Call us:  (507) 226-8330

Blog

By jeanababcock-websiteredesign 29 Feb, 2024
Where, oh where was winter this year? Oh where, oh where could it be? With warmer days, and little snow, I’ve been filled with so much glee! Is this a tune you’ve been singing along with me this winter season? Typically, I am yearning for a warm vacation this time of year—dreaming of eighty-degree temps and sunshine somewhere in the south where I might be able to defrost and escape the frozen tundra. The dreary cold days of winter weigh so heavily on me that I don’t know if I can take even one more flake of snow by the time we march into March. But this year, it’s a whole different story! My three-mile daily morning walks, marked in previous winters with a little dread, layers of clothing, frozen nostril hairs, and frosty eyelashes have been refreshingly brisk and more enjoyable this year. And with so many days when snow pants haven’t been needed, I’ve even had more spring in my walking steps without the bulkiness of the pants slowing me down. Speaking of more spring in walking steps, I’ve learned a new way to walk that I want to share with you. Last summer, I did a Bible study called “Our Father: A Study of the Lord’s Prayer” by Becky Harling with my beloved mother-in-law and daughter. It was a sweet time as we learned how to best pray with the best teaching from the Lord Himself. I’m an acronym girl. And I needed a way to remind myself how to pray like Jesus after completing the study. WALK became my word. W orship the Lord A sk audaciously L ean into His will K eep forgiving Though I have not always prayed like this, learning to do so has changed my perspective—taking my time with Jesus off of me and my desires and turning it to Him—making it into a worship sesh where I praise, honor, and yield to what He has for me. In doing this, the bad and the ugly moments of life move from fear, anxiety, and all of the negative emotions to "it is well with my soul". And the good and beautiful moments of life move from simple gladness to deep and utter gratitude to God. Oftentimes prayer can be a list of wants and desires, completely devoid of bowing down and worshiping a holy God that we have the freedom and privilege to come to in prayer. As I have learned to better pray, my WALK with Him has become more intimate and more meaningful. Let’s walk a little further together. “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” Matthew 6: 9-13 Since this isn’t the way we talk in our everyday lives, the Lord’s Prayer might sound complicated. But when we break it down, it’s so chock full of goodness that we realize Jesus knew just what He was saying when He taught us to pray like this. (W) Worship the Lord. We lift His name on high. We sing of His mighty works – we might even start our prayers with a great worship song. We praise Him for loving us and for saving us through His Son. We thank Him for all the things—the big and little things—anything that makes our hearts swell even a little. For the breath in our lungs, for the food in our bellies, for the day He has already planned ahead, and even for the warmer-than-normal winter! When we worship like this, with grateful hearts for what God has done and for Who He is, He gives us a new perspective. And the grumblings we might otherwise have start to fade away as we bask in His goodness. (A) Ask audaciously. We ask great big things in great expectation that God can do them. He is the Mountain Mover, Great Physician, Prince of Peace, Miracle Worker, Wonderful Counselor, Shephard, Provider, Protector, etc. We can come to Him and ask for big things because we know He can deliver them. He can move mountains, heal bodies, bring peace that surpasses our understanding, work miracles, give wisdom, guide, provide, protect, etc. But, when we first come in Holy Worship, the things we ask for start to change as He changes our perspective and helps us to remember all He has already done and reminds us that His ways are not our ways and His plans are good—even in the struggles and trials of life. (L) Lean into His will. After worshiping and asking, our hearts become so full of knowing all that God is and all that He can do that we are able to lean fully into His will. But, this is perhaps one of the hardest parts of our WALK. Worshiping and asking are things that we actively do. We are good at doing things. But are we good at being still and knowing that He is God? Are we good at leaning into what He knows is good for us? Leaning is not being lazy, leaning is having faith and trusting God with it all. Leaning is dying to self and clinging to the One who has our best interest in mind. (K) Keep forgiving. Forgiveness is hard. Forgiveness is constant. Sometimes memories creep in and we have to forgive all over again - taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ. Forgiveness is not for the faint of heart, it is for the faithful in God. He wasn’t kidding when He said we would need to forgive seventy-times-seven. We have hearts that feel easily wronged so we have to keep forgiving the little things and remembering how we are forgiven for the little things that we have done. But what about the big things? The things in life that are unfair and unjust and leave us completely undone. The things we never even fathomed could happen, but they did. And everything in us wants to hold onto anger and unforgiveness because the person who wronged us is unworthy of our forgiveness. But the truth is, our unforgiveness hurts us more than the other person—it keeps bitterness in our hearts and disrupts the relationship we have with Jesus. Forgiving doesn’t necessarily mean reconciling or opening the door to more moments of hurt or pain. Forgiving means laying the wrong at the foot of the cross—all the wrongs—the big ones and the little ones, and living in the peace that God gives us because we have been obedient in our forgiveness of others. Is that it? You may think that my WALK acronym left out the “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” part. But here’s the deal: WALK is a two-parter. As we pray with this acronym, we also learn to DO the walking. So, when we literally walk with Jesus—by being in His Word, following His ways, and praying like Him, He not only leads us away from temptation, but He shields us from the evil one. Now that, my friends, is the best way to WALK triumphantly. Since we are talking about walking and we cannot walk everywhere we go I wonder if we can also use the acronym WALK differently in the automotive world. I also wonder if we can weave our new automotive acronym back into our faith walk as well. Let’s give it a try. W ait patiently A sk Questions L isten carefully K eep maintaining (W) Wait Patiently. Just as we wait patiently for divine intervention or guidance, in auto repair, patience is key when dealing with complex issues or waiting for diagnostics or repairs to be completed. We live in a busy world and we want our vehicles back ASAP. But have you ever considered all that goes into caring for your vehicle? Here’s the process: · Details of concerns or services must be documented by the Service Advisor for the technician. · The vehicle is then dispatched to one of the technicians. · The technician test drives the vehicle, assesses it based on concerns, diagnoses problems (which can be simple or complicated), and inspects it. · The findings of all that was inspected are returned to the Service Advisor who estimates costs and sources parts. · The Service Advisor then calls the customer to share and help prioritize findings as well as receive authorization for service(s). · Meanwhile, the technician may be assessing another vehicle by the time your authorization is obtained. It’s not a huge struggle—it’s just a juggle. And because the Service Advisor is also juggling several cars by completing estimates and contacting customers, it’s a real balancing act to keep all the pieces in perfect play. · After your authorization, the Service Advisor needs to order the parts – are they immediately available or will there be a shipping delay? Sometimes they need to order different parts from different suppliers while ensuring they all arrive around the same time. Other times extended warranty companies need to be called. And if you know anything about warranty companies, you know it’s a real crap shoot of when you might finally get ahold of a human being after waiting on hold for hours on end. · The repairs and maintenance can be performed once the parts arrive and details are settled. · When services are complete the technician takes the vehicle for another test drive to confirm the problem(s) is fixed. · Then the Service Advisor can coordinate pick up or delivery as well as payment for your vehicle. Maybe you’ve never fully considered all that goes into taking care of your vehicle from start to finish. But clearly, being patient is a key component to making sure the process goes smoothly. (A) Ask Questions. In the same way, we ask questions of God and seek His understanding in our circumstances, in the automotive world, asking questions is essential to understanding the issues affecting your vehicle. At times, customers can be intimidated by the auto service process or they might not understand the mechanics behind certain issues. That’s okay. That’s why you build a relationship with the service team—so they can guide you through the process. They are happy to answer questions, and if they don’t know, they are happy to get answers for you. Don't hesitate to inquire about unfamiliar terminologies, recommended repairs, or the reasoning behind certain diagnostic procedures. By actively seeking knowledge and understanding, you empower yourself to make informed decisions regarding your vehicle's maintenance and repairs, fostering a sense of confidence and control in the process. (L) Listen Carefully. Just as we must be still to listen and discern what God is saying to us in our walk with Him, listening carefully to expert advice from automotive professionals is crucial for maintaining and repairing your vehicle effectively. Pay attention to their recommendations, explanations, and insights regarding your vehicle's condition and necessary repairs. By actively listening and considering their expertise, you can make informed decisions prioritizing your vehicle's safety, performance, and longevity. You can also return to the (A) and ask more questions for clarity. I’ve been in the automotive industry for many years and one thing that some consumers have been known to say that really chaps my hide is “they keep trying to upsell me”. What does that even mean? If you are at a restaurant and your server asks you if you want an appetizer, are they trying to “upsell you”? Or are they trying to make your taste buds happy with a little meal before your meal? If you are at the doctor and they tell you that you need a medication for what you came in for as well as a surgery for something else they discovered, are they trying to “upsell you”? Or are they taking the best care of you? When you equip yourself by asking questions, listening, and seeking professional guidance regarding vehicle repairs or maintenance recommendations, you have the power to make informed decisions. Just like you can say you don’t want the appetizer, the pills, or the surgery, you can say you don’t want whatever it is your Service Advisor is recommending. As their name suggests, they are there to advise you in the service process, not to “upsell you”. Listen carefully, ask questions, and make decisions. That’s good walking! (K) Keep Maintaining. Lastly, just like we need to maintain a good relationship with Jesus so we can stay spiritually and emotionally healthy, in the automotive realm, it's important to maintain a consistent schedule of preventive maintenance to ensure your vehicle's longevity and reliability. Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, fluid exchanges, tire rotations, and alignments, helps keep your vehicle performing at its best. Not only that but proactively maintaining your vehicle regularly gives your mechanic the ability to assess your vehicle at regular intervals to identify potential issues early on and prevent costly repairs down the road. All this talk about walking makes me think of the familiar phrase “ Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk”. What a good piece of advice that we can apply here. Even before spring officially springs, let us put some spring in our steps as we carry out these new ways to WALK . WALK in your prayer life, WALK with Jesus, and WALK confidently during the auto repair process.
By jeanababcock-websiteredesign 04 Feb, 2024
Do you feel the love in the crisp air of February? Do you express affection for your loved ones in grand or subtle ways? Are you in a lighter, happier mood as you join John Paul Young in singing “Love is in the air, everywhere I look around” … “Love is in the air, every sight and every sound”? Or would you rather just skip this month dedicated to all things love because love has been difficult or challenging for you in one way or another? Have you ever thought that perhaps February, particularly Valentine’s Day, has become excessively commercialized? With all the hype, pressure, and high expectations, Americans spent nearly 26 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day last year and it’s expected to rise this year. As so many try to find the perfect gift, plan the perfect date, and profess their love perfectly, does this pressure for one single day detract from the genuine goodness of simply loving one another well all year round? If love were a constant presence, would there even need to be a day dedicated to extravagant displays of love? Additionally, for those lacking love in their lives, is this month a little extra difficult to get through? If we were to imagine a love continuum, ranging from a lack of love to a complete abundance of love, where would you place yourself today? When considering where to place yourself on this continuum, do your thoughts revolve around how others love you, or do you focus on how you extend love to others? Perhaps it's worth considering that these two aspects are intricately connected. In my experience, it seems that the love we receive is often a reflection of how we love others. However, it's not about loving in order to receive, rather, it’s being so filled with love that it naturally spills over onto those around us. But if you are not filled with love because nobody is filling you, how can you possibly overflow with it? Certainly, you cannot pour out love if your “love-cup” is dry. And you cannot expect other people to do the work of filling your “love-cup”. So where do you go to fill it up? You must go to the well that never runs dry—to the One who IS love (1 John 4:16)—to the One who makes us strong in His love (Eph 3:17)—the One who loves us and shows us how to love so that we can better love others (John 13:34). Notice I didn’t say, you “must get” from the well, but instead you “must go” to the well. Getting is not costly. Going is costly (time, energy, effort). You must pick up the “love-cup” that is your heart and daily visit the well where the Living Water awaits to fill it past its brim to overflowing. Maybe you are skeptical about this recipe for love. If so, I wonder, have you ever tried it? I love a good tried and true recipe! Over the years, I have collected many, altered some to make them better, and developed my own—both with and without gluten. It fills my soul with joy to cook for others and delight their taste buds with my creations and cooking abilities. Though I still get occasional opportunities to cook for my children when they come home, I cook far less than I used to. But when we seek to bless and love others through our God-given gifts, God opens new opportunities to use them. One way He’s done that for me is by giving me a whole shop family to make great big meals for once a month. Last year, I made my “famous” (and a top favorite at the shop) Taco Lasagna. One of our newer team members, Brady had never had the dish before, really enjoyed it, and asked me for the recipe. Since I had put it on the gluten-free website I had recently created (another way to share my gift!), I sent the link to him. The following weekend, Brady and his girlfriend made my Taco Lasagna. He then reported back to me that it “wasn’t very good”. I joked with him and said, “Maybe because it wasn’t made with love”. But the recipe was perfectly fine, and if followed to the tee as others have done, it would have tasted just like the one I made for him at the shop. Let’s just pause here a moment so I can explain this peppy fun apron I am wearing in the photo. I am not keen on the word “boss” but when your whole shop family buys you a “Boss Lady” apron like this for Christmas (Was it out of love or expectation for more meals? We might never know…), you promptly wear it while you serve Taco Lasagna for the January lunch meal! Okay, back to the story… There are all sorts of good recipes in the world—for life, for love, and even for auto care. The question is, are we following them to the tee? When it comes to your vehicle, what recipe do you follow? There seem to be two tried recipes—Repair and Care. But the question is, are they true (proven good)? It’s no secret that a tried recipe is not always a true recipe. So what’s the difference? And if you tried it once, is it a bad recipe, or did you fail to follow all the directions? I recently heard a podcast where Gary Brecka was talking about the difference between repair and care when it comes to our bodies. He has a “care” approach where he emphasizes maintaining one’s health through a balanced whole-food diet (no sugar or processed foods), regular exercise, and supplementing based on individual needs. To help others understand he related it to the auto industry by stating, “A good mechanic fixes a car, a great mechanic keeps a car from breaking”. Would you say this is true? How do you approach auto repair? Like the love continuum we talked about, let’s now imagine a repair-to-care continuum. Where would you place yourself on it? Are you at one of the extremes or somewhere in the middle? Certainly, if you own your vehicle long enough, there will be repairs in the future. But do you know the value of preventative maintenance to keep your vehicle as healthy as possible? Several years ago, a new fleet company became a customer of Babcock Auto Care (notice the care in the name). The fleet company had previously been a customer of a repair shop. So, our way of doing auto care was a whole new concept. Previously, their vehicles would breakdown often and require emergency repairs. Inspections were only done to tell them the things that were broken or close to breaking. Of course, it is important to know what is broken on a vehicle, but our approach is different. We do digital vehicle inspections—not only to reveal what is in disrepair but also to share what is recommended to keep it at its healthiest. We share our findings and recommendations with customers and help them make informed decisions. I would love to tell you that the fleet company immediately understood and believed our care over repair recipe. But they didn’t. However, over time, as we educated them and showed them the value of maintenance, they began following our recipe and quickly catapulted to the care end of the spectrum. Though the payoff to this new way of auto care is not like happy taste buds after enjoying a new tried and true recipe, it does yield other great benefits as it becomes “true”. Here are some of the advantages to regular vehicle maintenance: Savings ° Helps identify and address potential issues before they become major and more costly repairs ° Longer life of the vehicle ° Higher resale value with a documented history of maintenance ° Maintains warranty so future problems have a better chance of being covered Smooth ° Ensures that all components of the vehicle are functioning optimally, leading to better fuel efficiency and overall performance ° Keeps parts well-lubricated with clean fluids and in good condition for a smooth and comfortable driving experience Safety ° Regular inspections include checking and maintaining systems (including the braking system, which is crucial for safety) ° Proper tire maintenance, including rotation and alignment, contributes to better traction and reduces the risk of accidents Peace of Mind ° Knowing that your vehicle is in good condition provides peace of mind and confidence in its reliability for daily use or long trips ° Fewer breakdowns If you haven’t yet tried this recipe of care over repair, I encourage you to give it a shot to find out how true it really is. Speaking of true things, let’s get back to the heart of the matter of love. Have you heard of the book, “Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God” by Francis Frangipane? It’s a sweet book so chock full of goodness, that I often revisit it. In the middle of the first chapter is a statement that spoke so deeply to my soul that I paraphrased it, wrote it on a sticky note, and put it on my computer screen at work. Frangipane writes, “Truth is knowing God’s heart as it is revealed in Christ, and it is knowing our own hearts in the light of God’s grace.” This, my friends, is the heart of my recipe for love. When we go to the well to fill our “love-cups” with Living Water (time with God in praise, prayer, and in His word), we get to know God’s heart as it is revealed in Christ. And when we get to know His heart and feel the depth and breadth of His love for us and for all He created, despite our sins and flaws (the concept known as grace), then we start to be filled. What’s more, as the Living Water abundantly pours in, our cups begin to overflow (Psalm 23:5). In Psalm 23:5, David uses the expression about a cup overflowing to help us understand the abounding and overflowing nature of God’s presence, provision, protection, and power. God’s blessing on David wasn’t just for his life but it was designed to spill over so that it could bless others. The same holds true for you and for me. Are you taking your “love-cup” to the well that never runs dry? Are you being filled with all that God has for you? Are you using the gifts that God has given you, even the small ones (like cooking!), to allow His love to overflow from your heart and into the lives of others? As I have been writing this article a song keeps popping in my head. Have you heard of “Fill My Cup” by Andrew Ripp? I invite you to go there now, tap your foot to the beat, and sing it with abandon. Then join me back here… The chorus goes like this: “Fill my cup, Lord Run it over Give me love, give me joy Give me peace Fill my cup, Lord Run it over I am Your child in need Lord, I need You” Then an extra good chorus follows: “Fill my house up with hope Fill my plans up with purpose Fill my wounds up with healing Lord, I need You Fill my days up with meaning Fill my future with vision Goodness, grace, and provision Lord, I need You” Oh, my friends, how I want all these things for you! It really is the perfect recipe for love. Don’t believe me? Taste and see (Psalm 34:8). Follow my recipe for the rest of this month. Unlike the billions of dollars spent on love this month, there is no financial cost with my recipe! But it will cost something (everything good does)—it will cost time, energy, and effort. These things are our most precious commodities. But I can assure you from personal experience that your ROI (return on investment) will be 100-fold and you will find that my tried and true recipe for love will become yours too. Dear God, may we shift our focus of love in February from worldly things, that do not last, to You, the Everlasting One—the source of love who fills us to overflowing. As we begin to overflow, help us to use the gifts You have so lavishly given us to pour love into the lives of others. Thank You that we can love others because You first loved us. Your recipe for love is the only One we need. Amen.
By Jeana Babcock 19 Jan, 2024
New Year – New You! How will you bring in this year with newness? Are you ready for all that is to come as you look through the big wide windshield of life? Do you have hopes and dreams in the distance that you are ready to chase after? Or do you find yourself frequently looking into the rearview mirror and dwelling on the past, making it challenging to fully see what goodness might lie ahead? Rearview mirrors serve a crucial purpose—they allow us to see past mistakes for the sake of improvement, view challenges and difficulties we’ve overcome as a testament to our resilience, and remember all God has done and situations He has used to help us grow and make us more like Him. But, to become ‘New Yous’ in the ‘New Year’ we must spend less time looking in the review mirror and more time with our eyes wide open and alert to what’s in the windshield—all that God has for us today and in the future. This enables us to embrace new opportunities, new ways, new perspectives, and the beautiful new roads ahead while still appreciating the blessings and lessons from what is behind. Through life’s journey, I have found that one of the best ways to learn, grow and see more clearly is to ‘carpool’. You see, when we have others in the car with us, we can rely on each other to get to our destinations in safer, better, more enjoyable ways. They can help us see more clearly in different situations, give us improved perspectives, warn us of hazards that we may not see, show us efficient shortcuts, help us navigate rougher roads that they’ve previously traveled, and sing with joy along the way. With these ‘carpooling’ benefits, I wonder why any of us would choose to travel alone. Perhaps it’s because others seem to have better vehicles (lives and circumstances) than we do. Why would we be vulnerable by asking others to join us in our old beat-up, disorderly, messy vehicles? Or why would we want to go into their beautiful, well-maintained, clean vehicles that make us feel inferior? It is human nature to want others to see the best in us. This is why, more often than not, social media is filled with the wonderful parts of people’s lives—the shiny exteriors. We don’t often post the hard stuff—the garbage of difficult situations, the dirt and grime of addiction, the stink of family problems, or the stains of sin. But here’s the secret: when we can be vulnerable and invite people into our not-so-perfect vehicles (lives), it gives others the courage to do the same. And when we all become ‘carpoolers’, think of the goodness that might just come as we ride together. We can help each other clean the garbage out, vacuum up dirt and grime, fumigate the stink, scrub the stains and travel better together. Because I have a fondness for a clean and organized vehicle, and I enjoy helping others with theirs, I’ll volunteer for vulnerability in 2024 and start the carpooling cleanup! Most of the time, I feel ill-equipped to perform the roles I have in this life. I’ve made so many mistakes as a mom, wife, business owner, friend, etc. I often wrestle with feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and not being enough. Sometimes I try to compensate and strive for perfection in all the things I can control. But it doesn’t work and I eventually see things for what they are. Ultimately, my car is a mess. This past year, an even bigger mess was revealed and because I want to ‘carpool’ well with you—I’m going to invite you right on into my mess. Be forewarned—there is a good chance that you will be tempted to judge my messy vehicle. But I hope that as you judge, you might consider doing so in a positive way rather than negative because of my courage and vulnerability—all for the sake of helping others learn from my mess. For the last several years, I have been getting sicker and sicker until late last summer when I felt like I was dying. Sure, I put on my shiny exterior smile, but inside, I felt horrible. Symptoms that started out mild had worsened over time. I had overwhelming fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, extremely dry skin, systemic inflammation, weight gain, insomnia, adrenal fatigue, thyroid problems, dizziness, leg swelling, and so many GI issues. Over time, testing revealed problems, but the cause was not found. I began working with a functional medicine doctor a few years ago to try to help relieve the symptoms. The things that were suggested did not bring relief. So, I began my own research—google, podcasts, books—anything that might help. I tried countless detox programs, naturopathic remedies, acupuncture, sauna, and supplements. I was already eating a gluten-free diet but under the advice of a detox program, I removed grains and sugar. Last spring, I began the bean diet (which I shared in a previous article). Though I found some relief in the first few months—it was short-lived, and my symptoms began to worsen again. I couldn’t understand why my body felt like it was shutting down. In August, at my lowest and when my kids returned to college, I committed to figuring out the problem. I began to see a functional medicine doctor again and I was determined to get help from a surgeon with a separate health issue. Back story - due to GI issues, I developed a hernia several years ago. I had hernia repair with mesh in early 2022. After the repair, I had additional discomfort. I knew something was wrong but when I consulted my surgeon he said the lump of mesh in my stomach was “normal” and everything was fine. The problem was, I knew it wasn’t fine. So, in August, I sought a second opinion. The new hernia surgeon I went to in the twin cities listened and after assessment, found that the mesh was improperly secured and he told me that when the surgeon put it in, the needle likely caused a second hernia. I left his office, got into my vehicle, and wept. There were so many tears of relief and joy that it could be fixed. I praised God all the way home and began to plan for surgery. I wanted that mesh out of me and I was grateful to have found a doctor who was confident he could properly repair the issues without synthetic mesh. Planning for surgery involves a preoperative physical assessment. My functional medicine doctor conducted this along with necessary lab tests. Previous lab results had shown issues requiring attention after surgery, but the new tests revealed additional problems—I was not absorbing nutrients and my ferritin level was 4.1 (extremely low). But despite my hemoglobin being just below normal, I was cleared for the necessary surgery. On September 8th, Dr. Panait performed robotic surgery, removing the improperly secured mesh and repairing both hernias. His surprise at what he found led him to share a picture of the poorly placed mesh with me. I was shocked but relieved to have it out and though I was disappointed that it was not put in correctly, I was grateful to have found such a caring and competent surgeon to fix it. During recovery, I delved into research about mesh and its associated problems. In the process, I learned about other issues that can arise with foreign objects in the body. It was then that a “still-small-voice” whispered to me—'what if all your health problems were stemming from other foreign objects in your body’? My heart began to race as I researched. Approximately 1.5 million women get breast implants every year. The reasons women choose to have augmentations are many—to reconstruct what cancer deconstructed, to fill up the sag/deformity that may be left after breastfeeding or weight loss, to correct uneven breasts, to appease husbands, to feel more feminine, etc. After nursing all my