Category Archives: Faith

God Knows Best: The Planner – By Karla

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When I was 21, mom remarried. Berry immediately gained four daughters and eventually gained twelve grandchildren. Sometime over the years, he affectionately gave my sisters and me nicknames. Lynn, the oldest, became “The Boss”. What a perfect name for her! Gail, my twin separated by two-and-a-half-years was called “The Planner”. The youngest Julie earned her title easily, “The Princess”, and Berry gave me the name “The Sweet One.” While I am not sure that I am the sweetest one, I do enjoy the name he gave me.

Our family: 2007

The Planner

God-love Gail! She really is “The Planner”, desiring to know when and how things will happen. Gail doesn’t care for the unknown and operates best when things are just so. When the sisters are discussing some event, Gail is the one that makes sure the plan is carried out with as few hiccups as possible. I just love her inquisitive mind that is always thinking ahead about the what ifs. Her gift of planning has helped us all  many times over the years. With such a large family, we often have to change the plan. Gail deals with this well, as long as the alternate plan develops quickly and firmly. 

Truly, I don’t think Gail is alone. Many of us take comfort in a neatly formed and executed plan. If the truth be known, I think some of my most frightening times in life were the “unknowns” that leered ahead. In fact, I have had stomach aches, raw lips (where I have peeled off the top layers of skin), and added wrinkly lines by fretting over what lay around the corner. 

It is not always that the plan is unclear that upsets me. Quite honestly, the problem is I question God’s plans. At some point or another, hopefully not after too much time has passed, I remember that God’s ways are not my ways. (Isaiah 55:8) 

God’s Orchestrated Plans

Below are just a few events God orchestrated that I never would have thought was the best plan:

  • Crossing the Red Sea:  (No way would I have been brave enough to walk through on the dry land believing the walls of water would not come crashing down.) But, God knows best! He created a safe path for all Israelites to get through and destroy their enemies with His perfect timing.
  • The Battle of Jericho. (I wouldn’t have believed an army we could make the walls fall down just because we were marching around blowing some horns.) But, God knows best! To beat it all, no Israelites got hurt! 
  • Jesus’ birth. (If I had known Mary was in labor, I would have knocked on every door insight, trying to find a ”proper” place for Jesus to be born.) But, God knows best! He wanted Jesus born right where He had him, in a meek and lowly stable, The King of King, but not of earthly royalty. 
  • Jesus’ death. (I certainly would not have wanted my Jesus to be beaten, mocked, and crucified!) But, God knows best! He knew how to give us the most incredible gift; Christ taking our sins away. Thus, He provided the way to eternal life if we accept it. 

God’s plan for all these situations was just that–God’s plan! His plans are never too late, never too early, never too big, nor never too small. 

An Unplanned Move

In 1992, a series of events led my young family to move from Oklahoma back to Georgia. The move was not what we had planned! In fact, the events caused a serious financial issue and uncertainties for several months. Many times I cried out to God trying to understand the reasons why the situation occurred, which caused so much turmoil. 

However, around March of 2004, I had a realization. While I had not been toiling over the situation all those years, it hit me one afternoon. Nana died in December; than six weeks later Mom passed away. As I was grieving and processing that day, I finally understood that God knew exactly when Nana and Mom would leave this earth. He knew how I needed their guidance in the years while they were still with me and the advice that I still live by today. 

All that time, what I had thought was a bad plan, turned out to be a precious gift from God. He led me home, so that I would be only a short drive from them both. He gave me 21 years with them that I would not have had if life had followed my plan. 

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Temptation: In Need of a Sign -By Karla

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Panama City Beach or Bust

For the past 6 years, several precious friends from church have packed our bags and head south for a long weekend. Like always, I hesitated in my excitement. Those hurricanes seem to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico every Columbus Day weekend as much as I do. Even still, God has always provided some hours of sunshine to brighten our weary souls. (Red Tide and No, Karla, You Get To)

On the Road Again

Though this past weekend came with the threat of disappointment in the weather, we forged ahead. Friday at four fifteen, the car was loaded and off we zoomed to pick up Donna in Rome. Our traditional first stop, Olive Garden, always begins the weekend of feasting and fellowship.

Along the journey, we played board games that we have altered into a point system, but honestly, none of us care who wins or loses. The point of our games is to pave the path with laughter and memories. Occasionally, a forecast update was shared as we anticipated our beach time.

Beach, Here We Come

Rolling into our Panama City Beach condo spot around 12:00am, we had realized Saturday’s beach time would be shorter than we hoped. We were a little tuckered. So, we opted to sleep in a little and stroll on down around ten in the morning. Leaving our floats because we knew they would only serve as kites swirling in the wind, we decided to leisurely lie in our chairs. 

Double Red Flags

As our toes touched the sand, we noticed not one–but two red flags, which forbids swimming in the ocean. Within minutes a lifeguard was pacing down the shoreline followed by a beach patrol vehicle. Clearly marked signs protruded from the shore, demanding that beach dwellers stay out of the water and threatened arrest if a person did not comply. I have been to Panama City Beach many times over the past fifteen years, and I have never seen such safety measures. They monitored the shore all afternoon. 

PUNISHABLE BY ARREST

Donna and I discussed the incident that we observed in fear a few years ago. Though double red flags flew, a mom had her three young children in the water with her. Perhaps, it was the first time they had experienced the pleasure, which persuaded her to risk any danger, but within minutes, two of her three had swiftly drifted from her reach. She began yelling for help.

Dining at the time, we were at a distance too far to be of assistance. We watched and fretted while a man ran to the aid of the two kids. In the meantime, the mom was frantically attempting to get herself and the youngest child safely to shore. The situation was unnerving. Danger can so easily overtake sometimes.

Too Risky

Over the weekend, the four of us watched the waves bounce, swirl, and spray in a fashion I have rarely seen. While we had strong desires to swim and splash in the waves, we knew to respect the mighty strength of the warned riptide.

But, others–not so much! We watched as the on-foot lifeguard protected his stretch of the water. Over and over he stated, “Get out of the water”. When he would make his announcement, the defiers would leave the water. The patrolman would turn his back as he walked to the next perpetrators. But the people would be right back in the foamy swirls within minutes. The same scenario was happening with the patrol vehicle. As the driver drove alongside the water, her voice projected through the speaker.

“The water is closed today. Get out of the water!”

People reluctantly walked out. But as she drove away, they would return.

Tempting

As we watched the waters churn, we were delighted with a flawless work of water Fantasia. I thought of how the show seemed to taint us into its illusion of thrills. It looked so fun, so enticing, so harmlessly filled with pleasure. And yet… the riptide was rippling underneath.

To the spontaneous, the excitement was too great to simply stand on the sidelines. Still, there in plain sight was a warning. The writing on the wall could not have been any more plain! In addition, lifeguards were tirelessly urging people to stay away. Did many listen? No, the illusion was too tempting. We heard sirens in the distance.

As we shook our heads at the boldness of others in the face of danger, we discussed how God must get frustrated with us all at times like these. His word tells us to resist temptations just as clearly as the “stay out of the water” sign aims to deter the foolish swimmer. 

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:41

But nevertheless, in life, we ignore the signs of danger and are lured in by the appeal of fun. Later to find ourselves trapped in sin. We flail about desiring to be rescued. Luckily for us, God walks alongside us with a presence abundantly stronger than any lifeguard. Although He warns us many times, with His loving grace, He forgives us and guides us back to shore, where He longs for us to abide in Him.

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Drawing Nearer: Just a Closer Walk with Thee -Karla

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Sunday Night Madness

Loving music as I do, when I sing in church, I feel so close to the Lord. The songs draw me nearer to God as I prepare my heart and mind for His message. With the peace that only God can give, I always love Sunday mornings as I feel God’s spirit nestled within me. For years I longed for that peace and closeness to stay with me throughout the week until I could be in the Lord’s house again.

However, Sunday evening would rear its annoying face as I thought of Monday’s stress engulfing me like a hurricane. The weight of the undone laundry hung on my shoulders and the load of ungraded papers would leer at me from my bookbag. 

