The One Where My Car Started Smoking

This post could alternately be titled, "I Need Coffee".

Or maybe "It's Only Tuesday."

But probably a better one would be "God Is Good."

Because He is. All. The. Time.


This weekend was glorious - beautiful weather, a walk-slash-run with the Mister, and a little bit of house hunting (WHAT!!!!).

We had a nice spread, too, on Saturday for breakfast. I mean, can you PICTURE cinnamon roll French toast?

I didn't think so. So here's a fancy schmancy picture for your eyes to enjoy.


((fooled ya! picture coming soon!))


On Sunday, the weather was so gorgeous we decided to take a drive over to a nearby neighborhood and rolled the windows down to enjoy the sunshine. I love how our conversation primarily centered around how pretty it was that day despite the stink of our city.

I distinctly remember it going something like this:

"Wow this area smells bad. Is that really outside or did we leave food in here last night? It smells like eggs!"
"It smells like maple syrup!"
"Like BURNED maple syrup!"
"Did we eat anything with syrup?"
"I spilled shrimp and grits on pants last night." (<- seriously)
"But it doesn't SMELL like shrimp and grits!"
"Was there syrup in the grits?"
"No, but there was honey on your chicken!"
"I ate all my chicken, though."
"IT'S THE CAR! IT'S RUNNING HOT!!!! TURN ON THE HEATER!"***


Detectives, that we are.

Let me tell you how GOOD the Lord is. This neighborhood was right across the highway from AutoZone. The car died at a stop sign but we were able to crank it enough to coast into the parking lot as smoke started coming from the hood.

My poor little car. Poor, poor thing.

Our AutoZone guy checked it out and was able to help us fix it enough to get us home, but told us there was a bigger problem and that a mechanic needed to see it ASAP.

Monday's verdict? (according to Joe the Mechanic)

A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK.

CRAAAAAACKED.

Basically, my little Honda baby needs a whole new engine. So back and forth we went, weighing the options, trying to decide what to do. Hubs so graciously offered to be my chauffeur so OF COURSE I immediately picture a scene from Driving Miss Daisy because THIS IS HOW MY MIND WORKS:

Feel free to click HERE if you'd like some audio to go along with this visual.


UPDATE: I've JUST DECIDED that the Miss Daisy tune is the theme song for our morning commute. Things are about to get crazy, people. We know how to party.


So needless to say, it's been an interesting couple of days. Those of us that do not fully understand the language and the workings of the car (read: me) and those of us who better understand such things (read: Hubs and Joe the Mechanic) have had some decisions to make. Nothing really felt like the right thing to do, and it's kind of stressed Those Of Us Who Do Not Understand out.

Earlier today I just said a quick little prayer, asking the Good Sweet Lord if he would show us what to do, because I sure didn't have a clue.

And then I called my dad, because he's a pretty swell guy. And because that's just what I do when I'm confused. He talked me down, told me to get back to work and everything would be fine.

And you know what? It was fine. Things got better than fine.

Because less than an hour later, we find out that my car has an EXTENDED WARRANTY that will cover the replacement! Despite the overall warranty being expired, there's a place in it that says the engine is covered for things like this.

God's timing is perfect. PERFECT.

Stay tuned for the rrrrrrrrrest of the story in the next update.

I hope you have a happy Monday Thursday Tuesday (or whatever day it happens to be now).

But for everything else, let's remember to take our burdens to the Lord. And leave them there.

Joey+Rory: Leave It There

***Side note: If your car ever starts running hot, it helps to roll down the windows, then turn the heater on. Wise words from my padre.

A Weekend Challenge

That's right -- two posts in ONE WEEK.

Whhhhhhhhaaaaaaaattttt.

I'm jumpin' back in the bloggin' biz!

Can I say that? Too weird? Not for me.

What can I say? It's FRIDAY, folks! And Fridays are fun. Always. You know why? Oh, I'll tell you.

Jeans. It's Jean Day at work.

At a place where one must "dress professionally" at all times, I welcome the chance to wear flats and jeans. It makes getting ready in the morning so much faster and enjoyable.

Truth?

My dream job would allow me to wear gym clothes (running shorts and yoga pants? Hey-oh!) or scrubs on a daily basis without having to do gross things like give people shots all day. I'm a wimp.

I've literally googled "medical jobs that don't involve blood" at one point in the not-so-long-ago past. Results didn't WOW me as planned, so therefore I must stick with what I know and KNOW that I do not need to deal with blood or insides every day.

For those of you that do, however, I salute you. And I'm not even kidding.

...

Thoughts for today:

I recently attended a meeting where the topic was "civility" in the workplace, and the subject quickly transitioned to civility in life in general. There were some really interesting points made - things like, when did become so acceptable to interact with people (friends and family, mainly) almost exclusively online rather than in person? Do people even call one another anymore, or is text and social media the norm?

What about meeting up in person and having an actual conversation? Are manners even a thing anymore?