children, I felt deformed and less than desirable. I was obsessed with thoughts of how breast implants would fix the mess that was left and make me feel more feminine and confident. At the time (2007), breast implants were marketed as being “super safe” and they were FDA-approved. With that knowledge and with the hopes of looking “normal”, I had a breast augmentation. For 16 years, I was content with the results. Then, early last year during one of my detox programs, I learned implants could be toxic to the body. I quickly dismissed the idea since my previous mammograms had not indicated any problems. Midway through the year, the subject came up again as I read an article on Breast Implant Illness (BII). I briefly considered this as a contributing factor to my health issues, but honestly, I didn’t want to deal with it. So, I boxed it up and put it away for a different day. The different day was when the “still small voice” whispered to me shortly after the hernia surgery. I didn’t want to believe it—I didn’t want to lose my breasts, I didn’t want another surgery, I didn’t want to deal with the emotional and physical toll. But I prayed and asked God to reveal truth to me. He did. I immediately found a website and group of over 184,000 women who all suffered from BII. I scoured the posts. It was me! So many of them had my exact story! And removing the toxic implants is what cured some, if not all their symptoms. I prayed again. I was scared but I was also confident that God had led me to the answer for my failing health. What I began to see in that moment is that God had been preparing me for what was to come. I had done a summer Bible study with my daughter and mother-in-law with a deep dive into the Lord’s Prayer. I learned a new way to pray and I would need it! Then I was led to a personal study on Esther—the only book of the Bible that doesn’t mention God, but one that you see how He worked behind-the-scenes. He began to show me how he’d been working so long behind-the-scenes, showing me that my worth is not in the shiny exterior but the goodness that He has been making on the inside through Jesus. And during these new revelations in September, I was doing a Bible study with a group of women called Take Courage. Oh, how I would need His courage! So, I took that courage. I devoured everything from the website and gained support and encouragement from the community of women I found. There they all were, showing me their messy cars as I revealed mine to them also. It was ‘carpooling’ at its best! I gained an improved perspective, was warned about hazards, shown efficient shortcuts, helped by so many others to navigate the rough road ahead, and with all the goodness and support, it was like we were singing with joy on the journey together. I’d love to tell you that with my new ‘breasties’ (that’s what they call each other, lol), my ‘carpooling’ journey was all sunshine and rainbows. But it wasn’t. The surgery was hard. Both of my implants had contracture and one was ruptured (releasing the raw toxins into my body). The recovery was painful. And though I am starting to notice improvements, I continue with many of my pre-explant symptoms. The healing formula suggested is that it takes approximately one month per year of having implants in order to fully detox. That’s almost a year and a half for me. I have a couple of options while traveling the roadways ahead. (A) I can spend a lot of time looking in the rearview mirror with regrets and feeling sorry for myself. Or (B) I can be grateful for all that I’ve learned and who I’ve met in this ‘carpooling’ trip while looking at all that God has for me in the future. And if I want to make it an extra good trip, I can share my journey with others. I’m choosing B with the extra goodness. It would take several more pages to share all I have learned. So instead, I’ll let you do some of the research on your own and leave you with a few truths. All breast implants can cause Breast Implant Illness (BII) – all brands – both saline and silicone. They can also cause cancer. The symptoms are multifaceted and show up in so many different ways that most affected women and their doctors don’t even think to contribute symptoms to BII. FDA approval does not mean safe. Sauna bathing heats the implants and releases more toxins into the body. Mammograms can rupture implants (if you have implants, you should NOT get mammograms, you should get ultrasounds and MRIs—better yet, you should consider removal). If removal is not for you, implants should be replaced every ten years. And my final truth is this: In this world, we place far too much emphasis on making our vehicles shiny on the outside. The Lord says that He does not look at the outward appearance, He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). In 2024, let us do as Jesus does. Let’s stop looking at the shiny exteriors of ourselves and others. Let’s learn how to be vulnerable to ‘carpool’ well so that we can shine up what’s on the inside of each other’s vehicles. And let us stop dwelling on what is behind in the rearview mirror so we can see all that God has for us in the windshield of life.
Behind-the-Scenes | Babcock Auto Care
01 Sep, 2023
Friends, today I’m going to take you on a “behind-the-scenes” journey. Certainly, reading about what happens behind-the-scenes is nothing like experiencing it for yourself, but you might just hear a few things you didn’t know before and it might open your eyes up to some “behind-the-scene” opportunities in your own life. So, sit back, relax and enjoy what’s to come as we travel behind a few scenes together. Our first “out-of-this-world” destination is SpaceX in Los Angeles, CA. Never, did I ever imagine I might have an opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of any SpaceX facility, much less with the tour guide being my very own son. But friends, it happened this summer and I am here to talk about it. Jayden, our twenty-three-year-old son, received his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at UW Madison last December and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in an accelerated one-year program. After completing a twelve-week internship last summer at the Tesla facility in Austin, TX, he learned that programming was an interest he wanted to pursue. So, when SpaceX contacted him for an interview, followed by an internship offer for this summer in LA, he took advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of course, my husband and I not only supported his decision but we did what any awesome parents would do in our position – we took advantage of his opportunity too. Ha! So, a few weeks ago we packed our bags and headed to sunny California. After landing, renting a car, and heading toward Hollywood to check into our Airbnb, I began to wonder … coming from the Midwest, would our “out-of-this-world” experience be our tour of SpaceX or of Southern California? During our brief trip, we managed to visit numerous popular attractions both when our son joined us and during his work hours. We rented bikes and rode from Santa Monica to Venice Beach, strolled the Venice Canals, walked over the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, caught a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood sign (from afar), cruised along Rodeo Drive, and savored incredibly tasty gluten-free cuisine. But truly, the pièce de résistance was SpaceX. I genuinely wish I could personally guide you through the premises or share photographs of the magnificence within. Unfortunately, cameras were prohibited, and I must admit that my son’s brilliance far surpasses mine, making me a less-than-stellar tour guide. Nevertheless, I can share with you some snippets of my time behind-the-scenes. A massive American flag hung from the ceiling at the center of the facility—and while “God Bless America” lyrics sprang to my mind I was grateful to know that Elon Musk’s patriotism runs so deep that he keeps a reminder of the greatness of our nation prominently displayed for all to see. The level of cleanliness and tidiness was unparalleled—and the floors were so clean and shiny that you could simply forget about the five-second rule and just use the floor as your plate! A used space capsule was suspended from the ceiling at the exact angle that it reentered the Earth’s atmosphere—complete with burn marks from the intense heat generated during reentry. Behind the glass elevators stood a life-sized replica of “Iron Man”—since parts of the movie were filmed at SpaceX, it is said that the creators gifted this back to Elon Musk as a “thank you”. The building featured multiple rooms, including a mission control center with an active countdown clock for the next launch, a 3D metal printing room showcasing intricate printed components that visitors could examine, and a controlled “clean room” to minimize dust and contaminants during assembly. There were also sections dedicated to testing and inspection—the extent of scrutiny each part undergoes is truly remarkable. The expansive facility also housed a manufacturing area, engineering zones, and assembly spaces—complete with substantial lifts to facilitate the movement of components. Naturally, amenities such as a cafeteria and other conveniences for employees were present—and Jayden said that lunch is a real steal at five bucks per day! Though we had special clearance to tour the facility behind-the-scenes, there were certain areas—including Jayden’s work area and meeting rooms, that were off-limits—even to the prestigious parents of an intern. Ha! We did view the area at a distance and as Jayden was explaining the setup, it was interesting to learn that when Elon Musk visits, he chooses to work amongst his teams at a regular desk (with the highest level of computer security measures in place of course) rather than in a private office. Following the tour, we went into another secured area outside the facility for a photo op with our son in front of the freshly repainted Falcon 9. Though a whole article could be written about the remarkable nature of the Falcon 9, here’s the abridged version. The development of the Falcon 9 rocket began in the mid-2000s and the first test flight was June 4, 2010. It has undergone several iterations and improvements over the years, with various versions being introduced to enhance its performance and capabilities. What’s cool about the Falcon 9 is that it can be used more than once. Normally, rockets are used just once and then thrown away, but the Falcon 9 can land back on Earth after its job is done and be used again. This makes going to space much cheaper. It has done many different jobs, like putting satellites in space and sending supplies to astronauts on the space station. The Falcon 9 is like a space superhero, making space missions and travel easier and more affordable. Speaking of travel, our next behind-the-scenes destination is right here in Rochester, MN at the business of the parents of the SpaceX intern—Babcock Auto Care. I’m not talking about what happens with your vehicle from start to finish behind-the-scenes (though that might be a good article because I hear confusion about this constantly!). I’m talking about the business—and the behind-the-scenes of how it has grown and developed. Just as the Falcon 9 has undergone several improvements over the years to enhance its performance and capabilities, so has our business. And I can guarantee Babcock Auto Care would not be what it is today without two guiding lights that have shone so brightly we have had no choice but to succeed! For small businesses that aren’t big corporations, dealerships, or franchises and lack initial guidance, where do they begin? Before opening Babcock Auto Care, my husband owned a previous automotive shop with two partners, but there was much room for growth and development in order to take our new business to the next level. So, the question arose, where might we discover the support and guidance we were seeking? Our answer became clear when we learned about ATI. Have you ever heard of the Automotive Training Institute (ATI)? Likely not, since it’s automotive-specific and you really wouldn’t have a reason to learn about it if you aren’t in our industry. ATI offers a range of programs and resources designed to help automotive shop owners and managers improve their business operations and enhance customer service. Their training covers areas such as marketing, leadership, customer service, financial management, and operational efficiency. We started our relationship with ATI and our coach, Mike even before we opened our doors in 2011. Though the ATI classes and groups are extremely beneficial, I cannot begin to tell you the value that Mike has had on our business and in our lives. He is kind, caring, trustworthy, truly brilliant, motivating, empathetic, confident, respectful, and is one of the best communicators I have ever known. His mentorship, guidance, training, support, and even counseling have been invaluable to my husband and I both professionally and personally. Additionally, the value of ATI extends to our membership in one of their 20-groups— the Peak Performers. We’ve been active participants in this group for a decade now. And though the group’s composition has evolved, it is currently comprised of fifteen shops, each represented by one or two owners/managers, from all over the nation. Here’s our group’s defining statement: As our name indicates, we are Peak Performers. We are an awesome, high-level, tight-knit group of business owners focusing on creating an operational business structure that functions on its own. We are constantly evolving, adapting to the needs of our members, and focused on the growth of each member. We also work on the growth of our individual business teams. We are a passionate and diversely skilled group committed to sharpening our skills to reach our peak potential and we work diligently to achieve our goals. Together, we share our successes, struggles, ideas, and plans in a safe, supportive environment. Wow! Do you see the power and value of such a group? Now, imagine a successful group like this, taking time out of their busy schedules and businesses to visit each other’s shops to help them see things they might not see, give fresh insights on their teams/leadership, and offer advice on improvements of the facilities, processes, and anything else discovered during the visit. The visiting shop owners also learn from the host shop and take ideas back to implement in their businesses. It’s almost like having a whole group of personal trainers focused on different areas of the body to make the whole body be the best it can be, while also learning from the people they are training. Friends, it’s a real win-win! The Peak Performers came to our shop eight years ago and visited again this summer. Though we’ve made tremendous progress since their last visit and have grown from the help, guidance, and support we have received from them and the whole ATI community, we learned of new areas we could improve upon this summer and are dedicated to doing so. Let me be clear, 20 groups are not for the faint of heart. It’s not like plastic surgery. They don’t come in and do the work for you with some nips and tucks in all the right places. They are personal trainers. They help you discover work that needs to be done, then they call you to make sure you are putting in all of the work by eating right, drinking plenty of water, completing your cardio routines, and lifting the proper weights with the right form. It is hard work and it’s work that you may not necessarily want to do. But the payoffs of such training come with great rewards. And because of their care, you can continue to improve the care you offer to your team, your customers, and your community. Did you know groups like this existed? Have you ever wished to be a part of such a dynamic group? Would you ever seek one out to better yourself and your business, while also helping to better other people and their businesses? The majority of individuals involved in 20 groups possess a fervent commitment to their businesses, striving to optimize them. However, their aspirations go beyond that; they’re motivated to assist others in achieving the same. This reminds me of Proverbs 27:17; “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. The members of the Peak Performers are committed to reaching higher peaks, but they know that in order to reach the summit, they need help getting there and they are committed to doing what they can to help others reach it with them. ATI has definitely been one of the guiding lights to our success, but the other brighter Light that has guided our path “behind-the-scenes” is God. The week before we opened Babcock Auto Care, our pastor dedicated our business to the One who brought it into existence—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I would need to write an entire book were I to list all the ways He has worked “behind-the-scenes” in our lives, in our hearts, and in our business. The mountains that God moved in the very beginning—making all of the pieces come together, were miracles. The people He has brought to us along the way—our ATI community, our team members, our customers, and all of our cheerleaders and supporters, have been miracles. The ways in which God has grown us—into better leaders, better owners, better spouses, better parents, better everythings, have been miracles. Jesus has a mission for each of our lives. What’s your mission? Are you fulfilling it? Do you seek the help of God and others to guide your path? People are always talking about their purpose (or mission). Oftentimes, they expect it to be something grand—like a missionary journey to a third-world country, starting a non-profit to benefit the “least of these”, or being a key influencer in some area that makes big changes in the world. But what if your mission is ever-changing and it’s grand just because it’s unique to you? What if you can make a difference just by the way you serve others in the roles God has assigned you to? What if you can lift someone’s spirits just by speaking positivity into their lives? What if you can help grow others into better people in all of their roles by speaking truth and modeling Christ? What if by sharpening others, you get sharpened as well—and what if you use the goodness of it all to reach higher peaks in order to accomplish the mission you were created for—loving God and serving others? Thank you for taking this “behind-the-scenes” journey with me. May you know that you were created for a great mission—and just like the Falcon 9, you are a superhero. You don’t have to do grand things to matter—the grandness is in the little stuff, the grandness is in how you treat others, the grandness is in your smile when someone is having a bad day, the grandness is in the way your support others behind-the-scenes to lift them to higher peaks, the grandness is in following the Light and sharing Him with others. If you do these things, you will achieve your mission. All praise and honor and glory to God.
Just do Something | Babcock Auto Care
01 Aug, 2023
Organization. What feelings does this word evoke in you? Stress because you don’t know how to do it or even where to begin? Frustration when you can’t find things easily and you want to do better but don’t know how? Anxiety from the chaos in your home or daily life? Fear at the thought of letting things go? Guilt or embarrassment for not being able to get or stay organized? Helplessness because you have tried before but can’t seem to stay on top of it all and you’ve just given up? On the other hand, could the opposite be true for you? Maybe, like me, you were born with an “organizational gene” that gives you a natural inclination for cleanliness and order. Does the idea of decluttering a closet, cleaning everything, and putting it back together in a pretty, organized way bring feelings of happiness? Does routinely cleaning your refrigerator and arranging its contents weekly bring a smile to your face? Is organization so effortless for you that you don’t need specific cleaning routines because it’s second nature, knowing what to do and when to do it? Just like in many aspects of life, there’s a spectrum for this. Some got the same “organizational gene” as me and lean towards the highly organized side. Others might lack that “gene” and lean more toward the disorganized end. While others fall somewhere in the middle. Perhaps we stay right where we land on the spectrum or we shift depending on circumstances-challenging seasons of life, developing habits and making more of an effort, or even getting help from others. There may even be times when other people’s junk disrupts our natural organizational tendencies and causes us to swing to the end of the spectrum that brings stress into our lives. Where do you fall on the spectrum? Where do you want to be? What are you doing to get there? Over the past month, there have been several situations where I’ve witnessed complete disorganization—to the extent of making me feel utterly overwhelmed. When we feel overwhelmed, we have a choice—do nothing or do something. My youngest son, Jace, who will be turning twenty-one next month bought property a block away from my in-laws in Casper, WY last year. Now this property isn’t just any property—it was the property of a hoarder (we’ll call him Ol’ Ray). It sat empty for many, many years—probably because the family that inherited it was overwhelmed. Let me paint a picture for you. The property is two acres. There are three houses—none livable. Two trailers—neither livable. Multiple motorhomes—not even close to livable. And various other sheds and buildings—livable only for varmints. Every single structure on the property was jam-packed with stuff, junk, and garbage when he bought it. Normally, one would have to be out of their mind to purchase something like this. But my boy has a dream and a vision for what it can be. And as his mom, I am the biggest supporter of that dream. His first order of business was to clean up some of the mess and he’s definitely whittled away at that over the last year. But what is most important at this point is moving out of his grandparent’s house. And to achieve this, he is turning one of those unlivable houses into his first home. With his dream and my eye for redesign, Jace and I have developed a great plan for his house via multiple FaceTime calls. It has been fun helping him with his dream and witnessing all he has done to bring it to fruition. A few weeks ago, I got to see his place in person. I am not exaggerating when I say I had instant heart palpitations. Though he has made miraculous progress on his house, the rest of the property is completely overwhelming. My goal for the visit was to serve Jace and my in-laws and to help my nephew decorate the Airbnb that he just remodeled. But friends, we only had a week! And when you only have a week and you feel so overwhelmed with all there is to do, where do you begin? Well, you begin by doing something. With the reconstruction of Jace’s house, there are all sorts of things clogging up his path as he is learning to remodel—electrical and plumbing supplies, tools, insulation, etc. So, after seeing the things in his way, my plan was to move all of it to the basement then he could just retrieve it when needed. Oh, but friends, the basement! Let’s just say that I had a brief image of a horror movie after descending the steps. Okay, deep breath. First order of business—clean out the basement of a hoarder. But where would we put the mountain of tools Ol’ Ray had kept beneath all of the garbage and debris? And where would we take it all once we uncovered it? We needed a space… Okay, deep breath. There is a “shop” on his property. So, we went to check it out to see how much room we might have to move the basement chaos to. The picture shown here is what we lovingly call the “shop” (one-day post cleanup). When we began there wasn’t even an inch of space to move things to! Okay, deep breath. Do something. Our new first order of business—clean the shop. And so, it began. Jace has a full-time job—though he did cut back his hours while we were visiting so we could spend time together and help him with other things, he had to work in the mornings. During that time my husband and I went through the shop. I am sure our lungs suffered as we inhaled the dust and grime found within, but we were almost too busy being in awe of what we found to pay much attention to what was filling our lungs. Friends, if there was one hammer, there were fifteen more just like it. If there was one staple gun there were nine more identical staple guns—all in different locations. Ol’ Ray was so far on the disorganized end of the spectrum that he clearly did not know where his nine staple guns were so he went to the store and bought a new one. If he replaced a car part, why would he even think about getting rid of the old car part, why not just build another shelf to store it on? If he was going to drink coffee, why not save all the coffee cans he had ever emptied and use them to store the endless nuts and bolts that he and probably the whole city of Casper would ever need? In the thirty-ish hours we dedicated to the project, we cleaned and organized almost every single nook and cranny of that shop. We hauled two huge truckloads of metal to the scrap yard—including old engines and all the old car parts that were useless. But we were also careful to keep things that Jace wanted, might use, or might earn a profit from. Alas, there was room for creepy basement stuff! As we sifted through the basement and brought the “good stuff” over, it too became organized. Ol’ Ray was so vigilant in making sure he had a tool for every project, he also made sure he had one in multiple locations across his property. So, we added a few more staple guns to a dedicated drawer and we added all of the other basement tools to their identical counterparts in the shop. If Jace needs a wrench now or in the future, he has an abundance of choices at his disposal—not just diverse sizes, but multiple alternatives of the same size! As for a tape measure, I’m nearly certain that with the number we uncovered, he could measure his entire property and still have some to spare. Jace was amazed at the transformation of both spaces. He can now be more organized in his remodel, he has an organized shop to fix vehicles in, and he’ll find the right tool for the right job (in multiple varieties)—no matter what the project! Because we didn’t let the overwhelmingness of the project stop us in our tracks, we were able to do the most important organizational first step: “Just do something”. When that something was simply picking up a piece of metal and adding it to the metal pile, there was more space on the ground and that led to the next step: “Just do something again”. What something do you need to do today? What chores have you put off that if you do them, it will open up space on your floor or counter and you can do something again? What about your vehicle, is there something you can do there? Being in the business I am in, I’ve seen all sorts of somethings that have not been done. I’ve wondered, did they not smell the container of strawberries under the seat that have molded and started decomposing? I’ve wondered, how does one drive safely with that many things on the floorboard of the driver’s side? I’ve wondered why not just throw out the to-go bag after the food is gone rather than keeping all the bags from the last six months in the back seat? I’ve also wondered why some would not remove garbage and debris like this before bringing it to their mechanic. But then some of these wonderings started getting answered when I “met” Ol’ Ray on Jace’s property and also began learning about other people on the disorganization end of the spectrum. The truth is, I know a few people like this (though not quite as extreme as Ol’ Ray). Before now, it’s been difficult for me to understand them—maybe because I am so far on the other end with my “organizational gene” that I simply could not understand. However, with a desire to gain understanding, continually improve myself, and also help others improve and lend a helping hand, I began a learning journey. I recently ordered the book “How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House’s Dirty Little Secrets” by Dana K. White. She is a self-proclaimed disorganized person who has put small steps in place to make a big impact on the lives of disorganized people. A friend of mine recommended this book to me for another friend of mine. And if my friends are reading it, I figured, why shouldn’t I? At the beginning of the book, Dana explains who the book is not for. She described me—ha! But what she didn’t know is that I was reading it to understand and learn about others and how I might help and encourage them. It gave me a new understanding and even though I do many of the things she recommends already, I found myself excited about the things she was saying to those on the more disorganized end of the spectrum. I also found that she and I have similar thoughts in our “just do something” approach. In fact, the book is also on Audible—so in tapping into my organizational bent, I listened and cleaned/decluttered all at the same time. Perhaps you might wonder—if I am as organized as I claim to be, why would I need to clean and declutter my own home? Here’s the truth about organization: It’s a lifelong process. Just because I am organized doesn’t mean that I do it once and then forget about it. Life changes, the things I need change, the things that are important to me change, hobbies change, styles change, foods change (expires and molds—gross!), and people change. And because of these changes, we have to change what we keep and wear and we have to clean and declutter along the way. Besides the “stuff” in your life, are there other areas that need organization? Do you get overwhelmed with appointments, to-do lists, countless emails, etc? With the world we live in today and all the happenings, how can we not occasionally get overwhelmed? The good news is, we can apply my number one organizational rule to this part of our lives as well: “Just do something”. When I have a long to-do list, seventy-two emails in my inbox, and a calendar full of appointments, I start to feel completely overwhelmed. Oftentimes when we feel overwhelmed, we get stuck. When we get stuck, we do nothing. Friends, we can’t do nothing because of all the somethings there are to do! Certainly, I’ve fallen into the “do nothing” trap before—or doing something that was not needed—like eating when I wasn’t hungry, scrolling social media, shopping, etc. But I’ve learned that those things just mess up my stride in getting things done and having extra time for the things I really want to do— like spending time with God, enjoying time with my family in a clutter-free house, helping others, etc. So this is the moment I want to share with you how I get from doing nothing to doing something: I pray. The good news about prayer is that we can do it aloud or silently. We can do it any time of the day. We can do it in our homes, in the yards, in the office, and in our cars (did that just sound like a Dr. Suess book?)! And the prayer doesn’t have to be elaborate—we can simply say “Lord, I am stuck. I feel overwhelmed. Help me do something.” To be honest, I felt stuck when I was in Wyoming. And so I prayed—that Jesus would help me do many somethings to bless and serve others. Boy did He deliver. I shopped for décor for my nephew’s Airbnb, helped Jace pick out flooring for his new home, assisted my mother-in-law in some organizing, and had a real show-down with Ol’ Ray’s stuff! But even beyond these acts of service, God gave me an extra piece of goodness—understanding. I may never know why Ol’ Ray needed so many tools in so many places. And I may never know why some of us got the organizational gene and others did not. But I do know that God made us all different. And in our differences, we can do things to help each other—like writing books to help people who don’t think like organizers and need a new way (thank you Dana!), like encouraging people to pray and “Just do something”, or like just getting down to the nitty-gritty with bandanas wrapped around our heads to fight the dust and debris and help people throw out and organize other people’s stuff. 
01 Jul, 2023
As we are about to celebrate Independence Day, I wonder, what does it mean to you? Do you reflect on how our country came to be and Whose she really is? Do you share the goodness of America’s past with your family and teach them why we celebrate this day? Do you pledge your allegiance to our flag and to the republic for which it stands? Do you know your responsibility in keeping that republic – for the people and by the people? Are you doing your part? And are you bought into the notion that our great nation was created under God to be indivisible, with liberty and justice for all? Last year I wrote an article entitled “We the people”. In it, I spoke at length about these things. I’ve never had such incredible responses to any of my articles the way I did with that one. Likely this is because it struck a chord with many as the truths I spoke about were agreed with. My intent today was to do a reprint of that article because of how utterly important it is to each of us as Americans. But as I was editing it to prepare for the reprint, I felt led to expand upon it instead. If you did not read “We the people”, you can find it here: https://www.babcockautocare.com/blog/we-the-people How America came to be is oh-so-important. And just like so many things in history, it should be discussed, contemplated, and carefully considered. But what is perhaps even more important is the future—the future of our country, the future of our people, the future of our children, and the future of our children’s children. And though we must have an understanding of our nation’s beginnings, we must also reflect on how she got to her present in order to change her future for the better. So let us take a journey together. First, let us regain an understanding of how our country came to be and what she was built upon. I invite you to reread my article at the website listed above. When you’ve done this, please rejoin me here so that we can review the last couple of centuries in order to see together how we have strayed from where we started. And then, let us explore how we—you and I—might go forth in more boldly doing our part to keep the republic for which our nation stands and begin to reweave the moral fabric in order to thrive once again. A few quotes from the infamous evangelist, Billy Graham are bound to help us gain insight into America—past and present: “America has probably been the most successful experiment in history. The American Dream was a glorious attempt. It was built on a religious foundation. Its earliest concepts came from Holy Scripture.” “Spiritually, we have wandered far from the faith of our fathers … no nation which relegates the Bible to the background, which disregards the love of God and flouts the claims of the Man of Galilee, can long survive.” “Our nation grew strong in an era when moral standards were emphasized, and it will grow weak when we condone that which we once condemned.” These quotes from Dr. Graham speak to where America was and where America has come. With these words, he emphasizes what others have said, specifically magnifying Eric Metaxes’s views in his book “If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty”. What factors do you believe are responsible for the decline of our nation and the erosion of moral values among our citizens? How did we veer so far away from the virtuous nation that America was initially founded as? Though we cannot turn back the hands of time, do you think we can turn back to our virtuous ways of old? I would like to preface what I am about to share, with this: I am a sinner and fall short of the glory of God. I do not have all of the answers nor have I lived a perfect, sinless life. I am not writing out of judgment of others, I am writing out of truth and out of great love for my country and my Savior, Jesus Christ whom I need every single day. His word is what guides my life and His Spirit, which lives in me, is what I rely on to guide my words. My greatest desire is for all to know Him in order to come together to do our best to live like Him, serve like Him and love like Him. This, I believe, is the way back for our nation. Recently, while driving, I witnessed incidents that left me shocked: When leaving Apache Mall, I saw a passenger in a vehicle roll down his window to thoughtlessly toss a can into the ditch while laughing mirthlessly with the others in the vehicle. While searching for a parking spot, I observed a motorist remove trash from her car, place it on the ground next to her vehicle, then drive off, leaving the trash behind. I entered a lane with ample space between myself and an approaching vehicle. However, the vehicle behind me, which was visibly damaged and completely missing its front bumper, suddenly accelerated and recklessly swerved around me. I was taken aback when I glanced over and noticed the driver displaying an offensive hand gesture, all while driving aggressively and carelessly—with children present in the backseat. Don’t get me wrong—I've encountered litter on the roadside and in parking lots in the past, and I've witnessed motorists expressing anger towards other drivers, even with children present. However, what struck me this time was the nonchalant and reckless manner in which these offenses were committed right before my very eyes. Certainly, these instances may seem relatively small compared to other issues transpiring in our country. What sorts of things have been shock- ing to you? What about the transgender activist flashing at the White House? Were you appalled to hear of this and did it make you wonder, “why are ‘pride events’ even being held at the residence of the President?”. Were you equally shocked, as I was, when learning of the new amendment to a California state bill, which states that parents who do not affirm their children's gender identity could be accused of child abuse? Isn’t it a parent’s responsibility to protect and guide their children? Why are children now able to make such decisions without that protection? Whether big or small, every issue that goes against what is good and moral behavior has left me pondering the state of civility, morals, and responsible behavior in America. How could our beautiful American tapestry have become so unraveled? For centuries, religion and moral values have played a crucial role in shaping the identity and fabric of American society. They have provided a moral compass, guiding individuals towards principles such as integrity, compassion, and respect for one another. However, in recent times, there has been a noticeable departure from good morals and religion in America. This erosion has had far-reaching consequences, affecting various aspects of our society and contributing to the decline of our nation. Let’s look at what has changed, the impact it has made, and what “We the People” can do about it. Directionally Lost Religion has traditionally provided a moral framework that has helped individuals navigate right from wrong. It instills virtues such as honesty, forgiveness, and empathy, which are vital for maintaining a harmonious and ethical society. However, as religious observance has declined in America, so too has the influence of these moral values. This loss of a moral compass has resulted in a society where self-interest often takes precedence over communal well-being, leading to an increase in unethical behavior, such as dishonesty, corruption, and exploitation. Envision in your mind an actual compass. A compass typically consists of a magnetized needle that aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field, allowing the user to determine the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). When America was founded, the “magnetized needle” aligned itself with God—His ways, His goodness-trusting that He would lead one in the right direction. You would hold that compass in front of you and watch it make incremental adjustments in order to get you where God was leading. With the majority of society following that compass, God’s holy hand was on our nation and lifting her to a place of power and goodness as “We the People”—one nation, under God. As I consider what that compass might look like today, I see it spinning wildly out of control. Everyone is confused in which direction to take. Some people are following whichever direction “feels good” and will bring the most personal “happiness”. Some are following other people’s compasses because they want to feel important and that makes them feel like they are going in the right direction. While still others, like me, are staring at that compass of old—the one that is magnetized with God, and wondering what we can do to show others the goodness of His direction. The truth is, the peace so many seek, the happiness so many pursue, and the love so many yearn for are all found in that compass of old. And when we collectively embrace and follow that compass once more, and stop condoning or even tolerating that which goes against it, we will gradually trans- form into a virtuous nation where “We the people” have a voice and can help guide others towards the righteous path set by God. Me the People Religion has long been a cornerstone of family values, promoting concepts such as fidelity, commitment, and the sanctity of marriage. With the decline in religious adherence, these values have been eroded, leading to a breakdown in the traditional family structure. High divorce rates, an increase in single-parent households, and a decline in parental involvement have had a profound impact on children's well-being and the overall stability of society. Strong families are the foundation of a healthy society, providing support, guidance, and moral upbringing for future generations. When my younger sister was preparing to get married for the first time, she said to me “I need to get a good college degree so if I get divorced, I will be able to provide for myself and my kids”. Her statement boggled my mind … and yet, it became a self-fulfilled prophesy. What has seemed to happen in our society is that divorce begets divorce in the minds of so many individuals and they adopt the thought of “if the marriage doesn’t work, we will just get a divorce.” Do they not think of or see the people in this scenario that will be negatively affected? Here's the deal, we have become so self-consumed and so wrapped up in the wedding, that we forget about the marriage. We want to say “Yes to the dress” but “Maybe to the marriage”. It’s all about having the perfect dreamy day and impressing all of the attendees—who cares about what happens when the party ends? Friends, how have we come to this? Why aren’t we telling our children how hard but rewarding marriage is? Why aren’t we preparing them for their marriages instead of gushing about the weddings? Why aren’t they seeing us opening our Bibles to learn from God? Why aren’t we modeling selflessness, kindness, and servanthood in our marriages and all of our roles in life? We live in a society that’s all about “me”—me time, me first, me want, me has to have. The pursuit of personal success, fulfillment, and happiness is often seen as a fundamental aspect of the “American Dream”. And while the focus of bettering one’s self with personal growth and care can have many positive effects, it can also lead to self-centeredness and growing in ways that only benefit “me”. What is often lost is everyone else—that doesn’t seem very “dreamy” to me. The reason Jesus came was not only to seek and save the lost—but to show us how to serve one another. His Word emphasizes humility, compassion, and selflessness. He was a servant leader who prioritized the needs of others above His own. He taught His followers to love one another, help those in need, and practice acts of kindness and generosity. Though He shows us how to do this with everyone, shouldn’t it start within the four walls of our homes? What if we began to model His ways with our families? What if we asked our spouses what we can do to help them? Better yet, what if we find ways to serve without asking? And even better yet, what if we sacrifice our time in something we want to do in order to serve them? What if we remember everything in God’s Word about how much more blessed it is to give than to receive and live this out? What if instead of spending time on devices (social media, news, sports, video games, etc) that divide us, we spend quality time with the people living under our roofs to unite us? What if instead of demanding that our spouses change, we make changes and learn how to better serve them? Do you think it would make a difference? I can speak from first-hand experience that it absolutely does. And when we learn to serve within our families in these ways, it overflows outside of our homes. So instead of divorce begets divorce, staying married will beget staying married. What’s more, as “We the People” start to reweave new tapestries within our homes, the beauty will be seen outside of our homes—in who we are, in who our spouses are, and in who our children are, and we will leave a beautiful legacy. Now that is what I call the “American Dream”. Divisible and Alone The church has always provided comfort and hope to people facing difficulties, brought communities together (fostering a sense of belonging), and given America a united purpose under God. As religious practices and morals have decreased, isolation has increased which has given rise to the almighty “me, myself, and I” phenomenon. Again, life becomes about “Me the people” rather than “We the people”. When this happens, individuals search for meaning within themselves and create other gods, like wealth, power, “likes”, etc to fill the void in their souls. When we replace the Almighty God with false gods, the lack of moral guidance and spiritual support leads to feelings of loneliness, despair, and declining mental