had to say goodbye to the squished bug

We bought a car to surprise one of the kids for when they returned home from helping at camp. It was mere days before the upcoming birthday and said child had finally gotten a license the month before on my birthday. A right of passage and sign that says to us our birds – our little chickadees will all be flying from the nest soon even if this license came years after it could have been acquired. (Sidenote: don’t demand or push, let others learn to ‘fly’ in their own time.)

Spouse had just arrived home after a stent away and a few short days later jet lagged and all, we had test driven, did some comparison shopping, and purchased the cutest little VW beetle bug you ever did see.

It was only 5 years old with barely any miles (under 11k) and a fender stereo audio system which was just perfect for this budding musician of ours.

It was also manual. I was thrilled about this as we wanted all our offspring to learn how to drive stick. The older ones had but that car had long since gone to the auto graveyard. So this replacement was awesome and so, so much fun to drive. And …get this…

it was also a convertible!

We joked was the car for the child or was I more thrilled about it as I was giddy like a child about the surprise and getting it?

Needless to say, I was loving driving that car till it’s new owner felt confident driving manual alone. Someone had to ‘sacrifice’ and I was willing to let my car be driven in the meantime to ‘suffer’ with this.

For 6 weeks, we had Sunday drives and took it out for date nights. I took it out for joy rides. The other siblings took it out for date nights too and even on a weekend away trip. We had almost 2,000 miles of fun before I was hit so hard that me and that cute car were bounced a good 10-15 feet back from impact.

I saw the other driver coming but had no time to react or even hit the horn. I barely was able to break before BOOM crash CRASH crash!

Then, there I sat with the bug literally ‘bleeding’ all over the street.

She was a beaut and now, according to the insurance adjuster, a total loss. It sure didn’t look that way to me, but apparently what do I know. Nothing when it comes to that!

1st world problems, yes! But the car was perfect and I was so bummed it was gone in a blink of the eye. Ironically, that day a few short hours later from the accident time was to be the first solo drive for our less than confident manual driver. What was I to do now? Nothing but surrender.

When you find yourself in circumstances out of your control, all you can do is surrender, forgive if necessary, and move on. Try it for peace of mind. It is what I had to do that day.

Surrender!

I really loved driving that car but I had to surrender.

The lady who hit me – well, I had to forgive her.

Now give me a moment of silence for that beaut.

Just kidding.

Instead take that moment to breath some peace into whatever might be the hectic or unexpected part of your day. Getting hit was not in my plan and truly unexpected, but having no passengers was part of God’s plan and a true blessing. A car can be replaced, a life lost can not.

Sometimes God uses material loss to refine us. May our focus never be on things, but rather the love of the Lord to receive and give away.

Sure, I could have said ugly words to that driver who was trying to blame me even though I was minding my own business driving straight as she gunned it out a parking lot trying to cross 4 lanes of a Main Street bustled in traffic. Kindness pays off and will prevail, so let it.

Sure, it was annoying fighting with the insurance adjuster trying to get every cent back, but worth the effort to have the funds to purchase another vehicle. Look for the silver lining and blessings.

Yes, it was exhausting to be back on the car hunt yet again. But, again I could only be grateful knowing the funds were there and no one was seriously injured.

Yes, we had to say goodbye to the squished bug, but God was holding my hand through it all and showing me what is really important this side of heaven. Namely, living a life that brings honor and glory to Him.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4.19-20

Thank you, Lord, for providing the car and its replacement.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10.31

May I always be an example and bring you glory. I believe I did that day in my calm response with the other driver, police officer, insurance agent, etc.

When we choose bringing glory and honor to God rather than just worrying about our wants and desires, we really can show the world we are difference makers and they in turn will see us…

be.the.church

Life really is more precious than things. Besides, it is only other souls we can take with us to heaven.

Be a difference maker in the lives God has aligned with yours.

And don’t forget: “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1.17) and “if you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7.11)

That original bug was way beyond what that child dreamed of, it was a reminder to me of how God lavishes His love on us as we were lavishing our love packaged up neatly in that ‘dream’ car.

The replacement a few months later was similar, but we opted for no convertible this time as truly a passenger could have died or been seriously injured that day had someone been sitting beside me. And besides, a sunroof is low maintenance versus convertible top care. But, again both were more than expected and more lavish.

The ‘new’ used car had more miles and more wear, but it didn’t matter to the new owner because they could drive it with confidence day one as it was an automatic. It was also more practical for around town driving as the diesel tank only needs to be filled every 3 or 4 weeks as it is mostly just driven back and forth to work and short trips around town.

May we always be grateful for lessons and blessings and God’s presence in our lives.

