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’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.

“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)

There is nothing too difficult for Him.

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

His wisdom is made available upon asking!

“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)