I Support Both Parties

I know, the title of this post is extremely controversial, in fact, it is probably extremely offensive to some of you, but if you'll hang in there with me for a minute, maybe you'll see where I'm coming from.

Right now we are in the middle of one of the most crazy, controversial, divided elections America has probably ever had. I don't know, maybe there has been others as well.  I'm not a very politically involved person. This is the first election in my near 30 years that I have ever listened to the conventions and debates. I could go into details why, but that's not the point of this blog. 

As a mother to four, very young, impressionable children, and knowing how the world is today, I have a major concern on where this world is and where we are headed. I mean, it's a mess out there! And this election is pretty messed up too! I don't think there are many people who are completely satisfied with their presidential pick. It's sort of like having to pick between walking on fire or walking on shards of glass. Both are pretty bad. There is a third party too, that many are talking about these days, but I have to be honest. I don't know anything about him and I am just now doing research. 

But something I believe in is prayer. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed for the leaders of our nation and the potential leaders that will be appointed in the next few months. 

I titled this blog post, "How I Support Both Parties," because I honestly do support them. Hold onto your britches! I think you'll agree with me, if you'll continue to read! 

I pray for both of them. I pray for Hillary. I pray for Donald. I pray for them. That is how I support them. 

I guess you could say that I am sort of a radicalist. Is that even a word? I am radical. Maybe it's because of the way I was raised. Maybe it's because I believe in a God of miracles. Maybe it's because I know that there is nothing I can do to change what happens (besides doing my civil duty and voting). What will be, will be. So if Donald gets into office, I think we should be backing him in prayer. If Hillary is elected, then let's back her in prayer. 

Personally, I have been saddened by the many comments from people on the News Facebook pages, and other social media websites calling Hillary, "Killary" and things of that sort. She is a woman in leadership and we are told by God to respect those in authority. It doesn't state to only support those who we agree with or that are moral, etc. In fact, that is why we pay taxes! God says to "render unto Ceasar what belongs to him and to God, what belongs to God." (Mark 12:17) But also in Roman's, it speaks of the same thing. Except it goes even further to say that the authorities are there, appointed by God. They are to be honored. It doesn't matter if they're Christian, or their morals are in line with the Word of God. It says nothing about that. It just states, plain and simple that we are to honor those in authority. 

I think many would like to argue that we don't need to honor a person that is so hostile to what God says to do. But let me delve deeper into this. I think there is something to be discovered in this, just because I was questioning the same thing and God took me on a journey. Please bear with me. 

Ephesians 6: 1-2 says, "Honor your father and your mother that  your days may be long and that it may go well with you." 

Ok. So what does this have to do with electing a president and honoring them with our words and actions? I believe God showed me something that helped me understand why He requires us to honor leadership, no matter who they are or what they believe. When Paul was speaking to the Ephesians, He never said to the children that they should only honor the parents that honored and loved God. It is just something that children should do. Should they support abuse if their parents were abusive? No. But there is a way to honor those parents who are abusive and still separate yourselves from them in a godly manner. Like, for instance, not cursing them, not calling them names, not announcing to the world your complete disdain for them, etc. 

Romans 13: 1-7 says, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

I believe that God wants us to be honoring and respectful to these people who are in leadership; the POTUS, FLOTUS, Senators, Congressmen, Police Officers, Firemen, etc. They're all in a place of authority and we all owe them respect. 

Now, to the point of this blog, about how I support the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Like said above, I pray a lot for them and I am committing to pray a ton more for them. I remember this one day that I was reading along on Facebook and came across a friend's post where they were saying something about not supporting or praying for a certain leader in the government. I remember their post just didn't resonate with me very well and but I didn't have a Biblically based response, so I went on the hunt to find scriptures that would back up what I was feeling. Of course, going into it, I wasn't sure if I'd actually find scriptures. But I was certainly going to see if I could find out what God's heart was for it. Here is what I found! 

1 Timothy 2: 1-4 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

1st Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Daniel 2: 20-23 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter.”

Psalm 22: 28 For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.

Job 12: 23-25 He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away. He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth and makes them wander in a pathless waste. They grope in the dark without light, and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.

Titus 3: 1-2 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

There are many other scriptures I could post here, but I will leave you with this little bit to munch on. I know I had to munch on these for a while. So, let me tell you a tiny bit more about my thought process with this. I grew up in a religious sect that had some men who abused their leadership over me and my family. It made things very difficult for us, me, for several years. I missed out on over four years of my middle teen years due to their "power trip" that they exerted over my family. I have struggled for years to not feel a deep rooted anger at them. None of it every made sense and to this day, I still don't understand why they did what they did. It's just one of those things I'll never understand until the day I die and face God. Of course, once I get to heaven and see Jesus' beautiful, wonderful, awesome face, none of this past stuff will matter. But that's besides the point. When I started this search on what God wanted from me and how He wanted me to treat our governing leaders of this nation, He took me on a journey with my own heart and issues.

I'm human. I have done a lot of things I'm not proud of. I have said things and done things that aren't "Christian." So, since God was taking me on a journey in my own heart with my own issues with the leadership that was directly over my life for a few years, He began to show me how He wanted me to treat them. He spoke to me that I am to honor them, respect them and pray for them. Has it been easy for me? Not always. I haven't always wanted to pray for them and ask God to bless them, lead them, guide them and give them peace. But you know what? It's what He wants. And you want to know something else? Every single time I pray blessings on them, I myself feel better and lifted up. I feel blessed. Amazing right?!

So I think God wants us to do the same thing with Hillary and Donald. He wants us to raise them up in prayer. He wants us to ask blessings, guidance, wisdom and peace on them. He is the One Who leads their hearts. He is the One Who appoints the leaders. Those scriptures aren't just for the Old Days. They aren't just for "those people back then." His Word is here to give us guidance today. He gave us His Word to give us a path to follow. I believe His Word was very clear on how we are supposed to treat our leadership, including the President of the United States and those who will potentially take that office.

Besides, praying for them will bless us because we will be doing what God asks. We don't have to agree with them. We don't have to think that they're the best leaders ever! We don't have to support their campaign or vote for them. But we do have an obligation as followers of Jesus to obey His word, and pray for our leaders. Let's support both parties in prayer. Let's see what God can do with a people that are willing to do the daring and believe for the impossible! Why not pray for the conversion of Hillary and Donald? Why not pray for a movement of God upon their hearts? If God can rescue me and change my heart, then I know anyone can be rescued and changed! 

Psalm 91: Faith vs. Fear

This world is wracked with fear these days. It's so easy to get mired up in everything the news reports on every day. We not only get it on our televisions, but we are inundated with it through every social media channel we have, in our social circles and friends. Everyone is talking about it. I talk about it.

But that is something I am trying to change. Since the Dallas, Texas Police officer shootings that happened recently, I have felt the fear a little closer to home. My own grandfather used to be a Dallas Police Officer. The violence has reached a new height and I've discovered my own heart thumping in some panic about what type of world I'm raising my four, precious, innocent children in. How am I supposed to raise them in this world? How do I teach them that the color of people's skin means nothing? 

FEAR. 

What does it stand for? False Evidence Appearing Real.    F. E. A. R.  False evidence that appears as something real. Well, obviously we are facing something real, but there is Someone out there that is so much bigger than all this fear that is rampant in the world. 

God. 

Psalm 91 says, "You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddia's shadow, say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right! He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you, under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing, not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, --drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God's you're refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes and kick young lions and serpents from the path. "If you'll hold onto me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care, if you'll only get to know and trust Me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"(The Message)

Can we all just let that soak in for a few minutes? Maybe read it again? I know I've read this scripture probably 200 times. I love it. It's like my go-to scripture when I'm feeling down, worried, stressed or fearful. It's simply probably one of the most amazing scriptures in the Bible. 

The other day I was praying and telling God all my fears and doubts. I was telling Him all the problems of the world...you know, because it just helps me get it off my chest, despite the fact that He knows everything anyways. *Pause* I always get in my head that when I come to His throne room to talk, that He just pulls me up on his knee, settles back and thinks, "Well, this one is going to be here for a while...." I talk way too much. I know. But I love pouring my heart out to Him and you know what? He doesn't mind! He loves listening to me. But you  know what is even better? He then whispers comfort to me and reminds me of His Word that I can turn to and draw strength from. 

This world is a pretty messed up place. Pulse, in Florida. The Dallas Police Officers. Alton Sterling gone too soon. Philando Castile gone too soon. The Baton Rouge shooting. Nice, France. 

I could go on. 

It's so easy to get fearful and scared. I'm sending my five (almost six) year old son to school next month. My mind has wandered to the horrors of Sandy Hook that happened back in 2012. I've thought about holding my children at home, to keep them close and safe. But then God began to speak to my heart. 

Hebrews 11:6 says, "By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him. We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken, he pleased God. It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him." (The Message)

Everyone knows the scripture I quoted above, "without faith, it's impossible to please God." But I love how The Message version puts it. We have to believe He exists and that He cares to respond to us. It shows us that we have to be active in our relationship with God. We have to believe in something that we can't see, and we have to take time to actively seek Him. In the doing of that, we have to be full of faith, and because of that, we please Him. Well, I say "full of faith," but as I type that, I think of the scripture in Matthew 17:20 that says, "Because you're not yet taking God seriously," said Jesus, "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move,' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle." So, you don't even have to be "full of faith" as the saying says. Just have a tiny, tiny poppy seed size of faith. Have you ever seen a poppy seed? They're so tiny that if it were to just be alone on a white counter top, you really might miss it! How hard must it be to scrounge up some faith that size? It seems it shouldn't be so hard, but to be honest, sometimes it is! Having faith is such a Christian thing to do, but sometimes, I have to take it moment by moment. It's so easy to "have faith in God" when the sun is shiny and all is well in the world. But when troubling times come, sometimes I lose sight of the big, big God that I love and even doubt His kindness. Sometimes it takes a minute by minute effort to speak God's word over my life and situations to keep that tiny seed of faith growing. 

Do you know what happens when you water a seed? It grows. But the first thing that happens to a seed is a root. The root goes down into the soil to anchor it, allow it to get nutrients and water. It stabilizes the plant, then, once that has happened, it sprouts. It needs to be the same with our faith. We have to keep watering it. We have to keep making sure that we don't allow our faith to become stale and dry. I've found one way to do that is to remind myself of all that God has done and brought me through before. He's never let me down and I've been through some pretty dark times. In those times, it has seemed like God wasn't there, but then a miracle happens and the sun shines again. I can look back on those times and see how God orchestrated everything so beautifully. So every time I get into a bind in life, I have to chose to remind myself of all those dark times and how beautifully God brought me through. 

God is a big, big God and we are loved by Him. We don't need to fear what is to come, because we've got God on our side. If we just keep watering our faith, keep an active, growing relationship with God and trusting in Him, just like Psalm 91 said, He will give us long life and even throw us a party! What a party that will be!!! I can't imagine how Heaven's parties will be, but I'm pretty sure they'll be great!

There is Only One You

Lately, I have felt God taking me on a journey through many different things in my heart. They all intertwine and make a bigger picture of what exactly my heart looks like and it's been amazing to me the things I've come to realize.

Something that I have felt impressed upon is how there is only one me. I look up to a lot of people. I have people that I feel are so far beyond me in the spiritual realm, and in so many other ways too, and I look up to them, follow them (quite literally, I must say...Facebook, Twitter, Instagram...all those social media websites), and try to imitate their actions. You might say I've come to realize that I am in a very child-like spot in my life. I haven't learned who "Me" is yet. Not sure that is proper grammar, but if it's not, then well....oh well. I could have written it as "I" but I feel there is more weight in the word, "me" for this subject. 

I've always been a follower with leader type tendencies that get me into trouble so often. I've been asking God who I am. I mean, not just in the sense of searching for Him to say how He loves me and how I am His daughter. All that is great to be reminded of, but in more depth. Like, "Who am I? What purpose do I have in this life? What does God want from me?" 

My mind wandered to so many spiritual pillars in the church today, like Christine Caine, Lisa TerKuerst, Brian Houston, Priscilla Shier, Garry Chapman, Kari Jobe Carnes, Charlotte Gambill and many others. Then of course, I think about the Bible characters, Paul, John, Peter, Mary and Joseph, Ruth, and all the others in the Bible. 

So many leaders! 

But how often do we hear of the underlings? The ones that do all the stuff that isn't seen? There are millions of them! Well, there's the word that triggered something in my heart. Millions. There are millions of people who have a place in God's kingdom. But for some reason, in my heart, I began questioning what my role in His kingdom would be. Why would I be needed? Why would I have a place in this majestic symphony that God has going? 