health. As the church fails to unite and foster love and support for one another, social cohesion diminishes, leaving individuals to navigate life on their own. With a reduced emphasis on humility, selflessness, and loving others, personal gain, consumerism, and immediate gratification become the primary focus. This shift undermines community and shared responsibility, hindering progress in addressing social issues and inequality. It also leads to the pursuit of wealth and possessions which become more important than caring for others, ultimately harming communal well-being. Recently, I visited my oldest son, Jake, in New York City. He had just had his thirtieth birthday and graduated from Columbia University and I went to celebrate him and see his life. On day two of my three-day trip, it was raining, so we decided to spend the majority of it indoors at the 9/11 Memorial. As I listened to the recorded voice of Robert De Niro speak to me from headphones while I toured the memorial, floods of memories came pouring into my mind. Like any tragic event, we often remember where we were and what we were doing when it took place. Do you remember that horrific day as smoke billowed from the twin towers? Where were you? What were you doing? What else do you remember and what feelings does it evoke now? Though I remember the pure shock and terror of it all, there are other specific things I remember. I remember the images of heroes—not just the emergency responders, but of citizens looking out for the well-being of others. I remember our nation coming together in a way I had never wit- nessed—with a feeling of comradery, respect, and united love. And I remember people flocking to churches by the thousands. “We the people” needed one another—we needed to feel safe, secure, loved, supported, and united. We needed to be assured that the bad in this world could be trumped by the goodness of God. And we needed the hope we received from the Word of God and the embraces from His people. We are not a people made to do life in isolation and without God. In Ecclesiastes 4, Solomon speaks at length of this and how together we can love more, do more, and overcome more. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of how we are all needed to be the church—though we are all made in the image of God, He made us unique in our gifts and talents and we are all needed to love and serve together. There are no if, ands, or buts about it. Our skin color matters not, our gender matters not, our age matters not. “We the people” were all created to work together for God’s glory. Power Struggles The separation of church and state has been a foundational principle of American democracy, ensuring freedom of religion and protecting the rights of all citizens. However, the abandonment of good morals and religious principles in public life has left a void that has been filled by unethical behavior and self-serving agendas. The absence of strong moral values in politics, business, and other influential spheres has contributed to corruption, dishonesty, and a loss of public trust. This erosion of trust weakens democratic institutions and undermines the social contract between citizens and their leaders. We have a responsibility to preserve the republic for which our flag stands. We don't have to passively watch as the fabric of our society unravels until nothing remains. And yet, “We the people” become fearful that if we stand for what is right as the moral compass of our nation spins out of control, we might be shunned or even “cancelled”. Friends, 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us clearly that “… God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” When will “We the people” stop being afraid of the powers of this world and start being confident in the God which created it? How about right now? What if we reclaim the power bestowed upon us by the Constitution and reaffirm the values on which our nation was founded? What if our voices become louder than those who are twirling around, being guided by the wrong compass? What if we renounce the fear which is from satan and proclaim the Word of God once again over our nation? What if we pick up our needles and our thread and together reweave the fabric of our nation more beautiful than it ever was? Have you seen the movie “Jesus Revolution”? It is about the spiritual and cultural movement that took place primarily in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a significant wave of religious revival and renewal within the Christian faith, particularly among young people. The Jesus Revolution emerged against the backdrop of the counterculture and social changes of the time. It was characterized by a desire for personal spiritual experiences, a rejection of traditional religious institutions, and an emphasis on living out the teachings of Jesus Christ in everyday life. Many people who were part of the Jesus Revolution sought a more authentic and personal relationship with God. The Jesus Revolution had a lasting impact on the Christian landscape, leading to the establishment of new churches, ministries, and organizations focused on discipleship, social justice, and evangelism. It brought attention to the importance of faith in the lives of individuals and revitalized the faith of many. As I sat in the theater alongside my family, a surge of excitement pulsed through my veins, for I recognized the significance of what I was watching—a stirring that our country so desperately needs today! “Jesus Revolution” came to theaters on the heels of a smaller-scale revival at Asbury University and seeing the movie reignited my excitement for what God has the power to do. These revivals hold the power to ignite personal transformation, drive social change, and renew our commitment to following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, especially during times of cultural upheaval and uncertainty. Sadly, today, there is a prevailing perception among non-Christians that Christians are hypocritical in their words as they don’t align with their actions. This perception dissuades unbelievers rom embracing the Christian way of life, as they do not witness the embodiment of Jesus in their behavior. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently captures this issue in a well-known quote: "It is a lamentable tragedy of life that individuals rarely bridge the gap between their professed beliefs and their actual conduct. A persistent inner conflict leaves many of us tragically divided within ourselves. On one hand, we proudly declare our adherence to noble and elevated principles, but on the other hand, we sadly engage in actions that contradict these very principles. How frequently do our lives display an incongruity, where we emphasize our commitment to Christian ideals, yet our actions reflect practices contrary to those principles? We proclaim our devotion to democracy while concurrently acting in opposition to its fundamental values. We passionately advocate for peace, even as we diligently prepare for war. We fervently plead for the pursuit of justice, only to persistently walk the path of injustice. This perplexing duality, this painful divide between what is expected and what is actually practiced, embodies the tragic theme of humanity's journey on Earth." The Jesus Revolution not only resulted in the conversion of thousands who committed to follow Christ, but it also sparked a profound awakening among Christians to live in a manner that reflects Jesus and faithfully follow Him. Friends, this is what we need now! So how can “We the people” advocate for this and help to keep the republic for which our flag stands? “We the people” must pull out the compass of old, then hold it in front of us and follow the direction that is magnetized to God’s truth and ways. “We the people” must be an example and show others the goodness that comes from living a life in obedience to Him and the peace, joy, and love it brings. “We the people” must bring back the “we” and get rid of the “me” by breaking free from the excessive preoccupation with ourselves and our individual interests. Instead, “We the people” must unite in our efforts to imitate Jesus and demonstrate His character to others. Our aim should be to live, serve, and love as He did, becoming a living example of His teachings and values. In order to do this well, “We the people” must actively pursue a deep and personal relationship with Jesus by reading His Word, committing it to memory, sharing it with others, and faithfully adhering to its guidance. “We the people” must prioritize the role of the church in providing comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging and unity. By emphasizing moral guidance, spiritual support, and fostering love for one another, “We the people” in the church can help combat feelings of isolation and promote social cohesion. In living and loving like Jesus, “We the people” can shift the focus away from personal gain and immediate gratification, and instead work together for the well-being of our communities to the glory of God. "We the people" must actively support political leaders who uphold high moral standards and principles. “We the people” need to overcome fear and raise our voices when leaders and officials deviate from these ethical standards and associate themselves with individuals whose values are questionable. By taking a stand and advocating for integrity, “We the people” can help ensure that our leaders are aligned with the values that promote a just and righteous society. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, “We the people” must be prayer warriors. Billy Graham once said, “We have many battles going on in America today that we should be a people of prayer. Our government needs prayer. Our leaders need prayer. Our schools need prayer. Our youth need our prayers. Our families need our prayers.” Prayer, especially in numbers, holds unparalleled power, acting as the ultimate weapon capable of sparking a revival and restoring God's presence in our nation. Prayer has the ability to restore good moral values, foster the emergence of righteous leaders, and amplify the voice of “We the people” to be louder than those advocating immorality. Through prayer, God can give “We the people” strength to triumph over evil with goodness and bring light to the darkness. What do you say? Will you do your part as “We the people”? Will you strengthen your relationship with Jesus and selflessly live, serve and love like Him in ways you never have before? Will you stand up for truth, having confidence that God goes before you? And will you join me in praying boldly that God would reweave the moral fabric of our nation to an even more beautiful tapestry than ever before?
Summer Trip | Babcock Auto Care
15 Jun, 2023
Heading on a road trip can be an exciting and memorable experience. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, it's important to prioritize your safety and ensure that your vehicle is in top condition. One of the best ways to guarantee a smooth and worry-free journey is by getting your vehicle inspected before hitting the road. When it comes to vehicle inspections, Babcock Auto Care’s trusted team provides comprehensive and reliable services. Here are some compelling reasons why a vehicle inspection is essential before a road trip, and why getting it inspected by Babcock Auto Care is a smart choice:  1. Safety First: Your safety and the safety of your passengers should always be a top priority. A thorough vehicle inspection conducted by Babcock Auto Care ensures that critical components, such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems, are in optimal condition. Identifying potential issues before your road trip helps prevent accidents and breakdowns on the road. 2. Peace of Mind: When you entrust your vehicle to Babcock Auto Care for an inspection, you can have peace of mind knowing that experienced technicians are carefully examining your vehicle. Our expertise and attention to detail ensure that every aspect of your vehicle is thoroughly inspected, providing you with confidence and assurance throughout your journey. 3. Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns: There's nothing worse than having your vehicle break down in the middle of nowhere during a road trip. By having your vehicle inspected before you embark on your adventure, Babcock Auto Care can detect any underlying mechanical issues that could potentially lead to breakdowns. Addressing these issues in advance saves you from unexpected and costly repairs during your trip. 4. Fuel Efficiency: A vehicle inspection by Babcock Auto Care includes checking vital components that contribute to fuel efficiency, such as air filters, fuel filters, and tire pressure. A clean air filter and proper tire inflation reduce the strain on your engine, resulting in improved fuel economy. This means you'll save money on fuel costs and enjoy more miles per gallon during your road trip. 5. Extend Vehicle Lifespan: Regular vehicle inspections help identify small problems before they turn into major issues that can significantly impact your vehicle's lifespan. By detecting and addressing minor concerns early on, Babcock Auto Care helps ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle, allowing you to enjoy many more road trips in the future. Getting your vehicle inspected before a road trip is crucial for your safety, peace of mind, and the overall performance of your vehicle. Babcock Auto Care offers professional and comprehensive inspection services that address every aspect of your vehicle, leaving no room for surprises on your journey. By entrusting your vehicle to our skilled technicians, you can embark on your road trip with confidence, knowing that your vehicle is in optimal condition and ready for the adventures that lie ahead.
