Going Through the Motions!

As we drove home from Nashville, I looked up and commented on the beautiful trees. My husband smiled, “Yeah, I’ve been noticing them.” But here’s what he didn’t say, “We are half way home, those trees have been all along the drive and you are just now noticing!”

The previous day was cold and rainy so we took the grandkids to the mall. Me, Steve and the three grands headed to the play area while our daughter and son-in-law gladly went off on their own.

On the way, I made a quick stop into a kid’s clothing store. A young lady greeted me. I said hello and smiled and continued with my task. A few moments later I saw my daughter! It startled me, “Oh, Hi! What are you doing here!” She smiled at me and said, “Mom, you just saw me at the front door. You spoke to me and you smiled at me.”

Morning Commitment!

It was still dark when my 5 am alarm went off and I immediately hit snooze. I repeated the pattern several times.

Once I finally slide out of bed, I quickly fell into my morning routine – sitting with a hot cup of coffee in my favorite chair with my Bible. You can imagine the conviction that poured over me when I read the following:

Walk Through the Open Door

I have been praying for an open door in a specific area of my life. So when I read what Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Corinth it really stood out to me: “For a great and effective door has opened to me…” 1 Corinthians 16:9a

I like Paul’s description of his opened door: “great and effective.”

Effective, energes (en-er-gace); Strong’s # 1756: Comparable in meaning to the English word “energetic,” which stems from this word. Energes…denotes something at work, active, and effective. It is the opposite of argos, “idle,” “inactive,” “ineffective.”₁

This sounds like a door we would want to run through. We often think when the door opens we will make an entrance and all will be well. However, along with this opened door Paul said “…And there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:9b

Wait a minute! There are many adversaries?

Stretch Out Your Hand

Would you like to experience a miracle? “If you want to experience a miracle you must first experience a problem.” These words rang in my ear for days after spoken by my life group teacher. Probably because I have a problem and long for a miracle. What problem are you experiencing? Do you long for a miraculous act from God?

There’s something interesting about miracles…

Increased Income

Our company was awarded a new contract. As the Executive Vice President, I considered the task of incorporating and managing the details of this account on top of our already thriving business. In a realistic moment, I suggested to our president, “You may need to hire someone more equipped to handle this position. I don’t know if I can do it.” Her response…

The Palm Tree in the Storm

How well do you weather the storms of life? Like many others, we closely monitored the hurricane weather updates in full alert. As I watched the strong winds whip the palm trees, almost bending them in half, I was curious how they could withstand such winds. After the hurricane made its way through leaving its damage behind, my curiosity led me to some quick research.

These two qualities left me pleasantly inspired & encouraged!

The Owner’s Manual

Steve continues to do a fantastic job keeping the grass manicured. But when the head on our weed eater broke, rather than getting it replaced right away, we let the weeds take over for several weeks. I admit, the yard was starting to look rough. It reminded me of the time Steve put me in charge of all weed eating because I had told him that I didn’t think his skills were measuring up. You can watch that video below:

Above video previously posted in January 2016

Video by: www.stuckycreative.com

Best Pancakes in Nashville worth the Wait?

A unique end to another trip to Nashville! We hugged our family goodbye including our almost 38-week pregnant daughter anticipating the birth of our 3^rd grandbaby.

On our way out of town, feeling a bit blue from the tearful goodbye, I had a desire to do something touristy! Do you want to know what we did?

Morning Dock

“It’s been a very long time since I’ve been excited to purchase a material item” I told my friend Becky as we walked toward the Woodland Art Fair. This is a season where I am blessed beyond measure. All my material needs are met and I don’t seem to be desiring material wants. This certainly has not always been the case. I have lived in need and have wanted plenty.

Full Parking Lot, Full Heart!

Everyone should go to church late – occasionally. This morning we pulled into the church parking lot much later than normal. Almost every spot was taken. It was like Christmas at the mall with cars cruising the lot in search of the few available openings. Two cars approaching, each questioning who will get there first. But since it was a church, there was hope that the other driver may be more spiritually mature. Perhaps they would love their neighbor as self.