my heart to see two people who have sought after what the Lord would have for them in a mate. Then to see Him answer those prayers with such a perfect pairing.

Rehearsal

The second half of my trip was to visit one of my first college friends. We haven't seen each other in at least 4 years, but we talk on the phone ALLLLLL the time. We are a true balance for one another when it comes to the issues of life. Sometimes you just need to talk it all out with someone and she is one of my someones. I'm very lucky to have had friends that stand the test of time. My mamaw always says that while the Lord didn't bless me with siblings He did bless me with some of the best friends a girl could have.  It was so beautiful to get to see my dear friends 3 little girls and spend time with them painting crafts, baking dog treats, and doing their nails. They are super girly and just the kind of kid that Aunt Stacie is made for !

freshly baked dog treats
for Jedi & Jack

Perfectly Painted Nails



Painting Butterfly Banks @ the Outside Craft Table !

They of course loved Jack Davis, I mean, who doesn't ?! My friend and I had such a nice time sitting outside with the breeze blowing, taking a trip to town which was a big deal since she now lives out in the country.and just catching up. It's such a gift to be able to spend time with someone doing nothing. I know that sounds crazy in this gotta be somewhere, always running late, not enough time for everything life that most lead. It's exactly that kind of life that makes being able to just sit together such a wonderful thing.  Another funny thing would be that I would now consider myself a translator. A "Country Speak Translator". Not everyone knows what "ov'r yander", "get", "y'all", "y'uns", "orta", and "reckon" mean. I've realized in this brief time with my city friends who have moved to the country that there should be a book if there isn't already that translates southern, country and down right hillbilly terminology for those who might not be able to decode it. I was glad to know that my country up bringing came in useful for more than just talkin' to kin' folk.

Of course Aunt Stacie got them each a tiara! I mean they
are country princesses now. It's only fittin' they dress like it. :-)
This also reminds me that my great g'ma Hannah ALWAYS
wore an apron. It didn't matter if she was in the garden, sittin' on the porch or cooking.
She always had on her apron.

For my trip home I had decided to take it easy. I mean after all what's the rush ? I was determined to take it all in and appreciate the day the Lord had made. Not even a block down the road from my friends house did I spot a slow moving pal to reassure me that the idea to take it slow was a great one!

He seemed bothered that I
interrupted his walk for a photo shoot.

Once I started out on the road I began to feel extremely sick. The road from where I stayed to the interstate was long and twisty so I knew there wouldn't be any filling stations to pull over at if I got ill. So, I called on the Lord , proclaiming that He knew what was ahead and my hearts desires. Asking Him to help me feel better right in that moment so that I wouldn't be robbed of the beauty of the drive. As soon as I asked, He answered. I've read through the Bible several times and am currently reading through Isaiah. I have yet to reach this chapter , but find it so reassuring that He would bring it to mind from my past readings in my time of need. It was a good reminder for me how important time in the Word is.

Isaiah 30:19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more.

How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.

The Lord truly answered me upon my asking.  I am so amazed to think He would care enough about my drive home that He would prevent me from feeling any worse. The drive was gorgeous and inspiring. I stopped several times to take pictures with my phone and just to take it in. The beauty of His creation, how it can be so different from one part of the world to the next yet it was all made by His hand. I'm glad I took a moment. After all, who knows when we will pass this way again ?!The drive home was a great time of reflection on the weekend but as well as what the Lord has done in this "journey" time of my life. He is so faithful to us. I am grateful for a God who would provide for our every need and want. A God who is so careful as to plan each step along the path so that we wouldn't worry with it and be able to enjoy the pathway. Every now and then I feel like I'm the only one with faith in His plans and preparation for me. Maybe I am, but maybe that's so others would see my faith in Him and His faithfulness to me, His beloved daughter. While on this trip the destinations where extremely important and the reason(s) I even hit the road to begin with , but it was the journey in between that showed me so much about God's care and plans for me. The time in between is so important. I'm grateful to have this "journey" time to reflect on Him, to learn more about Him, and to hopefully become a better servant to His children and reflection of His thoughtful love.

He has planned ahead.

Jeremiah 29:11~ 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.

If we ask He will answer.

Isaiah 30:19 O people of Zion, who live in

Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be

when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.

He cares for me....and you!

 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

″A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

 “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

“The journey not the arrival matters.” – T. S. Eliot

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu