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Get comfortable because it’s story time….
Last week John and I spent part of the day at Silver Dollar City’s pumpkin fest because I’m a sucker for pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows, and all the other traditional fall decorations. It’s usually not too busy in the middle of the week, but that day was the exception to that ‘rule’. No big deal. We didn’t mind. Besides, had it only been the typical Thursday empty-nester crowd, I wouldn’t have this story to tell–one that gave me one of those ah-ha moments from God that is worthy of sharing with you. And quite honestly, it’s too funny not to share.
Picture it: John and I are walking up the hill toward the front of the park. Walking in front of us is a mom pushing a stroller and her two sons who looked to be around seven and ten years old. The older of the two boys was carrying a plate piled high with a funnel cake. Not just your run of the mill funnel cake. No, this one was topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream and fudge sauce. And a lot of it! Mom and ‘stroller sibling’ were several steps ahead of the boys, because the older one was trying to walk slow enough for his younger brother to tear off a hunk of the funnel cake.
At the same moment the little guy grabbed some of the sugar-coma-inducing treat, Mom turned around to see where they were. I didn’t hear what she said, but it must have been along the lines of ‘hurry up’ or ‘keep up with me boys’, because the older one–the one carrying the plate–picked up the pace. The younger one, however, had one thing and one thing only on his mind. Getting that hunk of funnel cake into his mouth. So, in his haste to do so, while at the same time obeying his mom, he dropped part of it. Not a big piece, really. Probably about the size of my thumb. But funnel cake is funnel cake, and he wasn’t leaving it behind. He’d worked too hard for it. So, without missing a beat, he leaned down, picked it up…plopped it in his mouth, and kept right on walking.
That is, hand’s down, the best case of the five-second-rule I’ve ever seen! Or ever will see! And you know what? It didn’t bother me in the least, because I’m probably the least germophobic person you know.
Okay, now let’s move on to the ah-ha moment that came out of it.
You know David is called a man after God’s own heart. But have you wondered why? Think about it…
David lied and acted like he was out of his mind to save his own neck instead of trusting God to take care of things. David also committed adultery and then hired a hit man to murder someone to try to cover it up. David blatantly disobeyed God by taking a census of his army, which resulted in thousands of innocent people being killed.
But on the other hand, he was the same David that killed Goliath, refused to disrespect King Saul because he was God’s anointed, resisted the temptation to kill King Saul each time he had the chance (even though King Saul was trying to kill him), who danced for joy when the Ark of the Covenant was returned, and who poured out his heart in humility and repentance.
And therein lies the answer. It’s the ‘but on the other hand….’.
David sinned, just like we all do. But he never committed the same sin twice. His repentance was genuine and sincere. His ‘five second rule’ for sin kept him from wallowing in what he’d done. He didn’t let the filth or ‘germs’ keep him from enjoying the deliciousness of the table God set before him (Psalm 23:5). Instead, he got back up, asked forgiveness, accepted it, and went on enjoying and pursuing a deeper relationship with God. Just like my little funnel cake guy…only better.
Be salt and light,
Darla, aka, Momma D
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. Or if you want to make every day extra-special, check out my newest book, "Every Day is Today...." -a book full of special days and ideas on how to celebrate them.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.