Keep Asking

A storm was brewing and everyone was in a hurry to leave work that day. I was no exception and jumped in my car with thoughts of getting home quickly. There was a sinking feeling as I turned the key in the ignition and it only buzzed. I quickly grabbed one of the guys to help me before they all disappeared. Charging the battery didn't seem to help so a couple guys quickly rolled it into the shop, where it would be safe from the storm, and I took him up on the offer to go home with him till the storm passed.  

We found his wife and kids and another friend and her kids huddled in a bedroom in the basement. Tornadoes had been spotted and were heading our way. An hour or so later when we emerged from the basement, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining. We were very glad the storm had passed us by without significant damage.  We went back to check on my car and it miraculously started! I went on home with a happy heart. 

But this was only the beginning of numerous incidents of my car randomly not starting. It happened 2 weeks later and only started when I was told to step on the brake. It ran for a day and the next evening wouldn't start. That time I got it started by shifting gears. After 2 weeks of it running smoothly, I was starting to relax, and then it happened again! I had read that the security system can cause issues with Chevy Impalas randomly not starting so I turned off the alarm system and it started right up. Two days later, as I was leaving work, I heard the, now familiar, buzz. I felt I was supposed to ask a co-worker to help me and he got it started after much shifting of gears. 

I don't know what is wrong with my car. It still isn't fixed but this is what I am learning. There were 5 times my car wouldn't start. Every time God showed me what to do, but every time it was something different. And the next time it didn't start, the word from the previous time didn't work. 

God works differently in every situation. What worked last time might not be for this time. Keep listening and he will show you. There is fresh manna every day. You can't save it up from one day to the next. Do you know why? He doesn't work by formulas. He wants relationship. He wants us to keep asking!

Keep your ear pressed against his chest to hear his heart for you!

Of Phone Cases and Proverbs 31 Women

For some time I've been wanting to get a case for my new phone. Today seemed to be the day to sit down and take a look at what's out there.

As I soon as I saw it, I knew... it was mine!

And God said, "This is who I am calling you to be, Pauline." 

Instead of shame and disgrace he gives me strength and dignity. Anxiety and worry are replaced with no fear of the future because I KNOW my God and my life is safe in his hands. 

I've often heard women say they don't like the "Proverbs 31" woman. She sounds unrealistic and unattainable. How could they ever measure up? But I've secretly liked her ever since I found the verse (22) that says, "...she is clothed in fine linen and purple." (As some of you know, purple is may absolutely best color!)

Verses 11 and 12 are also a goal of mine. They read, "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm all the days of his life."

These are not things I do, but it is God's work in me. 

And as I sat here typing I looked out my window and saw this:

As if he was parting the clouds and giving me a glimpse of what is beyond...