  • ungraded papers
  • laundry basket still full
  • dishes in the sink
  • floors unvacuumed

Sure enough (as Nana would say), as Monday’s sun would rise, I rushed around getting the girls and myself ready for school. I was lucky if I remembered to whisper a prayer asking Him to be with me throughout the day. As the hours ticked and Tuesday dawned, my sprint continued, hoping to survive the day. Often I would make a promise to God that I would spend some time with Him that evening, which might or might not have been kept. 

Monday Morning Rush

Sure enough (as Nana would say), as Monday’s sun would rise, I rushed around getting the girls and myself ready for school. I was lucky if I remembered to whisper a prayer asking Him to be with me throughout the day. As the hours ticked and Tuesday dawned, my sprint continued, hoping to survive the day. Often I would make a promise to God that I would spend some time with Him that evening, which might or might not have been kept. 

Hump Day and Beyond

Wednesdays were better; I knew that by dusk I would be back in church with the kids for their activities. At times, I drug myself through the motions after a long day. Still I enjoyed the Christian fellowship and felt a little recharged. 

On Thursday mornings, I might have remembered to murmur a prayer at the red light while the girls were talking in the backseat. 

Gracious! When Friday would roll around, I was beyond thankful. Saying TGIF was about as close as I got to thinking of God. 

You might think that on Saturdays I could have found time for Him, but usually I was busy sleeping late, doing chores, and chauffeuring the girls to and fro. 

Come Sunday morning, after fighting the devil to make it to church, I would feel Jesus’ peaceful presence embracing me again. 

Drawing Nearer

Why was it so difficult to feel His companionship Monday through Friday? I was like the kid dashing out of a department store, obliviously running in the parking lot with cars everywhere. Meanwhile, the mom is trying to help guide the child safely to their van. Likewise, God had been by my side trying to guide me all week, but I kept wandering around amid the hazards of life.

I roamed from daylight to dark and meandered from Monday to Saturday amid obstacles, trying to find strength and peace to survive, but discovered little. I was attempting to navigate my daily life alone, while I had put God on a shelf during the week. Yes, I acknowledged Him as I stumbled along, but I was not asking Him to travel with me holding my hand. 

Though I don’t recall the words from the sermon that prompted the desire for change, I can distinctly recall tears in my eyes as I claimed I didn’t want to walk my daily path alone ever again. I wanted Jesus nine to five, five to nine, and repeat. 

close up shot of an elderly woman reading a bible
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

The process to have Him with me in my highs and lows and everything in between was so simple. Connect everyday. 

  • Read His word
  • Talk to Him in prayer
  • Be still and know that He is God

After making a commitment to spend quality time with him each day, I have found these words to be true: “The closer your walk with God, the less room for anything to come between.” 

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Armor of God: Never Leave Home Without It -By Karla

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Dining at Cracker Barrel, Donna and I noticed an elderly man. Simultaneously, we said, “Bless his heart.” We whispered about him having to eat alone. At a second glance, I noticed he did not have his teeth in. 

Donna and I often joke about how we promise to make sure that the other does this and that or does not do this or that when we reach that certain age. Please note that I mean no disrespect to anyone who has dentures; we all have things we must deal with. (I especially mean no disrespect to Aunt Anna. She has entertained the little ones over the years by flipping hers in and out with just the push of her tongue!) 

It was no surprise to Donna that I mouthed, “Never let me leave the house, forgetting my teeth.” Of course, she agreed and added some other words that I could not hear. So, she suggested I need to buy a hearing aid and add it to the list of things I should never leave home without. I shook my head as I realized my list was getting longer; I made a mental note to add my glasses too. 

When the waitress brought his food, Donna grew concerned about him getting sore gums noticing he had ordered crispy tater tots. 

Our Mom’s List

Our conversation then wandered into the list of items our mothers made sure we were never without when in our cars. 

  • Always have a blanket in case you are stranded on the side of the road on a frigid night
  • Make sure to have a flashlight in case you need to walk at night because your car breaks down
  • Have a pair of scissors–though I am not sure why…maybe in case you meet a bear while you are walking with your blanket and flashlight! (But, honestly, those scissors have come in very handy over the years!)
person holding flashlight during nighttime
Photo by Wendelin Jacober on Pexels.com

My List

Among Mom’s advised car list, I have added a few “musts” for my purse as I have aged.