I am so grateful for the time we had with bug 1. Perhaps, I will consider getting a convertible in retirement as I so enjoyed driving that one. My spouse agreed that those 6 weeks of owning it were more exciting for me then its intended owner. We also said God gave us a fun time with a fun car for one summer and the bill was on Him as we basically drove it for free besides gas and insurance costs.

Always look for the blessings, give thanks for them, and be grateful for the loving Father we serve who does lavish His love on us.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” 1 John 3.1

In everything you do and say, help others come to know Him and see Him working in your life. Then they will know Him and hopefully believe in Him as we strive to…

be.the.church

For all the above and more then I shared, it was perfectly okay to have to say good-bye to the squished bug.

do as I say not as I doa

What a silly thing for someone to say to another! Agree?

Basically, don’t follow my example but the words I already know to be true should be followed.

It is an excuse to be incorrigible.

It is an excuse to excuse oneself from acts of sin that are already known to be such.

It is part of a rebellious soul crying out to do what it wants rather than exhibit self control.

Don’t let those words ever utter from your mouth: do as I say not as I do.

If you do, how can anyone follow you to…

be.the.church

Rather: “Always set a good example for others…” Titus 2.7

the waves keep rolling

I prefer cloudy, overcast beach days to full sun especially if the wind is too strong to put up an umbrella for much needed shade. Regardless of the temperature or climate, those waves keep rolling in. Often you have to keep moving your chair or blanket back so you won’t be consumed by the increasing tide.

Waves to me remind me of God’s consistency. He will keep rolling into our lives and cover us with His love, protection, and grace as long as we let Him in.

Let Him reign in your heart and life so you are so consumed by His presence that You will never feel alone.

Yes, Lord, keep those waves of Your mercy and grace rolling on in.

“Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.” Psalm 42.7

“You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.” Psalm 89.9

“Who stills the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.” Psalm 65.7

“He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed.” Psalm 107.29

“For I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea and its waves roar (the LORD of hosts is His name).” Isaiah 51.15

which way is the proper way for the tp roll

If I refill it, it goes to the back.

If my spouse does, it rolls over top.

Which way do you think is the proper way? Please comment below and we can have a tally to see whose a winner, but does it really matter?

I used to think so! I would even switch it or demand it be put on the ‘right’ way. But, is there really a ‘right’ way and is it a battle worth arguing over? I have grown to think not.

The Bible is clear when it tells us to yield our rights. Shouldn’t this always be the case with those closest to us?

If a co-worker is in a tizzy, help them through.

If your sibling is being impatient, be more patient for them.

If a child is having a hard time finding their way, guide them.

These matters are much more important than ‘discussions’ about toilet paper rolls. But, sometimes we make the insignificant more significant instead of dealing with the real issues of life.

Be a chum and help in ways that sometimes may go unspoken, overlooked, or unthanked. Help anyways!

And please, just leave the roll how it is and smile when you see it. Let it remind you that you have someone to share the place you call home with instead of letting petty annoyances rob you of the joy life should bring.

Use this verse as a prayer to God: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51.10

In the end, if we can apply the following I bet that tp roll won’t be so annoying after all and is there really a right or wrong way for it to go? If so, do tell which way is the right way for the tp roll.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2.3-7

When we apply the above, you guessed it…

we will…

be.the.church

Here’s a previous post that has some more thoughts on tp rolls and other thankless jobs:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/01/25/psa/

purpose, poise, and understanding

As you know if you read yesterday’s entry, I just finished reading a great book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus which is about a muslim’s conversion to Christianity. I highly recommend you read the book and post.

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/08/05/the-end-of-the-story/

I had been doling out the final pages as I didn’t want it to end. When I got to the section called ‘A Wife’s Reflections’ I expected it to be longer and perhaps focused on Mr. Qureshi’s last days more. What I found was a few pages filled with profound wisdom which speaks for itself. Mrs. Qureshi certainly is filled with purpose, poise and understanding.

Below are some quotes of her profound words.

May they encourage you if you are going through a trial.

May they remind you God is in control and has a purpose planned just for you. Seek it out!

May you have greater understanding of what it means to sacrifice, but also what it means to step on knowing this side of heaven are many different seasons.

All we are asked is to be faithful through them all and Mrs. Qureshi proved that she is not only this but poised as she is filled with purpose and understanding.

