My family has been committed to attend a Financial Peace University seminar at our church for the past 13 weeks. All of the lessons have been beneficial with excellent information and Dave Ramsey's no-nonsense motivational style of teaching. I think I benefited the most from gaining a better understanding about financial topics that were intimidating to me before. Granted, some of the information was not new to me at all, but Dave has a knack for making you think "Wow, that really makes financial sense. I would be stupid not to do that." It was the kick-in-the-pants we needed to do it, not just learn about it.
Since the course began, we've been able to pay off a student loan and a credit card, and have begun to apply those payments to a personal loan. We've set aside $1000 in a baby emergency fund, and I've created an allocated spending plan for all of our income to within $1. We are paying cash for several expense categories, namely groceries, entertainment, personal and miscellaneous spending, and blow money. Other categories have been created in our checking and savings accounts to build up funds for things like Christmas, vacation, car repair and homeschool supplies, to name a few.
Tonight's lesson was definitely my favorite... the lesson on giving. If I was not motivated before tonight (and believe me, I was), this lesson has inspired me even more to build wealth so that we can give, give, give. And out of that giving comes blessing. But as Dave pointed out, the Hebrew term for blessing does not refer to monetary wealth... instead the word literally means "peace". And I cannot imagine a richer way to live than to have a life filled with God's abundant peace.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A Good Weekend
Some people may define a good weekend as taking it easy and having fun while others think working on projects and getting things done around the house makes for a good way to end the week. This past weekend was some of both for our family.
It really started on Thursday evening as we (my husband and I, my mom and step-dad, and my sister-in-law) worked until nearly 10pm getting our stuff set up for a yard sale. Yes, we had our yard sale on Independence Day. We wanted to take advantage of the annual 4th of July festival and BBQ our small town has hosted for the past 40+ years. The real benefit of it is that our home is located on what used to be the town square, so we are rightly situated in the middle of the action... except there wasn't as much action this year as in previous years. The BBQ did not even sell out before 11a.m. like it usually does, not to mention the scant number of vendors under the pecan trees of the Methodist Church.
Well, back to our weekend... I was hoping to get up early and price all the items before anybody showed up to shop. I had advertised that we would start at 9a.m. Of course, the 'serious' bargain hunters were knocking on the door at 7a.m. I was up, mind you, I just couldn't answer the door in my gown so I hid in the kitchen until they went away. Then I dashed to get dressed before the next early bird made an appearance... some 10 minutes later.
And so the day started in a bit of a frenzy, and it pretty much stayed that way all day. We had a steady flow of shoppers, sometimes a yard full at a time, and for the first time in our yard sale history (and we've had quite a few), we sold almost everything we had. At the end of the day, there were only a few boxes to haul to Goodwill. And the profits were worth the effort... enough to help our family pay cash for an upcoming vacation. Yep, a great way to start the weekend.
That evening, we went out to eat at a great new Chinese restaurant to celebrate our success. When it got dark enough, we headed to my brother's house for a fireworks show. He takes pleasure in spending a few hundred dollars to entertain us for a few minutes with his pyrotechnic display. We sat on his front lawn and clapped and cheered as he and my dad and a few other brave(?) men worked in the backyard to keep 'em comin'. Only once did we hear shouts of things-gone-wrong followed by some smoke and dimly glowing lights sparking from behind the house. (I think next year, the plan is to bolt the cannons and boxes to the table so they don't 'accidently' tip over.)
On Saturday, Jeff and I worked hard around the house. He spent the day laying down thresholds that his dad custom made for our 120-year-old home and putting locks on the bathroom doors (we've never had any). I stayed busy tidying up (preparing for a yard sale makes your house messy), and typing up Clara's progress report for third grade. On Saturday night, we went to Mom's for dinner to celebrate my brother's birthday with camp stew and homemade ice cream... yum-my!
Sunday was not the usual day of rest that we like to observe. We doubled up on worship by attending the 9:15 service at our church, then hopped over to a second service at a nearby church to support a friend who hasn't preached in 6 or 7 years. It was good to see him back 'in the pulpit' after a few years of dealing with some big life issues. When we made it home, I worked most of the afternoon preparing for our first day of school which starts this week. After dinner, we sat down with Clara and had a simple ceremony to recognize graduation from third grade/promotion to fourth grade. We read her progress report together and presented her with a certificate of completion, followed by a homemade ice cream sundae.
Yes, to me, this was a good weekend. A balance of work and play, labor and celebration. A time spent with family. A good weekend... and I am exhausted :o)
It really started on Thursday evening as we (my husband and I, my mom and step-dad, and my sister-in-law) worked until nearly 10pm getting our stuff set up for a yard sale. Yes, we had our yard sale on Independence Day. We wanted to take advantage of the annual 4th of July festival and BBQ our small town has hosted for the past 40+ years. The real benefit of it is that our home is located on what used to be the town square, so we are rightly situated in the middle of the action... except there wasn't as much action this year as in previous years. The BBQ did not even sell out before 11a.m. like it usually does, not to mention the scant number of vendors under the pecan trees of the Methodist Church.
Well, back to our weekend... I was hoping to get up early and price all the items before anybody showed up to shop. I had advertised that we would start at 9a.m. Of course, the 'serious' bargain hunters were knocking on the door at 7a.m. I was up, mind you, I just couldn't answer the door in my gown so I hid in the kitchen until they went away. Then I dashed to get dressed before the next early bird made an appearance... some 10 minutes later.
And so the day started in a bit of a frenzy, and it pretty much stayed that way all day. We had a steady flow of shoppers, sometimes a yard full at a time, and for the first time in our yard sale history (and we've had quite a few), we sold almost everything we had. At the end of the day, there were only a few boxes to haul to Goodwill. And the profits were worth the effort... enough to help our family pay cash for an upcoming vacation. Yep, a great way to start the weekend.
That evening, we went out to eat at a great new Chinese restaurant to celebrate our success. When it got dark enough, we headed to my brother's house for a fireworks show. He takes pleasure in spending a few hundred dollars to entertain us for a few minutes with his pyrotechnic display. We sat on his front lawn and clapped and cheered as he and my dad and a few other brave(?) men worked in the backyard to keep 'em comin'. Only once did we hear shouts of things-gone-wrong followed by some smoke and dimly glowing lights sparking from behind the house. (I think next year, the plan is to bolt the cannons and boxes to the table so they don't 'accidently' tip over.)
On Saturday, Jeff and I worked hard around the house. He spent the day laying down thresholds that his dad custom made for our 120-year-old home and putting locks on the bathroom doors (we've never had any). I stayed busy tidying up (preparing for a yard sale makes your house messy), and typing up Clara's progress report for third grade. On Saturday night, we went to Mom's for dinner to celebrate my brother's birthday with camp stew and homemade ice cream... yum-my!
Sunday was not the usual day of rest that we like to observe. We doubled up on worship by attending the 9:15 service at our church, then hopped over to a second service at a nearby church to support a friend who hasn't preached in 6 or 7 years. It was good to see him back 'in the pulpit' after a few years of dealing with some big life issues. When we made it home, I worked most of the afternoon preparing for our first day of school which starts this week. After dinner, we sat down with Clara and had a simple ceremony to recognize graduation from third grade/promotion to fourth grade. We read her progress report together and presented her with a certificate of completion, followed by a homemade ice cream sundae.
Yes, to me, this was a good weekend. A balance of work and play, labor and celebration. A time spent with family. A good weekend... and I am exhausted :o)
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Little Praise
With each of my previous pregnancies, I had gestational diabetes that I was able to control by careful eating and monitoring my glucose levels four times a day. When I found out I was pregnant this time around, the obstetrician immediately put me on the diet I followed before, along with the monitoring.
So since week 14, I have been pricking my finger when I first wake up and again two hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I make sure that I eat the right foods in the right amounts and in the right combination with very little 'cheating'. My numbers have been good for the most part, and I have felt healthy with minimal weight gain (only 4 lbs according to the doctor's charts, and I am at 30 weeks! Of course, they don't count the 3-4 lbs I gained during the first trimester when I was not even aware I was pregnant :o)
The fact that I feel good and am not packing on pounds is a praise in itself. But added to that is the great news that when I called this morning for the results of my 1-hour glucose tolerance test I had last Monday, the nurse said that my levels are normal! And my blood iron levels are within range, too! I nearly cried(which is easy to do lately, just ask my husband)... not because the diet and monitoring are so awful, but because God is so faithful and good.
I plan to continue on the diet for the rest of the pregnancy, because the results have been very beneficial. Hopefully, I will be able to maintain it even after Baby Boy arrives in 8 - 10 weeks. The girls and I are going to have a time of praise during lunch, and I might even have a chocolate chip cookie to celebrate (made fresh by hubby yesterday with whole wheat, oats, flax seed, and honey). And yes, I'll be sure to count it as part of my carbs :o)
So since week 14, I have been pricking my finger when I first wake up and again two hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I make sure that I eat the right foods in the right amounts and in the right combination with very little 'cheating'. My numbers have been good for the most part, and I have felt healthy with minimal weight gain (only 4 lbs according to the doctor's charts, and I am at 30 weeks! Of course, they don't count the 3-4 lbs I gained during the first trimester when I was not even aware I was pregnant :o)
The fact that I feel good and am not packing on pounds is a praise in itself. But added to that is the great news that when I called this morning for the results of my 1-hour glucose tolerance test I had last Monday, the nurse said that my levels are normal! And my blood iron levels are within range, too! I nearly cried(which is easy to do lately, just ask my husband)... not because the diet and monitoring are so awful, but because God is so faithful and good.
I plan to continue on the diet for the rest of the pregnancy, because the results have been very beneficial. Hopefully, I will be able to maintain it even after Baby Boy arrives in 8 - 10 weeks. The girls and I are going to have a time of praise during lunch, and I might even have a chocolate chip cookie to celebrate (made fresh by hubby yesterday with whole wheat, oats, flax seed, and honey). And yes, I'll be sure to count it as part of my carbs :o)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tagged? What's that?
So I am not up on all the blog terms... yet.
My good friend is gently spurring me on to "just do it"... blog, that is... because she well knows my perfectionist tendencies and their ability to keep me from jumping into something when I feel like I don't have the time to do it 'right'... thus the very long time that has passed since my last entry (and boy, do I have some things to share!)
So, she tagged me. Here goes...
10 years ago... I was on summer break from my teaching job at Manchester High School, most likely doing whatever I could to stay cool since our 100-year-old house was not yet air-conditioned.
5 things on my list today... watch the free movie in town with my hubby and girls, run by the bread store, finish our scope and sequence for the next school year (which starts in 11 days), read the next chapter in Financial Peace Revisited, and write this blog.
Snacks I enjoy... dark chocolate peanut butter licked right off the spoon (or spread on a graham cracker); a cold, crisp Gala apple; a bowl of cereal; cheese and crackers.
Things I would do if I were a millionaire... Bring my husband home from work; buy a farm; RV across the country; and give, give, give...
Places I have lived... only Georgia in Riverdale, Fayetteville, Americus, Tifton, Jonesboro, Hapeville,and Moreland
And I will not tag anyone else, but I will start blogging again... I promise!
My good friend is gently spurring me on to "just do it"... blog, that is... because she well knows my perfectionist tendencies and their ability to keep me from jumping into something when I feel like I don't have the time to do it 'right'... thus the very long time that has passed since my last entry (and boy, do I have some things to share!)
So, she tagged me. Here goes...
10 years ago... I was on summer break from my teaching job at Manchester High School, most likely doing whatever I could to stay cool since our 100-year-old house was not yet air-conditioned.
5 things on my list today... watch the free movie in town with my hubby and girls, run by the bread store, finish our scope and sequence for the next school year (which starts in 11 days), read the next chapter in Financial Peace Revisited, and write this blog.
Snacks I enjoy... dark chocolate peanut butter licked right off the spoon (or spread on a graham cracker); a cold, crisp Gala apple; a bowl of cereal; cheese and crackers.
Things I would do if I were a millionaire... Bring my husband home from work; buy a farm; RV across the country; and give, give, give...
Places I have lived... only Georgia in Riverdale, Fayetteville, Americus, Tifton, Jonesboro, Hapeville,and Moreland
And I will not tag anyone else, but I will start blogging again... I promise!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Drum Roll Please....
Today we visited Atlanta Maternal Fetal Medicine for an ultrasound of our baby, and wouldn’t you know, the technician said she couldn’t tell the gender (although she did say it had a beautiful little 4-chambered heart). She gave us a few pics and sent in the doctor.
He was very nice and began explaining to us why I was sent to a perinatologist, being 'advanced maternal age' with gestational diabetes and all that (I don’t suppose he realized that ‘I’ made the choice to have my ultrasound there). He gives us his practiced explanation about genetic disorders and the types of indicators they are looking for with the ultrasound (by this point, Jeff is thinking the doc’s trying to break some bad news to us). According to the doc, everything looks fine (heart, measurements, facial features, etc).
Then, he has me roll on to my side to give the baby more room and hopefully get a good view of the “equipment”. Lo and behold, there it is...we are having a little boy! He says, “That’s definitely boy stuff right there!” He zooms in and actually outlines "the stuff" for us on the picture.
Of course, we are very excited (I’m sure we would be either way). On the way home, Jeff’s making jokes to his dad on the phone about taking on the responsibility of continuing the family name. Dennis, my step-dad jokingly told my mom that he doesn’t understand why all his prayers didn’t work (he was hoping for another girl). I told Mom that I’m sure many more people for praying for us to have a son. In my mind, I’m thinking “this really changes things”, but I look forward to having a little boy to love. The girls are very happy to have a brother.
Now comes the task of deciding a name. We have always been drawn to older, less common names, and I'm sure that will be our preference when it comes to naming our son. I've always liked the name John, but Jeff says that even though it's old, it's also too common. However, when I suggested we pair it with Jeffrey, I got a totally different response: "John Jeffrey... I like that! It's just a good, strong name."
