I wish to log another case of God's goodness to me and those around me. We all got to witness His great power once again this afternoon!
I was at church centre doing worship practice at around 11:30AM. Baby Sarah (Guy and Nikky's daughter) was upset at one point and started crying. Nikky picked her up and I went over to show her a snowman guitar plectrum. I let Sarah hold it to distract her from crying and I also played some music on my guitar as well as letting her strum some of the strings. The crying ceased so the job was done. I let Sarah hold the plectrum whilst we continued with worship practice. At the end of the practice I realised I did not get the plectrum back. So I asked Guy if he saw Sarah with it. He said no. Then he asked Nikky and they both looked for it. Turned out that during worship practice Guy's mum took Sarah to See Woo to get a few things. At that time they did see the plectrum with Sarah, but later Sarah dropped it and they thought it was just a sticker, or a piece of paper with cartoon on it, so they didn't think to pick it up. I was a bit sad when I heard the plectrum was lost and I mentioned it was a gift from a friend, hence the significance of it. Guy's mum, Guy and Nikky were shocked to hear that and Guy's mum said she'd drive back to See Woo supermarket to have a look for it. I told Guy's mum not to go as it would be near impossible to find such a small thing in a big superkmarket.
I headed over to Findlay Church for the service and proceeded with the usual set up of church hall and sound checks etc. Whilst getting stuff for set up I was talking to God, thinking in my head, telling God that I was unhappy the plectrum was lost. I kind of felt there was lost hope because it would be near impossible to find a small piece of plastic the size of a thumb head, in a big supermarket where hundreds of people would walk into who might have kicked it, damaged it or unknowingly covered it up when putting something over it. However, with God nothing is impossible, and I know that. So therefore I was saying to God, if Guy's mum finds the plectrum I will definitely be standing up and sharing about God's amazing power and blessing to the EM at the five minute sharing time.
Just as I was giving up hope and wanted to let it go Guy's mum walked in to the EM hall and had a big smile on her face. As soon as I saw her my heart leapt! Guy's mum actually FOUND the plectrum!!! =D She told me she walked around See Woo supermarket four times and prayed asking God to help her find it. On the fifth time of walking around the store she walked down the counter aisle where she paid for stuff earlier, and she found the plectrum wedged into the side skirt of the counter, only revealing a small edge of the blue colour. Guy's mum picked it up and it turned out to be the plectrum!! My my!! The plectrum came up unscathed, no scratches or damages. Amazing huh!!
So this is a very powerful testimony of how God can hear our prayers. It is evidence that God cares for our issues however big or small they may be. God cares about what we care about and He will answer our prayers if we truly trust in Him. The plectrum is now safely tucked away in my plectrum holder. It was already special but now it has a double significance =)
25 March 2012
14 March 2012
Training logs and Gymboss timer
Last night before going to bed I was thinking about my workout the next morning (this morning). I then went to look for my training log (A4 sheets in a polypocket). Usually when I return from the gym I empty my bag out and put the training log on the kitchen seat or back in my bedroom, under my gym bag so I don't forget to bring it. However, when I went to look last night the training log was not in any of these usual places. Uh-oh!! Where was it? I looked in the living room just in case I forgot I looked at it in living room and forgotten. But it wasn't there. So... could I have left it at the gym? I looked up the PDF files and reluctantly had to print the two pages out for my current workout schedule and I put them into a new polypocket. I then wanted to get my Gymboss timer from my bag and low and behold THAT was also missing. Oh man!! How did that happen? Was I that forgetful that I left both these things in the gym? I do remember bringing these two things with me, along with my water bottle, into the changing room and putting them on the bench before taking my bag out of the locker and showering etc. However, I cannot remember putting them back into my bag before zipping up. Aiyah!! I must have left the training log and Gymboss timer on the changing room bench!
Will it still be there two mornings after? Am I lucky enough to have someone hand it in to the reception? Are there anyone nice guys willing to hand it in as lost property? I doubted anybody would be so nice to that. So I was quite disappointed in myself for leaving such valuable information at the gym. I was thinking how somebody else may have benefitted from the training log which I paid for, and my Gymboss timer, which costs about £15 brand new. I went to bed disappointed yet determined to go to the gym next morning and work out hard to make up for it. I didn't even pray to God about this as I felt it was a lost cause.
