Supergirls!
Posted on September 8, 2011 by Vicki
I am what people would call a people watcher. It is so intriguing to me to watch people and how they act and react in certain situations. On Wednesday after a ten-hour work day I headed to the local grocery store to buy my “single people” food. You know what I mean, lunchmeat, bread and diet coke. I usually have one goal when I go to the store and that is to get the ladies at the deli counter to smile. This day was no different, so as I asked
for my 1/2 pound of deli turkey I smiled and started to chat it up with the lady behind the counter. Victory! She smiled and in seconds we were discussing the different prices of turkey and other deli meats. I said “have a nice day” and off I went. I was so proud of myself once again! “You did it, your mission was complete.”
Right after that I turned to head to the vegetable aisle when there she was, another woman that needed a little “Vicki smile adjustment”. She really looked stressed and walking behind her were her three serious looking kids. She had such a stern look on her face. So I had a plan, I was going to walk right beside her and give her the smile. I got myself motivated and there I went. We were both moving towards the heads of lettuce. I stopped, and smiled ever so kindly to her. I waited for a second for the miracle to happen when,
lets just say if looks could kill, I would be dead! I thought maybe she wasn’t looking at me, so I caught her eye and tried again. What is this, no reaction? How could she not respond to this willing servant wanting to cheer up her day? What a grump! What a meanie! Then right at that moment her husband came up with her other babies in the cart!
I went on shopping to buy cat food…. just kidding I don’t have a cat! Then I headed out to my car. I could not get that lady out of my mind. So I prayed for her–not even knowing why. I just felt like I needed to pray for her. Obviously she had such a big family and lots on her mind. Maybe she had worked a ten-hour day and then gone home to take care of her family.
I thought about that lady a lot these last couple of days, what types of things she deals with on a daily basis. What pressures and responsibilities she faces, and I keep coming back to the theme of our women’s retreat–grace! We all need grace for every day, not just when we were saved or once in a while, but every day. That is the only way to get through life and to be able to smile when you don’t think you have anything left to offer!
As women I think we do feel like supergirls sometimes. Help us oh Lord to delight in You and rely on your grace and strength.
I challenge you to pray for that and to pray for those around you!
Check out the Supergirl’s table in the commons area for more information about the retreat.
Vicki
My Bailey Boy!
Posted on August 8, 2011 by Vicki
So there I sat on Sunday night watching some fine reality TV and thinking about the week to come. All of the sudden I began to make lists in my mind. You know the lists I am talking about. I began thinking about work and deadlines and home and schedules and appointments and on and on. Then my thoughts went to thinking about exercise and eating right and how Monday is a great day to start again. In just a few minutes I was overwhelmed by my thoughts, not to mention how stressful The Real Housewives of New Jersey was that night! I was defeated before Monday even came!
At that moment I looked over at my sleeping dog Bailey. First let me say this is not an ordinary dog, he is quite a pampered pooch. I live with him in his 1700 sq. foot home that is a constant 70 degrees. He has his food brought to him each day and sleeps on a queen size pillow top mattress with his mommy, not to mention he watches cable TV all day! I thought I needed to come clean with all that for some reason. Anyway, I look over and right at that moment he opens his eyes, stretches and gets up and jumps over to me. He gave me the sweetest look and then began to rest his head on my lap.
I turned off the television and just sat there in total silence, just me and Bailey. I began to talk to my Father about all the things that were concerning me that moment. I was going on and on and then I almost felt him putting his finger to my lips and saying be quiet, just rest. I finally stopped talking and peace began to take the place of all those anxious thoughts. I just had to be quiet enough to allow or even hear it!
It is Monday morning now and so far I can still feel God’s peace. I am so thankful that God can use anything to get our attention including a 10 pound little ball of fur!
Vic
It’s Hot!
Posted on July 28, 2011 by Vicki
It’s Hot!!!!! That has to be the biggest understatement of the summer. If you are like me it has been many years since I felt the heat this extreme. It really does make you tired by the end of the day and grumpy! Today however, when I went from my air conditioned house to my cool garage to my air conditioned car it hit me! I am one lucky girl! For weeks now I have spent a small portion of each day complaining about the heat. I mean I am not a complete grump but really I am princess and quite an ungrateful one at that.
So today I decided no complaining… eek…! Now try that for just a little while. No complaining. Every time I started to be “woe is me I have to get out of my car and walk a little bit into another air-conditioned building”, I tried to be thankful for something instead. It really put me on the right track you know.. I mean can’t you see our God perking up when He starts to hear His girls thanking him instead of the constant dull sounds of complaint.
I am going to try this again tomorrow and then the next. Maybe it will become such a habit that nothing but good things will fall out of this mouth!
Thankful Princess!