IT'S A NEW DAY!: Top 10 ways that life is like a game of Carbles

(DO NOT read this if you are NOT a carbles player!)

1. Being “sent home” isn’t always a “bad” thing! Especially if you’re lucky enough to have a start card and a “4”!

Sometimes in life those giant steps BACKWARD seem daunting. But going back (failing) is not always a bad thing. It gives us a fresh start. Helps us to look at things differently. And often times leads us on a different path that, in the end, brings us to a much better place!

2. “7’s” are great! You can divide and conquer with a “7”! Seven is God’s perfect number! From the Seven Days of Genesis to the Seven Seals of Revelation, Scripture is saturated with the number 7. God laid the foundation of its meaning when He introduced this number in the context of His finished work of Creation. (See Genesis 2:2)

3. Do you ever wish you could switch places with someone? Sometimes another persons life (position, home, finances) look so much more appealing than your own. BUT, be aware! “Switching” is not always the best move. Having a “jack” is very exciting, but sometimes it’s just better to take the 11 steps. Remember the saying, “slow and steady wins the race”? Be careful. Jumping ahead too quickly can be dangerous!

4. A “king” will give you 13 moves! That’s the highest number possible in carbles! But, it CAN be detrimental; it may cause you to have to move beyond your “safe zone”. Are you moving too far too fast? Sometimes, in life, we need to slow down and take smaller steps!

5. A partner is great! In this game you sometimes have to forfeit a great move so that your partner may benefit. How much are you willing to give up to make another's life better?

6. For me, in carbles, the more players the merrier! In life too! I love hanging out with lots of people. I love being with those who are “like minded”. I am so blessed and happy to be able to share life with many people. My church is my main social network and is an incredible blessing to have these amazing people (partners) in my life!

7. An “ace” is worth only one point in carbles. But, it has a lot of power to get you started! You are never too small or insignificant to God! Your power comes from Him!

8. Likewise, a “king” is the largest number in carbles, but can still accomplish the same as the “powerful” ace! In the Bible it says, “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first”. Don’t let your position in life determine your “power”. ALL of your power comes from God, not a “lucky draw of the cards” or “roll of the dice”.

9. Winning isn’t everything, but it sure is fun! Carbles is a game of luck (the cards you get) and skill (your ability to strategize). Life is NOT about luck or strategy. Life is about obedience…letting God determine your move. You don’t have to be a “good player” to be successful in life. You only have to be obedient. God promises to show us the way, to provide everything we need and to bring us to a place where we can live joyfully forever and ever. The only thing we need to do is to be obedient to his call and share the knowledge of Him with others! In carbles you either either win or lose. In life with the Lord you ALWAYS win!

10. I’ve played countless of games of carbles. I can’t remember the number of games I’ve won or lost. I only remember one thing: I had so much fun playing! My life has been a series of peaks and valleys; difficult at times, smooth sailing at others; incredibly joyful, and painfully sad; good, bad. I’ve loved, and lost. I’ve conquered and failed. I’ve been on top of the world, and at the bottom of the pit. But always, always, always I’ve known Jesus to be my Savior. He ALWAYS lifts me out, pulls me up and sets my feet on a straight path. He is my protector. My advisor. My great physician. My Teacher. My Truth. My Joy. My Everything.

Enjoy a game of carbles today! More importantly, enjoy your life!