Author: gloriastucky

It’s Not Just My Problem!

Another Monday morning approached and I was preparing to head out for work. As I considered the week ahead, I was curious what problems awaited.

Then I received the following statement in an email:

“Do you ever wish you could have one day at work without problems? I know everybody wishes that — but I’d like to explain why you should embrace those problems. Many of the challenges you encounter aren’t just a hindrance to your job, they are your job. And your ability to tackle them not only gives you more experience, but it qualifies your fitness for the position you hold.” Michael Hyatt

Peace Rules My Heart!

I am leaving the world issues behind as I head off for a diagnostic colonoscopy. I realize this is more information than most of you need and I don’t want to alarm or present this as more than it may be but I want to share my experience of complete peace as I face this day.

Here comes Monday!

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I worship my Savior with my husband, chew on a message from God’s powerful life-changing Word, hang out with some incredible people and there is often a nap involved. I just don’t want the day to come to an end. If you don’t attend church you may be missing out on your best day of the week.

I don’t usually dread Monday until a recent experience. I had an overwhelming feeling of dread on a particular Monday. I wasn’t looking forward to some of the responsibilities of that week. As I always do, I started my morning reading the Bible. The words of Psalm 16 brought an overwhelming sense of contentment that warmed my soul and reminded me of God’s providential arrangements placed on my life:

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6

The words are a poetic reference to the “boundary lines” of the Promised Land which climaxed the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people. “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

I can pack my lunch on a Monday morning with confidence in facing the days ahead. I can count on my faithful God to fulfill His promises over my life. My feelings don’t always offer a tremendous amount of support on Monday and I may need a little extra coffee but my mind can rest assured in confidence knowing the steps of today are part of His plan for my life!

Which of God’s promises are you counting on today?

“Business Concept, Business Man Feeling Tired On Monday. Illustration” by aechan from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Muddy Marriage Is More Than I Deserve!

Last week as we left church, Steve told me, “Wait here while I go get the truck.” He had parked in the baseball field and it was slightly muddy. I thought, “Oh that’s so sweet. What a great guy. He’s looking out for me and doesn’t want my shoes to get muddy” Since I was wearing flats instead of heals I said, “That’s okay. I can walk.” He then informed me, “No, wait here because I don’t want you to get mud in my truck.” It turns out he was more concerned with his truck than my designer shoes. It made me laugh and was a funny way to end our time together at church.

Because an hour prior I stood beside him in worship and together sang, “Oh what a gift You gave, Oh what a price You paid, more than I deserve, more than I deserve” Steve’s deep voice drew my attention. When young children sit in front of us they will often turn around and look up at him because of his deep voice. As I glanced over with tear-stained eyes I admired the man that God placed in the pew next to me so many years ago. Our marriage is a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming work. He redeemed that which was broken and together we invest to reap the fruit of something truly more than we deserve.

We may go from worship or passion one hour to being easily offended the next. It’s certainly not all roses, chocolate covered strawberries and John Mayer love songs. But God’s grace meets us where we are and is more than I deserve! Since it is clearly true, I don’t deserve the price He paid I will be forever grateful that He chose to die on the cross that I could have life and that I could have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Seeing His abundance in my marriage brings satisfaction to my soul and makes me want to worship him all the more!

Take a moment to consider the areas of your own life where you see God’s abundance!

In His grace
His provision
In your child(ren)/grandchildren
In your profession
In your home
In a particular relationship
Your health
Hope
Peace in the midst of hardship

What could you add to the list?

The Last Lick of the Ice Cream Cone

He offered her the last lick of his ice cream cone but she didn’t want it!

Meet my parents, Arnold & Norma Brewer! They are celebrating their 58^th Wedding Anniversary today. We took them to dinner to celebrate and I later asked them the following questions!

What has been your favorite season of marriage?

Dad: “1958 through 2016. Each day is a gift from God. Enjoy it!”
Mom: “Each season is continually changing and new.”

