Well, first of all, I should change the title to "The Weeks in Review" since it's been two weeks since I've reviewed my progress on my goals for 2012. I've been on the computer constantly during the last two weeks, but my focus has been on the development and content of our church's website.
Enough about that....let's get to this!
1. Financial - one week good....one week not so good. It seems like this has been the trend lately. I've come to some conclusions regarding this. #1 -- I can often put off buying necessitates (groceries, gas, etc.) for a few days to make sure that we meet the budget for that week. However, when I do that, it affects the budget for the next week, and we usually exceed the budget. #2 -- it's hard to say "No" to my children. Many weeks the budget is surpassed because we have had extra expenses that were a direct result of helping out/loving on our children and grandchildren: tanks of gas, pizzas, train tickets, McDonald's, etc.
For example, I knew that this past week would be a challenge to our budget. I had put off buying groceries and a tank of gas for a few days to make sure we made the previous week's budget. After filling up the gas tank and the pantry on Monday, we had already spent more than half of the weekly budget. I also knew that I had a hair appointment scheduled. With this added expense, I knew that the budget was going to be tight. Even knowing this, we made a dinner date with our son and his family to take them out to eat on Friday evening. Before we went to dinner, we had $23 left in the budget. I knew that there was no way that we could feed six of us on $23 at the restaurant to which we were going. The cost of dinner was $50. At the end of the week, we were over our weekly budget by $51!
We're five months into 2012. Because I was getting a little frustrated with the good/not good trend, I decided to take a few minutes and get the big picture on how we are doing. So, I went back to Jan 1st and calculated how much our credit card debt was on that date. Then, I calculated what our credit card debt is today. We have been able to reduce our credit card debt by over $3000 in that time frame!!! That's worth celebrating! :)
I don't expect the next five months to mirror that success. I know that the reduction in debt is a direct correlation to the amount of officiating that my husband does. His officiating season is about to be concluded and doesn't really begin again until November. So, the goal in the next five months is to not increase credit card debt. Part of the strategy is to have money saved up for the month of September when we have to pay property tax, car insurance, and house insurance -- an extra $1500 -- when we don't have extra income being generated by his officiating. I am happy to report that we are well on our way to having this money available!
2. Spiritual -- once again, my self-evaluation would be good/not so good. I'm not totally ignoring spending time in the Word, but I'm not in it consistently every day. When I get absorbed into a project, my focus in life is that project -- it doesn't matter what type of project it is....making a video, planning a wedding, writing a news story, developing a website. You guessed it -- right now I am completely absorbed by the website! When that happens, often other areas in my life get neglected, including time spent with my Saviour.
So, my struggle is balancing a high-priority item that has a deadline (the website) with a high-priority item that does not seemingly have a deadline (time in the Word). And, yet, this past week, I've had a great time of worshipping my God, listening to Christian music that led me to worship! And, the reading that I did in Ephesians was SO practical and timely for me this past week! And, my prayer time was an example of "praying without ceasing" -- thinking about and praying for others at random times during the day.
I've finished Ephesians and am now headed into Philippians -- my favorite book in the Bible!!
3. Personal -- I'm all set to begin my classes. In fact, I got up early (well, early for me) on Saturday with the idea that I was going to spend the day on the computer, ignoring the website and working on classwork. I logged into the website for the class, put in the access code, and was promptly told that the access code is not valid until May 29th -- the date that the class is scheduled to begin. Whoops! I was sure that our professor had told me that he was going to let us start early! Oh, well, I changed my direction for the day back to the website and got some really cool things done on it! :)
So, Tuesday night....it will be begin! My husband is in Fort Wayne overnight on Tuesday this week so he won't even mind that I am on the computer all night! :) As you might recall, I have two classes that I am supposed to finish in a six-weeks time frame. I want to get off to a quick start, knowing that this next weekend, my computer time will be limited because I'm babysitting our youngest grandchild!!! At 2-1/2 months, she doesn't really like to play on the computer!
Working on the content of the website, I realized that I'm doing a lot of writing. The writing is a combination of news story writing and non-fiction writing. When I'm working on a webpage
Next Post: Instructions to Slaves
Monday, May 28, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
First Annual Lady Comet Football Classic
The other day at work, we received an email announcing the First Annual Lady Comet Football Classic.
The announcement told that the participants would learn "standard skills, football terminology, what to look for at Olivet games, and what to look for on TV." This event is hosted by the Olivet College Football Coaches.
I don't know whether I should be pleased or offended. Should I be pleased that the coaches want to garner female support for the college football program? Or should I be offended that they are making the assumption that women don't understand football? Is this event the result of a condescending attitude toward women?
As I think more about why I chose this topic for a blog, I realize that this event does bother me. To me, the premise of the event is based on the stereo-typical idea that women don't understand football. I concede that not all women understand football, but I would point out that not all men understand football either. I doubt, however, that there will ever be an event held like this one that is geared for men.
A word to the coaches -- don't expect me to see me at the First Annual Lady Comet Football Classic.
Next Post: The Week in Review
The announcement told that the participants would learn "standard skills, football terminology, what to look for at Olivet games, and what to look for on TV." This event is hosted by the Olivet College Football Coaches.
I don't know whether I should be pleased or offended. Should I be pleased that the coaches want to garner female support for the college football program? Or should I be offended that they are making the assumption that women don't understand football? Is this event the result of a condescending attitude toward women?
As I think more about why I chose this topic for a blog, I realize that this event does bother me. To me, the premise of the event is based on the stereo-typical idea that women don't understand football. I concede that not all women understand football, but I would point out that not all men understand football either. I doubt, however, that there will ever be an event held like this one that is geared for men.
A word to the coaches -- don't expect me to see me at the First Annual Lady Comet Football Classic.
Next Post: The Week in Review
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Looking Back on Last Week
Here we are already on the downward slope of this week, and I haven't yet posted on how I did last week on my 2012 goals. Well, it's time to remedy that; so, here goes....
1. Financial -- OOPS!!! We knew that we would not be staying under our weekly budget this week. We had made motel reservations that were in excess of the total weekly budget. Our daughter's best friend (and our "adopted" daughter) got married out of town last weekend, and we decided that it would be easiest for us to stay two nights at a motel. Eliminating the extra expenses from the wedding (motel, meals, and extra gas), the rest of our purchases were within the weekly budget.
2. Spiritual -- I was back in the Word, working through Ephesians 5. This chapter is the classic passage regarding husbands and wives. Studying the passage this week, though, I realized that Paul's emphasis wasn't on marriage. It was on the church being one with Christ. It was a different focus for me to ponder, and I found it extremely refreshing to find new truth (new to me) in a very familiar passage.
Last summer, at our family's vacation, we each shared some prayer requests -- things we wanted our family to pray about with us. I shared that my ministry at church was changing. I was going to move from a very visual leadership ministry to more of a "behind the scenes" ministry, focusing on technology. I asked prayer for direction of my new focus of ministry. At the time, I had no idea how much this ministry would expand.
As you may remember, I'm redoing our church website. Thanks to my oldest daughter, who is graciously tutoring me, I'm learning Wordpress and gradually developing the website into a useful tool of ministry. At the same time that I'm working through the technical challenge of the website, other challenges with technology are looming.
Our church purchased a new projector for the Worship Center. It also purchased a new switch box which I will be using to manage a variety of inputs -- laptops for guest speakers, TVs displaying announcements & showing the services remotely throughout the church, a new TV to take the place of the old missionary board. Each of these new tools require learning by me as well as adapting of existing content and creating of new content.
In addition, the church's current Interim Director of Student Ministries is leaving the church in three weeks. A major part of his job responsibilities is dealing with technology. He is the "go to" guy with hardware, networking, software, etc. questions and problems. The Technology Committee had a meeting with him last weekend to review the things he does with technology at church. The challenge is to divide his job duties among us -- I expect that I will inherit the responsibility for updating the church's electronic sign, and of duplicating CDs and DVDs as requested by members of the congregation.
3. Personal -- while all these technology challenges going on, I am about to start two online classes: Computer Information Systems and Advanced Computer Information Systems. Course descriptions are as follows:
Computer Information Systems: Introduction to computer information systems. Literacy, hardware and software concepts, history, social and ethical issues, elementary systems software and applications software such as word processor, spreadsheet, database, communications and graphics packages.
Advanced Computer Information Systems: Students will gain an advanced level of competency in computer hardware, operating systems, and applications software such as word processor, spreadsheet, database, HTML, and presentation
Because these two classes are Summer classes, they are supposed be accelerated -- each designed to be finished in six weeks. Unfortunately, I am registered for both of them during the first six week Summer session....that would mean that I would have to finish the first class in three weeks so that I have three weeks to finish the second class. Thankfully, I've already gotten permission from the professor to take an Incomplete, if needed, on the second class. He would allow me to finish the second class during the second Summer session.
And, of course, during all of this, I'm trying to find time and opportunities to write on this blog, knowing that the accountability the blog provides me is a key in achieving my goals for 2012.
Next Post: First Annual Lady Comet Football Classic
1. Financial -- OOPS!!! We knew that we would not be staying under our weekly budget this week. We had made motel reservations that were in excess of the total weekly budget. Our daughter's best friend (and our "adopted" daughter) got married out of town last weekend, and we decided that it would be easiest for us to stay two nights at a motel. Eliminating the extra expenses from the wedding (motel, meals, and extra gas), the rest of our purchases were within the weekly budget.
2. Spiritual -- I was back in the Word, working through Ephesians 5. This chapter is the classic passage regarding husbands and wives. Studying the passage this week, though, I realized that Paul's emphasis wasn't on marriage. It was on the church being one with Christ. It was a different focus for me to ponder, and I found it extremely refreshing to find new truth (new to me) in a very familiar passage.
Last summer, at our family's vacation, we each shared some prayer requests -- things we wanted our family to pray about with us. I shared that my ministry at church was changing. I was going to move from a very visual leadership ministry to more of a "behind the scenes" ministry, focusing on technology. I asked prayer for direction of my new focus of ministry. At the time, I had no idea how much this ministry would expand.
As you may remember, I'm redoing our church website. Thanks to my oldest daughter, who is graciously tutoring me, I'm learning Wordpress and gradually developing the website into a useful tool of ministry. At the same time that I'm working through the technical challenge of the website, other challenges with technology are looming.
Our church purchased a new projector for the Worship Center. It also purchased a new switch box which I will be using to manage a variety of inputs -- laptops for guest speakers, TVs displaying announcements & showing the services remotely throughout the church, a new TV to take the place of the old missionary board. Each of these new tools require learning by me as well as adapting of existing content and creating of new content.
In addition, the church's current Interim Director of Student Ministries is leaving the church in three weeks. A major part of his job responsibilities is dealing with technology. He is the "go to" guy with hardware, networking, software, etc. questions and problems. The Technology Committee had a meeting with him last weekend to review the things he does with technology at church. The challenge is to divide his job duties among us -- I expect that I will inherit the responsibility for updating the church's electronic sign, and of duplicating CDs and DVDs as requested by members of the congregation.
3. Personal -- while all these technology challenges going on, I am about to start two online classes: Computer Information Systems and Advanced Computer Information Systems. Course descriptions are as follows:
Computer Information Systems: Introduction to computer information systems. Literacy, hardware and software concepts, history, social and ethical issues, elementary systems software and applications software such as word processor, spreadsheet, database, communications and graphics packages.
Advanced Computer Information Systems: Students will gain an advanced level of competency in computer hardware, operating systems, and applications software such as word processor, spreadsheet, database, HTML, and presentation
programs; it is designed to progress advanced students towards completion of Microsoft Office Applications Certification (MOS). Users will become familiar with all components of the Microsoft Office Suite.
Because these two classes are Summer classes, they are supposed be accelerated -- each designed to be finished in six weeks. Unfortunately, I am registered for both of them during the first six week Summer session....that would mean that I would have to finish the first class in three weeks so that I have three weeks to finish the second class. Thankfully, I've already gotten permission from the professor to take an Incomplete, if needed, on the second class. He would allow me to finish the second class during the second Summer session.
And, of course, during all of this, I'm trying to find time and opportunities to write on this blog, knowing that the accountability the blog provides me is a key in achieving my goals for 2012.
Next Post: First Annual Lady Comet Football Classic
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Mother's Day
Mother's Day has come and gone once again. Yet, reminders of the day are scattered around....a card I received from my parents...the flowering basket that my husband gave me....memories of time spent with my husband, kids and grandkids....
It was a good Mother's Day. I haven't always been able to say that.
When I was young, Mother's Day was a rushed, harried day. Between the church's Morning Worship Service and the Evening Service, we hurried through lunch and attempted to visit both of my grandmothers, delivering cards and gifts. There was no time to relax or to play. To me, as a child, Mother's Day was a day to be dreaded.
When I grew up and got married, I began to look forward to the day that I would become a Mother. March 21, 1984, was the day that our oldest child arrived, and I officially joined the motherhood club. I anxiously awaiting my first Mother's Day, expecting a day of being treated like a queen. The ladies at work were excited for me, eager to hear about my first Mother's Day.
That first Mother's Day came and went. I was underwhelmed and disappointed! Mother's Day was a bust! My husband did not buy me a card or a gift. I had expected the focus of the day to have shifted from my mother to me. That did not happen. And, on Monday, I had to face my coworkers and act like it was "no big deal" that my expectations of the day had not been met.
Year after year, I struggled with expectations of what I thought Mother's Day should be. Year after year, the focus continued to be on my mother -- where did she want to go for dinner? what did she want to do on Mother's Day? The day was never about me.
Finally, one year, I decided that I was going to change the focus. I told my husband and children where I wanted to go for lunch and what I wanted to do on Mother's Day. I then told my mother my plans and invited her to join us if she wanted. The shift of focus had finally turned. That was the first Mother's Day that met my expectations.
I've finally gotten over being disappointed with Mother's Day....I no longer have any expectations of the day. It is what it is. Anything other an ordinary day is a bonus. And since Mother's Day of 2012 was not an ordinary day, it falls in the category of a good Mother's Day.
