Road Trips

This is the summer of working road trips.  Yesterday we drove almost 5 hours to reach my latest conference at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.  About an hour south of Nashville, the partly cloudy blue skies began to turn dark.  In the distance we could see those smoky sheets of rain at the edge of the blue skies.  We were driving straight into the storm.  The rains came, the cars slowed to 45 mph., lights came on, and wipers swept furiously.  But in less than five minutes, we broke through the other side.  The skies began to clear and we arrived safely.

Isaiah 43:2a  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

Isn't it nice to know that we can take God's a Word literally?  As we passed through the waters of the storm, He was with us and quickly brought us to safety.

What Concerns Me

Each summer there are inevitably a few times when I must work my job 6 days instead of 5.  Special events take place on Saturdays and we do our best to cover the hours and provide info to new college students and their families.  It's tough when you've already worked a full week, but you still try to do your best.

Yesterday I set up shop at another person's desk and did my best to get ready for the day.  After talking with parents all day about how to apply for aid and pay for college, a coworker pointed out that the forms I was giving to some were from the wrong year.  Aaarrrggghhh!!!  I gave the wrong form to at least 3 people.  That may not seem like many, but it will be an additional correction they will have to make.  I hate causing more work for others, especially when they came to me as an 'expert'.

In general, I just despise making errors, even when I know that nobody is perfect. There are plenty of things I could blame it on: like an unfamiliar workspace or too many hours on the job, but I tend to blame myself for being careless.  

Psalm 138:8  The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

I make mistakes, but God will help me accept them, learn from them, then release them.  (Next time I'll be sure to find the correct forms.)

A Walk in the Sand

I had the pleasure of taking a business trip to St. Pete, FL last week.  Before our meetings began each morning, I took an early walk on the beach.  I noticed several runners getting their exercise.  Many wore earbuds, probably listening to their favorite music or podcast.  They seemed oblivious to the gorgeous sounds of the wind and waves.  What a shame, I thought.

I imagine we are all guilty of drowning out those moments when we could be enjoying our surroundings, contemplating or simply resting our busy minds.  However, isn't it wonderful that we serve a God who thinks of us without distraction?

Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

The Palm Tree

I was on vacation last week, a stay-cation at home.  We did various things, but I decided that I had to do something about the big, ugly pole in my basement.  You see, I've been trying to finish one of the basement rooms for at least 5 years.  One wall is complete with my kid's handprints as flowers and the stenciling of a favorite verse:

II Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

But the most aggravating thing has been deciding what to do about the support pole that stands about 3 inches from the wall.  A few weeks ago I found some rope at an estate sale.  My mind began to whirl and I spent a full day last week wrapping the rope around that pole and securing it with hot glue.  It was complete, but it looked like a giant scratching post for a cat I do not have.  So, I thought some more and decided to turn it into a palm tree.  A few wire hangers, more hot glue and green fabric had me in business.

Psalm 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

You know, it goes right along with II Peter 3:18.  I may need to add a few coconuts so that my palm tree will be flourishing.  :)

Shopping for Clothes

I'm one of those people who rarely takes time to go shopping. When I do I usually go alone, but I decided to ask my mom to go with me since I was headed to one of those multi-level malls.  I guess some might not want to take their mom with them shopping, but my Mom and I have the same shopping habits so it works out perfectly.  You see, we head to the clearance racks, look for our sizes, pull out goofy stuff so we can roll our eyes, and generally treat shopping like a mission. After a couple hours, her feet hurt, my back hurts, and we are ready to call it quits.

During our search, we both commented on how pricey some of the items were. Especially dresses that we had both seen as fashionable 40 years ago.  Mom would pick up an outfit and say it was similar to something she once wore to work. Back then, my mom and her mom made most of those dresses.  More than once I said or thought, 'I have got to start sewing again.'  Even yesterday, my daughter asked when I was going to start sewing.  I think I'm getting the message.

Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

I believe I need to start sewing again - soon.