Making Plans… Anyways

By Jeanna’ Mead A few days ago, I heard this song about God’s plans, and several lines hit me straight in the heart: > If it’s not good, then You’re not finished yet > You have good plans > It’s true in the palace and it’s true in the pits > If You’re in control, then I’m lifting my hands > You have good plans > You’re going to lead me from glory to glory > You’re not done writing the BEST of my story I started writing this on Tuesday afternoon.

But on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, a shot rang out and a man was killed because of what he believed in and spoke about. Since then (it is now Saturday, September 13), so much has been said and done — things that broke my heart and things that restored my faith in God and in people. He is not done writing the best of our stories. But before all this happened, I sat down to write about something else — the heartbreaks God allows to shape us, break us, and bring us closer to Him. --- ## Heartbreak Happens to Every One of Us Several years ago, I asked God to break my heart with the things that break His.

I didn’t realize how deeply He would answer that prayer. I was becoming self-centered, comfortable, tucked inside my circle of family, friends, and clients. I wanted God to use me, but I didn’t want Him to touch the places that needed changing. And He did.

He broke my heart for what breaks His. He opened my eyes. He stretched my compassion. He pushed me out of my little world. And now… I’ve learned to be careful what I ask for — because I just might get it. So now I’m asking for what I truly want — not from fear, but from trust. --- ## A Father Who Loves to Hear From His Children A friend of mine got a voicemail from his daughter.

In her tiny, trembling voice she said: > “Daddy, I need you. Daddy, please can you call me? Daddy, I love you and I need you. Please text me back.” Of course he dropped everything and called her immediately. And it hit me… Our Father in heaven says the same: > “If you, then, though you are evil, > know how to give good gifts to your children, > how much more will your Father in heaven > give good gifts to those who ask Him?” > (Matthew 7:11) Oh sweet Jesus, this hits my heart so hard.

I am a momma. When my children ask me for anything, I feel honored and valued. Even when I don’t have all the answers, the fact that they came to me fills my heart. That is exactly how God feels about us. He wants to hear from me. He wants to hear from you.

He wants us to come running with our hands outstretched, hearts wide open, eyes dancing, saying: “Daddy, I love You. Daddy, I need You. Daddy, help me.” He created us for that. He delights in that. That is the best story ever. **His plans for us are good.

And He is a good, good Father.** --- ## A Song on Repeat in My Heart These lyrics keep circling through my mind: > You’re a good, good Father > It’s who You are > And I’m loved by You > It’s who I am I know for certain that what I think about shapes my life.

So I am choosing to think about: - His love - His goodness - His plans - His promises - His story being written in me He is not done writing the best part of my story. And I pray — with everything in me — that you feel the same. He has good plans. He’s not finished yet.