Next Post: Looking Back on Last Week
It was a good Mother's Day. I haven't always been able to say that.
When I was young, Mother's Day was a rushed, harried day. Between the church's Morning Worship Service and the Evening Service, we hurried through lunch and attempted to visit both of my grandmothers, delivering cards and gifts. There was no time to relax or to play. To me, as a child, Mother's Day was a day to be dreaded.
When I grew up and got married, I began to look forward to the day that I would become a Mother. March 21, 1984, was the day that our oldest child arrived, and I officially joined the motherhood club. I anxiously awaiting my first Mother's Day, expecting a day of being treated like a queen. The ladies at work were excited for me, eager to hear about my first Mother's Day.
That first Mother's Day came and went. I was underwhelmed and disappointed! Mother's Day was a bust! My husband did not buy me a card or a gift. I had expected the focus of the day to have shifted from my mother to me. That did not happen. And, on Monday, I had to face my coworkers and act like it was "no big deal" that my expectations of the day had not been met.
Year after year, I struggled with expectations of what I thought Mother's Day should be. Year after year, the focus continued to be on my mother -- where did she want to go for dinner? what did she want to do on Mother's Day? The day was never about me.
Finally, one year, I decided that I was going to change the focus. I told my husband and children where I wanted to go for lunch and what I wanted to do on Mother's Day. I then told my mother my plans and invited her to join us if she wanted. The shift of focus had finally turned. That was the first Mother's Day that met my expectations.
I've finally gotten over being disappointed with Mother's Day....I no longer have any expectations of the day. It is what it is. Anything other an ordinary day is a bonus. And since Mother's Day of 2012 was not an ordinary day, it falls in the category of a good Mother's Day.
Next Post: Looking Back on Last Week
Monday, May 7, 2012
Webmaster?
You may recall that I was asked by our pastor to take over the responsibility of our church website. You might say that I now have the title of "Webmaster" for the website.
I've been thinking about the word, "Webmaster." It would seem reasonable to think a "webmaster" is a "Master of a website." "Master" -- expert -- one who has mastered -- one who could teach others, etc.
In reality, the definition of "webmaster," according to dictionary.com is "a person who designs or maintains a Web site." It continues, "The term does not imply any particular level of skill or mastery."
That's me, alright!!! No level of skill or mastery!!! To say that this whole process has been challenging would be an understatement!!!
I am not a "techie" in any stretch of the imagination. Hardware, networking, databases, etc. are not my thing -- I have to work hard to understand the terminology and functionality. Give me the software and let me play -- that's where I excel!
Right now, though, this webmaster is stuck on the "techie" side of the website. I've decided to use Wordpress for the design of the website. Unfortunately, our current website host is not user-friendly with Wordpress, forcing us to move the website to a new host. The process has been one "baby step" at a time. I am definitely NOT a "master" at this. I will be thrilled when the "techie" process is complete, and I can actually begin using Wordpress to design the website!
Thankfully, my daughter (who is far more advanced than me as a Webmaster -- of course, that doesn't take much!) gave me a tutorial in Wordpress so that once the "techie" process is complete, I can take off! She's been a great resource in which to bounce my ideas off -- she's my very own "free" consultant!
Hopefully, by the time this whole process of moving the website and redesigning it is complete, I will feel much more comfortable being termed, "Webmaster."
Next Post: Mother's Day
I've been thinking about the word, "Webmaster." It would seem reasonable to think a "webmaster" is a "Master of a website." "Master" -- expert -- one who has mastered -- one who could teach others, etc.
In reality, the definition of "webmaster," according to dictionary.com is "a person who designs or maintains a Web site." It continues, "The term does not imply any particular level of skill or mastery."
That's me, alright!!! No level of skill or mastery!!! To say that this whole process has been challenging would be an understatement!!!
I am not a "techie" in any stretch of the imagination. Hardware, networking, databases, etc. are not my thing -- I have to work hard to understand the terminology and functionality. Give me the software and let me play -- that's where I excel!
Right now, though, this webmaster is stuck on the "techie" side of the website. I've decided to use Wordpress for the design of the website. Unfortunately, our current website host is not user-friendly with Wordpress, forcing us to move the website to a new host. The process has been one "baby step" at a time. I am definitely NOT a "master" at this. I will be thrilled when the "techie" process is complete, and I can actually begin using Wordpress to design the website!
Thankfully, my daughter (who is far more advanced than me as a Webmaster -- of course, that doesn't take much!) gave me a tutorial in Wordpress so that once the "techie" process is complete, I can take off! She's been a great resource in which to bounce my ideas off -- she's my very own "free" consultant!
Hopefully, by the time this whole process of moving the website and redesigning it is complete, I will feel much more comfortable being termed, "Webmaster."
Next Post: Mother's Day
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Trying to Recap 5 Weeks at Once
....or really 8 Weeks at Once!
You may have thought that I fell off the wagon...abandoned ship...retreated into a fox hole....jumped off the merry-go-round....gone AWOL....etc.....since it's been so long since I've written a post.
I could give you a ton of excuses...life has been busy....my family has needed me....I've been traveling....had to study for a final exam....etc.....but they would just flimsy excuses for undisciplined behavior. That's it -- I've been undisciplined in my behavior, and it has affect my pursuit of my 2012 goals.
To review, my goals are in three areas: Finances, Spiritual, Personal. 1. We're trying to keep our discretionary spending within a weekly budget while, at the same time, reducing debt. 2. I'm trying to be more consistent in spending time with the Lord. 3. I'm pursuing my bachelor's degree in Writing.
Because I've been undisciplined in my behavior, the pursuit of my goals has been faulty, at best, during this 8-week hiatus.
1. Finances - Only 4 out of 8 weeks have we hit our goal of staying within our weekly budget with our discretionary spending. The wall in my study has not been filling up with our posted tallies of success. The good news is that we have continued to reduce debt -- just not at the pace that would have been achieved if we had been more consistent at maintaining our budget.
2. Spiritual - this area has suffered the most in my undisciplined behavior. Spending time with the Lord has pretty much ceased. I got to Ephesians Chapter 5 and that's where I still am! Verse 1 of Ephesians is "Be imitators of God." I thought alot about this verse when I read it back in mid-March. I have certainly failed to obey this verse! God is not undisciplined -- He does not quit or "take a break" -- He is the definition of faithfulness. Forgive me, God, for my failing to meet with you and to read your Word and to memorize it. I did not finish memorizing the passage for March (did 2 out of 3 verses) and didn't memorize any of April's verses.
3. Personal - my class for Spring 2012 semester is officially completed, and I did get my "A"! Even though I got an "A," I struggled with being diligent in my work at the end. I suffered with a lack of motivation during the last news story assignment. And, my writing reflected my attitude -- it was not my best work. Consequently, it was graded lower than the rest of my news stories. I did make it to class ON TIME for the whole semester!!! That was an achievement in itself! :) My writing on the blog, as you know, came to a standstill.
So....what have I learned? What will I change? How do I begin anew? Are my goals unattainable for the "long haul?" These are questions that I need to ponder and address.
I've learned that my blog is vital to maintaining disciplined progress of my goals. When I stopped writing the blog, I no longer had any accountability in these areas so I slacked in each of them.
Are they unattainable goals? No, they are not....I know that each one of them can be accomplished. I proved that during the first 2-1/2 months of the year.
Change in my attitude and actions must occur if I want to accomplish the goals. I need the accountability that the blog provides me. I must choose to be intentional and disciplined.
Today is the first step in beginning anew. The embarrassment and shame of having to admit that I've been undisciplined has stopped me in the past few weeks from writing. Who wants to admit to the world that you've been undisciplined and failed in your Christian walk? Not I; and yet, it's done -- I've written this blog and proclaimed my failure to the world. And, now, I'm ready to begin anew in pursuit of my goals.
So, stayed tuned....more posts will be arriving for your reading pleasure. Well, it may not be exactly for your reading pleasure, but it is most certainly for my accountability!
Next Post: Webmaster?
You may have thought that I fell off the wagon...abandoned ship...retreated into a fox hole....jumped off the merry-go-round....gone AWOL....etc.....since it's been so long since I've written a post.
I could give you a ton of excuses...life has been busy....my family has needed me....I've been traveling....had to study for a final exam....etc.....but they would just flimsy excuses for undisciplined behavior. That's it -- I've been undisciplined in my behavior, and it has affect my pursuit of my 2012 goals.
To review, my goals are in three areas: Finances, Spiritual, Personal. 1. We're trying to keep our discretionary spending within a weekly budget while, at the same time, reducing debt. 2. I'm trying to be more consistent in spending time with the Lord. 3. I'm pursuing my bachelor's degree in Writing.
Because I've been undisciplined in my behavior, the pursuit of my goals has been faulty, at best, during this 8-week hiatus.
1. Finances - Only 4 out of 8 weeks have we hit our goal of staying within our weekly budget with our discretionary spending. The wall in my study has not been filling up with our posted tallies of success. The good news is that we have continued to reduce debt -- just not at the pace that would have been achieved if we had been more consistent at maintaining our budget.
2. Spiritual - this area has suffered the most in my undisciplined behavior. Spending time with the Lord has pretty much ceased. I got to Ephesians Chapter 5 and that's where I still am! Verse 1 of Ephesians is "Be imitators of God." I thought alot about this verse when I read it back in mid-March. I have certainly failed to obey this verse! God is not undisciplined -- He does not quit or "take a break" -- He is the definition of faithfulness. Forgive me, God, for my failing to meet with you and to read your Word and to memorize it. I did not finish memorizing the passage for March (did 2 out of 3 verses) and didn't memorize any of April's verses.
3. Personal - my class for Spring 2012 semester is officially completed, and I did get my "A"! Even though I got an "A," I struggled with being diligent in my work at the end. I suffered with a lack of motivation during the last news story assignment. And, my writing reflected my attitude -- it was not my best work. Consequently, it was graded lower than the rest of my news stories. I did make it to class ON TIME for the whole semester!!! That was an achievement in itself! :) My writing on the blog, as you know, came to a standstill.
So....what have I learned? What will I change? How do I begin anew? Are my goals unattainable for the "long haul?" These are questions that I need to ponder and address.
I've learned that my blog is vital to maintaining disciplined progress of my goals. When I stopped writing the blog, I no longer had any accountability in these areas so I slacked in each of them.
Are they unattainable goals? No, they are not....I know that each one of them can be accomplished. I proved that during the first 2-1/2 months of the year.
Change in my attitude and actions must occur if I want to accomplish the goals. I need the accountability that the blog provides me. I must choose to be intentional and disciplined.
Today is the first step in beginning anew. The embarrassment and shame of having to admit that I've been undisciplined has stopped me in the past few weeks from writing. Who wants to admit to the world that you've been undisciplined and failed in your Christian walk? Not I; and yet, it's done -- I've written this blog and proclaimed my failure to the world. And, now, I'm ready to begin anew in pursuit of my goals.
So, stayed tuned....more posts will be arriving for your reading pleasure. Well, it may not be exactly for your reading pleasure, but it is most certainly for my accountability!
Next Post: Webmaster?
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Watching Spring Arrive
Spring -- my favorite season of the year. It seems that each day of Spring brings changes to the world around us as the grass turns a little greener, flower stems push themselves out of the ground, trees bud their flowers and leaves. Each day as I drive to and from work, I look to see what has changed during the past few hours.
This year, with the summer-like temperatures in mid-March, the arrival of spring seemed like it was on time-released photography. The changes to the plants that usually took a day or more to occur were literally taking an hour or less. Everything was growing at an usually fast speed. Stems that had only popped out of the ground the day before were full-grown with blooming flowers the next day. What fun I had looking out my open windows every hour or so to see what changes had occurred!
One of my favorite things in spring are the colors of the trees....very few trees are green. Even the trees that don't have flowers on them are different colors. You can see orange and yellow in the trees as the tender, new leaves begin to grow. It is like getting a glimpse of the future -- what color the tree will be in autumn.
Friday, on the way to supper with my daughter and my oldest two grandchildren, we played a game. We had to shout out the colors of the trees that were not green. "Orange!" "Pink!" "Red!" "Yellow!" "Purple!" "White!" Everywhere we looked, we saw trees that were not green. Some trees were covered with bright-colored flowers; others were colored only by the new leaves on them. I want to share my joy of spring with my grandchildren, instilling in them a desire to see the wonder of Spring and to praise the God who created it.
Spring is all about growth. Not only do I love to see the changes in the world around me at Spring, I also love to watch the growth in my grandchildren. Grandchild #5, Nora, has arrived! It was great to be able to be with her and her parents during her first four days of life outside of the the womb. How quickly during those few days she grew in her knowledge of her surroundings and how to function in the world.
Being away from her now for several weeks, I'm desperately needing a "Nora-fix!" I am very anxious to see how she has grown and changed over the past two+ weeks. Thankfully, she is coming with her parents to visit this coming Friday!! And, she and her mommy will have an extended stay with us!! I'm SO looking forward to this visit!
Speaking of grandchildren, the last four weekends have been all about spending time with the grandchildren and their parents - my excuse in having been absent from the blog. The arrival of Nora meant time spent in Chicago, IL; the birthday of our oldest daughter meant time spent in Warsaw, IN; the packing up of a house meant time spent in Wilmington, DE; the unpacking in a townhouse and an Easter weekend meant time spent in Mason, MI as well as time spent at home with our oldest daughter and her children. And, next week, the whole family descends on Battle Creek -- maybe not all at the same time, but during the course of the weekend, we will see ALL of our children and grandchildren!!! Lots of opportunities to see growth and change in all of their lives!! Absolutely LOVE IT!!! God has blessed us SO MUCH with our family!
Next Post: Trying to Recap 5 Weeks at Once
This year, with the summer-like temperatures in mid-March, the arrival of spring seemed like it was on time-released photography. The changes to the plants that usually took a day or more to occur were literally taking an hour or less. Everything was growing at an usually fast speed. Stems that had only popped out of the ground the day before were full-grown with blooming flowers the next day. What fun I had looking out my open windows every hour or so to see what changes had occurred!
One of my favorite things in spring are the colors of the trees....very few trees are green. Even the trees that don't have flowers on them are different colors. You can see orange and yellow in the trees as the tender, new leaves begin to grow. It is like getting a glimpse of the future -- what color the tree will be in autumn.
Friday, on the way to supper with my daughter and my oldest two grandchildren, we played a game. We had to shout out the colors of the trees that were not green. "Orange!" "Pink!" "Red!" "Yellow!" "Purple!" "White!" Everywhere we looked, we saw trees that were not green. Some trees were covered with bright-colored flowers; others were colored only by the new leaves on them. I want to share my joy of spring with my grandchildren, instilling in them a desire to see the wonder of Spring and to praise the God who created it.
Spring is all about growth. Not only do I love to see the changes in the world around me at Spring, I also love to watch the growth in my grandchildren. Grandchild #5, Nora, has arrived! It was great to be able to be with her and her parents during her first four days of life outside of the the womb. How quickly during those few days she grew in her knowledge of her surroundings and how to function in the world.
Being away from her now for several weeks, I'm desperately needing a "Nora-fix!" I am very anxious to see how she has grown and changed over the past two+ weeks. Thankfully, she is coming with her parents to visit this coming Friday!! And, she and her mommy will have an extended stay with us!! I'm SO looking forward to this visit!
Speaking of grandchildren, the last four weekends have been all about spending time with the grandchildren and their parents - my excuse in having been absent from the blog. The arrival of Nora meant time spent in Chicago, IL; the birthday of our oldest daughter meant time spent in Warsaw, IN; the packing up of a house meant time spent in Wilmington, DE; the unpacking in a townhouse and an Easter weekend meant time spent in Mason, MI as well as time spent at home with our oldest daughter and her children. And, next week, the whole family descends on Battle Creek -- maybe not all at the same time, but during the course of the weekend, we will see ALL of our children and grandchildren!!! Lots of opportunities to see growth and change in all of their lives!! Absolutely LOVE IT!!! God has blessed us SO MUCH with our family!
Next Post: Trying to Recap 5 Weeks at Once
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Waiting for Nora
Our youngest daughter is expecting her first baby -- our fifth grandbaby. We've been waiting for Nora's appearance for several weeks now -- enough though the official due date was just yesterday.
One of the doctors told our daughter in late February that she was going to deliver the baby early because Nora was already in position at that time. The doctor didn't do us any favors in telling us that she was going to come early. Now, almost four weeks later, we are still waiting.
At her appointment last Monday, my daughter found out that she was dilated to 3 centimeters and her doctor told her that she was "on the launching pad." Five days later, we're still waiting for the countdown to commence, and the baby to appear.
Every time the phone rings, I race to see who is calling. I'm expecting a call at, literally, any moment that will herald the news that labor has begun, and they are on the way to the hospital.
Waiting for this grandbaby has been the toughest one of all the babies. My life is on hold -- I don't want to make any plans or appointments. I have vacation days that I've saved up to use when Nora arrives, but I can't schedule them until she makes her arrival.
Waiting for every other grandbaby has been so different than this one.
Grandbaby #1 was born in Wisconsin -- 10 hours away. Her due date was about the same time that our son was getting married. I knew that I couldn't see the baby until after the wedding. If the baby came early, she would just have to wait for Grandma. I scheduled a flight for the weekend after the wedding, hoping that the baby would arrive before I got there. Jenny arrived the day before Grandma's flight -- perfect timing.
Grandbaby #2 was born in Indiana -- 2-1/2 hours away. I could get to him at any point of the day -- even after work. I just needed to get that phone call, and I could leave whenever I wanted. David kindly made his appearance on a Saturday in which we were already planning to be in his hometown. Very convenient of him to time his arrival with our schedule!
Grandbabies #3 & #4 were born in Delaware -- 10+ hours away. Once again, I had to schedule, in advance, when I could visit the grandbabies. The babies were due in mid-March. Although we expected the twins to be born early, I decided to wait to visit the babies until my daughter's spring break in April. Therefore, I didn't get to meet Emily and Kyle in person until they were more than a month old.
I want to meet Nora on the day that she is born (unless her arrival is the middle of the night!)!!! She will be born in Chicago -- 3+ hours away.
A couple of weeks ago, my daughter asked me what my plans are for when Nora arrives. I don't know what I'm going to do -- everything depends on her timing. If it's a weekend, Grandpa can go with me, and we will probably make it a one-day trip or a two-day trip & stay overnight in Chicago. If it's a weekday, I have to figure out when I'm going to leave, how long I'm going to stay, how many vacation days I'm going to use, can I miss a class period, etc. The only thing that I have settled in my mind is that I'm driving.
I usually live a structured life. I have my "to-do" list and know what is planned for the next week or so. There isn't a lot of room for spontaneity. But, I'm not living a structured life right now. I didn't make any plans for my week of Spring Break because I'm waiting for Nora. I wouldn't commit to being available for a Technology Committee meeting at church because I'm waiting for Nora. I don't want any obligations to get in my way of being able to drop what I'm doing, jump in the car, and head for Chicago.
So you can arrive anytime now, Nora. Grandma's ready to meet you!!
Next Post: Watching Spring Arrive
One of the doctors told our daughter in late February that she was going to deliver the baby early because Nora was already in position at that time. The doctor didn't do us any favors in telling us that she was going to come early. Now, almost four weeks later, we are still waiting.
At her appointment last Monday, my daughter found out that she was dilated to 3 centimeters and her doctor told her that she was "on the launching pad." Five days later, we're still waiting for the countdown to commence, and the baby to appear.
Every time the phone rings, I race to see who is calling. I'm expecting a call at, literally, any moment that will herald the news that labor has begun, and they are on the way to the hospital.
Waiting for this grandbaby has been the toughest one of all the babies. My life is on hold -- I don't want to make any plans or appointments. I have vacation days that I've saved up to use when Nora arrives, but I can't schedule them until she makes her arrival.
Waiting for every other grandbaby has been so different than this one.
Grandbaby #1 was born in Wisconsin -- 10 hours away. Her due date was about the same time that our son was getting married. I knew that I couldn't see the baby until after the wedding. If the baby came early, she would just have to wait for Grandma. I scheduled a flight for the weekend after the wedding, hoping that the baby would arrive before I got there. Jenny arrived the day before Grandma's flight -- perfect timing.
Grandbaby #2 was born in Indiana -- 2-1/2 hours away. I could get to him at any point of the day -- even after work. I just needed to get that phone call, and I could leave whenever I wanted. David kindly made his appearance on a Saturday in which we were already planning to be in his hometown. Very convenient of him to time his arrival with our schedule!
Grandbabies #3 & #4 were born in Delaware -- 10+ hours away. Once again, I had to schedule, in advance, when I could visit the grandbabies. The babies were due in mid-March. Although we expected the twins to be born early, I decided to wait to visit the babies until my daughter's spring break in April. Therefore, I didn't get to meet Emily and Kyle in person until they were more than a month old.
I want to meet Nora on the day that she is born (unless her arrival is the middle of the night!)!!! She will be born in Chicago -- 3+ hours away.
A couple of weeks ago, my daughter asked me what my plans are for when Nora arrives. I don't know what I'm going to do -- everything depends on her timing. If it's a weekend, Grandpa can go with me, and we will probably make it a one-day trip or a two-day trip & stay overnight in Chicago. If it's a weekday, I have to figure out when I'm going to leave, how long I'm going to stay, how many vacation days I'm going to use, can I miss a class period, etc. The only thing that I have settled in my mind is that I'm driving.
I usually live a structured life. I have my "to-do" list and know what is planned for the next week or so. There isn't a lot of room for spontaneity. But, I'm not living a structured life right now. I didn't make any plans for my week of Spring Break because I'm waiting for Nora. I wouldn't commit to being available for a Technology Committee meeting at church because I'm waiting for Nora. I don't want any obligations to get in my way of being able to drop what I'm doing, jump in the car, and head for Chicago.
So you can arrive anytime now, Nora. Grandma's ready to meet you!!
Next Post: Watching Spring Arrive
Friday, March 16, 2012
March Madness
I love March Madness. My two favorite sports days of the year are the Second-round of the Men's NCAA basketball tournament --yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday). (It seems weird to me to call these two days, "the second round" -- I still consider them first round games!)
It's a good thing that I don't gamble! As much as I am obsessed with these two days, I can only imagine how greater the obsession would be if there was money attached to the outcome!
I have loved these two days for over twenty years! I remember being obsessed with them when I was a stay-at-home mom back when our kids were pre-schoolers.
I love that the starting times of the games are staggered so that you can see the finish of each game. I love that the parity of play in the men's tourney is so close that a lot of the games are decided in the last minute.
I love that the games are now on four different networks so I can control what I want to watch. Believe me, the TV remote got a huge workout yesterday!
I love the dramatics and the emotion of the games -- winner advances, losers are done - college careers are over for seniors!
I love choosing brackets and being emotionally tied to the outcomes of each game. I love competing with others on our picks.
I was thrilled when I realized that my Spring Break week coincided with these two days of basketball. It's been a long time since I had these two days off and could see for myself the outcome of each game -- watching it live is SO MUCH BETTER than watching highlights of the game after the game is completed!
I had a hard time choosing between my desire to visit my grandchildren during this week of Spring Break and my desire to watch the games uninterrupted. That's how much I love these two days of basketball!!!
Harry Potter movies are on ABC Family network -- I love Harry Potter, but I haven't even sneaked a peek at them -- even when the games are on commercial breaks! My desire to watch the games is greater!
At our house, sports is on the TV much of the time that my husband is home. Even when I am emotionally attached to the games -- the Red Wings are playing, Michigan vs. MSU football, etc. -- I wander away from the game, playing on the computer, reading books, doing household chores, etc. Not during these two days of basketball. I'm glued to the TV all day/night long.
I was actually annoyed last night when my husband didn't change the TV station to a different game during commercial breaks. He was switching back and forth between CBS, TBS, & TNT. However, he was neglecting the game on Tru TV. When he left the living room to bring our dog in for the night, I reclaimed the remote. If he wasn't going to check out the game on Tru TV, I would do it for him!
In an attempt at full disclosure, I do have to say that I did take a break from watching the games late last night for about half an hour to get on the computer and to read my Bible. But even that time was strategically chosen -- it was during the first halves of the late games. I didn't miss the deciding minutes of the outcomes of the games! :)
The rest of the tournament will not hold my attention as well. With fewer games being played each round, you have wait longer for the outcomes of the games. I'll still be emotionally involved and root for my teams, but I won't be as glued to the TV. And, depending on how my bracket plays out, I may not even watch the later rounds. There is a direct correlation between my bracket and my interest in the later rounds. If I don't have any teams left, I probably won't even watch the game!
But during the first two days of the tourney (aka the 2nd round!), my brackets still look great. Hope of victory still abounds. And the outcomes of the games come one after another, keeping my interest and excitement level peaked!
March Madness lives in me!!!
Next Post: Waiting for Nora
It's a good thing that I don't gamble! As much as I am obsessed with these two days, I can only imagine how greater the obsession would be if there was money attached to the outcome!
I have loved these two days for over twenty years! I remember being obsessed with them when I was a stay-at-home mom back when our kids were pre-schoolers.
I love that the starting times of the games are staggered so that you can see the finish of each game. I love that the parity of play in the men's tourney is so close that a lot of the games are decided in the last minute.
I love that the games are now on four different networks so I can control what I want to watch. Believe me, the TV remote got a huge workout yesterday!
I love the dramatics and the emotion of the games -- winner advances, losers are done - college careers are over for seniors!
I love choosing brackets and being emotionally tied to the outcomes of each game. I love competing with others on our picks.
I was thrilled when I realized that my Spring Break week coincided with these two days of basketball. It's been a long time since I had these two days off and could see for myself the outcome of each game -- watching it live is SO MUCH BETTER than watching highlights of the game after the game is completed!
I had a hard time choosing between my desire to visit my grandchildren during this week of Spring Break and my desire to watch the games uninterrupted. That's how much I love these two days of basketball!!!
Harry Potter movies are on ABC Family network -- I love Harry Potter, but I haven't even sneaked a peek at them -- even when the games are on commercial breaks! My desire to watch the games is greater!
At our house, sports is on the TV much of the time that my husband is home. Even when I am emotionally attached to the games -- the Red Wings are playing, Michigan vs. MSU football, etc. -- I wander away from the game, playing on the computer, reading books, doing household chores, etc. Not during these two days of basketball. I'm glued to the TV all day/night long.
I was actually annoyed last night when my husband didn't change the TV station to a different game during commercial breaks. He was switching back and forth between CBS, TBS, & TNT. However, he was neglecting the game on Tru TV. When he left the living room to bring our dog in for the night, I reclaimed the remote. If he wasn't going to check out the game on Tru TV, I would do it for him!
In an attempt at full disclosure, I do have to say that I did take a break from watching the games late last night for about half an hour to get on the computer and to read my Bible. But even that time was strategically chosen -- it was during the first halves of the late games. I didn't miss the deciding minutes of the outcomes of the games! :)
The rest of the tournament will not hold my attention as well. With fewer games being played each round, you have wait longer for the outcomes of the games. I'll still be emotionally involved and root for my teams, but I won't be as glued to the TV. And, depending on how my bracket plays out, I may not even watch the later rounds. There is a direct correlation between my bracket and my interest in the later rounds. If I don't have any teams left, I probably won't even watch the game!
But during the first two days of the tourney (aka the 2nd round!), my brackets still look great. Hope of victory still abounds. And the outcomes of the games come one after another, keeping my interest and excitement level peaked!
March Madness lives in me!!!
Next Post: Waiting for Nora
Birth Order
Our church has been viewing Dr. Kevin Lehman's DVD Series, "Value-Based Parenting" on Sunday nights over the past two months. Last Sunday night was the session on Birth Order.
Birth Order is fun to think about and to recognize. I do see it play out in some families. For example, our two oldest grandchildren exhibit alot of the traits. Our granddaughter is very conscientious, concerned about doing everything right and well, and is interested in academic achievement at five years old. Her brother is her opposite. He resists abiding by the rules, isn't really interested in learning his ABC's and would much rather run and play than sit still to learn. Their mother (a first-born achiever) will have to learn to adopt her home-school teaching to meet his learning style. Handing him worksheets will not work for him like it does for her daughter. There will need to be lots of hands-on learning with games and motor-skill activities.
In considering birth order, I think about my siblings and me. I'm the baby of the family....but I don't think I exhibit the traits of a baby of the family. I have always been an academic achiever; I want to obtain my "A's" in my courses; I want to be the best, brightest employee in my area; and I typically achieve these goals. I am rarely a comedian or attention getter. I would rather blend into the background than draw attention to myself.
Yet, I think back to my early childhood. I was a precocious child. I was a flirt with both boys and men. I had no qualms about climbing onto a man's lap to get his attention. I had boyfriends as a pre-schooler and throughout all of my early elementary years. I loved to be teased by men and boys.
I'm not like that anymore. I am very reserved around men -- even ones that I've known literally all my life. So what happened to change my outgoing personality? I was abused by actions and words.
There are four distinct incidents from my child/teen/early adult years that have left me emotionally scarred and, I believe, altered my personality. The childhood one stripped my innocence and robbed me of my comfort around men. The two incidents from my teen years affected my self-esteem, creating a life-long struggle with how I view myself. The final one from my early adult taught me that drawing attention to myself was a bad idea and should be quashed.
In each of these situations, the people who affected my life so profoundly were professing Christians. I'm studying Ephesians 4 this week. This text talks about building up the body of Christ by our words and actions. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen....Be kind and compassionate to one another." Instead of building up, the four incidents tore me down.
In reflecting on these verses and my life, what a practical lesson these verses are to me! I have personal knowledge of what can happen when someone does not obey this instruction. I need to be more conscientious of how my words and actions can affect others, and I need to live out the verses in my words and actions.
Next post: March Madness
Birth Order is fun to think about and to recognize. I do see it play out in some families. For example, our two oldest grandchildren exhibit alot of the traits. Our granddaughter is very conscientious, concerned about doing everything right and well, and is interested in academic achievement at five years old. Her brother is her opposite. He resists abiding by the rules, isn't really interested in learning his ABC's and would much rather run and play than sit still to learn. Their mother (a first-born achiever) will have to learn to adopt her home-school teaching to meet his learning style. Handing him worksheets will not work for him like it does for her daughter. There will need to be lots of hands-on learning with games and motor-skill activities.
In considering birth order, I think about my siblings and me. I'm the baby of the family....but I don't think I exhibit the traits of a baby of the family. I have always been an academic achiever; I want to obtain my "A's" in my courses; I want to be the best, brightest employee in my area; and I typically achieve these goals. I am rarely a comedian or attention getter. I would rather blend into the background than draw attention to myself.
Yet, I think back to my early childhood. I was a precocious child. I was a flirt with both boys and men. I had no qualms about climbing onto a man's lap to get his attention. I had boyfriends as a pre-schooler and throughout all of my early elementary years. I loved to be teased by men and boys.
I'm not like that anymore. I am very reserved around men -- even ones that I've known literally all my life. So what happened to change my outgoing personality? I was abused by actions and words.
There are four distinct incidents from my child/teen/early adult years that have left me emotionally scarred and, I believe, altered my personality. The childhood one stripped my innocence and robbed me of my comfort around men. The two incidents from my teen years affected my self-esteem, creating a life-long struggle with how I view myself. The final one from my early adult taught me that drawing attention to myself was a bad idea and should be quashed.
In each of these situations, the people who affected my life so profoundly were professing Christians. I'm studying Ephesians 4 this week. This text talks about building up the body of Christ by our words and actions. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen....Be kind and compassionate to one another." Instead of building up, the four incidents tore me down.
In reflecting on these verses and my life, what a practical lesson these verses are to me! I have personal knowledge of what can happen when someone does not obey this instruction. I need to be more conscientious of how my words and actions can affect others, and I need to live out the verses in my words and actions.
Next post: March Madness
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Week Gone By
Whoops....I'm a little delayed (aka late!) in writing about the week that has past. It's already Tuesday in the new week, and I hadn't recorded my progress during the previous week on my 2012 goals.
1. Finances - A stellar week!!! Because we had stocked up so well the previous week on groceries, we didn't have to visit the grocery store during the week. We finished the week at $77 under our budget...even though we brought home pizza 2 times and went out to eat with our son and his family!! In addition, I scheduled debt-reduction payments to reduce our debt by $150! And, I've begun to build up our savings account (which is generally at $5 just to keep it open) so that when the car & house insurance is next due in June and again in September, along with the property tax which is due in September, we will have reserve funds to pay those bills. Planning ahead and, most importantly, saving for extra expenses in these two months!! Yeah!!!
2. Spiritual - I didn't spend as much time as I should have in Ephesians 3. When our family visits, I find it very difficult to take time away from them for Bible reading and study. I choose to spend time with them and take care of them (cooking, dishes, picking up the house, etc.) rather than carving out time alone with the Lord and His Word. Is this a bad thing?
WWJD? We know that He spent time away from His disciples and the crowds to meet alone with His Father. (Mark 1:35: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.") (Matt 14:22-23: "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.")
Maybe the question shouldn't be, "Is this a bad thing?" Instead, the question should be, "Is this the better thing?" That question is easier to answer. No, spending time with my family is NOT the better thing. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better thing when she chose to spend time at the feet of Jesus instead of getting the household chores done. (Luke 10:41-42: "'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'")
As part of my Spiritual goal of being consistent with spending time with my Saviour, I need to choose to take time away from my family when they are visiting or I'm visiting them. And, since I need accountability in this area of my life, I need to include how I'm doing on this part of my goal in future posts.
I haven't started working on memorizing the Bible verses for March....I've got more than half the month left...what's the hurry, right??? :)
It's official -- I've been asked by our Pastor to take on the church website. He told me that he's going to telephone two men this week that he knows who could build the website. Pastor asked me to be their contact person. It sounds like we will ask one of them to build the website, and I'll be helping in the design, functionality, and content areas. Once it's built, it'll be my job to maintain the website, keeping it updated and to be the point person for the church ministries.
3. Personal -- Class is going well....I got an "A" on the test over Chapters 3 & 4. The professor also told me that I got an "A" on my part of the group news story. YEAH!! The story is slowly coming together. Both class sessions (Tuesday & Friday) were spent trying to combine the individual work that the students have done into one cohesive story. It's not done yet, but we're getting closer. Thankfully, the story isn't due until March 23rd to the college newspaper. We might have it done by then!!! :)
Meanwhile, I'm on SPRING BREAK!!! It's great!!! One official day (yesterday) done -- one library book read!!! :) Today's objectives are to catch up on my blog, get the tax returns ready to mail, read Chapter 5 of my textbook, prepare my b-ball tournament bracket, spend some time studying Ephesians 4, play on the computer, read another library book -- all while waiting for grandbaby #5 to appear!!!
Next Post: Birth Order
1. Finances - A stellar week!!! Because we had stocked up so well the previous week on groceries, we didn't have to visit the grocery store during the week. We finished the week at $77 under our budget...even though we brought home pizza 2 times and went out to eat with our son and his family!! In addition, I scheduled debt-reduction payments to reduce our debt by $150! And, I've begun to build up our savings account (which is generally at $5 just to keep it open) so that when the car & house insurance is next due in June and again in September, along with the property tax which is due in September, we will have reserve funds to pay those bills. Planning ahead and, most importantly, saving for extra expenses in these two months!! Yeah!!!
2. Spiritual - I didn't spend as much time as I should have in Ephesians 3. When our family visits, I find it very difficult to take time away from them for Bible reading and study. I choose to spend time with them and take care of them (cooking, dishes, picking up the house, etc.) rather than carving out time alone with the Lord and His Word. Is this a bad thing?
WWJD? We know that He spent time away from His disciples and the crowds to meet alone with His Father. (Mark 1:35: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.") (Matt 14:22-23: "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.")
Maybe the question shouldn't be, "Is this a bad thing?" Instead, the question should be, "Is this the better thing?" That question is easier to answer. No, spending time with my family is NOT the better thing. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better thing when she chose to spend time at the feet of Jesus instead of getting the household chores done. (Luke 10:41-42: "'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'")
As part of my Spiritual goal of being consistent with spending time with my Saviour, I need to choose to take time away from my family when they are visiting or I'm visiting them. And, since I need accountability in this area of my life, I need to include how I'm doing on this part of my goal in future posts.
I haven't started working on memorizing the Bible verses for March....I've got more than half the month left...what's the hurry, right??? :)
It's official -- I've been asked by our Pastor to take on the church website. He told me that he's going to telephone two men this week that he knows who could build the website. Pastor asked me to be their contact person. It sounds like we will ask one of them to build the website, and I'll be helping in the design, functionality, and content areas. Once it's built, it'll be my job to maintain the website, keeping it updated and to be the point person for the church ministries.
3. Personal -- Class is going well....I got an "A" on the test over Chapters 3 & 4. The professor also told me that I got an "A" on my part of the group news story. YEAH!! The story is slowly coming together. Both class sessions (Tuesday & Friday) were spent trying to combine the individual work that the students have done into one cohesive story. It's not done yet, but we're getting closer. Thankfully, the story isn't due until March 23rd to the college newspaper. We might have it done by then!!! :)
Meanwhile, I'm on SPRING BREAK!!! It's great!!! One official day (yesterday) done -- one library book read!!! :) Today's objectives are to catch up on my blog, get the tax returns ready to mail, read Chapter 5 of my textbook, prepare my b-ball tournament bracket, spend some time studying Ephesians 4, play on the computer, read another library book -- all while waiting for grandbaby #5 to appear!!!
Next Post: Birth Order
Immeasurably More
Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
"Immeasurably more" -- that phrase caught my attention as I was reading Ephesians 3. By definition, you cannot measure an "immeasurable" quantity. It is uncontainable, infinite, incomprehensible. Then the apostle Paul adds the word "more" to "immeasurable." "Immeasurably more," he declares.
If you're a Toy Store fan, you might think of Buzz Lightyear's phrase, "To infinity and beyond!" A math fan might think of "n+1".
The phrase reminded me of two things: the universe and Psalm 103:12. Scientists cannot quantify the vastness of the universe. Galaxy after galaxy of stars have been discovered; yet they know that more galaxies are undiscovered. Psalm 103:12 describes how far my sins have been removed from me: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
It shouldn't be surprised that our omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent God can do "immeasurably more" than we ask or imagine. His knowledge, power, and greatness is immeasurable. As Chris Tomlin sings, "How Great is our God!"
Next post: Week Gone By
"Immeasurably more" -- that phrase caught my attention as I was reading Ephesians 3. By definition, you cannot measure an "immeasurable" quantity. It is uncontainable, infinite, incomprehensible. Then the apostle Paul adds the word "more" to "immeasurable." "Immeasurably more," he declares.
If you're a Toy Store fan, you might think of Buzz Lightyear's phrase, "To infinity and beyond!" A math fan might think of "n+1".
The phrase reminded me of two things: the universe and Psalm 103:12. Scientists cannot quantify the vastness of the universe. Galaxy after galaxy of stars have been discovered; yet they know that more galaxies are undiscovered. Psalm 103:12 describes how far my sins have been removed from me: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
It shouldn't be surprised that our omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent God can do "immeasurably more" than we ask or imagine. His knowledge, power, and greatness is immeasurable. As Chris Tomlin sings, "How Great is our God!"
Next post: Week Gone By
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Don't Need to Wait for an Invitation
Ephesians 3:12: "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
This verse reminds me of Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
According to Ephesians 3:12, as Christians, we can approach God because of Christ's work ("In him") and the faith that has saved us ("through faith in him").
I am also reminded of Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
I like the word "confidence" that is used in describing how we are to approach God's throne. This attitude is the exact opposite to the Old Testament story of Queen Esther when she had to approach the king. She literally feared for her life. If he didn't show her mercy and extend his scepter to her, she would be put to death. There was no confidence in approaching the king -- even though she was his wife, the queen.
Our God is the King of Kings. If ever there should be trepidation and fear in approaching a king, you would think it would occur in approaching the all-powerful, thrice-holy God who is described as an all-consuming fire and who cannot look upon sin. How amazing that He allows me to approach Him at my whim. And, even more amazing, it's pleasing to Him when I come to Him confidently. He wants to reward me when I earnestly seek Him.
We don't need to wait for an Invitation to approach the Father. Christ's saving work and our faith have provided us access to Him. We only need to approach with confidence and in faith.
Next Post: Immeasurably More
This verse reminds me of Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
According to Ephesians 3:12, as Christians, we can approach God because of Christ's work ("In him") and the faith that has saved us ("through faith in him").
I am also reminded of Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
I like the word "confidence" that is used in describing how we are to approach God's throne. This attitude is the exact opposite to the Old Testament story of Queen Esther when she had to approach the king. She literally feared for her life. If he didn't show her mercy and extend his scepter to her, she would be put to death. There was no confidence in approaching the king -- even though she was his wife, the queen.
Our God is the King of Kings. If ever there should be trepidation and fear in approaching a king, you would think it would occur in approaching the all-powerful, thrice-holy God who is described as an all-consuming fire and who cannot look upon sin. How amazing that He allows me to approach Him at my whim. And, even more amazing, it's pleasing to Him when I come to Him confidently. He wants to reward me when I earnestly seek Him.
We don't need to wait for an Invitation to approach the Father. Christ's saving work and our faith have provided us access to Him. We only need to approach with confidence and in faith.
Next Post: Immeasurably More
Monday, March 5, 2012
Check-Up Time
Another week finished...another check-up of my progress on my 2012 goals....
