We don’t wait for our car engine to seize before checking the oil, yet so often, we wait until our bodies are exhausted and our spirits are dry before we think about care. Real upkeep isn’t an emergency repair—it’s meaningful maintenance.
It sounded like that for many months: bzzzzz-rrrrr-bzzzz. But it got louder when I accelerated. It was a heavy, deep sound. If it were too bad, a check engine light would appear, right? If I ignored it, the effects could be disastrous! Several potential causes came to mind. I reached out to a dear friend. Another friend drove my car to see what she could hear! It was agreed the car needed service. It wasn’t a surprise that I’d have to cram my car’s diagnostic checkup along with my body’s—and precious family member’s— “tune-ups.”
All of this is part of living life on Earth. These motley meaningful maintenance trips matter.
One day later…
After two hours in the waiting room, the bubbly service gal reappeared to tell me it would be about another hour. Well, 90 minutes later, I left with a costly repair estimate. I felt my own wear and tear while driving home on my body’s empty tank. My alignment was off.
Decisions needed to be made. But first, my own alignment needed to be repaired.
“Jesus, I give you everyone and everything.” Pause. Pray. Praise. Eat.
After refueling my body and finding my groove with God in me, plans were made for how to move forward. Well, within two days, those plans changed after multiple “warning” signs flashed in my mind about cost, time, and my own meaningful maintenance. Thanks to another friend, I successfully booked an appointment at another place for one-quarter of the price. Hallelujah!
Our intentional routines keep us running smoothly. I’m trying to prevent as much rust as possible before burnout happens. And if we do get a warning light, will we ignore it or try to brush it off before our cars or bodies grind to a halt?
Pressure changes, tune-ups, fuel, friction, wear, and tear.
Two days later…
My body’s tank was empty again. I cried as I walked into the cancer center. Tearfully, I waited, knowing my arm and veins would soon hurt even more. Sleep had been missing from my maintenance. The longer I sat the more “aligned” my heart became. “Jesus, YOU are my strength and refuge,” I said in my heart. I watched others walking in. The beautiful picture of one of my favorite hiking areas reminded me that I once hiked that! The couple across from me reminded me of my precious parents. Another family walked out that had brought lunch to someone. My friend, who drew my blood, came out to encourage me. We hugged with happy tears.
As I was “parked” in that maintenance garage, Christ re-calibrated me.
Without meaningful maintenance, my body, mind, and soul will grind to a halt. The impacts of the treatments over the years have caused other parts of my physical vehicle to begin showing maintenance issues. It’s important that I find ways to make it ALL…meaningful. Even in the suffering or hard parts. Even IF I address upkeep, things might (or WILL) break down. With each new level of challenges or suffering moments, I’m gaining momentum. Maybe not physically, but oh, my soul, is showing spiritual stamina. Even after the tears and clearing the clutter. After the bleeding and nights of insomnia I can still say “MY ANCHOR IS STEADY!”
The Holy Spirit gives me warning lights (sometimes BLINDING!). Without parking myself in the garage, though, I can’t recalibrate or stay aligned with the truth. If we only deal with our souls when we hit a crisis, we spend all our energy on road service instead of smooth traveling!
Just as we wouldn’t expect our vehicles to run endlessly without some routine service, let’s not treat our own lives like we will drive thousands of miles on dry tanks. What fuels your faith? What keeps you moving? As for me, my friends, when I’m in my “quietude” and in prayer, without the noise of the world, I have the Holy Spirit fine tune me. The friction stops. And I can say, I count IT ALL JOY. For my MASTER provides the most meaningful maintenance. There’s no warranty on what he gave me for FREE. It’s good for…eternity!
WITH MUCH GRATITUDE I have to thank ALL who diagnose and repair everything that makes life so much easier. Where would we be without the trades? I love fixing things. But there is no way I can crawl under a car or begin to understand what it would take to replace a catalytic converter. As much as I love learning, there are things I physically can’t do. In this record heat, our maintenance worker showed up to check on the noise coming from my air conditioning unit. He shared of an amputee whose house, up the road, is flooded. My heart sank thinking of the devastation SO MANY experience. From fires to floods. Who is addressing the clean-up? The aftermath? Yes, it’s much easier to maintain than to repair. We can maintain and things will STILL break. I live in constant gratitude. Thank you to those who give up time, labor, and resources to help others!
