Go to "Plan B"

Well, it's the day after "Man's Big Holiday"...that's right, the Superbowl!

I wasn't particularly interested in watching the Superbowl this year, because I didn't have a favorite team to root for. However, my son has a girl in his class who's Uncle is the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. She had almost her entire class cheering for the them, including all the guys in my house.

We borrowed a trailer from Bobby's brother-in-law that was set up like a home theater. It had theater seating, lighting, surround sound, and a big screen. We were telling everyone how lucky we were to be able to use it to watch the big game. We had the Direct t.v. guy come on Friday to hook up the satellite. Everything was set.

We had a couple coming over - the men were going to watch the game in the trailer, and the ladies were going to watch the commercials inside (and talk during the game). At the last minute, we also ended up inviting a new friend who had nowhere else to watch the game, along with his two sons who are friends with my boys.

Not long after the start of the game, the screen projector in the trailer just died. They could hear the sound, but couldn't see an image. When they were unable to fix it, the men came in the house and ended up in my living room. This pushed me and my friend upstairs (where unfortunately I hadn't bothered to clean up!) Yes...I was embarrassed...

On top of this unexpected change in plans, the father and his boys were very talkative and were grating a little on my husband's nerves (but he didn't show his frustration). He didn't get to enjoy the game as much as he would've liked. This family are not believers in Christ. In fact, from some of their conversations it was clearer than ever that they are quite lost. But God has put them in our path lately on several occasions, obviously for a reason. So we pray that we're a witness of God's grace, and He'll use us to draw them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

After thinking about the situation, it became clear to me that this is a perfect example of life...

Life doesn't always go the way we plan. The key is to adapt in every situation and remain flexible. Instead of getting upset over something we can't control, we go to "Plan B".

Even in relationships, we look past our differences, and find the common ground. We ignore the offenses and the frustrations, to see the potential of what God might be up to.

Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." (NIV)

Or to put it another way - "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". While not a Scripture, it's still very much truth.

So no matter what comes your way...choose to make it a great week!

Don't Look Back

Let me tell you how I spent my morning...I was a chaperone for my son Jay's 5th grade class to check out the Middle School. As if that wasn't bad enough, Jay informed me that he will be there in 6 months and 10 days! WOW, I was NOT ready for that...

All the kids were so excited - the "tour" of the school was being conducted by some very mature (and happy to be at the top of the "social chain") 8th graders. We saw the cafeteria, the classrooms, the gym, the library, the computer lab, etc. Do you want to know what the kids were most fascinated by?

The lockers...

I remember being totally stressed out about the lockers when I was in Middle School! I could never remember my combination. Even when I did remember it, I couldn't get it open. I eventually figured it out, but I don't have fond memories of the locker.

As I listened to the many electives and clubs that are offered in Middle School these days, I couldn't help but take a trip down memory lane. Which then led me to think how different my life in Middle School would have been if I could go back and do things over. Knowing the things I know now, I would have been a much better student. I would have participated in more clubs, met a wider variety of people, and I definitely would have joined the year book staff and the school newspaper.

Since none of us can go back, the temptation is to live vicariously through our kids. Hopefully I won't try to do that...but I have found myself TRYING to give him all the advice that I wish I would have followed when I was in school.

It's probably not a coincidence that my husband has been hearing this verse from the Lord all week

Phil. 3:13-14 - "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

It's one thing to remember those days in order to give counsel to my son. But it's really not a productive thing to look back with regret.


When I'm old & grey (but hopefully by the grace of God, not too wrinkled, LOL), I want to look back fondly over these years I'm living now. As I have learned from my mistakes, I will hopefully be able to say like Paul,

2 Tim. 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

So, I will let my past serve only as a reminder to live my life now in a way that glorifies God and produces much fruit.

As for lost opportunities, I will forget those things behind that I can't change, and press on toward my future - knowing that as I obey the Lord, it will help guarantee a future without regrets.

You Asked for What ? ? ?

Guess what...I got a new phone yesterday! It's a Droid 2, with all the bells & whistles. I don't even know what I'm doing, but I already love it! My hubby & I went to the store because we had an upgrade credit, but we also found out we get a monthly discount through his company. This news changed our plans from me getting a regular phone, to getting the phone of my dreams. I love when something good and unexpected happens!

Also, my friend Beth at I'm Heading Towards My Destiny sent me a package in the mail - she had all my blogs from 2009 until January 2011 printed into a beautiful book. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Another great surprise!

In the past, I've sometimes had a hard time accepting gifts without feeling guilty, or as though I "owe" someone something in return. Freely giving is much easier for me than freely receiving.


Bobby & I we praying together this morning and he asked God for something. It wasn't anything we needed, just a desire on our hearts that would bless our family. We have many things we NEED, so it was interesting that he would make this particular request.

Immediately my mind started thinking "would God really answer a prayer like that?"

Even as I was about to entertain that thought, I sensed the Lord was trying to teach me something. For years I struggled with the lie that good things happen for other people. Feelings of unworthiness, undeserving, lack of understanding God's love - whatever the root of it, it's a lie of the enemy to keep me from enjoying God's grace & favor. The Word says I am God's child, and a joint heir with Christ! I'm the "apple of His eye", and "He loves me with an everlasting love".

Often times God isn't the one putting stipulations on blessing us, we are. I was the one thinking only of what we NEEDED. This is NOT how I deal with my own children. I don't say "well, I know you want a birthday party, but you don't need one. All you really need is a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and food on the table.

"If you being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will my Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask".

So, I'm asking God to completely change my mindset once & for all. I want to proclaim God's goodness and show off His faithfulness! He's
leading me to believe that He wishes to make a distinction between His people and those who don't know Him (Malachi 3:18). That He would be glorified and others would notice and be drawn to us (and ultimately Him). The world will say "what is it that is different about you?", or "I want what you have". We (the Church) will be the answer for the rest of the world as they see our God at work in our lives, while they are struggling in many different areas. We'll be able to point to our Savior and say "He is the only answer".

So help me Lord, to believe and accept ALL things you have for me. Things I need, and even things I desire. Help me not to be afraid to ask You, as my Heavenly Father, just as a child trusts and asks their loving Father for good things.