I have become sure of one thing when it comes to plans…
WHEN WOMEN ARE INVOLVED PREPARE TO CHANGE THEM! 🙂 🙂
That ought to garner me some comments from readers!!! In fact, my oldest daughter, who is involved in this “changing transaction” will probably comment and might even get her mom to read this post (hey, there’s always a first time for everything!) Just kidding. Jo has read a post or two before. But commenting? Let’s just say I don’t get paid by her comments. 😉
Anyway, here’s the deal. Tami’s birthday is June 3rd and she will be (__) years old. I’ve always been told it is not good to tell a woman’s age so let’s just say it is between 35 & 40. Or maybe I could say I wasn’t quite 23 when she was born and I am not quite 61 yet. 🙂 Providing I am still alive and kicking at this point, we planned (operative word) to go to Knoxville with our grandson and spend Saturday through Tuesday with her-celebrating her birthday; going to a Smokes baseball game (that way Braden won’t care who wins); maybe do the Titanic museum; and a whole bunch of other stuff in Pigeon Forge.
Hotel reservations. Check.
Money saved. (A reasonable) check.
Gas money saved. (another reasonable) check.
Schedule of leaving and picking up. Check.
Right to change plans with three weeks left? Double Check.
Say what? Yep. I got the call this morning. Plans have changed. We are no longer going to Knoxville or Pigeon Forge. Oka-a-a-a-y. The plan now is for Tami to come here, then ride with us to Columbus to get Braden, and spend the whole week with him in Columbus and Sandusky (where Jo’s sister lives). Ai-yai-yai (or however you spell that).
But in all seriousness…I am okay with it. Spending less money is always good, especially less gas money. Tami gets to spend a whole week with Braden instead of just a couple of days. Jo’s sister gets to see Tami. And I get to be driven crazy by a rambunctious 6-year old. The saying will be true: “I had to come home to get some rest.” 🙂
There is one plan that will never change…God’s plans. “I know the plans I have for you.” (Jer.29:11) “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” (Ps.33:10) “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Pr.16:3) I am one who believes strongly we have free will to make our own choices. But I do know when we follow God’s plan, things go a whole lot better. He has a plan for us. He has a plan for the future. The first is sometimes hidden. The latter we know: He is coming again. That plan will never change!!
How do you feel about God’s plan for your life? Do you know what it is?
One more thing about our vacation plans: one thing hasn’t changed!
I CAN STILL TAKE MY BIKE! 🙂
Bill, I’m really not sure, and I’m ok with that.
Nothing wrong with that larry. Who knows the mind of God?
Wait- bike- nobody said anything about taking your bike… I guess if you get to take the bike I get to take my running shoes 🙂
Oh, and one tweak- I’m heading to Ohio on Friday now LOL!
and did I mention I can’t wait!!!!
In all of that- I am thankful that He never changes!
I had already agreed to take my bike but to leave it at janna’s after picking up Braden in Ohio. But it was definitely going to Sandusky with me. Just not Pigeon Forge. Oh, the sacrifices I make! 🙂 Your change in plans of going to Ohio is case in point of what I am trying to say in my post. 😛 Can’t wait to see you either. Oh, you didn’t mean me. You meant Braden.
Glad you remained flexible and kept a positive frame of mind when you got thrown a curve. I have never been good at this.
Oh, and I thought when the “(___)” was displayed on my computer, it was some sort of formatting problem because the number was too big. Good thing you wife doesn’t read your blog so she won’t see this insulting comment from a stranger.
I wouldn’t think of putting my wife’s age in print. Dead man walking for sure then. Actually, it was Tami’s, my oldest daughter. She gets her feathers ruffled too so you better watch out for her. 😀
Hey now- I honestly don’t care if you put in () how old I am 😉 Now, in two more years I might care…
God’s plan is for me to follow him. My plans are ever-changing as I do my best to come closer to his plan. Are there less hills in Ohio?
That is a good plan to follow Dan. Where we will be going (Sandusky) it is flat, so much less hilly. I lived for 18 years in flat country until moving here.
Maybe you can hit Cedar Point while you’re there and get some hills in there 🙂
We lived in Sandusky for 5 years. The first couple we went to CP. The last few we avoided it. 🙂 I’m at the age now where my inability to go in circles is heightened. I do love roller coasters but I am the only one so I do a lot of walking and sitting. Plus I don’t think they would allow me to take my bike on the rides with me. LOL
I can’t do roller coasters or any rides for that matter. Not worth the money for me to go.
My point exactly. I can people watch somewhere for free.
Actually, men are not always good at planning either. Or, rather, a lot of them leaves all planning to women and then complain when something does not work out according to what they have already claimed as a plan of their own 😛 Not saying you’re like that, brother, just sayin’ 😀
That said, I love proper planning as well. When I am on my own, I can be flexible, but when I already made plans to meet with someone or to do something for someone… and then plans are changed not by me, but by a third party… I really really dislike that. Because then I feel guilty that I can’t be at two places at the same time and I have to cancel one of the plans 🙁
But talking about bikes, I am going to rent one today again 😀
Confession: this was Jo’s choice of vacation so the planning was left up to her. The only thing I wanted to do was go through the Titanic museum. I am a planner on some things, but on others I can fly by the seat of my pants. I am a better planner than i once was. You go girl with that bike!
