Carmen Horne

New Lens, New Life

You Can’t Plan Life

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Picture illustrating someone writing in a planner to plan life

The devo below from “Jesus Calling” reminds me of advice my mom gave me so many times. “Carmen, you can’t plan life. No matter how hard you try.” Y’all, I try hard. Way too hard. Mom and I had different personalities. She was not a planner, and it served her well…most of the time. 

I am learning to trust more. I want to stop the craziness of strategizing (and visualizing) every negative impact to mitigate it. I. Me. What in the whirl? Fear. Pride. Arrogance. Distrust. I’m still working with the Holy Spirit to sort it out. I am so thankful that in Jesus, there is no condemnation. He loves, corrects, forgives, empowers, leads, and loves some more. He knows our hearts. It’s all about our heart.

So, if you are like me and keep struggling with some hard stuff, remember that Jesus sets us free to stay free. He has committed Himself to help us. We do not carry this burden alone.

“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you [will continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of his return]. Philippians 1:6, AMP

“God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him.” Philippians 2:13, CEV

Friend, that’s shouting grounds, right there! God is working in us to grow us, and He ain’t givin’ up. 

Through it all, through it all
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus
I’ve learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I’ve learned to depend upon his word. ~ Ray Boltz “Through it All”

P.S. I have discovered this about all my mitigation measures. When faced with the situation, I usually do something completely different than the plan. Mom was right. We can’t plan life.

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September 17
JESUS CALLING


YOU WILL NOT FIND MY PEACE by engaging in excessive planning, attempting to control what will happen to you in the future. That is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans, Peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion.

I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me. Bring Me all your needs, your hopes, and fears. Commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path of Peace.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

—1 Peter 5:6–7
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. 
—Proverbs 16:9
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. 
—Psalm 37:5 nkjv




When Hidden Anxiety Robs Our Motivation

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I’m not an outdoorsy kinda girl. I mean, if the conditions are just right — breeze blowing, not too humid (which doesn’t often happen where I live), shady, no critters flying around — I like being outside. My outdoor stipulations often go unmet.

Taking a walk for exercise has been a challenge. Pre-virus, my routine was walking in a medical mall that encouraged walkers to use their air-conditioned facility.  

Talking with myself this morning, I came to a realization about my routine. Deep down, I feel as if its punishment. I cringe as I read my words. Instead of I get to walk. I’m healthy, no chronic pain, safe neighborhood, good walking shoes, my mindset is I have to walk.

My me conversation led to a God conversation that shined Holy Spirit light on another of my attitudes. 

Beginning with the “safer at home” order by our Governor in March, I have slowly lost motivation for much of anything, except snacking. I can’t explain it. Am I stressed? Am I anxious? Am I worried? Am I lazy? I ask myself these questions. I’m talking about these things with you today because I’m wondering if you lack motivation, too?

The Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament while in prison, and the Apostle John penned the book of Revelation while banished to the Isle of Patmos. 

Dr. Henry Cloud reminded me this morning (really, this morning, Doc?)

“Time is a commodity that can’t be replaced or remade, so you can’t afford to lose any of it to excuses.” 

I have more free time and less motivation. 

In reality, we are probably more stressed, anxious, and worried than we realize. I feel this is the basis of my lethargy. We are living in circumstances that we have never lived in before. It will test your metal, as they say. 

Here’s what I did this morning. It’s what I often do to remind myself of the glorious benefit of being God’s child; I quoted scripture.

I did what Jesus did so many times. I reminded myself of truth. To…

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let my requests be known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and my mind through Christ Jesus. {Based on Philippians 4:6-7}

Don’t you wish it was more flashy? You know, something profound and different that you knew nothing about—a tweetable moment.

I know you must be anxious. I am. How could we not be? So many more unknowns. We gotta stand on the truth of God’s Word. His peace is beyond our understanding. Yet, we feel it surround us when we seek it.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13