Good for the frugal forum...

[lisaavelar]

For those of you who know my current situation, this here just validates my decision to stay w/ my dh. God is so good!


July 19, 2006

Encouragement for Today



“Disposable World”

Luann Prater, Proverbs 31 Speaker

Key Verse:
Hebrews 10:35, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. “ (NIV)



Devotion:
We were standing at the kitchen sink. She diligently scrubbed the pan. When the nylon mesh pad proved too weak to handle the burnt-on stain, she reached into the arsenal waiting in the cabinet below. It was if she was speaking to the pan, “You are not going to get me. This spot will come clean!” Digging through the bottles, sponges and rags, her arm extended all the way to the back and with a smile she grabbed the secret weapon. The confident smirk on her face told me she was sure of victory. I peeked in to see what brought about such resolve in this tiny cleaning soldier. As she rose, the tool was extended high as if displaying a trophy. A Brillo pad donned her hand. Immediately it was plunged into the soapy water and briskly ripped into the charred marks. Triumphantly she lifted the pan to the sky for all to see….it was clean!



My brother and sister-in-law were on a very tight budget in their early years of marriage. As a teenager, I was amazed to watch her save pennies at every turn. She knew that pan had to last for years, so she was not about to let it get marred. It had to remain clean and spotless. I never saw paper plates or disposable diapers in their home. She clipped coupons, made weekly menus and purchased only necessities.



Our society now thrives on disposable products. Disposable plates, cups, silverware; disposable lighters, pens, and even income! Before drive-thru windows, families would occasionally splurge and go to the local restaurant, where they served fresh food on real plates. The throw away mentality extends to bigger items every year. While shopping for a car I was told some of the cheaper models are now considered disposable. Don’t fix it, just drive it until it breaks and then get a new one.



Too often we regard our Christian life with a sense of disposability. When facing hardships, guilt or persecution, we turn our backs and say, “Forget it. It’s just too hard. It doesn’t really matter. I can’t take it anymore.” But God says, “Hang on! Your reward is just around the corner! Don’t give up! Stand firm in your faith! I am here. When you are weak, I am strong. Have confidence…in Me.”



It’s been thirty-seven years since my brother said, “I do” to his wife. When I last visited them I was amazed again. There in the cabinet was that sparkling clean pan.

[Artie]

God can and wants to do amazing things in our lives, if only we will let him! My dh and I saw miracle after miracle during all the hardships with our dd (she almost died, on more than one occasion, was born with several structural abnormalities, but is doing GREAT now). Without leaning on Him, we never would've made it this far, and I doubt our dd would've either. Thank you for sharing this. A reminder is always a good thing!!

[morrismomaof2]

Thank you Lisa! This is such a good reminder that although relationships will see tough times that if you stand firm in your faith in God he will come through.

[bmsmgwk]

bump

[zookeeper]

Lisa, I didn't know what decision you had come to. Whatever the outcome, know that you are a beautiful person and deserve to be happy. May God lead you to the happiness you deserve.

Kelly

[lorie]

Still praying for your strength, Lisa. I was glad to read your post!

[stephpook]

Thanks for sharing. That is so true!

[lamby248]

What a great reminder that God is looking out for us.

Your faith is amazing! God is so awesome and you need to keep leaning on him! I hope all is going better with your husband!

[Happymom]

Lisa, I am still praying for you!! I pray that your husband will come to realize what a wonderful, devoted wife he has, and come to appreciate all the good in his life!