Hmmmm... I thought so!
He was very nice and began explaining to us why I was sent to a perinatologist, being 'advanced maternal age' with gestational diabetes and all that (I don’t suppose he realized that ‘I’ made the choice to have my ultrasound there). He gives us his practiced explanation about genetic disorders and the types of indicators they are looking for with the ultrasound (by this point, Jeff is thinking the doc’s trying to break some bad news to us). According to the doc, everything looks fine (heart, measurements, facial features, etc).
Then, he has me roll on to my side to give the baby more room and hopefully get a good view of the “equipment”. Lo and behold, there it is...we are having a little boy! He says, “That’s definitely boy stuff right there!” He zooms in and actually outlines "the stuff" for us on the picture.
Of course, we are very excited (I’m sure we would be either way). On the way home, Jeff’s making jokes to his dad on the phone about taking on the responsibility of continuing the family name. Dennis, my step-dad jokingly told my mom that he doesn’t understand why all his prayers didn’t work (he was hoping for another girl). I told Mom that I’m sure many more people for praying for us to have a son. In my mind, I’m thinking “this really changes things”, but I look forward to having a little boy to love. The girls are very happy to have a brother.
Now comes the task of deciding a name. We have always been drawn to older, less common names, and I'm sure that will be our preference when it comes to naming our son. I've always liked the name John, but Jeff says that even though it's old, it's also too common. However, when I suggested we pair it with Jeffrey, I got a totally different response: "John Jeffrey... I like that! It's just a good, strong name."
Hmmmm... I thought so!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
To the Other Side of the World
Early on this Saturday morning, my sweet hubby left for a 2-week mission trip to the Philippines. This is his third trip in four years to the Southeast Asian islands. He will soon land in Los Angeles where he will make the connection for a 15-hour flight to Hong Kong followed by 3-hour layover and another 2-hour flight to Manila. He will not arrive at his destination until late Sunday night which will be our Sunday morning (a twelve-hour time difference).
This was by far the most difficult departure... lots of tears and heavy hearts, because this time, our eight year-old daughter really understands how long her daddy will be gone and how far away he is from home. As we tucked the girls in bed last night and listened to their prayers for his safety and quick return, I think hubby and I fully realized how close our family has become and how much we will miss being together. Hopefully, the time will go by as fast as it did on previous trips.
The nature of this mission trip is somewhat unique in that the team of four men will be providing computer technical assistance to missionaries and Christian organizations all around Manila. They will blog and post pictures throughout the trip at www.geeksforchrist.org. Our eight-year old daughter 'Sweet Pea' and 3-year old daughter 'Poppy' have saved and collected over $250 to be given to one of the local orphanages where the team will provide support. We will be eager to all the stories of their work at the orphanage and other places. We are especially excited to hear about how God works and moves and orchestrates the tiniest of details during this journey as they serve Him with the gifts and talents and resources He has so graciously given.
This was by far the most difficult departure... lots of tears and heavy hearts, because this time, our eight year-old daughter really understands how long her daddy will be gone and how far away he is from home. As we tucked the girls in bed last night and listened to their prayers for his safety and quick return, I think hubby and I fully realized how close our family has become and how much we will miss being together. Hopefully, the time will go by as fast as it did on previous trips.
The nature of this mission trip is somewhat unique in that the team of four men will be providing computer technical assistance to missionaries and Christian organizations all around Manila. They will blog and post pictures throughout the trip at www.geeksforchrist.org. Our eight-year old daughter 'Sweet Pea' and 3-year old daughter 'Poppy' have saved and collected over $250 to be given to one of the local orphanages where the team will provide support. We will be eager to all the stories of their work at the orphanage and other places. We are especially excited to hear about how God works and moves and orchestrates the tiniest of details during this journey as they serve Him with the gifts and talents and resources He has so graciously given.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
After sharing about my husband's gift of giving, now I get to share about my Heavenly Father and His extravagant love. Last night, we had a wonderful surprise when we found out that I am pregnant with my third child. After going out to eat and running a few errands (one of which was purchasing a pregnancy test), I dutifully performed the task and watched in amazement as the test showed a very clear positive result. After staring in disbelief for a few moments, I declared "Happy Belated Valentine's Day!" to my husband and handed him the stick to see for himself. Needless to say, we are absolutely thrilled (and somewhat in shock). The girls were tickled pink (or blue?), as were our parents, when we shared the news.
Now for the rest of the surprise... I suspect that I am about 3 months along. I am usually very aware of my body and the signals it sends to let me know that things are not normal. This time, my body sent quite a few obvious signals, and I just missed them all (actually, I had a perfectly good explanation for all of them).
