One of those "just happened" moments

I was reminded this weekend at my niece's wedding of how quickly time passes, and of how God must love "surprise meetings."

Following the wedding, my family and I nabbed a table for the reception and two lovely gals asked if they could join us. We said "sure" and struck up a conversation and, turns out, I knew these girls--years ago! Their parents were friends of ours when the girls were just toddlers!

Me with Jessica and Jillian Payne

(Aren't they lovely?)

In our early days of marriage, my husband and I lived in Memphis and some of our dear friends were Sydney and Paula Payne. Joe and I eventually moved from Memphis to Texas, then to Colorado, and as the years passed, we lost touch. Well, Sydney and Paula are still in Memphis but their daughters live here in Nashville and we "just happened" to sit at the same table at the wedding.

I say "just happened" in quotes because I believe it was one of those God designed moments. Twenty-something years ago when I last saw these girls and we all played in the park together, God looked ahead, spanning the years, and could already see the moment when we'd be sitting at that same table and our paths would cross again. I believe He was watching, and chuckling, and loving the moment too. 

I firmly believe in God's sovereignty and in His orchestration of our lives. Even in the most minute details. Is everything that happens in our lives by His direct design? Not hardly. But everything that does happen does happen because God allows it. Both the good and the bad. Sometimes that's really hard to come to grips with, I know. But if God is all powerful--and He is--then there's no other explanation.

A song I've been listening to recently is You Never Let Go. My version is sung by Matt Redman. You've heard the song before, I'm sure. It's not new. But it's really ministered to me lately, reminding me that God works in every situation for our eternal good. And that the only way to get through some situations--especially the ones that don't make sense to your heart--is to praise Him throughout. 

Because it's impossible to praise Him and not trust Him too.

What song have you been listening to recently that's really encouraged you in your faith? Do share, please! I want to download some new songs from iTunes and I'd love your recommendations. Last time I asked this I got several great new songs that I've loved!

Blessings on your week,

Tammy

P.S. Okay, don't tell my family but I've got another pan of those zany brownies in the oven. I'm beginning to think I should have never bought this pan. But I'm going to give these brownies away. Really. Well, at least the ones that don't have edges. :)

NOTE TO WINNER OF SENSE AND SENSIBILITY MOVIE...

Michelle, I've still got your movie, lady. If you'll send me your snail mail address (through my contact page on my website), I'll send you your movie. :-)