Where has the time gone?

Hello friends... or anyone who still stops by now and then. It's been a crazy year! I still can't believe the journey God has chosen for me. Though, I do love it. About a year ago, I started a travel blog. For friends. At their request.

Then a funny thing happened. It took off! WHAM!

You know what? God had a plan... and it involved that little blog. It grew and grew... and now it's my business. I write. I speak. I travel. I create great, budget-friendly products for families who want to spend time together. Not because I ever in a million-billion-trillion years had this plan, but because God did.

Here's the crazy thing about God-plans. They happen when we don't expect them. And they fill us completely with a joy unimaginable, far greater than our own plans ever could. AND.... they shine through us to impact others. 

Just yesterday, my son said, "There's this story about two farmers. They need rain for the seeds to grow. One farmer sits in the house waiting for the rain. The other farmer goes to the fields, picks up the rocks, pulls weeds and prepares his field. As the rain approaches, they both plant the seed. The second farmer gets a great harvest. Mom, I think you're that second farmer. You are doing everything you can to have a successful business. You're preparing your products and organizing our house and tracking your expenses. The rain's coming." 

He's 15! He made me cry!

Forget the self-absorbed teenager nonsense... my teen, without preamble, gave me a huge word of encouragement! If that's not a God-sized blessing, I don't know what is. 

I'm sorry I've been away. I hope I get back here more regularly.

If not, though, you can find me there --- at Family Travels on a Budget --- helping families reconnect one staycation or weekend at a time! I'd love to know what you think of God's plan! Stop by. (And if you decide to shop, please use coupon code JOY for a $5 discount on your order any time this month!)