Following Him...

My niece, Kennedy, came to the Youth Bonfire this past Friday night with her dad.  She and Camryn insist they are part of the youth group because they "come to everything."  That's actually a pretty accurate statement!!  We had several younger kids at the bonfire Friday night, because they came with their parents, etc.  After D finished preaching, most of the kids went inside.  Kennedy started that way, but then came back.  She lifted her hands and began worshiping and singing along with Rusell and her dad..."and the cry of my heart is to bring You praise, from the inside out Lord, my soul cries out."  When everyone finished praying, she looked at me and said "Do you see my tears, Aunt Amberly?"  I told her I did.  She then asked "Do you think that's because I felt the Holy Ghost?"  As we walked back to the house, she grabbed my hand and said "Aunt Amberly, I almost went inside earlier, but I changed my mind."  Then, with a huge smile she added "I think Jesus liked my decision!" 

Our little conversation reminded me of Proverbs 16:9 which says "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."  Psalm 32:8 says God will "instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go..."  God has a definite plan for our lives.  When we establish a relationship with Him, I believe He gives us direction.  He shows us the way to go. 

Sometimes we beg Him for direction, but sometimes, I believe He directs us without us even realizing what's happening.  The secret is in focusing a whole lot on Him and just a little on the dreams and goals we have for the future.  Psalm 37:4-5 says "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." 

Anytime we seek to be close to Him, without considering the path we may have to follow, or how getting close to Him will affect our plans (in Kennedy's case eating pizza and playing with her friends and cousin), I do believe it makes Him happy.  So, I couldn't help but agree with Kennedy and tell her that I agreed...Jesus was very happy with her decision.

XOXO,
Amberly