  • Yes, like the American Express commercial said, “Never leave home without it”: your credit card (It comes in handy during emergencies or if you see a really, cute little dress.)
  • Your phone cord and charger (I have learned a dead phone and worried children can be a problem.)
  • A healthy snack & a bottle of water (No one wants to hear a growling stomach in church.)
  • Safety pins (Those buttons can pop off at the most inconvenient times.)
  • Band-Aids (Nobody wants blood on their clothes.)
  • Hand sanitizer (Covid-19…Need I say more.)
  • Tissues (I’m snot kidding)
  • Lip Gloss (A shiny smile says so much.)
  • Breath mints or gum (You remember the Big Red commercial: “say goodbye a little longer.”)
  • Small tube of lotion (Who wants rough hands?)
  • Power compact (Will this oily skin ever end?)

In my young adult life, I would have included an extra tampon or pad on the list, but at my age I will have to say a clean pair of panties. Mom might have said those are needed in case of a car wreck, but I am much more concerned about getting tickled with a friend and need a pair to change into. 

 We can powder our noses, gloss our lips, stick on the Band-Aid, clean and smooth our skin, pin a hole, quench our temporary thirst, and disguise our breath, but to be prepared in life, we need more than supplies from our purse.  

The Armor of God

All kidding aside, “Mama said there would be days like this”; ones filled with the devil’s schemes. The Bible gives us a list of things never to leave home without. We must guard ourselves with… (Ephesians 6:10-18)

  • Belt of truth 
  • Breastplate of righteousness
  • Fit your feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
  • Shield of faith
  • Helmet of salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit

The armor of God is the thing to truly never leave the house without! When we make time to read God’s word, pray, and listen, we armor ourselves with a relationship with the Lord, the most important thing to never forget!

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Teachers: Not Naming Names –by Donna

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If you were a fly on the wall in a school in August, you would hear many humorous stories. Not about the students, but the teachers. Teachers have to retrain themselves, right down to our bladders. During the summer we “go” whenever the urge hits, but in school, you may be holding it a very long time. Going back to school can be exhausting: emotionally, mentally and physically. We all love our job and are thankful for summer break, but retraining our minds and bodies is difficult. Getting up early, being on your feet most of the day, and being responsible for umpteen students is exasperating at times.

I have many friends and family members who are teachers. I shan’t name any names, but these are some things that have happened the last two weeks.

Teacher Troubles

Teacher A was so tired she was asleep last night by 7, yet she overslept. But being the dedicated teacher she is, she made it on time. She came with wet hair, but whatever it takes.

Teacher B went to bed on Friday. Woke up the next morning and her contacts were not in the contact case. They were not in her eyes either. She had no recollection of even putting the contact solution in the case. Where are they? Only God knows. 

Teacher C wore her dress to school backwards. She wore it all day long before noticing.

Teacher D sprayed her hair with foaming bathroom cleaner rather than hairspray.

Teacher E drank her thermos of hot tea as she does every day. After a few hours, she thought it tasted bland and opened it up to see she had forgotten the tea bag and had only been drinking hot water all morning.

Teacher F may take the prize. Teacher F decided to have flowers delivered to her principal. But, she accidentally put her own name as the receiver. She had beautiful flowers delivered to herself! She was the giver and receiver.

National Teacher Exhaustion Month

Several years ago I was diagnosed as slightly anemic. During that time, I could barely function in the evenings. My children would tell me something important, and we would have an entire conversation about it. The next day I would have no memory of it. They began to say, “Don’t tell Mom anything after ten. She won’t remember it.” It was true. I would fall asleep in the recliner almost every night. It didn’t matter what was on TV or what was going on. That is how August is for a lot of teachers. We could name it, National Teacher Exhaustion Month.

I am thankful that God never tires. He is always wide awake. He never forgets our conversations, and never loses His focus. Our Father is never late or confused. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow–always at His best for us.

Psalms 121:4 …indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

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Trust Fall – by Karla

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1, 2, 3…jump. The preschooler leans over the vast depth of the pool water, eyes wide with excitement, trusting the loved one to catch her.

Peddling and swerving; peddling and straightening. The youngster continues, believing the parent will keep holding his bike, guiding him until he is balanced and free to continue on his own. 

The “flyer” on a cheerleading squad is tossed high above the others, trusting her teammates will be waiting below ready to protect her descend with wide open arms.

“Take the keys to the car and run to the store,” are perhaps the most exciting trust words ever spoken to the sixteen-year-old.

The Concept of Trust

As we age, trust can become more difficult. According to the dictionary, trust can be defined as having confidence, faith, or hope in someone or something.

Sadly, in today’s world, the concept of trust has grown rather weak over the years, like a man’s handshake that has been diluted into a “yeah, whatever” agreement.

Most of us have dealt with the feeling of mistrust when it comes to others. Some days, it might seem the only one you can trust is your faithful dog, but he might even run off if tempted with a juicy bone.

Christian Friends

Let me tell you, I have some wonderful Christian friends: companions who have listened to me cry, rant, cheer, and laugh. Some pals have stood with me through thick and thin. How did I get so blessed to have such truly trusted friends? I looked in the right place. I found the ones with their hands stretched out ready to serve. Although Christian friends will not be perfect, they will give of themselves to the best of their ability.

God, I thank you for your creation of Christian friendships and what they mean to me. I will end with a short summary of recent events which illustrates the kind of friend I wish for you… 

Moving Day

Donna and I were moving boxes, most were very heavy. Scorching heat steamed around 95 degrees! Arms loaded, we traipsed back and forth getting boxes and moving them to the car. At times, when we were heaving and hoeing, we laughed until we cried. We’d pick up a box and look wide-eyed at each other as if to say there’s no way we can get this box of lead into the car. Our giggles started draining even more strength from our weak and flabby arms, which usually resulted in the box dropping. Though some of our laughter left us snorting and almost having tears run down our legs, we somehow managed to get everything loaded for each trip to and fro.

While moving the contents, we often used hand trucks. Stacking the boxes higher and higher, we discussed how much the dollie could hold. Many times, Donna would say, “I’m telling you; this thing can hold a refrigerator!” So, we stacked on another box. Driving the loaded cart was not an easy task, but Donna continued to say, “This thing can hold a refrigerator!”

Somewhere along the path when I had an empty cart and exhaustion had about set in, I said, “Hop on, Donna. I’ll take you for a ride.” Her tired eyes cut to the corner, “You already pushed me and let me surf on the flat utility cart. It’s your turn!”

“You can’t push me! I replied.

Without skipping a beat, she replied, “This thing can hold a refrigerator!”

Trust Fall

“You can’t hold me.” I repeated as we continued walking in silence. I glanced over, seeing her eyes calculating my weight and her strength. Then her mouth twisted to the side. Donna has been my best friend (and cousin) for as long as I can remember. I knew the determined look: I can too! I immediately stopped the hand truck leveling to the floor and took my rightful place, standing on its flat metal platform.

Talk about a trust fall! The thought that she could NOT hold me steady never crossed my mind. She is my devout friend with whom I trust. Crossing my arms over my chest, I felt my body leaning slowly backwards, and backwards, and backwards. Uhhh, I’m not stopping!

Gradually, I reclined until I was jolted flat onto the floor. Now crashing to the ground while lying on metal might sound very painful. But when you have a good friend, she will do everything in her power to protect you. And that is exactly what Donna did. She broke the fall and went down with me.

Then we just sat and laughed and laughed.

Trust God

God is the ultimate trust. He, and He alone, will never fail us.

  •  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
  • “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” Psalm 125:1

God is so good to us, being available 24/7. However, He knows His creation well. He knew we would need fellowship. He knows we need someone that we can physically see. Thus, Christian friendship was born.

*Even if you totally trust your friend, human strength can give way. However, trust in God, for He will NEVER fail you. 

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Starting Over –by Donna

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Starting over is not always easy. It is frustrating to be in the middle of something and realize it’s not working, leaving you to go back to square one. Like when you type that really long text to a friend, then you notice you forgot to hit send. But when you go back, it is gone! Then you have to start all over again.

As a teacher, I see this often. A child may turn in a paper, and it is clear they did not understand what to do. Many times the assignment is a cut and paste, so the glue has dried, and there is no way to correct it. When I explain to the student it has to be redone, I usually get one of three reactions. Some students will angrily crush up their paper, throw it down and stomp back to the seat to sulk a few minutes. They do it over, but with no joy. The second is the one who fights the tears. They have worked so hard, only to see their work trashed. But, they go back and try again. They make sure to take it slow and steady this time, ensuring they don’t make the same mistake twice. Then there’s the third type of reaction. These are the children who say “Oh, I get it now”, and take it as a challenge. Excitedly, they realize the opportunity to do it over.

A Difficult Process

Adults sometimes find themselves in this scenario when it’s no fault of their own. It might be starting over with finances, new relationships, or new jobs. Over the past few years, I have watched a lot of people trying to start anew in some aspect of life. As an adult, I too have discovered, it is a difficult process. We think we have our future all planned out, however for various reasons, we find ourselves back at a starting block. When it’s time to take that first step into the new, we often react just as the students do.

Like the Angry Child

Thus, sometimes we get angry. I should not have to be doing this. This is a result of someone else’s choices. Why did I have to be put in this situation? We stew about it, and that is okay. But anything that stews too long, becomes mush. If we let our minds and hearts become mushy with negativity and worry, we will start over lacking joy. We will constantly be looking for the next mistake. We will always be reflecting on what was wrong instead of looking for what is right. Instead, look to Him. God will provide a starting line. In His omniscient power, He will not only be running beside you, but also be in front leading and behind pushing, all at the same time.

Like the Child in Tears

Other times we find ourselves being the child with the tears. It is so hard to watch long-term plans and accomplishments fall apart. Fear and heartbreak causes us to start over at a snail’s pace. We may move slowly because we don’t want to make the same mistakes and have yet another do over. Perhaps, the fear could be that we don’t believe we are worthy of a second chance. There is also the possibility that we are scared, worrying about what others think? However, God sees us as valuable. Shouldn’t His opinion be held in higher esteem than any others. When we measure ourselves against someone else’s standards, we set ourselves up for failure.

Like the “I Get It” Child

Remember the child who says “Oh, I get it now”, and takes it as a challenge, excited to have the opportunity to do it over?

We often have to be like the first two students before we can say, “Oh, I get it now”, taking the situation as an opportunity for renewal. God isn’t going to just leave you where you are. He will provide ways for you to overcome and move on. He will equip you and make you strong.

Get angry if you must, have a good cry, but allow God to move you forward. The times when you’ll learn the most from life will often be the times when you’ve been the most disappointed. However, do not put a period where God has put a comma. God is not done, and your story isn’t over. 

In the words of Danny Gokey’s Song: “ ‘Cause your story’s far from over, and your journey’s just begun.”

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Guidance: Need Glasses? -Karla

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I can’t hit the broadside of a barn, and that’s not much of an exaggeration. As a child, I spent hours trying to get the ball through the net instead of just tapping the backboard. I had little success, but I really did not know why it was so difficult for me.

In fifth grade, Mrs. McCarter was one of my beloved teachers. However, she unintentionally mortified me the day she called on me to read the words projected onto the screen from the film strip. Growing up, I struggled with reading, but that day’s issue was not caused by the words themselves. I began stumbling to read, attempting to have some dignity. However, Mrs. McCarter stopped me dead in my tracks! “Karla, can you see the words?” She questioned me loudly—because I think she was shocked. I was sitting in the front row! I had no idea that the letters were blurry to me because I never realized others could see differently than I did.

Poor Vision Clouds our Thoughts

Isn’t that the way we are in life at times? Successfully navigating through our day to day is not always an easy task. We think we can see with 20/20 vision when making decisions in how we act and how we react. However, many times our poor vision clouds our thoughts. Decision-making doesn’t rank up there among my favorite things to do. Often, I find myself walking forward without guidance, or taking the time to process and clearly view what is ahead.  

Some routes are crowded with many people making the decision to move in the direction that appears obvious. However, how can I know the amount of brush and briars that lay ahead if I have judged my course by its popularity? Yet, often I choose this avenue finding myself tangled within its snares. Trapped, I am left wishing I had taken the time to look for pitfalls before my journey began.