First, the biggie... I missed my cycle for 3 months. Lest I seem too blond, I took a pt in December and it was negative; so when I missed two more times, I just assumed something was wrong with my hormones and started trying to contact my doctor for a yearly exam.
Then there was weight gain, which I easily blamed on overeating during the holidays... except that I kept gaining after the first of the year. I blamed that on winter and lack of exercise.
Next came the chronic stuffy nose, the head cold I couldn't seem to get over (well, it was cold and flu season). And the extreme tiredness that made me want to fall into bed at 7pm every night (must have been the lingering head cold).
I also had low backache and sore breasts, which I thought was linked to my whacked out hormones (and they were :o) I just never put all these symptoms together to come to the conclusion that I was pregnant.
Now for the 'God thing'... friends and family have been asking me for a couple of years if we were going to have another child. My response was always, "I don't know... I don't know (wistfully) if Anna will be my last baby, and I don't know (cautiously) if I should go through another pregnancy. I don't know how to make that decision."
Well, I didn't have to decide... my gracious Lord, who knows all and controls all, has decided in His infinite wisdom to give us another child. Halleluiah! And if that was not blessing enough, He has also given me an easy start (i.e. no morning sickness). For that, I am also truly thankful.
Now for the rest of the surprise... I suspect that I am about 3 months along. I am usually very aware of my body and the signals it sends to let me know that things are not normal. This time, my body sent quite a few obvious signals, and I just missed them all (actually, I had a perfectly good explanation for all of them).
First, the biggie... I missed my cycle for 3 months. Lest I seem too blond, I took a pt in December and it was negative; so when I missed two more times, I just assumed something was wrong with my hormones and started trying to contact my doctor for a yearly exam.
Then there was weight gain, which I easily blamed on overeating during the holidays... except that I kept gaining after the first of the year. I blamed that on winter and lack of exercise.
Next came the chronic stuffy nose, the head cold I couldn't seem to get over (well, it was cold and flu season). And the extreme tiredness that made me want to fall into bed at 7pm every night (must have been the lingering head cold).
I also had low backache and sore breasts, which I thought was linked to my whacked out hormones (and they were :o) I just never put all these symptoms together to come to the conclusion that I was pregnant.
Now for the 'God thing'... friends and family have been asking me for a couple of years if we were going to have another child. My response was always, "I don't know... I don't know (wistfully) if Anna will be my last baby, and I don't know (cautiously) if I should go through another pregnancy. I don't know how to make that decision."
Well, I didn't have to decide... my gracious Lord, who knows all and controls all, has decided in His infinite wisdom to give us another child. Halleluiah! And if that was not blessing enough, He has also given me an easy start (i.e. no morning sickness). For that, I am also truly thankful.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Extravagant Love
My husband is a giver. Now don't get me wrong... I enjoy giving, too, but I usually consider the cost first. I guess you'd call me a 'practical' giver. But not my husband... no, he is an extravagant giver. It's not that he lavishes us with expensive gifts. I have never received a car with a big red bow for Christmas or pricey jewelry for my birthday, although there is no doubt he'd give it if we could afford it. In fact, we live modestly and keep most celebrations low key, preferring to celebrate with special meals, time spent together and simple, but thoughtful gifts.
However, there have been several occasions when my sweet man comes home with a bag of new clothes for me, just because he loves to do it. He's been known to arrive at the door after being out of town for work with special surprises for the girls, and I'm not talking about candy. Just this week, he came home from a trip the day before Valentine's Day with pastel-colored roses, heart-shaped balloons, and a gift card for each of the girls, and a dozen red roses and a gift certificate for me. Of course, the girls and I were all smiles and hugs, but I had to refrain from tallying the money spent in my head. All I had to give him was a bag of cherry cordial Hershey kisses... something of a treat, but certainly nothing extravagant.
This past Christmas, he actually began to fret about the gifts he had bought for us. Understand that my husband is not a "fretter". But as he laid out our gifts on the bed to wrap them, he called out to me, "I need to do some more shopping; this just isn't enough!" Even though in his head he knew that he was giving good gifts, his heart wanted it to be so much more. Again, I was tempted to think, "It will blow our Christmas budget!" but instead I reminded myself that it is just an expression of his love... an extravagant love.
And it's not just gifts he gives. He is always willing to give of himself, whether it is lending a hand to family or friends, serving at the church, or using his skills and knowledge to help others. He does it willingly, not out of a sense of obligation, and he does it cheerfully without complaining.
I know that some may think, "So what? That isn't what I'd call extravagant!" And I understand what they mean in terms of money spent or the number of gifts given. But what I am trying to describe is my husband's ability to love and his desire to show his love... the generosity of his heart. I compare it to my Heavenly Father's love for me... His desire to give exceedingly, abundantly more than I want or need.
