There is a proverb I often say when I make a plan. One that reminds me who is in control and who has the final word in my life, in the lives of those I love.
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
This is not a throw-your-hands-up surrender because nothing is going according to plan. It’s more of bowing low and offering the plan to the One who knows best. Because the truth is we have no idea what will happen in ten years or next year or even five minutes from now. Faith simply responds to God’s call to move in a certain direction, making plans in obedience to His leading, and trusting the Lord to direct our steps.
I used to see the circumstances of life as an interruption to the plans I made. Little things like flat tires, long grocery lines, or lost keys were all things working to stop me in my tracks. I spent lots of time planning to avoid anything that might send me off course. Yet no matter how many contingencies I imagined, no matter what secondary paths I formed just in case I needed another plan, something else always came along.
Somewhere along the way, I realized there’s no way to make all the “what if” plans. What I needed was a shift in perpective. What if I began to look at life’s circumstances as one of the ways God directs my steps? What if all the things I believed were delaying the plan were actually guiding me along God’s plan? Slowly, over the years, this became the heart behind praying this proverb.
Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.
Proverbs 16:9 TPT
This is where Carol and I find ourselves these days: Prayerfully discerning next steps after a year of grief and change. Seeking God’s direction for our shop and ministry. Our hearts all along the way set on following God to the best of our abilities.
Having said all that, we are sad to say we’ve decided to close our retail bookstore. We will spend the next three months letting go of inventory, teaching our final studies in this space, and getting ready for whatever and wherever He leads next.
We want to say “Thank you.” Thank you for your support, prayers, and love for us and this place. May God bless the plans in your heart with steps of direction.
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”
Isaiah 30:21
Love,
Stacy & Carol
Unraveled Love 
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