Beverly Joy Roberts

I'm not the type of person that enjoys or looks for a reason to debate with anyone about anything.  I'm not interested in getting into a verbal slap down--ever . Don't get me wrong.  I have an opinion, and for the most part, I think that my opinion is the right one.   (Don't we all!) What I take issue with is...when someone baits me into an uncomfortable exchange after they ask me this question,  "What do you think?"   My mind desperately tries to communicate to my mouth, "Don't answer!"  "Don't give your opinion!"  "Don't share your ideas!" "Don't engage!"  "It's futile!" Because in reality, the person doesn't really want to know what I think, unless I am in total agreement with them.   I fall into this trap ALL-THE-TIME!   But there is someone who is interested in what I'm interested in and who isn't waiting to pounce on me with a verbal  slap down .

I have a problem.  I freely admit, it drives me nuts!   It's knotted shoestrings.  There...I said it.    "Knotted shoestrings drive me crazy!" I cringe when I see a child wedge his foot into a shoe that is pinched shut with a knotted shoestring.  Instead of asking for help from someone more capable, the child forces his foot into the shoe and with laces dangling--hobbles away.    Children have an uncanny ability to ignore a knotted shoestring.  They will go about their business--WITH A KNOT IN THEIR SHOESTRING!  Not too long ago, my grandson had a knot in his shoestring and when I asked to help him get the knot out, he resisted.  I grabbed the shoe right off his foot, quickly used a fork to loosen the knot and worked it out in a matter of seconds.  I handed the shoe back to my grandson feeling PRETTY proud of my skills.   There may have been a "Ta-Da" with arms extended.  That part's a bit foggy, but it sounds like me. I was shocked

In 2006, there was a movie released that was called Click .  It was about a husband and father who had a one-of-kind TV remote.   This special remote could be used to  fast-forward , rewind or pause things in real life.   I saw this movie, when it first came out, but never wanted to watch it a second time.  It was funny the first time the man fast-forwarded through some everyday things that we'd all love to speed past in life, but quickly the premise of the movie became painful to watch and sad.   The main character of the movie missed out on many treasured-life experiences because he rushed past everything that was unpleasant or time consuming in his life.   He missed, by choice, the good and bad experiences of life that help form us.  There have been a few experiences in my life, if I had the ability to hit the fast-forward button at that moment, I would have.  But looking back, I'm able to see that even in the struggles and outright failures, God was using

"Wait!" "Have a seat, I’ll be with you in a minute." "It's going to be a 45 minute wait to be seen." We have all heard these phrases.  Even as I write this, I’m reminded of the cold, hard reality that if I’m left too long in  the waiting room ...it doesn't bring out my best qualities. Waiting has never been my strength and while we’re at it...neither is sharing space or taking turns. A few months ago, I found out that our family is getting new health insurance.  I was not excited about this.   It’s not that I’m overly loyalty to any insurance brand, but my family doctor for the past eight years, has won me over with her promptness in seeing patients within minutes of their appointment time and sometimes even before the scheduled appointment.  I will go so far as to say that she has a “zero” wait time in her office. Now, I'm sure you think I’m exaggerating…and I may be just a bit, but there has been many times in my years with thi

It's a new year with endless possibilities .  Right now, on day two, my slate is clean!  Nothing is holding me back for sweet success in every area of my life--because it's JANUARY 2 nd  of a brand-new year.   I can dream big, believe, and yes, it could happen.   What will I accomplish this year?  Will I write another book?   (Maybe!) Will I finally clean out that closet?   (It's the one I'm afraid to open.) Will I read my Bible through? (Well, let's not go crazy!) Will I be a better manager of my time? (I have a new amazing planner!) Will I be willing to step out of the boat?   (With a life jacket on of course!) Will I journal every day? (I do have a lot to say...) Oh, the pure joy of a brand-new journal with its clean white pages.  That new journal is just waiting for all my thoughts to spill out and cover the pages.   Yes, it's a new year with endless possibilities .   I wonder what the Lord has in store for me in