We once had a minister friend who was exhorting a few of the church leaders by pointing out the spiritual gifts he saw in each of them. When he came to my husband, his eyes welled up with tears as he said, "Now this guy... he just has such a great capacity to love!" Yep, that's my guy!
However, there have been several occasions when my sweet man comes home with a bag of new clothes for me, just because he loves to do it. He's been known to arrive at the door after being out of town for work with special surprises for the girls, and I'm not talking about candy. Just this week, he came home from a trip the day before Valentine's Day with pastel-colored roses, heart-shaped balloons, and a gift card for each of the girls, and a dozen red roses and a gift certificate for me. Of course, the girls and I were all smiles and hugs, but I had to refrain from tallying the money spent in my head. All I had to give him was a bag of cherry cordial Hershey kisses... something of a treat, but certainly nothing extravagant.
This past Christmas, he actually began to fret about the gifts he had bought for us. Understand that my husband is not a "fretter". But as he laid out our gifts on the bed to wrap them, he called out to me, "I need to do some more shopping; this just isn't enough!" Even though in his head he knew that he was giving good gifts, his heart wanted it to be so much more. Again, I was tempted to think, "It will blow our Christmas budget!" but instead I reminded myself that it is just an expression of his love... an extravagant love.
And it's not just gifts he gives. He is always willing to give of himself, whether it is lending a hand to family or friends, serving at the church, or using his skills and knowledge to help others. He does it willingly, not out of a sense of obligation, and he does it cheerfully without complaining.
I know that some may think, "So what? That isn't what I'd call extravagant!" And I understand what they mean in terms of money spent or the number of gifts given. But what I am trying to describe is my husband's ability to love and his desire to show his love... the generosity of his heart. I compare it to my Heavenly Father's love for me... His desire to give exceedingly, abundantly more than I want or need.
We once had a minister friend who was exhorting a few of the church leaders by pointing out the spiritual gifts he saw in each of them. When he came to my husband, his eyes welled up with tears as he said, "Now this guy... he just has such a great capacity to love!" Yep, that's my guy!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Flying With Christ, part 2
Rewind a couple of weeks before the retreat... the director of the retreat had asked me to give a short devotion with love as the theme for one of our training meetings. My first thought was that I would just find a good one already written in one of my many books. After all, I am certainly no expert on unconditional or 'agape' love. Surely Beth Moore or Elizabeth George would have more insight than me. But after giving it some thought, I decided to write a personal devotion based on my hopes for the upcoming trip. Hear my heart:
Let me begin by reading to you a favorite and familiar passage from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 (NIV):
"4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails."
And for a slightly different perspective, I'd like to share those same verses from not-so-literal translation, the Message:
"4Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, 5Doesn't force itself on others, isn't always 'me first', doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6Doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 7Puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. 8Love never dies."
So there you have it, straight from THE Source...that's what love looks like in a practical sort of way. Here's the problem (and this where it gets personal)... I am not always patient or kind; I can be prideful and rude and demanding; I've been known to 'fly off the handle', even at little things! And you can ask my kids about this one... I'm certainly not one who 'puts up with anything'.
In fact, knowing myself as well as I do (and that can be painful at times), I am almost certain that on this retreat there may be someone who gets on my nerves, or rubs me the wrong way, or just downright irritates me to no end (now time will tell if that someone is a youth or grown-up)! Or there may be a circumstance or situation that might make me prone to feeling hopeless or seeing the worst instead of the best. Lack of sleep and no heat or hot water comes to mind.
Don't worry, though, I'm really not that bad. I can actually do well at finding the humor in things most of the time, and I usually reserve my hissy fits, glaring looks, and ugly words for my immediate family (or occasionally the telemarketer who call very early on a Saturday morning or the person who pulls out in front of me when there is not a car for miles behind me...)
So how can 'I' do it? How can 'I' spend four days loving people I don't even know, who may make weird noises in their sleep and keep me up at night, or hog the bathroom mirror, or say or do something else that makes me want to roll my eyes and give them a sideways glance or breathe a heavy, disgusted sigh?
Consequently, it is in knowing my own weakness and imperfection when it comes to loving others that also makes me cling to my Source of strength... It is God loving through me! The ability to love when I don't feel like it or can't see any good reason why I should... that comes from the One who is love Himself! I can love, because He first loved me. I can show love to others, because His Spirit is within me.
Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Now, that 'spurring' part sounds a bit painful to me, (I'm thinking sharp pointed star on a cowboy boot) but my prayer for you and for me is that we will lift one another up and find ways to encourage one another to love... that we will be 'Jesus with skin on', that others will know we are His disciples by our love for each other... and not just on this weekend, but wherever and with whomever we find ourselves.
God is love. Tap into the Source!
So how did the weekend go? Did I love like Jesus? Well, sort of. I had one instance where 'the mom' in me surfaced by way of a stern look and a "get-your-fanny-moving-now!" kind of voice. However, this actually led to a somewhat meaningful lesson on the importance of inner beauty verses worrying too much about outward appearances. Then there was the girl who belched all the time... loudly and during meals. Really cute girl, but totally unattractive habit. I bit my tongue about that one. Then there was the adult who made a very public, sarcastic comment to the director who happens to be a close personal friend of mine. Yes, my hackles stood up, but I remained silent.
So the Holy Spirit was faithful, and by His grace I was able to maintain a smile and a spirit of generosity. Now that I am home, I wonder why I can't seem to do the same with my own precious girls. But that is a topic for another day...
"4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails."
And for a slightly different perspective, I'd like to share those same verses from not-so-literal translation, the Message:
"4Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, 5Doesn't force itself on others, isn't always 'me first', doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6Doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 7Puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. 8Love never dies."
So there you have it, straight from THE Source...that's what love looks like in a practical sort of way. Here's the problem (and this where it gets personal)... I am not always patient or kind; I can be prideful and rude and demanding; I've been known to 'fly off the handle', even at little things! And you can ask my kids about this one... I'm certainly not one who 'puts up with anything'.
In fact, knowing myself as well as I do (and that can be painful at times), I am almost certain that on this retreat there may be someone who gets on my nerves, or rubs me the wrong way, or just downright irritates me to no end (now time will tell if that someone is a youth or grown-up)! Or there may be a circumstance or situation that might make me prone to feeling hopeless or seeing the worst instead of the best. Lack of sleep and no heat or hot water comes to mind.
Don't worry, though, I'm really not that bad. I can actually do well at finding the humor in things most of the time, and I usually reserve my hissy fits, glaring looks, and ugly words for my immediate family (or occasionally the telemarketer who call very early on a Saturday morning or the person who pulls out in front of me when there is not a car for miles behind me...)
So how can 'I' do it? How can 'I' spend four days loving people I don't even know, who may make weird noises in their sleep and keep me up at night, or hog the bathroom mirror, or say or do something else that makes me want to roll my eyes and give them a sideways glance or breathe a heavy, disgusted sigh?
Consequently, it is in knowing my own weakness and imperfection when it comes to loving others that also makes me cling to my Source of strength... It is God loving through me! The ability to love when I don't feel like it or can't see any good reason why I should... that comes from the One who is love Himself! I can love, because He first loved me. I can show love to others, because His Spirit is within me.
Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Now, that 'spurring' part sounds a bit painful to me, (I'm thinking sharp pointed star on a cowboy boot) but my prayer for you and for me is that we will lift one another up and find ways to encourage one another to love... that we will be 'Jesus with skin on', that others will know we are His disciples by our love for each other... and not just on this weekend, but wherever and with whomever we find ourselves.
God is love. Tap into the Source!
So how did the weekend go? Did I love like Jesus? Well, sort of. I had one instance where 'the mom' in me surfaced by way of a stern look and a "get-your-fanny-moving-now!" kind of voice. However, this actually led to a somewhat meaningful lesson on the importance of inner beauty verses worrying too much about outward appearances. Then there was the girl who belched all the time... loudly and during meals. Really cute girl, but totally unattractive habit. I bit my tongue about that one. Then there was the adult who made a very public, sarcastic comment to the director who happens to be a close personal friend of mine. Yes, my hackles stood up, but I remained silent.
So the Holy Spirit was faithful, and by His grace I was able to maintain a smile and a spirit of generosity. Now that I am home, I wonder why I can't seem to do the same with my own precious girls. But that is a topic for another day...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Flying With Christ
This past weekend, I had the awesome privilege of serving at a girl's weekend retreat. The whole experience was not new to me as I have both attended and served at a similar retreat for adults. However, spending three days with 18 girls did make for a different kind of experience. I was no doubt reminded just how much a teenage girl can talk and eat, how much time they can spend in front of the mirror, and how hard it can be to wake them up, especially early in the morning! On the other hand, they were full of energy and fun, especially when it was time to sing and share. Each one was so unique and beautiful, creative and just plain real.
I honestly could not have asked for a better team of adults to share in this amazing opportunity. And the girls who attended, ranging in age from high school sophomore to college freshman, were just the ones God had in mind. It was obvious by the way that God worked in them (and the rest of us) throughout the weekend and by their testimony at the end of the three days.
I know that for some, it was a life-changing event... they will never be the same. For others, they will leave this mountain-top experience and slip back into the valley as soon as they return home and the routine begins again. They may even wonder if the weekend really happened the way they remembered. Even with the best of intentions, it is so easy to forget when the day-to-day stresses press in all around. I know this from personal experience. I only pray that our faithful God who brought them to this place will ever remind them of His love for them and continue to draw each one closer to Himself (myself included).