How deep are your roots | Babcock Auto Care
01 May, 2023
Do you enjoy gardening? Are you a professional or an amateur? Maybe you are somewhere in between? I am more on the amateur side but I’m always trying to grow in my skills because I absolutely love plants and flowers. Sometimes I fail miserably and I feel a bit defeated because some plants or flowers are completely unforgiving when I mess up. Other times, I have little victories and I run to tell everyone about them with so much excitement that I’m sure they think I’m a crazy plant lady. This winter, I thought I was doing things right when I performed a little maintenance on a very tall snake plant at our shop that was looking a little sad. I cut back some bad pieces and added in some new dirt. I also fed it some food and watered it well. I don’t quite know what went wrong but within a couple of weeks, all of the tall, straight, and perky leaves had fallen over. And not just a couple of leaves—but almost the entire plant. Ugh. What a gardening failure! A plant that was a little sad when I donned my gardening gloves became a hot mess. My intentions were so good—yet the outcome was so bad. I may never know what went wrong, but I also didn’t want to lose the whole plant. So, I went to my friend, Google to see if she might have any advice for me. I knew there was no saving the whole droopy depressing plant—but was there any way I could revive part of it? My inner gardener’s heart had hope after what I discovered. We will come back to this. If you like gardening in the great outdoors, then we are in your season! Do you feel joy start to bubble up when you see perennials emerging from the ground? Does it bubble even more as the daffodils, tulips, and other early risers begin to bloom beautiful colors into your garden? And as you try to get through the rainy (or snowy) days of April, does it encourage you like it does me to proclaim “April Showers Bring May Flowers!”? Then, as we finally make it to May, does your heart nearly burst with joy to see even more beauty arising from the earth? If this is you, then we are kindred spirits because mine is bursting too! For me, it’s the same feeling I get when I paint a wall a new color or find the perfect décor for a room that I am refreshing. Likewise, when I get a creative design idea and am able to carry it out just like I envisioned, I squeal with complete delight! Sometimes I even clap my hands in rapid succession and jump around like a schoolgirl when things become beautiful. Recently, an editor from a national automotive magazine contacted me to ask if he could talk to me about featuring my “gorgeous shop” in a piece he is putting together. He went on to say “We want to look at gorgeous auto repair shops and their waiting rooms and why an upscale shop and waiting room enhances the customer experience and creates a better environment for the team to perform.” The first thing I thought was “Wow, what an honor”. But then I began speaking negative thoughts to myself about my abilities when it comes to interviews. You see, I am terrible with words in situations like these—like completely terrible. My tongue gets all tied up and I can’t even think straight. I have always been able to write better than I speak and I didn’t want to come across poorly or have my real thoughts not be completely understood because of my twisted-up tongue. I had to then take a step back and realize that was pride. I love helping others make their shops beautiful and have helped many. But this time, I have the opportunity to share what I know with hundreds and encourage them to bring their shops to a better level with design. So, I swallowed my pride and agreed to the interview. Let’s pause here for a moment to get really real. I want to talk about what people see versus what really is. When you look at any social media platform, you are going to see the highlight reels of others. The problem is, the reels aren’t really real. We think others look perfect based on what they are willing to show us. But we don’t see the full picture with the bad stuff—the messy stuff. Maybe you’ll see the sadness from a death or the struggles someone is having with an illness, cancer, or the like—the things that are “okay” and “acceptable” to talk about. But what about the unacceptable—the things that are considered taboo? Deep worries, fears, or depression. Addictions, infidelity, or other sin. And what about all of the insecurities one might be feeling—do we get to see those real reels so that we can really know what is really real? Maybe you know someone who is physically attractive and constantly posts selfies that highlight their best features—beauty in the world’s eyes. Maybe you know someone who seems successful and they post beautiful houses, cars, and vacations. Maybe you know someone who seems to have a ton of friends who is always livin’ it up and posting to show others their awesome social life. Friends, I wonder, what is really real? The attractive selfie-taker may find their worth in their looks while on the inside they are just as insecure as us but in different ways. The “successful” person may have money and prestige, but they post to boast to fill a need instead of knowing true joy. And the person with friends coming out of their ears- maybe they are so busy keeping up with their social engagements and staying popular that they don’t have time to pursue their true purpose—the reason God created them. Where do you struggle? What don’t you let others see? I invite you to pause here a moment and grab a pen. In the margins of this article get real with yourself and write down all the things that you might not want others to know about your life or what you struggle with on the inside. Sometimes it helps us to get real when others get real with us. What is true is that I have been insecure about so many things for the majority of my life. “I’m not good enough”, “I’m not pretty enough”, “I’m not smart enough”, and “How can I ever measure up?”. Do any of these things run through your mind? There are reasons for my insecurities and I have spent time hashing all of that out to help me understand why I am the way I am and why I struggle with the things I struggle with. Though I ought not share publicly what may be “too taboo” according to this world, I will say, that my life has been messy. Really, really, messy. But what do you see of me? I once shared a struggle with an acquaintance at church. Afterward, she said, “I always thought you were perfect”. Gasp! Gasp again! Oh, far from it—so far from it! She saw me as pretty, successful, smart, and extremely talented. I see the stretch marks and cellulite and so many other imperfections. I see the ways I’ve failed. I see how smart others are and wish I had a greater intellect. I see that most of my talents are mediocre at best. And a little voice in my head often makes me wonder “Will I ever measure up?” Six years ago, God didn’t just bring me to my knees, He brought me to my face. As I lay prostrate before Him, devastated by what was happening in my life, I was about to learn fully what the second half of 2 Corinthians 2:12 really means when it says “For when I am weak, then I am strong”. That season of my life is when God began to really change me—for it was in my weakness that I needed His strength to sustain me—and on the other side of it all, I became stronger. Don’t get me wrong, when I was in that season, I was so broken that I didn’t know if I could ever be put back together. But now that I am through that season, I see God’s reason. I recently heard that in a man-made biosphere, trees cannot grow to their full potential—they just keep falling over. You would think that they would grow better—they are protected and nurtured and in the perfect conditions for perfect growth. But what was found to have been missing was wind. Wind! The wind that comes with storms makes trees stronger because their roots have to grow deeper in order to withstand the wind. Not only that but when their roots grow deeper and are strengthened in all the storms—the big and little ones, it helps them survive whatever storms are to come. Those wimpy trees, growing without wind, just fell right over because they never had the opportunity to grow deeper and stronger roots. This is what our lives are like. If we were all protected and had no troubles with perfect life reels, then we would fall over. But life has storms—big and little ones with some being violent in nature. With each storm, we grow deeper, stronger roots. The storm I spoke of that came six years ago is when my roots began to grow deep in Christ. And even though that storm was the most violent of my life and I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy, I am grateful for it because it changed my relationship with Jesus. He was all I had. And ultimately, He was all I needed. What I do when I have emotions inside and thoughts that need to be released is write. I had just finished a healing study after that violent storm and here is part of what I wrote: I have learned to take thoughts captive To be filtered through His light Then I receive them back from Him As He shows me what is right. I have learned that I am stubborn That I have wanted to keep control But it is in my very weakness That my Savior can shape my soul I have been crucified with Christ; And it is no longer I who live But Christ who lives within me It is to Him my life I give He will mold me and will make me Into who He wants me to be Even though He’s had to use hard times To open my eyes and see His mercy is everlasting He is sufficient in all His grace He can make beauty from my ashes Maybe that’s why He brought me to this place So instead of continuing to grieve about The great pain in my sad story I will choose to take the victory back And use it all for God’s great glory. Oh friends, do you see God’s goodness? It is in the trials and tribulations—the storms of this life, that God uses to help us grow deep roots in Him, to help sanctify us—to make us more like Him, and set us apart for His good purpose. And when He is in us and we are in Him, we don’t have to compare ourselves with others, we don’t have to be insecure anymore, and we don’t have to wonder if we will ever measure up—because we are His. And when we are His, we have great value. Greater value than what others see or think of us, greater value than how we look, how much money we make, or how many friends we have. We are His children, fearfully and wonderfully made—called to know Him, abide in Him, and grow roots in Him so that we can withstand the storms of life and use every talent we have and every single thing He has given us for His great glory. So yes, I will be interviewed and share how creating beautiful spaces in our businesses can show our care and appreciation for our customers and our teams. Perhaps this talent God has given me can be used by Him to help others grow their business and show care. Even something as small and insignificant as this can be used for God’s glory. How are you using your talents to help others? Speaking of help—are you wondering if there is any help for my snake plant that I managed to ruin? Indeed, there is! And perhaps this too is a beauty from ashes moment. You see, my epic gardening fail (a storm of sorts) allowed me to grow in my skills by propagating the tops of the leaves in water. Look at the growing roots! What looked to be ruined is being made new—just like me—and it can be just like you too. We are all children of God. Yes, we will still have moments when we forget our value in Him and slip back to thinking about what this world values. But we can use moments like this, these words He has given me to share with you, to remind us both of where our true value comes from. Let us all see our value in Him. Let us embrace the storms in life, grow deep roots, and use every single thing God has given us and worked out in us for His glory. 
Some Extra Good News
01 Apr, 2023
I know we are a bit past the season but I wonder, are you a football fan? Who’s your team? Are you a fair-weather or die-hard fan? Here’s the real question … will the Vikings ever win a Superbowl? Ha! All kidding aside, do you watch the Superbowl every year? How do you celebrate - with a few good friends, a whole houseful of people, or just family? If your team isn’t playing, how do you decide who to root for? Do you go with the underdogs or the team who is most likely to win? I am not a football fanatic but I don’t hate the game either. Like millions, my husband and I watch the Superbowl every year. I enjoy the excitement of the game and I flipflop in who I might root for depending on the year. Sometimes I go with the underdog, sometimes I go with a past championship-winning team, and sometimes I simply go with the team with the best colors. This admission might have a few of you flying out of your seats - the best colors? Who does that? Well, me. But the truth is, I don’t take it too seriously or get wildly excited about the traditional Superbowl event. What I do take seriously and get wildly excited about is a different Superbowl event - and I cannot wait to tell you about it! I have been a follower of Christ since my second son was born. Within six months of accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, I took the next step of faith I believed God was asking of me - I was baptized on June 25, 2000, along with my husband, Jeremy. Do you know what baptism is? Have you been baptized? What was it like for you? Did you feel the power of the Holy Spirit move in your soul as you came up out of the water? Or were you baptized as an infant without memory of how it made you feel? Have you considered being baptized as an adult? Baptism is the act of immersion or pouring water on a person’s head, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of one’s faith and in the Word of God it is commanded “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” – Acts 2:38. Now, I want to pause for a moment to acknowledge that there is some disagreement in the church regarding when a person should be baptized. The decision to be baptized as an adult or infant is a matter of personal belief, tradition, and interpretation of religious teachings. Different denominations and individuals have varying beliefs on this issue. In some denominations where infant baptism is practiced, oftentimes it is seen as a way of dedicating the child to God and welcoming them into the Christian faith. Contrarily, other denominations practice believer’s baptism, which means that baptism is reserved for individuals who have made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior. This latter view seems to speak to the verse in Acts that I just shared in that an infant is incapable of repenting and no sin has yet to be committed by the young child. Be that as it may, I am not here to argue the point or sway your beliefs or traditions. I simply want to share some Good News along with some Extra Good News regarding this in my life. When I emerged from the baptismal waters, I felt clean and filled with the Holy Spirit. Following that step in my faith, I was on fire for the Lord and had a deep yearning to follow Jesus and do life His way. The only problem was, I was an infant in my faith journey and I didn’t yet know all of God’s ways. What does it mean to follow Jesus? How does this differ from simply being a believer? To follow Jesus means to not only believe in Him as the Son of God and Savior of the world (The Good News), but also to live according to His teachings and example (The Extra Good News) - for when we do the latter, that is how God truly changes us, makes us fruitful, and develops us into who He created us to be as His precious children. The “Extra Good News” involves a personal relationship with Him, in which we seek to grow in our understanding of His teachings and develop a deeper connection with God. This relationship involves prayer, Bible study, and participation in a faith community with like-minded believers. In developing this relationship and making a personal commitment to a life of faith and discipleship, we seek to live out the principles of love, compassion, and service that Jesus taught. In contrast, simply being a believer may involve acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and Savior, but not necessarily making a commitment to live according to His teachings. Oftentimes this looks like following our own will for our lives instead of seeking God’s will but having a safety net “ just in case”. Perhaps He even becomes our Genie in a bottle—we get with Him when we want something or we need something because we know He has the power to do big things, but we don’t cultivate a relationship with Him in order to live out His purpose for our lives. What is your relationship with Jesus? Do we need to be baptized to be saved? No, we do not. It is clear throughout God’s Word that we must only believe that Jesus was the Son of God who died for our sins and we will be saved (The Good News!). See Romans 10:9, Acts 16:31, and John 3:16. How wonderful that we get to celebrate The Good News during this Easter weekend and receive the free gift of salvation as believers! I don’t know about you, but I’m a gal who likes a double blessing. For me, that is what baptism did—it gave me a double blessing. Following that powerful filling of the Holy Spirit, I had a great desire to learn all I could about Jesus and follow Him in all of my ways. I will be the first to admit—I screwed up in the beginning—often and big! But the thing is, we don’t have to be perfect to become a believer, we can come as we are and allow Jesus to perfect us over time as we develop and foster a relationship with Him. I still sin—daily—though I hope not as big or as often as I did in the beginning! But because I know I am a sinner, I also know that I desperately need Jesus’s grace and mercy—daily. In knowing His love for me, I can confess, turn from my sin—in my thoughts, actions, and attitudes, learn from Him, and ask for His help to do better next time. I mentioned that my husband, Jeremy was also baptized at the same time as I was twenty-three years ago. This would have been great news if He had the same experience as I did. Unfortunately, he was a believer and not a follower—even after his baptism. Fast forward 20 years to 2020. Over our many years of marriage, I can’t count the times I heard Jeremy say “I don’t understand what a relationship with Jesus is?” and I can’t count the times that I prayed that the Lord would show Him. I could encourage Him, I could explain my experiences, but I could not do the work needed in that relationship—because it is personal. What needed to happen is that Holy Spirit needed to powerfully move in Jeremy’s heart and give him a yearning to follow Jesus. What needed to happen is for Jesus to show him how much better life could be if he relinquished control and submitted his life to God. These are the things I prayed. In January 2020, Jeremy informed me that he had made the decision to be baptized as a new follower and he was going to sign up to do it the next month. My heart was thrilled! He then decided that it wasn’t the time—he’d rather do it in the summer in a lake rather than in a great big bathtub on the stage of our church. I did not judge or push him because I knew it was a decision for Jeremy only. On February 2, 2020, what many know as Superbowl LIV (54), we attended church together with our two youngest children who were still living at home. As I listened to the sermon, I prayed that Jeremy might change his mind and reconsider baptism. I remember feeling the tension mounting in my husband by the way he was moving and breathing. When our pastor invited those who felt moved by the Spirit (who had not planned to be baptized) to come to the stage and do so, Jeremy grabbed my hand and told me, with tears in his eyes that he needed to do it. Oh, joy! My heart was ready to burst wide open! Tears flowed down my cheeks as I watched my husband enter the baptismal waters and come out with a smile and resolve to follow Jesus. Oh, friends, I cannot speak to what the Spirit did in him that day. But I can speak to the man that has changed over the last three years right before my very eyes. He went from a believer to a follower. He has grown in huge ways—were I to tell you even snippets of the changes, you would be blown away. That’s not only Extra Good News for my husband and the relationship he now has with Jesus—that’s Extra Good News for his wife—for I have been greatly blessed by the fruit that God is producing in his life! Fast forward 3 years to 2023. In January of this year, my daughter, Briella called me from college. We were FaceTiming as we do often and were just talking about normal things. At the end of the conversation, she told me that God had put it on her heart to be baptized at the next planned baptismal service in February. Instantly my eyes filled with tears of joy. On February 12, 2023, what many know as Superbowl LVII (57), Briella sat in church with us, prepared to be baptized at the end of the service. And then something happened that I could not have foreseen. We were told before the service that we could go backstage with her so that we could hug her after she was baptized. So, we followed her back and as we did, one of our pastors pulled Jeremy aside and told him that he could help baptize her. How could this be? My husband, a follower of Jesus was about to baptize my daughter who had made a decision to follow Christ too. When she came out of the water, she hugged her father and my heart burst wide open. Tears. Great big alligator tears streamed down my face. Team Jesus for the Superbowl wins! I now get to live life with these two followers of Jesus. What’s more, I get to be with them both for eternity. I really don’t know what news could be any better than that! Where are you in your faith journey? Do you know Jesus yet? Are you a believer? Are you a devout follower? Have you taken your next step of faith into the baptismal waters? I’d love to tell you how glorious a life lived in Jesus is-for you and for all you love. But you won’t fully believe it until you experience it. Oh friends, won’t you consider getting to know the Savior of the world? Won’t you consider putting your faith in Him? Won’t you consider developing a relationship with Jesus and following Him so that you can live out a glorious life with great purpose? Where might you start? There are so many services planned this Easter weekend at so many great churches. I encourage you to go—don’t just watch online—go in person and feel the moving of the Holy Spirit as you worship and learn about Jesus. If you don’t yet have a church home, you are most welcome to join me at mine! Eagle Brook Church services are this evening at 4 pm and tomorrow at 9 am and 11 am at the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester. I hope to see you there!
