Battling the GPS

My husband loves to use the GPS device on his phone, so when we went to the Oregon coast the other week, he opted to use that instead of paying for one in our rental car.

As we left the car place, the GPS lady began navigating our way. Though neither of us had been to Portland before, I was SURE Miss GPS had no idea what she was doing. She had us driving up small streets and through residential areas. I kept thinking we just need to get to the freeway - that would be the fastest way to get out of Portland and on our way to the coast.

After what seemed like a crazy list of directions, we eventually did reach the freeway and were on our way.
But that wasn't the only time the GPS lady led us through what I knew had to be the wrong way. Each time we ended up where we wanted to be, despite what felt like a series of odd turns and roads. (One time she was off by a quarter of a mile - and boy, did I gloat about that!)

So often in life and on this journey to publication, I feel like I did in the car listening to the GPS. I'm doing my best to follow God's will, but sometimes I think, "this can't be the right way. Isn't there a faster road, God, a more direct route to get me where I want to go, to what I want to be?"

But if I can stop and put aside that impatience, I realize no matter the twists and turns, the odd side roads, the detours, in the end I'll be right where I'm supposed to be - as long as I keep listening and moving forward.

Do use a GPS device for directions, stop and ask someone or just wing it?  What detours or side roads in your life have brought about surprising success?  

*Jenilyn M. Tolley awarded me the Liebster Award the other week (thanks so much, Jenilyn)! This award is meant to connect us even more and spotlight new bloggers who, at the moment, have less than 200 followers. The rules are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2.Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3.Post the award on your blog.
4.Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the Internet – other writers.
5.And best of all – have fun and spread the karma!

So here's five blogs I've enjoyed reading for a while or newly discovered:

Mark Noce
Peggy Eddleman
Rosslyn Elliott
Canda Mortensen
Kym McNabney

Hit the Road!

My hubby and I have spent A LOT of time in the car the last while. Between our vacation to South Dakota, a funeral in Nevada, and another in Idaho, I think we've driven something like 40 hours in the past five weeks!

With all this driving I've realized there are a few things I need to manage long car trips. The two things I must have are the IPOD and gum, specifically Trident spearmint gum. Runners up would be snacks - not any particular kind, just something yummy to munch on - and occasionally Dramamine (Did I mention I get carsick riding passenger to the store?). I'm looking forward to sticking close to home this week - with no drives over 10 minutes!

What things are essential for you on a long drive? What's the most time you've ever spent in the car?