Thanks Living: Recounting in Celebration! Let's Review 2

On March 23, 2016 I posted: 

Thanks Living: Recount in Celebration (TOWDAH). 

I'm taking time to RECOUNT in Celebration some of the wonderful blessings God has given me and remember some of the truths God has taught me over the past few years. So the next few days, I'm going to RECOUNT in Celebration and TOWDAH—thank God for what He hasn't done yet. 

Join me in RECOUNTING God's goodness! 

Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 

God's Property

In June 1995, I bought a new car. My first NEW car. I think it had 13 miles on it when I bought it—a Ford Escort LX Hatchback. I was so excited to have a NEW car. Although "I bought the car", I knew that it was really God's car. For everything He supplies, belongs to Him; I'm just a steward of His property. 

A few weeks ago, I went to see my chiropractor, just as I do each week. Arriving in the town a little early, I stopped to get gas. I still had a few minutes, so decided to take the "scenic route" to his office. As I turned the corner up a side street I lost all power. The car died. I did manage to coast to the side of the road. I tried to start the car again—nothing. It was totally dead.

First, I called my chiropractor's office to let them know that I'd be late. Then I called my Emergency Road-side Service company for a tow. Then I called my good friend, Cathy, who is always ready to help,for a ride home.
The tow truck arrived, I made it to my chiropractor, and then Cathy brought me home. My car was taken to Roselle Tire & Auto—the "guys" have taken care of my car since I bought it. The problem included a few broken belts, water pump, and a couple of other necessary parts needed replacement.

When I arrived home, I was so confident I knew how I'd pay for this repair. I'd simply used one of my "credit card checks". The kind with a one-time fee and no interest for 6 months. That would provide some time to pay the repair bill. Well, I went to the file and got the credit card checks out—SURPRISE—they had all expired. Now what? I went through the budget and the money for this repair just wasn't there. 

Then I stopped and realized, that I was trying to take care of this bill on my own terms. Did I ask God what HE wanted me to do? It is after all HIS CAR, and He will take care of all the details, that includes repair bills. 

So, I stopped and did some talking with God. I decided that since God was now taking care of the repair bill, I'd do some straightening up around the apartment. With my  current pain level, I can only do a little cleaning at one time. I was just getting to a breaking point, and decided that I'd move one more small box of items. As I lifted the box—SURPRISE! There sat a set of credit card checks, good for another few weeks. 

How they ended up there, I have NO idea—well, okay I put them there—but why? I'm usually so very careful with those checks making sure they are in the file, or shredded. However, God used this "misplacement" to remind me that even if I think I know what He wants me to do, I have to stop and ask Him. 

Another example of: 

"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matt 6:31-33 (The Message)

This experience reminded me that God doesn't always take care of me the same way each time. Just because in the past, I've used the credit card checks to pay for repair bills, doesn't mean that I don't have to consult God on a new bill. Yes, God did use the credit card check again. However, He had to make sure I knew that this was HIS way to pay for this bill, not mine. 

This was a great lesson to teach me to ALWAYS consult God in ALL matters. Whether it be a car repair bill or something more minor or yes, even something larger. I don't have to worry about missing out, I'll find that all my everyday human concerns will be met. 

Focusing on that truth will make a very positive day—don't you think?

Proverbs 9:7-9: Hankerin'

“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:7-9

Wise: to be wise in mind, word or act

Will be still: expressing continuance, persistence

Teach: in spiritual sense, through chastisement

Increase: absolute is increased; added too

Learning: instruction as personal acquirement

Desire. Crave. Hankerin' (hankering). 

There are times when I get a strong hankerin' for a brownie... with nuts! Oh my! I don't eat a lot of sweets or deserts, but every now and then, I can't resist a good brownie. And when that hankerin' gets strong enough, I'll go out hunting for one. 

I should put forth that same hankerin' when it comes to wisdom. The thing about wisdom, is that as much as I like to think I "know it all". I do not. I have much to learn. And if I am applying wisdom, then I'll have a hankerin' to learn more. And when wisdom corrects me, I won't become defensive, rather I'll listen and learn and apply the new knowledge. 

This week I had an opportunity to learn more. The Chariot broke down. Since I've only had The Chariot for about 2 weeks, I don't know all the warning signals or all the details about it. But thankfully, The Chariot told me that something was about to go wrong and I needed to pull over quickly. I heeded the warning and was able to get to a safe area to park. 

I then had to stop and think. What do I do now? First, I asked God for wisdom and guidance. Then I sat quietly for a moment. Call the Dealership. Ok, where's the number. Think. It's on my phone, because they had just call me! Awesome! I was able to get the help needed and The Chariot is now getting fixed. The problem was related to a recall that was to be fixed 2 weeks ago. 

Wisdom. Looking back at this situation, I found I did two things. 1) I relied on past knowledge I had gained when my old car had broken down on me numerous times. 2) I was willing to seek knowledge from those that "knew". 

The hankerin' to accept help, saved me a towing charge and a repair bill. For I was considering having The Chariot towed to a nearby Garage. But since I was willing to listen to the Dealership and wait until they found the answers, I was towed free, and they learned that the problem was related to the recall.

Wisdom isn't trying to interfere with my life, rather wisdom wants to enhance it and provide great opportunities. Gaining wisdom isn't a one time achievement. It's an ongoing process. To have a hankerin' for wisdom, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Do you have a hankerin' for Wisdom? 

$4 x 4 = $16

Last week I had planned to buy ink for my computer. However, I had forgotten my rebate coupon, so I waited until this week. As I was looking through the store's ad, something caught my eye—this week, I'll get $6 back on each old ink cartridge rather than the usual $2. That's an extra $4 on each cartridge!

$4 x 4 = $16. 

Once again God used an object lesson to remind me that He will take care of each and every need I have. On Saturday, June 11, 2011 I posted My PlanS vs God's Plan regarding buying a newer car. This past week, my car developed a new leak. So, I have a decision to make—spend the money to fix the old car, or buy a newer car now.

It's times like this, that I'd like to open my Bible and read, "Rhonda, today you will do this...." and have the details spelled out simply and plainly. However, that's not how God works. God does however, give me the wisdom and knowledge to make the right decisions—if I seek Him and His will. 

This week, God once again demonstrated that He is able to provide in unique ways. Whether it be $16 saved on ink, or the money for a newer car. My responsibility is to be a good steward of the money God provides. When I first bought my current car in June 1995, I realized that it was not MY car—but God's car. Over the past 16 years, God has provided a great bunch of guys to fix my car at Roselle Tire and Auto, and God has provided the money to keep the car running. 

If God wants to spend more money to fix this car, He'll supply that too. And if He thinks it's time to buy a newer car, He'll supply that money too. How? I have no idea. However, this week, God supplied $16 with the ink deal.

To God it doesn't matter

if it's $16 or $26,000.

God's resources are endless.

I'm thankful that God continues to teach me using object lessons. I usually remember lessons longer when I'm "shown" rather than just told. Guess, God knows that too!

Remembering that God is caring for my needs,

sure creates many reasons for a positive day!

My Plans Vs God's Plan

I'm a planner. Before doing anything I research, and research, and plan, and figure out all the possible solutions, and even try to account for all the "unexpecteds" that might pop-up along the way.

However, I'm learning that no matter what MY PLANS are, God's PLAN is a much better one! My planS (yes, plural) are often VERY good. However, God's PLAN (singular) is MUCH better than any of my plans. This is one lesson which God has to continue to teach me.

My car, a 1995 Ford Escort, needs to be replaced. It's a great car, but it's at the point that repairs are needed more often than I like. I've been working on my plans to get a newer car for while. Yet, it's only been the past 2 months when I thought that perhaps I could actually do something about it. I have been working on saving every penny toward a down payment.

My plans 

were coming along

PERFECTLY! 

That was until God reminded me that HE has a PLAN. This past week, I took my car in for an oil change and tire rotation and to check on a "roar". I explained to the Service Manager, Mike, that I didn't want to put much money into any repairs as I am looking to get a newer car. We discussed various cars models which would be good for me to consider.

After waiting a while, Mike approached me. He explained what the "roar" was and that it didn't have to be fixed.  However, the brakes were extremely bad. It was not safe to drive the car, I'd have to replace them. Okay, now that was NOT in my plans at ALL! Yet, I had to take a deep breath and realize that the brake repair was in God's plan. 

As I was at home waiting for my car to be fixed, I had time to think. I had to stop and thank God for His protection. The brakes were not safe, yet, God made sure that they worked as I drove around. God prompted me to go in for an oil change ASAP, so that the brake problem would be found. And over 15 years ago, God provided an AWESOME repair shop with an owner and staff who are honest and have taken great care of my car. 

My planS vs God's plan. 

No matter how much I research and think through all the possible scenarios, there are unforeseen circumstances which God allows. I'm not sure I understand all the reasons God wanted me to spend money on fixing a car when I'm trying to get a newer one. Yet, I do KNOW that God's plan is so much better than mine. And I don't need to know all the reasons why He does what He does. I only need to trust Him and continue to seek His will and follow HIS PLAN for my life.

And what about MY planS for a newer car? I'm still working on them, but I'm also making sure that I consult God on what HIS PLAN is. I'll keep you posted! 

Once again, I'm reminded that in order to have a positive day, I need to trust God as He carries out His plan for my life.

God's Property

In June 1995, I bought a new car. My first NEW car. I think it had 13 miles on it when I bought it—a Ford Escort LX Hatchback. I was so excited to have a NEW car. Although "I bought the car", I knew that it was really God's car. For everything He supplies, belongs to Him; I'm just a steward of His property. 

