What I gained from losing a car

Before you read any further, I have two disclaimers:

  1. Owning a car is a privilege. I appreciate that what I’m sharing here is a first-world problem.
  2. Owning a second car is an even bigger privilege. I’m grateful for God’s provision for us in both our vehicles.

For 22 years, my husband and I have owned and driven the same car. (Yes, you read that right: 22 years. Toyota, if you’re wondering.) We bought it just after we married and it’s been a daily driver for one of us ever since.

Until two weeks ago.

She up and quit on us when we took her in for an oil change. Our trustworthy mechanic came out of the garage like a surgeon with bad news. He didn’t even want us to drive her home because the risk to the engine was too great. (We did, but the car has been garaged ever since. It can be repaired, but the expense is high–she needs a heart transplant.)

So, for the last two weeks, we’ve been a one-car family. And it’s been surprisingly… well, wonderful.  Read More

For His glory

For His gloryIt’s hard for me to imagine the Messiah coming in any other fashion than Jesus’ bodily form.

I think that’s because it’s the only way I’ve ever heard, or known, the story. A baby. In a manger. But when I stop to consider that God put on human flesh, I really can’t imagine that either.

Can you?

Seriously. God. In bodily form. The One Who caused “the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear” (Genesis 1:9) walked upon its very soil. He Who designed our bodies to need nourishment ate meals with family, friends, “sinners” and disciples. Our God — limitless in power — temporarily limited Himself to live in our circumstances and culture. Jesus was willing to release the equality He shared with God (Philippians 2:6) to serve us.  Read More