Sunshine Rodgers's Blog

I was watching the 1971 movie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

As a woman in this day and age… as a Millennial growing up with instant messages, quick texts, ask-AI-for-answers, the luxury of buy now + pay later options… Veruca Salt's song, "I want it now!" convicted me.

How often do I say that? I may not want a golden goose who lays golden eggs… but I better not wait too long. I may not ask for a party with pink macaroons and a million balloons… but boy do I get impatient at a red light, or I complain in rush hour traffic. I expect an important email sent to someone to be answered the same day. I want progress and results from my efforts, not respecting the seasons of seedtime and harvest.

Veruca Salt wants the whole works… Presents and prizes and sweets and surprises of all shapes and sizes. Ouch. Don't I sometimes want God's presents more than His presence? And her line, "And if I don't get the things I am after… I'm going to scream." Calm down, Veruca Salt. Calm down, Me. Stay humble and on my knees. I may want it now, but I don't need it now. God, your help in this!!

Listen to the Oompa Loompas and their sage advice: "If you're not spoiled then you will go far. You will live in happiness, too."

If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Sunshine Rodgers

Travis and I are "back" from our 21-day hiatus with the Lord, and it was truly a wonderful time of interceding for others while seeking the will of God for our lives.
-------------------------------------


Advice. April 8

I use the writing tool, Grammarly, when I am typing my pages. It's easier for me to see what is wrong (spelling, grammar, or tone) and to fix the mistakes as I am writing the story.

Grammarly indicates with red underlines and bold colors that something on my page is wrong. I look over that sentence, read it again carefully, and decide... that I want it to stay as is. I am the creator of this piece, and I ultimately make the decision on what changes and what stays.

I encourage you to… take advice, but what you eventually decide is up to you. Don't let "experts" deter you from what you know is right. Hold fast to the truth. This is your story, not anyone else's. Think carefully. Consider every option, because you are the one to take that next step. So, slow down. Is there something in your life worth changing? Or is it perfect as is?

If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Sunshine Rodgers

Travis and I were at the grocery store.

I saw a kind associate greeting customers in his lane. He nodded at me as I passed. This unspoken interaction made me smile.

I noticed a little son with his father. They were having the best time together. It was fun and playful. This unspoken interaction made me smile.

Two coworkers worked so well together! They were

in-sync. One bagged while one rang up the items. It was a moment of coworker camaraderie filled with such pleasantries. This unspoken interaction made me smile.



You never know what chain reaction your actions - spoken or unspoken - may cause to someone who you may not even think is watching.

I look over at my husband. I hope someone sees me and Travis positively interacting with each other as we are out shopping… and I hope it makes them smile.

This is my last weekly blog post for a while. My husband and I are taking a 21-day hiatus with the Lord. During that time, we will intercede for people and seek His will for our lives. Let me know if you have any prayer requests, and we’d love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Travis and I visited The Avian Reconditioning Center for Birds of Prey. We were told about the raptors, owls, and birds at their facility. If the birds - unable to be released back into the wild and are now cared for at the facility - are social and able to adapt, the easier they can be trained and can be used in these settings and out in the public.

We were told (and shown) some wild birds who remain unsocial and unpliable... and not only are they left alone, but this type of behavior can affect their overall health and well-being.

I saw both of these examples in action. One large angry bird was off to the side, nearly hissing at people. And I watched a bird show, where the star hawk showed off his moves to a clapping audience. Don't forget… both birds came from the wild and are now handled by humans at this facility.

I am asking the Lord to show me how I can be used more for His glory. Even in settings that are unfamiliar to me or times when I feel out of my comfort zone… allow me to adapt, to submit, and to humble myself before Him. I want to be open to all the possibilities that God has for me. I don't want to sit on the sidelines, sulking. I want to have a good temperament, an open heart, and a grateful spirit, knowing I was adopted into His heavenly family.


If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.

Sunshine Rodgers

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

I approved the cover art. I approved the text. My book was ready… but I couldn't hold it in my hand. I could see the finish line, but I couldn't celebrate quite yet.

Have you ever been in a transition? You see it, you just need to... take hold of it.

I like what it says in Matthew 6:10: "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven".

It first starts in heaven. The prayers are answered in heaven. The breakthrough happens in heaven. And it will be released on earth at just the right time.

Let's be patient as promises from the Lord are being created in His kingdom right this second! I receive the miracles today that first formed from the Lord's hand. I touch the divine blessing and celebrate, knowing exactly where it came from!

If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.

Sunshine Rodgers

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

I tell my exact order to a Starbucks worker. I want my blueberry muffin heated. I want a venti coffee Frappuccino with two scoops of ice, five pumps of frap roast, and double blended. And I trust that the Starbucks worker is going to take care of this specific order.

I look at my husband. Why is it that I oftentimes don't express those same specific wants with my spouse? Why am I so vocal to a Starbucks worker and lips sealed when it comes to my wants or needs in this marriage?

I encourage myself (maybe others in this same scenario) to open up. To share the specifics. To let my spouse in on the details to what I am feeling. If I can trust that Starbucks worker to take care of my drink order, I can certainly trust my partner to take care of me. It's okay to vocalize your needs, and to say what's on your mind. It might be... well, the extra foam needed on top of a piping hot cup of love.

If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Sunshine Rodgers

It was 4th of July. We were in the parking lot of a local mall watching the fireworks go off. The show was fantastic! Blues and reds and yellows filled the night sky.

There was a large crowd, and I noticed one mom was so involved with taking pictures of her daughters, she didn't realize she was in the way of a passing car!

And I saw one woman shooting a video of the fireworks and was annoyed - even shooed away - her husband's need to speak with her.

I realized something right then about prioritizing what's important. About being present and in the moment.

Watch your step and watch your next step. Be joyful of the radiance in front of you but realize the real miracle may the person beside you. And my personal favorite life-lesson… put the phone down. These days are not recorded, they are LIVE. We cannot fast-forward or rewind. You are here for a reason right here right now.

"Study well the present moment...it took you a lifetime to get here."
- Mike Murdock


If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Sunshine Rodgers

Emotions do matter! You are allowed to feel. Just don't allow your emotions to lead your heart. God's Word and truth dictate our lives, not how we feel. Let's stand strong in our faith and stand strong on the Word of God.

You are allowed to feel discouraged. But take heart!
➤ Galatians 6:9: Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

You are allowed to feel misunderstood by family. But take heart!
➤ Psalm 27:10: For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.


You are allowed to feel weak. But take heart!
➤ 2 Corinthians 12:9: He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

You are allowed to feel sad. But take heart!
➤ Psalm 34:18: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Being human is being real with your emotions. You can feel… but don't stay stuck there! Move forward in the power and strength of God's written Word and stand on His promises to get you through whatever situation you are dealing with at this moment.

If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Sunshine Rodgers

The message was clear on the screen, giving me two options.

This page is not responding. Wait or Exit Page.

It seems easy to Exit. To give up this task. To end this frustration.

But Samuel Rodriguez in his Christian Nonfiction book, "Fresh Oil, Holy Fire, New Wine" has this to say about the other not-so-popular option of waiting.

"Waiting by faith is especially agonizing since we can't see how God is working or know what His answers to our prayers might be. Over the years, though, I've learned that 'wait' and 'suddenly' are part of the same faith continuum" (pg. 110).

"Just because a door closes does not mean it can stop God from showing up. Because a closed door cannot stop a resurrected Jesus. No matter what door stands in your way, God is showing up for you" (pg. 116).

"Don't leave now! Do not quit. Don't decide to go before you see what God wants to do for you, what He wants to give you, how He wants to bless you. If you're tired of waiting, take heart. If you're afraid of what happens next, fear not. If you're disappointed by a closed door, just wait. The gift is worth the wait" (pg. 123).

If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Sunshine Rodgers

I can sense it coming. The music gets louder. The character takes a wrongful turn. And I wrap my fingers around the remote, quickly pushing the fast-forward button, skipping through the parts of the movie I don't want to watch.

I wish there was a button for when I want to avoid certain times in my life. But alas, I have to get through the transitions, the stressful times, the uncertainties of life, the hardships.

When this part of your journey is a little too emotional, cling to the Lord. He will help you get through it, get past it, and return you to the good parts of your story!

Isaiah 41:10: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Hebrews 4:16: Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Philippians 4:13: For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

2 Thessalonians 3:3: The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

This is my last weekly blog post for a while. My husband and I are taking a 21-day hiatus with the Lord. During that time, we will intercede for people and seek His will for our lives. Let me know if you have any prayer requests and we’d love to pray for you!

https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/blog-...

Sunshine Rodgers