“But while the cost of obedience to the Lord can be high, it will always result in fruitfulness.”*

“… apart from Jesus, I really can’t do anything. But I also realize that I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens to me.”*

“… at the end of the day, I can only rely on the Word of God. No message of intended inspiration or encouragement can ever compare to the hope and confidence provided by the one infallible Truth.”*

“The spiritual realm is very real, and God’s perfect plan for our lives is full to the brim and overflowing with purpose. He’s all about far exceeding our expectations.”*

Run to The One who can fulfill your dreams and expectations. The One who plants purpose in your heart. The One waiting to carry your burdens.

Even in her saddest moments, Mrs. Qureshi reminded us that even in weakness God makes all things strong.

*From A Wife’s Reflections by Michelle Qureshi pages 303-307 in Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

By the way, if you are still unsure about putting your faith in Jesus, do some investigating of your own. That is what Lee Strobel’s did after his own wife became a Christian. Pick up a copy of his quick read called A Case for Christ and discover how he turned from disproving God exists to believing in Christ as you read about the 13 interviews with Christian scholars. His purpose was to discredit and ‘prove’ God didn’t exist. Instead as the title suggests he ended up with more discovers on how the New Testament is historically reliable.

the end of the story

Ever get so engrossed in a book you don’t want it to end?

How about this: as you approach the end, do you begin to slow down and not read it all at once?

This was the case for me as I had just about 35 pages left which was the epilogue, afterword, a wife’s reflections, and remembering Nabeel for the book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi.

I savored these last sections reading only one per day after devouring the 10 before and the expert contributions found at the back of the book.

If you are unfamiliar with Nabeel or his story, this book is about his 4 year plus journey in the biggest, decisive decision of his life – namely rejecting Islam and receiving Christ.

Yet, regardless of your culture, background, or faith story, we all can relate to the inner turmoil we have without surrendering and accepting the free gift of salvation which opens our hearts and souls to true peace.

We can learn much more from Nabeel’s faith walk and I highly recommend you read his whole autobiography for yourself or one of his other NY best seller books.

He was such a great example of loving others right where they are at. Good way to live and love.

He reflected the glory of the Lord and challenges us to do the same.

He had a hunger and thirst for God for wisdom and instruction. We should be desiring that as well.

Nabeel loved God with his whole heart, soul, mind, and strength as we see Jesus telling us to do so in Mark 12.30: “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”” Mark 12:30-31 NLT

And that truly should be the end of the story! We should live our lives so wrapped up in desiring to be a light that others are drawn to the Lord as we allow Him to shine brightly through us and love our neighbours.

Nabeel never wavered in his love for God, he prioritized God above all else, and he completely understood the cost of following Jesus and followed him regardless.

It challenged me to want to do more. Everyone we encounter that does not know Christ is in need of the grace and forgiveness only available through Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No man can come to the Father except through faith in Christ.

Learning more of Nabeel’s story brought a richer understanding to the passage: “And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother, children, or fields because of My name will receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 HCSB

“…people are going to remember how much we loved them and nothing else…” may we all be “…a bright reflection of His light and love to people all around us.”*

“Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3.17-18 NLT

May we be image bearers of Christ’s love.

May we be so much like God our lives glow bright shining His glory.

Be a light.

Be a witness.

be.the.church.

If you are a seeker of the truth and have yet to decide if you will follow The Man called Jesus, do as Mr. Qureshi did and investigate as so many have done before like self proclaimed atheists Josh McDowell who was one of the expert contributors in the appendix of the book.

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.” John‬ ‭14:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

*Mark Mittelberg was a friend and mentor to Nabeel. Most of the above was inspired by his remarks in the afterword of the book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. I highly recommend you get a copy and devour it like I did.

friendship day

Bill Sackter died peacefully in his sleep. He was the poster child who changed the image of institutionalized adults and brought an acceptance to handicapped people. I watched a documentary about his life and was flabbergasted on how inhumane people can be to each other.

Bill was discarded by his family at only 7 years old. A mean orderly threw him down the stairs but never let go of his hair and he went bald because of it. Yet, through it all, he kept faith in the Lord and desired to bring a smile to his fellow man.

We have a lot to learn from Bill and others like him who may not have as high an IQ as some but have a deeper love and compassion than most.

Be a Bill.

Spread the light.

be.the.church

“It’s good to have friends – friend indeed.” Bill Sackter

He would love to know it is friendship day today.

Be a friend to others like Bill was to all.

another wedding

This year certainly will have its fill of weddings and sadly funerals too. So far, I have attended 4 funerals and missed one when out of town. Today is wedding number 4 with another next month.

To attend a wedding says: I am included, I am a part of an extended community to support the newlyweds, and I matter to those who do the inviting. The opposite is true of a funeral as we don’t get invited but rather just show up.

Yet, attending still says I am included, I am a part of the extended community to offer support, and I mattered to the deceased but also to those left living.

