Familiar with my Ways

I love how God is in the details of our lives. This morning I opened up a piece of mail that reminded me of something important I had to take care of next month. The other day I was ready to pull out and bang my car into the shopping cart I left in the way and God stopped me. The dress I really liked but put back because I couldn't justify it, turned out to be on clearance a couple months later for $12. Last week I couldn't find my debit card even though I could have swore that I had just had it in my hand. I prayed and after looking for a few minutes God prompted me to get out of the car and there it was, on the ground next to the side of my seat. Or, a few weeks ago when God spoke to me to look up, and across the way at eye level the sun was shining on the coolest spider web which I was able to photograph. At the Dutch festival yesterday, two women whom I barely knew, separately, wanted me to know what an encouragement my writing was to them. I have received nudges to speak up, be quiet, reach out, and walk away.  Even going to bed the other night and pulling back the comforter to remember that I had put clean sheets on that morning, was so nice. Even that was Him. I smiled on the inside.

One of my prayers is that I may never blow past this stuff or lose the girlish, unabashed love and faith I have in my Abba Dad. 

And, so it goes. This happens all the time. Little warnings or reminders. Encouragements out of the blue at just the right time. Tiny, thoughtful gifts for no reason other than that I'm His. All of it, actually, because I'm His and He is looking out for me. God has been the greatest Confidant and Friend to me, ever. He has been a Father, a Teacher, and a Counselor. He has made me spontaneously laugh on numerous occasions. He has disciplined and corrected me. He has shown me incredible grace and offered forgiveness I didn't deserve. He has taken my hand on adventures and has gently pushed me forward to do things I never thought I could do. He has protected, defended, and healed me. He even gave His own life for me. 

Jesus Christ has been, and is, the truest love of my life. 

Dee M.Kostelyk

Psalm 18:1

         "I love you, LORD; you are my strength." 

Psalm 139: 1-3

"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways."