Wednesday, August 29, 2012

God's Humor at SAMS Club

Today as I walk into Sams, I look carefully at the corral of shopping carts. Picking the wrong cart, can make a shopping trip immensely difficult.  I calculated the wheels, the cleanliness of the cart.  Yes, this one would do.  Seconds later I realize, my "math" was lacking.

The cart strongly pulled to the left.  Not the direction I was fond of.
As I placed a large case of computer paper in the cart, I became highly aware of how difficult my task was becoming.  Pushing the cart, became a sporting event.  Pushing, pulling with all your might to the right.  Bring your left leg up and squarely kick the carts lower left area then shove to the right.
This would guide the cart ever so slightly to the right.
Take two steps and repeat.

As I'm doing my Sams Club aerobics throughout the store, I gained the attention of a Greek looking woman.  This woman apparently thought we were friends.  She, with her hair swooped up on top of her head with an enormous scarf tied neatly on the side of her head, spoke with a thick Greek accent.  I understood every third word. (or less)
I would grin, and walk, judo-kick, push,pull and shove my cart to the next aisle.  

Finally, a sweet Sams employee took pitty on me and helped me transfer my items into a new cart.  I thanked her and went down the next aisle.
Everything was fine as long as I didn't try to turn left.  This basket, unlike it's sister basket. Refused to turn left.  It pulled toward the right.
Again, I pass my Greek friend.  She speaks, (loudly, I might add) I nod, grin and walk, judo-kick, push, pull and shove my newly improved cart to the next aisle.

I finally make my way to the check out stand. I place all my items on the belt.  And wait... and wait... and wait... 10 min. to be exact.  Not that I kept staring at my phone for something to do.
When it was my turn, they shut the lane.  Saying the cash register was broke.
Really???  I mean.. really???

So, I place all my items BACK in my cart, all while my new Greek friend is two registers over.  She begins to talk to me LOUDLY and points to my muscles and tells me something about being young and strong.  Seriously???  Young?  I'm almost 50 flippin' years old!

Silly me, thought I'd make small talk to the cashier, and said today was "my Monday".  The poor confused cashier, stammered around and asked...?? What?? Today's Monday.  I thought today was Tuesday?? on and on and on.. until, I said... "No you're right.  It's Tuesday."
They didn't get it.
I was too tired to explain.
Then out of NOWHERE came a Hot flash.  I went from normal to the towering inferno! The poor cashier has no idea how lucky he was that I did not rip my shirt off and use it to wipe my face!  I frantically dug in my purse and grabbed a pony tail holder and pulled my hair up in the sorriest pony tail known to man. Awww relief.  
I paid, and followed my Greek friend out to the parking lot. She talking Loudly, all the way out.
You guessed it, I parked next to her.  My luck.  Happens.  As I try to quietly put my things in my car, my Greek friend, begins yelling!!!
Oh my gosh!!  Like me pushing, judo-kicking and pulling my cart in the parking lot, wasn't drawing enough attention.  This crazy lady begins Yelling at her car!!! Really!!?? Lady??  Really??
Apparently, she received  a ticket, because she was parked in a handicap spot.
Trust me on this one... there was a handicap here!!!!

Somewhere in all her broken English, I learned that she did indeed have a handicap tag, she just forgot to hang it from her car.  I tried to assure her that if she took her handicap tag with her to pay her ticket she could probably get it dismissed.
She continued to yell.
I just got in my car, and left.

As I drove, I asked God..."did I miss something?"
Was there a "God" moment here?
Had he placed these people in my path for a reason?
I thought... waited for God to speak...
Then, I got it.
I think I was there for his humor.
I didn't get mad, I just looked at everyone like they we're stupid.
I looked at them like "they" were stupid??

I didn't see anyone else, Walk, Push, Judo-Kick, Pull, and shove their cart with a big grin on their face, with a LOUD Greek woman following them through Sams.

Thanks God. Glad I made your day.  :-)

Monday, August 20, 2012

What if... we treated Marriage like......

 Marriage is nothing to be taken lightly. 
I'm not a marriage expert, but I have been married for over 30 years. 
I've done some thing right, and I've totally screwed some things up. 
Recently, I've really had a burden on my heart for all the many couples who, for some reason either one or both, don't view marriage as a permanent commitment.
I'm an avid reader.  I read anything with pages, within reason.  I'm also noticing that there are more and more authors and well know Christian writers who are also concerned about the lack of passion and commitment in a marriage.

Here are a few little tips I've learned from my readings:

1.  You MUST love Christ more and completely, so that you can love your  
 spouse like Christ intended. (this is totally true and life changing!)Get the order correct!God, Spouse, Children,.(watch out moms, kids tend to drain us and take 1st place in our lives.. it's a tricky order to keep.)
2.  Your husband wants to be your hero, ladies.  Let him!!!
3.  Husbands, your wife wants to know you'll love her and think she's gorgeous 
     even after having your babies, and she's a little thicker around the middle.
4.  You must let your spouse know you are proud of them.  Verbalize it!
5.  Pray for your spouse daily!!!
6.  Send your spouse sweet supportive and romantic text messages throughout 
     the day.  It will make their day!!
7.  Never go to bed mad.  Always kiss and say I love you first thing in the 
    morning and the last thing before you go to sleep.
8.  Go on dates. (I don't care how long you've been married.  Date each other 
     like it's your first date!)
9.  I was reading Colossians 3:12,13 & 14 today.  Here it is.  While reading it, 
     think about how you could apply all of this to your spouse.  Wouldn't life be  
    so much easier if we did?! 
Can I get an Amen!!

Col. 3:12,13 & 14  12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Wow!!  That's powerful!!
10.  Lastly, never give up on your marriage.  Anything worth having, is worth working for!
And that my friend, is my soapbox statement for the day.  
:-)