(Original post sent out 10 February 2015)

Happy New Year!  I thought I’d share a piece of encouragement from me to you.

I’ve been spending a tremendous amount of time in reflection this year.  Thinking about God’s plan for me. What’s His design for me? What’s God’s destiny for Crystal? Perhaps you have to…

I thought, “we sit in church, we tithe, fast and pray because we’re obedient to the Lord, but I was tired of being superficial “Sunday servant”, and wanted a much deeper relationship with God.  A bigger manifestation of His presence in my everyday life, and especially in my children’s lives.  I remembered that I prayed a specific Word over my son’s life as he lay motionless in the ICU for days after a horrific car accident.  There seemed to be no evidence that things would turn around, and the burn and trauma doctors gave his Dad and I little to no encouragement that recovery was possible.  So I said over and over to my son (and myself):

” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ ”  (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

Looking back five years later, it seems like we couldn’t have been in such a desperate place.  My Father God certainly answered all our prayers then, and continues to declare His promises and good plans for all our lives today.  I still pray this prayer over all my children, from the oldest to the youngest.  I still spend time each day with the Father declaring great promises over their lives, calling things forth not as they are but as they will be.  That horrible time is now a time of praise for my family, and my son is a living witness that anything is possible with GOD alone.

Nothing on earth is impossible with God!  Be encouraged today if things aren’t going the way you hoped they would.  My faith has shown me that the Lord can turn the most desperate situation around.  He has great plans for your life.  I agree with you today as you pray and speak life into your dreams.  Be blessed!

Photo credit: Day Dreaming Photography. http://www.gadaikansaja.com.