Faith, The New Refrigerator and Covid 19 Haircut



 "For we live by believing and not by seeing." - 2 Cor. 5:7 (NLT)


"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 (NLT)

"Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”" - John 11:40 (NLT)



Working nights for many years, sometimes, I find myself waking up in the middle of the night. If not, way early at dawn. Trying to be quiet as not to wake up my family, I would often grab my cell phone nearby and read His Word and share a prayer ready to be texted to my family to remind them to start their day, too, with the Lord in the morning when they arise.

This morning was different. As my eyelids opened, I saw the time at 4 o'clock in the morning. After reading my morning devotion, I decided to browse at my previous posts in my blog. I felt something telling me that I needed to review some of my old posts from way past. My index finger pointed at the year 2008 when I first started blogging. The first thing that caught my eye was during the month of November when I visited my sister-in-law who just had her second baby. I remembered my husband and I visiting them at the hospital and at the same time, we were waiting for the refrigerator to be delivered to our home.

"My God!" I thought to myself, "That's almost 12 years already!!!"

After breakfast, I had asked my husband if he could fix my short bob at the back that needed to be polished. I didn't expect it to be perfect as we had been giving each other haircuts. Considering we seemed to not have the talent to use the clipper, scissors and comb, I would say our "do's" could be doable!

"By the way...," I shouted at my husband who was upstairs at that moment, "Our refrigerator is almost 12 years old! I can't believe that!"

No response. I thought maybe because I said that out of the blue. If not, I knew him well. If he was busy doing something, then, more likely, what I shouted were not audible enough with his busy hands and mind.

After washing the dishes, he did fix my hair. I was getting frustrated because I wasn't sure what we were doing wrong, I didn't like the way it was forming on the back. I wanted a little undercut yet still maintain my bob cut without becoming a pixie cut. Maybe I was a little picky, too this morning. I knew he was being patient with me and tried his best. I told him I wasn't upset with him. I was more frustrated with my hair that had weird waves and corners and angles. After a few snip using a comb and texturizing scissor, it started to look better.

"Thank you so much! I'm sorry you had to try many times."

"I'll take a shower and then make the lunch."

Sauteeing after prepping some onions and other things, I started like a "Fritos' pie". I decided to put the cheese on the last few minutes while baking it. Getting the bag of three blend cheese from the clear bin, it felt weird from the refrigerator side. It didn't feel as colder. But I wasn't sure. I thought maybe it was just my warm hands as I liked to wash the used knives, colander, chopping boards with either warm or hot water.

"Smells good!" yelled the boys as they came running down the stairs when I told them it was time to eat. I asked them to feel the refrigerator as it didn't feel that cold for me. They both agreed.

Recalling at that time, why out of the blue I shared with my husband that our refrigerator was almost 12 years old, I then knew that it was a hint from the Lord.

That He told me to look at my old post, specifically, referred to that time where I would remember when we were waiting for the refrigerator to be delivered.

That there was something wrong with that ref and needed to be replaced.

You would think I'm crazy for saying things like that. But this is where my faith comes and my belief. I believe there is no coincidence and the God of yesterday is still very much alive today. That He talks to His children whether through dreams or circumstances or people that cross my path. Sometimes, it just takes me a few minutes, hours, day and even years to process. That He has always been there for me and my family. No doubt, He is always present in our lives.

There was still time to get a new one. Yet, He provided, too. Only one refrigerator that we chose that would fit in our kitchen was left. My husband was able to buy it. Before anything had spoiled or needed to be thrown away from our old ref. I was able to put the perishables in the freezer. I thank Him that the freezer part was working still. Enough for the cold to last until the new one arrives tomorrow.

"Is this enough styrofoam coolers?," my husband texted me from a store to ready them so we can transfer the food tomorrow as we wait for the new refrigerator.

"I'm only worried on the foods that will spoil inside the ref," I was about to text then decided my heart was strongly disagreeing with the word "worry" and erased it.

"I'm only thinking about the foods inside the ref," I finally texted with relief that I used the right statement.

Why worry? No worries. Knowing that there is nothing impossible with God. As long as I trust and believe in Him. That's what matters. The Jesus of yesterday is very much alive today and tomorrow.

As for my weird pixie on the back, bob on the top and sides haircut, I am worried not worried anymore whenever I need to go run errands or step out. I'll just wear a mask and I thank God that I can do that still if I want to.

Thank You Lord!

The Bag Of Corn Chips

Source: RW Garcia


Since this pandemic, I have decided to make my runs to the grocery store every 3 weeks or when I'm running low on some pantry items I need to replenish. One thing isn't forgotten at the top of my list... My family and I love this organic corn chips. Not only the taste but it's a healthier option whenever we're craving for something crispy like potato chips. Not only it's lower in salt but counts as a whole grain. Of course, portion control still is a must. I know myself that this munching thing... It can be addicting!

There I was finding myself getting ready after my shower, contemplating whether I should go or not before the weather became hotter. I didn't like going out on hot weathers because I get itchy and the heat bothers me, along with the pollen, cause my sinus pain to act up. But! Glancing at the container that held the organic chips in the pantry, there was only a bag left!

"Oh no! Only one!" I thought.

"I gotta' go!"

From the last grocery run I did three weeks ago, I remember the cashier meticulously scanning item per item that I had put out on the running conveyor belt. This time, there was no head poking over my shoulder as the next shopper seemed a mile farther away. The plastic, transparent partition between us aided in much lesser conversation aside from the masks that covered both of our faces. Despite my lack of vision of her smile, I could see her willingness to help me in any way, bagging each item carefully and making sure she was getting the price right each time she made a pass on the scanner.

Seeing she was looking at the last bag of the organic corn chips from the pile I bought, stretching the bar code so the scanner could sense, I asked,

"Have you had those before?"
  
Surprised and with a few seconds of silence, she finally recovered from me initiating a conversation, she replied, "No! But they surely look good!"

"Get it! That's yours now!"

She looked at me. Only our eyes were conversing as we struggle to talk through the masks.

"No! Are you sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure. It's just a little thing to thank you for what you do," I promised.

Her what appeared to be tired eyes wrinkled on its corners. I couldn't see well but I knew she wore a big smile.

"Oh my God!," she exclaimed...

"No one had ever done that to me here! Thank you so much Ma'am and have a nice day," she continued as she handed a long, white receipt she carefully put on my right hand without touching it.

I told her to have a nice day, too and I hoped that she would enjoy those chips.

It was no exception with my grocery run yesterday. Getting the usual items I had written on my list. Including a few bags of the same organic corn chips. Getting surprised with more supplies of items, frozen things, dairy products, meat, poultry and even bread.

Still, there were less number of shoppers. I could count all of us with the fingers of both of my hands that were inside the store.

There I went again pushing my cart to the empty line seeing the young lady cashier and her help, a young man bagging the items at the end of the register. Opening the bags ready for the items purchased. They said "Hello" then succumbed to deep silence only this pandemic caused. No! The so-called experts had caused. To keep distance of six feet. Wear mask at all times when in places with other people. To close the businesses and every gathering you could think of.

"Thank you!" I told them both as they patiently bagged my items, the cashier always careful with the way she scanned each item and the young man, without complaining, patiently loaded each item into each bag he opened. Making sure nothing would be crushed. Including the bags of corn chips he put on top of the last bag.

"Will it ever be normal for us?" I asked.

No one answered. They both looked at me. Just their eyes talking. But with silence.

I wasn't planning to give out my corn chips yesterday. But I felt a tug in my heart. That it was an opportunity to bless two hardworking young people who probably were afraid to even be there. Yet... They needed to work to sustain their needs.

"Have you had those before?" I queried. The young man looked up, making sure I was asking him.

"No!" was the short reply, his right hand holding the last bag of corn chips, reading some descriptions from the noisy bag.

"Have it!" I told him. "But please halve it with her!" as I pointed to the cashier who was working with him.

"Really?" he asked.

"Yes!"

"Oh my God!" the female cashier exclaimed.

"That is so nice of you! Thank you soooo much Ma'am," she added.

I pushed my cart with my goodies as they both waved at me. I could see the twinkling of their eyes. I could sense their gratitude that somehow, one person acknowledged them both that morning. It wasn't about the corn chips that made them happy. I knew they could buy that at any moment. But it was the act of unexpected kindness that threw them into awe!

But they didn't know, I was praying as I was pushing my cart toward the exit. For the Lord to bless them and the other workers. For the sacrifices they, too, made to keep the food supply going for hurting families. For alleviating the fears of shoppers to avoid being close with each other. For finding items when they weren't found.

As God's children, we must not let this virus quench the fire in our hearts. We must not let His light be buried in darkness but instead, when we have that opportunity to help out, we must let His Light shine in this darkness that swept all over the world. This is only one virus. There are hundreds more.

I know that as His child, I need to increase my faith whenever I step out at the comfort and protection from my home. "Shield of faith" is one of the pieces of God's Armor. No matter how others stop the gathering in churches, God's love and grace can't be contained. The church is "us".

                

                                                  Too Kind!

                                       I have wept in the night
                                      For the shortness of sight
                                           That to somebody's need made me blind.
                                      But I have never yet
                                      Felt a tinge of regret
                                           For being a little too kind!

                                                             - Author Unknown









Live By Faith


Psalm 23
A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.  (NLT)



I went back to my home country back in 2003. That had only been 3 years after working in the correctional facility. I was involved in a spiritual battle literally fighting against unseen enemies. I was only a baby Christian then. Not aware of how to fight back. I knew I had no option but to consult the Mighty Warrior Jesus. With tears, I asked Him I was afraid and that I didn’t know how to face the weird things the enemies were hurling with my own loved ones to cause division among us. 

Reflecting back on the Lord’s response, I know now that most of the time, though mighty and awesome He is, He answered me in the quietest way I sensed. I opened the Bible and the first verse I saw was Ephesians 6:10 That night, He made me remember my mother’s favorite psalm. Psalm 23. 

Peace and courage flooded my heart. I understood at that moment. The battle was His and in order for me to be successful in dealing with the enemies, I had to fully trust and depend on Him. Fast forward, I’m very grateful the Lord had trained me in that arena. With inevitable trials that come into my life, I am choosing to live by faith and not fear. To always fold my hands and bend my knees in constant prayer with anything that comes my way, be it trials or successes. He deserves all the glory. He deserves my thanks.  I know I’m nothing without Him. 




As we face this pandemic and all the restrictions placed on people all over the world, let us go to the foot of the cross. I pray God gives us the spiritual discernment, to see what truly is the truth vs. the lies. May your fears be buried in the grounds of His love and grace. I feel all this political circus taking advantage of this pandemic to instill fear, to put out lies to people. But trust in God. Jesus after all, had overcome the world! God bless you all.
All posts/composed songs copyright by RCUBEs.



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