Intentional Living.  
It's a title that sounds so proper, so promising, so eloquent.  But it's also like ordering something unpronounceable from a fancy French restaurant and pretending to know what it is :)

So what is Intentional Living?

• You know that feeling you get on January 1 when you're ready to conquer the year (and your new exercise plan)?
• That feeling you got when your college sweetheart got down on one knee to propose (or when she said yes)?
• That determination when someone tells you that you can't, but you know very good and well you can and you're ready to prove it?
• That motivating moment when a pastor speaks encouragement into your life and you feel it down deep in your soul?

Wrap all those feelings into action and you've got Intentional Living.  It's that desire to write your life story - pen in hand constantly - with pages that matter.  Pages that say, "I counted today and I made someone else realize they counted.  I am proud of the way I lived my life today and will make tomorrow even better."

Let's intentionally connect with each other.  Intentionally live life together with a positive outlook and encouragement but also of compassion and care.  Let's bear burdens and celebrate victories.  Pray for healing and praise success.  Success in our lives, businesses, and spiritual walk.  

By diving into God's word and John Maxwell's Intentional Living best seller, we'll pretend every Wednesday at 7:00 is a New-Year's, Pop-The-Question kind of day.  See you then. :)

Click here for more information or to sign up. 

~Michael & Allyson McElroy

Someday I'll tell him

Someday I’ll tell him.

So far, Cole seems to be a follower.  Although others see him as a leader, he doesn’t realize it.  He’s energetic, happy, and full of ideas.  But he’s a people pleaser.  (After months of failed potty training attempts, I told my then-three-year-old boy that it made me sad when he didn’t pee in the potty.  That was that.  He never wore a diaper again.)

But this same trait that has allowed Michael and me the luxury of correcting and disciplining Cole with mere words or looks of disapproval, disappointment, and displeasure may haunt us some day.

Cole wants to please.  He wants to fit in at whatever the cost.  Even though Cole is one of the tallest and smartest in his class, he has an enemy.  At 7, Cole’s nemesis is his age.  He’s the youngest in his class.  He’ll be the last of his friends to turn 8.  Then 9.  Then 10.  He’ll be the last to drive and the last to get to vote.  This age difference is HUGE in his mind.  And, in his eyes, it leaves him no choice but to be a follower by the very definition.

So someday I’ll tell him.  I won't just think it or hope it or steer him in that direction.  

I'll tell him.  

I’ll tell him that he will have to take a stand.  Against every fiber of his being, he’ll have to say no when others say yes, say it’s wrong with others say it’s right, say I’m leaving when others say please stay.  I’ll unwaveringly tell him what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s expected and what’s not expected.  I’ll tell him that pleasing others is wonderful as long as it first pleases God. 

Someday I’ll tell him he might be the last man standing.  He might be fighting the battle alone – or so it may seem.  And along the way, I’ll either be his biggest cheerleader or the uncoolest mom, but I’ll tell him.  Someday. 

But today, I’m a green army man who just lost the battle against the last warrior standing.  Cole’s “pow pow!” took me – and all my men – down in seconds.  Again.  Amazing. 

“See, Cole.  You’re a leader!” I say without saying.  Instill without speaking.  Pray without him hearing. 

And he smiles – a gapped tooth grin under summer bleached hair.

Yes.  Some other day. 

Hoarder of the Almost Empty

I’m a hoarder.  There, I said it.  But I hoard the randomest items:

-Almost empty tubes of toothpaste

-Almost empty rolls of toilet paper

-Bottles of perfume with just a few drops left inside

-Eye shadow compacts with a scoop of flakes clumped in the corner

Yep, that’s me.  And, yes, that non-staged photo of toilet paper is from my guest bathroom.  I have a reason for this (or an “excuse,” as my husband says). 

What if a friend comes over and uses the bathroom and the toilet paper runs out?  They’d have to get up and go rummaging through the cabinet to get a new roll.  And what if I run out of eye shadow?  God forbid I go a day without makeup!  I might need that little clump of circa-2010 sea-foam green powder.

Used up.  Almost empty.  Drained. 

God is a hoarder too.  Bear with me… 

Psalm 107 reminds us that God’s people, the Israelites, were hungry and thirsty.  They had no place to live.  They wandered.  Their soul fainted within them.  Used up.  Almost empty.  Drained.

And what did He do?  He didn't throw them away.  He didn't toss them aside or consider them useless.  Instead, he delivered them out of distress.  He led them to a dwelling place.  He satisfied their soul and filled their soul with goodness.  And he still does for us, His children.

