Timing
I always enjoy reading the blogs of my friends here on AmishHearts.com. There's so much going on in our lives -- it's not all about our writing! And timing has figured so much in things happening with us this week.
This past Saturday, Amy wrote about how she and her husband traveled to a hospital hoping for more information on a possible kidney transplant for him. Amy has been educating us about paired donation: if a kidney becomes available for Joe, she'll be donating one of hers to someone needing it. I think we've all been feeling like the timing is getting near for this to happen. And by the way, if you don't have a donor designation on your driver license or have told your family how you feel about it, it's time to do it, don't you think? I've had a donor designation on my driver license for years. I saw firsthand how an organ donation worked once: I was with a friend when her husband died. She donated his corneas (cancer had spread through his body and nothing else really could be donated). One day, when she was at her lowest point, she received a letter from the organization which facilitated her donation. The letter contained thank you letters from the two individuals who received the corneas. It made a big difference to her to know that something good had come of her husband's death.
I don't believe in coincidence -- God's plan is working and sometimes we are so amazed by it that we think it must be a coincidence when something happens. Beth blogged about how she was writing a story in which a character needed a kidney transplant and she met Amy, whose husband had had one. They shared what they knew about them and Beth and Amy became friends. Now the son of Beth's best friend needs a transplant and Beth is able to help with information and arrange for her friend to talk with Amy and Joe. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Kathy's blog was fun this week -- asking readers for Spring cleaning hints. right at the time when I have been trying to figure out how to get this place cleaned up and get it back up for sale. Some of the tips were helpful. I love reading cleaning tips just as I love reading cookbooks but don't get to do much of either (and boy, does my house reflect that!). It was also fun to hear that over at AmishLiving.com they have a new book club and Kathy's book An Honest Love is featured! I'd meant to get a copy of the book along with Beth's Plain Paradise and Amy's A Promise of Hope. There was my reminder to call the bookstore and make sure they're waiting for me! (I visit a very nice bookstore.)
And as for me? Well, I thought about blogging about timing -- particularly God's -- because I struggle with it SO much! A friend told me he didn't know anyone as Type A as me. Well, I used to think of myself as being patient but I've discovered that I'm not really good at it. I want things on my timing and I can be a bit impatient. The very worst thing anyone can do is not be considerate of my time.
So when God doesn't bring along the event or whatever that I want, I have to confess that I'm a little upset at Him. But I'm working on it. Something wonderful happened this week that I've been waiting for and while I am having trouble with not blurting out the news until everything's final, I WILL work on my impatience. In the meantime, how are you about waiting for something you want to happen? How do you feel about God's timing?
Blessings!
Barbara
This past Saturday, Amy wrote about how she and her husband traveled to a hospital hoping for more information on a possible kidney transplant for him. Amy has been educating us about paired donation: if a kidney becomes available for Joe, she'll be donating one of hers to someone needing it. I think we've all been feeling like the timing is getting near for this to happen. And by the way, if you don't have a donor designation on your driver license or have told your family how you feel about it, it's time to do it, don't you think? I've had a donor designation on my driver license for years. I saw firsthand how an organ donation worked once: I was with a friend when her husband died. She donated his corneas (cancer had spread through his body and nothing else really could be donated). One day, when she was at her lowest point, she received a letter from the organization which facilitated her donation. The letter contained thank you letters from the two individuals who received the corneas. It made a big difference to her to know that something good had come of her husband's death.
I don't believe in coincidence -- God's plan is working and sometimes we are so amazed by it that we think it must be a coincidence when something happens. Beth blogged about how she was writing a story in which a character needed a kidney transplant and she met Amy, whose husband had had one. They shared what they knew about them and Beth and Amy became friends. Now the son of Beth's best friend needs a transplant and Beth is able to help with information and arrange for her friend to talk with Amy and Joe. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Kathy's blog was fun this week -- asking readers for Spring cleaning hints. right at the time when I have been trying to figure out how to get this place cleaned up and get it back up for sale. Some of the tips were helpful. I love reading cleaning tips just as I love reading cookbooks but don't get to do much of either (and boy, does my house reflect that!). It was also fun to hear that over at AmishLiving.com they have a new book club and Kathy's book An Honest Love is featured! I'd meant to get a copy of the book along with Beth's Plain Paradise and Amy's A Promise of Hope. There was my reminder to call the bookstore and make sure they're waiting for me! (I visit a very nice bookstore.)
And as for me? Well, I thought about blogging about timing -- particularly God's -- because I struggle with it SO much! A friend told me he didn't know anyone as Type A as me. Well, I used to think of myself as being patient but I've discovered that I'm not really good at it. I want things on my timing and I can be a bit impatient. The very worst thing anyone can do is not be considerate of my time.
So when God doesn't bring along the event or whatever that I want, I have to confess that I'm a little upset at Him. But I'm working on it. Something wonderful happened this week that I've been waiting for and while I am having trouble with not blurting out the news until everything's final, I WILL work on my impatience. In the meantime, how are you about waiting for something you want to happen? How do you feel about God's timing?
