Monthly Archives: August 2018

Recipe for Life

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to cook.  There’s just something about taking a variety of individual items, following specific steps to combine them together, and Ta-Da….create one delicious creation! Here’s the thing though, as much as I like to cook, I don’t always want to follow a recipe that’s too complicated or use ingredients I’m not familiar with. Sometimes (dare I say it) I even think I know better than the recipe-writer and change things to suit my own tastes! As you might guess, doing it my way hasn’t always made it to the table.

I’m afraid I carry my cooking style into everyday life, too.  Most of the time I’m able to take all that the day to day throws in the mix and it will turn out just as I imagined.  But then, there are those moments or seasons when I find the next moves I need to make complex and uncomfortable. I want nothing more than to revise the “recipe” so that the results are to my liking.  Any other “creative life cooks” out there?

At times, deviating from a recipe in the kitchen has had gratifying results.  Veering from God’s plan for my life?  Not so much. Adding this. Eliminating that. Leaving out a step or (dare I say it again) ignoring the “Recipe-Writer” simply leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And guess what? If we remain on a diet of too much “me” we’ll never be satisfied!

“For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.  You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does  The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.  The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.  The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.  The Lord is close to all who call on him yes, to all who call on him in truth. ” Psalm 145:13-18 (NLT)

When we take our eyes off ourselves and look to God, He provides everything we need.  After all, He is the one who took all the different “ingredients” and wove them together to make Ta-Da….the unique creation that each of us is!

I’m learning that the recipe for life requires no revisions and it’s not complicated: When we “grasp how wide” (for everyone) and long (throughout our life and into eternity) and high (there is no limit) and deep (He won’t let us sink) is the love of Christ”; we become “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” And friends, there’s nothing more satisfying than that!

Living Loyally ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com time again!  Today’s prompt is “loyal”. What or who are you loyal to?  Hop on in and let’s see where it takes us.

“Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out.” Romans 12:9-13a (NIV) / Pixabay

Used car dealers often get a bad rap and they’re the subject of many a joke. Just as in any profession, there may be some that need to be steered away from but NOT ours!  We’ve been loyal customers of our local used car dealer for thirty plus years!  And we’re not alone!

What does it take to create a faithful customer base?  The same thing it takes to live a faithful life:  loving others, serving enthusiastically, patience, being honorable in all things, offering help, and lots of prayer! I see all these traits in our friends and their business! It’s what draws us back, keeps us on the road, and helps us reach our destinations!

And, what’s the fun of a road trip with out bringing others along with us?  Are you and I living lives that are growing a faithful “customer” base? Are those we have contact with day in and day out drawn to us because they see the same characteristics in us as we see in our local car dealer? Or, do we live in a such a way that they should steer clear of us? The answer lies in who we have in our driver’s seat.

“If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgement and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.  In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (TLB)

In other words, when we are living loyally to God: letting Him drive our lives, others are eager to join us on the road that will lead to our eternal destination.  I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time to jump into the passenger seat because with God at the wheel one thing’s for sure….. He’ll never steer us wrong!

 

PS If you’re in the need of a great used car, I know just the place!