Do you ever feel like someone is watching you?  I made myself get back out there running after time off from toe surgery.  There may have been more than a few weeks of laziness mixed in there too!  Two and a half miles into my route I was suddenly passed by a graceful female runner.  Her pace was impressive.  Her style was impeccable and I’m not just referring to her adorable attire.  She made running look so effortless.  Anyone who runs knows the discipline required to achieve such status.  I was tempted to yell, “Girl, you are amazing!”  But we all know that would just be weird.  So I held my tongue and watched as her precisely sculpted legs carried her relaxed upper body so eloquently off into the distance.

Watching her reminded me how often I watch those who are gracefully running the race ahead of me.  I want to learn from their successes.

I’m watching….

• …as you experiencing hardships yet express a peace that surpasses all understanding.
• …you celebrate empty nest with excitement for your future.
• …my retired friends who do not cater to your own pleasures but are out there in the community offering your incredible gifts serving others.
• …the wife who expresses respect to her husband – even though he may not always act respectable.
• …the faithful servant who attends & serves the local church consistently.
• …you grieve the loss of a loved one clinging to your Heavenly Father!
• …as you consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds.
• …those of you who are caring for your aging loved ones.
• …you be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving letting your request be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.

¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith
and patience inherit what has been promised. 
Hebrews 6:12New International Version (NIV)

What qualities are you watching & admiring?

 

Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky

Image courtesy of “Closeup Hand Tying Laces Ready For Run On Road At Sunset”by blackzheep at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

 

 

 

My sister had this car sitting in her driveway that caught my attention.  I’m not much of a car person and don’t typically get excited about cars.  But I knew there was something special about this car.  My brother-in-law loves cars and he told me it is a SL600 Mercedes-Benz V12 Twin Turbo.  In case you are like me and all that means absolutely nothing, let me just say this car is NICE!

To invest in a new model today’s market would run you about $205K!   Do you agree with me now, this car is NICE!

He suggested my sister and I take it out for a drive.  He didn’t have to ask twice.  When she started the engine, it rumbled.  I could feel the vibration of the power inside of me.  She pulled it out and we put the top down and took off.

When she accelerated the force of the car pressed me back into the seat.  It can go 0 – 60 in three seconds.   It was exhilarating!  I raised my arms and screamed!

She asked, “Do you want to drive?”   My first response was “No!” I was scared of that car.  “Wait!  Yes!  I want to drive because I want to tell my husband that I drove this car.”  She pulled over. I got in the driver’s seat and took off.

I so wish I could tell you that I drove that thing like the hot rod that it is, but I didn’t.  I was scared!  I didn’t drive it like a sports car.  I drove it like your granny drives her Buick.  I was afraid of the power!

Long ago, a man named David recognized God as his Creator!  He recognized God’s creation (himself) as being wonderfully made and marvelous!

 “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.”  In Psalm 139:14 (NKJV) 

The word “marvelous” comes from the Hebrew word which means “to be marvelous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action”   Strong’s H6381 – pala’

God didn’t create us to be mediocre Christians.  He didn’t create us to be lukewarm Christians.  He created us as EXTRAORDINARY beings.

Don’t live your life driving like your granny drives her sedan when the Creator created you in His image – EXTRAORDINARY. How do we do that?  Get out the owner’s manuel and learn about the Creator and His creation!  It’s amazing how he has equipped us.

God has set us up for success with holiness.

•           He created us to be extraordinary
•           He sacrificed His Son, Jesus so we could live the extraordinary life
•           He has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us
•           He has given us His Holy Word to instruct & guide us
•           He has loaned us His ear that we can communicate with Him in prayer

 HE HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED TO SUCCEED AT HOLINESS!

HE’S DONE HIS PART!  

Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky