The Voice of God

It is official. My sister Amy is joining me on my life-long dream of kayaking to the wild ponies of Chincoteague in September. I have already called Chincoteague officials and determined where we can launch our kayaks, and that we are to "head towards the lighthouse" while "looking out for the motorboats" to find the ponies. I have downloaded maps of the waterway, and perused charts of average temperatures in late September. I have already begun planning how I will transport both kayaks, my folding bike, and my sister. I will probably start packing tomorrow, a month in advance. I am THAT excited.

On top of getting to see the ponies, I get to see Amy. Very few people are as fun to be with as Amy, and the last time I saw her, she was on death's doorstep with severe pancreatitis in the hospital. I spent a week at her bedside screaming at the doctors for her. This will be infinitely more fun. (Though truth be told, I liked kicking butt and taking names advocating for my sister in the hospital.)

I spent much of the day yesterday picking up and driving more food donations to a needy family, and feeling a little sorry for myself prior to the call from Amy. There seem to be a lot of struggles in life lately, and I was feeling very discouraged. Not only was I feeling down about personal situations, but on top of that, many of the lofty goals I thought we were closing in on for the the needy families and women I counsel who chose life for their babies seem to be collapsing. The environment they come from is very hard to pull out of. It is easy to feel like giving up. They are trying so hard! I am trying so hard! Where is God?

And then God whispers His comfort in unexpected ways.  One sister calls and offers advice in my writing woes, and another one calls and tells me she has booked a flight to join me in my Chincoteague dream. A local church calls to offer advice in helping the women I counsel. A stranger who heard what I was trying to do for the family calls, offers resources, and thanks me for "making a difference." I watch a video on Facebook of a young teen singing in the voice of an angel at the abortion mill where I volunteer as a pro-life sidewalk counselor. Her sweet voice and sincere conviction makes me weep as she sings of God's love to the abortion-determined mommas.

Where has God been? Right here with me the whole day! All day I heard the voice of God speaking through strangers, and friends, and family.

I could go on and on, except I need to start packing for Chincoteague.
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Isaiah 30:19-22 

For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.