I have LEARNED to be content ...

If I am completely honest with you, and myself, I knew LONG BEFORE I was willing to accept it that God was calling me into a public ministry. And even now, I struggle with "putting myself out there" when I speak, teach, and write. By nature, I am probably the MOST private person on the face of the earth! Which, to say the least, makes my job a bit challenging. The mere thought of hitting "post" on some days sends waves of nausea over me. Yes transparency, especially in written form, makes me want to change my name, change my hair color, and run to a new city? Monday was no exception. (See Chick-Fil-A, part 2)

When my head hit the pillow, my mind was flooded with thoughts like:

• How could you be so silly?
• Why would you need to be reminded something so basic?
• How old are you?
• What are people gonna think?
• You big dummy!
• Why would you admit it in writing?

Totally exhausted by my thoughts ... I closed my eyes, and prayed.

The verse that calmed my heart and mind was a familiar one ... I have LEARNED to be content.

You may remember this verse is spoken by Paul and is right before one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. ... I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Isn't it good to be reminded we have to LEARN to be content.

And we (just like Paul) will learn to be content, over and over again, as we walk through new circumstances.

How?

By walking in the strength Christ gives us for each "new" circumstance.

These are certainly "new" times in which we live today in America, and in our world.

We are seeing, and experiencing things we have never seen in America.

Many of us are facing financial struggles we are not prepared for.

Most of us have become very aware this is a new day, and a new time.

Take heart in knowing ... this is an opportunity to LEARN to be content in a "new" circumstance.
And whatever "new" God brings you, you can rest in knowing He IS able!

Stand firm in faith and you (like Paul) will be able to say ...

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philipians 4:12,13

Blessings to you as you continue the journey of LEARNING to be content. : )

Aaaahh, Chick-Fil-A - Part 2

The more to the story (see part 1) unfolded as I was sitting quietly in my booth, enjoying my Chicken Minis, strawberry smoothie, and my September edition of "P31 Woman" magazine ...

Enter stage left: A Party of 6. And 1 of the 6 was bearing a beautiful gift. Being a people watcher, and a girl who appreciates the beauty of a pretty package, this display captured my attention. I began to wonder ... What's the story here? What's the occasion? What are they celebrating? Why at Chick-Fil-A? I was intrigued, and deeply distracted, as I tried not to stare. There was something about this party, something different. Something that compelled me to stay awhile longer.

After ordering their food they walked toward me, closer and closer, until they settled in the booth directly in front of me! I had a front row seat, and was going to get to see it - - Who gets the gift? What is the gift? I was so excited!

They ate, they talked, and then the gift was presented.

It was given to a young woman, approximately 20 years old, from the older men and women in the party.

What was the gift? A pair of athletic shoes.

What was her response? Sheer delight! She actually squeeled! It was fun to watch.

Unfortunately, I have no idea what they were celebrating. It didn't appear to be a birthday. And their table talk was no help at all! But I did get the answer to one of my questions ... "Why Chick-Fil-A?" So I could see it!

As I watched her receive the gift. A gift she obviously needed, and wanted! A gift she would use with great joy! My mind went back to the reason I had needed to escape my house that morning, my cluttered closets, cabinets, drawers, and garage.

This is when it became clear I was NOT there by chance. This is also when God got all in my business of clutter.

Don't laugh...

Possibly for the first time in my life, I realized I buy things (a lot of things) that I do NOT need. My cabinets, closets, drawers, and garage are proof of that pattern.

Sure, by the time it ends up in my garage, I donate it. Donating is good, right? But better would be to buy only things I will use and enjoy. This would clear my clutter and UNDOUBTEDLY free up money I could use to buy specific things for ... specific people with specific needs. Now that's a win-win combination!

I can still hear the sound of delight in the young woman's voice when she opened her athletic shoes. I hope I always will. : )