Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

I really, REALLY, REALLY hate trying to collect money. It happens sometimes in our auction business. An item will not be on someone's bill because they left the auction before the charge came through the computer, or maybe something was accidentally clerked wrong. When this happens I need to try to collect from the correct buyer. 

I just can't help myself. While listening to the radio, a new song I hadn't heard came on and I immediately began tapping my foot to the upbeat and catchy tune. Now every time I hear it I want to jump up and start dancing. Even better than the blood-pumping music, Building 429 lyrics are relevant and encouraging. 

Why do dogs drink out of puddles? I mean, seriously, there is a bowl of fresh, clean water readily available at all times. Yet every time I let Cherokee out after a storm she runs right to the nearest low spot and laps at the muddy rain water that has collected there. 

One of the worst feelings you will ever experience is the anguish of regret when you have hurt someone's feelings or done a person wrong. So often this happens when releasing frustrations on an innocent bystander who may even be a close friend or loved one. I have done this many times in my life. Though the release of the torrent of grievances may feel freeing for a few minutes, it is so often followed by chains of remorse that tie the gut in knots.

Ours is a generation of impatience. Who wants to wait for an oven-cooked dinner when you can microwave it? Who wants to wait for an answer when it is only a quick text away? Who wants to wait for the right opportunity when a sufficient one is staring you in the face? There is so much we miss when our impatience demands immediate action.

Ohio springs often bring strong winds. Living here for the past twenty-one years has given me several opportunities to experience the devastation that these powerful gusts can create. It was only a year ago about this time that a tornado ripped through our community, yanking trees out of the ground like dandelions, demolishing barns into a mess of mangled metal, and flattening farmhouses that had been long-time landmarks of productive rural life. One misplaced strong wind and a whole life-time of memories were instantly gone.