certain of what we do not see

This is one of my favorite scriptures. 

But it's crazy.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1

Try to wrap your head around this part of it...

certain of what we cannot see

Whaaaaaat? 

God wants us to be CERTAIN of things we can't see?

Yep, that's what faith is.

Faith is being sure, certain, 100% believing, trusting, knowing in our hearts 

that what He has for us in the days and weeks and minutes and years ahead 

is all the way He wants it to be for us

and it will be good, actually it will be great, better than we can imagine 

and planned just the way He knows is best

even though we cannot tell the future, we have no idea what lies ahead, what tomorrow will bring, 

but despite all of this, He asks us to trust and believe and know for CERTAIN

that He has it all in the palm of His hand and He's got it under control 

and guess what?

we never did have control of any of it anyway. 

ok, thanks for letting me blab and have runaway thoughts here.

whew! That felt good.

Recently I had a very tough decision to make. 

As many of you long time readers know I have loved, loved, loved 

my experience of exhibiting at Surtex.

That trade show has been a huge springboard for my art licensing career.

 I am most grateful for my time there 

and the many incredible friendships and partnerships which have come from it all. 

I recently made the decision not to attend Surtex this year and I am so sad to miss it, 

especially after already paying a rather large deposit for my booth location, which I will not get back.

But if you've ever had that tug at your heart, 

that feeling that won't go away, 

knowing even though you can't see it (faith), 

that nudge from the Holy Spirit...

well, that's what happened. 

I knew for CERTAIN I needed to miss it this year and be home with my family.

I tried to ignore it, pray it away, be too busy to listen,

but God doesn't work that way.

He was patiently waiting and revealing all the reasons why I needed to be home.

We are embarking on a huge home renovation, moving our family of six into a rental house...

that could be enough but there's more...

it's challenging to be away from family for that many days anyway 

the incredible expense of it all, 

I am already designing for 13 wonderful companies and have a full plate of current design work ,

and I just believe that God has a reason, probably many reasons he wants me home.

And as a sweet friend (who kindly listened to me and who owns the art below) shared with me...

"Wouldn't it just be like God to multiply your blessings 

because of your obedience in listening and staying home?

And you know what?...since I finally listened and made the decision

I found out I don't even have to wait for the blessings.

He's confirming it already. I am relieved and excited to be home with family and focused on just that.

I will go back to Surtex again and there will always be more opportunities.

We tend to throw that word "faith" around.

Faith isn't easy.

It's challenging and goes against our human reasoning.

We want to see it in writing first, know what we're getting into, have proof.

But if we just believe and trust and are certain of what we cannot see,

I truly believe he'll bless our obedience.

Anyone else out there having a hard time of letting go of something?

and having faith and trusting?

and being certain of what you cannot see?

I am pretty "certain" I am not alone in this.

Thanks for listening sweet peeps...

xoxo,

Caroline