"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

I am a planner. When I teach, I like to have everything all planned to the very last minute. I like to think ahead and reflect about what worked well and what didn't. When I write stories, I plan each chapter for spiritual, emotional, and physical goals of both the hero and the heroine.

I work well with a plan.

One thing I've learned through teaching and writing is that planning is good and necessary; however, I need to be prepared to be flexible. There are times when a topic at school needs more attention, or maybe something happens in the world or in the life of my students that needs to be addressed. Sometimes in my writing, I find a little added element of hurt or joy that I need to allow my characters as well. The key to knowing when and what to allow is in the above verse...I can plan, but God's purpose prevails.

When I am in tune with my Father, through prayer, scripture reading, etc. I know when I need to step back and allow my plans to be overrun by God's purpose. Besides, I can fight to keep my plans as I want them, but note what the scripture says, His purpose will PREVAIL.

And truly, I'm glad He's the one in charge. He knows what's best.