And God Laughed

Isn't it interesting how our plans go up in smoke even when our plans were so foolproof?

It's as if the things we pray for are only allowed when it's convenient; heaven forbid they aren't accomplished the way WE think they should be!

Lately there have been many changes in my life. Changes that I'm sure I prayed for somewhere along the line.

And I have the choice to go along with these changes or fight them every step of the way.

Either way the changes WILL be made.

Over time I've come to realize that disagreeing with God is common. But in the end, He's going to win. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

In the back of my mind I often hear this response when I hear of someone's ambitious plans or have plans of my own:

"And God laughed..."

Not AT us but more in love as He knows our tendency to plot and plan our own way. He knows what is best; He sees the big picture and how we have to go through some tough stuff to get to where we're supposed to be next.

"And God laughed..." in delight at our sincere desire to minister and do things for Him.

"And God laughed..." at how foolishly we behave when we think things are going horribly wrong when really they're going very right.

So in the midst of your thwarted plans and deep anxiety over situations in your life, remember there is a God that is so able to do what He says He will do that He can laugh.

Even when we can't.

Preparation Blues

I've noticed how challenging it is to prepare for an event, even a fun one.

There is such a thing as too much preparation.

I admire so much those folks who seem to do this kind of thing easily.
They make it look spontaneous but don't let them fool you.

I've been jotting down ideas and even writing down what I want to say. But I know that the actual evening will go quickly.

I'm reminded of my wedding day-

It took so long to plan and prepare. When I looked at the church clock after the ceremony I was shocked to realize the entire thing had taken only 24 minutes.

I wanted to do it over again just to get my money's worth!

That's what this event will feel like. So don't be surprised if I repeat myself.

A lot.

Event Update

New news for you:

In an effort to keep costs down and ease some planning pressure, I've decided to host my "Evening with Karen Wasoba" at my office conference area.

Official address is 4025 N. St. Peters Parkway, St. Charles, MO 63304

It's a smallish room but we're a creative bunch; the closeness will add ambiance...

So I've become aware of an undercurrent of excitement on the part of my friends and family. Many helpers have stepped forward and comments have been positive.

It's actually kind of weird to be preparing for this. Usually my speaking topics are very deep, serious, and spiritual.

Not this time!!

Let's hope you have as much fun listening as I'm sure I'll have sharing.

See you soon.

Snowed In

Here's the thing:

I have plans. Stuff I want to do.

I've built up momentum in my life; things on my 'to do' list and they HAVE to be done today. In person. Face to face. NOW.

Except our area is being socked in by massive waves of ice, sleet and snow. No one is going anywhere and even if we left our houses there is no place to go. Even the malls are closed due to snow!
We're all being warned to stay put and not burden the city by having to come rescue us when (not if) we get stranded.
So despite my perfect plans for the week everything has had to be changed.

Now I have a choice:

I can gripe and stomp around and make everyone's life miserable (made even MORE miserable because they're trapped in the house with me and can't escape!) I can complain and try to manipulate my circumstances.

Or I can go to plan B.

You know plan B. It's the one you have set aside for 'someday.' Someday I'll read that book, try that recipe, write that letter, clear off my desktop, catch up with loved ones.

It's funny because I suspect we think 'someday' will never come, otherwise we wouldn't get so irritated when it does arrive. We would embrace it.

Emotional peace and satisfaction is our goal. If not, we'd might as well give up our yoga and candles and prayer life completely. Why bother trying to invest in ourselves and our relationships if there's no pay off at the end of the day?

Which brings me back to the snowstorm.

It's out of my control.

I've decided to relax. I've been baking, puttering around in the kitchen.
I've been watching the little birds outside my kitchen door pecking around for seeds buried under the falling snow. I've also been watching my much-younger neighbor shovel and scrape his driveway twice so far.

Needless to say, the plans are cancelled. Tabled. Neutralized. Not gonna happen today.

So along with my baking and blogging and hibernating, let me give you some food for thought:
Determine along with me that you're going to take glitches in stride. Accept that your investment today is in you. Recharge, reflect, renew.

Once the roads are cleared you can enter the world with a fresh perspective.

Just watch out for that patch of ice.