As for the details of the retreat, I can say that the food was incredible, as it always is at these retreats. The sleeping accommodations were comfortable, even if they were metal bunk beds (think 4-H camp). Actually, I was quite shocked and pleasantly surprised to arrive at camp to find the dorms completely renovated with new bathroom facilities (including full size potties and more sinks) and adequate heat. The rest of camp was the same, which gave me a great sense of familiarity and peace. The speakers were hand-picked by the Lord Himself, so that the information and experiences shared were relevant and powerful. The entire weekend was highlighted by selfless service, acts of kindness, and abundant agape. I left the weekend feeling spiritually renewed, but physically tired. I don't think I'm fully recovered and rested yet, but it was so worth it!
One more detail... it snowed for the first time in the history of this retreat. The girls were thrilled, and it made the camp quite serene, aside from hurtling snowballs and shrill voices. Just another little awesome display of love from the Heavenly Father...
I honestly could not have asked for a better team of adults to share in this amazing opportunity. And the girls who attended, ranging in age from high school sophomore to college freshman, were just the ones God had in mind. It was obvious by the way that God worked in them (and the rest of us) throughout the weekend and by their testimony at the end of the three days.
I know that for some, it was a life-changing event... they will never be the same. For others, they will leave this mountain-top experience and slip back into the valley as soon as they return home and the routine begins again. They may even wonder if the weekend really happened the way they remembered. Even with the best of intentions, it is so easy to forget when the day-to-day stresses press in all around. I know this from personal experience. I only pray that our faithful God who brought them to this place will ever remind them of His love for them and continue to draw each one closer to Himself (myself included).
As for the details of the retreat, I can say that the food was incredible, as it always is at these retreats. The sleeping accommodations were comfortable, even if they were metal bunk beds (think 4-H camp). Actually, I was quite shocked and pleasantly surprised to arrive at camp to find the dorms completely renovated with new bathroom facilities (including full size potties and more sinks) and adequate heat. The rest of camp was the same, which gave me a great sense of familiarity and peace. The speakers were hand-picked by the Lord Himself, so that the information and experiences shared were relevant and powerful. The entire weekend was highlighted by selfless service, acts of kindness, and abundant agape. I left the weekend feeling spiritually renewed, but physically tired. I don't think I'm fully recovered and rested yet, but it was so worth it!
One more detail... it snowed for the first time in the history of this retreat. The girls were thrilled, and it made the camp quite serene, aside from hurtling snowballs and shrill voices. Just another little awesome display of love from the Heavenly Father...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Better Late Than Never
My first entry... what should I write? Well, maybe I should start by saying that I plan to be more consistent and diligent this go round with blogging. In my last attempt, I only made 2 entries in a year. I had hopes to start this blog on January 1, but I am late as usual. Oh well...
My DH seems to understand my "lateness", even though it is his greatest pet peeve. He has even made the observation that my reluctance to just sit down and blog is a result of my perfectionism... if I can't do it perfect, then why take the time? So instead, I procrastinate. Over the years, I have come to realize that there is a direct correlation between my perfectionist tendencies and my procrastination. I put off things until I feel that I have enough time to do them 'right'. Ha! With homeschooling 2 children and running a household, when will I ever have enough time?
So here I am with a new perspective. I am determined to share my joys and struggles, to capture the moments of life with my precious family and friends, even if I don't express my thoughts exactly the way I want. Now, I may read this entry 3 or 4 times before I finally decide to publish it (sick, isn't it?), but hopefully with time, I will just put it out there without a second thought... or maybe just one proofread.
So, for those of you who may find yourself reading my blog, I hope that you will be blessed, even if it is just to laugh at how ridiculous I can be...
My DH seems to understand my "lateness", even though it is his greatest pet peeve. He has even made the observation that my reluctance to just sit down and blog is a result of my perfectionism... if I can't do it perfect, then why take the time? So instead, I procrastinate. Over the years, I have come to realize that there is a direct correlation between my perfectionist tendencies and my procrastination. I put off things until I feel that I have enough time to do them 'right'. Ha! With homeschooling 2 children and running a household, when will I ever have enough time?
So here I am with a new perspective. I am determined to share my joys and struggles, to capture the moments of life with my precious family and friends, even if I don't express my thoughts exactly the way I want. Now, I may read this entry 3 or 4 times before I finally decide to publish it (sick, isn't it?), but hopefully with time, I will just put it out there without a second thought... or maybe just one proofread.
So, for those of you who may find yourself reading my blog, I hope that you will be blessed, even if it is just to laugh at how ridiculous I can be...
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