Sleepiness + Delays + Oven Repair + Car Trouble = God's Providential Circumstances

We just don't like or want delays, inconveniences, and unplanned circumstances. But, more often than not, God is working "all things" for our good so He asks us to simply trust Him.

Weariness obviously set in for me because of my busy, putting-the-pedal-to-the-metal schedule the last couple of weeks. I was driving home from Dallas, Monday morning, when I could hardly keep my eyes open to drive. Intelligent woman that I am, I knew I needed to pull off the highway for a few minutes to take a little nap. I pulled into the Choctaw Visitor Center, found a parking space, and fell asleep for about 10 minutes....and I was good to go. Then, about an hour later, that sleepiness hit me again, so I exited the turnpike and pulled off into a motel parking lot and again, fell asleep for about 10 minutes. That worked again.

Once home, I realized I needed to run to the post office, so before unpacking, I headed out. I made it out of the post office and got into my car, when one of my neighbors saw me and knocked on my window. We visited for about 10 minutes or so, then another friend saw me, and we talked another hour or so. In both of those encounters, I was there, what seemed to be on purpose to give words of encouragement. I left them both feeling God was tracking with me and because of the timing of my "sleepiness" on the road home, perhaps I seemed to be in the right place AT THE RIGHT TIME, for both of them. Sleepiness = Time Delays = Perfect Time to be His Ambassador

Then yesterday, I was expecting a technician to repair my oven and a plumber to repair my kitchen sink pipe. Because I have a home warranty, each repair job would be $75 -- that's all -- no extra costs for labor and parts. The plumber was to be here between 8 & 12 pm. He had car trouble so he was delayed. At 3 pm, the oven repairman came in and got his job done. Because my Life Group is on Tuesday nights, I had hoped that the plumbing repair would have already been done. We obviously needed water for my kitchen sink. I, kiddingly, asked the oven repairman "Do you know anything about plumbing?" He asked to see the issue, and with a quick turn of the fitting that holds the pipes together, it was done! That plumber's car trouble and my "extra" ask, saved me $75. Car Troubles = Time Delays = Perfect Time to be blessed with $$ savings.

So....the moral of both of these stories is "God's providential circumstances". Circumstances that easily could be seen as inconveniences, but in the grand scheme of His all-knowing and all-seeing plan for all lives, He worked things out for my good...and even others' good.

To believe that our Heavenly Father is constantly spreading around providential circumstances that work for our good, relieves so much pressure on us having to figure it all out. Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. What a waste of time and peace. The better way is to relinquish control and get the infinite wisdom of God. God stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him.

Here is His promise: "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6

Boring? Or the Perfect Dates?

We meant this photo to be funny, and it is, but I started giving it more thought. Here are two women with two men who don't see us or speak to us. What a boring date! LOL! On the other hand, some might say -- the perfect date -- we didn't need to dress up or put on make up, and we could talk and talk without resistance.

I know there are many women out there who live in that existence. They feel that their husbands could care less about them, how they look and what they say. Those men stay glued to their computer or TV, with little thought for giving their wives or children attention. It's also the case for many men who feel that their wife gives more attention, concern and care to their children and others than to them.

It’s easy to look back on my past and see all the things I could have done differently/better. My life has been blessed, but it took the death of my sweet husband to realize just how blessed my life really was. That's why I feel such responsibility to tell all you husbands and wives to treasure the lives you have together. Treasure them by investing into it.

How many times do you argue with your spouse over the silliest things? The toothpaste lid, who makes dinner, the toilet seat being left up? Trust me when I say, it's not worth it. It's a waste of time to spend time over pointless drama when you can be laughing and smiling at all the joy that surrounds you. Cultivate your relationship by deliberately setting aside time for quality communication, sweet moments of telling each other just how valuable they are to you and the family, and to really listen to each other. Protect your marriage by investing in it with intentional, on-purpose, deliberate times together.

For all the things I regret not knowing or doing before my husband’s death in 2010, what I don’t regret is my decision to live a full and amazing life after his death. I’ve promised myself I won't miss an adventure and I will laugh and live life with all the joy and happiness I can find.

I can't go back and change the past, but YOU CAN change your present, your future AND the memories you will have with your loved one. We can all learn from our mistakes and we can make sure we LOVE LARGE and we can make sure we live each day in the richest way we can -- in the moments!

The Battle Difference Maker? A War Room

Day 248 of Photo Inspirations -- The Battle Difference Maker?  A War Room
Last night our Life Group went to see War Room.  It was so worth being out in the pouring rain to make the trek across Tulsa. Big bonus for us -- recliner seats -- would have been way too comfy if it had been a slow and boring movie.  But, not THIS movie.
 
War Room is a MUST SEE!  I can't emphasize it enough.  I once had a “war room” – in the early years of our marriage when finances were slim and the challenges we faced seemed insurmountable, but going into my closet (my war room), I was able to not only pray about being able to stand in the midst of the battle, but I received strategies straight from heaven to come out winning.
 
Years later and having my entire home as my war room, I am still a part of strategic planning and persevering to win in the battles I, and others, may face.  Do you ever wonder if prayer really works? You may be praying about something and the enemy (Satan) whispers “This is a waste of time. Forget it!  Who do you think you are?  What do you think you're doing?  God is not listening. Don't waste your time."

I know that prayer works because God is in control, and because He’s in control, we can trust His wisdom and His goodness.  I have seen the results of prayer in ways beyond being conceivable.

Ephesians 3:20 says, "God is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes."  Just think about that – if we can think it, we have to go bigger and greater – because that’s where God lives.  Over twenty times in the New Testament it says, "Ask."  It's encouraging to know that things that are out of my control are not out of God's.  I may not be able to change a situation but I can pray and God can change it.

In this movie, clearly we see the results of believing in God, especially knowing that “NOTHING is impossible for Him”.  He is not a genie in a bottle that we just rub and whoa-la we get what we ask for.  But He is FATHER GOD and He knows what’s best for us.  War Room is a movie that will not only entertain you with lots of comedic relief, provide you with real life situations that make you think someone peeked in on your life, but give you the motivation to create a War Room for your strategic planning sessions with God.

War Room is a fantastic film!!!  In addition to making you a better leader, it is one of the few movies which can truly change your life and your family's lives FOREVER.