I always share the devotions that I write for church on the weekends I serve. I didn't write this one, but it is good so I thought I'd share it here anyway. It is an excerpt from Jesus Calling. I read it in January, but it is really hitting home with me now. Enjoy!
I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged- never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very- present Helper, am omnipotent.
Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Chevy Cruze
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I thought my cars transmission was on its way out... Again! I dropped it off at the mechanic and low and behold, it was the transmission. The mechanic told me I had a 3 year warranty on the transmission though so I should be covered. Not true, he called back two days later and asked, "Do you love this car?" You know that is not good. He told me that the warranty company will not put a new transmission in my car because the cost of repairs is greater than the value of my car. Don't even get me started. Like what was the point of a warranty? Anyway, I asked what my options were and the mechanic told me to drive it until it dies. Well, that wasn't really an option considering every time you try accelerating the car veers into another lane and skids like you are sliding on ice. He told me I could trade it in but the value would be $500. Let me tell you, my old car which was a 2003 Saturn Vue had a great body and wonderful inside. The problem was the VTI transmission that GM put in... That was their fault.
I took some time to think over my options. Trade in value would mean I need to get a car from a dealership. What could I get if I sold the car on Craigslist? How much money can I afford to spend on a car? I suddenly became very discouraged. After looking at cars, both private owners and dealers were selling cars with 168,000 miles for 7 to 9 thousand dollars. That to me is ridiculous! Then, something wonderful happened. The sales manager at the dealership called me. He told me the car was brought to his attention and there is an option where GMC will credit me for my vehicle but the catch is that credit goes to a brand new GMC vehicle and my old car will get crushed. We started the paperwork even though I wasn't sure this was the option to go or that I could afford it.
I went to look at other cars during this waiting period. My parents saw a great car online so I called on it, arranged to meet the guy and five minutes before we got to his house he sold the car. Another time, I looked at a Nissan Maxima. I prayed that if this car was a lemon God would make it loud and clear. He did. The guy was not where he said he would be so we drove to a Home Depot to meet him there. We got in the car and the seat belt didn't work but he acted like he had no idea. My dad asked why he was selling the car and he hesitated to answer. We took it out for a drive and brakes were pulsy and the car didn't go into overdrive when you hit 60mph. The seller was also oblivious to that. God was loud and clear that that car was not for me and I am grateful. Then I test drove a Mazda. It had a great body but the material from the ceiling inside was falling down, he had tried to repaint the rust, and it had 118,000 miles on it. I didn't like it and the guy kept trying to sell me on and he told me all ceilings look like that. I am not dumb, all ceilings do not need push pins in them. Anyway, I told him I'd take it for $5,800 and he was insulted. He told me I wouldn't find anything better but I was determined I would.
THREE WEEKS LATER after filing the paperwork and one day after test driving that Mazda, I received an enthusiastic call from the sales manager at the dealership. They got me the full credit for my Saturn!! I could not believe it. That was a TOTAL GOD THING. The answer was clear, take the credit and buy a brand new car. I looked at super small like European style cars- Chevy Spark and Chevy Sonic. Those I could have paid off right away and not had a car payment but the catch was that I cart kids around and those cars were too small to fit a stroller and too small for me to feel comfortable driving kids in. I ended up taking a BIG risk and bought a 2014 Chevy Cruze. God worked his "magic" and I was able to get a crazy low interest rate on the loan and incredibly low monthly payments. During this time I also learned my credit is higher than I thought and that was a very pleasant surprise.
I ended up with a 2014 Black Chevy Cruze and I love it! On Star and Bluetooth are amazing! I have an app on my phone where I can lock and unlock my car. The app tells me tire pressure, miles, gallons of gas, miles per gallon, tank life, oil percentage and fuel range. I can type in my destination and it will send directions to my car and more, it is amazing! Oh, and inside the car, I have USB and AUX port! I am spoiled, but I am going to enjoy every minute of this because I have had five cars in the past eight years. I cannot begin to tell you how great it is to be able to drive my car without worrying if today is the day my transmission will go out and I'll be stranded on the side of the road.
What did I do to deserve this car? Absolutely nothing. All I did was trust God. Trust that He would provide and He did.
I took some time to think over my options. Trade in value would mean I need to get a car from a dealership. What could I get if I sold the car on Craigslist? How much money can I afford to spend on a car? I suddenly became very discouraged. After looking at cars, both private owners and dealers were selling cars with 168,000 miles for 7 to 9 thousand dollars. That to me is ridiculous! Then, something wonderful happened. The sales manager at the dealership called me. He told me the car was brought to his attention and there is an option where GMC will credit me for my vehicle but the catch is that credit goes to a brand new GMC vehicle and my old car will get crushed. We started the paperwork even though I wasn't sure this was the option to go or that I could afford it.