No matter how many miles we have left-or how many breakdowns & repairs or smooth miles & memories-we have a choice. Are you living with a lifetime warranty of hope and faith?
Keep fueling faith–hang on to hope. Friends, you are loved.
EXTENDED SALE! Check out the new “Count it all Joy hat and women’s boxy tee!”
25% off!
Use code JULY25 through TOMORROW to receive the discount in your cart!
More from Flannel with Faith
-
Meaningful Maintenance
We don’t wait for our car engine to seize before checking the oil, yet so often, we wait until our bodies are exhausted and our spirits are dry before we think about care. Real…
-
Finley River Flash Sale!
Summer SALE!🏷️ Would you like 25% off? Use Code: JULY25 at checkout Sale ends July 19th! Join the community Learn about new products and discounts Powered by WordPress with WooCommerce Discover more from Flannel…
-
Stifling Start
Summer is off to a stifling start? “What a life!” the almost-five-year-old chimed, her voice full of wonder as she leaned against her dad in a kayak drifting across the cool waters of an…
-
Ideal Independence
Goodnight full moon–goodbye June! Hello, Kaboom! July 1st came in with a sizzle, snap-fizz, and a boom! The countdown to the 4th of July is on! As we approach our nation’s America 250 milestone,…
-
Living Liberated
Living liberated is a beautiful thing. I felt it’s cost, too, in the sticky summer air. Suddenly, while standing on the bridge at Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, a huge flock of birds started swooping and…
-
America the Beautiful
As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it’s a beautiful season to pause, ponder, and practice gratitude for the freedom we share. Our family shares a deep appreciation for those who serve and protect these…
-
Journey into June
The journey to June came swiftly! “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise!” If you’re from my neck of the woods, you’ve heard this phrase a time or two. I might make plans–but I’m…
-
Memorable May
Congratulations to TSgt Jarrod Snook, my oldest son, for receiving a Leadership Award at Eielson AFB in Alaska. His return to Alaska was a precious, perfect gift! To my youngest son, his wife, Jarrod’s…
-
A Composer & Cancer
In March I began a series titled Praiseworthy People. Today I’d like to introduce you to my friends, Tom & Lisa Bajoras. Although I’ve only known them for several years, they have made an…
©2019-2025 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.
Discover more from Flannel with Faith
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
All our Lord’s maintenance is meaningful indeed! He is the Master Mechanic of our entire beings, body, soul, and spirit. Only He can accurately diagnose our trouble areas, and by His Spirit in us the on-board maintenance feature is always spot-on. How great it must feel to know He had this from before the noise started.
What a mighty god we serve, Karla. What a mighty god lives within us and moves in and through us.
Great post about great works of grace and mercy even in the midst of an entire parking lot of difficulties. Our God is truly good, all the time! Hallelujah!
From the Weary Wind-Blown Wonders of the Great White North, Rascal and that other guy.
Tim, I love this, dear friend. Thank you!! 🙏 His on-board maintenance is always spot-on. Hallelujah!
I giggled~ 😂I told the sweet girl at Subaru the Master Mechanic has it all. Brought to you by the letter “M”.
We serve a mighty God! Through it all!
I thought of our conversation about Elisabeth Elliot and my future posts of her, the suffering,… the love of our Savior and singing of his love. Thinking of our friends here, the Fultz family, Kathy, MAK, Pam, Matt, Willie, Tangie,…the ones in our inner most circle ~ losing Kenzie here on Earth and her laughing in heaven…
His works are great in it all! The entire parking lot (love that!).
God bless you, my weary wind-blown settler and your amazing dog, too. Finn and I send our Christ’s love from the “Air that you wear” Ozark Hill area.
Good advice. Like for instance, I don’t wait for my heart to stop, to check my blood pressure. Nor do I wait for my ears to melt off before I check my temperature. And I keep doing my E-cises. You told me about E-cises about a year ago.
But I still get aches and pains, and things go wrong now and then. That’s life in the big city, I guess.
I’m glad you got a good deal on your car repair. I hope all your aches and pains in your arms and veins, go away as swiftly as your car’s alignment improves.
I always enjoy your posts. It’s nice hearing from you.
Tippy, it’s always so good to “see” you, my friend. Thank you for your support and friendship! I’m so happy you enjoy the posts.
I think I have 15 of yours to catch up on~ and great history, I know!
I appreciate your advice too~ it’s true. I think about the days when “maintenance” meant keeping up with kids or activities~ not giving a thought to possibilities of being “high maintenance” lol.
I see many hanging on by threads looking for hope. Maybe not knowing that our souls need maintenance? When you know peace, you don’t let it break down anymore!
Here’s to miles and miles of smiles and memories, Tippy! Keep on keepin’ on!
Please keep not waiting for your heart to stop before checking your blood pressure. That is a good practice. 🙂
Thank you, Doctor Shelton.
😂😂👏🏻👏🏻
❤️❤️❤️
your strength and ability to articulate meaningfully is an inspiration Karla. always sending strength and support from NJ. Mike
Hi, Mike. That’s so thoughtful, my friend. I’m so happy it’s inspiring. We can do this! Sending prayers and blessings all the way to NJ!
🙏”Jesus, I give you everyone and everything. Pause, pray, praise, eat.” Amen, Karla! This whole post means about maintaining, both our cars and our fellowship with God, rings true. Why? Because you’ve lived it, and are living it still. I wrote this little story the other day. I was thinking of you when I did.
Here is the link: https://davidsdailydose.org/2026/07/19/facing-the-light-50-word-story/
🥰🙏
🥹🥹🌼 thank you, brother! Beautiful! 🙏🌼
Thank you, David. Amen 🙏 when we’ve experienced Him, nothing else matters!
When my “tune ups” every day with Christ are halted, or I put something else ahead of it, I’m bound to have engine troubles worse than ever!
I look forward to reading your story dear brother! Aw. Many blessings! 🙏🥰
Karla, this post is a wonderful blessing and so encouraging.
“As for me, my friends, when I’m in my “quietude” and in prayer, without the noise of the world, I have the Holy Spirit fine tune me. The friction stops. And I can say, I count IT ALL JOY. For my MASTER provides the most meaningful maintenance. There’s no warranty on what he gave me for FREE. It’s good for…eternity!”
I can hear your sweet voice saying, “I count it all joy.” Our body and spirit are in constant need of maintenance that only our Lord can provide!
Love you sweet Karla, you are always in my prayers 🙏🏻❤️🎶❤️🌻❤️🦋❤️
I love you dearly, Pam. ♥️ thank you for your sweet support and kindness.
You’ve lived through those moments of maintenance ~ and maintain a healthy heart of seeking God in all circumstances ~ with gratitude! 🙏 it inspires me. The road to recovery Butch walked~ the miracles from our Creator that continue. We give God the glory!
You are both in my heart and prayers ❤️💕♥️🙏❤️ 🦓 🎶
What a great analogy, Karla. Maintenance is very important. Maintenance takes a lot of support from those who know how to keep you running smoothly. Keep on keeping on my friend!
Thank you, dear Dwight! You understand!
I will always be grateful for all the support that keeps me running smoothly! And the ultimate gas from God that keeps my tank full. I’ll keep on keepin’ on (one of my favorite phrases!!). You too, precious friend!
My dear friend you need to write a devotional, a book of encouragement, like what your posts are! It would be a best seller! You are ALWAYS inspiring and I love ya girl!! Praying 🙏 for relief from your pain and continued strength to endure all you endure with the amazing spirit that you have! Warm hugs! ❤️ 💛🤗🤗🤗
You are precious, C! You might recall in our publishing visits about my 30 days of “Falling Flat on my Faith”. In ways our blogs are our books? That’s so sweet, C. I can’t wait for our time together and move forward on your plans (after you dip your toes in the water and have fun as you deserve!).
The prayers are powerful!! They propel me just like the fuel. Thank you for riding along with me on this journey always.
I love you, sweet friend. You, Brad, and the other couple have fun! Watch for sand traps and jelly fish! ❤️🥰♥️♥️😂💕💕💕
I think I’m constantly in God’s repair garage, think I always will be. But that’s where the hope comes from, the fact that I really really need him and he is always there. Sending you so many hugs ❤️
That’s beautiful, dear friend. It’s the best place to park ourselves! Hope.