03 Mar, 2023
Ketogenic. Paleo. Mediterranean. Vegan. Carnivore. Low-carb. Low-fat. Grass-fed. Free-range. Organic. Gluten-free. Dairy-free. Egg-free. There are so many diets and health advice today. What do you do with all of this? Who do you listen to? How do you decide the best path for you—especially when there are so many experts that disagree with one another? I have struggled with my gut health for years. Not only do I have Celiac Disease (an autoimmune disease where gluten damages the small intestine when ingested), I have other difficulties with digestion, pain, and severe constipation. TMI, right? Or is it? If we don’t talk about such things, then who will, and how can we learn from one another? It takes humility to share personal issues in such a public way. But I do it for good reason—I want to share something magical with you that I have discovered. And if I am not completely transparent right out of the gates, even about my slow bowel motility, then you wouldn’t be able to see the magic ahead. Do you struggle with your GI health? Do you know someone who does? Perhaps as you age, things aren’t what they used to be and you want to learn how they can be better. Or maybe you just like to learn new things that can improve your overall health. No matter where you are in your GI journey, I promise that there is goodness to come! I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2007. Since then, I’ve eaten a strict gluten-free diet. Even if I ingest a minuscule piece of gluten, I have a negative reaction. Because of my sensitivity to even the smallest bit, I am very careful to avoid cross-contamination. In the last few years, I’ve had increased GI pain and other issues not related to Celiac. I’ve been to doctors—including traditional, functional, holistic, and alternative med doctors. I’ve tried many things based on their advice but there has never been a solid solution to my troubles, nor have I gotten relief for long. Since I was a child, I have suffered from constipation. I’ve had to utilize all sorts of stool softeners, artificial fibers, etc. in order to stay even a little regular. After an epigastric hernia repair last year (which was probably due to my severe constipation), my physician told me that I have the bowels of a ninety-year-old and I would need to take large amounts of Citricil and Miralax for the rest of my life. This sentence has haunted me ever since the words came out of his mouth. I hate taking these things because they bulk up my gut completely and I still have troubles. Since then, I have been on a mission to find a solution—a more natural solution. Last fall I began a detox program that uses supplements and diet to aid in the detoxification of the body. During the program, the pain increased to a point that landed me back in the doctor’s office for more testing (likely because the toxins were starting to come out of deeper tissues but not out of my body). The endoscopy showed severe inflammation of my stomach and small intestine. When asking “what now”? I was basically told that my regular doctor could not help and I would need a referral to a GI specialist. The problem was, after my referral to the GI specialist the previous year, I was told that I could not get in. Later, when I shared my troubles once again with a dear friend, she suggested once again that I check into the Karen Hurd Bean Protocol. The thing is, after her advice six months previously, I had looked into it—briefly. And I had tried adding in beans—minimally. Stubbornly, I decided that the bean protocol was not for me simply because I DO NOT LIKE BEANS. They have never been any part of my diet and I would not start eating a bunch of nasty-textured legumes—no matter what! End of story. Sometimes my “end of story” moments actually become the beginning of story moments. This was one of those times. As I continued praying about the pain, the Lord kept putting beans on my mind. Finally, having exhausted all other avenues for help, I was desperate enough to learn more about beans and at least try the protocol to see if I might find relief. If you have not heard about Karen Hurd, I would encourage you to Google her and read her full story. But for the sake of this article, I’m going to give you the cliff notes version. Karen and her family moved into a house filled with carpet beetles. Her home was sprayed with toxic insecticides—though they would not know until later that the concentration used was much higher than normal. Her family began getting sick, but most severely was her 18-month-old daughter, Ruth who was crawling on the carpet. Doctors would not listen to Karen or do the things for Ruth that she asked for. So, Karen took matters into her own hands. Her solution to the problem was nutrition—namely beans. I’ve learned a lot about toxins over the past couple of months, so here is Jeana’s toxin class 101: Our livers do a really good job of processing toxins to be removed from our bodies. They also produce bile, a fluid that helps digest fats and takes away waste and toxins. If we do not eat the right foods that bind to the bile so that it can be fully removed from our bodies through our feces, then up to 95% of the bile will recirculate in our bodies. Say it isn’t so! It is so! Do you know how many toxins are in our world? They are in the foods and drinks we consume, lotions/potions/makeup/perfumes/etc. we put on, chemicals we breathe in, and the list goes on and on. Are you eating the right foods for the toxins in your body to be fully released? Though by the time I found The Bean Protocol, I was eating pretty clean and healthy, I was not eating what I needed in order to rid my body of the toxins. Soluble fiber is what we need to take the toxins out of our bodies. The fiber acts as a net—catching the bile and removing it completely—without leaving a bunch behind to recirculate and wreak havoc on our systems. I was getting some soluble fiber through my diet but not enough and so I was having to rely on supplemental forms that were not agreeing with my body (and actually adding more toxins in!). Through educating myself in the world of beans (which are packed full of nutrients and protein on top of their toxin-catching qualities), I decided that it all made so much sense that I had nothing to lose (except my appetite when I ate those nasty little legumes). I committed to adding one and a half cups of beans (a half cup three times daily) to my diet every single day to see what would happen. What happened was musical … I mean magical. Let’s pause for a moment and sing the little song we all know so well. Beans, beans, the magical fruit The more you eat, the more you toot, The more you toot, the better you feel So let’s have beans for every meal! I don’t know who wrote this little ditty but it sure has a nice beat and it’s true (partly anyhow)! Here’s the scoop about the toot part: When our bodies are not used to this soluble fiber and we begin eating it in substantial quantities, the bacteria feed on it in our large intestines and this fermentation process produces excess gas that makes us toot. However, after a short period of time of consuming beans regularly our bacteria happily do their job and get used to the extra work without making excess gas. So instead of hearing music, we experience magic. What I have learned is that the magic is three-fold. Beans naturally detoxify our bodies. Beans make our GI bacteria happy and enhance our gut health. And, get ready for this, beans turn our once-per-week bowel movements into epic daily regularity (as long as we are drinking lots of water too)! If that’s not magical, I don’t know what is … or maybe I do. There’s not only magic for our bodies, but there’s magic for our vehicles – clean fluids! I recently gave a shuttle ride to a customer and during our conversation, she said that she brought her vehicle to our shop for transmission issues. She told me that after inspecting her vehicle and finding the condition of the transmission fluid to be extremely dark and dirty, our service advisor asked her when her last transmission fluid exchange was. Her answer was “never”. She went on to explain to me that when the dealership sold the brand new vehicle to her, they told her that the fluids were “lifetime” and would never need to be changed. I had never heard of this and so I did some research. Come to find out, there are some dealerships who are actually using the benefit of “lifetime fluids” to sell vehicles. By doing this, they are inferring that cost of ownership will be low because technology is so great that fluids don’t need to be changed. Being in the automotive industry for so many years and knowing the importance of fluid exchanges, I wondered, “How can this be? How have fluids changed so drastically? Can it possibly be true?” As we’ve all heard, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Fluids have not changed so much that they stay clean for a lifetime. It seems that “lifetime” is a pretty loose term and doesn’t specify whose lifetime. One would assume that they are referring to the vehicle’s lifetime. But if this is the case, then what is the lifespan of that vehicle? I can tell you this, if its fluids are not getting replaced as a part of regular maintenance, the vehicle will have a shortened “lifetime”. I have learned much about the fluids in our vehicles over the years. So here is Jeana’s fluid class 101: The fluids in our vehicles protect the different systems of our vehicles. They break down, lose viscosity, and become dirty over time. When this happens, it becomes like the bile in our bodies—dirty fluids (like toxins) recirculate and wreak havoc—causing other problems in our vehicles. So, if they are not exchanged based on industry standards of time and mileage, they will not protect our vehicle’s systems properly and they will age prematurely. Say it isn’t so! Again, it is so. And now we need to start going forth and get educated on what is true and what is not true—for both our bodies and our vehicles. We then need to apply our knowledge and reap the benefits of our new ways. For your vehicle Are you getting regular fluid exchanges for all the systems in your vehicle for the best health and function? Do you know what the schedule is and how important it is to change it before it starts to wreak havoc on the system it should be protecting? Do you consider the quality of fluids being used and know about warranties that they may come with? The fact is fluids are designed to protect the intricate systems of our vehicles. They need to be changed so that they can continue to do their jobs well. And certainly, fluids can be “lifetime”—just make sure you understand that its lifetime will be a shortened one. I would encourage you to check with a trusted auto repair facility that believes in the importance of quality fluid exchanges for assistance in keeping your vehicle in its best health. For your body Are you eating a healthy diet with a variety of good food for the best health and function? Do you eat soluble fiber—like magical beans, to rid your body of toxins? I am not a health expert, doctor, nutritionist, or the like. I am simply a woman who has had a difficult GI journey with suffering along the way. In all honesty, I think I wanted a magical pill or powder or procedure that would fix my body. Instead, God has brought me on a path of healing with magical beans. Though I am not fully healed, I have definitely experienced considerable healing with these little legumes. And I am even learning ways to eat them that don’t make me gag! I hope that my candor about my personal struggles and what I have discovered might bless you or someone you know. And as you get ready to apply or share this new knowledge, I wonder if we might make that little old bean song a new one we can sing happily together:  Beans, beans are magical legumes God made beans for us to consume The more we consume the better we feel So let’s all consume beans—at every meal!
More Posts
Share by: