I've moved! Please visit my new site, Hope Splashes, for continued Gold from God in Life's Puddles.

Does Collaborating on A Book Work?

Lisa Buske invited Beth and I to share our experiences on her podcast, Keeping it Real with Lisa.

We chatted about our experiences collaborating on our recent book, Hello, Beautiful!, talked about how we hate housework, and other fun topics I hope you enjoy listening! 

P.S. I will be taking a blogging break for a few weeks. See you at the end of the summer!

Why Trading Places Never Works

Trading Places or Problems?

“Would you like to trade places with Sandra?”

I knew that Voice. Had heard it many times, deep in my heart where secrets hid from everyone but Him. This time, it was a wish that I could make money as quick and deftly as my friend, Sandra did. And the Lord was not buying it as an excuse for jealousy.

I thought of Sandra, nearing forty and still unmarried. Although she lived in a lovely home, she had few friends due to her bossy nature, and her family was 12 states away.  

Never Mind

I reconsidered my longing to be like her.

“I’m sorry, Lord. I really don’t want Sandra’s life. I’ll keep my own, thank you. But could you please give us a raise, or help us find other ways to make ends meet on our dinky pastor’s salary?”

“That’s better, honey. Of course, I’ll help you. All you had to do was ask. I have plenty to go around for all My kids.”

 

Sufficient Grace

That little conversation between God and me was many years ago. At times, I am still tempted to think someone else has fewer problems or an easier life than I do do. Then He reminds me that I don’t want to trade places and problems with anyone else.

His grace is sufficient for me, where I’m at today. And He has plenty to go around for all His kids.

Even YOU.

Are you ever tempted ask to trade with someone for their seemingly problem-free life?

Why You Need to Be Careful What You Pray for

Be Careful What You Pray for

“Yes—he wants to meet my parents!” My heart spun in circles. A secret crush, Ethan, had asked to accompany me home from college Easter weekend. Kevin Levellie, another friend of Ethan’s, pastored a small church in Fresno, where my folks lived. After Sunday evening worship, Ethan and I popped over to Kevin’s house, visiting into the night. Driving back to school the next morning, Ethan suggested we pray for Kevin. Seems he thought a wife would cure Kevin’s loneliness.

Eager to Impress

Eager to impress Ethan I nearly sang, “All right! I’ll go first.”

“Dear Lord, please lead a woman into Kevin’s life who will stand beside him, offering hope in the darkness and laughter in the bright times, who will help him pastor your sheep with tenderness, bringing out the best in him and them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Shortly after my show-offy prayer, Ethan lost interest in me. Although confused and hurt, I accepted his explanation that he felt inferior because I had wheels and he didn’t.

The Diamond Bikini

That spring, Kevin and I started writing. This old-fashioned custom requires use of a pen and paper to tell someone what’s been going on in your life, and ask them about theirs. After finishing the letter, you fold the paper, place it in an envelope, attach a stamp, and mail it. Archaic, I know, but effective.

When I returned home for the summer, our friendship soared. By August, my ring finger danced in the Fresno sun, clad in a diamond bikini.

God Smiles

Do God’s methods of answering prayer baffle you? Although I consider myself creative, I did not have me in mind when I asked God to send Kevin a wife. In fact, I had insisted since childhood that a preacher was my last choice as a spouse because I wanted to be rich.

Yet thinking back over the last forty-plus years (I was five when this story took place), who am I to look the Great I Am in the face and say, “You bungled it the day you called me, Lord. I’m too silly, loud, impulsive, and messy to make a decent pastor’s wife.”

He would only smile and say, “You asked for a wife for Kevin, didn’t you?”

The above is an excerpt from my book, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top: 72 Stories Sprinkled with Laughter to Help You Discover The Sweetness of God's Heart for You. 

Have you ever been surprised at an answer to a prayer? 

Simple Flag Cake Recipe

Yankee Doodle Dandy Flag Cake recipe

I'm all about simple. 

This Yankee Doodle Dandy cake recipe for your Memorial Day or 4th of July celebration only has seven ingredients, and one is water! Isn't it lovely?

Prepare a boxed cake mix--I like to use Red Velvet for this recipe.

Pour into a 9 x 13 pan and bake as directed.

Frost with white icing.

For stars, use blueberries or navy blue M & M's; for stripes, cut fresh strawberries into slivers.

Enjoy!