I love that they did not reflect back on the “good old days” but choose to live engaged in the present season looking for ways to love today and make this their favorite season! What are you sowing into your marriage today to reep your favorite season tomorrow?

What advice would you give a young couple starting out?

Dad: “Be ye kind one to another.” Eph. 4:32
When I asked which of them has been more kind over the years, mom said “Dad.”

Someone has to lead the way in kindness. Why not step up and be the one.

Any other advice you would offer?

Dad said, “Tell them you love them every day.”
Mom added, “He’s convinced me he loves me. Christ in the relationship makes all the difference. You don’t know how to love until you get the love of God in your heart. The love of Christ makes you appreciate what love is all about. God’s love is a sacrificial, self-denial love.”

Both of them live lives of love! They love the Lord their God with their all. They love & live by His Word. They love on His people! If they know YOU they love you!

What individuals have influenced or encouraged you in your own marriage?

They both answered: “Mom and dad loved one another.”
Dad: “I never heard them argue.”

Parents, the way we love one another has an amazing impact on our children. Let’s be committed to setting the example of loving well so they may follow the example to love well. It’s a lesson that goes deep into 58 years of marriage!

Dad’s closing comment before we called it a night: “I hope it lasts for 58 more!”

Learning to Love My Husband

My husband has taken it upon himself to be my breath police because sometimes I struggle with halitosis. When in public he may warn me: “Baby, your breath is really strong. Be careful when talking to people.” Isn’t he so nice and helpful?

I’ve tried many products over the years. The latest winner comes with a dual pour spout that allows the 2 solutions from separate sides to mix as poured. My only complaint was that EVERY time I used it, I would spill it all over the place. I kept threatening to reach out to the manufacturer, “Can’t you design a bottle that doesn’t spill all over the place?”

Apparently it was really working because I have not received even one citation from the breath police since using this product.

So one day, he said “I think I’m going to give your mouth wash a try.” Before I could warn him about the flaw in the bottle he had already started pouring. I noticed he poured it different than me and I was quick to let him know, “You’re doing that wrong.” But as the words were coming out I was also realizing he didn’t have any spillage. Because he was doing it right. I had been pouring it backwards all along.

The malfunction was not in the design of the product. The malfunction was in the user! It was so simple! Why had I not realized I was pouring it backwards? Why had I suffered through it so many times without thinking about flipping the bottle around to pour from the other angle?

Sometimes we just need someone to show us how it is done.

My husband adores me yet sometimes I find myself wanting to complain to the manufacturer: “God, there is something wrong with him.” We sometimes have leakage problems. Instead of love pouring out it looks more like sin in the form of anger, bitterness, or selfishness.

Titus 2 says the older women are to teach the young women the following :

…to love their husbands
…to love their children
…to be discreet
…to be chaste
…to be homemakers
…to be good
…to be obedient to their own husbands

If the older women are to teach the younger women the above behaviors then clearly they are learned behaviors. Perhaps like me, you are in need of further development in one or two of the above. I’m closely watching the older (more mature in their faith) women to learn.

Sometimes all we need is having someone go before us and show us how the mouthwash is to be poured!

Who do you have in your life to watch and learn such behaviors?

“Beautiful Girl Using Mouthwash. Isolated On White” from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Someone IS Watching You!

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.

¹²We 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?

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

Fulfill Your Ministry!

Ever feel incredibly discouraged? Does life feel pointless? Does hope appear far away?

In reviewing my journal, searching for an illustration for a Bible study lesson I’m developing, I found the following notes:

“My dreams are no longer fuel for me. I’m just going through the motions. I’m going to give up pursuing [a specific ministry dream]. I’m not going to pursue one more opportunity. If the Lord has it for me He will bring it to me. I’m tired of putting myself out there and feeling rejected.”

It looks like I was having a hard day!

Are you Driving Like a Granny?

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!

I Threw a Three-Year-Old Sized 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..”

¹Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
²Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
³who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
⁴who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵who 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.

“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)

“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)