Phoebe.

For some, a yellow Beetle may just be a car, for others it may be your dream car, it's very much my dream car, but for me it's teaching me many life lessons as well.

Phoebe, my little yellow Beetle, has gone on many road trips, allowed me to cry and scream and pray. About a month ago, Phoebe was rattling and shut off in the middle of a turn. Everything went wrong that week and here was my final straw of thinking my car had suddenly died. Nothing like losing something you depend on to make you remember this life is short and a lot is out of your control. My patience was tested and my faith was stretched. I was letting things control my life.

First lesson God was teaching me... look how fast things can be taken away. Yes it's just a car, but here I was living my comfortable life, boppin' along and then Wham! I was pinched to reality that yes God is in control and yes God does give and He does take away. I am COMPLETELY dependant on God for all the things in my possession, all the money in my name, and all the priceless people in my life. I am reminded that I have to hold onto the things of this world loosely and keep my eyes focused on heavenly things above.

I spent about 3 weeks without Phoebe. I rode my Schwinn around town running errands, going to the library, the grocery store, even the post office. God was teaching me MORE. He was teaching me to be calm and to rest and to be patient. It was frustrating with my independance being taken away but I was learning very valuable lessons of dependancy on God. When things are taken away (even something dumb like a car) God is enough. Have you suddenly lost something and felt the ground under you shaky? What have you done in those times?

Even to the end of that road of getting a big price tag to fix my car, God was teaching me I can NEVER come up with enough money to pay for things like broken cars or EVER own enough to live my life, God has to take care of EVERY need.

Just being reminded how fast things can be taken away, I am appreciating Phoebe more than ever, and I'm taking care of my husband more tenderly than ever.  I turn to God and say God is enough for me. He gave His son to die on the cross so I could have life eternal in heaven. That is enough. He can take Phoebe away forever and God would be enough. Can you say the same?

Ladies of beauty... clothe yourselves in a heart of sacrifice and know that you can't do this life on your own strength. We need God. In Him we can do all things, even when things are taken away.

Lord, You are more than enough for me. I need You more today than yesterday. You are the air I breathe, the song that I sing. Help me to rely on Your sufficiency and not my own. I am small and You are big. Quietness and confidence in You is my strength. (Is. 30:15) Thank you Lord, Amen.