The Dark Side

We've had a mix of weather lately. There's been snow, rain, freezing rain, and warm temperatures. Guess that's normal for Chicago February/March weather.

The only snow left on the ground are a few melting piles leftover from when the plows cleared the blizzard. The other day, as I was leaving for my chiropractic appointment, I wasn't really paying attention to the parking lot, since it was clear of snow. However, as I approached the driver's side of my car, WHOA, there was a sheet of ice!

The car blocked the sun, creating a 'dark side' and the ice hadn't melted yet. I very carefully, edged my way along the car, to the door and climbed in—all without falling, thankfully.

As I sat in the car for a moment, I looked out on the patch of ice again. It was the length of my car and about 2 feet wide. The sunny side of my car, was clear. However, the 'dark side' was a sheet of dangerous ice.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19 (NIV)

Often when we think of darkness we think of evil. When we are involved in sin, we want to be hidden, not only from others, but from God. (Although God sees all.) Consider how many crimes are committed in the darkness of night, or masks are worn to "stay in the dark".

However, as I thought more about the ice patch on the 'dark side', I realized that often, I'm not trying to hide from God—really—rather I've just become cold and frozen to doing His will.
Staying on the 'dark side' I don't have to make changes in my life, I won't be responsible for obeying God's Word. The more time I spend reading the Bible, the more truths I learn. And when I learn those truths, I have a responsibility to act on those truths.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

God's Word is the light (sunshine). And if I allow His Word to work in my heart and life, it melts the ice and coldness of sin and indifference. Rather than living on the 'dark side', I'd want to live in the sunshine of God's Word and grow.
 

If I want to create a positive day, I have leave the 'dark side' and allow God's light to shine on me and allow God to work in my life.

Happy 9th Birthday Max!

Happy 9th birthday, Max!

God gave Max to me for my birthday in 2003. Max, even though a little bird, provides many laughs. He is also a great reminder how much God cares for me.

Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than bird? Matthew 6:26 (Contemporary English Version)

So, as I celebrate Max's birthday today, I'll also celebrate God's amazing love. And a day that is focused on God's unconditional love for me, is a positive day!

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?

Even More Blizzard Feb 2011 Photos

Here are additional pictures from the Feb 1-2, 2011 Blizzard. 

See previous two posts for more pictures.

The green arrow points to my car!

View facing away from my car.

View from the parking lot, look toward the door.

View from inside looking out to my parking lot.

View from the backdoor of the apartment building.

More Blizzard Feb 2011 Photos

Check out the previous post for more photos of the blizzard that hit Bloomingdale, IL.

Photos taken February 2, 2011 9:45 am