Still I Wonder

As I settle into my sixties and a season of "early retirement," I find myself wondering how long this season will last or whether God will call me back into the work force one last time.  After resigning from my previous job earlier this year to take care of family matters and assist with a kitchen renovation project, I began spending many hours in prayer and studying scripture to try and ascertain what God's plans for my future might look like.  I still don't have a clue.  I only know that if I am called back into the work force I want it to be in a position that He has uniquely qualified me to fill.  For now, though, I am content to be on call for whatever might arise in the course of each day, whether that be transporting a friend to an appointment or taking care of more mundane tasks around the house.

The past few months have been delightful.  I am immensely grateful for a closer walk with God and the flexibility to travel, spend time with family, and just "be there" for my husband and kids.  Being a homemaker has always been my favorite job, and retirement is something I look forward to, when the stress of being ruled by clocks and calendars becomes a thing of the past.  

The prospect of returning to past jobs has no allure for me; I'm not the same person I was when I worked in those particular positions.  Still, I can't help but feel that I am supposed to be doing more.  I trust that in His perfect timing, God will issue His call in an unmistakable way.  Time is short.  More people need to hear the Good News of salvation and experience God's love.  It is my hope that somehow He will position me in a place where I can be of service to others and a vessel of His love and light to those struggling to find their way in this dark world.

Copyright © 2021 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

Why I Almost Pulled the Plug on Facebook

Like many, I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook.  I saw a mean-spirited post this morning that offended me enough to make me want to pull the plug on Facebook, but I had a change of heart and simply blocked the post.  Why not just go with my first instinct and take a break from social media?  Because that is precisely what the devil would have me do.  (Yes, Satan does exist.  Last time I checked, I don't take my orders from him!)

Facebook is a tool many of use to keep up with family and friends, especially those in areas hard hit by natural disasters or who are in need of prayer because of illness, financial hardship, or personal loss.  If Satan can keep us from praying for and encouraging one another, he wins the battle -- and make no mistake, there is spiritual warfare on social media.  Facebook is also a place where many people go to find inspiration, encouragement, and fellowship with other Christ-followers.  It is often a platform where ministry and blessings happen.  What the enemy intends for evil, God uses for good.

In Ephesians 4:29 (TPT), the apostle Paul writes, "And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them."  As a writer and a human being that is what I hope my posts accomplish -- the building up of those who need encouragement and hope.  I won't say I excel in this, but I do try my best not to offend others by hateful, mean-spirited posts or comments.  Let me apologize for anything I may have posted that offended you in any way.

Life is too short to be mean-spirited.  If ever we needed huge doses of love, encouragement, and hope it is now.  I am thankful that most of my friends and family are kindhearted souls who look out for others.  I need and appreciate your kindness.  We all do.

Grace and peace,

Dee Dee

Copyright © 2021 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

Moving Day

Six years ago my family and I began a two-day journey to the place we now call home.  We left behind a church family, many friends, close relatives, and the city where I had lived a lifetime.  Apprehensions were few because we knew this was what God had ordained.  As we celebrate our new life here and the many blessings we been gifted since our move we cannot help but give thanks to the One who orchestrated it all.

Three months after we changed our address I stepped into a job that became a ministry and a great source of joy.  I found a new family and friends who have loved and supported our family in so many ways, and I am blessed beyond measure.  We all are.  But just as God saw fit to move our family away from everything that was familiar, He has been stirring something inside me and calling me to leave home once more in search of His next assignment.

Today I officially step down from a dream job to move on to whatever God has in store next.  The move has been prayed over for many months and the pandemic has brought clarity in the decision-making process as I have had much time to press in to God and really seek His heart.  I realize that there are many people who will not understand my decision to leave a job which was such a perfect fit, and I pray they will know that they are the reason the decision did not come easily.  I will always love the congregants I served and look forward to maintaining and nurturing the friendships that have been made these past six years.

Time does not stand still for any of us.  There is work to be done for the children of God, wherever we find ourselves.  The coronavirus pandemic and the protests raging across our nation this very day ensure our job security as prayer warriors on the front lines.

I don't know what the future holds in terms of my work, but I entrust my future and the care of my church family to the Lord who holds us all in His hands.

To my Bethany church family, know that I am stepping away in obedience to God's call -- not for lack of love for our church family or because of any of the challenges we have faced.  You are my family and I love you.  But God has said it's time for me to "leave home" and move on to the next assignment.  I covet your prayers for His provision and guidance in the days to come, and I will be praying daily for you.