I Need Guidance

Some of life’s situations leave me at a standstill gazing up at the scarecrow. Unlike Oz with only two trails, that lead to a great destination, my options seem too many to choose from. I want that straw man to point out the perfect path for my travels. I want it to be that simple—just walk forward until the road forks—have the brainless bag of fluff show me where to merge. Plenty of times, I have done just that! My vision was blurred and I allowed others, who show no proof of triumph skills, to influence my wanderings. Then I did not watch where I was going and proceeded until I strayed, from the desired path God had for my life.

I think the best guidance is found in Matthew 7:14 (ESV): “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Where is the way to this gate?

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

The narrow path is not always easy and far less popular. Though there is no road on this earth that is totally free of brambles, I have learned the narrow path gives us more peace because it is where God wants us to be.

It’s an E!

Mom practically drug me to the eye doctor, and Mrs. McCarter was right! The optometrist presented another filmstrip that I couldn’t read. He kept scrolling and scrolling the crank producing larger and larger letters for me to see. Mom sat in the parent chair totally stunned. When no other film could be fed through the machine, I sheepishly shared, “Well, it’s an E, but only because I know the E is the largest letter on an eye chart.”

For the first eleven years of my life I walked around in a distorted and blurred world while hindrances were piled in my paths. Glasses became my lifesaver! Likewise, God’s Holy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

For without God’s guidance we are blind, but in reading His word and following His ways, we now can see!

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God’s Directions: International Harvester- by Donna

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Self-confidence is not a strength of mine. Last year I decided that once a month, I was going to do something I had never done before. A few of the things I have accomplished are: participating in a 5K (I walked!), going to the beach alone, and riding an escalator. (Now I don’t mean the normal way; I rode down on the side rail.) Perhaps the most surprising thing I did was karoke. Karla and I sang “Wild Thing, you make my heart sing… ” at a church Valentine banquet.

This weekend I was at my older brother’s house. He had to leave around lunch to bale hay. Wishing he had some help, he half-jokingly said, “I don’t reckon you could help bale? Can you drive a tractor?” Well, when opportunity presents itself, take it. There’s a first time for everything.

Following Directions

To begin with, he named the various parts of the tractor. I pretty much blocked it all out except the KILL switch. That one sounded important, in case of an emergency. Next, he TOLD me what to do. As he described my mission, I felt overwhelmed. I am a visual learner. “Show me; don’t tell me.” So, he did. I stood on the edge of the tractor’s running board while he drove around the field. He showed me how to maneuver the lift and when the hay rake needed to go up and down. He explained that we were moving the hay into rows and it was important to keep the rows straight. Straight rows make it easier to bale. After completing two laps, he jumped off the tractor, and I sat behind the wheel. He headed across the field, got on the other tractor, and left me to fly solo. 

I putted along, replaying his instructions in my head. Now, when was I supposed to turn around and retrace the row? How soon do I drop the hay rake after turning? I worried I was going to screw up. Sometimes as I looked behind me, I smiled at my nice straight rows. But other times I would glance back and see what looked like a large, golden snake!

God’s Directions

Driving in nature for four hours gave me a lot of time to think. I thought about how this process is like life. Like my brother who was giving me guidance, God gives us direction in life. We travel along the straight path He intends for us. But sometimes we look back at life and wonder how our path got so crooked! I worried that my brother would be disappointed at the rows that were squiggly, but he was patient, and encouraging. “You’re doing good!” God is the same way. He doesn’t expect perfection. He expects us to listen to his instructions and try our best to stay on the straight path.

Hold On Tight

After cutting a flat portion, we moved on to the larger, unsteady side of the field. He motioned for me to stop. He hopped in the driver’s seat of MY tractor, and I again stood on the running board to watch. This ride wasn’t as smooth, and I was holding on for dear life at times. When we drove over a slanted area, I worried the tractor would flip. My brother reassured me as he simply replied, “it won’t.” Doesn’t God do the same for us? When the ride of life becomes bumpy, he takes the wheel for a while. Even though it seems scary at times, we must trust he knows what He is doing. We have two choices: hold on to His hand or let go. Now as I stood holding on tightly, I thought of the alternative. If I get tired and let go, I will either fall forward and be run over by the wheel or fall backward and be torn to shreds by the hay rake. Holding tight was the better choice, as it is with God.