Someone mentioned that the constant online activity is really affecting our ability to communicate, and we're slowly forgetting what it means to be civil or social. If you're unsure what I mean, take a look at any one article or story online. It could be a lighthearted, positive story, yet the comments section will be filled with negativity. It's hard for me to believe that this kind of activity won't flow into our everyday life.

We found the phrase "Each one influence one," which struck a chord with me. Every day, our actions affect not only ourselves, but those that we encounter throughout the day. An angry status update, a snarky comment to someone you love (guilty!), an annoyed tone while talking to the cashier - even small, seemingly insignificant things can have a large (negative) impact.

So today, I'm challenging YOU, invisible Internet friends!

Let's make an effort each day to do something positive - whether to someone or for someone. Maybe instead of giving in to the normal early morning grouchy mood (again, guilty!), maybe stand up and stretch and tell someone "good morning" with a smile. Let someone behind you at the grocery store with fewer items go ahead of you. Maybe NOT scream in frustration when a car cuts in front of you without a blinker (<-working on it). Be that person that people like to talk to - WANT to talk to - rather than someone others dread even asking a question.

Whatever the case may be, let's strive to be a better version of ourselves - I have a feeling life may be a tad bit easier to handle that way.

Happy Weekend, folks!


Question:

What is something positive that you can do this weekend?

Bless the Lord, O my soul

Well folks, here we are again -- one more Friday almost under our belts and we're that much closer to breathing a {small and humble} sigh of relief. It feels as though these past few Fridays have been few and far between, but we're making it.

It is my hope that this post will bring some encouragement today. I feel like it's so easy to slip into the mindset that we don't need encouragement - that we're good on our own. We work 40+ hours a week, hit the gym like nobody's business, plan meals, clean house, grocery shop, and the like. Sometimes we're in a routine - a good routine - where we're busy, or maybe not so busy, but we're managing and comfortable.

But then sometimes that routine gets interrupted, and sometimes we don't handle stress or change or interruptions very well. And we realize that we need something (or someone, or both) positive in our lives to remind us that, really, everything will be okay - it's just a season.

I'm not going to lie, the past few weeks have been somewhat of a challenge - between a chaotic time at work, starting to train for another race, after hours work events, and a few other side projects, I've felt a tad (<- this is used VERY loosely) frazzled and unfocused.

There have been too many times where I've felt that it's almost too much to even try to hold it together and press forward. There have been too many mornings where I let stress, worry and anxiety keep me from getting a grip and facing the day. Too many mornings where I let myself feel too weak and overwhelmed to get out of bed on time in the mornings.

I knew every time I felt sad, down, overwhelmed, and such that it was me...the problem was ME. I was getting in my own way and I just needed to snap out of it and press on. Apart from the challenges, there were so many good things happening around me, and I was letting myself miss out on it all and continued to feel beat down and, frankly, tired.

Enter in the Lord:

"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."

- Psalm 37:24 (KJV)

I was led to this verse this afternoon and it was a great reminder that, yes, we're going to go through seasons that are good, and seasons that are trying and hard -- but even when we fall, when we feel that we've failed worse than ever - we won't be cast down forever. We won't stay there forever -- because God is there. And He will help us get up again.

"They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way: they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them out of their distresses."

Psalm 107: 4-6

Over lunch today, I had a desperate desire to just open up my Bible and read. Sure I've read devotionals in the morning and read a verse here and there before bed every once in awhile, but I haven't really read like I should. One thing that stood out to me, almost immediately, in this verse was the word "solitary." They wandered in a "solitary" way; they wandered alone, basically. I think we can all agree that, when you're down, "alone" is not exactly a fun feeling.

And another thing -- they "wandered." They had no direction. They had no idea where they were or where they were going. They were just wandering in the wilderness. I don't know about you, but feelings of stress and anxiety only escalate when I can't see a purpose -- when the chaos makes no sense or has no direction...when I'm really not sure if it will be "worth it" once I've reached whatever I'm trying for.

A job may not feel "right," but the thought of leaving feels wrong, too. People seem to be WAY too critical lately, and you're tired of feeling bad about yourself. You're working late but still hitting the gym afterwards and still not seeing the results you want. And all this healthy eating and "cutting back" just makes you want a gooey brownie topped with loads of ice cream (and sprinkles - always sprinkles) washed down with a double-chocolate mocha latte frozen with full-fat milk and a shot of expresso, because what's the point?

Sometimes it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"...Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses."

What wonderful assurance. He hasn't forgotten, nor will he ever forget us.

When we look to God - when CRY to Him - He's there. And I'm not talking about the "Hey God, can you fix this real quick? Because I'm stuck and all but I'm still going to try to dig my way out of this, too" kind of mindset. I mean fully, completely, totally giving it up to God. His timing is perfect - we may not be able to see the end of our trials, but He's already got it covered.

He will uphold us with His hand. And he will NEVER leave or forsake us.

And when we fail, when we screw up and make an even bigger mess? He still loves us.

"But he giveth more grace."

James 4:6 *

Our struggles have a purpose. There is a reason for the stress, the anxiety, the frustration - it's only a season, and it will get better.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: 

and all that is within me, bless his holy name."

Psalm 103:1

*James comes right after Hebrews in the New Testament, b-t-dubs. Why do I ALWAYS forget where James is?

One Day at a Time

Almost two years ago, I signed up to receive a daily devotional from Proverbs 31 ministries. I love it, and I look forward to seeing it in my inbox every day when I get to work.

Today's devotional really touched me and I can't help but post it on here. It's so easy to get so "caught up" in life and feel overwhelmed. I know many of us are struggling with decisions, to-do lists, workloads, and more - and it's easy to start to wonder how, in the world, will we be able to handle next week, next month, and so on?

As far as work goes, my mind is already in October, November and January - juggling a few projects and trying to stay ahead so I can really enjoy a real vacation in the coming weeks. Mix that with a few last-minute details for the wedding, and I have no idea what's going to happen.

Thankfully, though, the Lord does.

And he's got it.

There's an old hymn I grew up singing, and still sing in church today -- but no matter what, it still rings true.

One day at a time, sweet Jesus...

that's all I'm asking from you...

Just give me the strength

to do every day

what I have to do.

...So for my sake,

Lord teach me to take

one day at a time.

Thoughts of tomorrow may make us cringe. Thinking of next month may overwhelm us.

And thinking of everything in between may make it hard to breathe.

Good news is, though...God's got it under control.

While we may know this, it can be difficult to remember when you're caught up in a situation. Trust me on this, I know how that feels.

But take it from someone who has {almost} come out on the other side.

It's going to be okay. One way or the other. It won't be like this forever.

There are days where I have no idea what to do. Like the writer says below, we all long to hear God's voice audibly, telling us FOR SURE what to do.

But that's not always the case; we're not always sure. But somewhere, at some point, there will be that still, small voice calling you - leading you - in the way that you should go.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

-Psalm 31:24

I'm thankful for you today.

Today's Devotion:

September 12, 2013 Should I Quit? Lysa TerKeurst

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

We all have those times we wish the voice of God would audibly speak so loudly there's no way we could miss it: "THIS IS THE DIRECTION I WANT YOU TO GO." Then we'd know whether to stay the course or head in a new direction.

Have you ever wished for this kind of certainty?

I have.

Most of us want to know what to do. Without that confidence, sometimes we stay in a place too long. But the greater loss happens in those times we quit too soon. Then, we can live with this nagging sense of "what if?" What if I'd persevered one more year, one more month, one more day?

Knowing when to stop and when to keep on keeping on is a crucial life lesson. One I want to learn well. Often, the more I struggle on my own, the less confident I am with the right next step. It's exhausting!

But the truth is, I don't need to be confused or tired. There is one central place I can go for direction and rest. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus encourages us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

I used to get so frustrated with this verse because I thought, I don't want rest. I want reassurance! I'm burdened by this decision I have to make. I don't want to mess up by missing a cue from You, God.

But the rest Jesus offers is not a spiritual sleep aid. The Greek word for this kind of rest is anapauo which has as one of its definitions, "of calm and patient expectation."

In other words, Jesus is saying if you come to Me, I will take your exhaustion and uncertainty and turn it into a calm expectation.

But how?

My friend Jennifer Rothschild does this enlightening exercise at some of her conferences. She tells the audience to imagine her writing two different words on a large chalkboard. She then speaks the letters as she draws the first word into the air ... R-E-S-T. She does the same for the second word ... R-E-S-I-S-T. Then she asks what is the difference?

The difference is, of course, "I."

I don't know what to do. I can't figure this out. I'm worn out. I've tried everything I know to do. I've given all I have to give.

I'm familiar with these "I" statements because I've said them myself.

We can only find anapauo rest — fresh hope — as we stop running ragged and simply take on the next assignment Jesus gives.

In verse 29 of Matthew 11, Jesus gives us the assignment: to take on His yoke and learn from Him. Ask Jesus to show you how to rest in Him. It might mean sitting quietly, asking others to join you in prayer or clearing your calendar to read the Word. Once you're still, take the next step. Not ten steps. Not the whole path. Not the Google map with the highlighted route. Just the next step. You'll know it because it'll be in line with God's character and His Word.

Complete that step with excellence and an open, humble heart. Listen and look for all Jesus wants to teach you in this next step.

This is your part of the equation.

But after the assignment comes the reassurance in verse 30, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." We don't have to have all the answers. We just have to stay connected to the One who does. Where our strength ends is the exact point where His will begins.

This is God's part of the equation.

I must do all I can do. Then trust God will do what only He can do.

Should I stay? Should I go? Maybe the better question is, "God, what is the next step I'm to take today? I'm going to do my part. And trust the rest to You."

Dear Lord, I am tired, and I can't figure things out. Please help me see Your part in this equation. Where my strength ends is where Your will begins. Help me, Lord, to look to You for my very next step. I will wait in calm expectation. In Jesus' Name, amen.