A few weeks ago, I went to see my chiropractor, just as I do each week. Arriving in the town a little early, I stopped to get gas. I still had a few minutes, so decided to take the "scenic route" to his office. As I turned the corner up a side street I lost all power. The car died. I did manage to coast to the side of the road. I tried to start the car again—nothing. It was totally dead.

First, I called my chiropractor's office to let them know that I'd be late. Then I called my Emergency Road-side Service company for a tow. Then I called my good friend, Cathy, who is always ready to help, for a ride home. 

The tow truck arrived, I made it to my chiropractor, and then Cathy brought me home. My car was taken to Roselle Tire & Auto—the "guys" have taken care of my car since I bought it. The problem included a few broken belts, water pump, and a couple of other necessary parts needed replacement. 

When I arrived home, I was so confident I knew how I'd pay for this repair. I'd simply used one of my "credit card checks". The kind with a one-time fee and no interest for 6 months. That would provide some time to pay the repair bill. Well, I went to the file and got the credit card checks out—SURPRISE—they had all expired. Now what? I went through the budget and the money for this repair just wasn't there. 

Then I stopped and realized, that I was trying to take care of this bill on my own terms. Did I ask God what HE wanted me to do? It is after all HIS CAR, and He will take care of all the details, that includes repair bills. 

So, I stopped and did some talking with God. I decided that since God was now taking care of the repair bill, I'd do some straightening up around the apartment. With my  current pain level, I can only do a little cleaning at one time. I was just getting to a breaking point, and decided that I'd move one more small box of items. As I lifted the box—SURPRISE! There sat a set of credit card checks, good for another few weeks. 

How they ended up there, I have NO idea—well, okay I put them there—but why? I'm usually so very careful with those checks making sure they are in the file, or shredded. However, God used this "misplacement" to remind me that even if I think I know what He wants me to do, I have to stop and ask Him. 

Another example of:

"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matt 6:31-33 (The Message)

This experience reminded me that God doesn't always take care of me the same way each time. Just because in the past, I've used the credit card checks to pay for repair bills, doesn't mean that I don't have to consult God on a new bill. Yes, God did use the credit card check again. However, He had to make sure I knew that this was HIS way to pay for this bill, not mine. 

This was a great lesson to teach me to ALWAYS consult God in ALL matters. Whether it be a car repair bill or something more minor or yes, even something larger. I don't have to worry about missing out, I'll find that all my everyday human concerns will be met. 

Focusing on that truth will make a very positive day—don't you think?

What God had planned....

Back on Tuesday, Jan 19th, I mentioned some things which I had planned for the day, but didn't know what God had planned. Well, here's the update.

I dropped off my car for an oil change, and maybe a new battery. Then a friend and I went up to Woodfield Mall, so I could drop off my computer to get that fixed. My friend and I went to enjoy a nice lunch and talk, while we waited for the repairs to be completed. During lunch my phone rang. It was the Auto Repair, I quickly thought, 'my car is finished'. However, I was wrong. The car needed many more repairs that I had planned. My friend quickly and kindly reminded me that God is in control.
After lunch we returned to the computer store, they'd need to keep my computer for a few days to fix it. And since my car wouldn't be ready for a few days... my friend drove me home..empty handed. 

The car repairs and a computer operating system upgrade, were not in my plans. However, God has a way of teaching me total dependence on Him. I had a credit card check (pay a 1 time fee and no interest for 6 months) so I used that to pay the car repairs. That gives me some time to pay it off, or for God to supply in one of His creative ways.

When I went to pick up my car, I took the "guys" cupcakes. I wanted them to know that I wasn't mad at them for the high priced repairs. They work hard to keep my 15 year old car running and safe. 

The next day, I went to pick up my computer. It was raining so I turned on the wipers.... I noticed one of my wipers was worn out and the rubber kept sliding out of the holder. Not a good then when driving in the rain. 

The next day, I stopped by the Auto Repair so they could put on new wipers. The guys greeted me with hesitancy..is something else wrong? When I explained it was just my wipers, there were sighs of relief all around! One of the guys put on my wipers and when I asked how much, the reply was..."This is on us! You brought us great cupcakes!". That was a great reminder that since God takes care of little things, He can easily take care of the big things.

Jan 19th was a day which did not go as I had planned.  However, God once again showed me that He is in control and He can take care of me, no matter what comes my way. God continually teaches me to depend on Him.

On Jan 19th post, I included a part about Leading. God does not lead aimlessly. He has reasons for His plans and all that He allows in our lives. He wants us to be dependent on Him and to glorify Him... no matter what! Years ago, a friend said something which I remember even to this day... "Is God enough?" We quickly answer "yes, of course". But when it comes down to daily living... every day needs.... do we really believe, that "God is enough?". 

On Jan 19th I had to work hard to create a positive day. If I focused on the news of all the "bad" that was happening it was overwhelming. Yet, when I got my focus back on God and His leading and His ability to care for me.... it was a very POSITIVE DAY!