Just a Coincidence?

I think I am staying in today. No plans, no to-do list, no errands just a little R & R. (I doubt it seriously though because I never stay at home.) I have to tell you about something that I have been pondering since yesterday. It was an ordinary day. Nothing major happened and everything seemed usual, at least on the surface. But one of the things God reminded me of was to look for "little" things throughout 2009 that show that He is acting in my life even when I don't see Him. Yesterday was a work day, but we didn't have students. The faculty spent the morning in professional development workshops and the afternoon in parent conferences. I think it was pretty productive and not because I was one of the morning speakers. I am always using the gift God has given me to spread positive messages, uplift, and encourage others.

Anyway after school my mom and I headed to one of our suppliers (yes, we still own a jewelry company)to fill several orders and to get a jump on Mardi Gras and Valentine jewelry. Incidentally, we were able to pick up some really cool things, and we maybe in a few days we will post a few to the blog so that you can see our wonderful work. We called ahead to let the owner know that we were leaving Opelousas and would arrive as soon as traffic and speed would allow. Whenever we need supplies for Jewelz (our company) we always call ahead because sometimes we can't get to her business before closing. Suzi, a wonderful friend among other things, was glad to hear that we were coming to "visit" and assured us that she would wait patiently for us so that we would not have to rush. We have known Suzi for about a year and she is a joy to work with. She is the epitome of a professional and makes you feel more like a family member than a friend.

When we first met Suzi, we had actually searched for her for a year prior to actually making contact but were unsuccessful in finding her. Another supplier had discouraged us from doing business with her and even portrayed her as unethical and unprofessional. Since we search for quality material for our clients, we wanted to only do business with the best. Eventually God led us to her, and we have loved her ever since. Suzi is warm and friendly. She is helpful, and she works with the utmost integrity. She goes above and beyond to satisfy her customers and she makes sure that you realize that she is a friend first and a business woman second. By the way, she owns and runs a very successful business. From the moment you arrive in the parking lot, you sense something "special" about the business and the owners.

You see Suzi is a Christian business owner. She is a true witness of the goodness of Jesus. Her light shines in every transaction. We have prayed together, eaten together, played together, and done business. And in every instance she has proven what it means to work as unto God and not to man. If you could meet her today, you would love her. Her business is an extension of her life, a dedication to the Lord. She makes sure we get the best so that you in turn will get the best from us. She is never focused on selling anything other than a pleasant smile, a friendly hug, and a helpful word of advice. For this alone we love and respect her. I no longer frequent the other supplier. Not because they misled me (that was my choice to accept the lie of an enemy), but I don't believe that is where God wants me to do business. You see the other company supports gay/homosexual lifestyles, slothfulness, and greed. These are qualities that oppose the love and word of God.

I support Suzi's business for two reasons. She is a Christian and works diligently always. She shines the light of Jesus Christ no matter what the cost. I believe that God sends people into our lives for us to bless or for us to receive a blessing. By these relationships, God develops and connects love nets that allow others to share the message and love of God. For you see, when we purchase supplies from Suzi we pass on her quiet and loving spirit to our customers. I believe that people who have purchased our jewelry made with material from Suzi's company have been set up by God for an extra blessing that they are not even aware of. By the same token, the enemy sets up ambushes for the God-sent people that arrive in your life. I know it was not a coincidence that the other company spoke falsely against Suzi's business. The enemy wanted to discredit her life and her business. Sadly enough, I did not seek God's will in that area of my business. I walked according to a false word sent by the enemy rather than praying and discerning God's plan. I have learned a valuable lesson:

• always judge a person by their own fruit
• try every spirit by the spirit (check the source of the word/advice)
• beware of the company you keep (sometimes we bring curses into our finances and lives because we choose to do business with the enemy)
• never take a "little" thing for granted
• work with a spirit of integrity on your job (some people will judge God by his children - you)
• Recognize opportunities to show God at all times (that is not just your job)

There are so many things that I didn't share about Suzi as a person, like how she lays her life aside to bless others. When we left her shop, we stopped at a restaurant that Suzi recommended. I could tell when we stepped into the place I knew this was a God-cident (God arranged incident rather than a coincidence). The owners seemed surprised to see us, I am not positive why. But they were wonderfully friendly and served us with a spirit of excellence. They offered us free drinks while we waited and assured us that they would know our order the next time we came back. If I didn't recognize God's hand on my life, I would suspect that this visit was insignificant or just a coincidence but I know that God is not done with that newly formed relationship. I am not surprised of the quality of the service or the spirit of the owners, after all Suzi and God sent me there. But I can't wait to see what "small" thing God will do with us and them.

As you go about your day, look for the little things God is doing in your life. Observe who smiles at you or says something "ordinary". Watch out for the people in your life who you have come to trust but may say terrible words that could alter God's future and plan for your life or someone close to you. Separate from those who speak against the relationships God fills your life with. Pray for those who are being used by the enemy to bring you a wrong word that God has not spoken for your destiny. Remember they don't know that they are lost, and you may just be their God-send!!