I like to win!

I like to win. No, I mean, I really, really, REALLY like to win. Which means I REALLY hate to lose. I mean, I really, REALLY hate to lose. If you know me at all, you know that I am a University of Kentucky basketball fan, and I mean...I am a FAN. If you cut me, I will bleed blue. We have the most winning history in college basketball history. I know what it feels like not to just win, but to be on a winning team. Know the difference? Winning is the norm, not the exception. You get used to that feeling. Therefore, when a loss comes - well, I just can't even begin to describe to you the feeling. Maybe some of you are die hard Colts fans and you know what it feels like when your team doesn't perform the way you know they can and it costs you the game - the win. Ug! I hate that feeling! I'm still in the "I cannot believe this happened" stage and the wound is still fresh so no one is allowed to talk to me about this, at least for another week or two. But just for the record, I'm now hoping Butler takes it all the way.
Now, why am I whining about this to you? Because in the midst of my pitifulness this weekend I was gently reminded by the Holy Spirit of something that spoke to my heart like nothing else could have. Because I am a follower of Christ - I am on a winning team! And I mean... a WINNING TEAM! Maybe you are like me and sometimes you watch the news or you listen to the cries of pain from those around you resulting from broken relationships, pain, suffering, and even death. If we're not careful we can start to believe that we are losing this game. But, if we will take the time to look at the Team Captain, He's not worried! He knows what plays need to be made and He is in complete control and when that last buzzer (or trumpet!) sounds, WE WIN! The enemy doesn't stand a chance!! I'm determined not to get distracted by the other team's nasty remarks, flagrant fouls and cheap shots. The scoreboard may even look like he's winning at times but we can know without a shadow of a doubt, we will be the ones cutting down the net when it's all said and done. Now THAT gets me going because I LIKE TO WIN!

Buried Under a Pile of Manure??

Lovely title, huh? These are the kind of word pictures that come about when trying to teach life lessons to a 15 year old boy. My husband is GREAT about coming up with word pictures... me, on the other hand.. I get a headache trying to come up with even just one very simple, effective one!

So anyway, this morning we were talking to our son about having a rebellious spirit.. something his mama knows a thing or two about. We wanted to make sure, however, that he knew we weren't criticizing who he is, or that we thought he was doomed to be a failure because of his struggle in this area.

That's when my husband told him to picture himself as a really sweet 2011 Mustang Convertible. My contribution to this word picture was to ask him what color he was.. he was silver. So in the driveway sits this shiny, cool, new Mustang with lots of cool options - we're talkin' this thing is perfect and ready to go do what its made to do! But before it can back out of the driveway, a big dump truck comes along and drops 17 tons of manure right on top of the car!!! So now, when you look out in the driveway, what do you see? (a huge pile of manure) Is the Mustang still there? (yeah, but you can't see it) So what you are going to do about it? (dig it out and take it to the repair shop)

Our son got the picture... he is an awesome shiny new Mustang with great potential. He is wonderful in our sight and God's. His rebellious spirit sometimes covers up who he is.. like a big pile of manure. In order to be that shiny car, he needs to go to the "Repair Shop" where Jesus will make him completely new and ready to be effectively used!!

That's you and me, too... so what's your pile of manure? Arrogance, Jealousy, Insecurity, Greed, Shame, Lust, Gossip, Cheating or Stealing, Rebellion, Deception, Anger, Hatred, Unforgiveness, Self-Righteousness, Unbelief, Raunchy TV or books...

As women, most of us don't get particularly excited about car analogies.. but we get the point, and certainly none of us want to be buried under a pile of manure! You are beautiful in God's eyes and he has plans to use you effectively for his kingdom. Let's head to the Repair Shop where Jesus will glady and miraculously RESTORE US to our full potential; to be fully used by HIM!!!

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10