God does work in mysterious ways.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV
Psalms 2:4 tells us that the "enthroned one in Heaven laughs." As much as we laugh at babies, can you imagine how much God laughs at us?
I'm working toward my Doctoral in Ministry. I've been thinking about what I will write about. Scottland and Ireland have been on my heart in the process. I didn't have anything planned for my research there, not yet.
I planned to be in Texas on April 4th & 5th for the Icing Women's Conference. On April 3rd, I received a notification from the airline that I could move my flight at no charge due to possible weather delays.
I changed the flight and arrived in Dallas on April 3rd. On the shuttle to the hotel, I met Margaret." It so happens that Margaret missed her connecting flight to go home.
Guess where Margaret is from? Northern Ireland! Margaret is also a Christian. We had a lovely conversation. We continued our conversation in the hotel restaurant.
Margaret mentioned:
Modern churches are loud and lively.
Small Groups are popular.
Hillsong-style music is popular.
Margaret goes to what we call a "Mega Church."
People there aren't as fond of marriage and church as they used to be.
Many beautiful historic churches are being shut down and/or repurposed.
Life in villages is more conservative than life in the larger cities.
Evangelical churches were prominent after the reformed revival.
The village where Margaret lives is known as the Bible Belt.
It is remarkable because I could have said the same thing about Tennessee! Well, her accent sounded nicer than mine. You can tell I'm from Tennessee when I speak.
I love how God brings people together!
Also, as a side note, when I was in Tijuana, Mexico, earlier this year, I met a Margaret with whom I talked about Jesus. My friend and Sister-in-Christ, Kristi, has spoken much about patterns lately. I'm intrigued with the Holy Spirit's work.
