Tough Day Relief

We all have those days and sometimes weeks when it seems everything that can go wrong does.

I have been experiencing that ever since I came home from my trip.

First I was totally exhausted from driving the 1100 miles one way from Oklahoma with only Eli as my company. Eli is great and I love traveling with him, but let’s face it he’s a dog. He sleeps 15 or more hours a day.

He couldn’t stay awake more than 30 min the entire 2 day trek. He woke up only when we stopped to get gas and go potty.

We finally did make it home and the only thing I wanted to do was take a long hot bath and go to sleep. After running my water, I realized it was a bit colder than it should be. You guessed it: my hot water heater went out.

So as tired as I was; I had to find a Plummer to come look at it and fix it on a holiday weekend.

I also had all my Easter cooking to do. Ever try cooking with no water?

Turns out my 15 year old water heater finally decided to give up the ghost. So no quick fix here and off to the store with the Plummer to buy a new expensive hot water heater.

We find the right one, wait over an hour for the store to get a lift to get it off the top rack (Holiday weekend) finally we get it home and he can begin the install process.

I go in to take care of what I can without water while he installs. Long story short after many, many hours later and several broken pipes mended and replaced it’s finally finished.

The cost alone normally would have sent me over the roof but the fact that the Plummer is the one who actually broke all the pipes we had to replace really was hard to take.

I had a choice to make. Demonstrate good Christian faith and love; or give him heck over the bill his time and the costs of replacing everything that he actually broke.

This man did give up his entire Easter Saturday working to help me out when many would not.

It was also clear to me from our conversations he was not a Christian and after all day with me.. He knew I was. ) dilemma.. Prayer…Prayer…

I’m really trying to live according to the word. God knows all our trials and what we can handle and I know He has a reason for this. This was an obvious chance for me to grow and show the same grace and love to others just as it’s given to me so freely.

So I will not be angry and dispute over the bill. I also refuse to worry about the cost. God’s got this.

I was polite, nice and gave him a copy of my book. Along with my check.

My book is filled with scripture and has my personal testimony as well as scripture telling someone how to find the way to eternal life and freedom from sins bondage.

He left happy and with a good impression of what Christian love looks like. Jesus not me.

The old me, would have argued and come out with a reduced bill and no witness. Trust me, I’m not bragging here. Just trying to get you to understand we do always have options and God only God can change us as He has me.

I had e a wonderful Easter with family and on Monday after my long drive I’m due an oil change. I go in to my normal place and after 10 min they come out and tell me “My oil pan has a leak and is broken. They can’t change the oil without replacing it.

I see dollar signs and but have no choice. I replace it and get the oil change. At this point, I’m thinking “really Lord” I try and figure out what’s he’s trying to teach me.

I was just nice to the Plummer and even planted seeds with our talk and my book and now a broken oil pan.

Yes I do talk to the Lord out loud. I’m respectful but blunt and it’s ok. Because He knows me He made me. He understands my frustrations. I’m not perfect and never will be. But I have to be honest. He knows my feelings anyway.

I then realize we are studying Romans in BSF. It’s all about faith, trust, love and really everything you need to know and practice for a good Christian walk.

Reading and studying are one thing, but actually living it and putting it into practice. Well let’s just say takes practice. Lots of practice. So I chose to refuse to worry and keep a smile on my face and thank the AAA guys for fixing my car.

My bank account is dwindling so fast, I can hear it pouring out faster than the oil leak.

But again I remind myself: God knows what I need and when I need it. The only way I can really talk about a faith walk is actually living it.

Trust me the last 3 ½ years have been total faith walking. But you know what God is good and I have not wanted for anything.

He has blessed me way more than I can count. I am spending quality time with my family I never had before. I am teaching and training my granddaughter in the ways of the Lord. She is learning so much and memorizing scripture! What a blessing!

I may not have the money to spend freely as I once did. I have to budget and trust me the above two incidents were not in the budget But I have peace that passes all understanding. I really do understand who has me in the palm of His hands.

No matter what you are facing today financial, work, family.. I urge you to not worry. Give it to God. He’s waiting to help you ask Him to carry your burden.

Some scriptures that really help me and are worth memorizing are:

Philippians 4:6- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known to the Lord.

Don’t sweat the big or small stuff. Call on God and give it to Him. Trust Him to handle it. I’m telling you He will. There is also no limit. He wants to hear from you.

Another good one is:

Psalm 46:1- God is my refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

We have a helper. Use Him!

Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Him who give me strength.

We can’t do this life on our own. But with God’s help and learning to let Him be Lord over our lives. Every part of our lives. He can and will give us the strength we need when we need it.

Psalm 28:7- The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.

I hope this helps to alleviate your minds some and put them back on the things that matter. Enjoy your family both church and home. We may not have tomorrow.

We all can walk this road together. Let’s encourage each other and stop sweating the wrinkles of life. We’ll all be better for it.

Be Blessed! Now on to paying my taxes.

I love you Lord, You got this!