Life has a way of taking us on many different twists and turns. Some of those are wanted while others are undesirable and unexpected. Positioning yourself to ask God "Why?" is quite reasonable when you can't seem to understand why God would allow a route in your life that you had no plans for. However, if you take the time to really analyze your life, you can see how, like a puzzle, every situation and circumstance, be it good or not so good, seem to somehow fit together.Romans 8:28 reminds us of the following: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called. according to his purpose." If you have God as the beginner and finisher of your faith, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God," you have an understanding that God is the ultimate potter.Sometimes we fall into the category of feeling like we can write our life plan and expect God to follow suit. During those times, Jeremiah 29:11 should serve as a reassurance that God is not only in control but has a specific plan for us: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." In Ladies, It's Just a Piece of the Puzzle, I take you on my journey of life, lessons, laughter, tears, hope, and wisdom that I have gained. My life's puzzle pieces are miraculously fitting together toward molding and shaping me to be the woman I am today--as yours are shaping you as well.

--Yolanda Lance, BA, M.Ed, Ed.S. with Jah’Nay and Jae’Dyn McDowell

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