Showing posts with label Jeremiah 29:11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeremiah 29:11. Show all posts

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Hands in Cement

Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Remember plaster handprints?

I remember when the teacher poured plaster of Paris into a paper plate and let it set up. Then I pressed my hand into it to leave my unique imprint. After the plaster dried, I painted the print a pretty color, probably pink, and tied a ribbon through the hole the teacher made with a plastic straw.

Last week I watched as two of my grandchildren got to push their hands into the cement for their new deck. They waited with excitement as they anticipated their turn to make a permanent imprint. As the man pouring the concrete gave them permission, they pushed their hands into the corner. They loved leaving their handprints in the cement. Now they can compare their hand to the print and see how they grow.

In Jeremiah, God told him he had plans for him. The Lord gave him hope for the future. He placed his handprint on Jeremiah's life and watched him grow in the Lord.

A preacher spoke of looking back over his time here on earth and seeing God's fingerprints all over his life. As I look back at my life, I see the many times God's hand rested on me. Even when I've headed into a situation I didn't particularly like, God knew what was best for me.

My plans may not always match God's, but I know with confidence I can seek him and he listens. I know he guides me and keeps his hand on me. He knows the plans he has for me. I pray for his direction and help. In my rear view mirror, I see God's handprints all over my life.

Seek God with your whole heart and welcome his hand on your life.

"In his heart a man plans his course; but the Lord determines his steps."

Monday, August 17, 2015

The Plans I Have for You by Amy Parker, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

I wish I'd had a book like The Plans I Made for You when my daughters were young. Amy Parker's story reminds children they are each different and have a special purpose in life. She reflects on the verse Jeremiah 29:11 to show how they can be God's hands and feet and an important person in the kingdom.

As I raised my girls I encouraged them to be themselves and find out what talents and interests fit them. I knew God had a plan for each of them and hoped I could help guide them. This book is perfect for parents to share God's intentions for their lives. Children will enjoy Vanessa Brantley-Newton's vibrant illustrations. I love the page "I've left you instructions-- right here in my book!" with words like love, grace and patience floating around bright-faced children. On the zoo page she's created adorable animals, each labeled appropriately. Children age three to seven years old will enjoy this book.

BookLook Bloggers provided me a free copy of The Plans I Have for You in exchange for a fair review.