I heavily contemplated rethinking this decision the moment I walked outside …27degrees?!? I was visiting my sister up near the Cape in Massachusetts during winter, it wasn’t snowing but it was Christmastime and I was on vacation. The equation looked like this: extra sugar, extra snacks →extra exercise?? Well, I settled for at least some exercise. Being from South Florida, I either forgot how cold it was or was suddenly delusional, because the bright idea for a quick run seemed foolish the minute I stepped into that cold brisk air. I hesitated in the driveway as I considered returning to the warmth I had apparently grown accustomed to inside. A solid minute passed, which only made me feel cooler as I stood still in my thoughts as the chilly wind continued to threaten my outdoor plans. And then I pushed through – I told myself if I don’t try I definitely won’t do this. So I did. I tried. And off I went, and as I began to warm up and eventually settle into my pace the chill of the air became a comfort as the heat from my run came over me. What was once a deterrent in the same environment, under different circumstances, was now a resource. Trekking the elevated terrain of the neighborhood didn’t make for my “best” run, but it certainly made for one of my most memorable runs. I’m glad I pushed through. What are you going to PUSH THROUGH in 2015??”
Category: Blog
Do not be anxious about anything
I remember writing this verse on the board one day when I used to teach. I got halfway through when I gained a deeper understanding of what this passage was really saying. There is purpose in how the text is presented. “Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation with prayer communicating and petition asking WITH THANKSGIVING being thankful for what He gives even before it’s given present your requests to God.”
This is where a deeper sense of trust is built – in being thankful IN ADVANCE for however He will respond because we trust He knows best.
“…And the peace of God which transcends all understanding it may not even make sense will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Go. Ask. Thank. And claim your peace. Simple formula right?? I dare you to try it the next time anxiety comes knocking for attention…
Jesus take the Wheel
Jesus took the wheel.
So this happened this morning on the highway. I could talk about the damage but I’d rather tell you about the Covering.
After barely avoiding hitting a car that was entering the far left lane from a stop, another vehicle that was trying to avoid hitting me, lost control and clipped us from the front sending us spinning. With my son screaming in terror, I heard myself repeating over and over to him, “You’re okay, you’re okay, we’ll be okay.” Instinct set in as the car continued to spiral — my focus was on calming him down & gaining control of the car. As much as I was repeating those words oddly enough – very calmly – in those moments I knew I had no guarantee as we were in grave danger of hitting a guard rail very soon if I could not gain control. Suddenly our vehicle stopped spinning. We were okay – Jesus had taken the wheel.
Multiple local officers were on the scene immediately to offer help until the Florida Highway Patrol arrived. While trying to coordinate a tow truck, insurance info & a rental car, I received a text from my good friend telling me she had passed the scene, pulled over, was just yards in front of me and was waiting to give us a ride. I had the car towed to another friend who managed a body shop and was in a rental within a matter of a few hours of what could have been a very different ending.
Jesus had us covered.
I do not take it for granted that today our lives were spared. I can only defer to God’s sovereignty and I am in curious anticipation of what part of His plan tomorrow will bring.
Joycy Ann Unplugged 