Guilty as charged on the not planning part but wise enough to not complain when things don’t work out. 🙂
yep. I just said, “Whatever” even this morning when she changed things up again. LOL
First, a funny story. My oldest, “Mr. Exact,” insists on revealing my actual age when the subject comes up. My youngest, “My favorite son,” has no problem letting everyone know I am 28 and has done so for several years now. Which one do you think has the key to a good marriage figured out already?
Now, on to the idea of plans. A verse that contually comes to mind for me is Proverbs 16:9, which talks about man planning his way but the Lord directing his steps. Learning to let the Lord direct my steps has been one of my greatest struggles as well as one of my greatest victories. This comes from a recovering perfectionist and control freak who has been rehabbed by two junior high boys, one who will lie for her and one who forces her to confront the truth.
Your boys have got to a hoot to be around though. I love the “favorite son” note. So…if you are 28 that means you had your first child when you were 13. WHOA!!! 😛
That is a good verse Kari. I was looking for verses and somehow passed that one right up. As for the struggles? Join the club.
They can be a ton of fun. That element has been missing lately though. We need to get that back. My mom says it was immaculate conception.
That verse has been a focus for me a lot lately. I think I’m the poster child for the club these days.
It is true I raised girls but there is a whole set of dynamics with them also. 🙂 I threatened once to lock them in the same room (at that time of the month) and let them out to go to the bathroom and school. I didn’t get a good or favorable response with that. Wonder why? 🙂 Love them unconditionally. They will come around, but your husband may lose a few hairs and yours turn gray in the meantime. Growth comes with struggle…remember?
As much of a struggle as my boys can be, I am thankful I am not raising girls. I am one and know how difficult that is. My husband may lose hair, but I can assure you that mine will never be gray 🙂 Well, we should be growing A LOT, and soon I hope!
I reckon each has its own challenges. As for the hair…no comment. I lost mine long time ago (seems it may have been when they were teens). You will grow. The Father says so.
Ah… the best laid plans of mice and men! Have a great time my friend!
Yep they go down the tube. I plan to have a good time.
Knowing God and His will changes our plans for life. When we try to go our own way and do our own thing the plans we make are futile; chasing the wind.
I also think that rolling with the flow is a gift of our free will. My plans are to do the will of my Father first and share His simple plan with the people in my world.
Breath of Solomon there with Ecclesiastes Floyd: “chasing the wind.” I sometimes tend to be a “go with the flow” person, but still take sharing His plan as priority.
A lot of times I’m not too crazy about God’s plan for my life. Because I have other plans.
“Love God and your neighbor as yourself.” That is His plan.
Mine is often only the 1st and last words of God’s plan.
No question that in our minds God’s plans are sometimes a bitter pill to swallow. Especially that love your neighbor idea. 🙂
The funniest thing about this post is that I only read, “When women are involved, prepare to change them.” I thought, “Women need to be changed every time?” LOL Too funny, but you’re being a great dad to go with the flow. So hope you have a wonderful, memory-making time. And yay for the bike!
WOW could that have gotten me into a heap of trouble!! 🙂 Fortunately, I went back and read to make sure I mentioned “Plans.” I’m excited about being able to take the bike.
Well your first mistake was making plans to begin with! 😉
As to going to the Titanic Museum… That idea sunk. 😀
In all seriousness though, I’m the planner in our household. So far, only eight years into marriage, my wife has yet to change my trip plans, she HATES planning.
As to God’s plan for my life, sometimes I feel like a directionally challenged youngster looking at the atlas for the right time wondering why I can find Albuquerque while looking at the state of Mississippi. But I’m learning that if I just follow Him, the destination is beyond anything I could have planned.
right time should read first time
Groan on your Titanic joke. 😛 Thanks for your honesty about God’s plan Dusty. It is sometimes an adventure in futility and being directionally-challenged. Least for me it has been at times.
I understand His grand plan of salvation for all our lives, accepted His offer many years ago. As far as His plans specific to my life, not so much ……
Been there done that before.
It seems to be “to trust and obey.” Other than that–I don’t know. And this is fine by me. If I knew all of the twists and turns I probably would be far to fearful and apt to stray.
Hey Matt! Good to hear from you. Following Jesus does seem to be an issue of “trust and obey” from time to time. I think your feelings are mutually shared. Thanks.
My father-in-law says, “blessed are the flexible for they will not be broken.” It’s so true! Our plans can (and probably will be) all over the map, but His are good and steady. I’m feeling a little bit all over the map myself with our move and trying to coordinate, but little by little… And God keeps giving us wonderful confirmation in things. Have fun on your trip, Bill! Thanks.
I love your f-i-l’s statement. You know exactly what I am talking about Jason with your whole life in flux now. You know I will be praying for you and Andrea.
Sounds wonderful no matter what the plans are.
Me too. I somehow think plans will end up changing again. 🙂
I know all about changing plans with a 17 month old child:) He has really made me stretched out of my plan and accomplish only my plans mindset, hehe Though our plans change God’s plans for our life never change.
I know God has called me to do great things for his Kingdom. He has given me a deep desire and passion to write and teach others about leadership.
Great post Bill!
Oh yeah the great “baby change!” And you wouldn’t have it any other way I know. 🙂 So cool that you know your passion and God’s desire for you at such a young age Dan. Go for it!
Ha, ya:) Thank you:)
“Blessed are the flexible for they will not be broken”…love this quote. Have been broken from not being able to flexed before…not pretty. Good post brother.
I liked that one also Betty. No it isn’t pretty to be broken. Good to hear from you.