We can be great ministers of encouragement as we offer hope in both scenarios.

Yet, most of us might agree attending another wedding might be a wee bit more easy to do so.

However, that is not always the case. There could be past hurts or broken relationships you stumble upon. There could be people in attendance that have years of heaviness against another. That was the case at my own wedding as my folks hadn’t literally talked in years let alone be in the same room.

I prayed they would be on their best behavior yet I also knew I needed to meet them where they were at – no pushing for group photos or sitting them next to one another.

That can be tricky to navigate but it got me thinking. It is tricky because we humans make life messy. We don’t always follow the plan set out before us nor desire to seek it. We want to do our own thing. I pray this new union I will witness today puts God first and then each other. So often our own sin rooted in selfishness sabotages our ability to function as Christ desires us to.

If you are married and feel your marriage has gone stale or there is nothing left in common:

revisit your dating days
take turns planning special evenings together
rekindle the flame that got the fire burning in the first place

I pray you can stick it out and be a living testimony of faithfulness and love.

(Of course, if you are in an abusive relationship this does not apply. Make sure you and any offspring are safe is the priority.)

Married or not, we all will partake in the wedding feast of the Lord one day.

What are you doing now to secure your place in heaven?

Well, there is nothing you can do except accept the loving grace and forgiveness God offers. And that, my friend, is a precious gift and so needed to transform our lives to be more Christlike.

So, now ask yourself, who am I sharing my faith with so they too can acknowledge the saving grace of Christ?

Everyone of us on planet earth are in need of a Savior.

Everyone of us need His grace, love, and mercy.

Everyone of us have the opportunity to be kingdom bound and kingdom minded.

“Lay up for yourself treasure in heaven…”. Matthew 6.20

The only treasure I know worth storing up is what we do serving the Lord and helping others come to know Him.

Remember: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3.9

So if you find yourself at another wedding or funeral for that matter, try to be a peacemaker to whomever you find yourself sitting with or conversing with.

Offer hope, peace, and help them see their need of a Savior.

That is how to…

be.the.church

Here’s some previous posts about weddings and funerals:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/11/weddings-and-funerals/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/17/wedding-month-learn-to-communicate/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/31/funeral-clothes/

throwing in the towel

Do you ever feel like throwing up your hands and throwing in the towel to say: “I surrender!”

Sometimes it is more out of exasperation with an ‘I give up’ attitude.

Satan knows our weaknesses and comes in to lie, steal, and destroy. Don’t let him.

I have had one of those weeks. Ministry can be messy since the world is messy. We live in a fallen world and that sin factor makes people messy to deal with. Don’t let the person take the brunt. Remember it is Satan that desires to cause disunity not the one you may be in conflict with.

Don’t let anger or unforgiveness ever harbor in your heart or you might get stuck there.

And if you can’t do anything about the situation, do your best to live holy without blemish in front of the Lord. It will help others see you…

be.the.church

And remember, you can’t control how others act; only how you react. You may need to change your narrative, but your efforts will not be in vain.re.home.blog/2019/07/30/change-the-narrative/

Love others knowing Satan is crafty and he is often behind the conflict.

Stay victorious knowing God wins all the battles in the end.

And today, pray a quick breath prayer for me, I could use a little encouragement and wisdom from on high to deal with the messy ones in my life.

Again…

be.the.church

and keep fighting the good fight.

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/07/keep-fighting-the-good-fight-2/

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” ‭‭John 10:10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2IpLSfqp8

day 213

It is the 213th day of the year with 152 days remaining.

As I thought of this new month’s beginning, I remembered a few other previous posts about days:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/03/what-will-you-do-with-the-242/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/04/10/it-is-the-100-day-of-2019/

Today brings us to just 5 months left of this year. 5 new chances for new beginnings. 5 attempts to live boldly, loudly, and lovely for our Lord.

But, why not just start with today?

Each day is a new chance to start afresh and give your best for our Lord Jesus Christ.

How can you live boldly?

How can you live as a better witness and child of the One true God?

How can you show the world to whom you belong so they can see you…

be.the.church

Think about it and go do it!

Look for ways to bring glory and honor to the Lord.

“All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen One who never dies; He alone is God. Amen” I Timothy 1.17

FYI: August 1st is Raspberry Cream Pie Day.

There is always something to celebrate so go eat some pie today after you have shared what you did for our Lord in the comments. Pretty please!

“On August 1, National Raspberry Cream Pie Day takes advantage of the ripe berries available this time of year. If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy some fresh-baked raspberry cream pie, it’s a day to celebrate!” Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-raspberry-cream-pie-day-august-1/