Not What I Expected
I went through the garage to check the mail and noticed the bug trap by the garage door was crooked. I kicked it back in place and went about my business. A little later, while taking out the trash, I noticed it was crooked again. Weird. When I bent down, I saw it—a baby snake wriggling in the bug trap. Not a spider. Not a cricket. A snake. 🐍
That was not what I expected. I stood there shaking my hands (as I do when something disgusts me), trying to decide about calling homeownership quits and putting the house on the market.*
Isn’t life like that sometimes? You’re minding your business, and something unexpected slithers in and throws you off. A bill, a diagnosis, a conversation. But you know what? Surprises don’t surprise God. He sees what’s ahead—and He’s already made a way. Even when it’s not what we expected.
*You’ll be glad to know that my neighbor came to the rescue, and I still live in my house. 🏡
The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8
Book Buzz
If you’re ready for a few stanzas of Jingle Bells, snow (yes, please) and some Christmas cheer, then the Christmas in July Giveaway is for you. One lucky duck will win a $50 Amazon gift card and 30 free ebooks—including Hidden Heartache. That’s a lot of books.
You can use the Amazon gift card to get a head start on your Christmas shopping—or you can keep it for yourself. No judgement here. You can enter to win here. If you’re not ready for Mariah Carey yet, I totally get that. 🎄
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Kindred Connections
Some days I feel like everyone else got the confidence gene. I’m over here second-guessing myself and wondering if I’m really equipped for what’s in front of me. But God’s not asking me to be the best at everything—just obedient.
For years, insecurity held me back from saying yes. But Lisa Allen helped me move forward. With both competence and compassion, she offers the kind of guidance that helps women move from insecurity to confidence. And on top of that, she’s the nicest person. 🙂
If you need a dose of confidence, check out her book, Your Confidence Compass: From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership.
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7
Favorite Things
In my twenties, I remember thinking, I can’t imagine not eating Frosted Flakes for breakfast. Since then, my tastebuds have (slightly) matured, and I’ve moved past eating a bowl of sugar for breakfast. So long, Tony the Tiger.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and now it’s eggs and toast every day. Some might call that boring. Truth is, I’m a creature of habit. I even eat the same thing for supper most nights: air-fried chicken with my favorite salt-free lemon pepper seasoning.
I stumbled across this seasoning years ago while trying to cut back on sodium, and I love it. It’s got tons of flavor without all the salt. Yay for big taste and low blood pressure.
We have reached the end where we part ways for another month. I pray your garage is snake-free and your air conditioner is shipshape. 🥵
Until next time.
Jody
PS-Read Hidden Heartache? A one-sentence review will help more women find hope. Share your thoughts here. Thank you.