That’s my God.  The hoarder of the almost empty. 

Hole in One

A hole in one: The great and elusive triumph in golf – or putt putt in my case – that only matters if witnessed by others.

I still remember the day my then 4 year old got a hole in one at the city park.  It was the most difficult hole – the one that’s perfectly straight with a mole hill in the middle and the tiny white cup in the middle of that.  (Yes, of course we took a picture.)

Let’s face it.  No one jumps up and down and gives high fives for the story of a hole in one.  But gather a group of friends around an obstacle hill of green carpet and tap that little round dimpled sucker into a hole in one swing, and you've got yourself a glory-filled, chest-bumping, high-fiving brag fest.

But, unless you’re vying for the new car on The Price is Right, a hole in one is just that brief, fleeting moment of glory that wins you nothing but a story to tell.

______________________________

My husband Michael’s cousin passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago.  On the somber drive home from the funeral services, Michael and I thought about our lives. 

Who would be at our funeral?  What would they say?  Would we have finished all we’d plan to do in life?  Or would people say “I remember when” and that “when” be a years-ago feat?

It was one of those moments when you do more thinking than talking.  When, an impulse inside you prompts new ideas and commitments to pursuing today and not putting off until tomorrow. 

It was a commitment not to living a “remember when I hit the hole in one” life, but, instead, actively and passionately committing to daily successes and nightly confirmations of a day well fulfilled.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.   

~Allyson

www.allysonmcelroy.com

www.facebook.com/OilEducator

POOFing Jesus

February's Featured Post...

 

In the book of Matthew, just 3 verses after Jesus states, "If you have faith as a small mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to here,' and it will move," a curious thing happens.

Jesus and his disciples were asked to pay the temple tax. Peter approached Jesus about it, and, after some dialogue, Jesus sent Peter to "fish" for the tax. Literally.

Go and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.

Why didn't Jesus just "poof" the tax?

He easily could have said, "Here you are, Peter" and (poof!), like a white gloved magician, produced a coin out of air.
But He didn't.

He easily could have said, "Peter, if you close your eyes and pray, (poof!) a coin will fly into your pocket."
But He didn't.

He easily could have said, "Peter, just as you can ask the mountains to be moved, you can ask the temple tax to be (poof!) done away with."
But He didn't.

No. Instead Peter had to leave Jesus' side, go get his fishing gear, bait his hook, throw out the line, wait for a fish, and then dig the coin out of the slimy mouth.

______________________________________________________

I don't understand Jesus' choices or ways to get a job done. Why did He put spit on a blind man's eyes to heal him? Why did he allow Lazarus to be dead for 3 days instead of healing him before he died? Why did he allow the woman with the issue of blood to bleed for so many years? She had the faith before she even touched the hem of his garment, right? I may not understand. But I know that Jesus had/has a reason. And I know He ended every story by meeting the need.

Our vision of Jesus is hindsight. We know the end of every story.
Peter gets the coin - regardless of how he had to get it.
The blind man is healed - regardless of what was placed on his eyes.
Lazarus was raised from the dead - regardless of how long his sisters grieved.
The woman's issue of blood was healed - regardless of how long she had to wait.

But we don't know the details of our stories. No book has been written about our life that tells how Jesus' will heal us. When Jesus will mend hearts. Where Jesus will meet our pressing need. Or how long before Jesus answers our prayers.

______________________________________________________

What if Peter hadn't obeyed? What if the story went something like this...

Jesus' Promise:
Go and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.

Peter's (what-if) response:
Are you kidding me? So, instead of providing for me right here & now, I have to DO something to have my need met? This is not a "want," Jesus. This is a NEED. For crying out loud! I have seen you do crazy miracles for a whole list of people, and here I ask this tiny thing. Am I not loyal to you? I am with you almost every day! I'm learning from you! I pray with you! I know your word! Forget it. I'll just figure this out on my own.

______________________________________________________

Jesus' Promise:
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you (John 15:7). If you ask anything according to my will, I will hear you. In whatever you ask, you have the requests that you ask of me (1 John 5:14-15). Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24).

