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Title: Growing Up Through Second Chances   Send to a Friend
Date: 10/21/2008    
 
Friends,

Welcome to another addition of Women of Wisdom's (W.O.W) e-letter! W.O.W's mission is to encourage you to live the divine purpose for your life! Expect to see a W.O.W. e-letter monthly and be sure to pass them on to your friends.

While visiting home during a break, our college-aged daughter learned the realities of living on a budget.  We have always encouraged her to spend her money wisely and take care of her financial responsibilities first before buying something she wants versus something she really needs.  While shopping at a favorite store during this break, she saw a pair of designer jeans she just could not live without.  She wondered aloud if she could afford them as I reminded her that she had her tithe, rent, and utilities money to set aside.  I observed her making mental calculations before announcing proudly, "Yes, I think I can still afford this!"  A grin of satisfaction crossed her face as she made her purchase.

Later, as we talked about her purchase, I inquired about her ability to buy groceries for the rest of the month.  She blithely replied, "I still have $30 in my account."  To which I laughingly responded, "And you think $30 is going to buy groceries for two weeks?"  Darling, you obviously plan to live on peanut butter and crackers!"  Needless, to say, she was not amused but was too proud to let on that she was slightly concerned about how she would survive with such a small amount of cash.

The next day, as she was preparing to return to school, I mentioned that we had an over abundance of deli meats and cheeses left over from a reception that we had hosted the day before.  I barely got the words out of my mouth before she squealed, "God truly does provide!  My very own manna and quail!"  (Referring to the heavenly food God sent to Moses and the children of Israel during the great Exodus in the Bible).  I couldn't help but to laugh.  She had clearly been praying about her lack of money and her need for groceries!  She viewed those left-overs as God's provision in her time of need.  With that, we packed a cooler and she took her 'manna and quail' back to school.

I reflected on how often God bails us out even when we make unwise decisions.  It is an example of His grace - unmerited favor towards us.  Why does He do it?  Because He loves us and remembers that we are only clay.  And thank God He does!  Which of us hasn't done something like spent our grocery money on jeans?  Or choose a good path rather than the best path?  Even still, we experience His patience as He corrects us and guides us back as only the God of second chances can do.

I have a feeling that after my girl has her fill of "manna and quail", she'll think twice before spending her grocery money on another pair of jeans.  But more importantly she will know first hand how to choose the best path next time.  And isn't that what growing up is all about?

We too mature spirituallly as we journey through life.  Sometimes we choose wisely and other times not.  But of one thing we can be sure - we may never walk perfectly but we can walk victoriously when we choose to follow God.  And as we do, the truth of Romans 8:28 will become evident in our lives.

"That's why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good."  (Roman 8:28; The Message Bible)


Be Blessed!

Mary

Mary Banks

For Speaking Engagements: Contact 281.537.5959
Mary_Banks@wowconsultinggroup.com

Has this Demi E-letter blessed you? Write me and let me know. Better yet, pass it on to those you care about!


© 2008, Mary E. Banks Permission is granted to forward this e-letter (and it's greatly encouraged) provided the © copyright notice and contact information are included. Thanks!

   
 
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Growing Up Through Second ...     10/21/08
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