Blessings!
Barbara
Posted by Barbara Cameron at 3/18/2010 10:43 PM 
Categories: An Amish Gathering, Spring, A Time to Love
Tags: Amish fiction
Categories: An Amish Gathering, Spring, A Time to Love
Tags: Amish fiction
I, too, have the same problem. I worry and become impatient about certain things, when I should just be trusting God to do things in His time!! Lots of concern has been about my daughter- a university student in nursing- who doesn't always use good judgement and tends to be impulsive. Yet, when we see her nursing comments, she is praised for her supportive attitude, going the extra mile to please a patient and working so well with groups. I guess I want her to be the perfect 19 year old- and really- is there such a thing???? LOL I have to learn to trust that things happen in God's way and timing. BUT, I am really curious about the news you are awaiting. A new book????? That would be good for me!!
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Hi Karla,
I know what it's like to be concerned about an adult child...I still feel that way sometimes. Makes you wonder if that's how God feels...It sounds like your daughter's doing pretty well, though! And no, there is no such thing as a perfect child -- or person. Thank goodness. Who'd want to be around them?!
News? Well, my favorite good news is about a new book...but have to keep you in suspense for a little while longer! : )
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OH, I am SO glad that the news is about a new book!! You just made my day!!
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Thank you for your entry on God's timing. I have been struggling with my faith for a long time. At one point I had become an agnostic but am now working my way back to God. The books that you all write have been a big help in getting my faith back. Keep up the good work.
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Colleen,
Thanks for such a nice note. Once, my doctor asked how my (then) teenagers were doing. She, too, had teens...she said I should I should write about teens to understand them better. I think the same thing holds true with inspirational fiction. When I write it, I find answers for myself as much as share something I've learned about faith with readers. Thank you for picking up our books!
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Well I have Stage 4 lung cancer and it has spread to other places in my body and so timing for me; I have had to learn patience to no end and it is so hard at times but have learned to just take it one day at a time and know that God has my life and He is in control.
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Denise,
So sorry to hear of the big health challenge you are dealing with right now. Faith in God, patience, and "one day at a time" truly are the only way you can deal with it.
By the way, a neighbor used visualization therapy at the hospital in conjunction with his chemo and found it very helpful. Have you tried anything like that?
Sending prayers to you. : )
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Hi Barbara, I also like UR books for the inspiratiional parts as well as how the families tend to help each other and I would also like to say, it's not coincidence when things happen like they have as far as Amy and Beth are concerned with the transplant, but, God knew us B4 we were in our mother's womb and he knows what is going to happen to all of us B4 we know.. He has our paths already laid out for us we just have to try to go the way he leads us and that's someting that I find having trouble with is the road he has for me to take as far as what to be doing about my future down the road. I already know it's with him( God) but what I am going to do in the future, as far as retirement!! Which is a ways off, yet..
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Hi Rose,
I liked what you said about the road that God plans for us. Sometimes when things don't go my way and the road isn't what I planned I'm upset. Then it's interesting how what actually happens is something I hadn't envisioned and is even better!
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Barbara - my Grandmother used to always tell me that there's no such thing as a coincidence, that it's actually a Godly intervention. With Beth & Amy that's definitely true - so neat to see evidence of God at work.
I must have a similar personality as you do - when I want something, I want it now. Not a good personality for raising kids. I often have a hard time when God tells me to wait. At those times I have to remind myself that God's timing is not related to our calendar & clocks. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is a scripture that I have to repeat often to myself! Maybe if I find the time I could stitch that on to a pillow - lol! - Elaine Jordan
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All this fits just where I am today! So we are trying to wait for God's plan to be revealed.
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That's a good way to put it, Lanitha.
Since my adult children don't read this blog (I don't THINK) I will tell you I have actually gotten into my Christmas presents and then re-wrapped them!
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I am very impatient too! December 2008 I was putting up the Christmas Tree and needed to get the beads on. My husband said wait a sec and I'll be there to help. A sec was too long for me. I stood on the chair to do it my self. Impatient and stupid because I lost my blance and fell. I the process I turned my knee and then hit the floor. Needless to say I broke my knee. I was laid up all thru Christmas (it happened on December 9th)and I never went back to work until Feb 12th. I then had to have surgery in June 2009 to mend some of the damage. All because of being impatient. One thing good came from this accident though. I came to know the Amish books. A friend brought me a book from her church library and kept me well supplied while I was down. I know have a closer walk with God because of the Christian books I am reading. I never read before my accident and to date I have read 167 books (a lot of Amish). I think God took my bad situation and made it bearable for me even and showed me I could sit and relax with a book and wait for someone to help with that tree from now on. Christmas 2009 was much better but the chair situation was not short lived because I was still the joke of the season.
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Sherrie,
Oh my! What a thing to happen...well, if reading inspirational fiction came out of it at least there was SOMETHING good...hoping you'll read one of the AmishHearts writers!
Next year, wait for your hubby to help!
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