It's a beautiful day here in Tennessee; it truly is breathtaking. We love the scenery, the people, the weather, the smoky mountains; we love it all!  We especially love being within 20 miles of each of our children.

I came into my bedroom  a few minutes ago where I have my easy chair to complete the simple task of sewing on a couple clips onto something.  Did I ever tell you that I am not a seamstress?   Did I ever tell you the most frustrating job in the world is for me to sew on a button?   Did I ever tell you I'm a mess when I try to thread a needle without getting six knots in it?  Did I ever tell you that my grandmother was a professional seamstress and she tried to teach me when I was in grade school and high school to sew, mend and embroider? Well,  I think she finally realized (but never told me) that I would never win a purple ribbon in 4-H at the county fair!  And she was right!

My mom did a lot of sewing for the family including sewing car seat covers for my dad.  ME?  I work more confidently with a staple gun, superglue or duct tape!  Anyway, what should take anyone only about 10 minutes to complete at the most---sewing on a button or clip,  I struggled for an hour and a half finally finding myself on the brink of tears.  The end result looked like whoever did it (which was me) was blindfolded underwater with their  hands tied behind their back!  I thought to myself, "How can anything so simple be so difficult?"   And then I gave myself a pep talk, "Self, God must've known that my calling was not to be a seamstress.  So He allowed me to mess it up to ensure I would go on to what He's really called me to do and to be:  an evangelist's wife with a passion for the lost, compassionate heart with a burden for the hurting, and a friend to the lonely.

When I started thinking that way, I pulled myself together and realized that God gives everyone different  talents.  I have always admired my different sister-in-laws with all of their various talents.  They are all creative, great cooks, great hosts,  great parents and grandparents. On days when I felt like I didn't measure up, God reminded me that my calling was different--- my gifting was to be on the road with my family, ministering to  reach the lost.   Years ago I came to peace with knowing that I can't seem to sew on a button, but I can encourage someone and pray with those who are hurting and have needs.  I now choose to thank God for the gifts He's given to each of us, and He just asks us to use them for His glory.  "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."  James 1:17, NKJV

Well, there, I vented!   And now I feel better!  I guess I will go and try to finish sewing on one more clip! LOL!  Have a great summer!

Gloria

P.S.  Again, we are so thankful for the avenue of ministry that began about a year ago through COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE.  Feel free to join us this Wednesday at 11 AM in our Facebook group by clicking here and joining>>  https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210  or go to our CCLIVE page on this website to view all of our prior CCLIVE'S by clicking HERE.

RECIPE

Taco Salad

1 head of lettuce

1 tomatoe, diced

1 lb ground beef, browned and seasoned with seasoning salt, chili powder

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 sm pkg Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed

1 pkg Good Seasons Italian Dressing, prepare as directed

Onion

Avocados

Kidney beans

Mix together the lettuce, tomato, cooked ground beef and cheddar cheese.  Toss with the prepared dressing and mix.  Add the Doritos just before serving.  Serve the onions, avocados and kidney beans on the side.