1. Finances - good news/bad news week. As I mentioned last week, March was going to be a challenging month in trying to keep our discretionary spending within our budget due to the three family birthdays during the month. On Saturday, my husband and I went birthday present shopping for our twin grandbabies (who are turning ONE on Thursday). I knew after the birthday presents were purchased that we were coming close to the end of our allotted budget. I also knew that we needed to go grocery shopping. Prior to our shopping trip, I had planned menus for meals for the rest of the month of March and had written out our grocery list. Knowing that we would exceed our budget by purchasing the items on the list, I decided to stock up on quite a few items that the store had on sale and that we would need later in the month. Bottom line (bad news)....we didn't make our goal and can't hang our budget sheet on the study wall. Yet, these purchases will help us keep within the budget in the upcoming weeks.
In the good news department, I was able to pay an extra $332 in debt reduction this week!!! That was pretty exciting!!!
2. Spiritual - There is SO MUCH good stuff in Ephesians 2! I could have easily written several more blog posts on this chapter -- Christ is our peace; He "destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles; we are together a "holy temple in the Lord" which is God's dwelling place. Great stuff!!! But, the week is past, and it's time to move onto Ephesians 3.
I did learn my February memory passage before the calendar turned to March! And now, we have a new passage in March to learn. I've just added the passage to the frame of my computer monitor so that I can start to learn it.
I may be taking on a new ministry. I found out Sunday that the person who had committed to update our church's website has decided that the work is more consuming than his schedule allows. This news wasn't a surprise. His progress on the website had come to a standstill several months ago. I had hinted to a few people that I would be willing to help with this ministry if he requested assistance or decided to step aside.
I took a website design class several years ago. I remember the basics but will need to brush away the cobwebs and, since technology has changed a lot since then, learn some new skills if I do take on this ministry. I'm pretty excited and a little nervous/apprehensive about the task of updating the website. I'll keep you informed on whether this is a new ministry for me.
3. Personal - How to make me panic in my college course? Have the professor tell us that she hasn't decided whether or not to give everyone the same grade for our next news story. The news story is a class collaboration -- we were each given a particular piece of the story as our assignment. In class tomorrow, we are supposed to write the story together. I don't want us to be graded the same. What happens if someone doesn't complete his/her portion of the story? I don't want to be held accountable for that student's failure in completing the assignment! YIKES!!! Please grade us individually!!!
We had a test on Chapters 3 & 4 in our last class period. I'm confident that I will be pleased with the grade on the test. I'm not confident that a group grade on our news story will make me as pleased.
Six blogs last week! I suspect that my posts will not be as plentiful this week. We're having LOTS OF FAMILY visiting!!! WHOO!!!HOO!!! Babies and babies and kids and kids!!! Love it!!! :)
1. Finances - good news/bad news week. As I mentioned last week, March was going to be a challenging month in trying to keep our discretionary spending within our budget due to the three family birthdays during the month. On Saturday, my husband and I went birthday present shopping for our twin grandbabies (who are turning ONE on Thursday). I knew after the birthday presents were purchased that we were coming close to the end of our allotted budget. I also knew that we needed to go grocery shopping. Prior to our shopping trip, I had planned menus for meals for the rest of the month of March and had written out our grocery list. Knowing that we would exceed our budget by purchasing the items on the list, I decided to stock up on quite a few items that the store had on sale and that we would need later in the month. Bottom line (bad news)....we didn't make our goal and can't hang our budget sheet on the study wall. Yet, these purchases will help us keep within the budget in the upcoming weeks.
In the good news department, I was able to pay an extra $332 in debt reduction this week!!! That was pretty exciting!!!
2. Spiritual - There is SO MUCH good stuff in Ephesians 2! I could have easily written several more blog posts on this chapter -- Christ is our peace; He "destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles; we are together a "holy temple in the Lord" which is God's dwelling place. Great stuff!!! But, the week is past, and it's time to move onto Ephesians 3.
I did learn my February memory passage before the calendar turned to March! And now, we have a new passage in March to learn. I've just added the passage to the frame of my computer monitor so that I can start to learn it.
I may be taking on a new ministry. I found out Sunday that the person who had committed to update our church's website has decided that the work is more consuming than his schedule allows. This news wasn't a surprise. His progress on the website had come to a standstill several months ago. I had hinted to a few people that I would be willing to help with this ministry if he requested assistance or decided to step aside.
I took a website design class several years ago. I remember the basics but will need to brush away the cobwebs and, since technology has changed a lot since then, learn some new skills if I do take on this ministry. I'm pretty excited and a little nervous/apprehensive about the task of updating the website. I'll keep you informed on whether this is a new ministry for me.
3. Personal - How to make me panic in my college course? Have the professor tell us that she hasn't decided whether or not to give everyone the same grade for our next news story. The news story is a class collaboration -- we were each given a particular piece of the story as our assignment. In class tomorrow, we are supposed to write the story together. I don't want us to be graded the same. What happens if someone doesn't complete his/her portion of the story? I don't want to be held accountable for that student's failure in completing the assignment! YIKES!!! Please grade us individually!!!
We had a test on Chapters 3 & 4 in our last class period. I'm confident that I will be pleased with the grade on the test. I'm not confident that a group grade on our news story will make me as pleased.
Six blogs last week! I suspect that my posts will not be as plentiful this week. We're having LOTS OF FAMILY visiting!!! WHOO!!!HOO!!! Babies and babies and kids and kids!!! Love it!!! :)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Not my Cup of Tea
We live in a society that caters to our opinions and preferences. The power of the individual can change corporations decisions and policies. The squeaking wheel really does get the grease. Companies are constantly polling and surveying their customers and non-customers on their opinions, buying trends, and product usage. In politics, it is often the lobbyists who drive Congress. I think the old Burger King slogan sums it up well, "Have It Your Way!"
Because we are selfish individuals, we like it to be our way. We like the idea that our opinion and preference makes a difference. We like it that we get to choose.
If we're not careful, people in the church have this same attitude. This attitude can really manifest itself in worship styles. Many people think that the worship style should match my preferences. And, if it doesn't, I'll just leave and find a church where it does.
Last weekend, our church had a Kids Winter Weekend with a Fun Fair on Saturday, and a Puppet Ministry on Saturday and twice on Sunday, including the Sunday Morning Worship Service. The weekend was advertised a couple of months in advance. There should have been no surprise what the Morning Worship Service was going to be -- it had been well advertised that it was going to be geared toward kids and that God's Helping Hands (the puppet ministry) was going to minister.
One of the hats that my husband wears at church is the Head Usher. He is always in the back of the Worship Service or roaming the church in his duties during the Morning Worship Service. After the service last week, he told me that several people had left the service early, complaining that this was not an appropriate service for a Morning Worship Service. According to them, there was no message. It was just entertainment.
Wait a second, I protested. Did they not pay attention to the advertising? Did they not listen to what the puppets were saying and singing? The message was a salvation message geared toward children. They were sharing Psalm 23 and Jesus as the Good Shepherd who died for the flock.
I was flabbergasted that people would be so selfish that they would leave a service early because it didn't meet their preference style of a Worship Service. The puppets weren't trying to meet your preferred style. They were trying to meet the kids' preferences. Yes, the same kids who sit/endure through the Morning Worship Service that is geared toward adults 50 out of 52 Sundays a year! You can't support a Sunday Worship Service that is geared toward them?
Missionary Sundays are often met with disdain. I recently heard a member of our congregation say that the missionary who is sharing with us tomorrow (3/4/12) is one of her favorites of the missionaries which the church supports. Another church member responded that she doesn't have any favorites. In essence she said that she can barely stand any of them coming to share their ministry.
What? You don't want to know how God is using their ministry? You don't want to know if the money that you are giving is being used effectively? You aren't encouraged by their testimony of God's blessings in their ministry?
Granted, I wouldn't every Worship Service to be kid-focused or missionary-focused. And I do enjoy the "normal" adult-focused Worship Service, but what's wrong with having it all?
There is a wise man (in our congregation) who says regarding particular worship styles that are not his preferred style, "It may not be my cup of tea, but it is someone else's. So, I'm glad that they get to taste their favorite cup of tea." WOW!!! That should be all of our attitudes!
After all, isn't that what Philippians 2:1-11 all about? This passage is one of my all-time favorites (speaking of preferences), especially verse 3-5: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
If only we could get this right. If only I could get this right!!! I'm struggling right now to be sharing my home again with my husband. During basketball season (Nov - Feb) each year, he is gone during the main "at home" hours, officiating up to six times a week.
When I'm not at work, I basically get to choose what I want to do and when I want to do it without having to consider his opinion or preference. If I want to delay eating supper, I can. If I want to run errands right after work, I can. I control the remote! I control what's for supper! I decide which room I'm going to be in...which TV I want to watch....what time I want to go to bed. I'm in charge, and there is no one else to consider. I get very used to living virtually by myself.
You might have notice that it's now March. Basketball season is winding down....he only officiated a couple of games last week. And he's been home all weekend. I have to learn to share my home again. He has preferences and opinions. We have to get along. Things have to change in my world. I am not in control anymore. I have to share/give up the remote. I have to consider and yield to his preferences. We have to be a couple again.
It's hard for me each year to adjust to living with my husband again. This year is no exception. Lord, help me to remember Philippians 2. And help me to remember that it's okay if it's not my cup of tea.
Next Post: Check-Up Time
Because we are selfish individuals, we like it to be our way. We like the idea that our opinion and preference makes a difference. We like it that we get to choose.
If we're not careful, people in the church have this same attitude. This attitude can really manifest itself in worship styles. Many people think that the worship style should match my preferences. And, if it doesn't, I'll just leave and find a church where it does.
Last weekend, our church had a Kids Winter Weekend with a Fun Fair on Saturday, and a Puppet Ministry on Saturday and twice on Sunday, including the Sunday Morning Worship Service. The weekend was advertised a couple of months in advance. There should have been no surprise what the Morning Worship Service was going to be -- it had been well advertised that it was going to be geared toward kids and that God's Helping Hands (the puppet ministry) was going to minister.
One of the hats that my husband wears at church is the Head Usher. He is always in the back of the Worship Service or roaming the church in his duties during the Morning Worship Service. After the service last week, he told me that several people had left the service early, complaining that this was not an appropriate service for a Morning Worship Service. According to them, there was no message. It was just entertainment.
Wait a second, I protested. Did they not pay attention to the advertising? Did they not listen to what the puppets were saying and singing? The message was a salvation message geared toward children. They were sharing Psalm 23 and Jesus as the Good Shepherd who died for the flock.
I was flabbergasted that people would be so selfish that they would leave a service early because it didn't meet their preference style of a Worship Service. The puppets weren't trying to meet your preferred style. They were trying to meet the kids' preferences. Yes, the same kids who sit/endure through the Morning Worship Service that is geared toward adults 50 out of 52 Sundays a year! You can't support a Sunday Worship Service that is geared toward them?
Missionary Sundays are often met with disdain. I recently heard a member of our congregation say that the missionary who is sharing with us tomorrow (3/4/12) is one of her favorites of the missionaries which the church supports. Another church member responded that she doesn't have any favorites. In essence she said that she can barely stand any of them coming to share their ministry.
What? You don't want to know how God is using their ministry? You don't want to know if the money that you are giving is being used effectively? You aren't encouraged by their testimony of God's blessings in their ministry?
Granted, I wouldn't every Worship Service to be kid-focused or missionary-focused. And I do enjoy the "normal" adult-focused Worship Service, but what's wrong with having it all?
There is a wise man (in our congregation) who says regarding particular worship styles that are not his preferred style, "It may not be my cup of tea, but it is someone else's. So, I'm glad that they get to taste their favorite cup of tea." WOW!!! That should be all of our attitudes!
After all, isn't that what Philippians 2:1-11 all about? This passage is one of my all-time favorites (speaking of preferences), especially verse 3-5: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
If only we could get this right. If only I could get this right!!! I'm struggling right now to be sharing my home again with my husband. During basketball season (Nov - Feb) each year, he is gone during the main "at home" hours, officiating up to six times a week.
When I'm not at work, I basically get to choose what I want to do and when I want to do it without having to consider his opinion or preference. If I want to delay eating supper, I can. If I want to run errands right after work, I can. I control the remote! I control what's for supper! I decide which room I'm going to be in...which TV I want to watch....what time I want to go to bed. I'm in charge, and there is no one else to consider. I get very used to living virtually by myself.
You might have notice that it's now March. Basketball season is winding down....he only officiated a couple of games last week. And he's been home all weekend. I have to learn to share my home again. He has preferences and opinions. We have to get along. Things have to change in my world. I am not in control anymore. I have to share/give up the remote. I have to consider and yield to his preferences. We have to be a couple again.
It's hard for me each year to adjust to living with my husband again. This year is no exception. Lord, help me to remember Philippians 2. And help me to remember that it's okay if it's not my cup of tea.
Next Post: Check-Up Time
Sitting Down in Heaven?
Whenever I read Ephesians 2:6, I am surprised! "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."
Sitting down in Heaven? Really? We are going to be sitting with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? I can't picture it. It would make more sense to me that we would be bowing on our knees or lying prostrate face down or at the most standing in His presence.
In our society, we stand in honor of special persons. All rise for the courtroom judge; we stand in honor of graduates parading into their graduation ceremony; the entire government stands for the President of the United States when he enters the House chamber for the State of the Union address. The mother of the bride rises and the guests join her to honor the bride coming down the aisle.
Sitting with someone breeds an air of familiarity and comfort. Let's sit and have a chat. Sit with me and have a cup of tea or a Diet Coke. Let's sit together and enjoy the view.
I don't think I would feel comfortable sitting down with the Queen of England or the President of the United States or the Pope. Yet, the Scripture says that I'll be sitting with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Next post: Not my Cup of Tea
Sitting down in Heaven? Really? We are going to be sitting with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? I can't picture it. It would make more sense to me that we would be bowing on our knees or lying prostrate face down or at the most standing in His presence.
In our society, we stand in honor of special persons. All rise for the courtroom judge; we stand in honor of graduates parading into their graduation ceremony; the entire government stands for the President of the United States when he enters the House chamber for the State of the Union address. The mother of the bride rises and the guests join her to honor the bride coming down the aisle.