My brother kept driving for a while. I began to get tired of waiting and standing. I wanted control of the wheel. Why isn’t he letting me drive? Around and around we went. But when I stopped wanting to take control and just looked around, I took in the beauty I was missing. Sometimes God just lets you ride along enjoying his blessings; giving you time to refresh in Him.

Trust God

When I was back in the driver’s seat, I was relaxed. The second time was easier. I bounced around while singing “International Harvester” in my head. To begin with, every dip seemed like a valley and every small hill a mountain. But I began to trust the path. When you first start walking with God, the ups and downs may seem so extreme. But when you get used to trusting Him, the highs and lows don’t seem so magnified. You can roll with the punches.

Sometimes God will put you in a situation you weren’t prepared for. I was sporting my new, cute sandals and my manicured toes. I had on a nice summer outfit, makeup, and contacts. In the end, my feet were sunburned, my makeup was smeared, my contacts itched, and my clothes covered in dust. But sometimes you have to get down and dirty to get where God wants you to be in life.

In the end, it didn’t matter how straight or squiggly the rows I worked were, or how fluffy or scattered the hay was. They all resulted in a beautiful hay bale that was going to go to good use. It could be nourishment for cows, decorations for homes, fun hayrides for kids, or many other things. No matter how many straight or curvy rows you have in life, God can make something beautiful, and He can use you.

As the day ended and I hopped off the tractor, my brother said, “I give you an 80.”  Not too shabby for a first try! I’ll take it! (I may have been counted off for lifting the hay bale too high, while sitting on a slope, which could have flipped the tractor, which scared my brother to death!)

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Listening to God: Follow the Leader—by Karla

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The Game

This game is not my favorite! I always felt like there was too much pressure on me to “think up” something everyone would want to do. Then I would have to hope they were following me and enjoying the actions. It’s not like I had eyes in the back of my head (like Mom did) to see people’s facial expressions. Yes, I liked words of affirmation, or at least looks of affirmation and still do! 

Birth Order

You might be familiar with some reports of birth order studies and the middle child. Third among four girls in my family, I am a peacemaker. I think I got a double dosage. My adult dad had nicknames for us: Lynn (The Boss), Gail (The Planner), me (The Sweet One), and Julie (The Princess). These names so fit us! 

Growing up, I did not have to worry about being a leader much because The Boss did her job very well. Though we kid her often, she did and does her job effortlessly. Next in line is The Planner, and my, my…she is an expert at her job too. With the two of them ahead of me in line, I learned to follow well. (By the way, The Princess’ job is performed perfectly.)

As my girls were in their young years, I directed the preschool choir. Let me say that I use the word “directed” mighty loosely. My duties consisted of finding fun little songs about Jesus, singing them with the kids, banging on a few instruments now and then, making movements to music, and praying with them. (Side note: My favorite request was praying for a Mom’s nose.)

Preschool Choir

One Wednesday evening, we were playing Follow the Leader. My job was to lead the kids around the room moving to the various instrument sounds. I turned my head slightly making sure the kids were repeating my actions. To my dismay, one boy had his hand in front of his face. Perplexed, I watched him trying to figure out what he was doing. Low and behold! He was attempting to protect himself from the possibility of my big butt trying to smush him! (Another reason why the game was never my favorite –even as an adult.)

Mom taught us the importance of being a team. She often declared, “Girls, we will make it or break it as a team.” Teams consist of leaders and followers, without both, there is no team. Mom ingrained the importance of being a good follower, one who cares, maintains, listens to directions, and supports! 

Mom’s Words

I cannot imagine being a single mom of four when we were all in our teenage years. There must have been many days when fret and frustration would almost overtake her. During these times, Mom exclaimed another one of her frequent saying of “Get behind me, Satan.” 

One of my favorite attention grabbing, church signs reads, “If you give Satan an inch, he will take over as your ruler.” I want to be a good follower, but not one of Satan’s. No one I know purposely says or acts in a way that allows Satan to take charge! But in my lifetime, I have known many who have unconsciously permitted Satan to acquire them one act at a time.

Following the One, True Leader

In a time where sin runs rampantly, we cannot consent to casually walking along, meandering here and there. We must proceed with diligence—asking God to be our leader. Then, we must follow The Ultimate Leader!

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