Yesterday I got a phone call from my husband. He said "Guess what I found?" Of course there was no telling what it was since I can't keep up with anything! He said "I found Matthew's Bible," but I had no memory that it was lost. Matthew is our youngest and years ago, he lost his bible at our church. I recalled Matthew saying several years ago, that he had lost it. He must have been around 9 years old at the time (he is 19 now). I remembered that we went to the lost and found, security, and the information booth of our church but we did not find it. We resigned to the idea that it was lost and purchased another one.
When I came home and saw the bible I was so touched. In his writing, my son had written some things that are dear to his heart. The bible however looked a bit different from mine. It had come into the hands of a chaplain who stated that he had used it to perform weddings, funerals and counsel individuals but it was no worse for the wear.
My bible, the same exact type has been on a shelf for years and I have had three others since then. My bible is bound by clear tape and binder clips. I use it on occasion but only for reference. I fear the pages are so fragile they might rip.
Inside that bible, I have picture stickers of my son in grade school. I can see his growth through the years. I have multiple notes and writings, post it notes and stories, important dates, sermons and prayers. I wore that bible out and I was glad to see through my son's bible what mine once looked like.
I love my bible(s) and have a very difficult time when I have to purchase a new one. I truly believe that it is because I know my bible. I could tell you what side of the page a portion of scripture was on, what part of the bible you could find it in, what paragraph it was in, where a chapter started and so much more.
Unfortunately, every time I purchase a new bible, I have to learn that all over again. The way you learn it is by daily spending time in it. Everyday brings new revelation and every revelation brings you closer to God.
So if you've lost your bible, or you've lost your way...get a new bible because it's never too late to get into the Word of God.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I may not sin against you. Psalms 119:9-11
One day (about ten years ago) this chaplain saw a box with bibles that were going to be given away. He asked if he could have the maroon one and they said yes. He used that bible to minister to individuals in the criminal justice system. He saw the bible had the name Matthew Eller in it but had no idea who this person was. He stated that one day while on Facebook, he saw that name on one of my posts. He ran into my husband yesterday and gave him the bible saying "Give that to Dee, she'll know who this guy is." to which my husband responded "He's our youngest son."
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
All Bark, No Bite
It's that time again....running! It's time to start running in order to participate in events this fall. After six months of "taking it easy" to recoup from an injury, I am finally up and at 'em. I have one of the best places to run. My community not only offers greenbelts but it also offers greenbelts with many trees and shade.
This morning as I was running the first thing I saw was a rabbit. I thought it was so neat to see this sweet creature just sitting there munching on something and not run away. I continued to run and take it all in.
I started thinking of the previous year when I was running long distances. In order to complete a long distance, I ran through our community and then ventured into a wooded area-not a path...woods! I knew however, that if I made it through those woods I would end up on a street that would lead me straight to my father-in-laws house.
Oh yeah I had several things going against me. Woods with uneven ground, a road with a serious incline, and distance. I didn't care....I love a good challenge. I proceeded to run and at the end of the run, at the very end, after I had conquered my self inflicted obstacles, I turned onto my father-in-laws street. "I did it!" I remember thinking that just before I saw a huge, scraggly dog coming right toward me!
I could barely hear him for my ear buds and listening to music but I sure could see him. I stopped in my tracks and tried to shoo him away. I guess he finally got tired of me as he eventually walked away. In walking away, I could see that the dog was old and probably couldn't hurt a fly but at that moment, I wouldn't believe it.
I was minding my own business when this dog came up on me. I was reminded of 1 Peter 5:8 which says "Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
The enemy is brutal and while that scripture is true, I'm telling you not to cower down! The next verse says "resist the devil." If you feel you are up against the wall because of a threatening lion, I have good news....you can survive that lion!
So many times we focus on the danger or perceived danger that we allow that to overcome us. We allow their roar to frighten us to the point of paralyzing fear. How would you approach that lion if you knew he had no teeth or broken teeth?
Whether you are suffering a financial lion, bad relationship lion, bad health lion, an unexpected life situation or any other lion, rest easy and know that the word of God can tame any lion!
Remember this....whatever you are facing, whatever comes up against you in the form of the lion, remember that like the dog that came up against me, he was all bark and no bite. That lion has no teeth!
Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it. At the breath of God they are destroyed; at the blast of his anger they perish. The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken. The lion perishes for lack of prey. Job 4:7-11
This morning as I was running the first thing I saw was a rabbit. I thought it was so neat to see this sweet creature just sitting there munching on something and not run away. I continued to run and take it all in.
I started thinking of the previous year when I was running long distances. In order to complete a long distance, I ran through our community and then ventured into a wooded area-not a path...woods! I knew however, that if I made it through those woods I would end up on a street that would lead me straight to my father-in-laws house.
Oh yeah I had several things going against me. Woods with uneven ground, a road with a serious incline, and distance. I didn't care....I love a good challenge. I proceeded to run and at the end of the run, at the very end, after I had conquered my self inflicted obstacles, I turned onto my father-in-laws street. "I did it!" I remember thinking that just before I saw a huge, scraggly dog coming right toward me!
I could barely hear him for my ear buds and listening to music but I sure could see him. I stopped in my tracks and tried to shoo him away. I guess he finally got tired of me as he eventually walked away. In walking away, I could see that the dog was old and probably couldn't hurt a fly but at that moment, I wouldn't believe it.
I was minding my own business when this dog came up on me. I was reminded of 1 Peter 5:8 which says "Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
The enemy is brutal and while that scripture is true, I'm telling you not to cower down! The next verse says "resist the devil." If you feel you are up against the wall because of a threatening lion, I have good news....you can survive that lion!
So many times we focus on the danger or perceived danger that we allow that to overcome us. We allow their roar to frighten us to the point of paralyzing fear. How would you approach that lion if you knew he had no teeth or broken teeth?
Whether you are suffering a financial lion, bad relationship lion, bad health lion, an unexpected life situation or any other lion, rest easy and know that the word of God can tame any lion!
Remember this....whatever you are facing, whatever comes up against you in the form of the lion, remember that like the dog that came up against me, he was all bark and no bite. That lion has no teeth!
Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it. At the breath of God they are destroyed; at the blast of his anger they perish. The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken. The lion perishes for lack of prey. Job 4:7-11
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Strap it On
Whew! What a week. I have been taking care of my fourteen month old great niece while my niece is out of town on business. I had forgotten what it was like to be responsible for a baby/child.
One of the days just wore me out! [More than the rest]. I went to my sister's house to pick her up early in the morning. I had to get her car seat, strap it in, strap her in, then head out. I got home, removed the shoulder strap and belts when I got a call to go meet the contractor a few miles away at the other house.
You guessed it. I had to put her back in, strap the shoulders, strap the waist and head out. I got there and had to remove the straps, carry her in and answer a question which lasted all of about three minutes. He needed something I had to go get so again....straps. I arrived at the store and unstrap, Made my purchase and again, strap her in. About this time I had enough.
I thought for one second "I'm not doing this again!" I'm just strapping the top. It was way too time consuming for the many stops I had to make and all were for very short stays and I still had a few more stops.
That's when it hit me. What if I got frustrated or tired of "putting on the full armor of God?" What if took short cuts and said that I didn't need the helmet of salvation or the breastplate of righteousness or worse what if I left the sword of the spirit. That's my weapon against the enemy!
Just like every buckle is important for my small niece in her car seat, every cover of my armor is important to my spiritual life. I learned a lesson with that car seat. I will strap on every buckle and I will put on every piece of armor....everyday I will strap it on!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-11 and 14-17
One of the days just wore me out! [More than the rest]. I went to my sister's house to pick her up early in the morning. I had to get her car seat, strap it in, strap her in, then head out. I got home, removed the shoulder strap and belts when I got a call to go meet the contractor a few miles away at the other house.
You guessed it. I had to put her back in, strap the shoulders, strap the waist and head out. I got there and had to remove the straps, carry her in and answer a question which lasted all of about three minutes. He needed something I had to go get so again....straps. I arrived at the store and unstrap, Made my purchase and again, strap her in. About this time I had enough.
I thought for one second "I'm not doing this again!" I'm just strapping the top. It was way too time consuming for the many stops I had to make and all were for very short stays and I still had a few more stops.
That's when it hit me. What if I got frustrated or tired of "putting on the full armor of God?" What if took short cuts and said that I didn't need the helmet of salvation or the breastplate of righteousness or worse what if I left the sword of the spirit. That's my weapon against the enemy!
Just like every buckle is important for my small niece in her car seat, every cover of my armor is important to my spiritual life. I learned a lesson with that car seat. I will strap on every buckle and I will put on every piece of armor....everyday I will strap it on!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-11 and 14-17
Friday, August 22, 2014
Don't Ruin What my Father Gave Me
Many years ago, my father gave me a beautiful green suede suit. It was a short jacket with zipper in the front and a sweet little skirt. I love it. To tell you the truth, it must have been 25 years ago. I still wear the jacket often in the winter.
Last winter, a friend asked if she could borrow it. I was very apprehensive not because it was an expensive suit but because my worth of the suit was attached to the giver...my father. It meant more to me than any amount of money but after all, I had the suit for many years. Against my better judgment, I relented and let her borrow the suit.
I would see her at church and she was wearing the jacket, I would see her at dinner and she was wearing the suit on a date, I would see her at the mall and eventually, when she would see me and turn the other way. I wanted to say "Hey friend, that's my suit."
One day I was at the top row of the movie theatre when I saw her walk in again wearing the jacket. I was heartbroken when I saw her spill a red slush drink on it. My heart sank. I wanted to yell out to her "Don't ruin my jacket-my father gave that to me!"
She is my friend and I love her but I love my father more. I finally got the nerve to call and ask for my suit. I did it in a nice way and she explained that it was at the dry cleaners and she would get it to me within a few days. That weekend, she posted a picture wearing my suit.
Again, I called and asked for my suit and she made another excuse. I really felt bad because by now it was Spring and I really couldn't say "I want to wear it." I persisted until one day I just "showed up." I went to her home and told her I wanted my suit. She went to her closet and brought my suit out. The jacket zipper was broken. She explained that she tried to pull the zipped jacket from a hanger and when she "yanked it off" the zipper broke. She said "I'm sorry but that happens."
I took my suit and went home. I saw my father that week and explained to him what had happened. I told him that he had given me that suit and for twenty five years I had taken care of it, wrapped it, kept it in a special place and the one time I "loaned it out" it was stained, broken and ruined.
My father hugged me and said "It's not ruined-I gave it to you and I can fix it." I gave it to my father who took it to the lady who alters his suits and she put a brand new zipper on it, cleaned it and gave it back. He did things like only a father can do!
When you were born, God our Father gave you a heart. It is a heart to worship and honor Him. We may find ourselves taking the heart our Father gave us and we giving it away thinking that person will fill our needs.
Many will toy with your heart, laugh at your heart, wear out your heart and eventually break your heart. But God Almighty, Our Father who gave you that heart will take it and mend it. He will hold you until that heart is completely healed....if you only believe.
I love my father and again, the value in the suit was in him giving it to me. Do not release what your Father gave you to someone who does not know or value the worth and if you already have-it's never too late to take it back!
Don't let someone ruin what your Father gave you!
Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
The devil is a liar. John 8:44
Last winter, a friend asked if she could borrow it. I was very apprehensive not because it was an expensive suit but because my worth of the suit was attached to the giver...my father. It meant more to me than any amount of money but after all, I had the suit for many years. Against my better judgment, I relented and let her borrow the suit.
I would see her at church and she was wearing the jacket, I would see her at dinner and she was wearing the suit on a date, I would see her at the mall and eventually, when she would see me and turn the other way. I wanted to say "Hey friend, that's my suit."
One day I was at the top row of the movie theatre when I saw her walk in again wearing the jacket. I was heartbroken when I saw her spill a red slush drink on it. My heart sank. I wanted to yell out to her "Don't ruin my jacket-my father gave that to me!"
She is my friend and I love her but I love my father more. I finally got the nerve to call and ask for my suit. I did it in a nice way and she explained that it was at the dry cleaners and she would get it to me within a few days. That weekend, she posted a picture wearing my suit.
Again, I called and asked for my suit and she made another excuse. I really felt bad because by now it was Spring and I really couldn't say "I want to wear it." I persisted until one day I just "showed up." I went to her home and told her I wanted my suit. She went to her closet and brought my suit out. The jacket zipper was broken. She explained that she tried to pull the zipped jacket from a hanger and when she "yanked it off" the zipper broke. She said "I'm sorry but that happens."
I took my suit and went home. I saw my father that week and explained to him what had happened. I told him that he had given me that suit and for twenty five years I had taken care of it, wrapped it, kept it in a special place and the one time I "loaned it out" it was stained, broken and ruined.
My father hugged me and said "It's not ruined-I gave it to you and I can fix it." I gave it to my father who took it to the lady who alters his suits and she put a brand new zipper on it, cleaned it and gave it back. He did things like only a father can do!
When you were born, God our Father gave you a heart. It is a heart to worship and honor Him. We may find ourselves taking the heart our Father gave us and we giving it away thinking that person will fill our needs.
Many will toy with your heart, laugh at your heart, wear out your heart and eventually break your heart. But God Almighty, Our Father who gave you that heart will take it and mend it. He will hold you until that heart is completely healed....if you only believe.
I love my father and again, the value in the suit was in him giving it to me. Do not release what your Father gave you to someone who does not know or value the worth and if you already have-it's never too late to take it back!
Don't let someone ruin what your Father gave you!
Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
The devil is a liar. John 8:44
Keep your head in the game
The other day my husband and I were leaving our hotel room when we got stopped by a red light. There was a car in front of us and we were talking to each other-not really paying attention to the light.
The car in front of us proceeded to go and my husband followed until I said "whoa-that light is still red!" The guy in front of us randomly ran the red light. My husband was deceived because the driver stopped first, then ran the red light.
What amazed me was that my husband was so involved in our conversation that he didn't pay attention-he just went.
How many times do we go around in life not paying attention? As a result, we fall into the same mistakes that others make. Unfortunately, mistakes like that can be costly. It is important to pay attention in our godly walk.
We can not follow the lead of those who are reckless. We can not proceed without using caution.
We must pay attention to things in life that attempt to throw us off course.
The enemy will throw anything at us in order to get us off track. If another car had been coming and my husband would have continued through the light, we could have had an accident and it would have been our fault!
There are those that will try to disprove our God, make us question God's word and make every effort to make us fail despite what God has promised us! That is not new- it happened in Genesis 3 when the serpent convinced Eve to follow his direction. We know the end result- we are all paying for it.
So when you are walking or driving around, not paying attention- beware not to follow those who would lead you down the wrong path.
Keep your head in the game and your eyes focused on God!
Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 5:33
The car in front of us proceeded to go and my husband followed until I said "whoa-that light is still red!" The guy in front of us randomly ran the red light. My husband was deceived because the driver stopped first, then ran the red light.
What amazed me was that my husband was so involved in our conversation that he didn't pay attention-he just went.
How many times do we go around in life not paying attention? As a result, we fall into the same mistakes that others make. Unfortunately, mistakes like that can be costly. It is important to pay attention in our godly walk.
We can not follow the lead of those who are reckless. We can not proceed without using caution.
We must pay attention to things in life that attempt to throw us off course.
The enemy will throw anything at us in order to get us off track. If another car had been coming and my husband would have continued through the light, we could have had an accident and it would have been our fault!
There are those that will try to disprove our God, make us question God's word and make every effort to make us fail despite what God has promised us! That is not new- it happened in Genesis 3 when the serpent convinced Eve to follow his direction. We know the end result- we are all paying for it.
So when you are walking or driving around, not paying attention- beware not to follow those who would lead you down the wrong path.
Keep your head in the game and your eyes focused on God!
Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 5:33
Monday, August 18, 2014
Jubilee
Yesterday I was invited to a "jubilee" at my parents church. It was a celebration acknowledging the goodness of God's healing hand. The interim pastor had been healed from cancer fourteen years ago. The bigger story was that he came to Christ at that time.
It was a time of praise and worship like I've never seen. It began at 2:00 in the afternoon and it was a packed house. There were amazing stories of transformation because of God's amazing hand! What a sweet time!
There was one girl in particular that just gripped my heart. I'll call her Becky. She had a story of addictions that kept me on the edge of my seat. She currently works with others who have addictions offering them the love of God and hope.
She told a story of having a non participating father in her life. Her mom worked at local cantinas (bars) and was out all night. The young girl was often home alone. A neighborhood woman took her in and her mom agreed because "at least she wasn't home alone." The woman smoked and let Becky smoke also-Becky was eight at the time. By the time she was 13, Becky was drinking Vodka straight and by the time she was 16, she had used multiple drugs and was hooked on crack and pregnant.
Becky spoke of leading a life of prostitution and lawlessness. She lived a self serving life and nothing mattered but satisfying her urge for the drug. I was memorized listening to her story. She spoke of spending time in prison for robbery-an act she engaged in, in order to sustain her habit.
Her son was being "raised" by her mom. Finding herself with no place to live, she went to live with her sister. Her sister insisted that she go to a Christian based recovery center and Becky agreed. After 3 weeks she left. Her issue was "too much Jesus" Could this be real? Could this Jesus be real? The night she left, she realized that she had walked out on Jesus and asked for His forgiveness and came to Christ that night. Her life has not been the same since.
As I sat there, I was thinking "I am just the opposite!" I have never done drugs, I have never been a prostitute (except for role playing), I was never pregnant out of wedlock and I enforced the law! So what did Becky and I have in common? Why was her story so gripping?
Her story was so gripping because I too once said "this is too much Jesus." although I never experienced many of her life experiences, I did go a few rounds with rebellion. I turned my back just enough to resist God but not completely. I didn't want to give God control of my life but I didn't want to completely let go of Him either? I knew I couldn't have it both ways. I had to make a choice. I chose to give my heart to Jesus.
Today there is no such thing as "too much Jesus" for me. In fact, there is never enough of serving, living, and giving to Jesus. He is my all and I pray that I honor Him daily.
I am so grateful that God never held my rebellion against me. Despite my hardened heart, when I came to Christ and told him I wanted him to change me, he took my heart of stone and made me a new person with a heart for Him. Becky is a good example of God's amazing grace....and so am I. Every salvation anniversary should be celebrated with a jubilee.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in your will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26
It was a time of praise and worship like I've never seen. It began at 2:00 in the afternoon and it was a packed house. There were amazing stories of transformation because of God's amazing hand! What a sweet time!
There was one girl in particular that just gripped my heart. I'll call her Becky. She had a story of addictions that kept me on the edge of my seat. She currently works with others who have addictions offering them the love of God and hope.
She told a story of having a non participating father in her life. Her mom worked at local cantinas (bars) and was out all night. The young girl was often home alone. A neighborhood woman took her in and her mom agreed because "at least she wasn't home alone." The woman smoked and let Becky smoke also-Becky was eight at the time. By the time she was 13, Becky was drinking Vodka straight and by the time she was 16, she had used multiple drugs and was hooked on crack and pregnant.
Becky spoke of leading a life of prostitution and lawlessness. She lived a self serving life and nothing mattered but satisfying her urge for the drug. I was memorized listening to her story. She spoke of spending time in prison for robbery-an act she engaged in, in order to sustain her habit.
Her son was being "raised" by her mom. Finding herself with no place to live, she went to live with her sister. Her sister insisted that she go to a Christian based recovery center and Becky agreed. After 3 weeks she left. Her issue was "too much Jesus" Could this be real? Could this Jesus be real? The night she left, she realized that she had walked out on Jesus and asked for His forgiveness and came to Christ that night. Her life has not been the same since.
As I sat there, I was thinking "I am just the opposite!" I have never done drugs, I have never been a prostitute (except for role playing), I was never pregnant out of wedlock and I enforced the law! So what did Becky and I have in common? Why was her story so gripping?
Her story was so gripping because I too once said "this is too much Jesus." although I never experienced many of her life experiences, I did go a few rounds with rebellion. I turned my back just enough to resist God but not completely. I didn't want to give God control of my life but I didn't want to completely let go of Him either? I knew I couldn't have it both ways. I had to make a choice. I chose to give my heart to Jesus.
Today there is no such thing as "too much Jesus" for me. In fact, there is never enough of serving, living, and giving to Jesus. He is my all and I pray that I honor Him daily.
I am so grateful that God never held my rebellion against me. Despite my hardened heart, when I came to Christ and told him I wanted him to change me, he took my heart of stone and made me a new person with a heart for Him. Becky is a good example of God's amazing grace....and so am I. Every salvation anniversary should be celebrated with a jubilee.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in your will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Follow the Leader
While in the Hill Country this week, I had to return to Houston for a ladies event at church. I drove home alone and then returned to the Hill Country alone early the next morning.
Not gonna lie to you I don't particularly like the roads when they become "hilly." I have a tremendous fear of free falling, mainly because I don't have control. I don't believe you would catch me sky diving or even on a roller coaster.
Back in the day of Astroworld, it was everything I could do to manage the bambo shoot. That slight "free fall" dip where everyone raises their arms would kill me.
On the road, every time I made it to a hill my heart beat a little faster at the thought of what might be on the other side of the hill once I got there. What if there was a stalled car or a deer or anything else? Do you know what that would do to then or me at 80 miles per hour?
I was grateful when I finally reached my destination. That was my third trip alone as I went alone on Saturday, returned alone on Tuesday and then drove back alone on Wednesday. By the time we returned to Houston on Thursday, my husband was there also and we came home together...in separate cars.
Before we got on the road he asked "Do you want to lead or follow?" Duh.....I want to follow! I did not want to lead out and be responsible for the person behind me-him.
I can not tell you how comforting it was to have my husband lead. While that is actually as God intended, that is never easy for me. I remember him coming to me and telling me that his days off had changed and we would have to move to Saturday night worship services. Of course I responded willingly.....not!
I gave him other options like "what if we went to Saturday Bible Study together and I went alone on Sundays.". I know that God intends us to love and respect our husbands but "leading" is my thing! I'm an older sister, I was in policing, I teach bible study...all leadership positions.
The fact is I want to lead-the truth is God gave me a leader and he's called "husband."
I pray that I will be willing to listen to God's Word and follow the leader he has given me in life. I want him to lead me on the road and I pray that I will submit to him leading me in life just as God has instructed. Follow the leader!
Wives submit yourselves to your own husband's as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church his body of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to God so also wives should submit to their husband's in everything. Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives in the same way submit to your own husbands so that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives. 1 Peter 3:1
Not gonna lie to you I don't particularly like the roads when they become "hilly." I have a tremendous fear of free falling, mainly because I don't have control. I don't believe you would catch me sky diving or even on a roller coaster.
Back in the day of Astroworld, it was everything I could do to manage the bambo shoot. That slight "free fall" dip where everyone raises their arms would kill me.
On the road, every time I made it to a hill my heart beat a little faster at the thought of what might be on the other side of the hill once I got there. What if there was a stalled car or a deer or anything else? Do you know what that would do to then or me at 80 miles per hour?
I was grateful when I finally reached my destination. That was my third trip alone as I went alone on Saturday, returned alone on Tuesday and then drove back alone on Wednesday. By the time we returned to Houston on Thursday, my husband was there also and we came home together...in separate cars.
Before we got on the road he asked "Do you want to lead or follow?" Duh.....I want to follow! I did not want to lead out and be responsible for the person behind me-him.
I can not tell you how comforting it was to have my husband lead. While that is actually as God intended, that is never easy for me. I remember him coming to me and telling me that his days off had changed and we would have to move to Saturday night worship services. Of course I responded willingly.....not!
I gave him other options like "what if we went to Saturday Bible Study together and I went alone on Sundays.". I know that God intends us to love and respect our husbands but "leading" is my thing! I'm an older sister, I was in policing, I teach bible study...all leadership positions.
The fact is I want to lead-the truth is God gave me a leader and he's called "husband."
I pray that I will be willing to listen to God's Word and follow the leader he has given me in life. I want him to lead me on the road and I pray that I will submit to him leading me in life just as God has instructed. Follow the leader!
Wives submit yourselves to your own husband's as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church his body of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to God so also wives should submit to their husband's in everything. Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives in the same way submit to your own husbands so that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives. 1 Peter 3:1
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