Sitting with someone breeds an air of familiarity and comfort. Let's sit and have a chat. Sit with me and have a cup of tea or a Diet Coke. Let's sit together and enjoy the view.
I don't think I would feel comfortable sitting down with the Queen of England or the President of the United States or the Pope. Yet, the Scripture says that I'll be sitting with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Next post: Not my Cup of Tea
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
FAFSA Focus!
I'm glad that February is coming to a close! This whole month of February has been focused on helping students and families file their FAFSA. I'm exhausted from the FAFSA! I've volunteered at College Goal Sunday. I helped at Portland High School's FAFSA workshop. I helped the Admissions department on President's Day with 3 FAFSA Workshops in one morning. Along with my co-worker, Sarah, we hosted 4 different FAFSA Workshops on campus. And, of course, multiple appointments of students and families meeting with me one-on-one to file their FAFSA. And tons of phone calls answering FAFSA questions.
I think my exhaustion comes more from the extra talking than it does the extra hours I've worked. I was not blessed with the "gift of gab." I don't fit the stereotype of a woman who can't shut up. In every marriage seminar/class that I've ever attended, the speaker cites the statistic that on average, a woman speaks 20,000 words a day while a man only speaks 13,000. I've never actually counted my words, but I'm guessing that my capacity is closer to the man's average of 13,000. I can tell when I've had a lot of appointments during a workday. By the end of the day, I realize that I'm exhausted from talking. I often comment, "I've talked way too much today!"
I remember as a Junior in High School that our Guidance Counselor gave us a career aptitude test. I found out that my perfect job was to be in a room by myself all day -- not needing to interact with others. So what do I do for a living? I'm a financial aid officer who interacts daily with my coworkers, students, parents, and other employees.
On the days of helping file FAFSAs, I'm constantly interacting with dozens of people in a fairly intense environment. At times, I'm going right from one family to another to another as they ask questions and seek my expertise. Being in this type of situation for six events has worn me down. (The only relaxed event was at Portland High School.) I'm so ready for a day of quiet at work-- no phones, no appointments, no walk-ins, no talking -- just being able to focus on the paperwork on my desk!!
My perfect job has changed over the years. I do enjoy interacting with others. I would go stir crazy in a room by myself ALL the time. In fact, some of my favorite workdays are the days in which I've interacted with our students and their families. I love the days that the mom cries tears of joy because we've found a way for her son or daughter to financially afford to attend Olivet College. I'm a hero to them just by doing my job -- finding financial aid solutions for their student.
My job is very cyclical. I know that in a few days, the office will get quiet again. The mad dash to file the FAFSA by March 1st will be over. My exhaustion will be cured -- the days will be better. And, as a bonus, Spring Break is just a little over a week away -- five glorious days out of the office!
Next Post: Sitting Down in Heaven?
I think my exhaustion comes more from the extra talking than it does the extra hours I've worked. I was not blessed with the "gift of gab." I don't fit the stereotype of a woman who can't shut up. In every marriage seminar/class that I've ever attended, the speaker cites the statistic that on average, a woman speaks 20,000 words a day while a man only speaks 13,000. I've never actually counted my words, but I'm guessing that my capacity is closer to the man's average of 13,000. I can tell when I've had a lot of appointments during a workday. By the end of the day, I realize that I'm exhausted from talking. I often comment, "I've talked way too much today!"
I remember as a Junior in High School that our Guidance Counselor gave us a career aptitude test. I found out that my perfect job was to be in a room by myself all day -- not needing to interact with others. So what do I do for a living? I'm a financial aid officer who interacts daily with my coworkers, students, parents, and other employees.
On the days of helping file FAFSAs, I'm constantly interacting with dozens of people in a fairly intense environment. At times, I'm going right from one family to another to another as they ask questions and seek my expertise. Being in this type of situation for six events has worn me down. (The only relaxed event was at Portland High School.) I'm so ready for a day of quiet at work-- no phones, no appointments, no walk-ins, no talking -- just being able to focus on the paperwork on my desk!!
My perfect job has changed over the years. I do enjoy interacting with others. I would go stir crazy in a room by myself ALL the time. In fact, some of my favorite workdays are the days in which I've interacted with our students and their families. I love the days that the mom cries tears of joy because we've found a way for her son or daughter to financially afford to attend Olivet College. I'm a hero to them just by doing my job -- finding financial aid solutions for their student.
My job is very cyclical. I know that in a few days, the office will get quiet again. The mad dash to file the FAFSA by March 1st will be over. My exhaustion will be cured -- the days will be better. And, as a bonus, Spring Break is just a little over a week away -- five glorious days out of the office!
Next Post: Sitting Down in Heaven?
God's Work / Our Work
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God's Work -- We are the product of God's work. "We are God's workmanship." When you think of an artist or a craftsman, you evaluate the art that they produce. The higher the quality of the piece produced, the more skilled the artist or craftsman is. Our salvation was God's work. It was produced flawlessly through the death of Jesus Christ. He has proclaimed us justified and righteous in Christ.
Yet, as we look as our lives, we recognize that we are not perfect and definitely not holy. We are in the process of being sanctified. God is often referred to in the Scriptures as the Potter. He is the Potter; we are the clay (Jeremiah 18). God continues His work in our lives to change us more and more in the image of His Son. (II Cor. 3:18) "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:6)
The same God who spoke the world into existence takes His time in working on our lives. He has the power to "speak us" into perfection, but He chooses to mold us slowly day by day and hour by hour. Why?
Our Work -- According to Ephesians 2: 10, we are to "do good works". And, we don't choose which good works to do -- God has already chosen them for us.
So, are the good works we are supposed to do? Micah 6:8 answers this question, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
How do we accomplish our tasks? The Scripture tells us in II Corinthians 5:9 what the Apostle's Paul's goal was in his ministry, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." In Phil. 3:13-14, Paul shares how he works: "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Jesus instructed us in Matt. 5:16 to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Our obedience in doing the work that God has given us brings honor and glory to Him.
I John 1 talks about walking the light. Romans 1:17 & Hab. 2:4 say, "The righteous will live by faith." Jesus boiled the commandments down into two phrases: "Love God" and "Love people."
So, let's evaluate how the work is going? Do I see progress in being changed into the image of Jesus? Am I becoming more like Him? When people look at my life, do they praise God? Am I pleasing God by obeying Him? It's safe to say that God's work in my life is not complete!
Next post: FAFSA Focus!
God's Work -- We are the product of God's work. "We are God's workmanship." When you think of an artist or a craftsman, you evaluate the art that they produce. The higher the quality of the piece produced, the more skilled the artist or craftsman is. Our salvation was God's work. It was produced flawlessly through the death of Jesus Christ. He has proclaimed us justified and righteous in Christ.
Yet, as we look as our lives, we recognize that we are not perfect and definitely not holy. We are in the process of being sanctified. God is often referred to in the Scriptures as the Potter. He is the Potter; we are the clay (Jeremiah 18). God continues His work in our lives to change us more and more in the image of His Son. (II Cor. 3:18) "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:6)
The same God who spoke the world into existence takes His time in working on our lives. He has the power to "speak us" into perfection, but He chooses to mold us slowly day by day and hour by hour. Why?
Our Work -- According to Ephesians 2: 10, we are to "do good works". And, we don't choose which good works to do -- God has already chosen them for us.
So, are the good works we are supposed to do? Micah 6:8 answers this question, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
How do we accomplish our tasks? The Scripture tells us in II Corinthians 5:9 what the Apostle's Paul's goal was in his ministry, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." In Phil. 3:13-14, Paul shares how he works: "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Jesus instructed us in Matt. 5:16 to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Our obedience in doing the work that God has given us brings honor and glory to Him.
I John 1 talks about walking the light. Romans 1:17 & Hab. 2:4 say, "The righteous will live by faith." Jesus boiled the commandments down into two phrases: "Love God" and "Love people."
So, let's evaluate how the work is going? Do I see progress in being changed into the image of Jesus? Am I becoming more like Him? When people look at my life, do they praise God? Am I pleasing God by obeying Him? It's safe to say that God's work in my life is not complete!
Next post: FAFSA Focus!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sunday already?
Another week has flown by....the calendar says that February is almost over! Wow! Time for a recap on the previous week and how I did in working on my 2012 goals:
1. Finances - I'm totally geeked this week! Lots of things to celebrate!!! We had $2 to spare on our budget for the week!! I calculated our State of Michigan tax liability for 2011 and found out that we only owe the State of Michigan $29. The reason we owe them any money is from the "Use Tax" -- purchases that we made via the Internet that didn't collect Michigan sales tax. On Thursday this week, we will pay off a credit card balance in full!!! Over $1000 in credit card debt reduction!! YEAH!!!
March is a multiple-birthdays month for our family. It will be a challenge to purchase birthday gifts and continue to stay within our discretionary budgets. Plus I plan to do some traveling in March. Grandbaby #5 is scheduled to arrive so I'll be taking a trip to Chicago to introduce her to Grandma Eubank. Can we minimize our weekly discretionary expenses, such as gas and groceries, so that these extra expenditures will not cause us to go over our budget? That is the challenge facing us!!!
2. Spiritual -- Ephesians 1 is complete. It's fun to think about how amazing God is and to reflect on His grace to me. I'm looking forward to another week of study in Ephesians as I work on Chapter 2. I didn't work on my memory verses at all last week. Here we are in the tail end of February, and I still need to learn the verses. Apparently, having them at the top edge of my computer monitor is not good enough to remind me to learn them. I'm going to have to move them to the middle of my screen so that I can't ignore them! Three days to go -- thank heavens for Leap Year in 2012! Otherwise, it'd be just two days to go!!!
3. Personal -- My writing is officially published! Both of the news stories that I have written as assignments for my Basic Reporting college course were published in last Friday's edition of the college's newspaper, The Echo. Unfortunately, the headline that the copy editor wrote for both articles was poorly done. On one headline, there was a misspelled word. On the other headline, the content of the headline was not addressed in the article at all!!! Speaking of writing, three more posts were added to the blog this week.
I've been questioning this week the value of continuing to pursue my bachelor's degree. At the rate I'm going, it will be several more years before I finish the degree. Should I bother continuing? What's the point? I'm 50 years old -- do I really think that I will change careers in my mid- to late-50's? Then, this morning, a friend asked me if I was done taking classes. I told her I still had years to go, and jokingly told her I was trying to be Olivet's oldest graduate. She laughed and then commented positively that it was a good goal. That was encouraging to me -- thanks, Lord, for her affirmation and encouragement.
1. Finances - I'm totally geeked this week! Lots of things to celebrate!!! We had $2 to spare on our budget for the week!! I calculated our State of Michigan tax liability for 2011 and found out that we only owe the State of Michigan $29. The reason we owe them any money is from the "Use Tax" -- purchases that we made via the Internet that didn't collect Michigan sales tax. On Thursday this week, we will pay off a credit card balance in full!!! Over $1000 in credit card debt reduction!! YEAH!!!
March is a multiple-birthdays month for our family. It will be a challenge to purchase birthday gifts and continue to stay within our discretionary budgets. Plus I plan to do some traveling in March. Grandbaby #5 is scheduled to arrive so I'll be taking a trip to Chicago to introduce her to Grandma Eubank. Can we minimize our weekly discretionary expenses, such as gas and groceries, so that these extra expenditures will not cause us to go over our budget? That is the challenge facing us!!!
2. Spiritual -- Ephesians 1 is complete. It's fun to think about how amazing God is and to reflect on His grace to me. I'm looking forward to another week of study in Ephesians as I work on Chapter 2. I didn't work on my memory verses at all last week. Here we are in the tail end of February, and I still need to learn the verses. Apparently, having them at the top edge of my computer monitor is not good enough to remind me to learn them. I'm going to have to move them to the middle of my screen so that I can't ignore them! Three days to go -- thank heavens for Leap Year in 2012! Otherwise, it'd be just two days to go!!!
3. Personal -- My writing is officially published! Both of the news stories that I have written as assignments for my Basic Reporting college course were published in last Friday's edition of the college's newspaper, The Echo. Unfortunately, the headline that the copy editor wrote for both articles was poorly done. On one headline, there was a misspelled word. On the other headline, the content of the headline was not addressed in the article at all!!! Speaking of writing, three more posts were added to the blog this week.
I've been questioning this week the value of continuing to pursue my bachelor's degree. At the rate I'm going, it will be several more years before I finish the degree. Should I bother continuing? What's the point? I'm 50 years old -- do I really think that I will change careers in my mid- to late-50's? Then, this morning, a friend asked me if I was done taking classes. I told her I still had years to go, and jokingly told her I was trying to be Olivet's oldest graduate. She laughed and then commented positively that it was a good goal. That was encouraging to me -- thanks, Lord, for her affirmation and encouragement.
Sovereign Lord
Want to know how incredible our God is? Read Ephesians 1: 11, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
Did you catch that? No matter what happens -- good, bad, indifferent, painful, even evil -- God is able to use it to conform to the purpose of His will. He makes it work for His purposes. That's mind-boggling stuff!
How can He take something tragic, like a loss of a pregnancy, and make it conform to His will? How can He take the rape of innocent children and make it work for His purposes? And yet, He does.
Even the world understands this. So many times, I hear unbelievers say, "Everything happens for a reason." They understand that tragedy can build character and strength. The legend of the Phoenix is an illustration of how the world believes that out of ashes, things can be made new.
"...We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Everything that God allows into our lives is orchestrated by Him to work in us to accomplish His purpose. "...Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)
Only my all-powerful and all-knowing God can do this!
Next post: Sunday already?
Did you catch that? No matter what happens -- good, bad, indifferent, painful, even evil -- God is able to use it to conform to the purpose of His will. He makes it work for His purposes. That's mind-boggling stuff!
How can He take something tragic, like a loss of a pregnancy, and make it conform to His will? How can He take the rape of innocent children and make it work for His purposes? And yet, He does.
Even the world understands this. So many times, I hear unbelievers say, "Everything happens for a reason." They understand that tragedy can build character and strength. The legend of the Phoenix is an illustration of how the world believes that out of ashes, things can be made new.
