Month: August 2016

I Threw a Three-Year-Old Sized Tantrum

Child Tantrum
Child throwing temper tantrum

We’ve had an incredibly blessed month at work!  With this blessing comes hard work, long hours, MANY opportunities to problem solve and manage projects.  My position also provides the responsibility to lead my team whom I love and am blessed by daily.

At one point this month (I’m embarrassed to admit) I said out loud, “I don’t want to do this anymore!”  I threw a 3-year-old sized tantrum in my heart.  The kind of tantrum when the mom pulls you out of the store screaming, leaving a cart full of goods behind, because you have completely melted down and lost all control.  I fought the urge to throw something across the room!

Sometimes when we lose perspective our blessings can begin to feel like a curse!  Have you experienced a blessing that felt like it exceeded your ability & strength to manage?

  • A toddler asking more questions than you have answers
  • Another ruined carpet thanks to that suddenly not so adorable pet
  • A “discussion” with your spouse that didn’t go well
  • A vehicle demanding maintenance – depleting your monthly budget
  • A teenager pushing the boundaries – again
  • Another activity added to your already full schedule

It was clearly time for a break!  I quickly gathered my things and headed out the door! I went for lunch at one of the favored ham stores in town.  They provide fantastic fresh salads smothered in protein.  I had neglected myself and I needed to take care of a basic need.  They are not known for their speed but I was in no hurry to head back so I waited patiently.  Upon checkout the man handed me the salad and said something that took me by surprise, “This was made with love.”  He was completely serious and not in the creepy-awkward way.  He had poured himself into his work with love.  He had perspective!

When our blessings (God’s benefits) begin to feel like a burden as they sometimes do, let’s take a break and “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits..”

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit 
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things 
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103: 1 – 6 (NIV)

Have you allowed a blessing in your life to become a burden?  Stop and take a moment to praise God for His benefits!  It’s amazing how a short break can help us reset our persepective.

Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky

 

I’m Just Trying to Help!

What Can I help you with (2)

When my husband got a new phone he was playing around asking Siri a lot of questions.  He realized it was starting to annoy me since some of those questions should have been meant for me.  “Siri, am I handsome?”  I said, “Excuse me Siri, (with much attitude) I’ll take this one!”  One time when he asked for directions Siri could not locate the destination.  So in fun I mentioned, “Siri is stupid.”  Steve then proceeded to shock me by speak into his phone, “Siri, my wife says you’re stupid.”  I was a little embarrassed – not sure why but Siri’s reply completely surprised me.  “I’m just trying to help.”

Most of us are surrounded by those who would love to just try to help.  Our culture provides a multitude of counselors if we will ask for help!  Whether it be a parent, pastor, friends, aunt, uncle, co-worker, or grandparent.  Many of us could greatly benefit from affordable, professional Christian counseling.  If you are completely desperate, you can even ask Siri. Although I don’t recommend that!

14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.  Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)

                    15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.                         Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV)

22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.                          Proverbs 15:22 (NKJV)

Are you faced with a situation and in need of advice or counsel?  Don’t forget to reach out to those who would love the opportunity to just try to help!  How can I help you?

 

Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky

A Pretty Tricky Situation

Steve

The worst part about visiting our kids in Nashville is getting there after the grandkids’ bedtime.  Their parents are strict concerning bedtime and their reasons become quite obvious after a few days in their shoes.   Parenting toddlers is all consuming!  You young parents are my heroes.

When the following morning arrives my husband can hardly stand the anticipation of their wake up.  He’s been known to snatch them out of bed too soon if he even hears them cough or roll over.  He especially enjoys the special moments of morning cuddles as they watch cartoons.

As usual Naomi was the first to wake.  When Steve asked if she wanted to watch cartoons she replied:   “Can you turn on our TV, it’s pretty tricky?”  Steve let her know he’s a pretty smart guy and he thought he could figure it out.  “My daddy is REALLY smart and he can teach you.”  Naomi replied.

A four-year old little girl’s confidence in her father left me smiling!

I have a few areas in my life that have moved far beyond being a little more challenging than turning on a pretty tricky TV.  I found her childlike trust in her earthly father a nice reminder to hold fast to my confidence in my Heavenly Father.

There is nothing too difficult for Him.

17 ‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.  Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)

His grace is sufficient for His strength is made perfect in weakness.

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”… 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV)

His wisdom is made available upon asking!

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (ESV)

Are you facing a pretty tricky situation?  I hope you’ll consider placing your confidence in Christ!  He remains to be “REALLY smart” and can teach us!

Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky