I know that a true lady isn't supposed to reveal or age; however, last month I turned fifty, and it wasn't as tough as I thought it might be. After all, I cried when I turned thirty and forty. For me, those milestone birthdays weren't particularly pleasant at the time, so based on those past experiences, I wasn't certain if I would actually be able to enjoy this milestone birthday.
At the time of my thirtieth birthday, I had several young children at home, and some of them were sick. It was rainy and gloomy all day long--one of those terrible, no good, very bad days. After a frustrating day as a stay-at-home mom, I was in tears by the time my husband had come home from work. Somehow, he soothed me and made things better by whisking me off to a special dinner outing for just the two of us.
On my fortieth birthday, I was dealing with teenage drama in my home and had gone through a particularly trying afternoon. (If any of you have read my book, you know the kind of drama I am talking about.) My husband had thoughtfully brought home Chinese carryout and a grocery store cake that night. Unfortunately, my birthday cake was more of a coffee cake with glaze and not something a bit more festive with icing. How could someone who had been married to me for sixteen years not realize that such a major birthday merited frosting? The cake was the last straw in a day that had not gone very well up to that point. I suddenly burst into tears at the sight of it and ran upstairs to my room to be alone. As I sat sobbing on the bathroom floor, feeling like an idiot, my concerned husband came upstairs to check on my well being. I explained that it wasn't really about the cake, and I was sorry for seeming like such an ungrateful woman. I shared with him about my earlier frustrations that had finally reached a boiling point. I let him know that I was sorry for ruining dinner and that I really did appreciate him for trying to celebrate my birthday with the kids. He understood and was kind enough to just let me vent. A month later, he redeemed himself by bringing home a store-bought, properly iced cake with the words: Happy 40 1/12 birthday. Being the nerdy math teacher that I am, I told him that I had actually thought about the fact that I was 40 1/12 years old that morning, so it pleased me that he would think of such a thing.
Instead of allowing myself to become depressed about my birthday this year, turning fifty brought some reflections on the previous decades of my life that have been filled with many blessings. In my first decade of young childhood, I accepted Christ and had a great military brat childhood, including moves to New Mexico, California and Germany. I was blessed with godly parents and four siblings.
After turning ten, I moved to my mom's hometown of Parsons, Kansas, and got to know my maternal grandparents. During my teens, I asked to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which brought about a deeper walk with God and more boldness in sharing my faith with others. I also began to use my musical skills as a pianist in school music groups in junior high, high school, and college. I later began composing and singing original Christian music. I went off to a Christian college and formed lifelong friendships.
My twenties brought college graduation, my first teaching job, and the start of my freelance writing career. I also got married, became a stepmother to my oldest daughter, and gave birth to three more children during this decade. My thirties included a six-year stint as a newspaper columnist, an opportunity to write advertising, the beginning of my college teaching career, two major family moves, and my oldest daughter's marriage. My forties graced me with two lovely granddaughters, another daughter's wedding, my husband's survival from cancer, publishing my first book, and my first missions trip to South Africa.
I am so thankful that God has been present in each decade of my life, and I am overwhelmed by all the wonderful experiences and people he has placed in my path. On numerous occasions, God has been faithful in his provision, hope, love, healing, grace and peace. When I am discouraged, I merely have to look back on the many answered prayers and remind myself that God is ever faithful to meet every need.
I would have to say that my fifties are off to a good start. My first grandson was born in late April, just a few weeks after my birthday. This year, I didn't cry on my milestone birthday. I was surrounded by many loved ones who made an extra effort to make it a joyous event. I share my birthday with my granddaughter Chloe, now 4, so we had a party together--complete with icing on the cupcakes. The day after my birthday, I asked my husband, "Were you surprised that I didn't cry on my birthday?" He remarked, "You didn't have anything to cry about." That is true, but that might not have stopped me in the past. I'm glad my husband doesn't mind putting up with an emotional, sentimental wife.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)
Monday, May 5, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
God Uses Our Imperfections
I am a perfectionist when it comes to certain areas of my life. Sometimes I demand too much and feel frustration when I fall short of the standards I have set for myself. I am often my own worst critic, and it's that little voice in my head that sometimes brings on feelings of inadequacy.
Long ago, I knew that I was not cut out to have an immaculate house, especially when I was raising young children. I cringed at the lack of time spent in prayer and Bible reading, when I let life get in the way. I would regularly compare myself to women who seemed more polished and fashionable and feel I came up short.
It has taken years of growing in maturity to realize that in spite of my shortcomings, God can use these very imperfections and failings for good. Perhaps my slightly messy house has made someone feel more comfortable in my home. Perhaps when I haven't felt overly polished, someone was more at ease in my presence. My numerous mistakes as a wife and mother have brought me great wisdom that I have often used to encourage others.
Just the other day, I was being overly critical when rereading my book The Thankful Principle. I should have phrased something differently here or included a certain detail there. I was mentally beating myself up over small things. However, I realized that it doesn't have to be perfect to change lives. God often uses imperfect things to fulfill his purpose.
I am grateful that God turns these negative situations and the imperfections in my life into something beautiful. Every day, I want to be more like him.
2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."
Long ago, I knew that I was not cut out to have an immaculate house, especially when I was raising young children. I cringed at the lack of time spent in prayer and Bible reading, when I let life get in the way. I would regularly compare myself to women who seemed more polished and fashionable and feel I came up short.
It has taken years of growing in maturity to realize that in spite of my shortcomings, God can use these very imperfections and failings for good. Perhaps my slightly messy house has made someone feel more comfortable in my home. Perhaps when I haven't felt overly polished, someone was more at ease in my presence. My numerous mistakes as a wife and mother have brought me great wisdom that I have often used to encourage others.
Just the other day, I was being overly critical when rereading my book The Thankful Principle. I should have phrased something differently here or included a certain detail there. I was mentally beating myself up over small things. However, I realized that it doesn't have to be perfect to change lives. God often uses imperfect things to fulfill his purpose.
I am grateful that God turns these negative situations and the imperfections in my life into something beautiful. Every day, I want to be more like him.
2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Salvaging Valentine's Day
When I was a young wife, I was out at the mall with my visiting parents. I was about to spontaneously buy a flower for my husband, when my dad suggested that my motivation in doing so was because I wanted my husband to buy flowers for me. He was right, but I didn't realize that was my motive, until he pointed it out to me. My father is a former Air Force chaplain, and he once shared a story of a beautiful woman who came into his office for counseling. She complained that her husband never complimented her good looks, and she added, "I always tell him how nice he looks when he gets dressed up."
My dad commented, "Let me guess. When your husband gets dressed up, he calls it a monkey suit."
She said, "Well, yes he does."
Dad continued, "So when you tell him how nice he looks, you're telling him that he looks like a monkey. You need to find a way to compliment your husband in a way that makes him feel more like a man."
Together they discussed her husband's skills as a mechanic, and she was encouraged to go home and tell him about how much she appreciated the fact that he always kept their cars running well and what a good job he did. The following week, the woman waltzed back into my father's office and exclaimed, "He told me I was pretty!"
I have often thought about this simple advice of honoring others in a manner that they can receive. When I had been married for several years and had a young family, another young mother in her 30s called me on the morning of Valentine's Day. She was fuming mad and in tears. She went on to tell me about the fact that she had presented her husband with a card and a cute teddy bear, and he didn't have anything for her that morning. (He probably planned to pick something up on the way home from work that day.) Immediately, I thought about my flower story and quickly thought about how I could help diffuse the situation.
Knowing her personality, I knew she could easily stew all day, and even if her husband did bring home a gift, she might fling it back at him in anger. I told her the flower story and the story of the mechanic's wife. I let her know that a teddy bear was probably not something her husband would desire as a gift, but she was giving him what she might have wanted. I told her, "You have two choices: You can feel sorry for yourself all day and be in a bad mood when your husband gets home from work and your two boys get home from school, or you can do something positive."
I gave her a positive plan for the day. I suggested that she take a nice bath, pamper herself, put on a nice outfit, and do her hair and make-up. I gave her permission to do whatever she wanted to do that made her feel good about herself. Next, I told her to plan a nice dinner that day as a surprise for her family. I told her to make a big deal about it and show her family how much she loves them. I said, "Get out your best dishes, a tablecloth, and candles." I knew that if she put her energy to use in a positive direction, she would really bless her family and feel better, too.
The next day she called and excitedly told me, "Your plan worked!" She went on to tell me how thrilled her boys were when they got home from school and saw that their mom was making them a special dinner. When her husband got home from work, he presented her with a card and a gift, which she happily received.
Valentine's Day is a difficult holiday for many, whether single or married. If you find it depressing because you are alone or not in a relationship, find someone else in a similar situation who could also use some love and encouragement. Get a group of friends together to do something fun, make a big deal out of the day with the children in your life, and focus on loving acts of kindness. My children are now adults, and they still look forward to Mom's heart-shaped waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. When they were little, I might have even added some cheap Valentine's decorations to the festivities. As they grew older, we would have a family gourmet dinner, and they would have the fun of trying new things and eating off of the good china by candlelight.
My husband and I decided years ago that romantic events, like Valentine's Day and our wedding anniversary were sometimes stressful because he couldn't read my mind. He wisely began asking me about my expectations just prior to the event. Being a practical person and not wanting to break the budget, sometimes I request something as simple as him making me a gourmet dinner at home, watching a movie together, or a simple lunch date. I appreciate his thoughtfulness in honoring me in this way, and it has saved a few tears.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
Happy Valentine's Day!
My dad commented, "Let me guess. When your husband gets dressed up, he calls it a monkey suit."
She said, "Well, yes he does."
Dad continued, "So when you tell him how nice he looks, you're telling him that he looks like a monkey. You need to find a way to compliment your husband in a way that makes him feel more like a man."
Together they discussed her husband's skills as a mechanic, and she was encouraged to go home and tell him about how much she appreciated the fact that he always kept their cars running well and what a good job he did. The following week, the woman waltzed back into my father's office and exclaimed, "He told me I was pretty!"
I have often thought about this simple advice of honoring others in a manner that they can receive. When I had been married for several years and had a young family, another young mother in her 30s called me on the morning of Valentine's Day. She was fuming mad and in tears. She went on to tell me about the fact that she had presented her husband with a card and a cute teddy bear, and he didn't have anything for her that morning. (He probably planned to pick something up on the way home from work that day.) Immediately, I thought about my flower story and quickly thought about how I could help diffuse the situation.
Knowing her personality, I knew she could easily stew all day, and even if her husband did bring home a gift, she might fling it back at him in anger. I told her the flower story and the story of the mechanic's wife. I let her know that a teddy bear was probably not something her husband would desire as a gift, but she was giving him what she might have wanted. I told her, "You have two choices: You can feel sorry for yourself all day and be in a bad mood when your husband gets home from work and your two boys get home from school, or you can do something positive."
I gave her a positive plan for the day. I suggested that she take a nice bath, pamper herself, put on a nice outfit, and do her hair and make-up. I gave her permission to do whatever she wanted to do that made her feel good about herself. Next, I told her to plan a nice dinner that day as a surprise for her family. I told her to make a big deal about it and show her family how much she loves them. I said, "Get out your best dishes, a tablecloth, and candles." I knew that if she put her energy to use in a positive direction, she would really bless her family and feel better, too.
The next day she called and excitedly told me, "Your plan worked!" She went on to tell me how thrilled her boys were when they got home from school and saw that their mom was making them a special dinner. When her husband got home from work, he presented her with a card and a gift, which she happily received.
Valentine's Day is a difficult holiday for many, whether single or married. If you find it depressing because you are alone or not in a relationship, find someone else in a similar situation who could also use some love and encouragement. Get a group of friends together to do something fun, make a big deal out of the day with the children in your life, and focus on loving acts of kindness. My children are now adults, and they still look forward to Mom's heart-shaped waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream. When they were little, I might have even added some cheap Valentine's decorations to the festivities. As they grew older, we would have a family gourmet dinner, and they would have the fun of trying new things and eating off of the good china by candlelight.
My husband and I decided years ago that romantic events, like Valentine's Day and our wedding anniversary were sometimes stressful because he couldn't read my mind. He wisely began asking me about my expectations just prior to the event. Being a practical person and not wanting to break the budget, sometimes I request something as simple as him making me a gourmet dinner at home, watching a movie together, or a simple lunch date. I appreciate his thoughtfulness in honoring me in this way, and it has saved a few tears.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:4-7)
Happy Valentine's Day!
Friday, January 10, 2014
New Mountains to Climb
I am the type of person who enjoys a good challenge...sometimes. Perhaps it is because certain things come easy to me. Often I delight in the personal satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment that follows when I tackle something that isn't quite a piece of cake. However, in reality, challenges can be more frustrating than I would like to admit, and it would be much easier to stay within my comfort zone, rather than deal with a challenging situation.
When I interviewed in 1985 for what would later end up being my first teaching job, I thought I had wasted my time in driving 240 miles round trip for the interview. Essentially, it was a one-room school house at a small Baptist church in Missouri. I could not imagine myself teaching multiple grades in a single classroom, but when they offered the job to me, the Lord led me to accept the position. I taught grades K-6, 8th, and 10th (9 different levels) in a school of around 20 students. Although I did have parent volunteers in my classroom, I was constantly juggling my duties and trying to make sure I met the needs of my students. It wasn't easy, but it was obvious that God had placed me there. I stayed for two years. Looking back, I'm not even sure how I managed to do it, and it makes me dizzy just thinking about everything that the job required. Frequently, I prayed and cried out to God. Sometimes, I communicated with God through my musical compositions.
"Lord, you've searched my heart.
You know every part.
You know me so well.
You know me.
When I feel ashamed,
Lord, you lay no blame.
You love me so well.
You love me.
And it's such a mystery.
What do you see in me?
There must be something
That I can do for you.
Use me. Lord, please use me.
And through me, may others know you, too.
Lord, you know I want to be used by you."
--a portion of the lyrics from "Use Me" (copyright 1985 by Marcia Day Brown)
Currently, as I am looking at my responsibilities coming up in my new position as a center director for a mathematics learning center, I feel overwhelmed at times when I realize how much I need to learn to perform my duties successfully. Panic can easily set in and bring worry and stress. However, when I remember what God has helped me to accomplish in the past, I know he will guide and direct me in my present situation. I need not be anxious about anything, and when I do begin to feel stressed, I only need to remind myself of Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)
It's comforting to know that my heavenly father does not want me to worry. He wants me to come to him with each and every need. Big or small--it doesn't matter. He cares about meeting each need, if I am willing to ask.
When I interviewed in 1985 for what would later end up being my first teaching job, I thought I had wasted my time in driving 240 miles round trip for the interview. Essentially, it was a one-room school house at a small Baptist church in Missouri. I could not imagine myself teaching multiple grades in a single classroom, but when they offered the job to me, the Lord led me to accept the position. I taught grades K-6, 8th, and 10th (9 different levels) in a school of around 20 students. Although I did have parent volunteers in my classroom, I was constantly juggling my duties and trying to make sure I met the needs of my students. It wasn't easy, but it was obvious that God had placed me there. I stayed for two years. Looking back, I'm not even sure how I managed to do it, and it makes me dizzy just thinking about everything that the job required. Frequently, I prayed and cried out to God. Sometimes, I communicated with God through my musical compositions.
"Lord, you've searched my heart.
You know every part.
You know me so well.
You know me.
When I feel ashamed,
Lord, you lay no blame.
You love me so well.
You love me.
And it's such a mystery.
What do you see in me?
There must be something
That I can do for you.
Use me. Lord, please use me.
And through me, may others know you, too.
Lord, you know I want to be used by you."
--a portion of the lyrics from "Use Me" (copyright 1985 by Marcia Day Brown)
Currently, as I am looking at my responsibilities coming up in my new position as a center director for a mathematics learning center, I feel overwhelmed at times when I realize how much I need to learn to perform my duties successfully. Panic can easily set in and bring worry and stress. However, when I remember what God has helped me to accomplish in the past, I know he will guide and direct me in my present situation. I need not be anxious about anything, and when I do begin to feel stressed, I only need to remind myself of Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)
It's comforting to know that my heavenly father does not want me to worry. He wants me to come to him with each and every need. Big or small--it doesn't matter. He cares about meeting each need, if I am willing to ask.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
God's Plans May Surprise You
When we assume we know how God may meet a need, we are often wrong. This year has been a prime example. I was told in March that my hours were going to be dramatically cut at the community college where I have taught developmental mathematics for nearly eighteen years. I would be getting less than half of my normal hours.
While others panicked, I wasn't initially worried at all. I just "knew" God must have plans for me to teach full-time in a public or private school setting. After all, I had just renewed my teaching license last year. It had been expired for over a decade, and I had finally figured out that I should have it renewed just in case I needed it someday. That someday was coming sooner than I thought, and I was practically congratulating myself on renewing my license just in time. I was just sure that God had laid it on my heart to renew my license for such a time as this.
Over the spring and summer months, I spent countless hours jumping through the hoops of applying for dozens of teaching jobs. I took personality tests, submitted a variety of documents, filled in hundreds of blanks. I just "knew" I would be an ideal candidate, since I would be a cheap hire with lots of experience. With only one year of public school teaching experience, I could give them my over twenty years of teaching background for the salary of a second year teacher. What a bargain! But God had other plans.
At the beginning of the summer school session, I "knew" God was going to give me a summer class, even though my original class had been cancelled due to low enrollment. After all, I had taught 52 consecutive semesters at the college, and my daughter was planning to be married in July and funds were needed. But God had other plans.
When we moved in 1999 and bought another house, God orchestrated the sale of our other house just in time to avoid double house payments. I "knew" God would do the same when we moved about two years later. But God had other plans.
In fact, I questioned God about that when we began having to make double house payments. I prayed, "God, why isn't our house selling?" He replied, "I'm building your character." That was not the answer that I wanted to hear, especially since I had made the point of specifically not asking God for patience. Thankfully, it only lasted a couple of months, and we never missed a payment.
Many times when God has other plans, I see his hand in the situation so clearly AFTER his plan is finally revealed. Although I didn't get a full-time teaching job in the fall, I did obey God in the writing of my book, The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living. Six days after I finished writing my book, I received an unexpected e-mail from someone who spotted my resume on a recruiting site and asked if I would like to apply to be the center director for a new math learning center. The job seemed tailor-made for me, and within a few weeks, I was hired. Many of my past work experiences have developed skills that will be needed and useful in this new challenge and opportunity.
And even though I did not end up with a summer class, God knew that I needed a summer off from teaching after 18 years. Not only that, but he provided a consulting project that covered the costs of what my husband and I spent on our daughter's wedding.
God is continually building my character, and I am working on being more thankful and accepting of letting his plan unfold, instead of rushing toward what I assume is God's plan. His plans always have our best interests at heart.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.“ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)
While others panicked, I wasn't initially worried at all. I just "knew" God must have plans for me to teach full-time in a public or private school setting. After all, I had just renewed my teaching license last year. It had been expired for over a decade, and I had finally figured out that I should have it renewed just in case I needed it someday. That someday was coming sooner than I thought, and I was practically congratulating myself on renewing my license just in time. I was just sure that God had laid it on my heart to renew my license for such a time as this.
Over the spring and summer months, I spent countless hours jumping through the hoops of applying for dozens of teaching jobs. I took personality tests, submitted a variety of documents, filled in hundreds of blanks. I just "knew" I would be an ideal candidate, since I would be a cheap hire with lots of experience. With only one year of public school teaching experience, I could give them my over twenty years of teaching background for the salary of a second year teacher. What a bargain! But God had other plans.
At the beginning of the summer school session, I "knew" God was going to give me a summer class, even though my original class had been cancelled due to low enrollment. After all, I had taught 52 consecutive semesters at the college, and my daughter was planning to be married in July and funds were needed. But God had other plans.
When we moved in 1999 and bought another house, God orchestrated the sale of our other house just in time to avoid double house payments. I "knew" God would do the same when we moved about two years later. But God had other plans.
In fact, I questioned God about that when we began having to make double house payments. I prayed, "God, why isn't our house selling?" He replied, "I'm building your character." That was not the answer that I wanted to hear, especially since I had made the point of specifically not asking God for patience. Thankfully, it only lasted a couple of months, and we never missed a payment.
Many times when God has other plans, I see his hand in the situation so clearly AFTER his plan is finally revealed. Although I didn't get a full-time teaching job in the fall, I did obey God in the writing of my book, The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living. Six days after I finished writing my book, I received an unexpected e-mail from someone who spotted my resume on a recruiting site and asked if I would like to apply to be the center director for a new math learning center. The job seemed tailor-made for me, and within a few weeks, I was hired. Many of my past work experiences have developed skills that will be needed and useful in this new challenge and opportunity.
And even though I did not end up with a summer class, God knew that I needed a summer off from teaching after 18 years. Not only that, but he provided a consulting project that covered the costs of what my husband and I spent on our daughter's wedding.
God is continually building my character, and I am working on being more thankful and accepting of letting his plan unfold, instead of rushing toward what I assume is God's plan. His plans always have our best interests at heart.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.“ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)
Monday, December 16, 2013
News on the Kindle Edition of The Thankful Principle
The Kindle edition of The Thankful Principle: A Journey into Thankful Living is now available. Stay tuned for news of the print edition. Just copy and paste the link below:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC0QCAI/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC0QCAI/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Gift of Encouragement
Did you know that encouragement is a gift? Just the other day, I almost missed out on being a blessing and receiving a blessing, simply because I didn't feel like getting out on potentially icy and snowy roads. It would have been much easier to stay home and relax, rather than attend an optional training session for teachers at the college where I work.
After dropping my nephew off at work, I realized that the roads were in pretty good shape. I felt a prompting in my heart that I should go, and I had just enough time to change into presentable clothing and dash off to the event. When I got there, I sat with several colleagues and excitedly showed them the cover design for my book The Thankful Principle that was beautifully created by my friend Tracy.
The women were all interested in hearing more about the book, so I gladly shared details about The Thankful Principle and the impact that Philippians 4:6-7 has had on my life. All four women were receptive to my testimony and commented that they were excited about the book and would like to read it when it becomes available. We had a great time of sharing that morning over breakfast, as we waited for the training to begin.
As the uplifting conversations continued through our lunch break, I learned things about each of the women that revealed to me God's plan to encourage them that very day. I realized that by sharing the Thankful Principle with them, I had spiritually equipped them to fight their daily battles. Whether they were dealing with health issues, a divorce, a grown son recovering from the devastating effects of a stroke, a challenging teenage child, or some other personal concern, practicing thankfulness to God would empower them to deal with the issues that were consuming them and help them to experience God's peace in their lives.
All day long, I kept thinking to myself how wonderful our time together had been. I marveled at the fact that I had almost missed it. I wondered about how many other times I have missed out on giving or receiving a blessing because I took the easier route. Only God knows, but I am seeing that when I am obedient to his prompting, I am more in tune with what God would have me to do the next time.
Isn't it wonderful that when we make the extra effort, God gives us opportunities to bless others and to receive a blessing? I love it when that happens.
After dropping my nephew off at work, I realized that the roads were in pretty good shape. I felt a prompting in my heart that I should go, and I had just enough time to change into presentable clothing and dash off to the event. When I got there, I sat with several colleagues and excitedly showed them the cover design for my book The Thankful Principle that was beautifully created by my friend Tracy.
The women were all interested in hearing more about the book, so I gladly shared details about The Thankful Principle and the impact that Philippians 4:6-7 has had on my life. All four women were receptive to my testimony and commented that they were excited about the book and would like to read it when it becomes available. We had a great time of sharing that morning over breakfast, as we waited for the training to begin.
As the uplifting conversations continued through our lunch break, I learned things about each of the women that revealed to me God's plan to encourage them that very day. I realized that by sharing the Thankful Principle with them, I had spiritually equipped them to fight their daily battles. Whether they were dealing with health issues, a divorce, a grown son recovering from the devastating effects of a stroke, a challenging teenage child, or some other personal concern, practicing thankfulness to God would empower them to deal with the issues that were consuming them and help them to experience God's peace in their lives.
All day long, I kept thinking to myself how wonderful our time together had been. I marveled at the fact that I had almost missed it. I wondered about how many other times I have missed out on giving or receiving a blessing because I took the easier route. Only God knows, but I am seeing that when I am obedient to his prompting, I am more in tune with what God would have me to do the next time.
Isn't it wonderful that when we make the extra effort, God gives us opportunities to bless others and to receive a blessing? I love it when that happens.
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