Following God’s path for your life

I stood before the automated soda fountain. It seemed simple enough. The machine’s instructions had me navigating the touchscreen with ease. Only a few simple clicks stood before me and my favorite soda.

But then something happened. My finger stopped mid-air, unwilling to press anymore buttons.

On the screen before me were logos of over one hundred different brands and flavored drinks to choose from. I didn’t realize that many existed.

I realized my choices were endless and began to rethink my decision. Should I choose something different? Maybe I would enjoy a drink I have never tried before? I became lost in a soda world full of choices.

I eventually decided on my favorite cola.

We make many decisions on a daily basis. No wonder we become overwhelmed sometimes.

What will I watch on television?
What’s for dinner?
Should I make dinner, order a pizza or go to a nice restaurant?
What shall I wear today?
What time shall I wake up in the morning?

These are just some of the small things we all have to decide every day.

There are also big, life-changing decisions.

Who will I marry?
How many children will we have?
Where shall I work?
Where will I live?

Decisions can sometimes be stressful and hard to make.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)

Luckily, we don’t have to become exhausted and confused with all of the choices we face. There are scriptures to help us.

Clear your mind

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Pray for wisdom

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 (NLT)

Isn’t it comforting to know we only need to ask God for wisdom, and He will provide?

Let God lead

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

God will never leave us in the dark. He is forever our guiding light.

Trust God

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

God is always right beside us.

A treasure box of wisdom

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As a young adult, my baking skills were limited. I occasionally made a cake or brownies, but I never gave much thought to it other than opening a box and mixing ingredients.

That all changed once I married. My mother-in-law took me under her wings and gave me an appreciation for baking that I never had before.

I observed as she watched one cooking show after another as if she were a student in a classroom. She took notes and used them to improve her own delicious creations.

Mama Shinsky allowed me to borrow recipes from her extensive collection so that I could experiment on my own, calling her occasionally with questions.

My baking has improved over the years. I enjoy trying new things and my husband loves testing them.

The art of teaching from one woman to another is not a new thing. In fact, it was the exact system they had in the church in Crete.

Embracing the Ma’am in Me

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I walked towards the tall building on a beautiful fall afternoon. The cool air had provided relief from the summer heat and everyone was taking advantage of being outside.

I breathed in the crisp air that had put me in a good mood and walked with my head high. I felt good. Life was good this day.

Then it happened. One minute I was walking and the next minute I was lying face down on the ground. After the initial shock of falling, I stayed where I was. I was unable to face the hundreds of people who had just witnessed the most ungraceful fall in mankind. I wondered how long it would take me to melt into the sidewalk and disappear.

I heard a muffled voice in the distance. I could not figure out what it said so I ignored. It happened again but this time, it was louder and I realized it was for me. I looked up to find a young man in his twenties running towards me.

“Ma’am, are you ok?” he asked.