Author: Sheron Warren

My Plans vs God’s Purpose

These days have been very quiet and uneventful. Although I made plans to volunteer at a nursing home for a couple of days, there were conflicts that did not allow me to offer my time.  It just did not work out.  So I went another direction.  

Carl and Smitty Brecheen are two amazing people whom I call my friends.  I met them about 3 or 4 four years ago providing in-home manicure and pedicure services for them.  Dr. Carl was a professor at Abilene Christian University, and taught Marriage classes.  From what I gather, Dr. Carl was well liked by the students and faculty, and I can see why:  he had quite the personality.  He and his devoted wife, Mrs. Smitty have been married over 50 years!!
It is my privilege to get to visit with the Brecheens during this sabbatical and to help Mrs. Smitty.  She stays busy taking care of Dr. Carl and I had the opportunity to give my time to sit with him while she could get some much needed time off for herself.
Although my plan was to do something else, which I thought would have a greater impact for more people, I found that being around Mrs. Smitty allowed me to see how she never seems  anxious about anything!  She just goes with the  flow-  of grace!   I needed to see that!  Sometimes what we want is not  what  we need.  But God  looks  past  what we  want and gives us what we need.
Hmm.  I love it when a plan comes together!

Proverbs 19:21Amplified Bible (AMP)

Many plans are in a man’s mind, 
But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).

Rest, Rest and More Rest

When I began this sabbatical journey, I was concerned about the amount of rest I needed to get, and how in the world am I going to sleep for eight hours! Ok, I figured it out!! I actually stressed about it a little.

Here is what I am learning: Jesus WANTS to give me rest. And He says that the way I receive rest is to be yoked with Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

When I am yoked with Him and I flow with Him, I find there is nothing heavy-hearted, ill-fitting or burdensome. Things will fall into place. I won’t be weighed down, anxious or stressed. I find that a life yoked with Him is anxiety and worry-free. Oh, and sleep comes much easier without the stress.

So, as I am flowing with Him and following His lead, I meet Karen Watts, through my friend, Cherry Bivone. Karen owns and operates a lovely clothing boutique called “Gifted Garments”. Gifted Garments ‘helps to beautifully clothe local women in need’ at no cost to them. Clothes, shoes, purses and other accessories are donated and given away! Its a lovely place!

After I interviewed her briefly, she informed me that does not take any monetary donations, just clothing. Her biggest need is getting extra large and plus size clothing.

If you have items that are at least extra large, in excellent condition, and you want to be a blessing, Karen is more than willing to accept them.