False Advertising!

Things are normally not as easy and simple as some people/companies/products lead you to believe! Have you discovered that for yourself yet?

Random thoughts occasionally hit me at odd times...like just now while heating myself up a late dinner. My newest addiction is microwavable soup in a can. Convenient + Cheap = Love it! When I got it out of the microwave, the words, "JUST HEAT & SIP" were staring me in the face. They make it look so much easier than it really is...NOT that it's difficult by any means; it's just that you're given only 2 steps of the entire process (and in large print on the front label). This is how it really goes (shown on the back label in tiny print, and shown here in paraphrased form):


1. Shake the can before opening.
2. Pull off the plastic cap.
3. Put it down.
4. Remove metal rim.
5. Throw away metal rim.
6. Microwave (without the lid) for 1 minute, 15 seconds.
7. Leave in microwave for an additional 1 minute.
8. Stir.
9. Put plastic cap back on.
10. NOW YOU CAN DRINK IT!!!

Isn't that somewhat like life? I've heard it said before that life's not that difficult. You just live and then you die. Well, that's partially true...you do have to live before you die. But there's so much more in between!

There are hurts, hang-ups & heartaches to endure, memories to be made, victories to be won, jobs lost, weddings & births to be celebrated, lessons to be learned, funerals to attend, misunderstandings to work through, beauty to behold, loved ones to embrace, tears to be cried, forgiveness to be extended, unexpected losses to be grieved...and the list goes on.

Having lost a very dear loved one only 2 days ago, it serves as the perfect time to remind us all...life is short. Life is uncertain. Life is not always easy! We have no guarantees of what experiences lie around the next corner, or what twists & turns the roads may take. Life may not be as simple & uncomplicated as a soup label, but we CAN have peace and stability in the midst of it all, knowing that our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, is still in control!

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

"But the Lord is in his holy Temple;the Lord still rules from heaven.He watches everyone closely,examining every person on earth." Psalm 11:4

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:7

"So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. My powerful right hand will take good care of you. I always do what is right." Isaiah 41:10