Do you remember back in grade school learning about “comparison” (I can’t think of the actual term right now- teachers, don’t kill me :)) signs? You know, greater than, less than, equal to…. I just thought about them right now, because I used a “greater than” sign in my title.
As I’m thinking about this- it’s late, so my mind is probably a little wacky- I think back to how I learned which is which. “The open side is ALWAYS toward the one that is bigger, better.” And here is the thought that just occurred to me… wait for it……………………………………………………………………………………….
God’s plans are always better, greater, than ours.
God’s plans > our plans …. the thought is that
We need to OPEN ourselves to God’s plan. We need to be OPEN to God’s way.
OPEN HANDS
God’s plans= Open Hands -or- God’s plans INVOLVE open hands!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………. Wow, what a thought!! Haha, a 2:30am thought.
Anyways, I just really wanted to say that now I’ve had three fundraisers. Each of them were not necessarily how I thought a great fundraiser should go.
God’s plan was not my plan. I really just need to get over myself. God’s plan is perfect. As much as possible, every situation needs to just be viewed as something that God has perfectly planned. We need to approach life with open hands and the question, “God, what do YOU want me to do here? How do you want me to steward this time?”
Now, back to the fundraisers. I figured that a “good” fundraiser was one that was super busy. The three that I’ve had so far, weren’t that busy, but they have all been fantastic!
The people: First, the restaurant workers. I’ve heard and shared stories of workers at these restaurants. I’ve been encouraged, they’ve been encouraged. Many were open to coming to church with me.
Second, the people that have helped me. I’ve had friends that I’ve known for a while come and friends that I met the day of the event. These people are so giving and encouraging! How great a thing a friend is!! I had a friend from my squad- the first squad mate I’ve met- drive up here from Alabama- she visited family- she came to one of my events. I had a friend from a squad leaving two months before mine drive TWO and a HALF hours to help me.
Third, the customers. I’ve met countless people that have gone to my countries, many have or have had nieces and children live in the countries, one little girl had gone to Thailand and zip lined, people served in my countries, did mission work in my countries, I’ve met people from my countries, and one guy even lived in Japan for three years and had a friend there host a World Race team!
The conversations: I’ve been able to talk about God so much! Since these events were slower, I was able to talk to almost every person that came to them! So many told me that they would be reading my blog or praying for me. One man and his wife actually prayed for me right there! That was soo encouraging!!
The ministry: I have been able to talk to a lot of people one on one. I feel like people are more receptive when I am able to talk to them and show them my enthusiasm for what I am doing. Like I’ve told a lot of people, I even said it in my support letter which I’ll put up here soon, is that THIS BLOG can be used by God. I am so excited just to get people to read it and see what God is doing in my life and around the world!! But, and I really really wanted to say this, MY plan was- namely with this Pizza Inn one where I had to bring servers and serve- to serve others. GOD’S plan was to have these people serve and encourage ME!!
God is Good ALL the time and ALL the time MY God is Good!!
The Lord is GREAT and Greatly to be praised!! His plan is all we need. GOD’S PLANS INVOLVE OPEN HANDS!!!!
<3 Ash