The Ages of "War"

January 16th, 1991. I was eleven. I clearly remember it was a Wednesday, as my mother had tossed the idea of skipping mid-week church to hear President Bush speak on the day’s events. America was officially at war. The word scared me – I suppose it still does today. My heart sank and my eyes must have grown the size of silver dollars as my mother, hiding the heaviness in her voice, quickly assured me “It will be okay. There are wars all the time all over the world.” At eleven, my only pictures of war were from drawings and stories in my history book and from the faces of the men who stood at Branson variety shows when veterans were recognized (I didn't realize my grandfathers served our country until years later). But the history pages were black and white, many with mere sketchings of past Presidents or military generals.  The reality of the war playing out on CNN, with reporters ducking for cover as the night raids brought rockets and bombs, was redefining my ideas. Several months later when my classmate’s dad was sent to Desert Storm, we all wrote him letters, colored yellow ribbons, and sing-songed chants of “Peace in the Middle East.”   

Over the past few weeks I’ve reminisced at my naiveness from those 22 years ago. And, been thankful for it. This past September 11, my school-teacher nephew asked his junior high students what the day meant to them. Many of them had never seen pictures of “9-11” or knew the details of that tragic day – the start of a new, different kind of war. I suppose that depending on the generation - and situation - “war” may be defined by yellow ribbons and patriotism, by hippies and protests, or by the latest Call of Duty game or television drama. My own TV flips from SpongeBob and back to Fox news, depending on if my six-year old, cotton-topped son is in the room. So, with his cartoon on pause, I asked him last night, “Cole, what does the word “war” mean?” "Oh, you mean like a thumb war?" he asked, with an excited grin on his face, ready to battle. "Yes, buddy. That's exactly what I mean." For now, anyway.

Where did it go?

We sold the crib (as though he slept in it a single night)

To a cute young couple.

He was muscly and eager – proud of his craigslist bargain.

Her baby tummy stretched toward her

Crisp maternity top, her voice bubbly with nursery plans.

We donated the swing to the church.

Gingham and blue.
Old-school – just the way I wanted it.
(Although it always seemed to go a bit too high and too fast for my liking.)

We handed-me-down the 2Ts, 3Ts and 4Ts

Tiny Easter suits.  Cottony soft footie jammies.
Thomas the Train shirts.  Elmo red shorts.

I know where all those things went.

But time.

Where did time go?

My baby boy – all 53 pounds & 48 inches of him –

Whose dimply, toothless grin accents
His cute chin freckle.
Whose blond hair glimmers white after
A season of summer.
Whose eyes gently close as I sing him to
Sleep each night.
Whose hide & seek giggle of “Daddy, ee r oo?”
Turned into “Excuse me, Dad, but can
We play Wipeout on the Xbox?” –
Will start first grade in a few weeks.

“First grade, already?” they ask.

I ask myself.

Where did the time go?

And, while I would love to answer this

Question with poetry and surety,
I have no answer.

So –

Knowing each second deepens the question,

And quickens the moments toward
first grade, second grade, fifth grade, 16 –

I hold him tighter

Longer.

I sing bedtime songs sweeter

Slower.

I make each kiss, hug, smile, and laugh count.

Count more than the seconds of

The all too elusive

time.

POOFing Jesus

In the book of Matthew, just 3 verses after Jesus states, "If you have faith as a small mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to here,' and it will move," a curious thing happens.

Jesus and his disciples were asked to pay the temple tax.  Peter approached Jesus about it, and, after some dialogue, Jesus sent Peter to "fish" for the tax.  Literally. 

Go and throw out your line.  Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin.  Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.

Why didn't Jesus just "poof" the tax? 

He easily could have said, "Here you are, Peter" and (poof!), like a white gloved magician, produced a coin out of air. 
But He didn't.

He easily could have said, "Peter, if you close your eyes and pray, (poof!) a coin will fly into your pocket." 
But He didn't.

He easily could have said, "Peter, just as you can ask the mountains to be moved, you can ask the temple tax to be (poof!) done away with."
But He didn't.

No.  Instead Peter had to leave Jesus' side, go get his fishing gear, bait his hook, throw out the line, wait for a fish, and then dig the coin out of the slimy mouth.

______________________________________________________

I don't understand Jesus' choices or ways to get a job done.   Why did He put spit on a blind man's eyes to heal him?  Why did he allow Lazarus to be dead for 3 days instead of healing him before he died?  Why did he allow the woman with the issue of blood to bleed for so many years?  She had the faith before she even touched the hem of his garment, right?  I may not understand.  But I know that Jesus had/has a reason.  And I know He ended every story by meeting the need.

Our vision of Jesus is hindsight.  We know the end of every story.
Peter gets the coin - regardless of how he had to get it.
The blind man is healed - regardless of what was placed on his eyes.
Lazarus was raised from the dead - regardless of how long his sisters grieved.
The woman's issue of blood was healed - regardless of how long she had to wait.

But we don't know the details of our stories.  No book has been written about our life that tells how Jesus' will heal us.  When Jesus will mend hearts.  Where Jesus will meet our pressing need.  Or how long before Jesus answers our prayers.

______________________________________________________

What if Peter hadn't obeyed?  What if the story went something like this...

Jesus' Promise:
Go and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.

Peter's (what-if) response:
Are you kidding me?  So, instead of providing for me right here & now, I have to DO something to have my need met?  This is not a "want," Jesus.  This is a NEED.  For crying out loud!  I have seen you do crazy miracles for a whole list of people, and here I ask this tiny thing.  Am I not loyal to you?  I am with you almost every day!  I'm learning from you!  I pray with you!  I know your word!  Forget it.  I'll just figure this out on my own.

______________________________________________________

Jesus' Promise:
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you (John 15:7).  If you ask anything according to my will, I will hear you.  In whatever you ask, you have the requests that you ask of me (1 John 5:14-15).  Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24). 

What's your/my response?...

Family Game

You know, I just got sick of Cole asking to play with his phone (aka an old iTouch from craigslist) during dinner at restaurants, but it was hard to say 'no' when Michael & I kept checking facebook or texts! 

My cousin in Florida sent us a great game for Christmas, which we exhausted the first time we played.  Some of the questions were a bit above Cole's level, so I created my own version.  Cole calls it "Family Game" and asks to play it all the time - even when we aren't at dinner and company comes over!

Instructions:

1. Think of some good questions that could apply to anyone in your family group.
2. Write them down or type them out on small strips of paper or index cards.  Consider typing them on colored paper or adding clip art to make them appear "game like."  Use words that your child can read so he can participate in the reading too.
3. Fold them up & take them with you to dinner.
4. After you order, place them on the table & have your child pick out questions, one by one, to read.
5. Everyone at the table has to participate.  Consider asking "why?" to create more conversation.

Now for question ideas:

• If you could grow any food in the backyard, what would it be?  (Cole's answer was pizza!)
• Would you rather be a teacher or a farmer?
• Where would you like to go that you've never been?
• If you could invite one person on vacation, who would it be?
• What's your favorite holiday?
• What do you want to be when you grown up (what did you want to be?)?
• Would you rather have a pet elephant or a pet zebra?
• What's your favorite color?
• What's your favorite memory?
• If you could trade places with any family member for one day, who would it be?

Have fun!

The Lotto Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray You fill my pockets deep

With MegaMillions, Power Ball,

Scratch Off Tickets, I’ve got them all. 

Dear Lord, You know the dollars spent

(And, yes, I still paid last month’s rent).

You know the minutes stood in line

All for the hope of money-mine!

The checker at the corner station

Will love my winning celebration!

I’ll quit my job!  I’ll sail to France!

I’ll get the latest boob implants!

And now, dear Lord, the news is on

The balls are popping, I might have won!

14, 19, 35, 10

56, 33 I lost again!

My jackpot’s gone!  My hope destroyed.

My joy and glee are null and void.

How dare You say my needs are met

With all this stress and mounting debt!

You saw my faith!  You knew my heart!

I would have given you some part!

I wish I could just hold You libel.

What’s that?  You say to read my Bible? 

Very well then…

(1) You, Lord, are the giver of joy

(2) My selfish desires I must destroy

(3) You have searched me and know my heart

(3) You even created my inmost part

 And even my plans, though lofty they be,

(4) Are nothing compared to what You’ve planned for me.

From Your riches and your glory, from what I read,

(5) You’ll fully, completely, supply all my needs.

So as I lay me down tonight

Knowing my bank account is tight

I know You, Lord, are bigger than

My greedy, selfish lotto plan.

Lord, guide my steps.  Make me content.

From old desires I now repent.

My life is Yours.  Show me the way.

In Your holy, forgiving name I pray.

(1) Psalm 16:11

(2) Matthew 6:33

(3) Psalm 139

(4) Isaiah 55:8-9

(5) Philippians 4:19

The fact is...

Many of you have speculated for years.  Some of you may have heard me say it.  Those close to me have seen me at certain “pro” events which I attend weekly & have for most of my life - willingly.  I’ve even held leadership roles at these events   So, it’s time for me to come out & say it.  The fact is, I’m a Christian and I couldn’t be any more happy.

I know this doesn’t take you by surprise.  You probably noticed I wasn’t attracted to the opposite of Life.  I’m just not “in” to sin.  Some might call me conservative.  I no longer take offense.  

I’m lucky - my parents fully support me.  In fact, they have been Christian for the majority of their lives.  Crazy, huh?  

I don’t fit it with some crowds.  I don’t mesh with the pro-worldly groups.  When others see a rainbow and think of storms – I see a rainbow and think of God’s promises.  

I was bullied in school – called a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) and not invited to certain parties.  But I’ve overcome this.  

I met someone – around 26 year ago, actually.

His name is Jesus.  He loves me for who I am.  He would do anything for me – even take a bullet – or a cross.  He knows all I’ve been through and He’s never left me.  Not once.  I sure can’t say that for everyone else I’ve met in the past.  But Jesus is different.  

I can fully trust Him.  I’ve given Him my life.  I follow Him where He leads me.  And, you know what?  I’m not ashamed.  Romans 1:16-17

The Pathmaker - To Pops on his 80th Birthday

The Pathmaker

God directs the steps of the man.
If he listens, the man will walk
That path.
Rocky through battle
Steep during turmoil
Smooth during joys of life
is that path.
But all the while
God directs his steps.

See, God knows
The faces he'll greet
The souls he'll meet
The children he'll hold
The lives he'll mold
All along the way.

God knows that every step
is purposeful
is planned
is preordained.

God knows that every step
Carves the path
Clears the path
for those following close behind.

And those behind watch.

They watch the pathmaker as
He watches the Director of his steps.

They watch, closely, as he
Leads,
Loves,
Provides,
Protects.

And they are
Led,
Loved,
Provided for and
Protected.

Then,

They rise, filling each footprint
with tiny feet
with growing feet
one
by
one.

Feeling out each crevice
With such determination
In constant emulation
of the pathmaker.

And their lives are forever
Joined to that path -
To that well-worn, God-led path.

All because the pathmaker
Watched the Director of his steps.

Your Newspaper Headline

Congratulations!  You just won $1,000,000 for being

the one-millionth person to shop at Wal-Mart! 

What will the newspaper headline say?

• Mother of 9 wins $1,000,000
• Former Homeless Man wins $1,000,000
• Retired Grandmother wins $1,000,000
• ____________________ wins $1,000,000

What will your spouse, mother or father say?

• Congratulations!  I'm happy for you!
• I know you'll squander it just like your uncle.
• After you pay off all your debt, let's see how much you have and how happy you are!
• You may be excited now, but it won't last.
• _________________________________________.

CNN hears about your winnings and wants to do

a story on you and your life.

Where in your past will you NOT want them to visit?

Who in your past will you NOT want them to interview?

  

Many times in life we are defined by our past, by our family, or by our baggage.  How many times have you read "Former Teacher Arrested for..." or "New Mother earns..."?  Likewise, our family can define us.  "You'll never..." or "I know you'll be just like your grandfather who..."  Sometimes our feelings are dictated by those close to us.  If we expect a spouse to rejoice with us, but instead hear "You may be happy now, but just wait until..." it can be a huge blow.

The power of self image, of others' words, and of carried burdens often paint a portrait of who we are.

Whether we like the portrait or want to cast it aside, that picture is not who we are.  It is not who YOU are.  If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord...

• You are a child of God. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  John 1:12
• You are a friend of God. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
• You were made by God to do great things. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
• And, one of my favorites, you are more than just a winner, more than a victor, you are more than a conqueror. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Places and people often remind us of our past.  Can you imagine if CNN reported from David's rooftop? 

"And this is the exact location where David was tempted by lust and failed."

What if CNN interviewed the girl in the courtyard before Jesus' death?

"Young girl, can you tell us what you heard?" 

"Yes, I heard Peter say he didn't even know Jesus and he cursed about it!"

• But in God's eyes, when you accepted Him, you became a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  2 Corinthians 5:17
• God does not hold your past against you. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.  Hebrews 8:12
• God does not want us to repeat our past mistakes, but if we do, we can go to Him and ask for forgiveness and help. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  1 John 2:1

Sorry to sound so preachy- but you may need these promises today.  If not today, maybe tomorrow.  Maybe at your next family event, when Aunt So-and-So brings up that story (you know the one).  Maybe the next time you run into that friend from the old days.  Or maybe the next time you just look into the mirror.