"...We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Everything that God allows into our lives is orchestrated by Him to work in us to accomplish His purpose. "...Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)
Only my all-powerful and all-knowing God can do this!
Next post: Sunday already?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Chosen by God
Ephesians 1:4: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
Ephesians 1:11: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
Out of the billions and billions of human beings that God created, He chose me to be His child. Why would He choose me? What made Him decide to adopt me as His child? Lord, I don't understand your selection process. Why me and not others?
Ephesians 1: 5 tells us, "In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Not only did he choose me, the Scripture says that it pleased the Father to adopt me as His child.
In my mind, I see a Team Captain picking his team. As he calls out his next selection for a player, he says, "I'll take Brenda!" And then, he's so excited to have me on his team that he hugs me and jumps up and down for joy. What value do I bring to the team that makes Him excitedly choose me? None! It is totally and simply His grace that I'm on the team.
Ephesians 1:6: "...to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
I praise your grace, Lord!
Ephesians 1:7-8: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us..."
Lavished grace....what a wonderful word picture. There is nothing held back...it's generous....it's overwhelming....it's amazing!!! And, He chose to give it to me!
Words are so inadequate to express the wonder, humility, and thankfulness of my response to God's grace. It is so undeserved...I am so unworthy...why would you choose me?
His answer: "Because I wanted you!"
Next post: Sovereign Lord
Ephesians 1:11: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
Out of the billions and billions of human beings that God created, He chose me to be His child. Why would He choose me? What made Him decide to adopt me as His child? Lord, I don't understand your selection process. Why me and not others?
Ephesians 1: 5 tells us, "In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Not only did he choose me, the Scripture says that it pleased the Father to adopt me as His child.
In my mind, I see a Team Captain picking his team. As he calls out his next selection for a player, he says, "I'll take Brenda!" And then, he's so excited to have me on his team that he hugs me and jumps up and down for joy. What value do I bring to the team that makes Him excitedly choose me? None! It is totally and simply His grace that I'm on the team.
Ephesians 1:6: "...to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
I praise your grace, Lord!
Ephesians 1:7-8: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us..."
Lavished grace....what a wonderful word picture. There is nothing held back...it's generous....it's overwhelming....it's amazing!!! And, He chose to give it to me!
Words are so inadequate to express the wonder, humility, and thankfulness of my response to God's grace. It is so undeserved...I am so unworthy...why would you choose me?
His answer: "Because I wanted you!"
Next post: Sovereign Lord
Monday, February 20, 2012
Wanting Attention
Our two oldest grandchildren (along with their mother) spent this past weekend with us. It was interesting to watch the different antics they used in trying to get attention.
The first born used "in your face" techniques to get attention. She danced around the living room, making sure everyone was watching her. She inserted herself in the pictures being taken. She tried to make a grand entrance when she walked into a building, looking around to see if everyone had noticed that she had arrived. She does not understand the art of subtlety at all! She was seeking attention by being dramatic!
The second born is quite the opposite. He understands subtlety very well! You can see the wheels turning as he thinks about what he is supposed to do and then chooses to do the opposite. At the restaurant yesterday, he was sitting next to me. He knew that he was supposed to stay in his chair. Several times, however, he chose to leave his chair. He walked just out of my arm's length so that I couldn't reach him. He was pretty confident that I wouldn't create a public scene by chasing after him. When it was time to leave, he deliberately walked the opposite way from the table, away from the exit. He stopped several tables away and watched to see what the adults would do. He was seeking attention through his deliberate acts of testing the boundaries.
You might think that my grandkids are just children and that they'll grow up. I would like to think that is true; but, unfortunately, I know too many adults who behave the same way. We all know adults who are classified as "drama queens." And, we all know adults who test the boundaries in their quest for attention.
I'm sometimes guilty of changing my behavior because I want attention. I normally classify myself as "shy" and "reticent", but sometimes I find myself being "loud" and "brash," using my behavior to get attention. I wonder what God thinks about this type of behavior. Did He create our yearning for attention? Or is that a consequence of sin's curse? Is it selfishness? Or is a psychological need?
Next post: Chosen by God
The first born used "in your face" techniques to get attention. She danced around the living room, making sure everyone was watching her. She inserted herself in the pictures being taken. She tried to make a grand entrance when she walked into a building, looking around to see if everyone had noticed that she had arrived. She does not understand the art of subtlety at all! She was seeking attention by being dramatic!
The second born is quite the opposite. He understands subtlety very well! You can see the wheels turning as he thinks about what he is supposed to do and then chooses to do the opposite. At the restaurant yesterday, he was sitting next to me. He knew that he was supposed to stay in his chair. Several times, however, he chose to leave his chair. He walked just out of my arm's length so that I couldn't reach him. He was pretty confident that I wouldn't create a public scene by chasing after him. When it was time to leave, he deliberately walked the opposite way from the table, away from the exit. He stopped several tables away and watched to see what the adults would do. He was seeking attention through his deliberate acts of testing the boundaries.
You might think that my grandkids are just children and that they'll grow up. I would like to think that is true; but, unfortunately, I know too many adults who behave the same way. We all know adults who are classified as "drama queens." And, we all know adults who test the boundaries in their quest for attention.
I'm sometimes guilty of changing my behavior because I want attention. I normally classify myself as "shy" and "reticent", but sometimes I find myself being "loud" and "brash," using my behavior to get attention. I wonder what God thinks about this type of behavior. Did He create our yearning for attention? Or is that a consequence of sin's curse? Is it selfishness? Or is a psychological need?
Next post: Chosen by God
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Another Week is Done!
Did you notice that another week of 2012 has come and gone? We're starting the last full week of February....winter is almost gone, and spring is on its way. I look outside and wonder, is it really only February? The sky is a beautiful blue, the snow has almost disappeared from even the shady spots, you can walk on the grass and not get your shoes wet....it looks and feels more like late March or April than the end of February. This has been a remarkable winter...in my opinion, it has been great!!!
Because another week is done, it's time to evaluate how I did on my 2012 goals for the last week.
1. Finances - I'm happy to report that we've had another successful week of keeping our discretionary spending inside our budget. The tally sheet has been posted on the wall in celebration of our success! My daughter commented to me yesterday that she and her husband should use tally sheets to stay within their budget. I told her that it only works if you are required to post how you do on a blog....my husband and I used tally sheets last year, but since there was no accountability, it was a rare week in which we were successful in making our budget. The accountability of this blog is what has made the difference in our success.
I didn't achieve my plan to calculate our State income tax liability during the past week. So, it's on my "to do list" for this week. Also, on my "to do list" is to calculate what amount of debt reduction we can accomplish during the month of March. March is one of those months for us that has extra expenses --we pay our home insurance quarterly so the premium will be due in March. In addition, one of our car insurance policies is due in March. Even with these extra expenses, I expect to accomplish some debt reduction. How much reduction is possible is the answer I need to calculate this week.
2. Spiritual -- I finished my study in Galatians!!! Galatians 6 had lots of practical applications for my life...some of which I wrote about in this blog. Now, it's time to go on to the next book. As you may remember, my plan is to work through the Apostle Paul's epistles, one chapter per week. I will begin Ephesians this week.
I've not done much work on the memory verses for February. Thanks to 2012 being a Leap Year, I've still got 10 days left. Probably should spend some time this week working on the verses so that I don't have to "cram" next week.
3. Personal -- I went to class on Tuesday without having an idea of what news story to write that deals with Black History month. All of us in class seemed to be struggling with ideas. Our professor bailed us out and made some suggestions. One of them was the annual Women of Color Luncheon that was scheduled for the next day. Oh, I thought, I've got a free lunch ticket to attend...that would a good subject to use for my news story. Thank you to our professor! The article is due this coming Friday, and I've got a good portion of it already written. I'm waiting for a couple of sources to respond to my interview questions. And then, I can finalize the article. In case you were wondering how I'm doing with getting to the 8:00 class on time, I was only late on the first day!!! Thankfully, God's been giving us this mild winter so snow hasn't been much of an issue!
In the blogging world, I completed five posts this week....it seems someone was wordy!!! I'm feeling more comfortable with the concept of vulnerability that comes with sharing my thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. on the blog. Well, I'm not sure "comfortable" is the best word choice. It's more that I'm feeling "less fearful." The blogging experience has definitely been good for me in the area of accountability. It has also allowed me to take some small, safe steps of stepping out of my comfort zone. Once in a while, I even consider making my blog more public. When I see on Facebook that one of my friends has announced on her wall that she has completed a post, I sometimes want to reply, "Me, too! I've just posted an entry on my blog." But, the idea of the world (yes, even if they are my Facebook friends) reading my blog scares me. That doesn't feel safe to me. So, I continue to write in relative obscurity -- knowing that my three followers and whoever else stumbles into the blog are the only ones reading my posts.
Good Week? YES!!!
Next post: Wanting Attention
Because another week is done, it's time to evaluate how I did on my 2012 goals for the last week.
1. Finances - I'm happy to report that we've had another successful week of keeping our discretionary spending inside our budget. The tally sheet has been posted on the wall in celebration of our success! My daughter commented to me yesterday that she and her husband should use tally sheets to stay within their budget. I told her that it only works if you are required to post how you do on a blog....my husband and I used tally sheets last year, but since there was no accountability, it was a rare week in which we were successful in making our budget. The accountability of this blog is what has made the difference in our success.
I didn't achieve my plan to calculate our State income tax liability during the past week. So, it's on my "to do list" for this week. Also, on my "to do list" is to calculate what amount of debt reduction we can accomplish during the month of March. March is one of those months for us that has extra expenses --we pay our home insurance quarterly so the premium will be due in March. In addition, one of our car insurance policies is due in March. Even with these extra expenses, I expect to accomplish some debt reduction. How much reduction is possible is the answer I need to calculate this week.
2. Spiritual -- I finished my study in Galatians!!! Galatians 6 had lots of practical applications for my life...some of which I wrote about in this blog. Now, it's time to go on to the next book. As you may remember, my plan is to work through the Apostle Paul's epistles, one chapter per week. I will begin Ephesians this week.
I've not done much work on the memory verses for February. Thanks to 2012 being a Leap Year, I've still got 10 days left. Probably should spend some time this week working on the verses so that I don't have to "cram" next week.
3. Personal -- I went to class on Tuesday without having an idea of what news story to write that deals with Black History month. All of us in class seemed to be struggling with ideas. Our professor bailed us out and made some suggestions. One of them was the annual Women of Color Luncheon that was scheduled for the next day. Oh, I thought, I've got a free lunch ticket to attend...that would a good subject to use for my news story. Thank you to our professor! The article is due this coming Friday, and I've got a good portion of it already written. I'm waiting for a couple of sources to respond to my interview questions. And then, I can finalize the article. In case you were wondering how I'm doing with getting to the 8:00 class on time, I was only late on the first day!!! Thankfully, God's been giving us this mild winter so snow hasn't been much of an issue!
In the blogging world, I completed five posts this week....it seems someone was wordy!!! I'm feeling more comfortable with the concept of vulnerability that comes with sharing my thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. on the blog. Well, I'm not sure "comfortable" is the best word choice. It's more that I'm feeling "less fearful." The blogging experience has definitely been good for me in the area of accountability. It has also allowed me to take some small, safe steps of stepping out of my comfort zone. Once in a while, I even consider making my blog more public. When I see on Facebook that one of my friends has announced on her wall that she has completed a post, I sometimes want to reply, "Me, too! I've just posted an entry on my blog." But, the idea of the world (yes, even if they are my Facebook friends) reading my blog scares me. That doesn't feel safe to me. So, I continue to write in relative obscurity -- knowing that my three followers and whoever else stumbles into the blog are the only ones reading my posts.
Good Week? YES!!!
Next post: Wanting Attention
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Clock Cheats Us!
Some days I can't wait for eternity! How different our lives will be when we aren't controlled by the clock!
Take, for instance, this morning....I was having a wonderful, casual Saturday morning, enjoying family time with my husband, our two daughters, and three of our grandchildren. We were playing, chatting, laughing, etc., just enjoying life and each other. And then, I noticed the clock. It immediately demanded my attention -- I needed to stop everything that I was doing and start getting ready to go to our daughter's baby shower or we'd be late. So, we hurriedly scrambled around and got out the door. The clock forced us to hurry.
What a nice time we had at the shower! One thing, though, that wasn't so nice -- the clock. A couple of the guests had to leave early....the clock was demanding that they leave in time to get to their next appointment. I felt robbed that they had to leave so soon. Then, at the "conclusion" of the shower, one by one, the guests left. And yet, I thought, it's too early....I didn't get to spend as much time with each of the guests as I would like, and I'm certain, my daughter felt like that as well....and then, my daughter left with her husband's family....and I thought, I didn't get to spend as much time as I would like with you, daughter!!! The clock robbed me again!
What will our lives be like in eternity when time is no more....will the rushing around be forever gone? Will we get to spend as much "time" as we want with each other? I certainly hope so.
Next post: Another Week is Done!
Take, for instance, this morning....I was having a wonderful, casual Saturday morning, enjoying family time with my husband, our two daughters, and three of our grandchildren. We were playing, chatting, laughing, etc., just enjoying life and each other. And then, I noticed the clock. It immediately demanded my attention -- I needed to stop everything that I was doing and start getting ready to go to our daughter's baby shower or we'd be late. So, we hurriedly scrambled around and got out the door. The clock forced us to hurry.
What a nice time we had at the shower! One thing, though, that wasn't so nice -- the clock. A couple of the guests had to leave early....the clock was demanding that they leave in time to get to their next appointment. I felt robbed that they had to leave so soon. Then, at the "conclusion" of the shower, one by one, the guests left. And yet, I thought, it's too early....I didn't get to spend as much time with each of the guests as I would like, and I'm certain, my daughter felt like that as well....and then, my daughter left with her husband's family....and I thought, I didn't get to spend as much time as I would like with you, daughter!!! The clock robbed me again!
What will our lives be like in eternity when time is no more....will the rushing around be forever gone? Will we get to spend as much "time" as we want with each other? I certainly hope so.
Next post: Another Week is Done!
Large Letters by Paul
I used to wonder why Biblical scholars thought that the infirmity that the Apostle Paul's mentions several times throughout his letters was related to his eyes. I think the answer lies in Galatians 6:11: "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!"
Over the past few years, I've noticed some deterioration in my eyesight when trying to read. If I'm tired or in low lighting when I'm reading or working on the computer, my eyes struggle to make out letters and numbers properly. Yes, this deterioration is attributed to aging eyes.
For awhile, I used a magnifying glass and the "trombone" method to get the correct distance between what I was trying to read and my eyes. It's blurry....move the book or paper up or down....still blurry....move it again....that's perfect -- now I can read it! :)
After being amused by my reading methods, my daughter purchased me a set of three reading glasses -- I keep one at work, one in my purse, and one in our home study -- that have become more convenient to use than a magnifying glass. Basically, the reading glasses are portable magnifying glasses!
When I'm writing notes to myself or signing my name on a check and am not wearing the reading glasses, I've noticed that my handwriting is larger than it used to be. I'm writing in "large letters!" I now understand why the Biblical scholars think that Paul had trouble with his eyes....if reading glasses weren't available for aging eyes, Paul would have a hard time seeing small letters. He would be compensating for poor eyesight by writing in large letters.
Galatians 6:11 may become my new "life verse!" Well, at least for as long as I resist purchasing regular reading glasses!
Next post: The Clock Cheats Us!
Over the past few years, I've noticed some deterioration in my eyesight when trying to read. If I'm tired or in low lighting when I'm reading or working on the computer, my eyes struggle to make out letters and numbers properly. Yes, this deterioration is attributed to aging eyes.
For awhile, I used a magnifying glass and the "trombone" method to get the correct distance between what I was trying to read and my eyes. It's blurry....move the book or paper up or down....still blurry....move it again....that's perfect -- now I can read it! :)
After being amused by my reading methods, my daughter purchased me a set of three reading glasses -- I keep one at work, one in my purse, and one in our home study -- that have become more convenient to use than a magnifying glass. Basically, the reading glasses are portable magnifying glasses!
When I'm writing notes to myself or signing my name on a check and am not wearing the reading glasses, I've noticed that my handwriting is larger than it used to be. I'm writing in "large letters!" I now understand why the Biblical scholars think that Paul had trouble with his eyes....if reading glasses weren't available for aging eyes, Paul would have a hard time seeing small letters. He would be compensating for poor eyesight by writing in large letters.
Galatians 6:11 may become my new "life verse!" Well, at least for as long as I resist purchasing regular reading glasses!
Next post: The Clock Cheats Us!
Supporting Ministries
Do you ever have a Scripture verse that just hits you between the eyes? That happened to me this week in my study of Galatians 6. Verse 6 says "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor."
Reading that verse caused me to think about the ministries from which I receive instruction in the Word. Obviously, I thought of my Pastor and my church. Do we "share all good things with (our) instructor"? In evaluating our giving, I would say that we are faithful in supporting our church and our Pastor.
Then, I thought about other ministries that are providing me Biblical instruction. When I don't have an audio book playing while I'm driving, the radio is usually tuned in to WSCG, a Christian radio station from Grand Rapids. Is the radio station providing me with instruction in the Word? Definitely -- not only through the few "preachers" on the station that I occasionally hear, but through the many Biblical songs that are played as well as through the "verse of the day" that is read several times a day and also appears on the radio station's website. Should we be supporting this ministry? According to Galatians 6:6, the answer is, "Yes!"
So, now that I know this Scripture and have identified a practical application in my life, I have a choice to obey or to disobey. I choose to obey. I'm going to send a gift to WSCG when I pay bills next week as part of our discretionary spending.
My choice to give or not to give reminded me of another time that we faced a decision on giving. Our student ministries pastor was changing ministries. Instead of a youth pastor, he was going to be a full-time missionary. Our church voted whether or not we wanted to be his "sending church," accepting the responsibilities that accompanied the status of a sending church. I voted, "Yes" on the ballot. The vote passed -- we became the sending church.
A few months later, our church had a pledge drive for our Faith Promise Giving -- the giving program that we use to support our missionaries. My husband and I had a decision to make. Did we want to increase the amount of our weekly giving to our missionaries. We talked about it. My husband wanted to increase our giving by 100%. I wasn't so sure that our budget could handle an increase. Our income hadn't increased while our expenses had. Could we and should we increase our giving? As I debated in my mind what we should do, the Lord reminded me that I had willingly voted to be the sending church to our new missionaries. If I was willing to vote, "Yes" on becoming the sending church, I needed to literally "put my money where my mouth was." I needed to financially support my vote. The Lord's reminder made my decision for me -- we did increase our giving to Faith Promise by the amount that my husband had suggested.
In the world of politics, so many people want their governments to stop spending. They vote for candidates who pledge to balance the budget and reduce the spending. However, the people don't want the reduction in spending to affect them personally. They are not willing to financially support their vote. As a financial aid officer, there is often peer pressure for me to lobby Congress when there are proposed cuts to spending levels for higher education. Cut somewhere else, but keep spending levels for our students at the same level or at an increased level.
I choose not to contact my representatives on this matter. As I'm constantly learning in my personal life with my finances, spending money is easy...staying within your budget is harder....reducing spending to eliminate debt is even harder. Yet, this is what needs to be done to make our finances healthy. The government and the people served by the government need to learn this lesson as well.
Next Post: Large Letters by Paul
Reading that verse caused me to think about the ministries from which I receive instruction in the Word. Obviously, I thought of my Pastor and my church. Do we "share all good things with (our) instructor"? In evaluating our giving, I would say that we are faithful in supporting our church and our Pastor.
Then, I thought about other ministries that are providing me Biblical instruction. When I don't have an audio book playing while I'm driving, the radio is usually tuned in to WSCG, a Christian radio station from Grand Rapids. Is the radio station providing me with instruction in the Word? Definitely -- not only through the few "preachers" on the station that I occasionally hear, but through the many Biblical songs that are played as well as through the "verse of the day" that is read several times a day and also appears on the radio station's website. Should we be supporting this ministry? According to Galatians 6:6, the answer is, "Yes!"
So, now that I know this Scripture and have identified a practical application in my life, I have a choice to obey or to disobey. I choose to obey. I'm going to send a gift to WSCG when I pay bills next week as part of our discretionary spending.
My choice to give or not to give reminded me of another time that we faced a decision on giving. Our student ministries pastor was changing ministries. Instead of a youth pastor, he was going to be a full-time missionary. Our church voted whether or not we wanted to be his "sending church," accepting the responsibilities that accompanied the status of a sending church. I voted, "Yes" on the ballot. The vote passed -- we became the sending church.
A few months later, our church had a pledge drive for our Faith Promise Giving -- the giving program that we use to support our missionaries. My husband and I had a decision to make. Did we want to increase the amount of our weekly giving to our missionaries. We talked about it. My husband wanted to increase our giving by 100%. I wasn't so sure that our budget could handle an increase. Our income hadn't increased while our expenses had. Could we and should we increase our giving? As I debated in my mind what we should do, the Lord reminded me that I had willingly voted to be the sending church to our new missionaries. If I was willing to vote, "Yes" on becoming the sending church, I needed to literally "put my money where my mouth was." I needed to financially support my vote. The Lord's reminder made my decision for me -- we did increase our giving to Faith Promise by the amount that my husband had suggested.
In the world of politics, so many people want their governments to stop spending. They vote for candidates who pledge to balance the budget and reduce the spending. However, the people don't want the reduction in spending to affect them personally. They are not willing to financially support their vote. As a financial aid officer, there is often peer pressure for me to lobby Congress when there are proposed cuts to spending levels for higher education. Cut somewhere else, but keep spending levels for our students at the same level or at an increased level.
I choose not to contact my representatives on this matter. As I'm constantly learning in my personal life with my finances, spending money is easy...staying within your budget is harder....reducing spending to eliminate debt is even harder. Yet, this is what needs to be done to make our finances healthy. The government and the people served by the government need to learn this lesson as well.
Next Post: Large Letters by Paul
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
It seems every year that Valentine's Day sneaks up on me....I know it's coming, but it some how catches me unaware. It's not like Christmas. At Christmas, I feel such pressure to get everything done: send out Christmas cards, purchase gifts, wrap gifts, decorate the house, make cookies, etc. There is so much to do, and I'm intensely aware of the looming deadlines.
Valentine's Day is just not like that for me...and so I'm usually unprepared when February 14th arrives! Take this year as an example. On Sunday (2/12/12), I thought about sending Valentine cards to my kids and grand kids....oops, even if I put them in the mail on Monday (2/13/12), there is no possible way that they would be delivered on time. So...no Valentine cards were mailed.
Yesterday at work, I remembered that I hadn't purchased a gift for my husband for Valentine's Day....oops! And, I didn't even have an idea of what to get him! Double oops....I decided that I could stop at the local grocery store on my way home from work and buy a card and some Snicker Doodle cookie dough. Baking cookies would be a good gift for him.
I arrived at the grocery store about 5:30 p.m. (Remember, it's Feb. 13th---the day before Valentine's day.) The Valentine card selection was quite picked over. I did finally find an appropriate card. Then, I went to the refrigerated section of the store. There was NO Snicker Doodle cookie dough...apparently the store no longer carries it! Rats! The idea of making cookies from scratch entered my mind, and I quickly rejected that idea. I knew my schedule that evening wouldn't allow me to make cookies from scratch! So, Plan B....what is Plan B? I looked over the choices of the cookie dough that the store did carry and found Peanut Butter cookie dough with chunks of miniature peanut-butter cups in it. My husband loves peanut butter cookies so I selected that flavor of cookie dough.
When I got home from the store, I found a lovely bundle of roses and a Valentine's card waiting for me. My husband remembered the holiday!!! What a good guy! :) At least one of us was prepared for the day!!
After I got the cookies into the oven to bake, I set the timer and started supper. Waiting for the cookies to finish baking, I trimmed my roses and put them in a vase with water. The cookies finished baking, and I placed them on the cooling rack.
It dawned on me that I needed to decide how I was going to present my gift. Should I just put the cookies in a bowl? That idea didn't seem very appropriate for a gift. Should I somehow wrap them? Red saran wrap would be a nice way to wrap the cookies....but, of course, I don't have any red saran wrap in the house. I thought maybe I had some red ribbon so I went to the study closet where we keep our gift-wrapping supplies. No red ribbon, but I did have some leftover tissue paper with pink and red hearts on it. That would work nicely!
Cookies wrapped, card signed. Where to put the gift? We don't have a Valentine's Day tree to put the gift under. We don't have a "designated gift area" in our house. I decided to put the gift and card on my husband's bedroom dresser.
Then, I had to figure out what to do about no Valentine cards for my kids and grand kids? I decided to send a text message to them. So this morning before class (yes...before 8:00 a.m.), I texted them a Valentine's Day greeting.
Valentine's Day is now winding down....do I wish I had been more prepared? YES!!! Will I learn my lesson and get it right next year??? Hmm.........Based on previous years' experiences, I highly doubt it.
To all the readers of my blog, Happy Valentine's Day 2012!
Next Post: Supporting Ministries
Valentine's Day is just not like that for me...and so I'm usually unprepared when February 14th arrives! Take this year as an example. On Sunday (2/12/12), I thought about sending Valentine cards to my kids and grand kids....oops, even if I put them in the mail on Monday (2/13/12), there is no possible way that they would be delivered on time. So...no Valentine cards were mailed.
Yesterday at work, I remembered that I hadn't purchased a gift for my husband for Valentine's Day....oops! And, I didn't even have an idea of what to get him! Double oops....I decided that I could stop at the local grocery store on my way home from work and buy a card and some Snicker Doodle cookie dough. Baking cookies would be a good gift for him.
I arrived at the grocery store about 5:30 p.m. (Remember, it's Feb. 13th---the day before Valentine's day.) The Valentine card selection was quite picked over. I did finally find an appropriate card. Then, I went to the refrigerated section of the store. There was NO Snicker Doodle cookie dough...apparently the store no longer carries it! Rats! The idea of making cookies from scratch entered my mind, and I quickly rejected that idea. I knew my schedule that evening wouldn't allow me to make cookies from scratch! So, Plan B....what is Plan B? I looked over the choices of the cookie dough that the store did carry and found Peanut Butter cookie dough with chunks of miniature peanut-butter cups in it. My husband loves peanut butter cookies so I selected that flavor of cookie dough.
When I got home from the store, I found a lovely bundle of roses and a Valentine's card waiting for me. My husband remembered the holiday!!! What a good guy! :) At least one of us was prepared for the day!!
After I got the cookies into the oven to bake, I set the timer and started supper. Waiting for the cookies to finish baking, I trimmed my roses and put them in a vase with water. The cookies finished baking, and I placed them on the cooling rack.
It dawned on me that I needed to decide how I was going to present my gift. Should I just put the cookies in a bowl? That idea didn't seem very appropriate for a gift. Should I somehow wrap them? Red saran wrap would be a nice way to wrap the cookies....but, of course, I don't have any red saran wrap in the house. I thought maybe I had some red ribbon so I went to the study closet where we keep our gift-wrapping supplies. No red ribbon, but I did have some leftover tissue paper with pink and red hearts on it. That would work nicely!
Cookies wrapped, card signed. Where to put the gift? We don't have a Valentine's Day tree to put the gift under. We don't have a "designated gift area" in our house. I decided to put the gift and card on my husband's bedroom dresser.
Then, I had to figure out what to do about no Valentine cards for my kids and grand kids? I decided to send a text message to them. So this morning before class (yes...before 8:00 a.m.), I texted them a Valentine's Day greeting.
Valentine's Day is now winding down....do I wish I had been more prepared? YES!!! Will I learn my lesson and get it right next year??? Hmm.........Based on previous years' experiences, I highly doubt it.
To all the readers of my blog, Happy Valentine's Day 2012!
Next Post: Supporting Ministries
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