So I asked God one night if He had a purpose for my life besides being a mother and wife. I'm not downplaying those things. They have their place and purpose and they're huge too! Who would raise the kids if my husband and I didn't? After all, we are raising kingdom changers! That's a pretty big thing I think! But I know that God has a calling on my life. I know He has a purpose for me to serve in His Body in some sort of way. Whether that be answering phones for a church, or cleaning bathrooms, or encouraging the young women that are pregnant and unmarried, or whatever it may be. I don't know. So here I was, floundering around asking God what I am supposed to be doing! His answer? Simple.

There is only one you!

Only one me! Ponder that for a moment. There's only one you. Amazing! So I asked God what that meant in a deeper sense. He began to speak to me about microphones. This isn't the first time that God has spoken to me about microphones. I think it was about two or three years ago He began speaking to me about their purpose. God has a sense of humor! He also talked to me about donkeys, but that's for later. 

What is the purpose of microphones? To amplify someone's voice. To allow them to be heard far and near by a large crowd. Add to that mix, those big, ugly speakers that look like huge lego blocks. If those microphones and speakers weren't there, a person's voice can't be heard. But when that person is speaking, are you thinking about how great the microphone is and how awesome the speakers look? Probably not. I know I don't. I am focused on the person talking and taking in what they are saying. But those microphones and speakers have a place. They're needed. They're wanted. They're very much necessary. 

Sometimes as a mother and wife, I feel secluded and behind the scenes. So whatever God has next for me will be great, because whatever it is will be necessary, no matter how small or big, it is.  It will be needed. Each piece in the puzzle of God's giant plan is absolutely needed because it is what completes the picture. Some pieces are center stage. Some pieces are on the side and hold it all together. 

God was speaking to me how, as a mother, I am needed desperately. My kids need me to show them how to read the alphabet, teach them how to add and subtract, how to solve problems, how to clean, and cook, and everything else in between. God wants me to teach them how to pray and search His heart. He wants me to show them how to serve others and live a life committed to Him. He needs me to be an example of godliness so they have a path to follow. There is only one me. Only I can do this as their mother. What a big job! What a privilege. What a blessing! What a complete honor that God would entrust these little hearts to me. 

But it all boils down to knowing Who gives the strength to be "me." I can't do it on my own. Just like the microphones can't just make voices expand into the air so people far and near can hear, I can't just be a mother by myself. I have to acknowledge Who gives me that grace, power and strength. 

Galatians 2:20 says, "It is not I that lives, but Christ that lives in me."

Mark 16: 17-18 says, "I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick, to see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak in new tongues. I have power over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall harm me."

Ephesians 1: 17-18 says, "I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus. They eyes of my understanding are enlightened."

Ephesians 2:5 says, "I am alive in Christ."

Colossians 2:10 says, "I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power."

You see, it's Him. It's Him that makes me, Me. It is Him that makes me whole. It is Him that gives me the strength to do all things in Him. (Phil. 4:13). I can't do it on my own. I need Him every single hour. I need His strength and power. I need His wisdom and sound mind. I need His love and patience. I can't do anything without Him. Without Him, I am nothing. The only thing I can be is be in Him and let Him guide my steps. 

Finding my place in the Body of Christ is no different. He will guide me. He will teach me. He will show me. I am just thankful that there is a huge, big, giant, awesome God out there that will teach me His path and show me the place He has for me. I don't have to go begging for it. There is a spot for me, just for me, because only "me" can complete this part of the puzzle. And I don't want to miss out on God's plan for my life and sit on the side lines hoping that someday I'll just fall into place. I just have to search His heart, ask Him for His plan and follow His direction. 

There is Only One You

Lately, I have felt God taking me on a journey through many different things in my heart. They all intertwine and make a bigger picture of what exactly my heart looks like and it's been amazing to me the things I've come to realize.

Something that I have felt impressed upon is how there is only one me. I look up to a lot of people. I have people that I feel are so far beyond me in the spiritual realm, and in so many other ways too, and I look up to them, follow them (quite literally, I must say...Facebook, Twitter, Instagram...all those social media websites), and try to imitate their actions. You might say I've come to realize that I am in a very child-like spot in my life. I haven't learned who "Me" is yet. Not sure that is proper grammar, but if it's not, then well....oh well. I could have written it as "I" but I feel there is more weight in the word, "me" for this subject. 

I've always been a follower with leader type tendencies that get me into trouble so often. I've been asking God who I am. I mean, not just in the sense of searching for Him to say how He loves me and how I am His daughter. All that is great to be reminded of, but in more depth. Like, "Who am I? What purpose do I have in this life? What does God want from me?" 

