Dents, Dings, And A Lot Of Imperfections!

What was your first car like? Was it a dream machine? Did it purr like a kitten as you cruised down the road? Or, were you so ashamed of it you ducked down in the seat so that you could barely see over the steering wheel, in the hope that none of your peers would see you?

My first car was a large “hunk of junk” on wheels. It regularly broke down, and at the most inconvenient times! Once, while away at school, I had to go downtown for a class assignment. On my way back home, my car suddenly caught on fire. By the grace of God, I was able to pull over into an empty parking lot. A cop stopped and yelled at me for breaking down!

Now, I have a an old car that gets me from “Point A to Point B” and that’s just about it. My husband drives our nicer car. The important thing is that both cars are paid for and they get us where we need to go. I have learned over the years that you don’t need a fancy sports car to be happy. A car is just a thing, and that’s it.

Something else I have learned is that cars are a lot like people. They come in all different shapes, and sizes, and colors. And, some of the ones that look the prettiest on the outside have a lot of problems on the inside.

The other day, I took a good look at our nicer car, the one my hubby took over. Over the years, it has gotten some dents and dings in it, even though we have taken great care of it. Life just happens sometimes. The more I thought about it, the more those dents, and dings, and imperfections reminded me of my own life.

No matter how “careful” I am, in living my life, things happen. And, those dents and dings in life have helped make me who I am. They have challenged me and shaped my character. God has used the dents and dings to show me how much He loves me. He has shown me that He is with me, no matter what.

Another unexpected blessing from the dents and dings of life has been how God brings me to other people who have experienced similar dents and dings. We can lean on each other and encourage each other. That has been so incredible. No matter what you have gone through, God understands, and He will use the hurts to help you and help others. I have seen Him do this in ways I could never have dreamed. What a blessing that is!

This week, I encourage you to take a good look at your ride. Pay special attention to the dents and dings and imperfections. Compare that to your life. Ask God to help you with those dents and dings. Ask Him to show you how to help others with their dents and dings. Then, hang on tight because when you go to God with an open heart and open hands, you will be simply amazed by what He will do! Be encouraged and be blessed!

God’s Love Is Better Than Acrylic Paint!

Have you ever felt stress? Have you ever been hit by a tension headache? Have you ever felt your blood pressure rise because of something that was terribly upsetting? It is certainly no fun to have to deal with these types of life events. No one enjoys them. So, how do we deal with things like this?

God is the answer! He loves us and He does not want us to go through life suffering. He wants us to turn to Him first and in all things. We need to pray throughout the day, each and every day. And we need to read the Bible. God’s word will never change and it is always there for us, ready to comfort, encourage, and challenge us.

God also has sent things to each of us to help us through hard times. We all have things we enjoy. Think about the healthy, positive habits in your life that help you. Some people play sports, some people sing, some play musical instruments, some like to read, etc. For me, I love to paint.

Painting brings me closer to God. I absolutely love acrylic paint and it reminds me of God. Acrylic paint is beautiful. The colors are splendid! I get positively giddy when I get a new canvas and open my jars and bottles of acrylic paint. It helps me relax and I can praise God by painting some of the lovely things He made for us to enjoy.

There are different types of paint and each artist has his or her own opinions of what is the best. For me, nothing can compare to acrylic. It is easy to work with and very forgiving if you make a mistake. This reminds me so much of God. He is easy to work with, always there when we need Him. He is full of color and inspiration. And, He will always forgive us. He is all about forgiveness.

When I paint, it just makes the day better and brighter. It helps bring my life into focus. It is a great time to pray. And, when I am finished, I have something to show for my work and time and effort.

No matter what you do to deal with stress, it is important to deal with it and not let it run your life. Keep the focus on God and ask Him to show you how you can find positive ways to get rid of stress and its unpleasantness in your life.

For example, people who workout to relieve stress report that the feel better afterward. It is a healthy, positive way to deal with stress and it helps keep your body healthy. This helps to honor God by taking care of the body that He gave you.

This week, I challenge you to spend some special alone time with God. Praise Him for all He has done for you, and all He is continuing to do in Your life. Ask Him to help you find good, positive ways to deal with stress. For me, no matter how much I love my painting, it can’t compare to how wonderful God is. May you feel it, too! Be encouraged and be blessed!

God Is Even Better Than Lansinoh!