I went to look at other cars during this waiting period. My parents saw a great car online so I called on it, arranged to meet the guy and five minutes before we got to his house he sold the car. Another time, I looked at a Nissan Maxima. I prayed that if this car was a lemon God would make it loud and clear. He did. The guy was not where he said he would be so we drove to a Home Depot to meet him there. We got in the car and the seat belt didn't work but he acted like he had no idea. My dad asked why he was selling the car and he hesitated to answer. We took it out for a drive and brakes were pulsy and the car didn't go into overdrive when you hit 60mph. The seller was also oblivious to that. God was loud and clear that that car was not for me and I am grateful. Then I test drove a Mazda. It had a great body but the material from the ceiling inside was falling down, he had tried to repaint the rust, and it had 118,000 miles on it. I didn't like it and the guy kept trying to sell me on and he told me all ceilings look like that. I am not dumb, all ceilings do not need push pins in them. Anyway, I told him I'd take it for $5,800 and he was insulted. He told me I wouldn't find anything better but I was determined I would.
THREE WEEKS LATER after filing the paperwork and one day after test driving that Mazda, I received an enthusiastic call from the sales manager at the dealership. They got me the full credit for my Saturn!! I could not believe it. That was a TOTAL GOD THING. The answer was clear, take the credit and buy a brand new car. I looked at super small like European style cars- Chevy Spark and Chevy Sonic. Those I could have paid off right away and not had a car payment but the catch was that I cart kids around and those cars were too small to fit a stroller and too small for me to feel comfortable driving kids in. I ended up taking a BIG risk and bought a 2014 Chevy Cruze. God worked his "magic" and I was able to get a crazy low interest rate on the loan and incredibly low monthly payments. During this time I also learned my credit is higher than I thought and that was a very pleasant surprise.
I ended up with a 2014 Black Chevy Cruze and I love it! On Star and Bluetooth are amazing! I have an app on my phone where I can lock and unlock my car. The app tells me tire pressure, miles, gallons of gas, miles per gallon, tank life, oil percentage and fuel range. I can type in my destination and it will send directions to my car and more, it is amazing! Oh, and inside the car, I have USB and AUX port! I am spoiled, but I am going to enjoy every minute of this because I have had five cars in the past eight years. I cannot begin to tell you how great it is to be able to drive my car without worrying if today is the day my transmission will go out and I'll be stranded on the side of the road.
What did I do to deserve this car? Absolutely nothing. All I did was trust God. Trust that He would provide and He did.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Sister, Sister!
Friend:
"I wish I had a sister."
My
sister: "Oh no! Trust me you do not want a sister!"
Me:
"I like having a sister."
My
sister: "Why?"
At
first, I had a hard time nailing down reasons why I enjoy having a sister. I
said, "I like having you as my sister because you bring home lots of free
hair products!" My sister didn't like that answer so I've thought about
the question for the past two days and here's what I came up with.
I
love having you as my sister because...
-
You are my fashion consultant!
-
You cook! Not only will you touch chicken or any other raw meat for me, but I
can ask you any questions about cooking or baking and you've got my back!
-
You are patient.
-
You can do my hair and make up for me. You give me lots of tips as well and
even though I don't always use your tips I appreciate the suggestions.
-
You are very accommodating. I mean look at “our” bathroom for example!
-
You are headstrong.
-
You kill centipedes and spiders for me. If I spray them but don't feel brave
enough to pick them up from the floor I can usually pay you and you'll get them
for me!
-
You listen to my pointless stories and let me ramble on for hours.
-
You go places with me. I know I never have to go shopping or run errands alone.
-
You keep my secrets.
-
You forgive even when it is not easy and you don’t hold grudges.
-
You are not afraid to take a stand and defend your beliefs even if they are the
opposite of everyone else.
-
We can share clothes!
-
You help me with my homework and always encourage me to use critical thinking.
-
We stay up late talking about all sorts of things from school to hopes and
dreams.
“A
sister is a friend forever by your side.”
Words are Powerful
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says,
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you
are doing.”
I was at the vet the other week with my dog. I overheard the veterinarian telling a girl my age that her dog may have heart failure. They took out a liter of fluid around the dog’s lungs and will call her with the other test results. I felt prompted to go over and comfort her so I stood up and immediately started bawling. I couldn't get my words out at first, but gave her a hug. As we sat there petting her dog, we talked a bit and I told her I was praying for her. Putting an animal down is never easy, but I hope I was able to comfort and brighten her day just a little bit!
Our words are powerful. We can use them to build each other up or tear a person down. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” How will you use your words to build a person up today?
I was at the vet the other week with my dog. I overheard the veterinarian telling a girl my age that her dog may have heart failure. They took out a liter of fluid around the dog’s lungs and will call her with the other test results. I felt prompted to go over and comfort her so I stood up and immediately started bawling. I couldn't get my words out at first, but gave her a hug. As we sat there petting her dog, we talked a bit and I told her I was praying for her. Putting an animal down is never easy, but I hope I was able to comfort and brighten her day just a little bit!
Our words are powerful. We can use them to build each other up or tear a person down. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” How will you use your words to build a person up today?
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