My mind wandered to so many spiritual pillars in the church today, like Christine Caine, Lisa TerKuerst, Brian Houston, Priscilla Shier, Garry Chapman, Kari Jobe Carnes, Charlotte Gambill and many others. Then of course, I think about the Bible characters, Paul, John, Peter, Mary and Joseph, Ruth, and all the others in the Bible. 

So many leaders! 

But how often do we hear of the underlings? The ones that do all the stuff that isn't seen? There are millions of them! Well, there's the word that triggered something in my heart. Millions. There are millions of people who have a place in God's kingdom. But for some reason, in my heart, I began questioning what my role in His kingdom would be. Why would I be needed? Why would I have a place in this majestic symphony that God has going? 

So I asked God one night if He had a purpose for my life besides being a mother and wife. I'm not downplaying those things. They have their place and purpose and they're huge too! Who would raise the kids if my husband and I didn't? After all, we are raising kingdom changers! That's a pretty big thing I think! But I know that God has a calling on my life. I know He has a purpose for me to serve in His Body in some sort of way. Whether that be answering phones for a church, or cleaning bathrooms, or encouraging the young women that are pregnant and unmarried, or whatever it may be. I don't know. So here I was, floundering around asking God what I am supposed to be doing! His answer? Simple.

There is only one you!

Only one me! Ponder that for a moment. There's only one you. Amazing! So ask I asked God what that meant in a deeper sense,  He began to speak to me about microphones. This isn't the first time that God has spoken to me about microphones. I think it was about two or three years ago He began speaking to me about their purpose. God has a sense of humor! He also talked to me about donkeys, but that's for later. 

What is the purpose of microphones? To amplify someone's voice. To allow them to be heard far and near by a large crowd. Add to that mix, those big, ugly speakers that look like huge lego blocks. If those microphones and speakers weren't there, a person's voice can't be heard. But when that person is speaking, are you thinking about how great the microphone is and how awesome the speakers look? Probably not. I know I don't. I am focused on the person talking and taking in what they are saying. But those microphones and speakers have a place. They're needed. They're wanted. They're very much necessary. 

Sometimes as a mother and wife, I feel secluded and behind the scenes. And whatever God has next for me will be great, because whatever it is will be necessary. It will be needed. Each piece in the puzzle of God's giant plan is absolutely needed because it is what completes the picture. Some pieces are center stage. Some pieces are on the side and hold it all together. 

God was speaking to me how, as a mother, I am needed desperately. My kids need me to show them how to read the alphabet, teach them how to add and subtract, how to solve problems, how to clean, and cook, and everything else in between. God wants me to teach them how to pray and search His heart. He wants me to show them how to serve others and live a life committed to Him. He needs me to be an example of godliness so they have a path to follow. There is only one me. Only I can do this as their mother. What a big job! What a privilege. What a blessing! What a complete honor that God would entrust these little hearts to me. 

But it all boils down to knowing Who gives the strength to be "me." I can't do it on my own. Just like the microphones can't just make voices expand into the air so people far and near can hear, I can't just be a mother by myself. I have to acknowledge Who gives me that grace, power and strength. 

Galatians 2:20 says, "It is not I that lives, but Christ that lives in me."

Mark 16: 17-18 says, "I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick, to see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak in new tongues. I have power over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall harm me."

Ephesians 1: 17-18 says, "I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus. They eyes of my understanding are enlightened."

Ephesians 2:5 says, "I am alive in Christ."

Colossians 2:10 says, "I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power."

You see, it's Him. It's Him that makes me, Me. It is Him that makes me whole. It is Him that gives me the strength to do all things in Him. (Phil. 4:13). I can't do it on my own. I need Him every single hour. I need His strength and power. I need His wisdom and sound mind. I need His love and patience. I can't do anything without Him. Without Him, I am nothing. The only thing I can be is be in Him and let Him guide my steps. 

Finding my place in the Body of Christ is no different. He will guide me. He will teach me. He will show me. I am just thankful that there is a huge, big, giant, awesome God out there that will teach me His path and show me the place He has for me. I don't have to go begging for it. There is a spot for me, just for me, because only "me" can complete this part of the puzzle. And I don't want to miss out on God's plan for my life and sit on the side lines hoping that someday I'll just fall into place. I just have to search His heart, ask Him for His plan and follow His direction.