Author: gloriastucky

I’m Just Trying to Help!

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!

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

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

²²Without 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?

A Pretty Tricky Situation

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.

⁹And 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!

⁵If 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!

A BRIGHT SPOT in the Week

Have you experienced a “Bright Spot” in your week?

I met my sweet friend for lunch and as we were leaving she told me she had anticipated our time together as being the “Bright Spot” in her week. Her words stuck in my mind for days.

Serve or Be Served?

Walt Disney

In the above picture, Walt Disney is picking up a piece of trash! This cut-out article photo is taped to the computer monitor of the owner of the company where I work. It serves as a continued reminder of the importance of a servant’s heart.

As we find ourselves in positions of leadership it is vital that we never forget the big picture. As believers in Christ, we belong to Christ in order that we bear fruit for God! (Romans 7:4b)

If You Love Me, Feed My Sheep!

My new career would require I more seriously weigh my commitments and how I use my time. I had to say no to a few things I really wanted to do and became quite skilled at saying, “Thank you for your consideration! No, I will not be able to do that at this time.” I had not worked full-time for many years and this proved to be an incredible adjustment for me. You full-time career moms & friends are my HEROS and you must share your secrets!

Although the adjustment was necessary in the beginning, I eventually allowed myself to become selfish with my time. I was beginning to say no without prayerfully even considering my answer. I am a firm believer that our service to the Lord is to be done with excellence. We shouldn’t offer God our leftovers but bring our best (all the while knowing our best efforts are useless without God’s strength!). Since I felt my limited time would hinder me from bringing God’s best I made no effort at all. Read more

“Girl, can I just say you look good!”

I limped into an interesting podiatrist office visit thanks to the words of the female staff member. She walked in, looked at me then turned to leave. Upon her return, she told me she had to go double check her chart because she thought I was the wrong patient. “Girl, can I just say you look good!” “I thought you were too young to be the patient on my chart.” She gave me a fist bump but her words were a huge bump to my confidence.

Do Not Deprive One Another

Can they really talk about that in church? Sometimes the Bible is a little shocking!

After entering into a relationship with Jesus I began to attend church weekly. I started attending a ladies Sunday school class where the teacher taught with contagious passion. I couldn’t wait to get home and read more about the story. I became intentional to live out the Biblical principles. It wasn’t easy but I would prayerfully ask God to help me put into practice what I was learning. I began to see an overwhelming improvement in my marriage. My husband was not in a relationship with Christ, nor did he have any desire to attend church, but he loved the changes in me. He enjoyed the benefits of my relationship with Christ.

$50 Cash to Quote the Bible

“Anyone who can quote a book or chapter from the Bible gets $50 cash.” Thanks to our owner’s creative way of encouraging our team, we gathered at work for a fun game of trivia. I am HORRIBLE at trivia! I can’t even remember my own age without calculating from the year I was born. I was resigned to the fact that my team would benefit from this game and I would be there to cheer them on! As the questions were asked I waited for someone to answer because I had no clue.

Not Just Another Trip to Church

Church changed my life today!

As I drove to church this morning I quoted 2 Timothy 3:16 and asked the Lord to use my time there to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me in righteousness. I knew God’s Word would be taught and I was hungry to completely soak in everything He had for me! I did not want to go through the motions. I longed to be fully present.

A Snake in my Garden

Two snakes startled me as I walked through our backyard gate. I looked around with embarrassment to see if anyone had seen me dance and shriek. Each snake slithered off to find safety in the cracks in the foundation of our home located directly below our lovely kitchen. Who wants to come for dinner?

These two garden snakes are harmless and an added value to our garden but I do prefer they not nest in our foundation. Does anyone know a good mason?

They remind me of our real enemy, that ancient serpent, who is called Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. (Rev. 12:9) He prowls around seeking someone to devour and he certainly made a presence in my life recently.

My husband and I had a very heated discussion. The longer we’ve been married, the less often we have these types of conversations. Yet, here we are 27 years into our commitment of marriage in the middle of an all-out discussion. I knew his words were true but in the heat of the moment they were so hard to swallow and stung my pride like a hornet. In that moment I had the following thought about MYSELF: “Who do you think you are? You can’t do ministry if you can’t even be a good wife. Stop doing ministry. Give up on serving the Lord with speaking and teaching. Nobody wants to hear what you have to say.”

It wasn’t the first time I had these specific thoughts. They had become a pattern! Each time I find myself in a situation that exposes my own sinfulness I encounter thoughts to retreat from any type of service or ministry to the Lord.

The snake was attacking my foundation! He was leading me to believe my good works, abilities & acts of righteousness have somehow earned me the right or position to serve Christ! My religious thinking had taken place of biblical truth. God measures me (and my failures) through the blood of Christ. My worth flows through Him!

The last thing the enemy wants is for any of us to pursue what Christ has for us. Serving Christ requires dying to self and pursing Christ’s best for us. I am fully aware; apart from Christ and His grace in my life my works of righteousness will never be enough outside of a grace filled relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. It is only through His work in my life that I have anything to give. My pouring into others can only come through the abundance of what the Lord has already poured into me.

We are instructed to be sober-minded and watchful of our enemy – Satan. (1 Peter 5:8) When I walk in my back garden I am well aware of the presence of snakes, even watchful of them. Even though I may not see them I know they are around. As we go about everyday we must be wise to the presence of our lurking enemy.