“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.” Jeremiah 29:11

My parents had to move to Houston, Texas temporarily a few years ago to further treatment for my Father’s battle with a brain tumor. While there, we would find ourselves seeking ‘activities’ to keep busy with to try and keep our minds off the real reason why everyone was down there. We ended up discovering the ministry of Joel Osteen and this passage from Jeremiah was posted over all the entrances/exits to the building in large writing. It really struck home for all of us as the battle with Dad’s cancer was intensifying. It would consistently remind us that we are in the Lord’s hands and that there was hope for the future.

It is safe to say the Lord definitely had plans for my parents with their abilities to help others throughout my life. They always found time to help others through various means and had a significant impact on the lives of children in foster care along with helping found the first Brain Tumor Center in Minnesota to help others affected with the disease.

This scripture always finds a way to remind us of Dad. Just recently, my Mother was reading a daily devotional and this passage was on the top of the page. It just so happened that the day she was reading was my Grandfather’s birthday. Out of the 365 days that scripture could’ve fallen on, it was Grandpa’s birthday. My Mother sent it to my sister and I and we all smiled with the reminder from the Lord that amongst the daily chaos and distractions that the Lord is there keeping watch over all of us with his plan for us. We are very grateful for every day we had with my Father and we are always reminded of him with this scripture. We even had it etched into his gravestone because of the meaning it will always have to us.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the blessings you provide for us on a daily basis and for your constant reminders that you are there watching over us and providing prosperity and hope for the future you have planned for us. We have trust in your plans and enjoy every day you provide for us in this wonderful life. Amen.