When I reached the gym this morning I went to the reception to get my free towel from Michelle at reception. By chance I thought I'd asked Michelle if by any chance anybody would have handed in a timer thing that looks like a pager as I left it in the changing room on Monday. Michelle went into the office, guessing to check, then came back out and walked to another part of the reception desk and asked if the thing I was looking for was 'this?'. From behind some folders she pulled out my polypocket and the Gymboss timer. And the Gymboss timer was clipped onto the training log, exactly how I would normally clip it when bring it down to the changing room!! Wow!! I was sooo delighted when I saw it. I thanked Michelle and proceeded to enter the changing room and thanked God for it immediately.
It was such a relief when I got the training log back. The 30-plus pages were back with me and not lost. My timer I got to use right away too. I was so happy to get back the originals that I kept them inside the bag in the locker and only used my two new pages. Don't want to risk anything happening to the originals anymore!! Phew!
I want to thank the Lord for His protection over even this seemingly small matter. He knows how important these A4 sheets are to me, and my Gymboss timer. I am even more thankful when I know that I have not been that close to God in recent weeks and have not made much effort in spending time with Him etc, yet He still loves me so much. Or at least that is how I feel. So I want to record this down.
Nothing you can do, will make Him love you more.
Nothing you can do, will make Him love you less.
Will it still be there two mornings after? Am I lucky enough to have someone hand it in to the reception? Are there anyone nice guys willing to hand it in as lost property? I doubted anybody would be so nice to that. So I was quite disappointed in myself for leaving such valuable information at the gym. I was thinking how somebody else may have benefitted from the training log which I paid for, and my Gymboss timer, which costs about £15 brand new. I went to bed disappointed yet determined to go to the gym next morning and work out hard to make up for it. I didn't even pray to God about this as I felt it was a lost cause.
When I reached the gym this morning I went to the reception to get my free towel from Michelle at reception. By chance I thought I'd asked Michelle if by any chance anybody would have handed in a timer thing that looks like a pager as I left it in the changing room on Monday. Michelle went into the office, guessing to check, then came back out and walked to another part of the reception desk and asked if the thing I was looking for was 'this?'. From behind some folders she pulled out my polypocket and the Gymboss timer. And the Gymboss timer was clipped onto the training log, exactly how I would normally clip it when bring it down to the changing room!! Wow!! I was sooo delighted when I saw it. I thanked Michelle and proceeded to enter the changing room and thanked God for it immediately.
It was such a relief when I got the training log back. The 30-plus pages were back with me and not lost. My timer I got to use right away too. I was so happy to get back the originals that I kept them inside the bag in the locker and only used my two new pages. Don't want to risk anything happening to the originals anymore!! Phew!
I want to thank the Lord for His protection over even this seemingly small matter. He knows how important these A4 sheets are to me, and my Gymboss timer. I am even more thankful when I know that I have not been that close to God in recent weeks and have not made much effort in spending time with Him etc, yet He still loves me so much. Or at least that is how I feel. So I want to record this down.
Nothing you can do, will make Him love you more.
Nothing you can do, will make Him love you less.
06 March 2012
One in, one out
This morning I had a pupil Nelson sitting his driving test. As we approached the test centre I got a text message from a new number. She is called Ellen and said she was referred by my friend Esther for driving lessons. I was joking to Nelson in the waiting room. I told him "See, a message asking for lessons with me. If you pass, I'll have room for her. If not, she'll have to wait." This was a friendly yet positive push for Nelson. I was feeling positive about him and his test and was also quite glad with the examiner he got. So off he went to sit his test whilst I waited in the waiting room, said a prayer for Nelson and later calling Ellen to discuss her requirements etc. Again I told her the same thing, when my pupil passes I'll have space for her and will make arrangements. Nelson came back about 40 minutes later. I approached the car and I saw through the window the driving examiner was writing on the blue driving test pass certificate! Whoo-hoo!! Amazing! Thank the Lord! So happy for Nelson and he was so glad to pass too! =) What does "one in, one out" mean? Well, I believe the Lord definitely provides for every single thing. He knows what we need and knows just when to give it to us. "One in" would be Ellen coming in. "One out" would be Nelson leaving after he has passed. I was originally going to title this post "One out, one in" as that is what usually happens. However, this time God blessed me with before I was without. Hallelujah!
Lesson of the Day: The Lord gives and takes away. In any order He pleases.
Lesson of the Day: The Lord gives and takes away. In any order He pleases.
27 February 2012
Phone Hospital
I bought a new phone, Samsung Galaxy SII, from eBay at the end of January. Less than two weeks in and I discovered a fault with it. People were hearing loud echo-ing each time I called them and used the microphone, but things were ok on speakerphone. This only affected my outbound calls. Incoming calls were fine. It was very strange indeed. So off it went into S3 Interactive last Monday and I got it back Friday afternoon, around 4pm just as I was on my way to take mum for a carvery dinner. I was so happy to get the call from Chris who worked there informing me it was back from Dundee. I plugged in my sim card as soon as I got the phone and called my mum. Mum was waiting in the car and said everything sounded fine. Excellent! Off I went back out and went to carvery and grocery shopping full with joy cos my phone is back with me AND is working! I spent rest of the evening setting my phone back up logging into my Google accounts and other customised settings etc. It was so cool to get back my Whatsapp, my Words with Friends and of course my Facebook. Most importantly, I could view/ plan my lessons with my Google Calendar and my Gmail accounts. =D
Saturday morning I called Kwik-Fit to check availability of a new tyre. As soon as the guy picked up I spoke and the guy at the other end said he could not hear me. Uh-oh! No, please no!!! Yup... the problem came back! I had to complete the rest of the call using speaker. I felt like a bombshell dropped. No way!! I did further testing calling mum on her mobile and our landline. Same... Wth, do I really have to go back to S3 Interactive on Monday?! =((
The bittersweet feeling of having my phone back stayed with me throughout yesterday and today. And I was complaining to everyone about my phone having to go back for repair. People suggested I get a new handset, which I wish I could but cos I passed the 'seven days after purchase timeframe' all faults are dealt with by manufacturers guarantee which means it gets repaired. I called a few people in church and they also heard themselves echo back and they could not hear me either. How terrible.
Then tonight, just before going to bed, I was on the phone for a little while. I was using the speakerphone and had the handset on my table. Randomly I clicked on my Options and it brought up a few things including one saying "Noise Reduction - On". I clicked that and it said, "Unable to turn on Noise Reduction when speaker is on". So I then turned the speaker off and noticed a zig-zag looking icon with a line through it appear on the screen. I brought up the Options and turned the "Noise Reduction - Off". Voila! Instantly the caller said they could hear me clearly and properly. I asked whether they could hear any echo-ing. No more! That's fantastic!! It seemed that the "problem" was so simple to "fix" in the first place, but I didn't think to push so many buttons, test so many options etc (guess in fear of making it worse). But the worrying thing is, why did S3 Interactive not advise that such noise reduction could cause this interference? On Friday they advised they "fixed the microphone support and performed software update" but had no mention anything was wrong or right with it.
I was sooo happy after that call that I called TWO more people and told them the same thing, about the Noise Reduction. One person is actually an owner of the same phone. They tried the Noise Reduction and it didn't cause any problems. But then again it was I who called and not the other way round. Nevertheless, I am right now delighted I will NOT have to take another trip to S3 Interactive in Clydebank. It is not the most convenient of places to go to and definitely not a good use of time! Whoo-hoo!! I am so happy and I thank God for sudden urge to play around with the options, the itchy fingers and curiosity to try things out. =D
Saturday morning I called Kwik-Fit to check availability of a new tyre. As soon as the guy picked up I spoke and the guy at the other end said he could not hear me. Uh-oh! No, please no!!! Yup... the problem came back! I had to complete the rest of the call using speaker. I felt like a bombshell dropped. No way!! I did further testing calling mum on her mobile and our landline. Same... Wth, do I really have to go back to S3 Interactive on Monday?! =((
The bittersweet feeling of having my phone back stayed with me throughout yesterday and today. And I was complaining to everyone about my phone having to go back for repair. People suggested I get a new handset, which I wish I could but cos I passed the 'seven days after purchase timeframe' all faults are dealt with by manufacturers guarantee which means it gets repaired. I called a few people in church and they also heard themselves echo back and they could not hear me either. How terrible.
Then tonight, just before going to bed, I was on the phone for a little while. I was using the speakerphone and had the handset on my table. Randomly I clicked on my Options and it brought up a few things including one saying "Noise Reduction - On". I clicked that and it said, "Unable to turn on Noise Reduction when speaker is on". So I then turned the speaker off and noticed a zig-zag looking icon with a line through it appear on the screen. I brought up the Options and turned the "Noise Reduction - Off". Voila! Instantly the caller said they could hear me clearly and properly. I asked whether they could hear any echo-ing. No more! That's fantastic!! It seemed that the "problem" was so simple to "fix" in the first place, but I didn't think to push so many buttons, test so many options etc (guess in fear of making it worse). But the worrying thing is, why did S3 Interactive not advise that such noise reduction could cause this interference? On Friday they advised they "fixed the microphone support and performed software update" but had no mention anything was wrong or right with it.
I was sooo happy after that call that I called TWO more people and told them the same thing, about the Noise Reduction. One person is actually an owner of the same phone. They tried the Noise Reduction and it didn't cause any problems. But then again it was I who called and not the other way round. Nevertheless, I am right now delighted I will NOT have to take another trip to S3 Interactive in Clydebank. It is not the most convenient of places to go to and definitely not a good use of time! Whoo-hoo!! I am so happy and I thank God for sudden urge to play around with the options, the itchy fingers and curiosity to try things out. =D
10 October 2011
Warning lamp...again!
On Saturday passed (8th Oct) I was about to begin my first lesson of the day (1-3PM). Just upon arrival to Chinatown a heard a warning chime in the car and an orange light appeared. Oh man... that water in fuel warning light again!! I had blogged about this on the 19th of May when the same thing happened at the end of my lessons and I had to get it checked at the garage and costing £67!
This time I continued on with the lesson until I dropped the pupil off then I was in two minds if I should do my next lesson (4-6PM). But the warning message "Oil change due at Next Service" flashed a few times each time we turned on the ignition, then disappeared but the light was still on. Since the next pupil was taking his first lesson I did not want him to feel unsafe in the car, so had to make a last minute cancellation and will make up to him on Friday evening. Felt so bad, but safety is always paramount, especially in this business. I also had to cancel and move Monday's lessons (today's) because I would have to take car up to Evans Halshaw Services dept at 8AM as it would be closed at the weekend. Lost of income, but that's the least of worries. What if the garage had to charge me for another oil filter service? But it was done in May, AND it has had it's 12500 miles service carried out in July. So why the light come on now?
So yesterday I took the bus to church and back, bought an all day ticket. This morning I dropped the car off at the garage for 8:10AM and walked about twenty minutes back home to have breakfast and go online etc. I knew it would be a long wait again. Last time was around 2PM before I got the call from Billy Kirk. In fact it was Billy at the service desk again and he remembered he bringing the car in last time for same issue and he remembered they did oil filter service for me (he checked his records also). It was at 1:48PM that Billy rang to advise they found out the Service light came on the dash but it has been reset. There was nothing needing fixed and no cost. What a relief!! Praise God for His grace I was spared of additional expenses to be paid out on top of losing income. I was really glad to pick up the car after Cat dropped me off. They even washed the car for me this time!! Whoo-hoo!!
To celebrate I went to the gym for a workout and sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Praise God for His protection and His grace! =)
This time I continued on with the lesson until I dropped the pupil off then I was in two minds if I should do my next lesson (4-6PM). But the warning message "Oil change due at Next Service" flashed a few times each time we turned on the ignition, then disappeared but the light was still on. Since the next pupil was taking his first lesson I did not want him to feel unsafe in the car, so had to make a last minute cancellation and will make up to him on Friday evening. Felt so bad, but safety is always paramount, especially in this business. I also had to cancel and move Monday's lessons (today's) because I would have to take car up to Evans Halshaw Services dept at 8AM as it would be closed at the weekend. Lost of income, but that's the least of worries. What if the garage had to charge me for another oil filter service? But it was done in May, AND it has had it's 12500 miles service carried out in July. So why the light come on now?
So yesterday I took the bus to church and back, bought an all day ticket. This morning I dropped the car off at the garage for 8:10AM and walked about twenty minutes back home to have breakfast and go online etc. I knew it would be a long wait again. Last time was around 2PM before I got the call from Billy Kirk. In fact it was Billy at the service desk again and he remembered he bringing the car in last time for same issue and he remembered they did oil filter service for me (he checked his records also). It was at 1:48PM that Billy rang to advise they found out the Service light came on the dash but it has been reset. There was nothing needing fixed and no cost. What a relief!! Praise God for His grace I was spared of additional expenses to be paid out on top of losing income. I was really glad to pick up the car after Cat dropped me off. They even washed the car for me this time!! Whoo-hoo!!
To celebrate I went to the gym for a workout and sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Praise God for His protection and His grace! =)
12 September 2011
Roof Sign
The roof sign on my tuition vehicle was missing yesterday morning. I left the house just after 10AM to take Nick to Arnold Clark and I was having difficulty pinpointing my car as usually I identify the roof sign from afar. I was pretty sure I parked it across the road near the church, but it wasn't until I walked closer towards my Fiesta and saw the rear number plate that I could confirm the third car from the front was mine. So, somebody had removed my roof sign and it was nowhere to be found. It was not on top of another car nearby nor dumped on a street corner. After walking around scanning the area for a few minutes the two of us gave up and drove to Arnold Clark to get the car hire.
I was quite disappointed through the day that some people would do such thing. I have heard of roof signs being moved from one car to another for a laugh, but I could not even find it at all. Why did someone take it? What did they do with it? Will it ever be found? Though these questions circulated my head I was still quite peaceful inside and didn't let the unhappiness show on the outside, after all it was Cat and Nick's special day. By evening time I had resolved to using magnetic L-plates temporarily for a few days and maybe wait for some news of the roof sign, or look into getting a new one, costing up to £100. Mum reminded me to commit it to prayer.
At 7:20PM I left the house for Ayrshire. I received a text message telling me I had received a voicemail. I listened to the voicemail in the car and it was a lady saying: "Hi it's just to let you know that your sign for learner driver, it's at Armadale Street, facing a school, near Alexandra Parade. It's just sitting in the fence, I've put it over the fence, if you're looking for it. Bye!!"
I was so surprised and excited when I heard the message! What?! Someone actually found my roof sign? AND had the decency to call me to let me know?! AND it was nearby?! Wow!!!! Amazing!! =D
I quickly drove up to the street where she described - I only knew it too well as it was across from my former primary school! - and I quickly picked it up. Although it was cold, wet and lonely leaning against the black railings of a garden, it appeared unscathed, totally intact and totally useable condition. I was so excited that I had to record a video of that special moment, especially since I didn't have that woman's number, but I managed to call her back through the voice message and left her a voicemail thanking her so so much for her kindness in contacting me. God bless her!
So the roof sign is now secured back on to the roof, all dried up and cleaned underneath. I thank my Heavenly Father for helping keep my roof sign safe although it was missing for so many hours. Must have been taken off overnight from Saturday night. I thank my Heavenly Father that it appeared again at the opposite end of a long road, unscathed, undamaged and for the kind woman who called me to let me know. It was very decent of her. Because in this day and age, many people are just focussed on themselves and their selfish needs that they wouldn't really care about the sign let alone call me to let me know. She saved me lots of money also =)
This is another sign that God cares about all our issues, no matter big or small. Bad things do happen in this world and some can affect our lives, directly or indirectly. But ultimately God is Sovereign, everything is under His control. We have to put our trust in Him. The story of this roof sign being missing and then found again is like how we are in life. We once were lost lost but then found and saved by God's grace. =)
I was quite disappointed through the day that some people would do such thing. I have heard of roof signs being moved from one car to another for a laugh, but I could not even find it at all. Why did someone take it? What did they do with it? Will it ever be found? Though these questions circulated my head I was still quite peaceful inside and didn't let the unhappiness show on the outside, after all it was Cat and Nick's special day. By evening time I had resolved to using magnetic L-plates temporarily for a few days and maybe wait for some news of the roof sign, or look into getting a new one, costing up to £100. Mum reminded me to commit it to prayer.
At 7:20PM I left the house for Ayrshire. I received a text message telling me I had received a voicemail. I listened to the voicemail in the car and it was a lady saying: "Hi it's just to let you know that your sign for learner driver, it's at Armadale Street, facing a school, near Alexandra Parade. It's just sitting in the fence, I've put it over the fence, if you're looking for it. Bye!!"
I was so surprised and excited when I heard the message! What?! Someone actually found my roof sign? AND had the decency to call me to let me know?! AND it was nearby?! Wow!!!! Amazing!! =D
I quickly drove up to the street where she described - I only knew it too well as it was across from my former primary school! - and I quickly picked it up. Although it was cold, wet and lonely leaning against the black railings of a garden, it appeared unscathed, totally intact and totally useable condition. I was so excited that I had to record a video of that special moment, especially since I didn't have that woman's number, but I managed to call her back through the voice message and left her a voicemail thanking her so so much for her kindness in contacting me. God bless her!
So the roof sign is now secured back on to the roof, all dried up and cleaned underneath. I thank my Heavenly Father for helping keep my roof sign safe although it was missing for so many hours. Must have been taken off overnight from Saturday night. I thank my Heavenly Father that it appeared again at the opposite end of a long road, unscathed, undamaged and for the kind woman who called me to let me know. It was very decent of her. Because in this day and age, many people are just focussed on themselves and their selfish needs that they wouldn't really care about the sign let alone call me to let me know. She saved me lots of money also =)
This is another sign that God cares about all our issues, no matter big or small. Bad things do happen in this world and some can affect our lives, directly or indirectly. But ultimately God is Sovereign, everything is under His control. We have to put our trust in Him. The story of this roof sign being missing and then found again is like how we are in life. We once were lost lost but then found and saved by God's grace. =)
08 August 2011
Psalm 127
Last week was a very tough week for me. Work was very taxing and I was very tired physically and mentally, from work and from the gym etc. It hasn't been easy working six days a week and on the seventh day (Sunday), meant to be a day of rest, actually serving in church. So there's rest, but not quite rest as having responsibility just pushes you on the go again. Nonetheless, I plod along take each day as it comes.
However, last Wednesday (3 August) was one of the worst days. I had four driving lessons. The first one went pretty well and I thank God for that. The pupil found it enjoyable and productive, as did I. The second lesson was very taxing indeed. The pupil was out of focus and just drove in a very weird manner, not his usual style. When I asked him to park up to side to explain stuff to him he asked if we could step outside so he could have a smoke. I was quite surprised at that request, but agreed to it as part of compassion for him, hoping the cigarette can calm him and letting the customer have their way. However, I found myself explaining stuff to him on my clipboard, other pedestrians walked by and looked at us, and I was also surrounded by second-hand smoke! I really dislike smoking!! I was caught between a rock and a hard place. There was debate within me between compassion for the pupil and professionalism. I thought to myself what Jesus would do. Jesus would definitely love this guy and would not care what he was like, what he requested etc. So I tried my hardest to do as Jesus would do and show love and patience to this pupil. However, the more I tried to do it, the more frustrated I became!
At the end of the lesson I was really tired out mentally. Was so glad it was over and as I made my way to the third lesson I was dreading how I could face the next two lessons. Once I got to the third lesson, about ten mins early (didn't have enough time to visit a toilet nor eat or drink anything) I switched the car engine off and prayed to God. I returned to my Maker and I asked Him to restore me. I asked God to give me the love and patience to handle the next lesson as I was really struggling. I believed that when I was am weak then God is strong. Lo and behold, the next lesson went really well! The pupil drove really well, learnt lots and we had fun during the two hour lesson. It made such a big difference. The fourth lesson was a little taxing as well, but again, with God by my side I was able to deal with it with more patience.
When I got home I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Prince and he talked about how we hear God's voice when we are rested. Also the passage where he spoke from was Psalm 127:1-2
"1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves."
This passage spoke to me in two ways. First verse reminded me that no matter what I do, what career I build, how hard I work, how hard I try at something. If the Lord is not there, it will not last. Everything will collapse without the Lord. So even if I try to be professional and patient with my pupils etc, if the Lord is not there and I rely on my own strength, then it will not last. My patience and love will run out, but the Lord's patience and love will not. So I have I ask for His patience and love through me.
The second verse reminds me, no matter how busy I am with work with the gym with anything, that I really should spend time with God. I should find time to 'rest' and it is in this 'resting' time that I will hear God's voice. I should make time to do devotions and make effort to spend time with God, listening to Him, recharging through Him.
Thursday and Friday lessons I arrived a few minutes before the lesson started and I prayed just before meeting the pupils and asked God for his presence among us in the lessons and the lessons were so different. I felt so refreshed after each prayer. Praise God!
However, last Wednesday (3 August) was one of the worst days. I had four driving lessons. The first one went pretty well and I thank God for that. The pupil found it enjoyable and productive, as did I. The second lesson was very taxing indeed. The pupil was out of focus and just drove in a very weird manner, not his usual style. When I asked him to park up to side to explain stuff to him he asked if we could step outside so he could have a smoke. I was quite surprised at that request, but agreed to it as part of compassion for him, hoping the cigarette can calm him and letting the customer have their way. However, I found myself explaining stuff to him on my clipboard, other pedestrians walked by and looked at us, and I was also surrounded by second-hand smoke! I really dislike smoking!! I was caught between a rock and a hard place. There was debate within me between compassion for the pupil and professionalism. I thought to myself what Jesus would do. Jesus would definitely love this guy and would not care what he was like, what he requested etc. So I tried my hardest to do as Jesus would do and show love and patience to this pupil. However, the more I tried to do it, the more frustrated I became!
At the end of the lesson I was really tired out mentally. Was so glad it was over and as I made my way to the third lesson I was dreading how I could face the next two lessons. Once I got to the third lesson, about ten mins early (didn't have enough time to visit a toilet nor eat or drink anything) I switched the car engine off and prayed to God. I returned to my Maker and I asked Him to restore me. I asked God to give me the love and patience to handle the next lesson as I was really struggling. I believed that when I was am weak then God is strong. Lo and behold, the next lesson went really well! The pupil drove really well, learnt lots and we had fun during the two hour lesson. It made such a big difference. The fourth lesson was a little taxing as well, but again, with God by my side I was able to deal with it with more patience.
When I got home I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Prince and he talked about how we hear God's voice when we are rested. Also the passage where he spoke from was Psalm 127:1-2
"1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves."
This passage spoke to me in two ways. First verse reminded me that no matter what I do, what career I build, how hard I work, how hard I try at something. If the Lord is not there, it will not last. Everything will collapse without the Lord. So even if I try to be professional and patient with my pupils etc, if the Lord is not there and I rely on my own strength, then it will not last. My patience and love will run out, but the Lord's patience and love will not. So I have I ask for His patience and love through me.
The second verse reminds me, no matter how busy I am with work with the gym with anything, that I really should spend time with God. I should find time to 'rest' and it is in this 'resting' time that I will hear God's voice. I should make time to do devotions and make effort to spend time with God, listening to Him, recharging through Him.
Thursday and Friday lessons I arrived a few minutes before the lesson started and I prayed just before meeting the pupils and asked God for his presence among us in the lessons and the lessons were so different. I felt so refreshed after each prayer. Praise God!
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