You inspire me! I need Him just as you do! I feel the hugs and hope you feel mine.❤️🙏
Karla, you beautiful soul. Thank you for the reminder that when our spiritual “check engine” light goes off, we need to pause. We need to seek those who know how to assess how we have pushed ourselves too far driving through the human experience, without daily maintenance of our spiritual alignment and our spiritual connection. We can fall out of alignment because life gets too busy; or that our “to-do” list never seems to end; or that we get start listening to our minds flooding with negative, self reflection, and or comparisons of “the shoulds”. If we lose perspective, we can fall prey to the worthless traps found in self-pity, victimization, and “why me’s”. But there is a solution. We have a choice. In every challenge we face, instead of asking “why is this happening to me”; “why do I have to endure such pain” – maybe we should reach for gratitude. Instead of why is this happening; ask “what is God trying to teach me in this moment”? Instead of letting the mind run tapes in our head of self-pity and victimization; look at the beauty found in those that are there to help us navigate the challenge. The staff that drew your blood and made your smile; the family across from you with their child at the same center knowing that you are having a shared experience. The fact you had to “wait in the waiting room” and had time to recalibrate your own engine to see God working in your life regardless of how you felt about being there and being fatigued from your 5 year journey of treatment; is the beauty of God in your soul. And, I am so inspired by your post. Because at the very end, you reached for gratitude. If we stop living in the movies of our mind, step into the room where our feet are, into the “now” of the moment, and look around – we can tap into our spirituality. We can see God’s work all around us. And, reaching for gratitude – even going so far as to write a gratitude list each and every day – that is how we “conduct maintenance of our spiritual condition.” Our connection to the Divine. The Divine that lives within us. We can see the beauty and purpose in our struggle. It isn’t that God is “putting us through this challenge” – it that God is leading us through. Stop watching and writing scripts for the movies playing in our mind. Step into each day and look for gratitude in your life. Look at God’s work over the course of your life. When you focus, make a list, you will realize that no matter what challenges you face; God’s presence is always there. And, as the poem “Footprints in the Sand” reminds us, where there was only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that he carried you. The pain is not making you. The pain is not defining you. It is revealing who you are. A grateful child of God. A grateful child of God who is shining the power of the source, the depth of that love, the beautiful light that reflects from our souls because we made a decision to live in that light and to shine that light so that others can see. To my resilient friend, just for today, I send my gratitude for reminding me to check my own “check engine” light. Before I complain about it, I will reach for gratitude, I will look for God’s love all around me, and I will allow the light that God is to shine brightly through my soul to others. Kerry
Kerry,…I’m in tears reading this. Your words are astoundingly touching and inspiring.
To all my friends that might be reading, please meet my friend, Kerry. Kerry and his family all grew up with my family and I. As childhood friends, (and prom dates of 1985/86!), and now, treasured friends who have been faced with difficult detours in our lives, we know our source of strength!
Kerry was there when I arrived in D.C. When the pain was unbearable. He witnessed the miracle. And just under two years ago? HE was the miracle and lives out the Divine living in HIM and refuses to allow darkness to shadow the gratitude, hope…the power!
It’s no coincidence God placed us both on those roads (and for you, literally) to fall and rise again to declare the goodness of Him ~ despite any situation that might otherwise try to destroy!
To see you here made my morning, dear Kerry.
I think God keeps me on this path to stay in alignment. Many might think that consecration means “free of difficulties!” Just the opposite! I’m fully consecrated by “death of myself!” It’s not imitation ~ it’s HIS life IN me.
It can be a lonely road that few might choose to take. But the constant alignment and upkeep is where I find true peace and joy!
Even if I could back and change it, I would never! There’s such beauty and purpose in it, as you so beautifully shared!
I hope you feel my love and hugs, precious friend. I pray that your journey continues. I know the pain you’ve endured and the ways in which YOU inspire ME to keep our eyes looking ahead to the amazing eternity waiting! Your presence and gifts bless me and all who know you. I love you! 🙏❤️
I pray your maintenance is going well Karla, to keep your river Graceful and smooth. We are following the same path then, I just got my car fixed and passed for its annual registration roadworthy tests for a delightful dent in my bank balance. This ‘system’ seems to follow a path of drought instead of sharing the rain 🤣🛵🦓❤️
I think it might be cheaper to grab me an electric skeeter I think, the parts wouldn’t be anywhere near the car costs 😂🛵🥰
Anyway, glad to hear your voice, your heart, and prayerfully those challenges you face. Very big hugs from down under, lots of love for these paths…and a tale of two dolphins that visited me yesterday. I think they may have wanted to join the express delivery gang. They were making sich a racket out in the water splashing around everywhere to get my attention. So you may have a bit more love than normal come over for a visit 🥰😂🫶🏻🦓🎶🌊🐬
Hang in there my friend, their love, His love, and mine too. May your travels give your heart love and healing growth, and your soul the rest it deserves Karla. Take care…ooh, and Finn hugs too 😂🤗🥰💞🍀💖🕊️🎹🌺🌼😂🐾🫶🏻🐕🦓🎶🌊🐬🌹❤️🙏
Tis the season of costly repairs and maintenance ~ and for some, that might include “dents” to divulge in fun stuff too! Ideas of “fun” come in all sizes!
My maintenance will allow me to traipse around my territory ~ and for now, that’s just great. Even if it’s just to go pick up medicine lol. I’m blessed, Mark!
A gift arrived to help me with the maintenance and that’s how our God works! HE always provides!
ps~Skeeters are definitely lower maintenance. I’d like to go faster, but for safety reasons, it’s perfect when I want to get out and about and this quiet neighborhood is ideal for that!
I’ll take the two rascally dolphins and playful water time! My sister is headed to a local aquarium this evening for a painting event with her friend to kick off “Shark Week”. I remember diving with them a couple of years ago and it was very fun. And in a small area, caged. But I’m much rather frolic with dolphins!🐬
Sending love and sweet hugs and blessings from the “hot” dog (feel like temps to reach 110 today) and I!! God bless you so much. Thank you for your constant support and friendship! 💚🥰🦈🥳🌼🦋🛶🐶 🦓 🫶🏻🙏🙏
A little summer warmth over there Karla. It makes it a bit sticky unless you can have fun in a shark cage 🤣🌊🐳
The dolphins have left so don’t be surprised with a wet knock on your door. I think they can feel the love from all the way over here 😂❤️
And I do pray that the love all around you holds you in a safe and healing way my friend. Energy to wander and ‘feel’ the love that becomes so appreciated when just a walk or travel short distances and go beyond four walls 😊🥰
Hang in there, I’m sending lots of love and healing…be it for metal or flesh hearts and bodies 🤣😂 Take care 🤗🫶🏻😎🥾🌟🐾🐕🦓🎶🌊🐬🐳🌹❤️🙏
Karla, this is a timely message! I just had my car in the shop for 2 days and it is now running beautifully (and they even detailed the interior)! My spiritual upkeep has been regular but there are times when a recalibration is necessary. I just like to stay ahead of having an emergency! Many prayers and lots of love headed your way!
Val~ I’m so happy to hear you and the car are running smoothly, my friend. The upkeeps!
I can’t imagine trying to start my engine without fueling on faith!
Mornings are so hard, Val. By 9 am I can’t help but praise~ what a difference utilizing the power in ME through HIM to be here right at this moment and give Him glory!
Will you please wrap yourself and all the warriors in a huge hug tonight from me? I hope this makes you giggle (and I know you’ll understand my brain)~here’s what Tuesday reminds me~ one, I take out the trash every Tuesday and the best~ you all gather in prayer. It’s fitting to set out all the “trash” on this Tuesday!
It’s a hot day here in SW MO and Finn and I send all our love to you and Mochi. ♥️🙏♥️🐾
You are so right! We need to take care of our physical health and our spiritual health! I’m proud of you, Karla! I read something yesterday that made me think of you:
In David Jeremiah’s book, The World of the End, he says,
“We have a race to run and we must not give up. We must keep going – with enthusiasm, the strength of Christ within us, and the victory in sight!”
That’s YOU, my friend! You never give up! You always encourage others. Isaiah 33:2 says, “Be our strength every morning”
God bless you and strengthen you as you serve our Savior!
Amen 🙏💙 A great reminder to care for both body and soul while trusting God through every season, Amen … He is faithful to renew our strength each day.
Good one Karla. Being in maintenance mode for machinery and body…sure gets wearing. I’ve given up on some of our machinery. I’m just glad God won’t give up on us, no matter where he leads.
“Without meaningful maintenance, my body, mind, and soul will grind to a halt.” So true!
And, for those of us who keep forgetting, thank you for continuing to demonstrate the power of gratitude with every post and your every day of your life, dear Karla❣
You are such a trooper! You always see what matters most. You give the rest of us hope, a good nudge, and fresh eyes.
You are such an encouragement