If you are "in Christ” (saved) then these blessings and promises are yours.  To be “in Christ” and receive his blessings, you simply must Admit that you have sinned, Believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again, and Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord (A-B-C).  You can pray a prayer just like this: “Jesus, I admit that I have sinned.  I believe that you died on the cross and rose again to forgive me of my sins.  Please forgive me.  I will make you Lord of my life.  Amen.”  (Romans 10:9-10)

The Minivan Christian

What Kind of Vehicle Are You?
Convertibles Usually available as two-door passenger cars and SUVs, these commonly have a fabric top that folds down, but some sporty versions offer a removable or retractable hardtop.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Sporty Appearance	Interior noise is often high, even with top up
Good resale value	Often no rear seats
Open-air driving in warm, dry weather	More expensive & more vulnerable to robbery

Are you like the convertible?

• Christian walk is smooth and great, as long as the climate around you is great as well. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
• Is your resale value high?  Do you buy-in to the latest & greatest ideas in religion? John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
• Is your interior noise high?  Do you often find yourself confused by life when the climate is not great around you? 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
• No rear seats?  Do you have little or no room to talk to others about your relationship with Christ? Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 
• Vulnerable to robbery?  Is it easy for Satan to steal your joy and peace that God has given you? John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

--------------------------

Coupes  These two-door models often are the sportier incarnation of a four-door "family" sedan.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Sporty Appearance	Rear seats often cramped
Better Handling	Low roof = low head room in rear
More room than convertible (usually)	Wide doors difficult to open all the way

Are you like the coupe?

• Do you handle yourself pretty well in tough life situations? Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
• Do you have a bit more room in your life to discuss your Christian walk. Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
• Wide doors?  Is it hard for you to open your heart to all God has for you? Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

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Hatchbacks These small or medium-sized cars have a trunk lid that's all one piece with the back window.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Practical & versatile	Low roof = low head room in rear
Lots of cargo space	High noise levels
Usually cheaper than cars w/trunk	Cargo area visible to robbers

Are you like the Hatchback?

• Are you versatile?  Can you adapt to life’s changing situations? Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
• Do you have lots of cargo space to carry life’s loads or other’s loads? 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
• Is your interior noise high?  Do you often find yourself confused by life when the climate is not great around you? 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
• Vulnerable to robbery?  Is it easy for Satan to steal your joy and peace that God has given? John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

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Large sedans These are usually long and wide, with powerful engines and fully equipped interiors. They're a good choice as a family sedan.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Roomy & plush	Handling is not very agile
Long wheelbase provides smooth ride	Fuel economy is mediocre to poor
Weight provides safety advantages in wreck	More difficult to park

Are you like the Sedan?

• Does your life have plenty of room for God and others?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
• Does your “base” provide a smooth ride through life, even in bumpy situations? 1 Timothy 6:18-19 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
• Are you “weighted” in biblical truths to assist you in the fender benders of life? Matthew 7:24-25 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
• Is your fuel economy poor?  Do you quickly run out of the blessings of Sunday during the week? Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
   

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Pickup trucks These vehicles are primarily meant to haul cargo, not people, so it's not surprising that most do not provide a carlike ride or good fuel economy. Newer crew-cab versions with four full-sized doors and two rows of regular-sized seats are addressing the people part of the equation, however. Pickups are sold in far more variations than sedans--with many engine choices, diverse bed lengths, and often several cab and door configurations.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Able to carry bulky & heavy loads	Cargo in bed is general unsecured
Good for towing	Sluggish handling & uncomfortable ride
Extended-cab offers extra seating & cargo	Poor fuel economy

Are you like a truck?

• Do you have plenty of room for the burdens of others, yet their burdens end up burdening you so that you become sluggish and uncomfortable?
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
• Is your fuel economy poor?  Do you quickly run out of the blessings of Sunday during the week?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 

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Minivans These vehicles offer large interiors but are usually no longer than a medium-sized car. They are the most practical, utilitarian choice for moving lots of people or cargo.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Roomy – space for up to 8
Plenty of cargo room
Good fuel economy
Higher off road = better visibility
Not as vulnerable to theft

Are you like a minivan?

• Does your life have plenty of room for God and others?
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
• Do you have plenty of room for the burdens of others?
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
• Is your fuel economy good?  Do you fill up and efficiently use the word of God as needed?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
• Have you reached a “higher” place in your Christian walk so that you can see what God has planned for you and what you have planned for God?
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
• Have you committed to not allow Satan to steal your joy and peace?
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Car info from: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-buying-advice/guide-to-used-car-buying/narrow-your-choices/what-kind-of-car-do-you-need/index.htm