Have you ever had a cut, a scrape, or a burn? Have you ever had to tend to a loved one who had a cut, a scrape, or a burn? It is no fun, is it? Of course not. And, unfortunately, we all have those types of accidents from time-to-time. If you are clumsy like me, you may even have more than your share of mishaps.

I remember when our daughter, Bella, was born. As first-time parents, my husband, Rob, and I were like two little shaky Chihuahuas. Well, at least I was like a shaky Chihuahua. We really appreciated the advice of the doctor. One handy piece of advice she gave us was to stock up on Lansinoh. Up until then, I had never even heard of Lansinoh. It’s been touted as a “miracle” for new moms, but has also been highly recommended as something everyone should keep on hand in case of cuts or other minor mishaps.

Over the years, with two active kids, we have had our fair share of cuts and scrapes and even some minor burns. We love Lansinoh. It is an incredible product. It is all-natural and I am convinced it helped to prevent my kids from being left with scars after some accidents.

Bella took a pretty nasty fall about three weeks ago. She was turning around on our driveway, and somehow just fell off her bike. She landed on her face in her new glasses. Thankfully, she was wearing her helmet. After getting her bloody nose and arms cleaned, we slathered her in Lansinoh. By now, the kids know the drill. When the Lansinoh comes out, they hold still and let us put on as much as we think they need, depending on the size of the injured area.

That made me think about God. As much as I value and appreciate what Lansinoh does for us, it can’t even begin to compare to the all-encompassing healing power of our Creator. God can heal any hurt. He can repair any scar. He can turn anything bad in our lives to good.

When I look back on my life so far, I am breathless as I look at the “hurt places.” Those were often the times that God was at work the most in my life. He was working through those painful moments to refine me, and to bring me closer to Him and, often, He was helping others through what was happening to me.

This week, I encourage you to take your scars and pain to God. Spend some quiet time alone with God, praying and reading the Bible. Ask Him to heal you and take away anything and everything that is hurting you, even if it is from a long time ago. Then, leave it at the foot of the cross. Nothing is too big for God to handle. When you do this, you will see the true healing power of our mighty and loving God. Be encouraged and be blessed!

The Walking Wounded

Over the last few years, I have noticed a trend that seems to be growing. More and more people are “hanging in there” in spite of astronomical odds stacked against them. When others would fold up, give in, and just plain quit, they perservere and keep on going. They don’t stop no matter what. How do they do this? Why do they do this? The answer is God.

God keeps us hanging on and hanging in, no matter what the circumstances. Nothing is too big or too bad or too difficult for God to handle. When our minds and bodies feel weak, He carries us.

I have a dear friend, named Jackie, who has been battling cancer for many years. Just when it seems like she’s got it licked, it will show up in another place. She is now a grandma and loves her family dearly. But, she loves God even more. I remember wondering how she always manages to stay so optomisitc even when things look grim. She took me aside and said, “I love God with all my heart. I know that when my time on Earth is over, I will go to Heaven. So why would I be upset? I am going to enjoy my family and friends as much as I can while I am here, and then when God calls me home, I will be healed in Heaven.”

Jackie has the right outlook on life. She has her priorities straight. She has a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She loves her family and friends. She serves God as much as she can, even in spite of her health challenges. Everywhere she goes, she tells people about her happiness in Jesus. Because of her, there are people who will be hearing about God from someone who loves Him even when times look grim. That kind of testimony speaks volumes.

I have another dear friend, whom I will refer to as Kevin, who lost a job and it led to a downward spiral in his life. Yet, he refused to give up. He kept praying and waiting on God. He trusted that God would supply all of his needs. When the world would have said, “Thow up your hands and quit!” Kevin did the opposite. He remained steadfast in his faith that God would come through for him. And, God did. Kevin got a better job offer than what he had before. He ended up moving, but that led to him meeting the lady who became his wife. If Kevin had panicked, things wouldn’t have worked out too well for him. He remained calm and waited on God’s timing.

No matter what kind of wounds you have — spiritual, physical, mental, circumstances you are not alone. God loves you and will walk with you through everything. Wait on Him and His timing and be prepared to rejoice with what He will do in your life.

So, this week, I encourage you to praise God for everything in your life. Pray and pray hard. Share it all with Him. Ask God to heal your hurts and give you the strength and peace to wait on Him and His perfect plan for you. The Walking Wounded will win victory in Christ. Be encouraged and be blessed!